Alan (drums) Nephelium
What is your name and band/label/etc?
Hey there, my name is Alan and I play drums in Nephelium.
What are your top five albums that were released in 2012? (In order 1-5)
- Testament - Dark Roots of Earth
- Jeff Loomis - Plains of Oblivion
- Spawn of Possession - Incurso
- Psycroptic - The Inherited Repression
- Aborted - Global Flatline
What band did you discover in 2012 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
Although the album was released in July of 2005, Nevermore’s “This Godless Endeavor” has been on repeat for a few months now. The rhythm work executed by Jim Sheppard and Van Williams is truly remarkable. As I have listened to this record umpteen times, I have dissected and picked at various major and minor aspects that have definitely influenced my playing in Nephelium’s follow up to “Coils of Entropy”. This record really opened up another door for me as far as listening is concerned. I say this in direct relation to musicians as it doesn’t really apply to the general audience but there’s a huge difference between listening for pleasure and listening to learn from and “This Godless Endeavor” really pushed the latter for me.
How will you remember 2012? (In terms of music)
Personally, lots of positivity and support – an absolutely astounding year for us, which will only get better hereon. In general, some pretty solid albums, metal and non-metal. On that note, check out the album “Mysterium Trememdum” from former Grateful Dead’s drummer’s band – the Mickey Hart Band. A percussionist’s dream!
What can we look forward to from you in 2013?
An East/West Canadian tour and a new album engineered to creep up the caverns of your brain…(Opeth: Deliverance)
What records are you looking forward to most in 2013?
Definitely looking forward to Suffocation’s “Pinnacle of Bedlam” and Dream Theater’s new record – always a good time!
Fundraising sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo have made a strong impact on the ability of artists to release music. Do you think this approach is a trend, or will it continue to shape how artists produce their material?
This question is an opinionated perception. I feel that rather than a trend, it is an aid to both parties. It gives artists a chance to expose themselves and helps raise money for good causes…“Doing something to birds with stones…” as my girlfriend would say. I can’t speak for all artists, however, I think the outcome will be genre dependent. A lot of modern age pop and commercial music will tend to do what it takes to reach the masses, hence the word “commercial”, whereas the majority of independent, metal, and more extreme acts will always stay true to what they believe in – that music should never be dictated or directed and should and will always come from the soul.
