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Interview
by SashaS
22-4-2005
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| Magellan: 'Symphony for a Misanthrope' |
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XXL-song search
Magellan: exploring sonic horizons
There is a music theory considering the latter half of 1960s and early-to-mid 1970s as an era when anything was possible. Starting with the Beach Boys and The Beatles, the pop giants of their day had a huge ambition to marry pop and serious aspects of music and create ‘new classics’. The Who even wrote one of the first rock-operas, the entire Krautrock wave was nothing else but popularising classical ideas in a different wrapping.
From the ‘three-minute symphonies’ music evolved into prog- and symphonic rock but the kids needed what they were used to - the shorter, more direct compositions. But, ambition to create something more grandeur has not died: desire for concept albums comes from both sides - listeners [they may be fewer but not less dedicated fans of metal] and artists whose search for XXL-song has never petered out.
Magellan [Ferdinand, c.1480-1521] was the first sea-fairer to circumnavigate the globe and it is appropriate name for a band whose two members have been around few cosmopolitan precincts. Trent and his younger brother Wayne funded their music dreams by ‘serving and protecting’ the citizenry of Bay Area; yep - they were police officers. Still intriguing career switch although a historical fact: Magellan release their 6th album in 15 years, ‘Symphony For A Misanthrope’.
After an introductory chat with Trent - that included empathising with his favourite basketball team having the worst season since 1993, the Los Angeles Lakers, due to this New Jersey-resident being California-born - we asked if this was an ‘autobiographical’ set of songs?
“No, on account of the title, which is what I reckon you are alluding to,” Trent speaks clearly, “but every album is autobiographical. It is my experience, my observations and view that inform the music and that is the story. I’ve been very fortunate to find myself in this position and have this opportunity to pursue my dream. And, I think it is going to get lighter; I’m planning my next album not to be as much dark as this one.”
Has something changed in the world to warranty it?
“No, what I mean is that the album is musically not going to be as heavy as this. I’ve done a lot of very dark music and it needs to be lightened up a bit.”
Tawny brickroad
The Gardner brothers grew up in a musical family of clarinet-playing/singing father and piano-tinkling mother, with Trent’s musical exploration beginning at the age of nine. The catalyst, according to him, was his sister playing psychedelic stuff over and over that he “just kind of freaked out over it.”
The brothers musical tastes eventually went in the direction of the 1970’s Prog outfits, but also included a keen interest in Chicago, Earth Wind & Fire and Blood Sweat & Tears. Alas, despite Trent getting a degree in music theory, the Gardener boys decided to join the law enforcement ranks.
Your biography states that there was a mini-version of ‘Mr Holland’s Opus’ in your life but you elected law [and order]; why?
“I thought that it went as far as I wanted it but I also never intended on following all of the traditional music rules anyway. Sure, my music teacher, his name is Rick Luther, really showed me what music was about and truly helped me learn it. So, for ten years I put music on the backseat… My day job provided me with means to make music which, at the beginning, wasn’t as important as after having a family.”
“The best thing about being a cop are the hours; you work only four days, 12-hour shifts, and then you have 3 days off. It gives you plenty of time to do your music… But, after nearly 10 years…”
Upon the release of the debut album, ‘Hour of Restoration’, you handed in your gun and badge; how much do your previous experiences inform your music?
“Very much so because I’d seen violence, depravity, aggression, poverty, you name it and I was dealing with it. I probably see the world from a darker standpoint and not only because of this but due to many other experiences… such as my brother Jack being killed in the Vietnam War.”
[He wrote about coming to terms with it on the fourth album, ‘Hundred Year War’.]
Large cloud
Alongside Magellan Trent works on other projects - from collaborating with Ian Anderson and Steve (Kansas) Walsh, James (Dream Theatre) LaBrie’s Mullmuzzler to own side-venture Explorer’s Club - as well as tour and run business interests; one of his companies provides completely secure digital service.
Having a family as well, frankly - where do you find the time for all of it?
“You can and mine probably comes from the discipline I was taught as a police officer. You’ve got a lot of to deal with and you have to use your time effectively and prioritise. Otherwise I’d never find the time to do everything and collaborating with other people is what really fuels my work.”
Generally songs of epic proportions and travelling to the furthest reaches of the sonic galaxy; music you make is synonymous with drug-intake… As a former policeman, where do you stand on the issue?
“Well, I have to say that I never experimented and do not support it as I’ve seen what it can really do to human beings, families, neighbourhoods... But, at the same time, there is nothing I can do and - who am I to judge anyone?”
The Gardeners used to be known as Streamline in 1985 but, at the suggestion from Ian Anderson, they came up “with something better”. From such ‘humble’ beginnings, the turn of this millennium was marked with a rock opera about Da Vinci, ‘Leonardo - The Absolute Man’.
The band tours on regular basis but will wait for another album to hit the road in 2006. In meanwhile follow this sonic trail beyond the Magellanic Clouds.
SashaS
22-4-2005
Magellan’s album ‘Symphony For A Misanthrope’ is released 25 April 2005 by InsideOut/SPV
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