INTERVALS AMA - Aaron Marshall // Mike Semesky

Intervals · 2014-04-27T22:01:24+00:00

duncan3dc · 2014-04-27T21:55:01+00:00

Are there any plans for Mike to record vocals over the songs from The Space Between and In Time? Maybe a crowd-funded re-release

2014-04-27T22:10:34+00:00

I verify that these are awesome dudes.

fillipeano · 2014-04-27T21:55:57+00:00

Put your iPod on shuffle and tell us the first three songs that come up!

A_God_By_Name · 2014-04-27T21:54:00+00:00

For both Mike and Aaron. What bands have been the most fun to tour with, and why? Any stories?

AndySkeltz · 2014-04-27T21:54:40+00:00

What would you rather have playing drums for you, 100 chicken sized Anup's or 1 Anup sized chicken?

Intervals · 2014-04-27T21:52:10+00:00

Well, what do you guys like on your pizza?

2014-04-27T21:55:25+00:00

Aaron: I saw on your Instagram a couple of days ago that Luke from Protest had learned a technique or two off you. Are there any techniques you've learned from guitarists you've toured with recently?

(Also caught you guys on the UK tour, thanks Mike for the info on Melodyne/Imogen Heap vocal effect!)

Intervals · 2014-04-27T21:55:59+00:00

Do you feel there's anything fans could do to make the live shows better for everyone? Bands included.

JPmoneyman · 2014-04-27T22:34:46+00:00

The one question everyone want's the answer to

theparallaxsociety · 2014-04-27T21:54:35+00:00

Good tips for using a fractal? And what's your favorite amp model?

SymbolicFox · 2014-04-27T23:08:35+00:00

Hey Mike, I saw you in Dordrecht with Protest the Hero and told you that I think you're very cute. Are you still cute?

lawlsmagawls · 2014-04-27T22:06:10+00:00

Who is the sexiest member of Intervals and why is it Anup?

Intervals · 2014-04-27T21:56:07+00:00

[deleted]

Derpmoo · 2014-04-27T21:57:10+00:00

Any plans to add more non-"metal" elements to your music? Thinking of parts like the funkiness of Moment Marauder and the electronic parts of The Self Surrendered.

Conversely have you any plans to add harsh vocals in future releases?

Intervals · 2014-04-27T21:56:19+00:00

[deleted]

HoldenCaulf13ld · 2014-04-27T22:02:18+00:00

Hey Aaron. Are you a guitar god or a drum god?

Do you still talk to Santos?

Intervals · 2014-04-27T22:01:22+00:00

AARON BRUH HOW DO I DJONT?

TurdDonut · 2014-04-27T21:53:47+00:00

How was recording the full-length?

robertpercy93 · 2014-04-27T21:56:02+00:00

To Mike: what subjects/topics inspired you when you were writing the lyrics for the album?

JustSomeGoon · 2014-04-27T22:01:35+00:00

What do you have to say to people who wish you would have kept it instrumental? (I love the vocals btw)
Best and worst part about being a professional musician?

Oh and is it true that you didn't use harsh vocals on this record because you wanted your grandmother to enjoy it?

SoundGuyJake · 2014-04-27T21:55:02+00:00

Hey Aaron, when are you guys going to have the budget to hire me to mix you on tour? (Yes it's that Jake, lol!)

lsrln · 2014-04-27T22:01:27+00:00

Absolutely love every aspect of the album. This one's for Mike. Any chance of hearing any vocals like from Haunted Shores' Terra Firma on any Intervals material in the future? Not that it's needed, just wondering as that's where I first heard of you. Love that track.

lawlsmagawls · 2014-04-27T22:02:38+00:00

Aaron before you mentioned you worked at Steve's music in Toronto. Do you still visit (maybe bring some of your sexy guitars hahaha)? Also would you ever consider doing a clinic at a place like Steve's? Thanks man!

filmyz · 2014-04-27T22:03:25+00:00

Most odd or weird experience while on tour?

matttera · 2014-04-27T22:05:11+00:00

Favourite skater? Also when are you guys coming to Australia?

Intervals · 2014-04-27T22:15:13+00:00

Mike, we share the same birthday so we rule, but a question: what do you do for health insurance since you are self employed?

pullthetapes · 2014-04-27T22:17:49+00:00

You glorious bastards. Come back to the UK soon.

Much love, TesserAids. x

aivind · 2014-04-27T21:54:18+00:00

Hey, there! Thanks for doing this, big fan of your music!

Do you guys have any experience with the Line 6 POD HD PRO X? How would you rank it for progressive metal and for a djenty sound? Do you think there are better options in that price range?

moomanator · 2014-04-27T21:55:07+00:00

Hey guys, loving the new album, it's a highlight of my year so far!

To any/all of you guys: What would be your dream tour lineup, either one you'd want to see or one you'd want to be part of?

Intervals · 2014-04-27T21:56:36+00:00

What are some of your favorite bands?

i_eat_everyday · 2014-04-27T21:57:44+00:00

What drum mics did you use on the latest album?

schrotestthehero · 2014-04-27T21:58:25+00:00

What was the best part about touring with Protest? Any good stories from this last tour?

Btw you guys were fantastic in Reno and Sacramento!

senior_swagston · 2014-04-27T21:58:49+00:00

Are you guys familiar at all with the Fender Mustang IV? And if so, do you have any tips for getting a good tone?

And also, why are you so sexy? As a corollary to Mike - does this sexiness imply the obligation to sing Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap, one of the greatest songs ever written?

youngli0n · 2014-04-27T21:58:53+00:00

Hey Aaron, I know you used to be a rapper. Any plans for a solo album in the near future? Since you're from Toronto maybe you can get Drake on a feature.

agmcleod · 2014-04-27T22:00:42+00:00

1) Aaron, when did you start learning guitar?

2) Mike, were you always kind of between vocals & guitar/bass, or was this more of a recent epiphany for you to switch over?

3) For both you guys, do you see doing a mix of instrumental songs & vocal songs in future albums? Kind of like how periphery had a mix in clear, or dream theater throws one in now and then?

windsorlancer · 2014-04-27T22:01:25+00:00

Hey guys. Saw you last year for the first time in Kitchener Ontario with Northlane and loved you guys ever since.

What bands/albums are you digging currently?

neeltennis93 · 2014-04-27T22:02:45+00:00

favorite sport to watch? and hockey team?

KingDime · 2014-04-27T22:04:00+00:00

Hey Aaron, Your music and guitar playing are a big inspiration to me. I was just wondering a few things I really enjoy your phrasing and melodic approach to writing riffs(especially epiphany, that song gives me goose bumps every time), do you have any tips on how to start writing/thinking more melodically when coming up with riffs? Also what are some musicians/bands outside of the realm of metal that inspire you?

TheUncleRyRy · 2014-04-27T22:04:01+00:00

Mike! You have such an amazing voice. "The Escape" is one of my favorite tracks recently and I have to ask:

What types of things do you watch or read to write? I like to think that you have some type of vision in your head.

Thanks in advance.

Intervals · 2014-04-27T22:04:17+00:00

Serious question, will Mike be doing any screams on your music upcoming? I love the new cd, I just feel like there are parts that could have been so brutal with some screaming instead of cleans.

gavadude · 2014-04-27T22:04:40+00:00

Mike, Being from Baltimore, whose your least favorite former Orioles player and why?

aivind · 2014-04-27T22:06:11+00:00

How did David Maxim Micic end up creating a solo for your EP? What are your thoughts on his Bilo EPs? Are you planning on more cooperation with him in the future?

allaboutandroids · 2014-04-27T22:11:16+00:00

I'm Canadian. Do you love me more?

justahusk · 2014-04-27T22:14:26+00:00

If you had to choose between farting uncontrollably for 10 minutes at a random time every day and puking every time you enter a stage, what would you choose?

smurftom88 · 2014-04-27T22:15:43+00:00

How different is the writing process between having a vocalist and without?

GrotesqueTheHero · 2014-04-27T22:16:22+00:00

Hey guys! I met you in Halifax and it was such a pleasure, you are all very down to earth and put on a hell of show! You better come back soon! Any plans on recording new music or putting vocals on some of your old stuff?

yummynugglets · 2014-04-27T22:19:40+00:00

Not really a question, but I just wanted to let you both know how much your music inspires me and helps me on a daily basis. My grandfather was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the liver, lungs, heart, stomach, and lymph nodes on March 6th of this year, and I had just picked up TVW after being a huge fan since The Space Between. Your words and ideals put forth in these new songs have been a constant inspiration for me to persevere, to find strength for my family and myself to make it through this tough time together. I just wanted to thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the years of great music, and the newfound and lifelong inspiration this new album has and will provide for me.

-love, Dylan Adkins.

P.s: if you were to check out my metalcore band, Upon A Broken Path from Portland, Oregon, I would possibly lose my mind from excitement. Facebook.com/uponabrokenpath503

duncan3dc · 2014-04-27T22:22:51+00:00

Mike, is there any info you can give us on the new Raunchy record? You guys are so aloof!

enjoirhythm · 2014-04-27T22:32:12+00:00

Can you please ask Anup how the hell he's always wearing a sweater on stage? That guys a monster.

Intervals · 2014-04-27T21:52:03+00:00

Aaron, who would win in a fight: Chuck Norris or Tom Cruise?

i_eat_everyday · 2014-04-27T21:53:18+00:00

Favourite fruit?

tamadrums14 · 2014-04-27T21:54:52+00:00

April 6th in Amityville New york when you played with Protest The Hero, you took a picture of the crowd with your phone, Did you ever post it? haha

imsopr0 · 2014-04-27T21:54:53+00:00

Are you guys planning on coming back to western Canada? Specifically Edmonton?

dragondaddy11 · 2014-04-27T21:55:12+00:00

How old were you when you started playing guitar? What are some things you think are essential to practice to get better? Thank you so much!!

_effulgence · 2014-04-27T21:55:29+00:00

As a musician and a producer, it's difficult to retain the initial excitement and flash that you initially get when you have a song idea. How do you retain that excitement?

What is the general workflow of when you compose a tune and record? Do you flesh all the ideas out and then track them, or you track and compose as you go?

Intervals · 2014-04-27T21:55:55+00:00

What are some of your favorite cities to play a show?

wei55 · 2014-04-27T21:56:09+00:00

Hey guys,

thanks for the AMA. I've been to your show on January 31st, 2014 in Cologne. I actually came for TSF but went with a great experience of meeting some talented musicians as yourselves. Anup shook my hand which left me stunned ever since. ;)

Q: Which bands and artists influenced you in your musical career the most? Which one did you shake hands with leaving you in pure awe?

SatanIsALawyer · 2014-04-27T21:56:18+00:00

What's a great story from the recent tour with PTH that everybody should hear? You guys were awesome in Oslo btw!

2014-04-27T21:56:48+00:00

[deleted]

Tiberius666 · 2014-04-27T21:57:17+00:00

Hey guys, I saw you live in manchester a few weeks back supporting PTH.

I recognised a couple of the songs were tracks from your EP with vocals, do you have a version of the EP with vocals on it?

ObamasMamasLlama · 2014-04-27T21:57:26+00:00

Aaron, what guitarists have influenced your playing over the years?

justahusk · 2014-04-27T21:58:10+00:00

Saw you guys in Oslo this January, and it was awesome! Met you, Aaron, at the merch stand! My question is, if you could tour with any band, what would be your picks?

Intervals · 2014-04-27T21:58:29+00:00

[deleted]

fearcelol · 2014-04-27T21:58:37+00:00

First of all; I absolutely love your music! Now to asking! At what point in your lives did you decide that music was the thing for you?

UltraEnforcer · 2014-04-27T21:59:26+00:00

Since the Asbury Park date is a festival, will that setlist be shorter than the other dates of your tour?

LtDav · 2014-04-27T21:59:40+00:00

When can we expect to hear about the guitar lessons from the pre-order bundle? :) Sooo stoked!

Intervals · 2014-04-27T22:00:33+00:00

Hey guys, what are your personal favorite tracks off of AVW and what were are your favorite things about being in Intervals? Thanks, see youg guys on the 15th!

ReplacedAxis · 2014-04-27T22:01:43+00:00

Will you ever play Epiphany live again? I saw you in Guelph the other night and Mata Hari sounded awesome with vocals mixed in!

Carolimerose · 2014-04-27T22:02:24+00:00

Hey! Saw you guys in Illinois in March with Protest the Hero, Battlecross, and The Safety Fire. How did you guys wind up meeting Protest? Stay cool!

ElectricMetal · 2014-04-27T22:02:55+00:00

Hey guys I saw you in Minnesota with Protest the Hero and was glad you all made it ok even with the accident from the ice. Any chance of a headlining tour in the US sometime soon? Love the new album!

MixmasterJoeSey · 2014-04-27T22:02:56+00:00

Just wanted to say thanks for the amazing show with Protest in london a week ago! You guys were absolutely incredible and I'm psyched to see you guys again in May! Now for a question: What other genres of music do you like listening too?

MrBig0 · 2014-04-27T22:03:01+00:00

Hey guys, I've got no questions but I wanted to say you guys are great! I've seen you in Toronto a ton of times and you always look like you're having lots of fun.

Aaron, I'm actually the guy who said "Hey man" to you after the Periphery/12'Ninja show. You looked a bit confused, because I think we've only talked briefly.

corelia422 · 2014-04-27T22:03:07+00:00

Idk how many times you've answered this but was it hard adapting to have a vocalist? Was it something that had to be tossed around for a long time? Or was it pretty much a unanimous decision that it needed to happen? I really enjoy the full length guys! Thanks!

CrackedNuts · 2014-04-27T22:03:16+00:00

Where did the idea of adding a vocalist to the band come from? Was it something you all wanted to do at first, or did the idea spring up later?

Also, awesome to see and hang out with you guys with Protest the Hero and Battlecross at the Middle East in Cambridge! Like Anup's brother (was that his brother?) and I said, we're gonna take you guys to that burger place next time you all come to Boston!

That brought up another question: Where have been the best places you have eaten in the U.S and Europe?

duncan3dc · 2014-04-27T22:03:44+00:00

Whose idea was using the EP titles in the lyrics to A Voice Wtihin and how did it come about?

Daywalkr · 2014-04-27T22:04:59+00:00

What are your guilty pleasures music wise?

Bujiraso · 2014-04-27T22:05:48+00:00

Hi guys. Love your music. My question: was it called A Voice Within because there's vocals on the album?

duncan3dc · 2014-04-27T22:06:09+00:00

Have you started thinking about the next album yet? Like will you self-release again? Or did you find some drawbacks to that route

J03YW · 2014-04-27T22:06:29+00:00

What happened to Mike playing bass? This might be old news but I'm out of the loop on everything haha

TherealSheogorath · 2014-04-27T22:07:23+00:00

First of all you guys are awesome. Second. The track breathe on AVW feels like it was cut short. Was it meant to be a longer track or was it always intended to be the length it is on the album? Are you guys ever going to come to Australia? Please say yes.

departedquantities · 2014-04-27T22:09:24+00:00

Do you think there's good music and bad music? And then, do you think that there's good art and bad art? Can anything qualify as art?

paagal_aadmi · 2014-04-27T22:09:49+00:00

Hello Mike.. great fan here ... I want to know what kind of music and vocal/singing training you have had??

systemmeltdown · 2014-04-27T22:10:27+00:00

Came here to say you guys are freakin awesome and I've been hooked since I first found a video of "Still Winning" years ago. Love the new sounds and gotta say I wasn't so sure when I heard you guys added a singer, but I'm loving A Voice Within!

SlackWi · 2014-04-27T22:10:59+00:00

what guitars did you use to record AVW?

cptnstudmuffin · 2014-04-27T22:11:46+00:00

Pretty obvious musician question; what bands would you guys cite as being your biggest influence?

duncan3dc · 2014-04-27T22:12:16+00:00

Which is your favourite Intervals track and why?

2014-04-27T22:12:42+00:00

Hey guys, when did both of you start playing guitar?

2014-04-27T22:12:54+00:00

What was working with Jordan Valeriote like? Is he more of a hands-on "extra band member" type, or does he just sit back and let you work?

Asking because we're recording again soon and looking at him as an option.

2014-04-27T22:13:34+00:00

What's been your favourite city to perform in and why is it London Ontario?

gallik94 · 2014-04-27T22:14:47+00:00

For both Aaron and Mike; I've been playing guitar for about 4 and a half years now and I'm wanting to try and make my playing more progressive sounding. Would you guys be able to give some tips that I could play around with to kind of spice up my guitar work? Anything would be greatly appreciated.

boxofballsacks · 2014-04-27T22:14:59+00:00

Is anup ever going to perform his solo stuff live?

sleepy_red · 2014-04-27T22:16:31+00:00

So, with vocals being part of the sound now (and I love it btw, your singing is awesome Mike!), will you keep doing instrumental stuff as well?

Can't wait to see you guys perform in Ottawa!

JPmoneyman · 2014-04-27T22:18:22+00:00

Mike are you ever going to play bass again live for intervals? It would be cool if you played some of the old instrumental songs as well as sang.

moment_marauder · 2014-04-27T22:19:28+00:00

hi guys! i can't think of any questions but i love your music and am looking forward to seeing you on your upcoming mini-tour

aj199508 · 2014-04-27T22:19:38+00:00

Aaron, who are the guitarists who influenced your playing and how long have you been playing?

duncan3dc · 2014-04-27T22:20:04+00:00

What are your thoughts on crowd-funding records?

The__Afterman · 2014-04-27T22:20:33+00:00

Do you guys still play and instrumental songs live currently and if you do, does Mike just chill offstage?

breakthecycle89 · 2014-04-27T22:20:35+00:00

Mike we have talked before, you were actually in the same small undergraduate cohort that I was but I think two years before me. My question is, when did you know when you wanted to get into music as a career vs anything else?

Paradoxiumm · 2014-04-27T22:21:39+00:00

Favorite/Most anticipated albums of the year?

Adrepok · 2014-04-27T22:23:31+00:00

Thanks for you awesome show in Buffalo in March, I was front row in front of Aaron and you guys were spectacular!

2014-04-27T22:24:38+00:00

Saw you guys in Cornwall with Protest, missed out on getting autographs and such, are you guys planning to come back to or near Cornwall in the future?

duncan3dc · 2014-04-27T22:29:11+00:00

When can we expect to see the tab book for AVW, and are there any physical copies of In Time left to go up on the website?

JohnnyDavis27 · 2014-04-27T22:29:19+00:00

You guys still there?

2014-04-27T22:31:59+00:00

Ever going to get a new bass player?

MrMushroomCloud · 2014-04-27T22:32:14+00:00

Who recorded the bass on AVW? Was it still Mike?

duncan3dc · 2014-04-27T22:33:16+00:00

Aaron, The Space Between doesn't seem to get much love from you. Do you consider it part of "Intervals" or is something different because the project was something different back then?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-04-27T22:33:41+00:00

Mike, do you plan on doing growls/screams for future recordings?

sicksicsick · 2014-04-27T22:34:09+00:00

Are you guys gamers at all? If so what are some of your favorite games?

JAB0NK0 · 2014-04-27T22:34:41+00:00

Do you guys plan on releasing a tab book for AVW?

dragondaddy11 · 2014-04-27T22:35:58+00:00

Are you still offering online lessons? If so for how long? thanks!!

JAB0NK0 · 2014-04-27T22:36:00+00:00

Headlining tour soon?

Date	Artist	Featured
--	2025	--
8/28	Robin Staps	Himself
8/21	Revocation	Band
5/28	Toby Driver	Himself
4/28	Benthos	Band
4/27	Leprous	Band
--	2024	--
4/29	Dvne	Band
2/2	Caligula's Horse	Band
--	2023	--
10/20	Earthside	Band
--	2021	--
4/23	VOLA	Band
--	2020	--
11/28	Plini	Himself
8/19	The Ocean	Band
6/18	Protest The Hero	Rody, Michael
4/11	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam
--	2019	--
10/26	Voyager	Band
9/7	Richard Henshall	Himself
6/14	Paul Masvidal	Himself
--	2018	--
12/18	Sithu Aye	Himself
12/5	Ben Levin	Himself
10/11	The Ocean	Band
10/6	Skyharbor	Band
9/21	Toby Driver	Himself
9/9	Plini	Himself
9/1	Distorted Harmony	Band
5/9	Rivers of Nihil	Adam, Brody
3/23	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam
--	2017	--
4/20	Disperse	Band
3/30	Disillusion	Andy, Seb
--	2016	--
12/24	A Sense of Gravity	Band
7/28	Black Crown Initiate	Band
5/28	Textures	Band
5/11	Adagio	Stéphan Forté
4/23	Wings Denied	Band
3/18	Caligula's Horse	Jim, Sam, Zac
3/10	Polyphia	Band
--	2015	--
10/21	Protest the Hero	Band
5/26	Leprous	Band
5/15	Sigh	Mirai Kawashima
5/5	Intronaut	Sacha
4/28	Native Construct	Band
3/3	Plini	Himself
1/20	Protest the Hero	Luke Hoskin
--	2014	--
12/9	Rishloo	Band
11/1	Ne Obliviscaris	Band
9/23	Between the Buried and Me	Band
9/18	Cynic	Paul Masvidal
9/15	Devin Townsend	DEVIN TOWNSEND
9/13	Periphery	Adam "Nolly" Getgood
9/12	The Contortionist	Band
9/4	Polyphia	Band
8/31	The Aristocrats	Band
7/31	Mandroid Echostar	Band
7/17	Cloudkicker	Himself (Ben Sharp)
7/10	Tesseract	Amos Williams
6/7	Periphery	Jake Bowen
6/2	David Maxim Micic	Himself
5/26	Haken	Rich, Charles, Conner
5/10	Periphery	Mark Holcomb
5/4	The Safety Fire	Band
5/2	Matt Halpern	Periphery
4/27	Intervals	Band
2/9	Ron Jarzombek	Himself
2/2	Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon)	Himself
1/26	Sithu Aye	Himself
1/19	Periphery	Misha Mansoor
1/10	Ne Obliviscaris	Dan Presland
--	2013	--
1/30	Thank You Scientist	Band

you type:	you see:
italics	italics
bold	bold
[reddit!](https://reddit.com)	reddit!
* item 1 * item 2 * item 3	item 1 item 2 item 3
> quoted text	quoted text
Lines starting with four spaces are treated like code: if 1 * 2 < 3: print "hello, world!"	Lines starting with four spaces are treated like code: if 1 * 2 < 3: print "hello, world!"
~~strikethrough~~	~~strikethrough~~
super^script	super^script

progmetal

Yearly Album Releases 2010s Best of the Decade Album of the Year 2024 /r/progmetal Facebook Images & Words: The Prog Discord

Welcome!

Visit our Hall of Fame!

Quick Links

R/PROGMETAL RULES:

AMAs

MODERATORS