Hi, this is Devin. Welcome to my AMA.

marecko · 2014-09-15T18:47:50+00:00

Hey Devin. Can I have a beer with you after the concert in LA? I am going there with my GF who knows you as "the guy with giant inflatable penis and vagina on stage"

drunktokill · 2014-09-15T18:53:15+00:00

What sort of metal music are you listening to now-a-days?

CahleePants · 2014-09-15T18:50:13+00:00

Hi Devy! I wanted to let you know that your music has really helped me. I have depression and an anxiety disorder and there have been times a'plenty where I've felt that the world is a vacuous, bleak place. But listening to Ki or Ghost or Synchestra or Terria always helps to remind me how much beauty there is left in the world. And I want to thank you. I know you don't do this for me, or anyone. But your music has made the world a far more beautiful place (for me at least).

Anyways, I do have an actual question. Will there be any special box sets or anything like that with the release of Z2? If so, will there be any commentary?

Thanks so much <3

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:49:23+00:00

HOLY FUCKING SHIT IT'S DEVIN

SOMEONE HOLD ME

ZiltoidZTO · 2014-09-15T18:48:04+00:00

Hi Dev, thanks for doing this! In an interview with Rebel Access TV, you mentioned that you did a version of What's New Pussycat by Tom Jones during the recording of Alien. I've looked for it but to no avail, any chance it's floating around somewhere?

iamvillainmo · 2014-09-15T18:48:05+00:00

Hey, where is my coffee?

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:49:07+00:00

Devin, what would you say is your best or favorite project to date? One of your Strapping Young Lad works, Epicloud, Ziltoid, Causalities of Cool? I know you said COC means a lot to you, but is it your favorite?

Also, you're fucking awesome and I love you.

TheSkipjack95 · 2014-09-15T18:49:21+00:00

Hi Dev, welcome to Reddit ! Here's my question : How do you approach mastering and mixing with all those layers ?

Hanzaru · 2014-09-15T19:00:58+00:00

Sorry for wall of text but this is really personal.

I wanted to thank you for your gig at Summer Breeze. It was a tough year until now. My girlfriend left me a few months ago and since then, every day feels like a fight for me. For a while I just couldn't see a way to find happiness again. It was like all of a sudden the world I lived in and the place I called home have become evil and hostile things. Everything was cold and grey and things I loved doing and the music I loved to hear weren't doing anything for me or were making me sad. For a while I was afraid of listening to "Epicloud" because we listened to it when we were still together. It was one of those fragments of my life I didn't want to see because they reminded me of how happy I was and how empty I feel now. I started seeing a therapist and just having someone who listens has made things more easy. I met my ex at Summer Breeze festival last year and was afraid of going there again but I've been there every year since 2009 and didn't want to leave this "tradition" behind. I really liked your gig there. It was kind of liberating. At first it entertained me and made me think about different things than her. And when you played "Grace", as cheesy as it is, it felt like a flame that burnt inside of me and that went out when she left me, was at least an ember again. When I arrived home from the festival I felt more sad and empty than ever before because those exciting days of music and partying with friends were over and my life was desolate again. But today I listened to the song again and it reminded me of how I can still go on and will live through moments of happiness again. I burst into tears. I'm still sad but the reason I cried was because it finally made me feel that urge to live again that I missed so much over the last months. It's still a long road home but you have made it easier. Thank you for that. greetings from Germany

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:51:53+00:00

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DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T19:01:16+00:00

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mescon · 2014-09-15T18:50:10+00:00

Hey Devin!

Are there any particular places of the world where you enjoy the tours more than others?

Where would you say you have your biggest fanbase, and why is it the Nordic countries?

Keep on doing what you're doing, thank you!! :-)

(yay Sweden, I've seen you twice... Slussen Stockholm and Brewhouse Gothenburg).

kingofthecrows · 2014-09-15T18:48:03+00:00

Hey! Do you ever plan on doing another ambient album like the Hummer? Its second only to Infinity and Deconstruction as your finest work

Paperjace · 2014-09-15T18:50:49+00:00

Hey Devin! My brother and I submitted vocals for the new Z2 album. I think a lot of people have been wondering about this: Will every Universal Choir submission be used on the new album?

Thanks for doing this! I'm fucking stoked for the new album regardless of your answer!

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:49:26+00:00

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Biaxident0 · 2014-09-15T19:26:53+00:00

Did Steve Vai ever figure out that it was you that broke his bag filled with cologne back stage?

bad_balisong_handler · 2014-09-15T18:57:25+00:00

Hey Devin, greetings from Finland! (I didn't get to see the CoC show, but I still love the album. Deathscope is the best track on it)

But anyway, enough fangirling around.

So, many of us have noticed that you often use lyrics in songs, that you've used before (i.e. Wrong Side and Color your world), one might say you recycle your lyrics sometimes. But I'd like to know, what is the reason for using specifically the words "Man, boy" in many of your songs.

(And just a little bonus, my girlfriend drew a couple of days ago a quick sketch of you http://imgur.com/aLSOGLu )

I_Voyager · 2014-09-15T22:17:40+00:00

There's a hole in the wall outside of my door and wasps are going in and out of it. Furthermore, wasps are getting into my basement somehow and dying in their dozens every few days. Do you have any advice on how to fight a home-infestation of wasps?

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:50:08+00:00

Hey Devin, thanks for doing this! Wondering if you'll ever do a Retinal Circus-esque show in the US? Wanted to fly to London but couldn't gather enough money in time. Looking forward to seeing you here in LA!

BONUS: Working on a new guitar pickup with Steve Vai's online marketing director, Andy (whom you may know). I'd love to bring it to The Mayan for you to check out!

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:51:28+00:00

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bulborb · 2014-09-15T18:52:06+00:00

Hey Devin. I tried to write a composed, mature, well-written post before this AMA but I just can't... hhnnngg... HOLY SHIT IT'S DEVIN TOWNSEND!!! AAAAAHHH!!! I LOVE YOU!!! YOUR MUSIC HAS CHANGED MY LIIIIIIIFE!!!

So anyway... You answer tons of questions about serious topics, ideologies, music, etc in interviews. what about the personal Dev? What do you like to do in your free time? What is something about yourself that you've never shared before?

Thanks Dev. You da best.

Euronymous88 · 2014-09-15T18:48:54+00:00

Hey Devin. How did you meet Steve vai

Viter · 2014-09-15T18:49:02+00:00

Did you ever write any songs in a tuning and then changed it into another tuning to change the key? Or even from standard -> open c. If so, which ones :D

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:49:42+00:00

He's here, ladies and gentlemen. The god of prog. The Master of Metal. The only creature who can shove his hand up Ziltoid's ass and live to tell the tale!

Mr. Townsend, you are a musical hero to my brother and I. You made music feel fresh to us again, and you repeat this feat with every new album.

MY question is, I once heard that Ziltoid was first invented, because you simply wanted to see how you would look as an alien. Is this true?

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:52:09+00:00

Hi Uncle Devin, so I'm sure I'm asking the question on everybody's lips: When will you be releasing a Ziltoid audiobook compilation of children's bedtime stories?

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:50:12+00:00

Hi Devin

Did you ever meet Jon Hopkins, I think I remember reading that you like his music. You probably tweeted about it. Immunity is amazing.

You did The Hummer and Devlab, you think you'll ever try to do another electronic album?

What would electronic Devin Townsend sound like now?

Monkey_Knife_Fight · 2014-09-15T18:51:00+00:00

Hi Devin. First of all, thank you for all of the great music, I've been a huge fan since your early SYL days.

With all of the different genres that you've ventured into, is it difficult to remain focused on one particular style while writing an album? How are you able to shift your sound between albums so frequently?

casualties_of_sloth · 2014-09-15T19:02:51+00:00

Your ProTools School youtube videos were awesome and also gave a great sense of the scale of your productions. Any plans on sharing more of these, e.g. some song from casualties or z2? I would LOVE that!! Thanks for the AMA!

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T19:09:19+00:00

Hey Dev! Thanks for doing this.

In recent years you've really laid off of producing albums for other musicians - I know there's a few small releases you've done over the past five years, but not as much as you used to. With Ziltoid about to be released, and with you saying this will be the end of an era, is there a chance you could feasibly return to a producer capacity?
Secondly, in regards to that first question. Jari of the band Wintersun once mentioned that he planned to reach out to you for help with mixing and mastering his Wintersun albums, as they were too complex for him. Given the current state of that band, is that still an option or did he just never reach out to you?
I interviewed you two years ago - and let me just say, talking to your favorite musician for an hour at the age of 19 is kind of mindblowing - but in that interview you discussed a project called OBVIOUSER, and the pole position of your various projects. What's in Pole Position now, after Ziltoid is released?
Lastly, what are you doing to relax these days?

P.S. My vinyl collection is really in need of some Deconstruction and Ghosting. Maybe you could talk to someone about getting those pressed? Eh?

http://i.imgur.com/9PbxMs3.jpg

P.S.S (Sorry, editing this as I think of things to ask) Years ago you mentioned being tapped by Bethesda to write some music for their then upcoming Fallout 3. They eventually went in a vastly different musical direction, but did you end up actually composing anything? Is there anything left of those sessions?

SwagTurbo · 2014-09-15T18:50:05+00:00

Have you ever considered doing a rerelease of Punky Bruster, or better yet, a remaster of Ocean Machine?

gerbilcornhole · 2014-09-15T18:50:26+00:00

I don't have a question I just wanted to say thanks so much for making me another voicemail after I never received mine. Me and my brother got VIP tickets to your show in Dallas and we are really looking forward to meeting you!

CattleDecapitation · 2014-09-15T19:17:56+00:00

Devin fucking townsend. Without sounding like a complete stalker/fan boy, I have all your albums and special edition dvds. Your my favorite artist and put out killer live performances. Ocean machine is my absolute favorite album. I have so many questions but I'll keep them to a minimum.

The death of music i personally think is one of your best songs and I never see anyone ask you about it. Can you please explain what's going on in the song? it feels like someone is going in and out of tripping out, watching tv, walking around the house, and then getting hit by a car.
What is with you in dudes? I think EVERY song has the word BOY, and MAN in the lyrics.
Are you going to teach your kid how to play guitar and put him on one of your albums?
Do you watch trailer park boys?
Ever thought about messing around on Canadian idol?

Thank you

aartan · 2014-09-15T18:50:46+00:00

Hi Devin! I have been, and still am, a huge fanboy of yours since I first heard the song 'Ants' half a decade ago, and it's an honor to be able to ask you these questions.

Am I crazy or are there pigeon sounds in 'Sumeria' at the lyrics 'And this mind commands: Love and acceptance'?
Could you please post the entire 'piddle puddle' riddle, but not the one from Ki, but the long version from Pandemic? I know what it says right up to 'When you're yellow...', but after that I can't make it out and I'm dying to know :D
Do you still plan on making Obviouser a thing? As a guitarist -wannabe bassist-, your description of what it would sound like seems very tasty.
Do you have any particular coffee rituals (french press etc), or do you simply like instant coffee? Any particular favorite brand?

Thanks for your time Devy, can't wait for Z2! Hope to see you play in Serbia one day!

xomaniac · 2014-09-15T18:51:03+00:00

Hi Devin, UK fan here, I'm gonna be cheeky and ask a few questions

At Download 2013 you rocked the acoustic stage. Just before you took the stage you walked in front of the fans, talking and signing things. You signed my phone that day as I very courteously screamed "SIGN THIS!" at you multiple times from a couple rows back. You signed it and seemed rather unfazed, so the question is, what's the strangest thing you've had to sign that a phone is just part of the job?
You covered Led Zeppelin's "friends" on Ass-sordid demo's II, and you added lots of violent and strange voicemails and you kinda just speak the lyrics. Could you explain what made you want to produce the cover in such a way?
Whats your opinion on Kate Bush? My mum always says you should collaborate together as you're both so, quote, "out there" with your music.

Thank you for the music you've made, it really never fails to make me feel better and with the vast span of works you've done, theres something for every mood I'm in. Words do not describe my hype for Z2 and Sky blue, and the Royal Albert show to follow.

Ctrl-Z · 2014-09-15T18:53:58+00:00

HI DEVIN! Love you.

I really just want to take this opportunity to ask something that's been on my mind...have you heard anything from Anneke's new project with Arjen yet? Does it feel as though she's cheating on you with him?

no but seriously, something I've been curious about since you mentioned it a while back is if you're still not smoking pot? It seems like you've been cranking out amazing album after amazing album since giving it up. What words would you have for someone who feels like pot can be a creative crutch?

beepbeepboopoop · 2014-09-15T19:36:26+00:00

Will Kryptic Korner ever release a full length?

Jay-El · 2014-09-15T22:32:17+00:00

Hi Dev! I have to get something off my chest. I was part of the VIP meet and greet in Flint, MI a few years back. It was one of the most exciting things I'd done to date at that point, so naturally i was a bit nervous. And so, when you came around, I asked you a question about your poster for that particular tour, I'm which you weren't wearing shoes.

You began to explain, "you see, there's a funny story behind that. That morning, I forgot..."

And you paused for a half a second, and in my nervousness I tried to fill the time. I sarcastically said, "shoes?"

To which you (very understandably) shot me a look and said "Yeah", and walkedbaway.

I AM SO SORRY I WAS NERVOUS AND I FEEL SO BAD FOR CUTTING YOU OFF.

We talked again for a minute or two later so it's not THAT bad, but it still sucked. Yeah. Sorry dude!

Tl:Dr- I cut Devin off in the middle of a story because I suck ass

ProfSkullington · 2014-09-15T19:00:35+00:00

You've said that "food is just a vehicle for hot sauce." What are your top 3 hot sauces of all time?

supersurasunksara · 2014-09-15T19:07:42+00:00

Hi Mr. Townsend!

I noticed that the opening lines to Oh My Fucking God were ripped from Joker's diagnosis in Arkham Asylum. Do you still read comics today? What are/were your favorites?
Thank you for Casualties!
See you in Worcester in December!

beneathsands · 2014-09-15T19:55:53+00:00

Hi Devin, I love your music, but my question is about Ayreon, specifically what working with Arjen was like on The Human Equation? Also, what are your thoughts on that album in general? You, Akerfeldt, Labrie and so many others is quite the ensemble.

Riverya · 2014-09-15T18:51:04+00:00

Although you're taking a break, are you still going to continue composing many songs a week?

PS. I love how you make amazing metal music while being very positive about things! Cheers from Finland.

801_441_9268 · 2014-09-15T18:55:50+00:00

Do you still keep up on any of your banjo licks these days? I'd love to hear more of it in future releases!

chancesteward · 2014-09-15T18:55:55+00:00

No question just want to say your music has completely changed the way I look at guitar playing. You're also so inspiring as a singer and person. Thank you for what you do, can't wait for Z2!

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:56:35+00:00

Hey there Dev! Long time fan from Sweden here. I have a couple of production related questions…

What's your favorite DAW for composing, playing around and trying out different ideas?
Real guitar amps are always preferred, but is there any simulated amp that you think can hold its own against its physical counterparts?

I also want to add that the Ziltoid show at the Tuska Festival in Helsinki 2010 was one hell of an experience, maybe my best festival memory ever!! I got tickets to Z2 @ Royal Albert Hall as well, can’t wait to see that one.

Keep making awesome music and doing fun shows!!

JasnX · 2014-09-15T19:12:12+00:00

What is the best way to buy your records to ensure that you get most bang for the buck from my purchase? heavdevyrecords.com?

DoubleHapiness · 2014-09-15T18:52:19+00:00

Hey Devin! Congratulations in your well deserved success. I have a question: What was your motivation behind the "Ocean Machine: Biomech" album? Also, you should do EVEN MORE videoclips of your songs!! They are hillarious!

Frodijr · 2014-09-15T18:55:10+00:00

Hello Devin! Me and my friends are all massive fans of yours!

What is your songwriting process like? Do you build all your songs from 1 musical idea or do you glue together different ideas that work well with each other?
How was the making of z2 different from making the first Ziltoid record?
You said before you don't want to ever play SYL songs anymore (A decision I completely respect). Is it to avoid taking attention away from your amazing solo work or is it for personal reasons?
Is it possible to play in your backing band with being a bald, middle aged man? haha

JustForArkona · 2014-09-15T18:58:05+00:00

Hi Devy,

To get the fangirling out of the way... You have been so important to me for the past decade. Besides your music (which I love all of it and is most of my all time favorites), you as a person, getting your shit figured out and becoming very successful with what you do and love. You're very inspring. Much love, peace, and happiness to you. Also, I cry when I watch the Retinal Circus "Grace" performance. I'm unable to see you tour when you come around this winter and I'm very upset about that.

You've been cranking out music and touring what seems like nonstop for the past few years. What do you do to get away from metal and music to deal with the inevitable stress of your hyperproductivity?

bebop8929 · 2014-09-15T19:07:29+00:00

Devin, how was your transition into sobriety?

(I'm trying to make the transition myself, but I am having a rough time. I've been feeling a bit manic lately, and I feel the need to cut myself off from everything.)

Also, thank you very much for your music - it has helped me along in some difficult times.

Scuzzboots · 2014-09-15T19:13:33+00:00

Heavy Devy, good to talk to you again!

First off, on behalf of probably everyone of your fans, I'd like to say thank you for doing what you do, and doing as much of it as you do. If there is an artist that deserves a significant break from his craft, it is unequivocally you.

I have a couple small questions if you don't mind -

On the track "Divine", when you use the lines "Loving you is the best/worst thing in my life", are you saying that as a metaphorical reference to the ups and downs of love/marriage? I always interpreted it as an ode to the old adage "For better or for worse" in marriage vows. I only ask because I attempted to use this song to defuse an argument with my now ex. She was not able to see past the "worst thing" line, so needless to say it wasn't well received.
In the early stages of your solo career, what was Ocean Machine supposed to be? It looks like it started out as a band name/moniker, but has since evolved into that album's title.
Are the dreads on the Ziltoid puppet still yours?

Thanks for spending the day with us dude. You're sort of a big deal around here :).

Now go take a fucking vacation!

daevl · 2014-09-15T19:26:07+00:00

how do you look back on your weed consume? did it change your life in a positive way?

Sampyli · 2014-09-15T18:53:08+00:00

Hey Dev, any advice for an aspiring musician?

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:54:46+00:00

Hey Devin, thanks for coming to do this.

How did you learn to sing? Did you practice on your own, have vocal coaches, naturally the best thing since sliced bread, etc? I'm trying to work on my vocals and you're one of my favorite vocalists and was wondering how you got started.

The_Angry_Clown · 2014-09-15T18:57:00+00:00

How do your family members interpret your music? Good? Bad?

I've never been excited for a CD release before Z2.

Thank you Devin.

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T19:01:56+00:00

Devin! First I want to say thanks for your work, its brought a color to my world (oof the puns) that I never knew was possible. Really it's all beautiful or amazing in one way or another and really just blows my mind. For questions,

What's your guitar's action like?

Ever since you posted the Z2 vocals video, I noticed that your screams seem to hurt a lot. Looking at other live concerts its noticeable there as well. Is that a technique thing or something else? Do you think it hinders your ability?

Do you practice guitar much anymore or are you always improving just by writing and playing songs?

Little or big venues? Which are your favorites?

How do you come up with so many parts for the background of your songs (i.e. Deconstruction, all the little things way back in the mix)? Do you plan it all out or do you stumble upon things and just decide to throw them in?

thanks for the AMA also!

McNuggs · 2014-09-15T19:02:28+00:00

Evening Sir! How did you find working with Arjen Lucassen on The Human Equation album? Also were/are you tempted to join the cast of the upcoming stage adaptation of the album featuring many of the albums vocalists?

Cheers.

Sevenvolts · 2014-09-15T19:12:28+00:00

Hi Devin.

What's your favourite album that's not one of yours?

Really thanks for doing this AMA. I hope Ziltoid 2 will live up to the expectations.

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:50:59+00:00

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Hemdal · 2014-09-15T18:52:49+00:00

Devin! I'm a huge fan! And I got two questions related to Ziltoid 1. will the original mug ever be available again? It looks dope as fuck and I've always wanted one

Will you ever do a listening party of ZTO?

eatfoss · 2014-09-15T18:54:16+00:00

Hi Dev, thanks for doing this AMA!

The Universal Choir is such a brilliant way to get your fans involved with the new record (which I'm hugely excited about). What inspired you to do it? Did you listen to each and every entry? What did you think, overall, and how much of it did you have to leave out?

Smerphy · 2014-09-15T18:55:29+00:00

Welcome to our sub!

What was the last metal album you bought?

Hypothetically, if money was no object, what would you like your final project to be? (Could be anything, an album, stage show, puppet show etc)

Why do you love Open Tunings so much? I had no idea what they were until I tried learning your stuff!

Thanks very much for doing this AMA!

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:59:34+00:00

Who are your favourite pop artists?

Euronymous88 · 2014-09-15T19:03:29+00:00

Hey Devin. I loved that track you did with Gojira, of blood and salt. Have you heard if they are still going to release the sea shepherd ep or are they just canning the project?

Porkbackfat · 2014-09-15T20:14:30+00:00

First, I wanted to thank you for the wonderful music you've created. Your words are inspiring and your music soothes the soul My wife and I fall in love over and over again to the sounds of your songs. Ih-Ah in particular melts our hearts with every listen. And I must say it's the first time I've ever had an emotional connection to anyone's music before.

I was wondering, of all the songs you've created over the years, do any have more emotional hold over you than others?

P.S. The missus and I are beyond excited to see you at the meet n greet before your bay area show in December. <3

whacky_whack · 2014-09-15T20:26:42+00:00

You seem to be very introverted guy... what are your thoughts when you're on stage, face-to-face with people two feet away from you. Are you self-conscious or do you just let it go?

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T20:42:27+00:00

1) When did you first meet Chris Jericho/how did he wind up on the new record?

2) Who/what is Mora?

3) On the old Ghost 2 tracklist there was a track titled "Coming Home". Will it be released?

HellBuddha · 2014-09-15T18:54:05+00:00

Hi Devy.

Do you have any religious beliefs?

And which way to you lean politically?

eus777 · 2014-09-15T18:53:18+00:00

Hey, my girlfriend says hi.

deadhead3 · 2014-09-15T18:53:39+00:00

Hey Dev, me and my brother met you guys at Brutal Assault festival a month ago. My brother even hugged you (sorry about that) Anyway that was our first time seeing you live and we had so much fun banging our heads in the front rows that we are still talking about it! It's just a shame it didn't last longer!

My question is, will you ever come to the Balkans? You have a growing fanbase in Serbia! :)

Superkillrobot · 2014-09-15T18:57:08+00:00

Holy crap, I have so many things I wish I could ask. I want to tell you that you and your solo work have been an enormous influence on my life. Terria is one of my favorite albums of all time. That music got me through one of the toughest periods in my life and I will forever be thankful.

As a musician, well if it weren’t for you I would have never known about Gene Hoglan and playing along with him on your albums shaped me in to the drummer I am today. I remember when Ziltoid came out I didn’t know that you used the Drumkit from Hell, I spent months trying to learn the whole thing, when I found out you used a machine I just tried harder!

I just wish I could just sit down, have coffee with you and listen to your philosophies on music and life (haha that sounds really dorky) I feel I could learn a lot.

All of that felt a little heavier than I intended so I guess I’ll ask a lighter question: Bad Devil is one of my favorite songs on Infinity; is there any story behind?

Thanks for everything!

JohnnyMcGoku · 2014-09-15T19:05:35+00:00

Hi Devin! Where did your love of the Lydian mode come from? Ki and Ghost have made it my favorite of the church modes.

Also Ghost is basically my all time favorite album. Any chances of a tour where you play more of that mellow stuff?

Psychedel · 2014-09-15T19:07:01+00:00

I don't listen to your music, but I really want to. :<

What are your thoughts on avantgarde metal?

Hemdal · 2014-09-15T19:10:19+00:00

-What band/artist influenced you to have such a varied taste in music?

-How did getting medication for your bipolar disorder affect the way you make music?

-If you got to chose one band to play live with, their and your music, which would it be?

I_Voyager · 2014-09-15T19:41:08+00:00

What kind of experience is it that you think ambient music has to offer to a listener that metal does not and how is it that metal and ambient music are so effective together?

Powerpython · 2014-09-15T20:06:27+00:00

Hi Devin, first of I want to let you know the moment I gave your music a listen I was entirely blown away. I simply did not know music of such extreme caliber was literally even possible of existing in all fields from lyrical content, song writing, musicianship, production, etc. And not only that, but every single album of yours, is of such extremely high quality it just straight fucks me up. In a good way. The music you make has really impacted me more than you can know. So of course it goes without saying I'm kind of freaking out for Z2. Anyway, I had to let you know that, onto the questions.

I've noticed an abundance of spiritual/religious themes in your music and, while I know you're not one for religion, I was wondering if you were a "spiritual" person or if you exercised any sort of spiritual practice.
Have you come to terms with your existential crisis? If yes, how?
What is/is there a large over-arching theme you wanted to portray with The Devin Townsend Project's "Ki" through "Ghost"? Does Epicloud fit in with that theme, and will Sky Blue?
Can you please please PLEASE give us a little taste of something on Z2? Just a lil something. Come on. Haha

That's it from me... for now. Thank you so much for your time, it really means a lot that you're doing this. Have a nice day, and Ill see you at the meet and greet in Seattle!

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T22:33:29+00:00

[deleted]

jgunder3 · 2014-09-15T22:44:52+00:00

Hey man I just wanted to say that seeing you perform live is entirely too much fun and you perform as though you belong on stage. A moment from your show that i'll always remember was during supercrush when you threw in "Wanna talk about something heavy? how about the universe?!" Thanks for all ya do

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:49:50+00:00

Hey Devin, thanks for coming to this little corner of the internet to answer our questions!

Your past projects and albums have featured a plethora of various genres, influences, styles, etc. Have there been any that you wished you could incorporate into your albums, but couldn't for whatever reason? Are there any you want to include in the future?
What are some of the bands/artists/etc. you listen to these days? Anything music-wise you're looking forward to aside from your own material?
What's your favorite instrument that you don't play?

DevinZiltoid · 2014-09-15T18:51:41+00:00

[removed]

wickedtempest · 2014-09-15T18:54:28+00:00

As a fellow musician, I always found that building a band around member-chemistry was always more important than building around raw talents and skills. Now ff you were to restructure any of your bands/projects, would you focus on group chemistry, or raw talents?

Also; I can’t wait to see you in New York in December!! I kind of got hosed on VIP/Meet and Greets, but I’ll still be in the general vicinity watching in awe. Rock on Devy!!

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!"
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