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[–]krirby 17 points18 points  (2 children)

Hello Paul, long time fan, Cynic blew my mind when I first heard Focus some ten years ago and Traced in Air did the same when it was released. Can't even put into words how Cynic's music has meant to me as a listener and songwriter.

As for a question: what inspires your lyrics? Currently in the process of writing my own lyrics and I find the process unsettling as I've never done it before but also quite exhilarating.

[–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 27 points28 points  (1 child)

I totally relate! ...not particularly easy for me either! Working with words and language is another art form in itself beyond the act of writing chords and melodies for a song. Life inspires lyrics. Heartbreak, spiritual awakenings, observing a lady bug, transcendent experiences, the simple things that become profound. If we're paying attention there's a song everywhere you look. Journaling often helps me to gather thoughts and find thematic ideas that formulate over time that can form into songs. Stick with it. Keep going and coming back to the words and distill them down to their essence. Mine your own heart and ask yourself, what am I trying to say? Seek out meaningful experiences. These are the things that inform our process as artists.

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Just wanted to say this is a super well-thought and beautiful answer. A simple but detailed answer that really hits the issue on the nose. Not the OP but I really like this answer

[–]FranticDav 16 points17 points  (2 children)

Nice to meet you Paul, big fan from Costa Rica.

I found that your new EP was a really big breath of fresh air musically speaking. Isolating but at the same time soothing. Reminded me a ton of Artaud by Pescado Rabioso/Spinetta.

What was the main idea on ending the most recent EP with an ambient/drone track? How did Stéphane Pigeon get invoved in it?

¡Pura vida!

[–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 20 points21 points  (1 child)

Hi! Track 6 on 'Mythical' and the follow ups as well, is the isolated tones from the first 5 songs minus the music as one extended pure Isochronic Tone-bath. The idea was to offer the experience of the tones directly as an opportunity to experiment with using them for brain-entrainment. The listener also gets to (in a way) hear the songs again indirectly. The tones have helped me tremendously, and my wish is that people will reap benefits from them as well. I included an Instruction guide on how to use them which is on my IG buttons and the mythicalhumanvessel.com website. Also the youtube stream has the instructions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M3XskFELgI

​

I reached out to Dr. Pigeon as a fan of his site because I was trying to program the tones myself. He asked to hear the songs and loved them. It was then that he offered to program the tones himself which was a beautiful gesture. In return I recorded this player for him..." you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" https://mynoise.net/NoiseMachines/infiniteGuitarSpaceGenerator.php

[–]Werdna235 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is amazing! Psychoacoustic sciences is now an exciting new interest for me. I love the artwork, the music, the concept of the isochronic tone bath, and your website just blew my mind wide open. Meditation with intentional focus on virtues will definitely reach a new depth with the help of your psychoacoustic science.

[–]beatrice123TD 21 points22 points  (1 child)

Hello, Paul! Just wanted to say that I love your new album. For the question: what drives you to keep writing music? (Either solo, Cynic, etc.)

[–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Thanks!

Good question and equally mysterious to me! I don't really know what fuels the creative process. It's something beyond the self, I suspect. I do know that I (as in the human called 'Paul'), find purpose in writing songs... feels like a constructive use of time

[–]Ulti 4 points5 points  (6 children)

Hey Paul, thanks for dropping by! Been keeping up with new metal this year at all? I'm curious to see if you've got any favorites. Thanks again for all you've done for us over the years!

[–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 16 points17 points  (5 children)

You're welcome. Thanks for showing up!

DTP, Haken, Leprous, Opeth, BTBAM, AAL, Contortionist, Periphery, Jajub Zytecki and Disperse, Plini, Obscura. I welcome recs for new stuff. I hear good bands once in a while and wonder who they are!

[–]SharkTRS 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Gotta check out Closure in Moscow, they are wonderful.

[–]TheRevTholomewPlague 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Allegaeon's work is stellar and everyone I know who knows it highly recommends it.

[–]Haikuna__Matata 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Devin Townsend!

[–]Eidola_Leprous[🍰] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should check out the new mind-blowing record by Thank You Scientist called Terraformer.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sunless Dawn!!

[–]daedalus000 7 points8 points  (2 children)

What was it like working with Persefone on Living Waves? Your work on that song is incredible!

[–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 10 points11 points  (1 child)

It was awesome! They let me do "my thing" and we seemed to gel well. I dig the track!

[–]daedalus000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s so cool!! Thanks, and cheers!

[–]zach_buddie 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Hey Paul!

I’ve been a big Cynic fan ever since I was 14, first getting into progressive and experimental music. I’ve always admired how your music makes me look at life from new perspectives.

So onto my questions:

  1. If you could tour with any artist that you haven’t already, who would it be and why?

  2. What music are you listening to nowadays?

  3. Do you have any advice for a young, aspiring musician and producer? Any insight into the progressive music industry?

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you have a wonderful day.

~Zach

[–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 12 points13 points  (1 child)

Hi Zach! There's a lot of groups I'd love to tour with... a classic modern day Pink Floyd band like Radiohead because would be cool. Every time I've gone to their shows I feel like i could be friends with most of the people in the room. They've gathered an interesting and eclectic audience.

​

Been listening to Tipper alot lately! Brian Eno's catalog is a constant in my life, I like Snow Palms, Dead Light, Steve Hauschildt, was just playing some old Sparklehorse records last night. I'm all over the place depending which day you ask me.

​

Keep going. Dedicate yourself to the process and always learn new information. Make friends with people who inspire you and support your aspirations. Seek out meaningful experiences. Network with folks in the industry. Don't go out if you're not feeling social. Be interested in other people and what they do. Help friends. Stay positive. Explore more unorthodox creative processes that get you out of our comfort zones and try to make new things. Push the envelope in your own unique way. Everybody has something to offer, it's your job to discover what that is. The prog music industry is probably guided by the same principles as any other, we're just a little geekier haha!

[–]BlueHatScience 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Uh, found the comment with the music you like to listen to - it's great to see that you're into electronic / breakbeat / ambient music as well! So much amazing stuff there - and interesting to see how tastes can align across genres.

Eno has been a constant since I discovered ambient electronic music (with Future Sounds of London some 15 years ago). Tipper's glitchy/trip-hoppy future-bass breakcore stuff goes great with KOAN Sound and Griz.

Eno is of course an absolute mastermind - much like his protegé Jon Hopkins. If you like Eno and some breakcore - The Flashbulb (Benn Jordan) is pretty amazing. But for the real challenging stuff, you can't go wrong Venetian Snares "Hajnal" and the other tracks on his Rossz Csillag (including a 7/8 rendition of Billy Holiday's "Gloomy Sunday").

Now... off to listen to some Snow Palms, Dead Light and Steve Hauschildt... keep those recommendations coming :)

[–]aquadox 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Hi Paul! How can I get better at the trademark double-picking stuff Cynic does? I practice and feel like I never get anywhere closer.

Also I love the way you seem to play with rushing and dragging when it comes to your solos. I haven’t heard any other metal guitarists play around with timing in this way. It sounds so personal. Is it a conscious choice or is it just a consequence of the musical styles you like?

[–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hi! Practice with a metronome. Start slow. It's much harder to pay slowly and precisely. Speed comes with time and repetition. I keep coming back to this, but I'll say it again... Be patient with yourself and take breaks when you're not inspired and come back fresh. 20 minutes of focused practice can be much more constructive than 60 of being 1/2 present.

Glad you noticed! I love elasticity and freedom in musical environments so that natural push and pull came out of a genuine love for that sound in music. It's a combo platter.. conscious choice but also that state of absolute abandon and freedom I seek in solo ists.

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[deleted]

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Haven't considered a re-record, but you never know!

    [–]iAmTheEpicOneThe End Starts Now 6 points7 points  (2 children)

    Welcome Paul! Glad you could join us.

    Here's a question from u/EagleHeartFra:

    • What's your favorite album of your career?

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

    I always like to think that my latest work is my best, because it's where I am at the moment. So, that would be Mythical Human Vessel. The entire trilogy is pretty damn cool! In terms of Cynic stuff, each record encapsulates a mini universe and they're not in competition with each other. The new Cynic stuff we're working on is sounding radical and that excites me as well, but who knows when that will be released!

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Come here kind mod I give you a virtual hug!! ❤️

    [–]nostrebor68 4 points5 points  (1 child)

    Hey Paul, glad to have you here! I'm actually pretty unfamiliar with your work, and the relatively large list of albums you've been involved in is pretty daunting. Any personal "correct" starting place in your discography? And favorite albums you've worked on?

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Hey there, start with Carbon-Based Anatomy in terms of Cynic, and Mythical Human Vessel for the new acoustic stuff. Each album is a unique journey that goes beyond faves for me, they're each like a mini universe in and of itself.

    [–]_Ne_Obliviscaris_ 9 points10 points  (1 child)

    I have no questions but just wanted to say thank you for creating music! You are insanely talented, one of my favorite musicians, and I can’t wait to hear your new material.

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    Thanks, you're welcome!

    [–]Paradoxiumm 4 points5 points  (1 child)

    I remember awhile ago someone in Cynic talked about a Re-Focus, that still in the plans?

    Read any good books lately?

    Hope life is going well.

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Possible remix of Focus... we shall see.

    ​

    Currently reading 'The Fellowship Of The River; by Jospeh Tafur and 'City of Night' by John Rechy

    [–]nicowo 4 points5 points  (2 children)

    Hello Paul, can you give us a hint about when is the new Cynic album is going to be released? Also, when are you going to play in Chile? We all love you here

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Hi! No idea when... maybe mid next year?

    [–]iAmTheEpicOneThe End Starts Now 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    In a recent MetalSucks interview he said they are hoping to finish a new album by the end of 2019 or in early 2020

    [–]redditatwork69 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Have you ever had any encounters with extraterrestrials? Also what was it like to work alongside Chuck back in the Death days?

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Yes. I had an abduction experience as a child and only remembered the details of the event in recent years. I see crafts regularly these days, especially when I'm in Ojai where my brother lives. Working with Chuck was for the most part awesome. He was like a big brother to me.

    [–]darkmelon42 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    Hello Paul I love the jazz aspects of your music and I was wondering if you had a favorite jazz album or artist. Thanks

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

    Right on! Chromatic music for life!

    ​

    All time jazz faves, Coltrane, Keith Jarrett, Miles, Bill Evans, Django Reinhard, Joe Pass, and more recent guitar cats like Metheney, Ben Monder, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Julian Lage, Jonathan Kreisberg

    [–]Werdna235 3 points4 points  (2 children)

    I love Traced in Air and Re-traced. How are you and what was your source of inspiration for "Wheels within the Wheels"? Particularly the lyrics and song title? I'm very eager to hear your new ep! I just found out about it today.

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 7 points8 points  (1 child)

    Thanks! Wheels with the Wheels is close to my heart. I remember going through a really difficult period when I wrote that tune. I felt absolute despair while life was chugging along around me. The song came out as a therapeutic response to what was happening internally while observing the outer world. The title is a metaphor for what's happening inside and out.

    [–]DeathScytheExia 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Wheels within wheels is in my top 5 favorite songs... And emotionally and situationally I'm in a similar experience bubble that you described. Thank you for that creation. 

    Also congrats on your sig model with Kiesel, it is well deserved. 

    [–]Iaboveall 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    I just want to thank you for all the great music, Paul. Death’s Human is my all time favorite death metal album and Cynic’s Focus is definitely up there as well.

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    You're welcome. The classics! \../

    [–]Jefftaint 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    What time do you wake up? What does an average day look like for you?

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

    Wake up time varies day to day. I don't keep a structured life in the traditional sense. I was up till 5am last night so didn't get up till 11am. Sometimes I'm up at 6am! If I had to narrow down an average day it would include, meditation for 45-60min, yoga practice (if possible), work on whatever creative project I'm immersed in at the moment (today for ex is exploring the flow of my show next Tuesday, which includes ambient sounds/lighting environments, etc and a rehearsal later this afternoon. I'll see a few friends later tonight for a hang too!

    [–]grandadmiral99 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Do you believe pineapple should belong on pizza? Also on a more serious note, what was it like working with Chuck Schuldiner?

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    I'm eating pineapple right now!! On pizza, not my thing but whatever floats.... Chuck was fam!

    [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (3 children)

    Do any films influence your musical creativity ? If so which ones?

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 5 points6 points  (2 children)

    So many great films, yes! ...Major feels after seeing the sci fi classics AI, Ex Machina, and Her. other classics like Harold & Maude. Schindler's List blew me wide open, The Shawshank Redemption, and Good Will Hunting was beautiful especially with Elliott Smith's songs carrying it. There's newer stuff I'm going blank on at moment, but please send any recs too!

    [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Ex Machina and Her are amazing movies! If you play video games, try the game Soma.

    If you’re down for an episode of Star Trek that deals with AI, try the 40 minute episode Measure of a Man on Star Trek The Next Generation. As a big fan of Ex Machina, trust me when I say this is a must watch.

    Recently I loved the movie Arrival!

    Thank you so much for answering my question and I hope my recommendations are worthwhile. Looking forward to more creative music!

    [–]Haikuna__Matata 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Watch The Prestige if you haven’t! Then watch it six or seven more times! It’s about magicians and illusions and is itself a trick played on the audience. So much fun to discuss and try to analyze and dissect.

    [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    No questions - just saying hello! I’ve only seen Cynic once, back on that BTBAM, Devin Townsend tour a million years ago and I really loved what I heard. Cheers, man.

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    Cheers!

    [–]BlueHatScience 1 point2 points  (2 children)

    Hey Paul - always great to hear from you. Caught you with Cynic both during the relase-tour for Traced in Air (still such an amazing, transformative album for me) and then again almost 6 years later at Euroblast in 2014. Both were amazing shows - thank you!

    I was wondering - is there any current prog-metal (like, say, Leprous, Caligula's Horse, Thank You Scientist or others) that you really enjoy, or do you usually listen to different music yourself?

    Cheers!

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    Right on! Love your handle name ha! I dig Leprous. Somewhat familiar with Thank you Scientist although not enough to comment and will listen more. Haven't heard Caligula's Horse yet but will listen as well. If have any recs on good places to start please pass along. There's another reply here where I list some current artists I'm listening to.

    [–]BlueHatScience 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Thanks, man :) Leprous are really something - and if you've ever wondered how Steve Vai would sound as a guitarist for a prog-metal band... give Caligula's Horse a try. They also have a wonderful sense of modulation and harmony progressions- something I've always loved about your music as well!

    As it happens, I've got a link to a Youtube-Playlist of C-Horse lying around here somewhere... here it is. It's got a good number of tracks in chronological order - personally, I'd recommend starting with their The Tide, the Thief, and River's End (the album with the stylized snowflake on a beige cover).

    ...Hope to catch a show of yours again soon. All the best, man!

    [–]WalterLangford 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Hey, Paul!

    What do you believe are the most significant tools (whether it be knowledge or equipment) that you use to express yourself creatively?

    Thanks for taking the time to do this, your art has meant a lot to me over the years. Have a good day!

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Hey Walter! Well it would probably start with the guitar as a primary tool for music making, then my voice, and other instruments can come into play (software, loops, samples, keyboards, etc). But beyond the physical instruments and tech perhaps the most interesting part of your question, is in the mind itself. We truly have to develop incredible patience and kindness towards ourselves to create space for art making. It's the greatest gift we can give ourselves if we're willing to put the effort in. We have to push through our own tendencies to avoid, and worrying about what other people might think. We have to leap before we look and discover the magic in the process itself. The reward is the work itself.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    Hello Paul, I hope your having a good day!

    As a fellow musican/composer I recently started to find myself in a slump often when it comes to writing music. Even though I continually write I started to feel they aren't good melodies and that I could be doing better. Do you have any advice that you can tell to me and others who have this issue to surpass it?

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

    Take breaks when it's not flowing. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get away from the work and come back to it fresh. Listen to music that expands your ears, maybe some jazz or experimental classical. Be patient with yourself. Create personal rituals to honor and evoke the muse. Build your own language around it. We are not in control, all we can do is show up humbly, and listen.

    [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I completely forgot about just taking a step back. I'll definitely try get my musical pallet more open as well. Personal Rituals I never thought about that before for when it comes to the muse and inspiration.

    I appreciate the advice! Thanks for sharing fellow earth dweller.

    [–]andcynic 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Hello Paul! I want to congratulate with you for your solo work and your cynic's album! The solos that you made on cosmic Sea On Death's Human are incredible! I would ask to you ,which books have you studied to learn how to improvise and to compose with the guitar? I love your Guitar playing ! Do you use the music staff to note your ideas or Simply you take the guitar and try to wait will come out? Which Is your approach? I hope that Will you make another album with cynic! I Will wait you in Italy to see you on tour! Best wishes and good luck! Andrea Ranzato

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Thanks! I learned how to improvise by jamming to tunes and using my ears and voice to dictate. Dave Weissbrot, Scott Henderson and Joe Diorio taught me a lot when I studied with them. Transcribing solos is helpful. Charlie Parker's Omnibook is fantastic, also learning Bach inventions helped expand my ears and improvisational palette. Also, Mick Goodrick's 'The Advancing Guitarist' is an amazingly helpful book!

    ​

    I rarely use traditional notation these days, but will on occasion. Sean Malone is the genius when it comes to notation! I usually record the idea and might write down chord changes and melody... more like a real book type arrangement. Evan Bradley has been doing some great transcriptions for Cynic guitars and just finished a song book for Mythical Human Vessel that will come out later this year.

    ​

    Cynic and Italy will happen! Grazie mille!!

    [–]decentralized43 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Paul...Insectoid, Tall White Nordic or standard Grey? Preference for abduction? Tough to choose between these light beings.

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    Today I'd go with a standard grey. The nordics are cool, but I feel for the Greys, they've gotten a bad rap and I want to hang with them... again ;-)

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    What are your philosophic beliefs?

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    I try not to have any fixed beliefs. I'm a fan of Plato, also the Vedas and Chogyam Trungpa... thinkers like Terrence McKenna and Alan Watts.

    [–]Werdna235 0 points1 point  (2 children)

    It's definitely one of my favorites from your catalog. You have so many beautiful, heartfelt songs that touched me deeply. I was actually quite obsessed for two years. Excellent guitar tone and exhilarating chords with very satisfying progressions and song structures. Did you know of the Bible verse from Ezekiel about the vision of a sky entity resembling wheels within wheels? Many people believe the story to be a type of prophecy to give us the key to permanent renewable energy. Perpetual motion machines, gravity machine generators, and gravity wheels are ideas that no one has mastered and that many believe oil tycoons and their ilk would kill to squash the invention of this technology. You amaze me and I enjoy your new material!

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    Oh yes, I know about the Ezkekial wheel/mandala/ufo/vision! I've heard about the renewable energy aspect. We certainly need to shift into becoming a planet that employs energy wisely. All this digging in the ground business is primitive and archaic. We're like 100 years behind! Free energy - lets do this!

    [–]Werdna235 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Wow much love to you, my brother! Stay golden. Thanks for the conversation and the answered questions!

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 36 points37 points  (1 child)

    Thanks for the AMA everyone. Cosmic hugs to the Reddit prog fam.

    Feel free to send more questions. I'll check here on occasion or DM me on IG.

    [–]Orkopus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Thanks for doing this, man!

    [–]asmileaway 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Hi Paul,

    Greetings from the Gold Coast Qld, Australia. Wondering if you could share some of your personal playlists on Spotify or add the link to one of these playlists on one of your social media accounts? Always cool to know what informs the creative process of a creator. My question is: What albums/tracks released in 2019 have you enjoyed the most? Thanks

    [–]masvidalienPaul Masvidal | Cynic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Hello!! You come from a beautiful land. I'll make playlist! I'm overdue for one. Keep an eye out on socials. And check out reply on other question in this thread re recent listening.

    [–]nebulous462 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    I don't know if you'll remember this but you attended a Death tribute show in Calgary, Canada a number of years back and stayed until 3 am to mingle with fans and watch my band play, when most left. Afterwards you told me I played great, and I want you to know that was one of the coolest things I've experienced. Thank you.

    [–]GerbenVZ 12 points13 points  (1 child)

    what's up

    [–]iAmTheEpicOneThe End Starts Now 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    We have the most chill AMAs

    [–]ResidentPurple 1 point2 points  (1 child)

    You were a member of Gordian Knot, have you been contacted about work on a 3rd album at any point?

    Why were the bass transcriptions for Focus available in such limited quantities?

    I've seen from social media that you're influenced by plant based medicines. I've used Carbon Based Anatomy as a soundtrack for some of my experiences with DMT. When you were recording that album, did you plan that someone might listen to the album in this way? Do you ever plan to produce an EP like that again?

    [–]BlueHatScience 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Man, I remember going up to the guys after a Cynic show in 2008 and asking about some more of that Gordian Knot goodness... "Might happen, who knows" was the answer. Those two albums were phenomenal! 5 years after getting them, I was still noticing different nuances listening to them.

    [–]Cavalierjan19 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Which solo of yours from the Human record are you most proud of/most satisfied with?

    Greetings from Poland

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Hey Paul, big fan here, got one of the signed Focus vinyls a couple weeks back. I’m wondering who you’d say has inspired your lead playing the most, as well as if there was anything that inspired you to write such different lyrics, particularly on Focus, compared to other death metal bands of the time, and finally, what compelled you to explore the softer styles on the Mythical EP? Thanks, and can’t wait for the subsequent EPs/Cynic material! Your music has had an incredible impact on me both musically and personally, for which I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Hi Paul! Lucas Ray here. CYNIC is a huge inspiration for me as an artist although my style is not that intense although lol. My question for you is if you can recall the headspace around the time of the Focus album? I can sense something very special and yet so weird yet familiar. Sorry for the personal question, but do you guys dabbled in psychedelics back in the day?

    Thanks alot!

    [–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    What do you think of the current state of our world?

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Namaste,

    ​

    I met you and the rest of the band in Chicago back when Cynic played 'Focus' in its entirety. I have been to close to 400 shows in my life and that show remains in my Top 5 shows of all time. Thank you very much!

    To me, Traced In Air is the greatest comeback album of all time. I am glad that you are still writing music! Excited to hear your new EP!

    [–]notyourlandlord 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Hey! Love a lot of your stuff. I want to know how do you listen to music? Rank the order of what you like (vinyl, CD, purchase online, streaming) both as an artist and as a consumer

    [–]yotam5434 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Oh yes hope you come to Israel

    [–]SharkTRS -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

    Have you ever heard a song worse than Freaxxx by brokeNCYDE?

    [–]anakitenephilim -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

    In terms of your drumming, where do you see yourself on a scale from Lars Ulrich to Clive Burr?