The Median Man sat down with Glenn Dagrossa lead vocalist of Awaken to discuss all things Awaken.
The Median Man sat down with Glenn Dagrossa lead vocalist of Awaken to discuss all things Awaken.
PROGRESSIVE
What inspired the formation of the band?
Awaken was formed in 2009 after I ended my previous band Lazarus. I had been writing new music and just felt that it deserved a fresh and new beginning. The music I was writing was more symphonic / Progressive Metal and it needed proper musicianship that was more virtuosic. This led me to assemble the current lineup of band members. Mike Marrone ( Drums ), Andrew Colyer ( Keyboards ), Eric Wirsing ( Guitars ), Eddie Jucius ( Bass ) and myself on Vocals. I knew with this lineup their would be no stopping us.
How do you approach songwriting?
This is a question that I am asked often. The process is complicated. I was a composition major in college at the music conservatory from which I graduated. In studying theory, harmony, counterpoint, I understood that There is no one particular way to write lyrics, music or compose parts. Melody and melodic content is first and foremost to when I compose. Often, vocal melodies are dictated by the lyrical rhythm. Then progression is dictated after that. Other times, it is a riff or a vamp that dictates how a song is written. I try not to lock myself into one method but, try to allow the ideas to naturally flow while other times, it takes a “grinding through“ of the process to finally reach a successful end. As an accomplished guitarist / classical guitarist / vocalist, I understand how music functions. That understanding is imperative in composing our music.
Song meanings / Thematic ideas or motifs are an important part of the content of Awaken’s music. These help paint the canvas artistically So that we can better understand the direction of a theme. We also “ layer “ our melodic and rhythmic ideas in such a way that many Harmonic / Rhythmic linear lines / phrases / coexist Equally and Sonically between instruments. This helps the music to breathe and allows all instrumental parts to be heard.
So to sum up, the approach varies but the process to an finished idea doesn’t.
COMPLICATED
COMPLICATED
How do you approach songwriting?
This is a question that I am asked often. The process is complicated. I was a composition major in college at the music conservatory from which I graduated. In studying theory, harmony, counterpoint, I understood that There is no one particular way to write lyrics, music or compose parts. Melody and melodic content is first and foremost to when I compose. Often, vocal melodies are dictated by the lyrical rhythm. Then progression is dictated after that. Other times, it is a riff or a vamp that dictates how a song is written. I try not to lock myself into one method but, try to allow the ideas to naturally flow while other times, it takes a “grinding through“ of the process to finally reach a successful end. As an accomplished guitarist / classical guitarist / vocalist, I understand how music functions. That understanding is imperative in composing our music.
Song meanings / Thematic ideas or motifs are an important part of the content of Awaken’s music. These help paint the canvas artistically So that we can better understand the direction of a theme. We also “ layer “ our melodic and rhythmic ideas in such a way that many Harmonic / Rhythmic linear lines / phrases / coexist Equally and Sonically between instruments. This helps the music to breathe and allows all instrumental parts to be heard.
So to sum up, the approach varies but the process to an finished idea doesn’t.
CLEANED HOUSE
Did anything change in the recording or writing process in this album compared to your debut?
Everything changed. First and foremost I cleaned house and hired all new musicians. Mike Marrone our drummer brought a new modern mindset to the instrument. He elevated that part of the band and pushed us to be better players. Eddie Jucius on bass brings a tight, locked down, aggression that gives Awaken its edge. We eliminated 1 guitarist and added keyboards. Eric Wirsing our guitarist has a natural talent on guitar. He makes it look easy and is smooth a silk when he plays. Eric’s knowledge of music and the instrument makes me want to sit back and watch a master at his craft. Eric is the next guitar god. The addition of Andrew Colyer on keyboards gave Awaken the musical landscape that was needed. My musical ideas and the compositional Arrangements needed keys in order for the songs to reach their potential. Andrew brought a fresh and exciting approach to Awaken. He and I work so well together that we finish each other’s musical ideas. It’s hilarious actually. Andrew and I have a symbiotic musical relationship. We think and hear exactly the same way. I attribute most of that to our musical training since we have both been classically trained. The first CD had the quintessential hooks that is normally associated to us. But, with the friendship and musical relationship we have with Andrew, those quintessential hooks on the second and newest double CD have widened. The recording process drastically changed. We have accomplished musical engineers in the band with Mike, Andrew and Eric. These guys are true gear junkies. They understand what sonically works and love the process. Mike and Andrew engineered the CD and we had our long time friend and mixing engineer Stacy O Dell from the first Awaken CD back again on the new one.
Writing was a new experience For me because I didn’t feel compositionally shackled. Having great musicians in the band allows for limitless musical designs. We are blessed to have each other and to be on this ride together.
You are in for a serious musical treat.