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| The Pat Mastelotto Interview! Part 1 |
| When King Crimson/MasticA Drummer extraordinare Pat Mastelotto agreed to do an interview for Me, I knew that we would all be in for a treat. If you have ever visited Pat's great web site , then you know all about Pat and his varied and accomplished musical background. Playing with a wide array of bands and artists such as Mr. Mister, Tony Levin, XTC, The Rembrandts, The California Guitar Trio, and many more, Pat has earned a reputation as one of the most respected drummers around. Combine that with a great sense of humor, and you have a great interview such as this. I hope you all enjoy it as much as did. |
| Q: Your role has changed quite drastically in King Crimson since You first joined as you now handle all of the drum duties, a role that Robert Fripp must have felt quite confidently that you were up to handle. How did it feel to take on the entire Crimson catalogue? A: It's always a treat to play the classics! Q: Crimson toured last Summer, sharing the bill with Tool , and in reading your tour diary, it seemed to be a very good experience for both bands. All in all, how did the younger Tool audience accept Crimson's music? A: All in all? Ala overall? With the exception of the confused San Diego audience, I'd say they accepted us sweetly and with respect. Q: Having Adrian Belew in the band gives you the added experience of another drummer, and I know you admire Adrian's playing very much. Does Adrian lend much input into what direction he wants the drumming to go in during recording or do you basically have the freedom to do what you want? A: Nope. Not enough. I'd enjoy more commentary from the home team...(wait, I better be careful what I wish for.) Q: Bill Bruford has said that for him, reflecting back on past records is like looking at embarrassing pictures in an old family photo album. In retrospect, how do you look back on your experiences with bands like Mr. Mister, XTC, The Rembrandts, etc...? A: Looking back? Was it that long ago? Was I really that guy? It was a different life. Q: Strangely enough, I have heard a few Mr. Mister tracks on satellite radio stations and the drumming still sounds great. Actually, it reminds me somewhat of your playing in Crimson although obviously that electric drums have come a long way since Simmons pads! You are very in touch with all of the latest technologies and I was curous as to what you were tinkering with these days? A: On the electrondrummer front, I like this new SP505 (like a 202 & 303 but they each do things the others won't!) and the handsonic is a lot of bang for the buck. I've been using those for little local MasticA gigs lately. For Crim, the old DDrum 3 is still a champ for making my own loops and sounds. I like tinkering with the tribe beat boxes and love using Reason as a beefed up beat box. In my studio, the TC Fireworx and the Sherman filter bank are favorite knobs, and I still carry the old analog Simmons SDSV in there too. For cheap thrills, the KAOS pads or some stompboxes are excellent. As we speak, I am eyeing a new MPC4000 and PM16 controller from Akai but I haven't bought them yet , and hearing great things about the Melodone and Live. Q: You have a great relationship with your drum tech Bill Munyon with whom you have also formed the BPM&M project, and he shares a great interest in the latest technology as well. How has Bill helped you develop your ideas into realities for drums? A: He gives Me confidence by being honest in what he hears as strengths and weaknesses. Q: I read an article where you mentioned that you carried a handheld dictaphone everywhere you went so you could grab samples to incorporate them into your percussion. What would you remember as some of the more unusual or humorous samples you have obtained? A: My Pentastic I never seem to have when I need it, but: In Rome with Ade after a long day and a bottle of wine, I got some echo with gusto in the toilet! Also with Trey at the musical museum in Vienna, some of Robert in rehearsals, a long walk in Tokyo and a short walk in Istanbul....all sorts of stuff. Foreign TV, Airports and cab rides are always interesting. Nashville evangelists are frightening. |
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