After Mike’s passing, did you consider not continuing the band?
Gary Wehrkamp: There was a brief period of time where we did not consider anything. Yet we were so far along with recording that I think we all knew we would move on, we just didn’t discuss it. There was a period of time where the issue was simply not important. We were able to gain some perspective after reading so many of the wonderful posts, blogs and comments from the fans.
How did you find new vocalist Brian Ashland?
Gary: I owed him money. I asked him to join the band to erase the debt.
Brian Ashland : I needed tires on my car and Gary owed me some money. But he kept hitting really hard, like crazed “Girl Interrupted,” then he made me sing. I could have taken him, but I was sick. True story.
Gary: It is not true. Not at all. He couldn’t have taken me, and he was not sick.
Was your songwriting/recording process any different on Digital Ghosts than previous albums?
Gary: It was not all that different from what we normally do. One person begins a musical idea, demos it in their studio then passed it on to the others for judgment or for them to add to it.
Brian: This was the first record I’ve done as a vocalist. I’ve always been an instrumentalist or have had a producer's role. It was quite different for me in the beginning, but soon became a familiar environment. Also, having not ever working together on a session, none of us really knew what to expect. It was like showing up on your first day at work. Who’s gonna bring the doughnuts?
Gary: Please note that Brian did not bring any doughnuts.
Is this a concept album?
Gary: No. Loose themes tie the songs together, but it is not one long story. Instead it is individual personal journeys that are linked by common themes about loss, dealing with loss, and the acquisition of getting something, or getting it back.
Brian: It’s more thematic than conceptual as a whole. The tone of the record is carried over all of the tracks.
Were your guest musicians in studio with you, or was it done remotely via technology?
Gary: It was a little of both, although in most cases the production was recorded in various studios, and some back and forth through email shaped up the parts with additional comments and suggestions. It is easier when musicians are all here recording and I prefer that, but some of our guests were from different counties and so this procedure worked fine.
Since your band members play so many different instruments, how do decide who plays what on a particular song?
Gary: It usually begins with who the writer is. Sometimes one of us will play a lot of parts on a single song, but we try to make sure everyone has a chance to be as involved as they want to be.
Is the special edition with the bonus tracks only available in Europe?
Gary: Yes, as far as I know. Although what is Europe when you order online (other than a more expensive import)?
What are your expectations for the CD?
Brian: Not so much of an expectationm, mainly a hope that Shadow Gallery fans will enjoy the record as much as we do.
Gary: I just hope that Brian hopes that SG fans will enjoy the record as much as he does.
You’ve said in the past you still don’t know if the band will ever play live. Has anything changed one way or the other?
Gary: Sure. I mean I cannot tell for sure, but when I said that, the scenario at the time was indicitive of my comment. We are talking about all of this now and hope to change that status.
What other musical projects/bands are you currently involved in?
Brian: A new band from London, Ontario called Avedis. We’re now finishing the first record.
Gary: There are always about 3 to 6 that I am working on at all times, but right now I want to only concentrate on Shadow Gallery.
How did you get started in music?
Brian: I was an absolute social misfit at the age of 10. I started guitar at that age, out of just fascination of the instrument. I can’t say I was influenced by a group or individual, it was more like a toy to me. Later on, and much to my liking, it became a cool thing to do (and it impressed the girls at school!) Musically I matured very quickly and no longer tried to be “the best guitarist in the world,” but aspired to be a very good composer and sound designer.
Gary: I banged my head against the wall for the first 5 years of my life.. Eventually my parents bought me a drum set when I was 9. I formed a band 6 months later and started gigging within a year. I only wanted to be the best drummer in the world and have my band be famous. I believed with conviction that I could accomplish a lot and moved on to guitar, and then also playing bass in another band. At the age of 18 I won a piano in contest and spread out my musical fascination in that direction as well. But before any of this, my first really favorite toy was a tape recorder. It was magical to record anything and everything, and when I started playing drums, I taped every rehearsal, every show, everything all the time. I am not surprised I am a studio owner, I really have not changed too much since the age of 15.
Was there an album or artist that inspired you to want to perform music?
Brian: I am constantly inspired by film, music, literary works, but mainly philosophy. I was fortunate to see Randy Rhoades perform, which was VERY inspiring. Ronnie Le Tekro from TNT was a huge influence early on.
Gary: All Pink Floyd albums, and then in a different way Van Halen and Yngwie records and tapes.
