Q: I’ve always wondered what made you go for the name TesseracT?
A: A tesseract is a projection of a cube in four dimensions. The name provides an analogy of the music, as it works on lots of different levels, fusing different layers and textures to create a multi-dimensional soundscape.
Q: How would you describe your music?
A: Progressive rock combining a range of sounds that evoke multiple emotions at any one time.
Q: What’s your writing process?
A: Acle is the main songwriter, and generally be builds up an idea from one riff or drum groove. That’s then emailed around to everyone, and we all discuss and feed into it. Dan will usually come back with a selection of vocal ideas which then helps develop a song structure, and then everything else in the song generally falls into place. As the songs tend to grow organically, there’s rarely a pre-conceived idea of what it should sound like.. it just turns out the way it does. That’s why sometimes they end up being incredibly long. Luckily we can get away with that, being a prog band!
Q: Who or what is your inspiration, if you have any?
A: In the early days, the main musical inspirations were Meshuggah, Pink Floyd and various other similar bands. Nowadays I think the main inspiration is Acle’s cat.
READ HERE OUR REVIEW OF TESSERACT’S NEW ALBUM POLARIS >
Q: What’s your favourite song(s) on the new album?
A: I don’t really have one… but I guess to play, Dystopia’s a favourite. The riffs are really fun to play and it makes a good set opener.
Q: What makes Polaris different from Altered State (and by the way, congratulations on Polaris, I can’t stop listening to it, it’s absolutely fantastic)?
A: Thank you very much! Polaris is the next step in the Tesseract’s evolution. As a band we constantly strive to be different: if we were to produce something that sounds like something else, we’d find it boring. And if we find it boring then I’m sure listeners will too! I’d say in general, that it’s a more mature record- more restrained but more detailed too.
Q: What should fans expect from Polaris?
A: A collection of songs rather than a prog rock opus. Multi-layered detail, but hook-laden and accessible. I’d like to think that this record could be enjoyed by rock music fans who aren’t necessarily into prog.
Q: What kind of emotions would you like your audience to feel when they listen to your music?
A: Everything! Although ultimately, happiness.
Q: Which do you like most, life in the studio or on tour?
A: Me, personally.. it’s playing live. There’s nothing quite like playing loud music to people, it’s a lot of fun!
Q: Pick your 3 favourite albums that you would take on a desert island with you.
A: Slayer – Decade of Aggression, Cinematic Orchestra – The man with the movie camera, Bon Jovi – Crossroads
