ANATHEMA

After one of my dreams came true, after watching Anathema playing in Murcia, I talked to Danny about the possibility of making an interview. Well here is the result, ENJOY

1.- Well, Danny, looking to your back, what is the first thing you think about Anathema, your music and your life?
first thing I think about?
rock. that's the first word that came into my head. I have immensely enjoyed my time in music and I have many fond memories. but it is not over yet and I hope for even greater prospects to come.

2.- I've read so many times that your music is not to be heard, it is to be felt. I agree completely. Well every listener has his own feelings for each situation. What are your feelings when you play, is there any "special" song for you? any song that you feel differently when you play?
when I get really in the mood to play or write or improvise I feel a sense of calm come over me. like a door opens (not too often) and soft calm feelings come through the door and flood into my mind. sometimes this can happen even when writing fast aggressive powerful music. there's still a calm in there, like the eye of a hurricane. there is no particular song that is extra special to me I like a lot of them. I guess maybe one last goodbye is very poignant.

3.- Do you think we're forever?
I really do not know...
a friend once said to me... 'do you remember what it was like before you were born...?'
'neither do I...'
I am tempted to think that anyone who is sure they have the answer is automatically wrong...
what do I know? not much... the more I have learned the less sure I have become

4.- After much time of meditation, I arrived to the simple conclusion of that whatever you do in your life it must be felt, you can never do the things under obligation or just to play a role of what you are expected to do. In this way Anathema became a lot of years ago one of my favourite bands. You seem to compose what you feel and you like to in each moment. You do no just do what is expected form you. Each album is really different musically. You had a deep evolution. I think that your music is the mirror of your growth as persons. Well. can you tell me what do you think about this?
yes I think in the end, many people could take things from you, your freedoms, your family, your resolve, your dignity. but they cannot take your honesty away from you, that is something you have to give away... (okay extreme circumstances...maybe a lie is the best policy)
but as for music, I think its important for a good honest group to be true to each other and true to what it is they would like to create... what is the bad religion lyric...?
'I believe in unity, and I am willing to compromise, but I am not gonna lie or sell my soul...'
the lure of money can be one reason why bands could 'sell out' and we have had it thrown it at us... but let me tell you
1. we have never had any real money'
2. if we wanted to sell out we certainly would not have taken this musical direction
3. our songs are from the heart and no one can take that away from us

5.- I'm looking forward for your DVD Were you There (for sure I was). I go a couple of times each week to my shop to ask for it. When is it going to finally out? What the hell happened with MFN?
MFN's parent company was bought and it was decided not to carry on the MFN franchise anymore. as of now we are free agents, and it is not a bad position to be in. we hope the DVD will come out soon on BMG but I cannot guarantee anything. I hear rumours too...

6.- Is there any gig you remember in a special way? Why?
I have always loved playing live and I hope to continue. there are a few gigs this year which I remember fondly. I would say Saturday night in Athens was a great one. I also loved graspop and Milano because we played so well.

7.- Well I have a doubt, I've always heard that you do not usually play sleepless alive, In Marcia you played it, but maybe being one of your most known songs, it is strange that you don't play it at every gig. What can you tell me about this?
it makes a comeback every now and again. although its a good rock track it is rather old and I have not written something like that for a long time. I guess we will improve it live until it really rocks and stays in the set, but you must remember Vincent never sang that song at first and it isn't so natural for him to sing vocals that our friend Darren white had written..

8.- Now typical questions
-Which are the best guitar players for you? Which influenced your way of playing
-Tell me what is your play list at this moment
-Which would you say that is your favourite Anathema CD.
-And your favourite Song?
most influence on me in guitar?
mark knopfler, David gilmour, iron maiden, radiohead, hetfield, nick drake
best ever guitarist?
jimi hendrix
most over rated?
kirk hammett
cd payer broken so no playlist...
don't have a favourite anathema cd or favourite song. there are new ones that i am excited about because i like the challenge of improving..

9.-Well I promised you this was going to be a short interview, so I won't entertain you more. Thanks for all Danny, you make feel music like something really important for a lot of people. Best wishes and CHEERS!!!!!! Just say whatever you want!! THANKS
thanks very much and best wishes to all...

DECEMBER 2004
Interview by Fran

www.anathema.ws

Discography:
The Crestfallen [EP] 1992
Serenades 1993
Pentecost III1995
The Silent Enigma 1995
Eternity 1996
Alternative 4 1998
Judgement 1999
Resonance [Compilation] 2001
A Fine Day To Exit 2001
Resonance 2 [Compilation] 2002
A Natural Disaster 2003
Were You There? [DVD] 2004