www.facebook.com/visionsofmorpheus
From: Canada
Sounds like: Progressive Metal
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Visions of Morpheus" come about and is there any meaning to it?
I started playing guitar in high school and I grew up in a musical family where my mom, dad and brother all played various instruments. I took a few lessons but wasn't really learning what I wanted so I just started learning on my own. Been that way ever since. I am influenced by other bands like Symphony X, Dream Theater and Pagan's Mind so they had an impact on shaping our sound. I also really like to do a lot of synth layers whether it's orchestral, electronic or classic B3 organ. I'm a big fan of having multiple things going on melodically that also support each other. I also like unusual sounds or instruments like an old orchestron, arco technique on violins, theremin, Middle Eastern santoor, etc. that we used on songs like Medusa and Watch the World Burn and Lost Within. I experimented with various guitar harmonies but I'm quite fond of octaves as they sound quite powerful and can really underscore and accentuate certain parts to make them sound a bit more epic.
As far as the band name goes I wanted something that was wide open and not going to pigeon hole us in terms of subject matter. I wanted something kind of mysterious, ambiguous and thought provoking. We take our name from the Greek god of dreams. We tend to lean heavily on the nightmares aspect of the stories we tell.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
To leave the listener with the same feeling like after you have watched a good movie. We really try to create something immersive that takes you beyond the music and is a shared unique experience between the song and the listener. When I was writing, it was all about the song first, anything else is secondary but supportive to that. I didn't want a bunch of look what I can do riffs all the time but rather something that would hold up with repeated listening. Hopefully we have achieved that.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
I would say it's accessible progressive metal with interesting arrangements, clean vocals and anthemic choruses. I think the song structure is relatable and then we add the more complex stuff typically in the middle of the song with progressive breakdowns.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Easy...Kamelot, Symphony X or Dream Theater!
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
The lack of being able to do much of anything had a large part in the project's genesis.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Progressive Metal?
I think it's a pretty exciting time as there is quite an explosion of bands and sub genres. There are bands out there really pushing the envelope and there's lots of opportunities and ways to tell stories.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Canada?
Specifically where I live there is a thriving music scene for all genres. There's lots of good bands and talent in the area, especially in the Toronto area of course - tons of diversity But, you know after covid, the live music scene is not what it once was but I think it's starting to come back.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
It's ridiculous and insulting. They have turned bands into t-shirt salesman to try and make a bit of money.
9. What’s next for Visions of Morpheus?
We are working on some new music for the next album. Now that we kinda know what to expect we are in a much better position to get things together more quickly. We also have some new music videos coming out for Watch the World Burn, Ghost, Power of 7 among others. We are also getting some gigs happening and will be playing shows in Toronto and the Durham Region in 2024. People can find our gig schedule at: https://visionsofmorpheus.com
10. Any shoutouts?
I would say a special thanks to Tamara Rubia from Black Tooth Grin Productions for getting us our first gig at the Rockpile in Toronto!
