MONDAY Q&A 8/31/20

Q: I know you have written that you are excited to be part of the ReMISSION TOS2020 project, so I wanted to ask now that it has been released, which moments in the song and video are most special to you?

A: Yes, this is certainly an amazing thing to me to be part of something special like this. Not just being alongside these amazing artists that I respect and admire their work … but that the entire focus of this has been to do something good for the front-line heroes. Special moments? When I first got to hear from of the early mixes by Tim, the second verse with Julianne, Rachel and Evi really stood out to me. I love their voices and the way their strayed away a bit from the original melody … simply beautiful. Gary Neman’s voice is so recognizable on first listen, and fits perfectly. For me, being 1/2 part of the ‘Aston equation’ … in getting the GLJ twins on this, it was moving to hear them on the same verse. Musically for me, I think when Budgie and Kevin Haskins’s live drums come in is so powerful. I really must also commend Richard Fortus’s recreation of John Paul Jones’ epic orchestral parts. His addition is stunning. I played the part with my ‘mellowtron’ guitar setup (used a lot on the BIC albums), which Wayne swears is in the mix, but Richard' actually played violin and cello, which adds so much to the grandeur of the part. That guy is extremely talented! Tim Palmer’s mixes are so dynamic and powerful. I must admit that the trentemoller remix threw me a bit on first listen, but grew on me real quick! I think it really shows just how great of a song ‘tower of strength’ is, and this version really showcases the amazing singers that are involved. Also, I think Vicente Cordero did an absolutely great job pulling together the video. It is moving and very heartfelt, and he dug for some great stock footage to honor the front-line workers, When the guy at the end pulls his mask off… it really adds just a positive note to this all.