Interviews
Mark Doerksen interviewed by Rick of The
Metal's Den
English
DREAM QUEST is a metal band from Manitoba who has paid us a visit
this past May 13 in Québec City opening for Fogotten Tales.
Since they have released their frirst album called « The Release » and
that live, their material has intrigued many fans, an interview with
guitarist Mark Doerksen became essential.
by Rick
Hi Mark,
You are the guitar player for the Winnipeg-based band DREAM QUEST and
you’ve had the opportunity to open for the Québec power
metal band FORGOTTEN TALES this past May 13. How did you find the response
from the fans and tell us how you got the gig?
Mark: The fans in Quebec were amazing! That was our first time playing
in Quebec, so we weren't really sure what to expect. But we knew it was
a great power metal city, so we didn't worry! It seems to me that they
were very interested in music, rather than just pretending to be metalheads.
We are more about playing good music and having fun -- not looking tough.
Xtreme Productions heard about us through word of mouth, and asked us to
play. Needless to say, we are very excited to return to Quebec.
We’ve had the chance to discover the band live and also DREAM QUEST’s
material recently. Your songs are pretty much anchored in the heavy metal
tradition with great guitar works that show an incredible dexterity and
control of the instrument along with well-thought rhythms. How would
you distinguish your sound and style compared to the mass?
Mark: First of all, thank you very much for the nice compliments! I think
our wide range of influences affects our music. We get musically bored
quite easily, so we are always striving to do something new. When writing
songs, I definitely stay away from stock chord progressions (like the galloping
Iron Maiden C D Em, for example). Every now and then I'll use one, but
it's more of a 'tip of the hat' to those that I admire. I love coming up
with new sounds, or writing a guitar part then trying to make an accompanying
bass part that changes everything. It keeps things fresh. This way, ourselves,
our songs, albums, and (hopefully) our fans do not get bored!
How did you come up with “adventure metal” to best describe
your band’s musical style?
Mark: I think it was our producer, John Paul Peters, who first used the
term. As soon as he said it, we instantly knew that it described us better
than anything else. If we said we were straight up power metal, I think
a lot of people would be disappointed because they would be comparing us
to other power metal bands. Our style is a bit wider than that. I've never
met anyone who didn't agree we are adventure metal.
As I told you after your performance opening for FORGOTTEN TALES, the
way you play guitar is amazing, you could be Ritchie Blackmore’s
grandson or Eddy Van Halen’s offspring Were they an influence on
you in any way?
Mark: Does that mean Valerie Bertinelli is my mom? Seriously, though,
I didn't get into Blackmore until a year or two ago, so I can definitely
say it didn't really influence me (although now I love it). I began playing
because of guitarists like Van Halen and Jimmy Page. Their playing is kind
of reckless, inspired, and passionate, which I really dig. Growing up,
my friends weren't really into the same music as I was, so there wasn't
anyone telling me about 'this new band they heard.' That's why I didn't
hear bands like Deep Purple until fairly recently.
During that same show, you guys played a Deep Purple cover, « Highway
Star ». Did you want to reach for the older crowd? Careful with that
answer
Mark: It is one of my all-time favourite songs. I can remember the exact
road I was driving on when I first heard it on the radio. Songs like « Highway
Star » are absolutely timeless. I love what Steve and Phil do when
we play it, so we had no choice but to cover it! I think a lot of people
know that song (even if they don't know which band it is). If young people
don't know it, they should!
DREAM QUEST has one official release called « The Release » … any
specific meaning?
Mark: It's kind of a double meaning. Often albums are named after a song,
which is obviously the case here. Also, it was our first 'release.' I guess,
in a way, it was also a personal release, because we had been writing and
perfecting that album for two years, which was a long time (how's that
for an answer?).
On kind of a side note, there was actually an unofficial recording from
a year or two ago where we recorded « 11th Hour » in French...
although I doubt it will ever see the light of day.
Again with the album, where can fans buy it? Will it be distributed around
the world or only available in Canada?
Mark: It's available in Winnipeg stores, and also at "The Underground
Record Store" in Finland. I just got word today that it will apparently
be available in Norway soon. For anywhere else in the world, there's a
few websites you can buy it off, the best (and cheapest) of which is www.cdbaby.com/dreamquest.
How’s the metal scene in Manitoba?
Mark: If you mean power metal scene, it's.... us. There's a lot of hardcore
bands, which I'm not really into.
Would you like to add anything else for the readers of The Metal’s
Den?
Mark: If you're tired of working all day and fighting crime all night,
you can check out our website at http://www.adventuremetal.com/
Also, don't try to do a backflip on uneven ground in Quebec the day before
playing a show. It really hurts your dignity and face.
Also, you all rule.
Thanks!
<-- BACK
|
