Few personalities in music can boast that they have defined an entire musical genre, as well as generations of music lovers worldwide. In the case of the prog titan Arjen Lucassen, these conditions apply, but the Dutch musician has always been too humble to brag about it. Today is a very special day because my musical hero is with me to answer my questions about his new solo album Songs That No One Would Hear, Ayreon, and much more.
The multifaceted artist opens up about the new record, his musical journey, the importance of collaborations, and of course, the lasting impact of his work on fans around the world.
Arjen Lucassen Online
www.facebook.com/ArjenLucassenOfficial
RockOverdose: Welcome to RockOverdose! I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been this excited to welcome a guest. I’ve been a long-time Arianaut and a fan of all your projects. How are you today?
Arjen Lucassen: So happy to be here! I’m doing great, thanks!
RockOverdose: You've released yet another great album in your long discography – but this is only your third solo album in over 30+ years! What made you decide that this one would be a solo record and not part of another project?
Arjen Lucassen: I’ve done a lot of albums for others in recent years – like Plan 9 for Robert Soeterboek and Vermillion for Simone Simons. I really felt the need to do something just for myself – a totally egocentric album! When I work for others, I think differently. But when it’s just for me, I can let ideas flow without second-guessing.
RockOverdose: It was quite a surprise to see a follow-up to Lost in the New Real – almost 13 years later!
Arjen Lucassen: Yeah, and it’s always fun for me to do something personal like this. I don’t have to coordinate with guest singers – and hey, it’s fun to sing myself sometimes!
RockOverdose: The album is fantastic. I especially loved "Singled Out", "The Universe Has Other Plans", and of course... "Shagathon"!
Arjen Lucassen: (laughs) Yeah, that one’s a crazy song! I wasn’t sure whether to include it, but it’s just so much fun. Even my dog Fjord makes a barking appearance in it!
RockOverdose: You’ve always excelled in creating a somber atmosphere with your lyrical direction, but musically there’s a big contrast, since your endeavors always included mostly fun and energetic tracks with you everpresent, having the time of your life performing them. Why all these ‘negative’, world ending scenarios though?
Arjen Lucassen: My music is quite bombastic – and what’s more epic than the downfall of humanity? (laughs) But I always try to include something positive. Like in Just Not Today – we’re all going to die, sure, but not today. So let’s do something cool in the meantime.
RockOverdose: Your music is hard to label. It’s not just prog, not just metal. It's everything. Would you say you’ve created your own genre?
Arjen Lucassen: I think I might have! Even though the songs are different from each other, my sound has become recognizable: certain drum sounds, guitar tones, female vocals, and of course the same singers coming back over the years. When someone says “this sounds like Arjen,” that’s the biggest compliment.
RockOverdose: When writing new music, do you think of guest singers from the beginning?
Arjen Lucassen: No, not at all. In the beginning, I just write whatever comes to mind. I don’t even think about lyrics or a concept. Once I settle on the story or theme, I start thinking of who would be the perfect voice for each part – and then I adjust the melodies to fit them.
RockOverdose: This year also marks Ayreon’s 30th anniversary. What should we expect?
Arjen Lucassen: Something really special. The first half of the show will feature songs that have never been played live before. No one will know what’s coming – not even us! (laughs) The second half will include fan favorites. I honestly can’t wait!
RockOverdose: I tried so hard to get tickets for the show... but they were gone in seconds!
Arjen Lucassen: We’ll do more shows just for you! (laughs)
RockOverdose: Do you have any favorite projects or artists you’ve worked with?
Arjen Lucassen: I do – but I can’t say! (laughs) Others might get upset. It’s been such a huge honor to work with heroes like Bruce Dickinson, and with amazing newer voices like Tommy Karevik. I also loved working with legends like John Wetton – and of course, Tom Baker. He was Doctor Who, for heaven’s sake! That was a dream come true.
RockOverdose: OK, if you can’t reveal a favorite collaborator… can you tell us your favorite Ayreon album?
Arjen Lucassen: I think The Dream Sequencer is one of my favorites. As a concept, maybe Electric Castle is stronger, but musically, Dream Sequencer has some truly beautiful songs. Out of the other projects, I’d say Lost in the New Real – because it’s 100% me.
RockOverdose: The Arianauts are one of the most passionate fan communities out there. How does that affect you as a person and as an artist?
Arjen Lucassen: It’s a huge source of inspiration. Without the fans, I wouldn’t be making music anymore. The album title Songs No One Will Hear is ironic, really – because there is an audience that will hear them. And they’re the most positive audience ever. I want my music to bring that positivity to people – even if the world is collapsing around us.
RockOverdose: You’re truly one of the kindest and most talented people I’ve ever had the pleasure to talk to. Thank you so much for this interview.
Arjen Lucassen: Thank you too, Angelos! I really enjoyed this. Talk to you again on the next album!
On behalf of Rockoverdose,
Angelos Chantzigiannis
Album review: ARJEN ANTHONY LUCASSEN - “Songs No One Will Hear”
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