Rock Overdose and Vivi Jd had the chance to talk with Yossi Sassi, member of Israeli progressive oriental metallers ORPHANED LAND, about band's latest news and his solo album. Enjoy the interview...
Rockoverdose.gr: First of all tell me how the idea of making Orphaned Land a band from a combination of progressive and traditional music came in your mind? Did you ever think that this would be a risk?
Yossi:When I founded "Orphaned Land" more than 20 years ago with my band mates I never thought if what I'm composing or playing is something weird or "a risk". as an artist you don't need to think like this. and I continue to go after my heart also today, and not fall into jenre definitons, just do what I love to compose and play.
Rockoverdose.gr: What’s going on with Orphaned Land these days? What are you doing?
Yossi:We're working on a new album, finally after I got a chance to rest a bit from my Solo Album release, "Melting Clocks". Most composition is already done and I move to work with my friends on arranging the songs further. Then in October-November I will tour with Marty Friemdan in Europe (and possibly U.S/Canada) with my solo album.
Rockoverdose.gr: You had many live shows lately. Tell us about your next steps and if there is any chance to see you in Greece!
Yossi: Ah, I wish! currently my european tour for October includes only east/west Europe and UK dates. I have great memories from my shows in greece, in Athens, Tessalokini etc. I'd love to come back 😉
Rockoverdose.gr: I know that you have many friends in Greece. Tell us your opinion for our country generally.
Yossi:Greece is one of my favorite places, because it is so close to Israel in mentality, as well as in food, some cultural similarities etc. I love Bouzouki, its one of my top instruments. I love the culture man, respect to the generations that built this wonderful heritage. and I am part Greek! ha ha! 🙂 yes, I have a quearter of greek blood in me.
Rockoverdose.gr: Any information that you can share with us about a new album?
Yossi:for the new O.L album it will take more time before I can share some stuff, but the composition so far sounds beautiful!
Rockoverdose.gr: Tell us also some things about your personal project.
Yossi:My new solo album is out for a couple of months now, its titled "Melting Clocks" and its a concept album, great investment in sound and musicality. It is featuring Marty Friedman and some other talented musicians, from Piano to Nay and Kawala flutes, from female vocals to Bozouki and roaring electric riffs, you can find it all there in this musical journey 🙂
Rockoverdose.gr: Are there any new albums that you listen a lot these days?
Yossi:I listen to a lot of my students music these days, I lecture at college here in Israel, and i'm amazed from the talents. I also produced a band called "Oceanic", very different rock sound with some metal touch, I like to hear it these days.
Rockoverdose.gr: Why you mostly choose concept albums?
Yossi: I prefer concept albums both in O.L and as a Solo Artist because they give a wider meaning to the musical experience. Also in "Melting clocks" a strong emphasis was put on the artwork, with the talented Dina Bova that created amazing photos and artworks to fit the concept better, it came out amazing - you feel the music through the artwork and your can understand the art through the songs.
Rockoverdose.gr: What do we have to expect from you in the future?
Yossi: You can expect I won't be resting! 🙂 ha ha! seriously, I have studio time with bands that I produce, I intend to perform with O.L and tour with my Solo album "Melting Clocks" with Marty Friedman and Kiko Louriro (from "Angra"), I recently played guitar for some cool project in Kuwait, I lecture on production and composition in music colleges etc, so yes - very good things happening!
Rockoverdose.gr: What about the metal scene there? I have heard many new bands the last few years.
Yossi: We have great-great bands working on material and performing here, I wish you could get a chance to see them live! really from hard-rock to grindcore, you can find it all in the israeli metal scene!
Rockoverdose.gr: If you could change one thing in the world what would be that?
Yossi: I am already doing that - as an agent of change, I try my best to bridge between people using music as a universal language, to help bridge different opinions and beliefs. I think with tolerance and education we can understand that all is the same, no matter where you were born and how you were raised.
Yamas!
Yossi
Comments
