Interview with Bob Katsionis ( www.lionmusic.com   ) by Johnny C of www.loudmetal.com 

Please talk a little bit about your new album Turn of My Century...
Bob:After many years of wandering through the Greek underground scene, a
dozen of demo tapes and some CDs that were reocrded but never released,it
was my time to release something that could stand as what Bob Katsionis can
play and compose with a good production and ,the most important, from a
company that could spread my name in the best possible way.This CD contains
17 different tracks showing some of my different aspects on making music but
its true that after a close listen someone can easily understand what my
personal style of playing is and then recognize even a single note I will
ever play on the keyboard!This is the most important of all I believe.

Which guys would you consider to be your main influences?
Bob:The most important influence for me to play the keyboards in a different
way from what I learned in the conservatory was the playing of Kevin Moore
with DT.Then I first listened to the music of ELP;Keith Emerson is the most
important musician for me. Finally,I discovered the neoclassical maestro
Yngwie Malmsteen and along with him the amazing Jens Johannsson.Apart from
these guys,Jeff Waters is my favourite guitar player followed by Mr John
Petrucci of my beloved Dream Theater.

How would you describe your music to someone who is not familiar with it?
Bob:I believe that my music is a mix of inspired melodies,groovy riffs,
atmospheric parts, remindable but interesting solos all arranged in the
classic metal way. I could call Turn Of My Century a
melodic-progressive-fusion METAL release.

How did you develop your own style of playing, did you take any lessons?
Bob:I have studied church organ for 12 years and then got a diploma on
this.But the way I play is the result of my love to the music of Dream
Theater, Yngwie Malmsteen, Rush, Kansas, ELP, Marillion, Symphony X and many
more bands and musicians whose music I have studied fo endless hours.The
most important thing,though, was the fact that I started composing and
recording from the day one I got my guitar and then,my first synth/sequencer
as well as endless hours of rehearsing with a lot of different bands in the
studio.

What is the most important, feeling or technique? can you survive with only
one of them?
Bob:Well,I cannot imagine why someone who doesn't feel anything should write
a song anyway!But in order to express your feelings better you must know how
to use your instrument and make it "speak" instead of you or some singer's
voice.And that's the most challenging in writing instrumental music: to say
what you have to say just using your 7 strings or the 76 black and white
keys.

What kind of equipment are you using live or in the studio?
Bob:All the sounds I used on TOMC are taken from my KORG TR-Rack except some
analogue sounds from YAMAHA's CS-1X.Along with an all time classic DX-7 used
as a master keyboard for the rack that's what I use in both studio and live
perfomances. For the guitars I have recorded with my beloved 7 string IBANEZ
and Behringer's V-AMP. Just this for both studio and stage!And works fine I
must say!

How was the album recorded?
Bob:Turn Of My Century was recorded at my home studio in my ADATs and then
was mixed and mastered by Lars Eric Mattsson,the owner of my label ,Lion
Music in Finland. I fully trusted him to do the mix and I must admit that he
did a great work!

Which musicians would you like to play with some day?
Bob:I'd like to do a big jamming session with the following band:
Guitars      :Vinnie Moore/ John Petrucci
Bass          :Stu Hamm
Drums       :Mike Portnoy
Keyboards:Me!!!

What kind of music do you like the least? Do you ever listen to music that
is very different from what you do, if so what?
Bob: I can't say that I hate a certain kind of music,but I  like to listen
to music which has the 3 basic elements of the Music Art: Melody, Groove and
Harmony.All the musical genres have to offer inspired songs,and if there's a
song that's good, it will be good whatever the arrangement will be.Of
course, I must say that I have come to the conclusion that what has ever
reached closer to what I call "The Perfect Music" is the music of the two
LTE Cds or Dream Theater's whole discography.

Are there any plans to tour? What other plans do you have for the near
future?
Bob:I have already formed a band and we perform stuff from both TOMC as well
as my second release which is already recorded by my new band.Touring is a
little bit expensive,especially for a stand-alone keyboard player so,when
I'll be ready I will surely do some shows supporting some other band.But my
main plan is to join a bigger band as a session or maybe full member and
then record and tour worldwide.I also have ready my second release with
IMAGINERY, a modern melodic power band and we are in search of a good
singer.Do you know any?

How is the musical climate for hard rock in your country?
Bob:Greece is a great place to come for vacations, visit the historical
monuments, spend all your money on women, food and ouzo but.that's all!When
it comes to music there's a whole different situation from any other country
which I cannot explain to someone who hasn't ever lived here.That's why I do
everything I do in order to leave this country and play in a place that my
music will take what it deserves.and that's the rest of the world!

What are your feelings about the world we live in and how do you look upon
yourself in 15 years from now?
Bob:I could start analyzing for hours and hours but I must say that life is
very simple: find what you really want to do, who you really love,who you
really are and then play music,make art or make you life an art by making
the best out of what you are given.
In 15 years from now? Well,my crystal ball is out of range here in Greece so
I'll tell you what will happen when it will work again!