ALAN SIMON – The Excalibur Stories
- You have a new album called ‘Excalibur V – Move, Cry Act, Clash!’, which is the story (lyrically speaking) that takes place on your new album?
Excalibur V is a war cry! We are at a defining crossroads in human history. Either we enter into a new relationship with the Earth and all it’s varied life forms or we are doomed to exclude ourselves from this great circle of life! I am not a mystic but I have the privilege of travelling a lot and I have been observing the world for 50 years. It’s now or never. This is our final chance and we have a personal responsibility to our children and all mankind.
An artist has a duty of responsibility towards the world. We are always trying to influence people’s perception and understanding of the world around us. Creating music and releasing it to the general public is not trivial. There was a time when music was a “weapon” of confrontation, realising new dreams written in the sky a vision of our most beautiful hope. This is our way of saying out loud what everyone is quietly thinking: “MOVE, ACT, CRY, CLASH! “
- You have many famous musicians (John Wetton, Steve Hackett, John Helliwell, etc.) as participants on your new album. Did they contribute as composers, or were they hired to play their music parts?
I sent the tracks to these legendary musicians fully produced but they don’t need me to showcase their talent. Excalibur is a musical round table where everyone is invited to bring their great creative gifts, their hopes and their energy. I am proud of all these great artists, well known or not! - How does this new “Excalibur” album is different from the previous “Excalibur” albums that you have released so far?
There have been five studio albums since 1999. Each album is different and that is very important to me. The day I feel like repeating myself I would stop. As I said above Excalibur V is a cry of anger. COP 26 has just ended and we are continuing our lancinating speeches. Music seems to me to be an alternative to express this anger. Excalibur V is a much rockier album than the previous ones.
- According to your sayings, you followed an old-fashioned way to produce this album, how did this experience affect the final audio result of the album?
Old methods? New methods? I do not care! What interests me is to share and offer the best experience possible. For that I prefer old-fashioned (really big) studios where musicians can interact. Nothing beats human sound and eye to eye contact. And it is much more gratifying. This virtual world isolates us and we lose spontaneity!
- Why did you decide to record this album in Italy?
The musicians I work with are mostly Italians. I really like Italy. It has great culture, just like Greece, which I frequently visit. I was in Athens and Spetses recently; I also met Greek friends in Santorini 6 months ago and I have a musical project there! Lets see…
To return to Italy my sound engineer for 22 years, the wonderful Marco Canepa, he is Italian.
- Have you ever thought of transferring tour Excalibur concept in cinema?
Oh well …
It’s a good idea, but there are already some great films, notably “Excalibur” by John Boorman. Considerable resources are needed for this genre. And especially strong actors like those chosen by Boorman.
I am rather interested in the making of films anchored in our reality. I have just finished my second film “Monsieur Constant” which talks about those who are no longer with us, (our parents, brothers, sisters, friends, love …) these are the people who have made us what we are.
- How feasible is to produce an album today that the world of music streaming?
Just a short reply : AAAAAAARGH!!!!
But these days, you need to be mad or an idealist .
I follow my road, I try my best . Not very easy today.
I am lucky because there are enough followers of my music around the world who love the quality of the entire package.
- What is your opinion about the current model of the music business?
Quality has gotten the hell out of favor these days – It’s just music without too much work.
There are exceptions of course. But it was inevitable. Today a guy who has good looks and wags his butt behind a console is considered to be a god of music. In addition the major music labels have sawn off the branch on which they were sitting. The creators are the ones who lose out. You make an album for years, putting in your heart, soul and savings. The day after its release it is already available worldwide for free on download with a shitty sound. Everyone has their own conscience. But honestly I think unfortunately no one seems to care. I keep hoping despite these concerns that I can continue for as long as I can. I live modestly, my only great luxuries are my artistic creations and travel!
- How would you augment the rock opera music genre today, any ideas about adding new music elements?
Rock opera is in my opinion a particular genre that’s is quite rare today!
It is an alchemy between rock, symphonic, choir and a solid libretto which I have extended to include world rhythms and instruments (Celtic, Arabian, Indian, Balkanic….). I suppose you could call it a ‘Concept’ album.
- What about your next plans?
I am always very busy 🙂
I am preparing a film on the wolf and its return to France. (We had 500 wolves with us for a few years before they disappeared). I have a double concept album, ‘The Fall & The Rise’ which I am working on for 2023 and then a symphonic poem on Marco Polo’s great journey … ‘Step by Step’.
I also really hope to see Excalibur on tour soon. I would love to play in Greece to all my Greek friends. You have a lot of great composers. I am a big fan of Theodorakis, Hadjedakis but also Tangelos.
And in conclusion I’ll tell you a secret, but please don’t repeat it: The best cuisine is not French, it is Greek … I love it!
Interview’s photo by Martine Le Pevedic
More information: Alan Simon Music | Facebook
