Mike Ian – The Learning Tree Discussion

1. What is the concept behind your conceptual Prog album “The Learning Tree”?

The concept behind “The Learning Tree” musically was to combine the musical elements I’ve learned and appreciated over the years, progressive music, symphonic, acoustic, vocal music, into a large-scale, cohesive project.  Lyrically it’s about one’s journey to find him or herself throughout this thing we call life.  It can best be described by lyricist, Troy Raleigh: “The learning tree of life has many branches. Come experience its growth from its roots to its apex. How a dream in sleep awakened one’s spirit on a journey of reflection, inspiration, exploration, salvation, and love. Embracing the ever changing winds in one’s life with great fortitude…  Dream away into reality.  And climb the learning tree of life.”

2. Why did you decide to record all the instruments and vocals?

Having my own studio and living and breathing music practically all my life, I felt this project was very close and personal to me.  Not that I am against other musicians by any means, but I wanted to see how far I could take the self-produced approach for such a personal endeavor.

3. Where and how did you record this album?

I recorded this album at my home studio in New Jersey.  I’ve become quite accomplished as a studio engineer so the task wasn’t all that complicated for me.  I’ve acquired pretty decent gear over the years and managed to get a relatively nice sound that I have been happy with.

4. Why did you decide to collaborate with lyricist Troy Raleigh?

Lyrics is where I fall short on my projects.  This is the main reason this project sat for so long. I thought inspiration would just hit me over the years.  The music was too broad and grand, I realized, for me to attempt a lyric that was equal to this grandeur.  So in came long friend, Troy Raleigh.  He managed, very quickly I may add, to assemble a cohesive lyrical tapestry to match the sonics I created.  I couldn’t be happier with the finished result.

5. The opening title, “A Pirate’s Dream,” conjures up the thrill of the pirate life in the deep seas. Did you have any cinematic inspiration for this track?

The music itself very early on gave me that nautical, sea-faring vibe.  Mainly because of that 6/8, sea-faring tempo.  Yes, there’s a cinematic quality to most of my large-scale music.  This opening track is a perfect example of how a song can open up one’s imagination to visually place you into another world.

6. Who did the cover artwork for the album and what was the concept behind it?

The artwork was done by my daughter, Ivy whom lives in Australia now.  We remotely went back and forth over design and concept for the project.  The concept was simply to convey imagery per song and have a cohesive, visual package to accompany the music experience.  The main image, the “learning tree”, was from a lyric on the album.  It seemed the perfect image to portray the concept for the whole album.

7. Do you have any plans to tour for this album?

No plans to tour this.

8. How do you feel about the modern Prog scene?

I am not all that up-to-date on the current prog scene.  I came from the old Genesis, Yes, ELP scene.  I do appreciate what I hear currently.

9. What are the “progressive” elements of the current “rock” scene?

The progressive elements in today’s scene I see are the fact that musicians are still pushing the boundaries of what we can do with our 12-tone musical system. The advancement of the technology plays a huge part.  The musicianship level of upcoming artists is really advancing from the original 1970’s era progressive musicians.

10. What about your next music plans?

After this project I am pretty burnt!  I say this after every project.  Then, out of nowhere, a thought pops up!

To purchase: https://mikeian.hearnow.com/the-learning-tree
For more information visit: www.mikeian.com