In the lively musical landscape of Frankfurt, Germany, the alternative rock group, Ahead of Myself, came into existence. The quintet, comprised of Tiada Bischoff (lead vocals), Michael Schweitzer (bass, keyboards, backing vocals), Zong Xu Steinhoff (guitars), Florian Wacker (guitars), and Andy Schmitz (drums, keyboards), embarked on a musical journey that seamlessly blended their diverse influences into a progressive rock tapestry. Their story unfolded as they shared the tale of their collective musical odyssey.
In the heart of this tale, Andy, the seasoned drummer, reminisced about his nearly three-decade-long musical voyage. His connection with Flo and Michael dates back to the days of The Clinch, later christened Crowd of Evolution. The bond formed during those years laid the foundation for their musical unity, a synchronicity that echoed the title of Ahead of Myself‘s recent album, “Kind of the Same Mind.” Andy’s progressive rock initiation in the mid-eighties, fueled by bands like Dream Theater, Marillion, Pink Floyd, and Rush, set the stage for Ahead of Myself‘s genre exploration.
Michael, the mid-50s bass maestro, spoke of his teenage days with a bass guitar in hand, initially drawn to punk music. However, his journey took a progressive turn with Dream Theater‘s “When Dream and Day Unite,” sparking a lifelong love for intricate compositions. His musical evolution traversed the realms of 80s rock and metal, weaving a unique tapestry connecting math, physics, and emotion.
Flo, the guitarist with roots in “regular” rock and metal, had his musical trajectory altered by Andy and Michael’s progressive contagion. Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree became pivotal influences, expanding his sonic horizons.
Zong Xu, the multi-talented guitarist and drummer, shared his story, spanning 15 years of drumming, self-taught guitar skills, and a musical journey from China to Liverpool. Pink Floyd‘s impact, stemming from childhood car rides, fueled his passion for alternative, progressive, and experimental rock.
Featured Track: A Sonic Reverie Unveiled
The narrative flowed into the exploration of their featured track on the “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation, “Sleepless.” Andy, the rhythmic storyteller, traced the genesis of the song to a collaboration with the talented English guitarist, Nigel Barnes. The song’s inception stemmed from an enchanting guitar riff Barnes conjured, merging seamlessly with Andy’s ambient electronic composition. Michael recounted the challenges of reconstructing the rhythm and building the bass foundation, while Tiada, inspired by a sleepless night, wove her vocals into a narrative that evolved into a tale of insomnia and transformation into a bat.
Creative Process: Unveiling the Artistic Alchemy
The creative process for their newest studio offering unfolded as the band illuminated their method of crafting musical spells. Andy, described his melody-centric approach, while Tiada unveiled her iterative process of listening, structuring, and finding melodies. Michael, dissected the technological gift and curse of modern music creation, with online collaboration becoming the lifeline of their creative process.
Flo added his perspective, contributing his distinctive style to the compositions crafted by Andy and Michael. The synergy of their creative exchange was reflected in their patchwork approach, with each band member leaving their imprint on the evolving musical canvas.
Influences: A Mosaic of Inspirations
As the story unfolded, the protagonists revealed their major influences in the progressive rock realm. Flo and Andy echoed praise for Porcupine Tree and Steven Wilson, emphasizing their admiration for the band’s versatility and melodic intricacies. Michael’s musical spectrum drew from influences like Police, Queensrÿche, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, and Riverside, leading to a unique amalgamation in his own style. Zong Xu, influenced by Pink Floyd, Marillion, and Porcupine Tree, underscored the impact of musical composition, lyricism, and the emotional depth these bands brought to their craft.
The Music Industry: Facing the Challenges
The band faced the challenges of the music industry head-on. Flo expressed a love-hate relationship, acknowledging the industry’s flaws while recognizing the opportunities it presented for emerging artists. The changing landscape, from a gatekeeper model to a flood of independent releases, prompted Michael to reflect on the overwhelming abundance of music accessible today. Andy shed light on the harsh reality for unknown bands, emphasizing the importance of live performances, social media presence, and resilience. Amidst the challenges, they found solace in the positive feedback for their album, a testament to their dedication.
Evolution: Nurturing the Prog Scene
The band contemplated the evolution of the progressive rock/metal scene, emphasizing its timeless nature. Andy envisioned making progressive rock more accessible by infusing pop elements, offering shorter songs with catchy melodies without sacrificing the genre’s essence. Zong Xu expressed optimism for new progressive rock bands achieving global success, with Ahead of Myself contributing through continuous releases.
Your Journey: Cherished Moments and Personal Favorites
As the narrative delved into memorable moments, each band member shared glimpses of their individual journeys. From Flo’s transformative experience with the track “Restraint” to Tiada’s realization of publishing their own album, the journey became a tapestry of personal and musical connections. Michael highlighted the joy of returning to music after a hiatus, and Andy reminisced about the electrifying moment on stage at Batschkapp Music Club. Zong Xu, in addition to personal milestones, marveled at the transformation of neighbors into a full-fledged band with an album released.
In the realm of personal favorites, Flo celebrates “Restraint” for its sound and powerful guitars, while Tiada oscillates between “Numb” and the evolved version of “Sleepless.” Andy and Zong Xu echo a preference for “Sleepless,” with its funky, mysterious, and psychedelic elements.
Future Plans: The Ongoing Symphony
The band offered a glimpse into their future projects, hinting at piano-based compositions and experimental tracks. Live performances and composing new songs stood on the horizon, with festivals in their sights. Zong Xu shared his excitement about upcoming gigs and his involvement in other original bands.
Compilation Experience: A Harmonious Inclusion
Being part of a compilation became a testament to their recognition and an honor. Flo expresses gratitude for being among creative artists in the prog scene, eager to connect with fellow contributors. Michael views it as an unexpected honor, never imagining being listed among such esteemed musicians. Andy shares the sentiment, emphasizing the honor bestowed upon them.
Message to Fans: A Grateful Overture
In a message to their newfound audience, Flo urges fans to be “same, same, but different.” Tiada expresses gratitude, acknowledging the joy of creating music that resonates with listeners. Michael encourages open-minded exploration of new bands and genres, emphasizing gratitude for the musical discoveries. Finally, Andy shares words of wisdom from Frank Zappa, urging deviation from the norm for progress.
Quickfire Round: Musical Dreams and Aspirations
In a quickfire round, the band dreams of collaborations with artists like Mark Tremonti, Steven Wilson, and Radiohead. Instruments of choice range from drums to guitars, pianos, and saxophones. Favorite prog albums include Porcupine Tree‘s “In Absentia” and Dream Theater‘s “Metropolis Pt. 2.” Non-musical influences extend to literature, art, and science, revealing a rich tapestry of inspirations.
Closing Thoughts: A Melodic Farewell
As the narrative approaches its coda, the band shared final reflections. Flo implores fans to support their cherished musicians, while Michael embraces the kind of crazy journey that united them in musical harmony. Andy advocates for authenticity and deviation from the norm, echoing the sentiment of progress. Zong Xu urges aspiring musicians to embark on the transformative journey of playing an instrument.
For those eager to traverse the digital realm and discover more about Ahead of Myself, the band extended an invitation to explore their universe through linktr.ee/aheadofmyself.
