In response to this blog:
I am one of those musician fans of metal. I sung as an alto vocalist from 9yrs. old to 14 yrs. old. I haven’t sung publicly since. I have been playing alto sax since I was 10 yrs. old. I’m not in a performance group at this time. I listen to mostly metal and other rock genres, but I do listen to any folk, blues (yay Chicago!), marches/fight songs, classical, baroque, any latin music, swing, etc. Singing and playing a woodwind has had an effect on how I listen to music. I enjoy higher volumes, but I adore anyone who could pull off the “more sound, less volume” technique. Also, I tend to over analyze melody, countermelody, and harmony a lot. I don’t remember what it’s like to just listen.

~Rachel

~PEACE~

My total experience of playing music was being in a school band playing trumpet when I was a kid. But I didn’t stick with it, or pick up another instrument.

But I really love music, especially metal. I don’t know if I appreciate it or enjoy it more than a musician. I can see what you’re saying about the “analytical” side of things. Perhaps being a musician makes you slightly jaded in a way that you might not to be able to enjoy the music as … innocently? … as a non musician. Not sure about that though.

I have to say that sometimes when I’m really into a album, it makes me WANT to pick up a guitar because of some sort of inspiration. But then I realize that I could probably never be as good as that guy unless I started playing when I was eight or something, and don’t bother. Still though, I keep thinking I should pick up a guitar just for the enjoyment of playing it and learning it. I’d be happy just being able to play along with my favorite songs. :)

I think playing in an orchestra or band and listening to the musicians around you form the sound and then to simulatenously be a part of it is truly amazing feeling – and in a metal concert the energy form an audience is really important as everyone knows – so being part of a metal crowd gives me a similar kick

Anyone else find this to be true?

If you come up with something but none of those things are around, use the voice recorder on your cell phone. Most cell phones have one. If yours doesn’t, then get one that has it. It’ll help you big time

On a serious note, I grew up in Libya…numero uno terroristas state, back in the late 80s and 90s….metal music was my main escapism from the bullshit reality surrounding me at the time…I would like to consider myself a musician…definitely not a professional one, although I’ve been trying to make some money off playing guitar since junior high, it was never a lot or enough. I grew up listening to thrash and old school death metal in the mid 80s, adding alternative rock in the 90s, eventually progressing into heavier genres at the turn of the century, but I still don’t feel like I’ve sunk my teeth deep enough into the metal….I feel that there’s always a new spin on the old wheel, so I don’t get impressed easily, especially by the myriad of copycats, and trend followers out there today, but I definitely do appreciate the variety and quality of production much more than back in the day.

I just feel that I missed out on one thing that the majority of the people that live or grew up in North America or Europe have been spoiled with,,,live shows…although lately I have been spending more time in the studio, I think that it’s concerts where most of the fun happens…

Also, I just want you to know Mr. Levi….It took several listens,,,two albums to be precise, before I got into Daath…a solid band, that grows with every listen. Thanks for your time.

xTx

p.s. check out my band BRUTUS [www.myspace.com/brutusegypt] we’re just finishing off our demo, we got one rough cut up on the player…please, let me know what you think, ALL criticism appreciated.

As for hearing music outside of a musician’s mindset, yeah the acid is good. But it was when I went away to college and could hardly practice in that first year that I started to be able to step back and appreciate the music solely based on the vibe, without thinking about the musicianship. That perspective definitely helped my playing become more tasteful and textured when I got the chance to play more often and start a band.

Some silly girl borrowed my sharpie to have some members of Bodom sign her titties, but I had all of them sign my copy of Blooddrunk, because sharpie will wear off of your titties, but a signed copy of Blooddrunk is forever. (And I got In Flames to sign my old copy of Reroute to Remain, also!) All of them are very nice guys. Roope in particular is very interactive with fans.

And some of my non metal ones in this blog – http://www.metalsucks.net/2009/08/10/jumping-darkness-parade-daaths-eyal-levi-on-listening-to-non-metal-music/

As far as gear goes my attitude is that its just a set of tools. Whatever gets the job done. These days in DAATH i’m rocking a Mesa Dual Rec, Pod Xt Pro, Noisegate, Tube Screamer, and wireless system.

Glad you enjoyed that show btw. That was a fucking cool tour.