Hi Arjen!
== Hi!
Really great that you are doing this, thank you for taking the time! Here are my questions:
== My pleasure.
1) When you started the Aryeon project, did you have the basic storyline basically mapped out already, or did parts of the storyline come with each album?
== There definitely was no masterplan! I didn't even dare to hope that I would make another Ayreon album after the first one, I really didn't expect people to like it
2) With Ayreon which comes first- the music, or the story? Do you have the story worked out generally before you write the music, or do the songs inform the story and the lyrics?
== It always starts with the music. Then I let the music inspire me to come up with a story/concept.
3) Tell us about your gear collection- how many stringed instruments do you own- that includes, guitars, basses, lap steels, and any other acoustic stringed instruments?
== Countless, really! About 10 guitars, 3 basses, a mandolin, dulcimer, banjo etc. They're spread out all over the house and studio, otherwise I would count them for you
What keyboards do you own?
== Minimoog, Prophet 5, Solina, Hammond/Leslie, Korg ms20, Roland MKS80, Juno 60 and a lot of digital stuff as well.
What amps do you own?
== Bogner, EVH, several Marshalls, Rectifier, Trace Elliot, Sansamp.
4) What is your favourite guitar to play from your collection and why?
== Each guitar has its own purpose, so that's hard to say.
5) Who influenced your guitar playing growing up?
== Ritchie Blackmore, David Gilmour, Steve Vai, Eddie van Halen.
6) Who are some of your influences on keyboards?
== Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman, So no surprises there
7) Which instrument did you start out on?
== Acoustic guitar.
8) What is your favourite keyboard to play (organ, synth, etc) and why?
== All my analog keyboards. They always cut through the mix.
9) What is your dream guitar and keyboard? Is it something your already own, or is it perhaps one of the instruments of one of the great musicians you admire?
== I think I pretty much have everything I want! I'd love to have a Modular Moog, but I'm afraid it will be way too complicated for me to figure it all out
10) As a guitar player, when you do guitar solos, I think you strike a very tasteful balance between melodic playing, and "shred".
== Thanks! Well, I can't shred at all. I gave that up when I first heard Yngwie
Aside from years of experience, how do you achieve this balance and not "over play"?
== I simply don't have the technique to overplay, haha! So I (have to) stay within my limits and make the best of it.
What are some tips you can give to players who struggle with over playing and want to play more melodically and curb their habit to "shred" all the time?
== Listen to David Gilmour! And try to play just one note and make it 'sing'. Tell a story with your solos.
Thanks again for taking the time to do this, and for all your wonderful music over the years!
== You're welcome, thanks for the compliment and your interest in my music!