Originally published in Electric Basement.com · August 2000
Derek Sherinian interview (excerpts)
InterviewDerek Sherinian1 min read
BC: Many musicians have their own studios now. It must be very liberating...
DS: The way technology is now, you can spend 30 to 40 grand and have a state-of-the-art studio. You know, a lot of times, like with Dream Theater, you get 300,000 dollars to record an album and we'd end up spending 320,00 when it’s all said and done. It was like, "Wow! It doesn't cost that much to make a record!" You can make a kick ass record for like 25,000.
<snip>
BC: First of all, was it truly your rock 'n' roll lifestyle that removed you from Dream Theater?
DS: I think that may have added to their decision, but I think the bottom line is that Dream Theater wanted Jordan [Rudess] all along. Even when I got hired I got kind of steeled on because Jordan had other commitments. I think he was the guy they wanted all along. They [realized] the album I was on was criticized heavily by the fans. It was actually a smart business decision and I would have probably done the same thing.