Jordan Rudess: The Lost Interview

Lance conducted this interview with Jordan for Ytsejam.com's Newsletter not long after Dream Theater's Metropolis 2000 tour ended. Going through the archives the other day I stumbled upon it and thought the rest of the world should be able to read it. It's a bit dated now, but still a good read. - Koggie

Concerning astrology, do you think your personality fits the outline of a Scorpio?

I think that I am a fairly true representation of what a Scorpio is supposed to be!

Now that the Metropolis 2000 Tour is finished, how are you spending your time off?

Well, it was a long tour. First order of business was to find all the light switches in my house and remember where everything is. I just returned from a little family vacation in which I spent a lot of time with the kids swimming and having fun, catching up on movies with my wife and composing between dips in the pool.

How often does your family attend shows with you?

My family does not come often because my children are school age and DT is all over the world making it complicated logistically. They did however catch a very cool show in Connecticut in October before we played our last show at Roseland.

How did you and your wife meet?

We met because my wife had received a tape of some music that she loved and was on a search to find the person who played that music. She asked everyone she knew if they recognized this music and finally tracked it down to me. One day there was a knock at my door and there she was!

What's on your Christmas Wish List?

A Digital Video Camera, a new G4 computer and a 9 foot Steinway Grand.

What's in your CD Player now?

Aphex Twin- "Come to Daddy", Autechre The gray CD and the white one...Porcupine Tree- "The Sky moves Sideways"

Looking back over your career, if there is anything that you could go back and do differently, what would it be?

I don't really have any regrets at this point. It's hard for me to think like that. I just enjoy what I do and look forward to making the best music I can.

Do you prefer weighted keys, or traditional keys?

I like a standard piano action the best.

Do you have any plans for future side projects?

Well, I have a new album coming out any day with John Petrucci which we recorded at the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center here in NY. I will also do another recording with Rod Morgenstein as soon as we can. At this point I am composing some new music for myself!

Are you equally proficient with other instruments? Could you pick up a guitar and play it just as good?

I can pick up a guitar!  I cannot play it as well as I do keyboards though. John [Petrucci] loaned me a guitar to practice and play while we are off the road and I plan to get really into practicing it so I can record some of my own guitar parts on my upcoming project.

What is your most memorable moment with The Dixie Dregs?

When the power went off and Rod and I improvised together and we discovered in front of all those people that particular chemistry between us!

What are your thoughts concerning the future of music on the Internet?

I think it is a very turbulent time for music on the Internet. The possibilities are exciting and endless. Commercially there is a lot to be figured out between the record companies and all the companies offering music on the Internet. I also think that there is a tremendous future for music on the Internet. I have an Online Conservatory that I started and it's so cool to be able to offer MP3 files and MIDI files over the net.

Do/will your children play any instruments?

My older girl Ariana who is 7 is learning the piano. Kayla is 4 and has not started to play yet. We have ear training and rhythmic exercises though all the time for the whole family.

OK, rapid fire time:

Converse or Nike?

New Balance

McDonalds or Burger King?

Burger King

Dog or Cat?

Cat

Gore or Bush?

Mozart

Medium rare or well done?

Medium

White or wheat bread?

Wheat

Froot Loops or Raisin Bran?

Raisin Bran

Fly or drive?

Soar!

Thank you Jordan, so much, for your time and generosity!

Anytime!