Our team Member Bishal ‘Xenocide’ Dutta has a little talk with Sean Tibbetts, bassist for Kamelot!
Here is the conversation!
* Hello Sir, A Happy New Year from the team! How have you been?
Sean Tibbetts
#- I am doing well. We just played the 70, 000 tons of metal cruise and what a blast. 40 metal bands and a cruise to the islands. Life is good.
* Before we dig into Kamelot, tell us about your musical influences. what got you into metal? and how long have you been playing the bass?
#- When I was 12 years old I was given an electric guitar for Christmas by my parents. They were into Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath bands like that so I guess it rubbed off on me.
I took private lessons but all I wanted to do was jam Iron Maiden with my buddies . I changed to bass after school because at that time it was easier to find a good gig playing bass. My first few bands were cover bands which I did well with. We did a few US tours but I wanted to try my luck at original music so I took a shot at it and and answered an ad in a local magazine and it turned out to be Kamelot.
* How do you balance your music with other obligations like family, friends and job?
#- I get asked this a lot. But the truth is if you are passionate about what you do people sense it and the people you are supposed to be with will support and help you to make sure it happens. For me I am very upfront and tell people this is what I do. It’s not really about balance for me.
* What have you been up to these days? Tell us about your side projects!
#- I am in the beginning stages of a solo cd. I have laid the ground work for some pretty interesting music. I’m not real set on a direction yet. At the moment I’m just trying to get some good songs written and we will see where it lands.
* Run us through your gear.
# – I use all Warwick gear. I have a Thumb and few Streamer Stage ll custom basses that the fine people at Warwick were kind enough to build me. They make the best basses I have ever played so when they approached me I said absolutely. I use Warwick amps and Cabs as well.
The cabs are all loaded with 4×10′ and a horn. I used to use 15 ‘ speakers but the volume we play at it was shaking our teeth out (laughs).
I also use a 1000 watt Warwick extreme 10.0 amp. The amp has been discontinued so as soon as I blow this one up I will be make that call they love to hear.
* Now moving on to Kamelot, Why chose this very name!
#- It was chosen by Thomas and the original drummer Richard before I was in the band, when it was just the two of them. You would have to ask them.
* You are one of the more popular members of the band. Tell us about the tale behind Kamelot and its inception.
#- I said earlier I answered an ad in a local magazine. Thomas and Richard came out to see my cover band and asked if I would audition. I did and got the gig. We wrote a dozen songs or so over the next 2 years and recorded a demo. Richard and I did not get along so about 6 months later I left the band. The songs were used on the bands first two CDs
* Last year was a pretty busy year for Kamelot, but also very exciting, with three very successful tours in Europe, South America and North America. Would you please share your
memorable moments through out the tour?
#- The Buenos Aries show with Iron Maiden was really cool. It is always a good gig when we play with those guys. They have great crews and amazing shows.The entire SA tour was a new experience for me. Lots of flying, crazy fans and no sleep. the US and Europe were great as well. The shows went off without hitch. Except one, the Virginia show when a hurricane was over us and it forced some of our fans to stay home. You can catch most of our tour highlights on the you tube tour videos.
* Kamelot has also had its sad moments with the unlikely departure of Roy Khan. Your take on that?
#- No Comments
* We have heard that the auditions for the singer is already underway. When do you plan to announce the new singer? And when does he debut?
#- That kind of thing is all done through management and our promo department so I do want to let the cat out of the bag. Oh and by the way I am asked that at least 10 time a day so you guys can all stop asking who is it going to be(laughs) . I’m not telling!
* I presume that the production of the new album is already underway, with a planned release date for September 2012. How is it going so far?
#- It is going well. Most of it is written, we have started preproduction and it is sounding ….well I’ll let you guys be the judge very soon.
* The band has always evolved with each album and none of the albums sound similar to each other. Could you give us a brief insight of the new album and who will be mainly responsible
for the songwriting this time around?
#- As far as the cd goes sorry but no I can’t. We like to keep a surprise it’s more fun for us that way. The song writing has had contributions from the entire band and is coming along nicely.
*Kamelot has its characteristic sound. It is a blend of Prog., Power and Symphonic metal. What genre would you like to state Kamelot as,but,not going with the notion of pigeonholing a band in a particular genre?
#- I have a hard time with that as well. It’s real hard to put a label on us. When I say you just have to hear it because we don’t sound like anyone else it is the truth. The diversity helps keep it fresh and people guessing.
* Kamelot has been confirmed for Wacken Open Air 2012! What are your plans for the festival?
#- Show up and play on 11 until my ears bleed. WOA is such a great festival we tend to put a lot in to it. You guys are going to be blown away . So if you were lucky enough to get a ticket I would say be prepared with a helmet, seat belt, rain suit, fire
Extinguisher and TP you may need them.
* Tell us and the fans, something about Kamelot, that you guys wouldn’t want everyone to know. Some memories from behind the scenes, backstage, perhaps.
#- Well thats not fair to ask. So, how about something personal? I snore as loud as a freight train so I have to sleep in the back of the bus so others can get rest . (laughs)
* Have you heard of the metal scene in India? Any plans on visiting India?
#- I have but this year has been booked and 2013 is being filled as I write this so who knows it could happen.
* Lastly, a few words (or more) for the budding musicians and the fans out here!
#- Practice your ass off. The best advice I can give is try to be the best song writer you can. Don’t be afraid to try new directions it will make you a better musician. Too many musician get caught up in trying to be the best player on the planet but can’t write a song that could possible change their life, career and the lives of others.
Good luck to you all and I hope to see you on the road.
Thank you for your precious time. It has been a pleasure interacting with you. Regards to you and Kamelot on behalf of Unholy Maunder.
Cheers!!
May the album be as good as it is being anticipated to be!
lykd it
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