KNIGHT AREA: STRONGER ARMED AND READY TO
CONQUER
Popular neo-progband
Knight Area went through really
stormy circumstances last year. Guitarist Mark Vermeule left the band for private reasons, and bassist Gijs Koopman packed
his bags after internal tensions. In a nod an a wink
the band presented
their replacements: youngster Mark Bogert on guitar, and the legendary Peter Vink
(Q65, Finch, Ayreon) is plugging the bass. First knight Gerben Klazinga is proud of his reformed band that’s certainly more ambitious than ever before. Mostlypink.net takes place
at the Round Table to listen what Sir Gerben reveals.
How are you?
“Superbly! Even better then ever before”.
Better then ever before? How do you mean?
“Well…I’m just feeling good and healty,
because I eat healthy and I’m
doing a lot of excersices to keep in a pretty good shape. I’m
having a lot of succes with
the two studios where I work. I also have to mention
my dear students
who are a great pleasure to work
with. I’m also a music teacher, you know. But most of all: the the band is doing tremendously well. The newcomers Peter Vink (bass) and Mark Bogert (guitar) are supplying a new spirit.”
What’s the cause of the
line-up changes in the band?
“Our former guitarist Mark Vermeule would like to spent
more time on his family. The departure of bassist
Gijs Koopman is a different kind of story. Some difficulties and problems during the past few years made a very strong crack on
the wall. The band and Gijs
couldn’t colaborate anymore. So a wise
decision had to be made for Gijs and Knight Area both. Finally, Gijs left after a lot of conversation.”
This must be a very hard moment for all of you.
“Of course! It was a very emotional decision for everyone of us. Especially after so many
years. We’ve been through a lot of things together. We’ve toured through Europe, V.S. and Canada, shared the same
musical ideals. You just don’t throw
that away in a thrash can. But the band suffered because of the internal problems. It couldn’t go on that way.”
And now… Knight Area
stands at the dawn of a resurection?
“Yes, the new Knight Area is better
and stronger. We are really ready to concuer, now. The band achieved what it
wanted to achieve, and we are grateful for that.
But Knight Area has a lot more potential. We can do more and so much better.
Together with new input like new roadies, and Peter Vink’s experience we try to dig
out the best of Knight Area. There are plans for a fifteen
date tour, expanding promotional
activities like
merchandise, and that sort of things. In case of music we want to go a step further, also. Knight Area is a so called neo-prog
band. Now we want to integrate more melodic hardrock
in our music so we can reach
a larger audience. We tried it out with
Peter and Mark and it sounds fabulous.”
When did you guys become
more ambitious?
“When Peter joined the band we all became more ambitious. He is so utterly experienced
in the music business, and
has got many ideas. He claimed that we should do more with our talents.
It would be a shame to waste that. Peter really kicked our butts,
you know! To be honest:
Gijs Koopman is a very good
bass player, Peter Vink is an amazing bass
player. His playing is developing more
power and strength to our music.”
So what’s the difference between Peter Vink and you?
“It’s simply his character or personality, if you know
what I mean. Peter has a little more passion and courage then we have got. Me and my
band members are a bit more careful, sensitive…maybe much too modest. Like I said before: he has got a lot of experience and connections. Peter opened our eyes
to see that
there’s a lot more to achieve. “
New band members, a new sound, more ambitious. What’s up with The Laser’s Edge Company who released all Knight Area-albums?
“Of course we are inquiring into our possibilities
in the near future. But there are no concrete plans to abandon from The Laser’s Edge. In fact we are very content about that company. During our North-America tour
last year we were invited at home by owner and proprietor
Ken Golden. A great guy!”
You plans are sounding very exciting.
When can we expect a snapshot from the new
Knight Area in form of an album?
“There are nine songs written until now. Approximately
four songs will be added. After
the best songs are picked out, I’m
going to produce a demo-album in a famous
studio in The Netherlands. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you
more about that because it’s not
yet certain. Some of the new songs will be first performed during the Progmotion Festival in
September in Uden (NL). “
Thanks for your time and answers,
Gerben.
Michel
November 2012.
Michel Scheijen for
www.Mostlypink.net
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