Interview with Rhapsody of Fire Keyboardist Alex Staropoli
By Mick Michaels
Cosmick View: Hello, Alex! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.
Alex Staropoli: Hi there! Thank you very much for having me!
CV: Rhapsody
of Fire is set to release the band’s 13th studio album, "Glory for Salvation” in November. Does
the stigma of the album being number 13 raise any superstitious concerns for
the band or is that just hocus pocus, mumbo jumbo stuff in your opinion?
AS: I actually do not take the count of the albums we make. What is relevant for me is to create and offer the best music we can to our loyal fans around the world. Numerology has some importance if you are into that. I prefer to concentrate my energy on music.
AS: I actually do not take the count of the albums we make. What is relevant for me is to create and offer the best music we can to our loyal fans around the world. Numerology has some importance if you are into that. I prefer to concentrate my energy on music.
CV: Does the new album offer any unsuspecting
twists or turns that fans may be surprised to experience?
AS: As a composer I am aware that every album and every new song have to bring something special. For this new album I really worked hard on every aspect of the production beside composing, arranging, recording and producing it…I have managed to have some of the best guest musicians playing original instruments, such Uillean Pipes, Low Whistle, Celtic Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello and a wide range of Baroque Recorders and Flutes played by my brother Manuel Staropoli. In addition to that, I took immense care, together with Giacomo, of all vocal harmonies, and the Epic and Opera choirs as well, making them perform different styles and a load of tracks and harmonies, to obtain the biggest choral experience ever. Moreover, the mix that Sebastian ‘Seeb’ Levermann did for “Glory for Salvation”…it’s outstanding, it’s incredibly powerful and yet so clean and defined. I am confident to say that we raised the quality bar in an epic way.
AS: As a composer I am aware that every album and every new song have to bring something special. For this new album I really worked hard on every aspect of the production beside composing, arranging, recording and producing it…I have managed to have some of the best guest musicians playing original instruments, such Uillean Pipes, Low Whistle, Celtic Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello and a wide range of Baroque Recorders and Flutes played by my brother Manuel Staropoli. In addition to that, I took immense care, together with Giacomo, of all vocal harmonies, and the Epic and Opera choirs as well, making them perform different styles and a load of tracks and harmonies, to obtain the biggest choral experience ever. Moreover, the mix that Sebastian ‘Seeb’ Levermann did for “Glory for Salvation”…it’s outstanding, it’s incredibly powerful and yet so clean and defined. I am confident to say that we raised the quality bar in an epic way.
CV: "Glory for Salvation" is part of the band’s album trilogy which
started with 2019's, "The Eighth
Mountain." Do you feel this second installment raises the bar not only
for the overall musical composition but for the band as a whole as well?
AS: Yes, absolutely! I have spent the last two years of my life working on this new album. The search for new melodies, new musical landscapes and new elements to integrate in the sound and songwriting was spontaneous and I felt inspired and motivated the whole time. Being able to write epic music for our epic fans…it’s always been a privilege.
AS: Yes, absolutely! I have spent the last two years of my life working on this new album. The search for new melodies, new musical landscapes and new elements to integrate in the sound and songwriting was spontaneous and I felt inspired and motivated the whole time. Being able to write epic music for our epic fans…it’s always been a privilege.
CV: Is writing for you a scenario where you
never look back at previous accomplishments, finding yourself only focusing on
what lies ahead...thus, never being tied to the past?
AS: Composing and performing epic and fantasy allows quite some freedom in term of compositions. Of course sooner or later you are going to use some good old recipes, some specific sounds, some specific kind of melodies and chord progressions. This has been done in Classical Music, in Film Music and in any other musical genre. The key is being able to create always something fresh and exciting. For example, my brother Manuel has been present in all Rhapsody of Fire production, since 1997. He’s been responsible for the Baroque and Celtic sound and it’s clear that he is an element that is able to bring that magic sound so special for this band, so, I will always count on him for that matter.
AS: Composing and performing epic and fantasy allows quite some freedom in term of compositions. Of course sooner or later you are going to use some good old recipes, some specific sounds, some specific kind of melodies and chord progressions. This has been done in Classical Music, in Film Music and in any other musical genre. The key is being able to create always something fresh and exciting. For example, my brother Manuel has been present in all Rhapsody of Fire production, since 1997. He’s been responsible for the Baroque and Celtic sound and it’s clear that he is an element that is able to bring that magic sound so special for this band, so, I will always count on him for that matter.
CV: As a songwriter, is it ever a case of
fearing the unknown when writing new material?
AS: All the time. I wouldn’t call it fear though, but I am aware of the work that needs to be done in order to accomplish another epic journey. For each new album I want to compose I create a list of instruments, elements, experiences I want to explore and bring to life into songs. This is very exciting actually. I have composed many songs just driven by the desire to use a specific instrument. “Terial the Hawk” it’s the perfect example. I wanted to have the Uillean Pipe, a Celtic Harp and some other Celtic instruments, and this simple desire drove me to write that song.
AS: All the time. I wouldn’t call it fear though, but I am aware of the work that needs to be done in order to accomplish another epic journey. For each new album I want to compose I create a list of instruments, elements, experiences I want to explore and bring to life into songs. This is very exciting actually. I have composed many songs just driven by the desire to use a specific instrument. “Terial the Hawk” it’s the perfect example. I wanted to have the Uillean Pipe, a Celtic Harp and some other Celtic instruments, and this simple desire drove me to write that song.
CV: Does having such a track record of
epically, stellar albums ever create a source of internal stress for the band
to measure up with the next release?
AS: I do my very best to keep the quality and the excitement high. I simply do what I love and what is needed. I try to not get entangled in my own mind or getting ‘sabotaged’ by overthinking stuff. I just sit down and work, being aware that I have a lot to offer and that I’m having the best time in my life for being blessed with the capability and sensibility to write music.
AS: I do my very best to keep the quality and the excitement high. I simply do what I love and what is needed. I try to not get entangled in my own mind or getting ‘sabotaged’ by overthinking stuff. I just sit down and work, being aware that I have a lot to offer and that I’m having the best time in my life for being blessed with the capability and sensibility to write music.
CV: Rhapsody
of Fire is without a doubt the forerunners of symphonic metal, essentially
creating the genre that now has taken on a life of its own worldwide. What are
your thoughts on how the genre, and Heavy Metal as a whole, has changed since
the band first formed?
AS: A lot has changed, especially in regards to album sales, unfortunately. There are so many good bands out there and so much talent as well. As a composer and being responsible for this band, I tend to not get involved too much on what is going on in the metal music market. Rhapsody of Fire’s sound is so unique and special, what happens around me in the heavy metal scene has no relevance for my songwriting.
AS: A lot has changed, especially in regards to album sales, unfortunately. There are so many good bands out there and so much talent as well. As a composer and being responsible for this band, I tend to not get involved too much on what is going on in the metal music market. Rhapsody of Fire’s sound is so unique and special, what happens around me in the heavy metal scene has no relevance for my songwriting.
CV: What are you hoping fans come away with
after hearing "Glory for Salvation?"
AS: I hope that our fans will be highly entertained and feel the need to come to see us live on our next tour scheduled in the beginning of 2022. We are looking forward to play some new songs of course!
AS: I hope that our fans will be highly entertained and feel the need to come to see us live on our next tour scheduled in the beginning of 2022. We are looking forward to play some new songs of course!
CV: In addition to the new single, "Terial the Hawk, and the new album dropping
November 26th, what more can we see
coming from Rhapsody of Fire?
AS: Yes, there is definitely much more to come, we are actually working on the post production of the first video clip for this album, and I promise, it will look just breathtaking. The location we chose was spectacular, but I can’t say any more right now.
AS: Yes, there is definitely much more to come, we are actually working on the post production of the first video clip for this album, and I promise, it will look just breathtaking. The location we chose was spectacular, but I can’t say any more right now.
CV: Thanks again Alex for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all
the best and continued success.
AS: Thank you all for reading and let’s be confident that the future will bring some exciting things in our lives and of course a lot of music and live concerts! I also would like to invite all our fans to visit our online store! There are some brand new t-shirts and items to check out! https://rhapsodyoffire.merchcowboy.com
AS: Thank you all for reading and let’s be confident that the future will bring some exciting things in our lives and of course a lot of music and live concerts! I also would like to invite all our fans to visit our online store! There are some brand new t-shirts and items to check out! https://rhapsodyoffire.merchcowboy.com
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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.
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