"All About The Album - 15 Questions" - a brand new section at the RockUnited site where any recording artist with an recently released CD is confronted with 'album'  questions (15 of them, duh!). If you'd like to have your material up here, email: urban "at" rockunited.com (simply replace "at" with your standard @ )

NO GRAVITY: "Worlds In Collision"

NO GRAVITY - are a new progressive power metal outfit and the brainchild of renowned guitarist Simone Fiorletta. Their debut release 'Worlds In Collision' features some of the most illustrious vocalists in the power/prog metal field. The listener will find numerous musical textures with moments of light and shade, dark and heavy themes and musicianship which continue to reveal new depths on each subsequent listen. Here to let us know more about the album,:  SIMONE FIORLETTA...

How has the reaction to your latest CD been?

"Worlds in Collision" was released on 18 March so the album is still fresh but I can tell you that all the reviews published in the various nations are more than positive, we feel confident. I think that Andy Kuntz (Vanden Plas), Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire, Vision Divine), Michele Luppi (Killing Touch, Thaurorod), Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth), Mark Basile (DGM) and Emiliano Germani (Moonlight Comedy) are able to draw the Metal fans attention.

How long did this CD take to make from start to finish, recording-wise?

About a year. The album, including arrangement of songs, was created in less than two months. Anyway, having involved more than a big Power-Prog singer, I had to wait all their lyrics files to close the work. Among other things in 2010 all No Gravity’s singers were involved with the respective bands in their new albums, so they were living an intense
working period. While I was waiting for their files I started recording and mixing stages in my "S.F. Studio". I want also say that all the bands interested to mix in my studio can contact me on simone.fiorletta@gmail.com.

What kind of 'sound', production wise, did you have in the back of your mind, prior to entering the studio?

The sound that came out… by the first note, I tried to take care the sounds I always had in my head during the mixes; I made several tests before thinking to be on the right side.

What kind of input did the producer have during the process?

I am also the producer of my projects, including "No Gravity", so I try to follow all stages of the production of my works without forget anything .
Among other things I also try to spur the musicians with whom I work to do their best.

And are you pleased with the final outcome? (sound - production wise)

I'm pleased, I managed to take out what I had in my mind.

Did the producer (you) use any (weird) experimental miking and/or recording techniques?

I can't reveal my secrets! Do you concord with me? I can say that I work mainly in digital. At this moment in time I filter the digital in certain
summing mixer to create an analog coloration. In my studio I have excellent pre-amps and good microphones to obtain the best sound already
from the entrance. With programs you can do a lot of things, but if the sound is already excellent in entrance more than 50% of the album is done!

How did you go on about capturing your 'live sound' in the studio, or perhaps you didn't

As I have said before, using good quality microphones and pre-amps you can record your sound perfectly. Then during the mixing, depending on the kind
of music you are working, you can decide to upset the sounds or let them dry for a more vintage sound, more natural. But this isn’t the "No Gravity" case, because a Power-Prog album require a sound much more worked and refined.

Please inform us about your favourite songs and lyrical highlights and why?

It's a question which is very difficult to answer for me. I'm the only composer of this album and each song means something important for me, all embellished by singer present in the song. All songs contain the "No Gravity" essence, I haven't a favourite song, every track reminds me the moment when it was written and the emotions lived.

Any overall theme of mood that you're trying to capture while writing songs?

Usually I draw inspiration from my life or let work the instinct. In this case I have composed music and arrangements while lyrics and vocal lines were written by the singers.

Does your vision for coming up with music get affected at all by time?

Personally I release records for fun. I think that times are getting harder, for example it's particularly difficult to organize tour. Anyway the exit on the music market brings notoriety and satisfaction such as collaboration with famous artists, promoting the most important musical instrument company and so on.

Did the record company interfere with anything on your "sound" and songs?

Absolutely not… I can do anything. The dear Lars Eric Mattsson and all the Lion Music staff are excellent partners and I like very much work with them.

Are there any 'crazy' behind the scenes anecdotes from these sessions that you can share with us?

One day we played a joke on the drummer: I said him that for my mistake we had lost all recordings tracks, so we had to do again two months of work! You should have seen his face!

How would you describe the sound of your new CD to any potential new fan?

The album is a perfect blend between Progressive and Power Metal, between melodies and grit, virtuosity and ballad all enhanced by a fresh and modern sound. Listen to the single "I'm Bleeding" and a medley on
www.myspace.com/nogravityprog   

Who are your influences and heroes? (music-wise)

I don't think to have really some heroes. I think that bands and musicians that have influenced me during my growth are Dream Theater, and obviously Petrucci, Vanden Plas, Fates Warning, JoeSatriani, Steve Vai and others.

If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do:

Before I say good-bye to you, I'd like to present the line-up rest and the endorsements who support us. Davide Perruzza with me on the guitars, Andrea De Paoli (Labyrinth) on the keyboards, Andrea Casali on the bass guitar and Marco Aiello on the drums. And sure enough thank you to ESP Guitars e Backline (www.espguitars.com /  www.backline.it), Brunetti Amps (www.brunetti.it), InTune Guitar Pics (www.intunegp.com) and the FT Elettronica (www.myspace.com/ftelettronica fine handmade pedals). Now I want say good-bye to all the readers and… listen to the album!!! 
Sincerely,
Simone Fiorletta

Interview by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
Photos from the band's website www.facebook.com/nogravityprog and Simone's MySpace

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