I had the pleasure of speaking with Aritzan about the band and the new album.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Aritzan about the band and the new album.
ARTISAN
What inspired the name of the band and what are your influences?
The band name ‘Artizan’ is derived from the word Artisan, meaning “a skilled labourer, or craftsman.” I liked that and what is represents for the band. I am most influenced by classic rock from the 70’s, Genesis, Billy Joel, Rainbow, Dio, Maiden, Chicago, Steely Dan. Most anything that has a strong melody and and good storytelling.
What themes are explored on Demon Rider and how did you decide on them?
Demon Rider is the destroyer of fear, crushing the demons that prohibit us all from striving for our dreams. He is a good guy. I think so many of us can relate to struggles and inhibition. I like rooting for the good guy and creating characters that fight for us – the dreamers. Soldiers of Light is another song on the new album that has these elements. I think that song has some of the best imagery elements that illustrate a compelling thematic story for the listener. Check that one out.
DESTROYER OF FEAR
DESTROYER OF FEAR
What themes are explored on Demon Rider and how did you decide on them?
Demon Rider is the destroyer of fear, crushing the demons that prohibit us all from striving for our dreams. He is a good guy. I think so many of us can relate to struggles and inhibition. I like rooting for the good guy and creating characters that fight for us – the dreamers. Soldiers of Light is another song on the new album that has these elements. I think that song has some of the best imagery elements that illustrate a compelling thematic story for the listener. Check that one out.
SIMPLE MELODIES
What’s your songwriting process?
Many times I have simple melodies in my head that we start writing guitar to. Or a rhythm that won’t leave me alone. Sometimes my guitarist will have a cool riff that I listen to and we develop melodies and harmonies from that. We write all of the melodies,verses, choruses and them I will usually create some interesting bridges that Segway the parts together. But we are really all about strong melodies within the chorus. Our singer is the trademark for Artizan, and he is one of the best!
What’s it like coming back to the music scene after so many years? Is there anything you’d do differently?
Yeah, I took a break from music from about 1994 until 2007. I knew I had ideas in me that needed to get out. But I had the patience to wait for the appropriate time. I think when you are a creative entity, ultimately, the passion you have is going to find its way out. And that’s basically what happened. I wouldn’t change anything at all.
PASSION
PASSION
What’s it like coming back to the music scene after so many years? Is there anything you’d do differently?
Yeah, I took a break from music from about 1994 until 2007. I knew I had ideas in me that needed to get out. But I had the patience to wait for the appropriate time. I think when you are a creative entity, ultimately, the passion you have is going to find its way out. And that’s basically what happened. I wouldn’t change anything at all.
WHAT WORKS
DETERMINATION AND VISION
What plans do you have for the future?
I have a couple of pretty extensive projects brewing in my mind that will find the light of day in the next year or two. The fans might be surprised by what we have for them in 2019. The creativity never ends. It’s always a matter of organizing all of the parts that make a band work. And that can be quite daunting for most people. But I have the determination and vision to keep it alive.