Nova Collective are a band that includes Between The Buried & Me’s Dann Briggs, Richard Hensall and Peter Jones and Cynoc drummer Matt Lynch. Once they launched their debut album The Additional Aspect in 2017, Briggs gave us a glimpse into his prog world…
The place’s dwelling?
Greensboro, North Carolina.
Your earliest prog reminiscence?
My dad was deep into prog so there have been all the time information round the home – King Crimson’s Self-discipline, Light Large, Peter Gabriel – and the covers made an actual impression. Dad by no means pushed prog on me, but it surely was simply kinda destined.
First prog report you got?
Dream Theater’s Scenes From A Reminiscence was my first, full-on “I’m shopping for a prog report!” report. Obtained it in Pittsburgh.
First prog gig attended?
Dream Theater actually have been the massive gateway band for me. I noticed them on their Six Levels Of Internal Turbulence tour [2002]. I believe it was in Cleveland.
Favorite gadget?
I preserve a mini two-octave keyboard in my backpack always, together with a e-book of manuscript paper and a pencil!
Any responsible musical pleasures?
I do personal Alicia Keys’ first album, Songs In A Minor. I actually thought there was one thing there, however she peaked on that report.
What can be your specialist topic on Mastermind?
Baseball. I’ve been a diehard Cleveland Indians fan since I used to be six years outdated.
Your greatest prog extravagance?
I do nonetheless purchase numerous information yearly, primarily on CD however vinyl too. And I purchased a home final yr – does that rely?
Your all-time prog hero?
Bass-wise it’s Tony Levin, however Robert Fripp too. I lastly bought to see King Crimson currently and it felt like a masterclass, a school course.
Favorite prog venue?
There’s a mountain city in North Carolina referred to as Asheville, dwelling of the Moog synthesiser, and there’s a venue there referred to as The Orange Peel, which is a very cool room, nice vibe. The Fox Theatre in Atlanta is one other good one.
Exterior of prog, what else are you into?
Cooking. I’ve been a vegan since I used to be 15, and it’s important to be taught to get inventive. My speciality? How about some collard greens, barbecued jackfruit, and possibly some mac and cheese…
What do you accumulate?
Simply information, I’ve hundreds of information. I believe I might need a little bit of an issue with that.
What was the final prog album you got?
John Zorn’s Bare City, on vinyl. It’s a cool assertion. John’s all about making an attempt to show jazz individuals on their heads.
Final prog gig you noticed?
The Zombies on their Fiftieth-anniversary tour of Odessey And Oracle, within the Carolina Theatre in Durham. Inform you what, they have been unbelievable. Nice harmonies, a mellotron and Leslie speaker on stage – superior.
Ever had a prog date?
The Zombies was a date night time! Fortunately my girlfriend celebrates progressive music. She’s heard numerous bizarre shit come out of the audio system…
Most vital prog tune?
I can nonetheless placed on Dream Theater’s Change Of Seasons and get one thing out of it. It’s a terrific lesson for the way to make a protracted tune not really feel so lengthy.
Prog muso you’d wish to work with?
I’ve been influenced by Danny Elfman, so that will be enjoyable. However it’d be cool to do one thing with Casey [Crescenzo] from The Pricey Hunter.
What’s the very best prog gig you’ve ever seen?
Final summer time we performed Be Prog! My Buddy in Barcelona and I bought to see Magma. They performed proper after us they usually fucking blew me away – it was so goddamn cool. Then Opeth and Steven Wilson performed. It was such a terrific night time.
Decide us proggy learn.
I preserve David Byrne’s How Music Works on me – it’s a terrific reference; he’s a terrific author. Catching The Large Fish by David Lynch was the very last thing I learn, a unprecedented e-book about creativity.
Which prog album all the time will get you in temper?
I can placed on Zappa’s reside In New York, or Roxy & Elsewhere. I really like the reside Zappa information – you get that comedian sarcasm and the insane musical brilliance. I all the time get blissful and foolish when Zappa’s on.
Your all-time favorite prog album cowl?
I do know individuals all the time go for In The Court docket Of The Crimson King, however I’ve it blown up 4 toes sq. on my workplace wall, proper subsequent to The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway.
What else are you as much as for the time being?
Coma Ecliptic: Reside got here out in April, my Nova Collective album’s out [The Further Side] and we’ve been engaged on the reside model of that. However BTBAM go into the studio in July to report the brand new report, so I’ve primarily been writing music, maniacally!