New Jersey based musician Eddie Faust is one of the coolest people I have encountered on the prog power metal festival circuit. It is clear that he is a dedicated musician and fan of quality music. He has arranged his life so that his time is spent either writing music, playing it, writing about, or experiencing it. He is a professional in every sense of the term and a huge supporter. Among the projects he is currently involved with is his new band Winter. They have a new song out now and are planning to record their full length debut next year. Here is Eddie to tell us more about it.
Tell me about Winter and your future plans?
Winter is a writing project I started about two years ago, but only began evolve recently. It is progressive metal inspired by Pain Of Salvation, Lemur Voice, Ark, Nevermore, Jeff Buckley, Braindance; way too many more to list. I'd like to set up enough material to begin recording a full length album next year, maybe do some shows. Right now, I'm just looking to get the ball rolling.
Do you feel Winter's purpose is to fully express your songwriting and ability as a multi instrumentalist?
I'd say it's to express my songwriting. I'm not looking to really use this as a vehicle based for instrument showcasing; I'm just looking to write good songs, and hopefully have people enjoy them. This is my first venture doing my band, and I just want to make an honest musical expression.
Tell me about the vocalist you employed for this project.
That would be Tom Engel. He was referred to me by Neil Rambaldi, an instrumental guitarist who I do live support for on drums. My brother (R. Sean Faust), also mentioned him. I was looking for someone that could do it all; low, high, soft, brutal, and everything in between, but I didn't want the ego or temperament to accompany the ability. I trusted these recommendations and made contact and sent him a tape and said: "here's the music, and the lyrical concept. Let's see what you can do." The recording I have up on MP3.com and IUMA.com was actually his audition, so to speak. I was very impressed with what he did, and found him very easy going. The responses have been positive. I'm very proud to have him in this project.
Briefly describe the projects you've worked on through the years as a musician.
They vary; metal, prog, fusion, industrial, cover and tribute acts. 85% of my career has been that of a session player or hired gun. Most of my work has been that of a drummer and/or backing vocalist.
Will you continue with Rivera Bomma?
That was a one-time deal where I did the album. They have since found a full time drummer.
How do you feel about the demise of 60MD?
I was bummed. That was a band I really enjoyed playing with. I was only a hired gun with them, and was somewhat sad to hand the sticks over to the new guy. They were a great band. They will continue with Anger Of The Lamb, and John Mosco (vocals) will be doing a new project on his own. I respect their decision and wish them nothing but the best.
Tell me about the other projects (books, videos, etc.) you are currently working on.
I have one drumming book "Foundations and Explorations" available on my website at www.angelfire.com/band/Edrums. I am in the process of completing volume 2 of that series. It discusses refining basic concepts as a foundation and adding things on to enhance one's playing and establish the drummer's own identity. For example; there are 84 beats in the first section, but by the time you are done going through everything, it becomes well over 1,000, and that is not including individual interpretation. I expect to have the second one out early next year.
Are you currently looking for another band to play with, or are you focusing on your own projects at this time?
I'm going to stick with Winter, and my other existing projects. I have enough on my plate as is.
What is your advice to someone looking for a career as a drummer?
Know what you are doing. Keep your ear to the ground and see what your competition is. Always upgrade and refine yourself. If you can't do something better, do it differently. Most important, keep a cool head in tough situations (not the easiest thing to do), and maintain an open mind. All in all, be honest about what you do and how you do it. Be the best you can, but take the steps to make yourself better. I think this would apply to any instrumentalist.
What occupies your time when you're not involved with music?
On top of performing and teaching, I'm also a medical massage therapist which I will be opening twenty hours a week once I renew my certification. I have also been doing martial arts for a couple years. I have a girlfriend who I try to spend as much time with as possible. She is very understanding and supportive about my hectic lifestyle and has not spoken a negative word of it, which makes everything I do that much better. There would be times I have plenty of free time to do the other things I love to do, and then I go through months where music is all I'm doing. I love playing and writing music, but I also enjoy having a life.
Do you feel a sense of fulfillment in regard to your career thus far?
I can finally say I feel fulfilled with what I do, even though Winter is only in it's infancy.
What do you want to have happen for you to feel satisfied?
Just for people to appreciate my music for what it is.
What bands do you feel are making an impact on the current metal scene?
That's impossible for me to answer, since I don't keep track of things like that. I listen to what I like, regardless of that band's popularity.
What are your plans for next year? Any new recordings due?
Getting a real website up. I'm also leaning towards the idea of having a full lineup. I feel the songs will work better with addition interpretation and execution. I'm speaking with a drummer (that is so weird to say), and a bassist. I will need a keyboardist and another guitarist. I will be handling guitar and the bulk of the songwriting. I would also like to play some of the festivals in the States like Powermad, and would love to play Prog Power again. I would like to have an album done and released by next summer, full line up or not, but because things can happen, I know better than to give an actual date without a product ready to go. One step at a time.
Final comments?
I'd like to invite everyone to check out "The Circle" on the site www.angelfire.com/band2/winter. To those whom have listened and showed support, thank you. That makes all the hours worth it. Anyone interested in either the guitar or keyboard positions please contact me via the website.
