SOURCE – Beyond Shadowland is the latest Six By Six album. How do you feel the songwriting and recording sessions went for this effort – and where do you see this record sitting in the discography of the group?
Robert Berry (Bass, Keys, Vocals) – It’s great to hear from you. Thank you for your questions. This being our second album really brought the band together as a songwriting team. All three of us added content to this album. Where as album one was just Ian and myself Nigel really stepped it up and brought in a couple of rockin’ song ideas for this album. I think you’ll hear a heavier sound on album two and an even bigger guitar and drum approach. The only parameters we put on ourselves as a band for album two was to not make the same album twice. We wanted Beyond Shadowland to add another dimension to the sound we create naturally together.
SOURCE – Were there any specific songs out of the eleven that came easier to write and record than others – and which song was the most challenging or took on the greatest evolution from the initial idea/demo stage to the final recording?
Robert Berry (Bass, Keys, Vocals) – When we first started getting this album together, it was actually quite hard to write a song we liked. There was that success of album one hanging over our heads. We knew this album had to be as good if not better and that put a little pressure on us. The first two were written by Ian and myself and we must’ve, rewritten those three or four times before we felt we were heading in a direction that built upon the sound we create as a band. After that, the songs just came out naturally. By the time we got to Soundtek, my studio in California, we were ready with all the songs to record them and finalize the arrangements.
SOURCE – How are the decisions made regarding what songs to premiere as singles? Is it a group effort between the band, the label, and management?
Robert Berry (Bass, Keys, Vocals) – Funny enough, we actually recorded video for three songs we as a band considered were the strong ones to be the singles. The record company and Management came back with two other choices and one that we had originally chosen. Obiliex was the song we agreed upon but the other two have been proven to be the right choice. The band gets so close to the material that it is really hard to tell what will grab a listener at first listen. It’s nice to have that other set of ears from outside the writing and recording bubble.
SOURCE – Where do you see the greatest differences between the rock genre today versus your first go around during the early days of independent record labels and DIY tours? Has it been hard to adjust your expectations and try to appeal to multiple generations of fans?
Robert Berry (Bass, Keys, Vocals) – The only rule we have in Six By Six is that we do what we do exactly the way we love to do it. That is what makes the sound of the band unique and keeps us with a smile on our face. Of course the past music we’ve listened to and the bands we’ve played in is in our in our DNA, but to organically let it flow out through our writing and playing is how we see it.
SOURCE – Collaboration is an important aspect of many bands. Have you worked with any guest musicians or artists that have had a significant impact on your sound?
Robert Berry (Bass, Keys, Vocals) – For me, I was looking to play with a guitarist that had a unique sound and style just like I had experience working with Keith Emerson on keyboards. The other thing I was looking for in my perfect band scenario was a drummer that was as solid as John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and as technically capable as Alan White of Yes fame. The only guy I knew that could fill those shoes was Nigel Glockler and I was thrilled when he said yes to joining the band.
SOURCE – Several artists have recently been talking about issues with streaming services and losing money, while others have been defending it. What are your thoughts on this evolution of the music industry?
Robert Berry (Bass, Keys, Vocals) – Streaming has killed the income stream for musicians as far as record sales are concerned. There is no doubt about that. So… the only way to make a living with music is through merch and live performances. For guys like us with a history in the music business that is a possibility. Not so easy for a new band that has no track record and a very small fan base. It’s impossible for them to monetize their talents. How can that be good for the business of the future? Something will have to change and it may be that all musicians need to go independent, own their own music and merch and sell direct.
SOURCE – You often hear about musicians who seem to have a special connection to their instrument. Do you feel the same way? Do you have a favorite instrument?
Robert Berry (Bass, Keys, Vocals) – If you know my past in the music business, you know I play a lot of instruments. But what I connect with the most is being a singing bass player. That is where I’m the most comfortable, that’s where I feel I can do the most good in a band, and that brings joy to me with the band on stage.
SOURCE – Is there anything else you have going on you would like to mention?
Robert Berry (Bass, Keys, Vocals) – Six By Six is booking our first ever tour. We hope to meet you in person and get to Brazil at some point. Please check out the videos for Beyond Shadowland on YouTube and let us know what you think.
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Photo Credit: Dave Lepori