August 16, 2004
Interview with Dario Mollo
For over two decades Melodic rock fans have been captivated by the legendary Italian guitarist Dario Mollo. From his first band “Crossbones” to his latest work with “The Cage” and “Voodoo Hill” Dario has again and again delivered both great music and an original style. Now with his own recording studio; Damage Inc. he is busier than ever, working on a variety of musical endeavors with a stunning array of musical talent. In this interview, Dario talks about his work with other great artists and the artistic freedom he has found producing his own music.
1. To begin the interview I would like to invite you to introduce yourself; Dario Mollo, the man behind the music.
I am an Italian guitarist, artistic producer and studio owner. I started my career in the early eighties with the band "Crossbones" with Don Airey on keyboard. I've worked during my career with a lot of great artists like Graham Bonnet, Tony martin, Glenn Hughes etc.
2. Wild Seed of Mother Earth has received a lot of attention and has definitely got people talking, what do you think of the final cut of the album and how does it feel to finish such a great project?
I'm very pleased of the result of this album; I'm trying to develop my personal style and to evolve a kind of music that too often repeat all the same clichés of the past. In this album you can find many contaminations from different styles.
3. Each track on the new album has a personality and sound all its own, is there one song in particular that has a special meaning to you that you could share some of the history with us?
One of my favorite songs of the album is "Dying to live", this is an unusual song for Glenn voice, but it's been a great surprise to see him singing like Rob Halford.
4. The sound quality of this album is stellar! The little I know about Steinbergs new system Nuendo has been very exciting, now to hear it on the Voodoo Hill album tells me the future is here; how was it working with the new system and do you recommend it?
I think that the sound quality depends on the artistic production and very little from the recording media, but Steinberg’s recording program makes my life very easy. I am beta tester of nuendo and cubase sx and I have a great experience on using these programs, I recommend it because with just a computer and an audio card you can record everything at a pro level.
5. After last month’s release of Voodoo Hill album Wild Seed of Mother Earth, the question foremost in this fans mind is, what's next. Will we be seeing another album from "The Cage" or "Voodoo Hill" or perhaps something entirely new?
In this period I'm recording new stuff and sincerely I don't know who will sing my next album, probably I will try to do something with Graham Bonnet.
6. Are there other groups or projects that you are currently involved with in a production/recording role?
I'm working on the new Giuntini album with Tony Martin on vocals and very soon I'll start the recording of a young Italian prog/rock band "Night Clouds".
7. Your Studio, Damage Inc. is a work of art in its own right, most artists are at the mercy of their producer's equipment and skill, you, however have been able to take the music to a whole new level by having complete artistic control from start to finish. What in particular motivated you to create Dario Mollo's Damage Inc. Studio?
I'm always been attracted from the art of capturing sounds, in the past I've worked with other producers and I wasn't really satisfied of the final result, that's why I've decided to learn the art of recording at a professional level. I think that it's a great advantage to be capable to translate your ideas to a final product in total control but at the same time it's a great responsibility.
8. Dario, after you compose, record, mix and produce your music, what do you do to balance out your life? When do you have time to sleep? Outside of your music what do you do in order to stay motivated and centered?
I have organized my life very well, I'm very productive in studio, just in few hours I can do a lot of stuff and I have quite a lot of spare time for my hobbies; I go 3 times a week to the gym, I like to drive my sport car and my motorcycle, go out with friend etc. Life is too short to spend it between the walls of a studio; I like to translate the experiences that I live everyday outside the studio into my music.
9. Throughout your career you have worked with legendary artists and musicians, creating a variety of sounds and techniques, is there a particular artist or project that you feel has had a great impact on your professional development?
From every experience with these great artists I've learned something, but from the first "the cage" album with Tony Martin I've learned quite a lot of stuff.
10. One artist in particular that you have worked with is Glen Hughes and all of us as fans are wondering when we will see more of this team?
Probably next year I would like to tour with Glenn and record a DVD live.
11. What are your feelings on the Melodic world of today; and where would you like to see the music/industry go over the next few years?
I think that regarding the number of bands it's going very well but I would like to see more innovations in this stile of music. For the future I would like to see the music industry managed by people that love music and arts and not by account man.
12. Do you have a closing message for your fans?
I just want to thank everybody for reading this interview and for supporting this kind of music; I wish you all the best.
Dario -
Posted by Kathy at August 16, 2004 03:06 PM