Interview With Hubi Meisel

Hubi Meisel may have earned his fame initially by being the vocalist for prog metallers Dreamscape, but these last few years he has received wider recognition as a solo artist, with two solo album under his belt, and a third one coming out – Kailash. He has formerly worked with such artists as Rob Rock, Vitalij Kuprij and Anders Johannson, and this, his latest effort, features the talents of members in such bands as Therion and Mago De Oz. To find out some more about Hubi and his new album, I sat down and spoke with him.

Hi Hubi, how are you?

I’m fine, thanks! Hope you and your readers, too!

What are the reactions you get from the fans around the world on your latest solo album, Kailash?

The first reactions from the press and the listeners have been very enthusiastic so far (for example, Sweden Rock Magazine gave 10/10, Rock Hard Italy voted “Dynamite” of the month, etc.) which makes me very glad!

For those who are not that familiar with your musical background, what can you tell us about yourself?

I’m a singer and producer from Munich/Germany and during the past 15 years I’ve been the singer of various groups (i.e. Dreamscape). In 1999 I parted with Dreamscape and finally decided to start a solo career. Since that time I release solo-CDs and participate from time to time in projects of other groups.

This album sounds more mature in my opinion, than the previous one. In your opinion, what do you think, if you need to compare between both albums?

In general both CDs, “EmOcean” and “KAILASH” are exactly like I had them in mind and as they refer to different elements (“EmOcean” is related to the elements of Water and air, “KAILASH” to the elements of Earth and air) and have a quite different topic, it’s a logic consequence that they sound different. Both CDs belong together and they tell different stages of a huge journey.

How did you get your idea for the concept and who or what influence you while writing lyrics for this album?

I felt that the next album would be a concept CD again but I really had no idea about the direction of the album and its topic. The inspiration for “EmOcean” came over night, so I was waiting for a sign again, which was not a long time in coming: one night, shortly before the moment I woke up, it was suddenly there: I saw a beautiful, impressive fiery sky with orange and golden shades, and a majestic snow-covered mountain chain. I just knew that the new album would be about the Himalayas and Tibet and soon I also understood that there would be a strong connection to the holy Mount Kailash.

The basic story of “KAILASH” emerged purely intuitively, but in the following weeks I then enlarged the story with some more background information. I started reading books and ancient writings about Tibet, Lhasa, Buddhist culture and mythology, as well as speeches of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama… When I’m working out my lyrics it simply flows but of course it was a good help for me that I had read these books about Tibet before.

What happen between you and Dreamscape that you had to split?

In summer 1999, some months after the release of “very”, we came to a point where the band and I had quite different views regarding the style of the following album… so we split and went into different directions. I don’t regret that, as it gave me the chance to re-structure my musical plans, so that I could finally begin to realize my own musical dreams and visions, which was one of the most important steps for me.

I heard the album and I really think that the music together with the concept gives the listener something really powerful. How did you do that?

I guess the “recipe” for this album was the enthusiasm and love that was invested in this album. The co-operation between Vivien and me had worked even better than on “EmOcean”… but besides Vivien’s great work, I just LOVE the guitars of Marcel Coenen (Sun Caged) and my Spanish friend Jorge Salán (Mago de Oz), and also the rhythm work of Daniel Flores (Mind’s Eye) & Johan Niemann (Therion) is simply breathtaking!

What is the contribution of Vivian Lalu, would that album released without him?

I have no doubt that “KAILASH” would also have been released with another musical partner, but of course I’m very happy that Vivien joined me for a second time, as he understands in a great way to “translate” my visions! After EmOcean we both felt that we form a very good team, so it was more or less clear to us that we would continue our collaboration. The process works like that: First I sent him the concept together with rough directions on the moods & song structures, etc. Then he sent me his first ideas via MP3, whereupon we were discussing and arranging the material together until it matched the vision I had in mind for each song. After this instrumental base of the songs was done, I started writing my vocal melodies & lyrics.

Which bands influence you the most? What motivated you to write prog music and not other kind of music?

I would not say that I’m so much influenced by other bands as I always try to express myself and don’t copy anyone… however, I love many different kinds of music -from Classic to Metal- as long as I can feel true emotions. The positive thing of progressive music is the variety of styles that can be integrated without problem.

Is there a future for the prog metal, and where it lies?

I’m sure…haha! Especially if you look at the meaning of the word “progressive” 😉 There are many brilliant male and female musicians out there and it seems that the progressive scene is constantly growing.

Would you like to continue with these solo albums, or are you looking for a band to join?

I’m definitely not interested in becoming a constant member of another group as I love my work and I’m definitely planning to continue releasing solo-CDs.

Now lets do some associations, say the first thing that comes in your mind.
Dreamscape – I really enjoyed the time when I was their singer and I still consider them as a great group.

Bayern Munich – Even if I was playing soccer for many years myself, I’m not into this sport anymore and to be honest, I don’t really care if Bayern München wins or not 😉

Heidi Klum – A clever German girl who understands it quite well to market herself…

Favourite Beer – I don’t drink so much beer but I prefer cold Bavarian wheat beer (“Paulaner” or “Riedenburger”).

Bockwurst – I don’t care about Bockwurst… I’m a strict vegetarian 😉

Oktoberfest – I loved it when I was a child… today it seems more like a huge tourist machinery with astronomical prices… however, millions of people love it!

Thank you very much for your time, and good luck with future releases.

Thanks for your time & interest! Feel free to check my official website! Best wishes from Munich & have a great time!!