(1) Could you tell our readers about your band JOHN MACKO? – What kind of music do you perform, when was it established, etc.?
A: It’s really not a band at this point, it’s a “project” under my company John Macko Music. I decided a year ago that I would compile all of my song and music ideas that were not used for Fifth Angel over the past 10 years, so I decided to put those songs into a solo album. The music spans several different styles of metal, some being very progressive and others being pop style. It’s a very diverse album. I collected a team of very talented musicians to form the core of this album along with several guest artists. The core team consists of singer Georgie Chapple (independent artist), Guitar/Keyboard player Adrian Thessenvitz (AD Infinitum) and drummer Ken Mary (Fifth Angel, Flotsam & Jetsam). The album was produced by Adrian and myself and mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen.
(2) Which bands or artists inspired you to play music?
A: Difficult question to answer as I have many musical influences during my life time. For this album, I would say I was inspired by Mahavishnu Orchestra, UK, Alan Holdsworth, Devin Townsend, Rush, Black Sabbath, Soilwork, Kamelot to name a few.
(3) Who came up with the cover art for the album Zero-Point Machine?
A: My friend Henry Moreno.
(4) Who wrote the lyrics for your new album Zero-Point Machine, how did they come to be?
A: Georgie Chapple wrote all of the lyrics as she felt fit the song and mood.
(5) Who created the logo for the band JOHN MACKO, and who takes care of the graphics and the website?
A: Henry does all that.
(6) How many Shows have you played? Which type of gigs do you prefer, whether (Venues or festivals) and which of your performances would you consider as the best?
A: No shows for Zero-point machine have taken place yet as the project is still too new, maybe down the road a tour or some shows will happen?
(7) What is your songwriting process for the album Zero-Point Machine?
A: It started out as song ideas of mine that were either fairly complete or partial ideas. I passed these ideas to Adrian and Georgie and they built on top of the ideasor in some cases they re-wrote my original idea into a new version, the whole process was very fluid and quick.
(8) Who would you most like to collaborate with?
A: Difficult to answer this question as it depends on the project or style of music?
(9) What are the main themes or messages in your lyrics?
A: That would be a “Georgie” question!
(10) Do you have endorsements that you want to talk about or share?
A: I dont have many endorsements, but I am a Spector artist, they recently just built me a custom NS-2 bass guitar that is amazing! I’m looking forward to taking that on tour with Fifth Angel later this fall.
(11) Would you like to share any shows or festivals coming up?
A: I have a tour with Fifth Angel in early November that will be announced soon, and we are also playing the Pyrenean Warriors Festival in early September.
(12)How and where can your fans contact you? What about you and social networks?
Check out JOHN MACKO on Spotify:
