Breaking Absolutes Ep. 4 - James LaBrie (Dream Theater)

James LaBrie of Dream Theater talks about Dream Theater's upcoming album, his extensive career before and outside Dream Theater, as well as new stories from his time in Dream Theater.
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Show Info:
Breaking Absolutes is new a hard rock and heavy metal interview show launching as a premiere partner on Twitch this April. More than simply a platform for artists to share their upcoming release, Breaking Absolutes endeavors to peel back the stereotypes and go deeper on the musicianship, the value, and the innovative and broad-reaching emotional appeal of hard rock and heavy metal. Show creators intend Breaking Absolutes to help lead a revival in the interest and consumption of the genre.
Show host, Peter Orullian, is a music industry veteran, having spent years working with major labels and artists to showcase their music across multiple networks and platforms. Some of this work was done with the Xbox platform and brand, where Orullian drove visibility for artists to the gaming demographic. Orullian has also been an international touring vocalist, in addition to recording efforts as a writer and producer for his own music with his band Symphony North - www.symphonynorth.com. This enables Orullian to speak with authenticity to working musicians. Orullian is also a veteran interviewer across multiple artist mediums, and is known for insightful and entertaining discussion that builds desire and interest for those with whom he speaks.

[@tumbamarch89]

1:00:17 "Awake" is the shining moment of Jame's career. His performance on this one is outta this world.

[@Fernanufret]

James is my favorite singer, and to me, is the voice of prog. Thank you for everything you do, James!

[@duncan3998]

Imagine him and Mustaine collab

[@raquelstaerke1017]

Mr Labrie is THE voice, the interpretation that gives life to the DT' songs

[@OlexandrIgnatov]

James is so cool, smart and fun to chat with. And you’ve done a great job with this interview!

[@Max72TheOnlyOne]

❤️As I said several times... he had food poisoning, he could have stop and halt touring on Awake... then Dream Theater would have not ever been Dream Theater... he is one of the main reasons we have Dream Theater ... love you James... the Pirate!!!! ❤️

[@mtaffer]

I'm glad that James looks so good here, the live in London videos he was all puffy faced and I was wondering if there was something wrong with him. He looks very healthy though here and especially for his age pushing 60! As far as his technique while singing, I have watched many vocal coaches critique him and they really are blown away and don't understand how he can do what he does, so yeah he has a special gift for sure!

[@EntitySevenParanormal]

I know James can have his off nights but his one of the best singer's in music. He is Dream Theater's voice.

[@bozziovai]

looking at the dream theater tour schedule and the vocal ranges of their songs always amazes me to how james had endured it for these past 30 years. wow. just wow.

[@peterorullian]

Agreed!

[@TheGiarcC]

I cry every time I listen to Octavarium....23 minutes of pure joy.

[@anambivalentenemy]

James,in case you are reading this. I am a huge DT fan for the last 22 years,and i can't imagine listening to a new DT album,or watching the band perform live, without you on the mic. Now i get to really know what it really is like when you sing for DT and your personal background, because people do not know and do not think about how difficult and taxing this whole recording/performing/travelling thing is. And it's great to listen to this interview and get a wider perspective,because most of us focus on the instrumental wackery of DT and forget about you,whereas you are as important to the group as anybody else. 🙏🙏🙏

[@hansgruber2913]

The song "Lie" is what got me into Dream Theater as a teenager. They actually played it on the radio a few times. I thought James had some Bruce Dickinson characteristics. I instantly went out and bought the album. My dad came home while "Scarred" was playing loudly over the speakers. He also became an instant fan. (He was a long time Yes fan so it was a natural fit) Personally I would to hear another song with the "Depeche Mode" smooth style ("Daybreak at the bottom of the lake") and the rasp of "Lie". I also loved the lower voice in "Space Dye Vest" and would love to hear another song in that vocal style. Needless to say, Awake is my favorite album but I love all the DT albums. About the Broadway play....James should play a Pirate! Thanks for all the music over the years. It has been a blessing especially with the way the modern music industry has become almost pure garbage.

[@emperoring112]

John Petrucci, Tuomas Holopainen, and now James Labrie??? My dude you getting all my favorites!!!

[@ricardogarcia5708]

Thank you so much for this interview Peter! I wish James LaBrie would read this, i'd kill someone to meet him one day haha. He's on such a unique level, if only there were more skilled unbiased singers out there and most skilled musicians weren't jealous of special singers, i think a lot more people would realize just how much of a singing god LaBrie is... and some fans wouldn't so arrogant, i'm 100% sure DT would've never become so successful without having the luck to "behold" one of the MOST LEGENDARY singers ever (please keep in mind i love the other members of the band as well ever since Jordan joined, i'm not hating on anyone). Much love LaBrie, maybe one day i can meet you, i promise i wouldn't annoy you too much but your singing and character is just out of this world, and the inspiration you've given me really means a lot. Cheers for the channel as well Peter.

[@rajatbalraj7954]

Excellent interview man! JLB is not appreciated enough!❤️❤️❤️

[@TheGiarcC]

UNRAVELING...So good. I love this song. . ON the Disc ONLY.

[@UnboxerofWorlds]

That is a beautiful song. I wish James put out more albums like that.

[@AntonioVictorSpada]

Precious interview. Makes understand better what's behind.all the dedication and hard work. DT has been part of my life. Awake and I&W memorable. Thank you James.

[@keifmullismusic2764]

James LaBrie MADE ‘Images and words’ with his soaring, unique voice. He doesn’t get enough credit. The grey hair really suits him too!

[@peterorullian]

Agreed on both counts!

[@rtrooperw8115]

One of the coolest guys and greatest vocals, EVER!!!🙏🏻♥️🤟🏻

[@JoaoL0pes]

So many years have passed, and he is still seen as the ugly duckling of DT. What an amazing underappreciated singer

[@drachenfeuer7410]

There're people who wished La Brie was out of DT, for whatever non important reasons. Althought the food poisoning it is quite clear that after albums Falling and Scenes Memory are absolutely mind blowing masterpieces records, and he sung his lungs out in those phenomenal songs. All DT musicians are amazing, and La Brie is the Words of the band. It doesnt matter if U can cover higher or lower pitch related to him, if U dont have his talent and perception about how a new song must sung.

[@fabiochristoforo]

Awesome! DT is my life!

[@asdrubalpintom]

Peter thanks for doing this interview! It felt like two good friends sharing histories.! .. I had the chance to say hello to James on December 2019 on the Rio de Janeiro Airport in Brazil, and he dedicated more than 5 minutes to me, a nobody,just another fan, to answer my questions, to take a picture with me , I mean the man it's just an incredible person.. as a big Fan of DT and James , thanks Peter !

[@coreyyates3385]

An outstanding interview!!! James has been my favorite singer for 25+ years and I definitely understand what he brings and gives of himself and his voice. The absolute strength and virtuosity of him as an artist is unmatched. I still think The Astonishing is his best work. Just unreal how he portrayed so many diverse characters and brought us all into that story. Can't wait for DT15 and the new solo album!!!!

[@mercuripietro6888]

i remember when this guy came out in 1992 i was blown away he was untouchable in his prime his technique and style was very unique and one of a kind its called singing in stacato basicaly you cut the words short by giving little shots whit your diaphram the only other songer who sings in this style like labrie his goran edman from the eclipse and fire and ice from malmsteen very hard technique

[@nikthomas-le7915]

Amazing interview, Peter. I've been a fan since '92, and it was great to hear things I'd not heard before. 🤘😎🤘

[@thegreatcornholio80]

Good episode, good job. Ok, now a request for the next interview: Get one of Joseph Williams, David Paich, Steve Lukather or Leland Sklar. These guys are as down to earth as it gets and easy to reach for an interview afaik.

[@anambivalentenemy]

Hey Peter, Really interesting listening to James,and John on your first episode,and it is great so far! But,if you could add some time stamps it would be even greater! Thanks for this interview,and looking forward to your next ones!

[@paulloguebass]

Very cool interview Peter! Looking forward to hearing your take on ‘Beautiful shade of Grey’ 🤘

[@darioricci85]

Grazie Peter! Regards from Italy

[@terenceaxi]

Excellent interview Peter!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, man!

[@wilfried-d.fuxbed6202]

Definitely a very nice and warm person - and funny too 👍 he explains his way of singing very „basic“ so that nearly everyone understands what he’s doing 🤘 he should have been a teacher or at least he should do vocal coaching 😉

[@mikerand3979]

Great interview! Love what you’re doing Pete!

[@mikesallee2509]

Excellent interview! I can't believe I missed the DT show at the Phoenix Underground on the FII tour. I didn't know about it. I'm from Sequim Washington out on the Peninsula and have been to all other DT shows that cam through Seattle. I think I might have met you at the Symphony X and Overkill concert at the Showbox in 2015 when hanging with Jammindude (Strayley). James Labrie seems like a super cool guy, and that was a very insightful interview. Thank You!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, Mike! I'm sure we've crossed paths. Jammindude is a cool guy, appreciate him!

[@mikesallee2509]

@@peterorullian I still have yet to buy the book, but it's on my radar. I love The Astonishing album, and it's the biggest crime in DT history that the live concert did not get documented. I'm so glad to have witnessed that at the Paramount Theater. Keep up the great work Peter! 💯

[@brandon-shreds]

This is a great interview! Awesome work Peter!

[@peterorullian]

Thanks, man!

[@silvana2186]

Love James Labrie, the best singer in the world ❤️

[@peterorullian]

He's definitely my vocal north star!

[@isaacclarke-yu8cp]

Really nice interview. Super enjoyable also informative. So many Labrie haters, so many bs easily told, when you hear others trying to sing DT songs... Man... There is no one doing what James does, and that is not saying he is flawless (who is), but his sound and quality is inherent to the bands music. Then others say ''yeah I like DT but the singer... not so much'', guess what, you don't like Dream Theater then pal, and that is also fine. (Reminds me of Rush and Geddys voice also, very similar situation in that regard).

[@judewesley3365]

Happy birthday to James today 🥳❤️

[@reactions4u438]

filming a music video for the first single?!?!!! that is awesome

[@demonalisdragon9674]

I'm so excited for the new Dream Theater album I can't wait to hear it when it's released later this year it's likely going to be released in September 2021 and I can't wait to hear the new 8 string Majesty song and I hope there's 6 strings and 7 strings songs as well and what is James saying that we are going to freak out? Is there something really good on this new Dream Theater album that we don't know about?

[@nikatapi]

Great interview! James looks pretty cool with the great hair, i hope he keeps it.

[@KBH27]

That was awesome

[@orioletes]

I thought for a moment that James decided to interview himself, because Peter looks like a younger James.

[@peterorullian]

That's awesome, thanks!

[@terezamazziero3826]

He’s unique!

[@BasedRaven96]

James really fits having white hair!

[@malawigw]

James is such a funny and insightful guy. For being such a famous singer he seems to have ego attached. Seems like a guy you could take a couple of beers with just have a fun conversation with

[@peterorullian]

He is everything you see!

[@filipec.storck]

The Master!!! 🔥🤘🏻🎤

[@asabovesobelow2299]

A BEAUTIFUL SHADE OF GRAY!!!!!!!!!!! 28:56

[@notsure9137]

These guys look like brothers.

[@peterorullian]

I've heard that before, and I always take it as a compliment!

[@notsure9137]

@@peterorullian As it was intended! James and DT are my favorites.

[@UnboxerofWorlds]

Fate's Warning wants a word with you about "A Beautiful Shade of Gray."

[@peterorullian]

Ahaha!