Discussing Progressive Instrumental Rock w/ Aaron Marshall (Intervals)

[@RickGraham]

Great interview!!

[@JohnsJustSaiyan]

Rick Graham much respect Rick!

[@jaredy18]

Rick, when are u gonna be on this show?

[@bishwarupborah7805]

@@jaredy18 he already did..

[@avizokhatsu8793]

Awesome

[@hedhuntervizo6749]

Yea

[@ThorneyedWT]

When Rick says that you play very melodic, you know you did something right.

[@ianrivera2523]

man im still hoping this comment becomes true haha

[@davepatchen]

Aaron is excellent. He's the archetype of the super-bright, thoughtful, creative artist that is pushing progressive rock/metal forward. He's professional, well-educated and a super-amazing player with the skills to also produce what he wants. Between Aaron, Misha, Nolly, Plini, Guthrie, Tosin, Javier, Taranto and many others Progressive metal is more interesting than it's ever been. Kudos to all.

[@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive]

IMO progressive music has declined. Not because there are not plenty of brilliantly skilled players out there. IMO they have concentrated on being skillful, but not being 3 dimensional. For instance, early progressive music, let's say "Close to the Edge" by YES. Listen to that masterpiece and show me anything even remotely as mind-bending as that. AFAIK it doesn't exist anymore. And the vocalists of progressive music now...meh. I'm also hearing a lot of similarity between players in the upper strata now, as they all attune to the intervals that are practical on a guitar. So what we have, as I see it, is many more fantastically hard working artists who can play really fast, clean, and flawlessly, but they are missing something. In much of music I hear people in for the glory. And despite their humble appearance, you must be one helluva ego driven person to become this skilled. It's the nature of the beast. But in that focus, service to the music is muddled, or lost. IMO the greatest thing that an artist can do is to serve the music, rather than their own ego. And I see very little other than ego in music today. Yes, a vast and powerful ego is necessary to make music for any length of time. And for you to know how good what you are doing is, you also need that magnificent ego. But you also need perspective, which is something ego really sucks at. But we've created a scenario where ego now drives everything. And we lost something in the transition. Cheers.

[@killmepls7865]

@@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive dude listen to the first Haken studio album and tell me it isnt more of a mind fock than CTTE

[@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive]

@@killmepls7865 Thanks for the recommendation. Listening now to "Streams". Definitely different. I like it so far. But it ain't no CTTE, but they are now on my list.

[@killmepls7865]

@@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive Yeah also check out their song Cockroach King from their third album, especially if you like Gentle Giant ;-)

[@brendanmcclanahan8696]

@@killmepls7865 haken is doing nothing for me

[@Pakanahymni]

Intervals was my most listened artist in 2019.

[@jcarceojcarceo]

same here

[@kai_bittner]

Of my decade 😍

[@kevinberstler]

Järvi his music is certainly addicting.

[@Yakushii]

That's awesome! I just discovered him in November, so it's a real coincidence for me to see Rick sit down with him so shortly after I got to learn about him.

[@JDWindtPlaysGuitar]

it was for me back in 2016 with The Shape of Colour. Man that album is tight, and all recorded in E Standard!

[@LinkinParkConnoisseur]

wow the first piece he played was so beautiful and the tone is angelic

[@mitchplaysriffs]

“Leave no stone.” One of the best

[@samarsalan9897]

I think that was improvised

[@kykk3365]

Man, he seems like a genuinely nice and humble guy! Edit: Oh, he's Canadian.

[@samhancock3683]

Compliment retracted then, since that's just how he is without working for it.

[@blahdeblah6207]

kek with its four rock stars...and cross-dressing PM.

[@rcandrews4334]

Yeah because Allan Legere, Gilbert Jordan, John Martin Crawford, Léopold Dion, Paul Kenneth Bernardo, David Michael Krueger, Robert William "Willy" Pickton, Wayne Clifford Boden, William Patrick Fyfe were such a wonderful people :/

[@blahdeblah6207]

@@rcandrews4334 wtf are they?

[@MagruderSpoots]

@@blahdeblah6207 Murderers.

[@gargantula3274]

I have so much respect for how unafraid Aaron is to represent the things he loves. I remember in the earlier days back when this genre was largely an elitist thing where everyone was very judgmental about any music that wasn't in an odd time or full of drop-tuned chugging or fast tapping riffs. I think this was even before A Voice Within came out, I was following him on Facebook and he posted about how much he was enjoying the new Justin Bieber record and everyone was like "wait, what are you talking about? Justin Bieber is the enemy". He basically responded with "Whatever, if you don't like it, fine, but it's got some good melodies that I'm really into right now. I can almost guarantee you haven't listened to it and you can't just say you hate it because it's pop". That really changed the way I think about music and honestly I feel like I owe him so much gratitude for that. Aaron is an absolute champion.

[@joshsvoss]

That’s great

[@Mist_R]

Archetype Aaron is next. Let's go NeuralDSP

[@KeltsiGG]

Oh yes!

[@WhitePonytail]

That and Archetype Zytecki 😍

[@alegutierrezmusic]

Aaron and Owane would be awesome

[@tommurphy3188]

I would but that In a heartbeat

[@YMRGUITAR]

A year later it’s and it’s a tragedy this hasn’t happened yet. I bought the Nolly plug-in, will probably get Plini at some point, but holding out for this 🤞

[@RC32Smiths01]

Prog Rock had had some of the most influential and impactful experiences for me in music. Definitely one of the more technical and advanced, but that's what really makes it imo. Everything about it can have something new for everyone. Awesome work man!

[@RB747domme]

RC32 yeah, I agree. If you managed to find it online have a look for Deep Purple live BBC sessions. They did two sessions in one in Maida Vale London. There was only a few people there because it was a really intimate gig, but it allowed Ritchie Blackmore to play lines similar to this. Just soft clean picking up and down the fretboard while everyone else put their instruments down. One record was recorded 1970, the other record was 1972. Richie even went into classical soft lines which was really beautiful.

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@RB747domme That's amazing man! I'd definitely need to check that out!

[@Philip_McIlvain]

The influences from other genres make it more friendly to listeners who particularly don’t like low chugs with screaming, which is why I just love it so much, and it’s cool because it seems that people who don’t play guitar can enjoy this music on the same level.

[@telecaster9988]

0:53 it’s the thing which makes me come back to this video everyday

[@nivekiohc]

He was insane last Saturday opening for chon and btbam in ATL. Intervals is really heavy live.

[@dL-lw7pi]

NivekIohc saw them a few weeks ago in Seattle. What a great show!

[@IdiotsGoneWild]

Rick was there! Went to the meet and greet for Chon and saw him in the venue

[@sahamal_savu]

That sounds like it was a killer show.

[@thenightrider2121]

Saw them in Milwaukee last month. Pretty killer show and hadn't heard of Intervals before. Got to talk to Aaron after the show and he was a cool guy. Look forward to seeing them again.

[@trowabarton222]

Saw them in Asheville NC. Met Aaron before the show, super nice guy.

[@IOxyrinchus]

“Flowing intervalic playing” Couldn’t have said it any better, Rick.

[@flashythingme]

Always increasingly impressed by Aaron. I first saw Intervals when they were doing a combo line up with Plini in support of Animals As Leaders. It was my first "djent" show and I had a few internal organs dislocated but all of the performers were spot on. I always try to keep an eye on Tosin, Plini and Aaron's activities now. Thanks for having Aaron on, Rick. Great episode.

[@dontfallyoumighthurtyourse4694]

Thats when I first saw him too!

[@Q247247]

That's when I first saw him/them, too.

[@MitchM240]

No one plays more melodic or beautiful riffs than Aaron. His hooks are KILLER.

[@simonticehurst5899]

Blown away by the sheer genius of these two guys intimate knowledge of everything and beyond.

[@luthiervandros]

Instrumental rock is my bag and I’m so glad to see it’s in a healthy place. Thanks for exposing me to this cat. I’ve been in my own vacuum for so long.

[@luthiervandros]

RDE Lutherie old Bissel bc they are heaviest.

[@luthiervandros]

Joe Satchton THIS is helpful. Thank you. Hard to imagine living in a post satch/vai world.

[@luthiervandros]

Joe Satchton totally get it. I’m not on the same page re: analog amps, but yah. Maybe I am, though. Most of my guitars have been tracked on Amplitube 3 lol. In denial perhaps.

[@sahamal_savu]

@@luthiervandros A couple more suggestions for you, Angel Vivaldi and Arch Echo. I'm pretty sure I found Angel Vivaldi about 7 years ago because KZbin suggested it :) Lots of great instrumental bands to be found on here!

[@luthiervandros]

Michael Nightingale thank you! This will help me get a sense of which sub genre my own music falls into. I hate not knowing what the hell it is haha.

[@paulswiech8495]

Impulsively Responsible is one of my favorite songs of all time. It's so clean and aggressive, patient yet forceful. I've listened to it probably 500 times and I catch something I've never heard before each time I listen to it. What an incredibly written piece.

[@curtislitchfield1378]

Aaron Marshall was the most influential person in getting me back into caring about music. I missed telling him that in Calgary when him and Plini opened for AAL. I've never watched somebody play with so much joy. HE comes out when he plays, and I appreciate that.

[@Gwunhar]

That was such a phenomenal tour!

[@curtislitchfield1378]

@@Gwunhar I never got a plintervals shirt. Will always be my favorite bromance. haha

[@Gwunhar]

@@curtislitchfield1378 I was lucky enough to get one! It's one of my favorite pieces of tour swag.

[@ricardsolamestres3668]

9:02 is from "Leave No Stone" in case anyone was wondering. One of my favourite songs from the last album!

[@Dante-xf1mu]

it is followed by one of the best melody ever

[@redualein]

Ty

[@samarsalan9897]

@Andrei James i think its improv

[@TheGuitarifier]

What Aaron learned from Pat, I learned from Guthrie. Understanding how to use those passing chromatic notes is absolutely game-changing.

[@mrbungle3846]

Been following Aaron marshal for about 6 years, He's inspired me to play and learn more, and his music is just brilliant. Love this guy!

[@ukcats82]

Aaron writes the BEST hooks ever. His albums, The Shape of Colour and The Way Forward have some of the best hooks I have ever heard in music. Aaron is a badass and I would kill to have a few lessons from him. If you haven't heard any Intervals and you like prog or even guitar rock, then this is the man for you. Both my grandparents passed away in 2016 and I got them both into Intervals at ages 85 and 81. My grandfather was a huge country music guy and he loved Aaron's playing, they both did. Love how he demos Leave No Stone like it's nothing

[@espalexi666]

It's so refreshing to see Rick geek out when Aaron is playing.

[@baraldobumpa3447]

I love Aaron, hes so nice and humble, truly one of the greats of this generation

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

😂 rick loves talking theory...the way his face lights up 🤣

[@JDMacko23]

Very well spoken and articulate gentleman!

[@larydixon4824]

Hi Rick, Great interview ! Aaron Marshall is a really innovative and fluid player, in many ways he reminds me of the connectivity that Carlos Santana has in his guitar style, even though they have such different backgrounds and influences, they both have a very similar connectivity to their instruments ! Aaron is an incredible talent and I think that he's one of the most creative players out there today ! Thank you Rick, this was a really great 'up close and personal' opportunity to see this exciting guitarist.. Lary

[@ochiebiryani]

still watching this video before 2021 ends, so much to learn from this interview, Aaron Marshall’s playing surely inspires a lot of players out there

[@mulullama]

Rick's eyes glazing over and bobbing his head side to side is one of my favorite little things about watching him listen to music

[@MartyDadRiffs]

Aaron is such an amazing artist and player. I feel pure joy when I hear him play. Thank you for this, Rick.

[@lostknotdown4ever]

I still remember seeing intervals in a tiny club in Manchester, supported by polyhpia. That night was a true eargasm, everything was absolutely perfect!

[@T-Bore]

Aaron is the reason why I started writing and publishing instrumental music. So thanks and keep on writing epic music!!

[@elianmusic7452]

Rick you are a blessing on earth. Your influence is beyond what you know. So much love to you and aaron❤️

[@bikesnbeerz]

Rick - Please invite him back. He's great at the axe and the interview!

[@chrisb1047]

Aaron has an extremely unique sound. His licks are some of the most tastiest I’ve ever heard!

[@perezprods6608]

NEVER CLICKED SO FAST MAN, AARON INSPIRED ME TO PICK MY GUITAR AGAIN AND NOT WORRY ABOUT HOW REGULAR MUSIC CONSUMERS WOULD THINK OF INSTRUMENTAL GUITAR/METAL ORIENTED MUSIC. ALSO RICK HAS BEEN A GUIDE WHEN IT COMES TO MY PRODUCTION AND MIXES. BLESSINGS FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. MUCH LOVE❤️

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

This is one of those, "I didn't know this guy existed and he's amazing" type of videos. Love it.

[@jacobsmith1877]

I love that you are highlighting these incredible musicians and giving some serious exposure to people that are helping to keep music honest.

[@justintavares9730]

anything Aaron plays by himself is so melodic that he could play it unaccompanied and i would gladly listen to it

[@tommurphy3188]

A hidden Canadian treasure! Love how beautiful that sounds with a simple board!

[@KentRodgman]

Aaron is one of my favourite players because he is just so clean, and smooth flowing melody. One of those guys you really feel like its coming out him, rather than calculated playing.

[@tylervandenbosch563]

One of my favorite bands as of late, so cool to see Rick have these amazing artists on his show.

[@kevinberstler]

Aaron is just pure taste.

[@DamianGDI2012]

Intervals is easily one of my favorite bands. I love how they mix the prog, rock, jazzy vibes. Really fun band to listen to.

[@mannyprego9013]

The word that kept coming to mind was: elegant. Fluid, sophisticated playing. Beautiful.

[@ZealZaddy]

That's four words. ;)

[@mannyprego9013]

@@ZealZaddy lol!

[@jrmehle]

I was turned onto Aaron and Intervals around the time his first EP The Space Between came out. Been a big fan ever since! Any time I see an extended interview like this come up with him, I have to watch. He's so deliberate and insightful about his playing.

[@andybell490]

Glad I caught this interview. I’d never heard of Intervals until now. I checked them out on Spotify. They have a new fan.

[@jakemf1]

Andy Bell don’t support Spotify not good for artists

[@joashbritto]

@@jakemf1 I'm sure he'll stop using it because you said so.

[@dougkatie974]

@@jakemf1 Aaron has actually said that Spotify keeps the lights on. Spotify is only "bad for artists" when they sign their intellectual property away to a label to takes the majority of the money they should be making from Spotify.

[@joelcoool]

Intervals played one of the best sets of Download 2019. I was front row and it was super tight. Worth noting that they played the same stage as Plini a year before, which was the first ever instrumental set at Download. and in 2019 there were at least 4 instrumental bands, which says a lot about the new progressive metal movement

[@gihon4926]

Rick, your videos put a smile on my face. They are literally helping through the mental illness I am dealing with. 🙂

[@Ana198]

He has such a unique sound, i don't think there is anyone who sounds anything like him, love it. So kewl way to play

[@hubertrnx116]

Aaron is an amazing musician. I will always remember the time seeing Intervals live. Nathan and Travis were also really fun to talk to 😬 memories that will last me a lifetime for sure 💯🙏🏾

[@enricopersia4290]

I love when two different generations meet each other and confront for the best

[@nervedown666]

11:42 Rick is in the zone... Enjoying!!! Awesome!!!

[@anthonysilva5312]

Love to see Rick interacting with new musicians with instruments playing live. Congrats on creeping into 1.25M area!! representing Toronto!,,,

[@lucyagogo]

Thank you so much for supporting these "new" upcoming guitar players and their projects!!! They deserve to be known!!!!

[@tommyborgstrom5580]

The clean sound is so GOOD🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@tomk1tl]

I agree ! Nice 'n smooth player !

[@safetytfh]

the intervals / plini (plintervals, if you will) north america tour a while back was super sick. Plini playing rhythm for Intervals. Aaron doing the same for Plini, flawless musicianship the whole time. magical show

[@sanfords]

I remember long ago when I was in college and a metal band was setting up to perform over lunch and the guitarist stated just noodling around with a beautiful clear tone and people started gathering from everywhere as it was attracting them like bees to honey. Then the full band gets going and turn up the volume and distortion and start banging away and I just had to leave. It was literally irritating and painful to hear. Simple noodling with a clear sound is wonderful and hypnotizing - never give up on the simple and clean sound. Great noodling Aaron!

[@sonicsaviouryouwillnotgetm6678]

Heard Plini and Intervals in a show before Animals as leaders. Didn't know both and initially came for AAL. Ended up being hugely disapointed with AAL and fell in Love with Plini and Intervals on the spot. There might be no singer on most of Aarons stuff, but I can sing a great deal of every song on the shape of color (and all other records) because the melodies and the compositions are so strong.

[@Gustavarts]

the holy trinity, i wish i was there

[@Gustavarts]

aal tends to sound a bit chaotic, while Plini and Intervals have a clear melodic line

[@danielseale9636]

Yes!! Have been mentioning Aaron in the comments for so long. Such a good guy and amazing player

[@jerryguzman9691]

Everything this gentleman plays is just effortlessly awesome. A true artist! 🤙🏼

[@jaredfalk7701]

He makes it look effortless.

[@Daniel-kz3df]

YES! Love Aaron, he's the man. Owane next please!

[@thebooda]

Wow! What a fantastic band. Instantly bought their CD after a quick listen on KZbin. Thanks, Rick and Aaron!

[@PackinForSuperbowl]

I love Intervals so much. I discovered them after getting introduced to Rabea through Andertons TV. I checked out Toska and was immediately obsessed with finding more music that gave me that feeling the instrumental prog gives me. I'm in a regular rock band because I just don't nearly have the chops for the music I love so much. I just want to say (under the influence of copious amounts of cold medication), Aaron, you're awesome and thank you for the music.

[@jefffredenburg7231]

I got in to them a couple years ago by listening to Animal's as Leaders and Modern Day Babylon. And said then that this is the future of guitar music

[@ChrisTarpleyAsylumOfCerberus]

If there's anyone that's been a beacon of inspiration of the last 10 years, it's definitely Aaron. Really stoked to see him improve and constantly be fun and humble to talk to.

[@isaacadamski1025]

Probably the fifth time I have watched this video so amazingly incredible and interesting . Intervals is in my top three of instrumental artists I love it , Aaron is so good so pleasant to listen to him . Rick your channel is awesome 👏

[@Knosferatu]

A man in possession of genius. Aaron's music is pure magic. Love this dude!

[@f-cab8846]

I have been listening to instrumental tracks that have had the vocals removed, everything from Iron Maiden to Rush, the music is great even without the vocals. This also allows me to get closer to the drum sounds when I try to emulate while playing.

[@DJArrigo]

Intervals is amazing live!!! What an amazing experience he has great energy and stage presence. Along with amazing guitar playing 🤘🏽

[@cardbored_]

I'm not even a huge metal/prog fan but I love Aarons playing and all the intervals records, even the one with lyrics which everyone seems to hate.

[@tramlad2]

Loving your work Aaron, i am a big prog fan, love Porcupine Tree Dream Theatre Guthrie Govan ,Steven Wilson. that type of guitar is technical and fluid, create great soundscapes to work around, Great video Rick, always great to catch up with you, the master,

[@Cordmichael]

Thank You both for Speaking to us and Playing for us like adults.

[@yesspazsmith9895]

I have most (all?) Intervals's releases, but this was the first interview I saw of anyone in the band, and it is SOLID. I love good guitar works and eloquent speakers, and when you combine them, I'm good.

[@thejonathandoan]

15:40 I'm so glad he mentioned Pat Metheny. I was getting some really huge jazz vibes when I saw them the other day in Austin, TX (04/19/2022). I'd never even heard of the band before that night, and I was an immediate fan. Exceptional musicianship, song writing, and performance.

[@irvingperes]

Wow! Didn't see this one coming. Aaron is one of the top players and it was a pleasure to watch this conversation. I'd be totally amazing to see Aaron track something in Rick's studio

[@mariocontreras1911]

Give it up for Aaron and Rick. Applause for a great video.

[@TheGuitarifier]

Aaron is such a good speaker man. I can tell he would put on an insane clinic. I'd really love to attend one some day.

[@TheGuitarifier]

I feel like he talks SO much about gear and equipment, but I wanna hear him talk more about his playing and music. Dude is such a phenomenal player AND composer.

[@morpheusdokis175]

thank you Rick for Appreciating legendary artists! i cant wait to see more videos with you and more tone/guitar playing gods!

[@CA-ml3iv]

Thank you guys for your time, it was a great video!

[@fivewattworld]

Love this! What a melodic player. I’ll be listening to Intervals today. Thanks Hypes!

[@SpartanLaserCanon]

I like to practice sitting and also sometimes standing and I find hybrid picking so much easier when standing sometimes. I don't have a favorite of all time when it comes to music. I saw plintervals live before AAL and that show was very inspiring. I thick Rick is such a good interviewer. Thanks guys.

[@MFKR696]

Not practicing too much is some of the best advice one can be given. When it starts to hurt, that's your body's way of telling you to cut it out. I know too many people who went too hard, just trying to white-knuckle their way through it, and ended up not being able to play at all (carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, degenerative-arthritis, etc.). Repetitive-Stress-Injuries are a thing, and they're often career-enders when it comes to musicians.

[@ProbyWaN1337]

Saw you in Columbus a few weeks ago, Aaron. You have one of the best sounding shows I've ever seen. It was so powerful. Thank you for coming!

[@shaunmoore1094]

Of all the instrumental metal guitar players, Aaron has always been my favorite. Tasty licks.

[@toolfan347]

Awesome stuff! KZbin needs real interviews with real musicians and this nails it.

[@heathbenton6201]

this is dope I just played sweet tooth for my guitar recital

[@Ghefly]

nice work dude, been working on that one too. great tune, large parts of it are too hard for me!

[@Yusufmasron]

Love theeee Aaron melodic style of playing, very expressive.

[@devonhughes3805]

I have tried several times in life to listen to metal, because I like the energy. But the melodics and progressions that drove the songs never appealed to me. Dude. The Intervals album "The Shape of Colour" is on repeat right now..over and over. So good. Thank you, Rick, for bringing on this artist!

[@psychofunksoldier02]

Great interview. Please get Owane, David Maxim Miccic and Nick Johnston on your show!! :-)

[@savethedandelions]

i've never heard Intervals before. based on his playing, and already liking Mogwai, EITS, and Red Sparowes, i'm gonna check em out.

[@russellward4624]

Thanks for introducing me to Intervals. Have been listening to them non stop since the video.

[@adwipal]

Saw them last month, they're absolutely one of the most brilliant acts in instrumental and the prog rock field!

[@jamesgoddard2321]

What a lovely guitar, EXTREMELY well-played. Thanks for introducing me to Intervals Rick! The band has a new fan!

[@shawnarnold6384]

Wish the interview was an hour long! Progressive Metal Instrumentalism is the most interesting thing happening in Rock music today

[@birchlee21]

I like that you had him plugged in and demonstrating

[@MikeU128]

Just discovered Intervals about a year ago. The Shape Of Colour is amazing! Thanks for posting this video, Rick!

[@KPGuitarStudios]

Rick, your love of music is just so contagious. Thanks for sharing as always. Your channel is fantastic! Hope to see you at NAMM

[@ruintime]

Rick- This. Was. Awesome. Never heard of these guys, but I will be checking them out, because of this interview. Great questions and great answers. Thanks.

[@CaveManCole]

Thanks for introducing me this band Rick!

[@chrisking6695]

He's an incredible player and songwriter. And man I do love his guitar.