The Making of Ruination

Virgil Donati’s new album ‘Ruination’ will be released in the Summer of 2019.
Pre Order Now: itunes.apple.com/album/id14816...
Throughout the video, as you witness the recording process, you will get to preview some of the tracks, at various stages of development…
“It was early November 2018, and I had just returned from a long year on the road.
I felt a strong urge to lock myself in the studio, to produce new music.
I had decided to devote the next 7 months to making it happen. There are no shortcuts when making a new record, and I’m not good friends with compromise… so knowing there was a window of time, on the second day back home, I sat at my piano and computer, with a cup of hot tea, and struck the first note.
When creating new music, you really have to dig deep. You always hope for those moments when the unexpected happens, those elements of surprise, but there’s also the potential for failure…and you keep grinding away, keep putting in the effort, until you make it manifest. That’s what happens when you explore new possibilities, when you take chances. As I started writing, I realized this record was going to take some diverse turns, and that was the path I wanted the music to head in. The journey begins with one note, one lyric, one beat of a drum, and grows from there. It’s quite remarkable.
The other important factor, is the cast of musicians… on this video, you’ll be witnessing some of the outstanding talent appearing on this record, who were able to pull off some of the challenging playing I was demanding of them. The rhythm section on many of the tracks includes members I’ve been touring with for the last couple years, André Nieri, guitar, and Junior Braguinha, bass, and the list of other musicians includes on Bass: Evan Marien and Anton Davidyants, Guitars: Julian Lage, Marco Sfogli, Carl Mörner Ringström, Matteo Mancuso, Irwin Thomas, Keyboards: Chris Clark, Joe Chindamo, Steve Hunt, Alex Argento, Vocals: Irwin Thomas
Evan Marien - ‘If There Were Nothing’ 2:26
Andre Nieri - ‘The Craic’ 3:27
Anton Davidyants “and I love this pressure” - ‘The Craic’ 4:29
The Australian Sessions 5:18
‘Back To Me’ 5:50
Reamping 6:18
Carl Mörner Ringström - ‘Pinprick’ 8:48
Irwin Thomas 9:35
Irwin - tracking guitar 11:23
Joe Chindamo - 12:51
Irwin - Vocals - ‘The Last Night That I Lived’ 14:45
Junior Braguinha - ‘Out Of The Dirt’ 16:25
Julian Lage - ‘Eleven Pt.2’ 17:28
Matteo Mancuso - ‘If There Were Nothing’ 18:24
Chris Clark - ‘Castle Bastards’ 19:22
Virgil Donati - ‘Eleven Pt.2’ 21:24
VIRGIL DONATI online:
virgildonati.com
/ virgildonati
/ thevirgildonati
/ virgil_donati

Virgil's otherworldly chops aside, his solo albums have grown into this showcase of supreme modern fusion composition, performed together with the finest players

[@michaelnoltimg2601]

Agreed!

[@jkol323]

Carl Ringström is one of the most criminally underrated and underutilized guitarists that I know in the world today, well done Virgil for giving him a platform!

[@VirtuosicFantasies]

Very good point!

[@felipesazo9970]

The complexity level of this music is enormous, it’s great to listen

[@fabianlopez4229]

A master drummer working.

[@drummerjeroensimons]

My deepest respect for Virgil for being a rolemodel!!!!!!

[@biorythmicshifter]

It’s a complete joy to see such high caliber players at work.

[@davidcoulter1058]

I badly want to watch this video but don't want any spoilers! A new Virgil record is an experience, one of the very few artists for whom I will lie down on the bed and do absolutely nothing whilst I take it all in. Can't wait!

[@ShawnCrowder]

Oh, this is going to be awesome.

[@psychicsushizoid]

JULIAN LAGE!!!!! I was waiting for him to venture into this kind of music. The man can play anything!

[@jamesblack7348]

I just shake my head... when it comes to Virgil I’m speechless..

[@stevenausten9935]

Still one of the greatest musicians on the planet

[@TheOfficialTLM]

This album is gonna be filthy!

[@phenbuz]

This is M.F.A. series. Music For Aliens. Absolutely amazing work..Thank you Virgil Donati.

[@tranquilitybase6417]

I should’ve never stopped practicing 40 years ago.

[@MrSixxen]

Never too late :)

[@BlackStarXx11xX]

@@MrSixxen hell yeah man. Not even a single minute late. You never know what a focused couple of weeks can get you. Enjoy the process, although the look at that summit is truly satisfying - but the journey was all what those top-tier players has spent their lives with! And I have a full belief, that they strive and strive on this journey till they are six feet under. To you, donati is the summit. To donati? Hell, he might be still journeying (and he is!)

[@amo757]

That smooth run at 17:45 by Jullian Lage was awesome.

[@joseantoniopintomarques7895]

Thanks Virgil this project conect with Infinity

[@crieverytim]

That was unexpected! Big fan

[@alholds]

Virgil, I took a picture with you in Orlando with Allan holdsworth while you were on tour with him. Bought this album and heard this song today. Unbelievable!!!!!!

[@Nedwin]

Mr. Virgil, you really have such a beautiful life there sir. You got an awesome musical league. Julian Lage, Mancusso, Braguinha, Irwin, Clarke, Andre Nieri, those are scary names. Your music is pure magic sir.

[@crieverytim]

Wow I only know three of them: lage, mancusso and assuming Stanley Clark. Time to look these other guys up.

[@crieverytim]

Who is Irwin referring to?

[@crieverytim]

Oh shit I didn't realize all those names were apart of this project. Crazy to see Julian show up. I understand you were referring to Chris Clarke ;)

[@kevsdrumshed9078]

wow.. Two things come to mind, firstly it's amazing that you produce something like this in seven months and as an aussie It's awesome to see you working with Irwin Thomas (Jack Jones) again.. cheers !

[@BobLoeber]

Excellent transparency Virgil!! Thank you for sharing the process of building your vision and genius!! ✌️👍👍👍👍👍

[@altrogeruvah]

Oh my god, I'm so ready for that brain melt. Great musicians too.

[@stevesorrell9835]

Holy shit! Amazing. I guess I was unaware of how much of Planet X's music, came from Virgil. Mind blown!

[@timwaterson]

Planet X was Built around Virgils Drumming ideas

[@andoletube]

@@timwaterson He wrote the vast majority of the music too.

[@brunolr3698]

Can't wait!! Awesome video Virgil. Thank you

[@MeDiAtOrMaN]

Man, you're truly a musical genius of the 21st Century. I'm even more excited everytime you release a new solo album ! Many thanks for the inspiration since the first Planet X album, it is such a shame there is almost no musician as technical, creative and innovative as you are today ... Cheers from France, keep Proggin' ! 🤟

[@bad_keyzi]

mastermind donati has done it again! lovely record.

[@jordandupont7430]

I feel like this is taking forever to come out - can't wait to hear it.

[@mattivuolteenaho1067]

OMG! 20:06, like Allan Holdsworth himself, amazing! Can´t wait this record come out!

[@MihalesXXX]

My prefered drummer ever!

[@hevertonrocha7707]

I'm so glad to see André Nieri, Júnior Braguinha and Julian Lage on this record, and of course, Virgil is blowing our minds as always. Can't wait for this!

[@maudeb7530]

VIRGIL! I have your autograph on the booklet of "Universe" from planet X. i saw you in Milan some years ago, during the "moonbabies" tour (i love the song Interlude in Milan)! you're amazing!

THE BEST DRUMMER

[@mateusz.szalkiewicz]

Can't wait.... Amazing

[@Agent-px8vj]

Sounds great Virgil!

[@robertpien8708]

So excited way to go I can't wait :)

[@philipcroaton2072]

Mind. Blown. Cannot. Wait.

[@dimi3940]

CAN`T WAIT! it`s so cool Anton Davidiants will appear at the album

[@kaptainkrunch3486]

Amazing. Can't wait for this!

[@punypoppy9147]

Can't wait for this release!!

[@garydownsouth1161]

Amazing Virgil ! Better than ever!

[@isaachgbeis]

OMG THESE IS GOING TO BE AMAZING

[@SOULography]

So stoked for this! Incredible lineup as always!

[@iliatilev]

Can't wait.. You are a pure inspiration!

[@garaughty]

Such an insightful behind the scenes look, sounds awesome !

Dis gonna be great! (Also, nice Louis Cole shirts. Fitting, considering Virgil and Louis are two of the planet’s most groundbreaking musicians right now.)

[@jungleb]

Speechless, I can only say thanks for sharing

[@AlexisPanou]

So many great musicians under the directions of the best drummer of all times. Too bad we are very few people out there that will appreciate that kind of musicianship.

[@mitsanut5869]

The most important thing is that YOU like it. What others do should not concern or bother you at all. On the Virgil Donati projects: not only he is my choice for best drummer out there; I also dig the sound of his drum sets. He has the ear for kick ads drum sound

[@mitsanut5869]

Correction: kick ass sound

[@AlexisPanou]

@@mitsanut5869 Hi. I' m not concerned or bothered about what others do. All I'm saying is that musicians (and not only) of this class don't get what they deserve... and most people praise garbages.

[@mitsanut5869]

@@AlexisPanou ask yourself a question: is it in your power to change those people? If the answer is "yes", then stop complaining about it and do something if it bothers you that much. If the answer is "no", stop complaining about it because the band already fulfilled it's mission. It reached and touched your soul and that's good enough. Great music is usually played in intimate settings: theaters, clubs, small concert halls. It requires an intelligent mind and as you correctly said, there are only limited number of us to be able to enjoy the beauty of it. When you grow into my age, you will know.... That's the way the world has been for ages. Consider yourself lucky - as well as I do. BTW, have both albums; initially, I liked the Renascence better but the "Spider" (as I call the first one) keeps growing on me. I actually think the sound recording has better quality than Renascence. Perhaps due to too much compression use?

[@AlexisPanou]

@@mitsanut5869I couldn't agree more with you. The point I was trying to make was that we live in a shitty world (maybe my way of thinking has to do with the fact that I live in Greece. Also, English is not my main language). And yes, I constantly ask myself if I can change anyone in that matter (including my self) and most of the times the answer is NO but those few times that the answer is YES the joy is extraordinary! By the way, because you mentioned it, how old are you? I'm 40 and I do not consider my self young but also not old enough. PS: I really love "The Dawn Of Time - Orchestral Works" and both albums with Planet X (MoonBabies, Quantum). Actually, Planet X was the first time l heard Virgil playing in a band and just blew my mind!

[@vincentsimon4037]

Just incredible music!!

[@fabschinko6900]

Man this video made my day! Can't wait to hear the album!

[@MrBootsauceTV]

Atta boy Virg! Sounds great!

[@NeonTotemFractals]

WooHoooo.... been waiting for this..... can't wait to hear finished product.... :D

[@MrCroMega]

This looks really great! The music is exactly what I was hoping for.

[@Banished82]

What a great surprise :) Can't wait for this one.

[@lanesblitz]

Phenomenal music! Love it Virgil!

[@miltondowling]

I’m looking forward to see what´s coming

[@frogfingerz]

Thank you so much for this vidéo !!! Amazing job ! With Love from France.

[@graphicsociety1]

Can’t wait! What a treat for 2019. Extraordinary musicians.

[@LucasLucasMusic]

Awesome!

[@ja773r]

This is sounding incredible....

[@JulianFernandez]

Such a cast of great musicians! Can’t wait! Thanks, Virgil!

[@Jellybeantiger]

Sounds brilliant.

[@unclestone8406]

I'll be waiting for this one, holy crap each piece just augments the next, man ^_^

[@munirbarreto1775]

Unbelievable job Virgil!! Thanks for share with us!!

[@michaelmathews7864]

This is something really special......fantastic

[@moonbabiefactor5526]

Dear Virgil!!! I´m Edu, from Argentina. Can´t wait for this work, i´m very happy, you know!!! Thanks for the inspiration. This will be amazing!!! :)

[@wilkinsnl]

Can’t wait, this will be badass lvl 100

[@joshuatorresnarvaez8765]

these guys are just NEXT LEVEL!!!!

[@Visuvh]

Very interesting project once again!

[@fares2]

musical time! great job and awesome musicians! god bless you guys!

[@silverqumera]

So much fun! This video increases the hype for the next record like in a 1000%

[@MarkinhoSansi]

Wow... Lindo trabalho Virgil !

[@freddyleal1756]

Awsome, pure awsomness and exciting inspiration!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

This is super cool. Thank you for sharing your process.

[@ger.lieder]

Gracias por compartir tu trabajo.

[@BumKnuckle]

Beautiful music man! Sincerely

[@yannickguitar1539]

Always loved your music Virgil. This project is so cool! Wish you the best.

[@316minister]

Stunning cool stuff. I love the totally new take on anything that has come before! Thank you!

[@wessouza7153]

More videos Virgil. Congratulations Brazil!

[@joshualeedrummer4042]

You're an inspiration brother!

[@VirtuosicFantasies]

Amazingly Mind Blowing !!!

[@pedroleal7118]

Great Job! And so great to see Carl in there with you guys!

[@GiorgiAkhalaia]

Thank you for sharing this video

[@axe2rock]

Awesome watching top notch musicians! Man, those riffs and melody! Thanks for this!

[@76madhur]

The snippets sound otherworldly ! Really looking forward to this one :D

[@ivigonzalez128]

Really looking forward to listening to this masterpiece very soon!!! Can't wait for it to come out!

[@marks7192]

Good lord, so much talent. this is going to be soo good. Way to go everyone it sounds great. can't wait.

[@rucar4565]

Can we just appreciate the video shooting and the editing, cause that shit is great

[@yogavibe2516]

Phenominal Vid .. a Total Inspiration. Thanks ...Mind Blown

[@planetpjr]

There is nothing like Chris Clarke keyboard solos. His right hand is like Allan's left hand. Paul nyc

[@ericlarkins]

Amen, Chris is a badass!!!!

[@AshRavens]

that solo was jaw dropping. holy fuck.

[@deepgray4338]

That clip of Chris Clarke ....he is just smoke ass...on that take...Nord 3

[@fusionfan6883]

Just love the fact Virgil wanted to honour his old mentor Allan H by including a solo in his style, and Chris does an amazing job of getting Allan's feel, intensity and sense of harmonic otherworldliness.

[@christopherclark279]

Thank you, I tried

[@franckdebank]

Rad ! Those guitar riffs are wicked ! Amazing composer!

[@LarryJazzLouis]

Great, great, thanks 4 share your new vision of the music, music of the future is now in your hands.

[@Wiebe80]

I'm into your music for decades. You are a true inspiration Virgil! Definitly gonna buy this album.

[@Holdsworiano]

I love your AH t-Shirt, jajaja. Can´t wait, very good taste. Thanks Virgil!!!

[@Axisjampa]

It sounds promising. Go on Virgil!

[@helenpinchen4712]

What I needed that I didn’t know I needed today.

[@lu12347]

This is ART.

[@user-hk7hz9cn7v]

I’m so excited! You’re the best drummer on the planet Virgil, never stop creating. It makes so many of us happy

[@RobertBeatty]

A mind blowing album along with everything else this fantastic artist has made. Looking forward to more.

[@kaiportolano]

troppo forte, capolavoro, outstanding job all !!! Grazieee :)

[@FtheLeftSF]

a great LP!

[@arnauloayza]

My 2019 is gonna reach its peak when I immerse myself in Ruination, the excitement has been growing unstoppable

[@ninbotadmin6504]

This is unqualified brilliance and dedication and craft. Sounds great and i got my copy. Thank you for making and putting this out now.