Tony Levin Interview | Liquid Tension Experiment 3 | Thomann

Julia had the pleasure to chat with bass legend Tony Levin. Talking Liquid Tension Experiment 3 writing process, arrangement and recording, how the bass tone on Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" came about and what Tony did on tour when he was not playing the bass...
Gear used: tho.mn/nblaf
We use Triad-Orbit stands for our cameras, lights and mics: tho.mn/triad
Recorded and mixed with Universal Audio: tho.mn/uadx1
Monitors optimised through Sonarworks: tho.mn/sonar
Interesting bits and pieces:
0:00 Introduction
0:40 How LTE 3 came about?
2:09 Writing process of LTE 3
4:09 Which basses were used on the record?
8:05 Deciding which parts to play with the Chapman Stick
10:08 Two amp setup for Chapman Stick?
12:04 How Rhapsody in Blue ended up on the record
14:17 Arranging Rhapsody in Blue for LTE
16:05 Details in Bass Lines and Tony's approach
17:09 Julia and Tony played on the same album?
18:32 Learning Bass parts and making them your own
21:22 Fretless + Octave on Sledgehammer?
25:04 Classical background & practice routines
27:58 Pedals used for recording LTE 3
29:47 Two Kemper live setup
30:48 Tony's Photo Book
34:10 Upcoming Tour Dates*
34:53 Thanks for the interview Tony!
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[@Joey2Pedals]

First of all, Tony is an amazing bassist and musician. But Julia, she gives the interview a feeling that she is not only studied, but a genuine fan. She let him speak., didn't cut him off, and really made Tony comfortable speaking at length about the music.

[@wbertie2604]

I used to be on some email lists back 'in the day' that Tony Levin was also on and he demonstrated he's also a decent human being by spending time on those lists and being very gracious.

[@passion4drums]

She did cut him off sometimes lol but I would have a hard time not doing that as well. Huge fan of both though of course and great interview

[@louisscott471]

Agreed. I am a huge fan and show is she. She knew that he played Rhapsody in Blue live in 2008, she identified the instruments he played on the record. Now I'm a fan of Julia too.

[@georgyj111111]

Julia is a real benefit for the bass community.

[@SkunkBearTK]

I said it on another video...Julia LOVES what she does and is fantastic at articulating it with people. Her fandom is front and center, but laser focused, and asks fantastic questions. I'm not even a bass player and I thoroughly enjoy her interviews. A+

[@matthiasbleckmann9632]

Listening to Julia Hofer and Tony Levin talking to each other is almost like listening to good music. Their natural kindness, modesty, the positive vibes, the fun and the passion for what they do to me is just stunning. No boasting, no hollow bla bla bla, not the slightest sign of resentment. Tony seems to have found some miraculous substance which keeps him young forever and Julia’s voice, her smile, and her attitude always light up the day. Thank you so much for sharing your positivity!

[@EricBBarker]

Professional BASS PLAYER interview... probably the most humble invention in human history!

[@JLuisCastaneda]

Well, they’re not drummers.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

@@JLuisCastaneda LOL

[@unclemick-synths]

Tony has obviously never before had such a well-prepared and observant interviewer! 👍

[@matnukin1584]

Or at least is not used to the interviewer being as well-prepared as Julia. 🙂 I agree, the real talent here in my view is that Julia really listens to what Tony is saying and gives him the space to say it.

[@unclemick-synths]

@@matnukin1584 absolutely. She was genuinely interested in hearing what he had to say.

[@budgetguitaristcom]

Yes, he definitely seemed a little surprised. I've seen Tony play live twice (Peter Gabriel, Security and So) and he's a stellar talent. I was smiling throughout this whole interview!

[@shootmecoco8388]

Thats right , because she is german , very methodical and meticulously prepared , but she's a good interviewer 😎👍

[@unclemick-synths]

@@shootmecoco8388 just for the record - she's Austrian.

[@kickshaw6855]

Julia is not only a excellent bass player but a also a really good interviewer!

[@samuelkaswan3416]

Well researched and thoughtfull questions. Agree!

[@AtomizedSound]

@Thomas Khari yeah go away

[@AtomizedSound]

@Maximiliano Maximus you too

[@arbiforumnow]

Yes! She's a great interviewer!

[@marshallross3373]

What struck me most was just how authentic, informed, and pleasingly enthusiastic Julia was speaking to one of her bass heroes. Tony was impressed, too, clearly, by her awareness and the depth of her questions. Also, noteworthy, I think, is Tony's passion for music and for the projects he's involved in, even after all of these years. So many musicians and entertainers seem burned out and cynical by the time they've entered their golden years, assuming they're still performing, but TL still has that spark. It was an inspiring dialogue to listen to. Thanks for posting.

[@TheStobb50]

Totally refreshing to have someone like Julia doing an interview when she actually knows what she’s talking about, I think Tony was taken aback at that, excellent, thank you

[@cpfs936]

I think people (of whatever sort) who are interviewed all the time appreciate insightful questions. The interplay between these two makes for a really great interview.

[@luluandbeandesign]

Julia Hofer and Tony Levin talking to each other is my happy place.

[@Below-Average_Joe]

Julia is thorough in the best way possible. No wonder she is so good. Tony Levin is most pleasant and down to earth legendary musician I have ever seen interviewed with the possible exception of Nathan East.

[@erikmaronde2244]

Bass players are the best bass player interviewers. And Julia is one of the best!

[@markmilner842]

Tony is one of my favourite bassists of all time, any genre. Just an incredible player.

[@brettmarlar4154]

Julia's attention to detail is impeccable! That's what makes her such an amazing student, not only of the bass, but music in general.

[@mikrosound]

Julia: What Time signatures did you guys use on the record? Tony: YES

[@fxm5715]

Fantastic! Levin has been one of my favorites since he was with Peter Gabriel in the late 70s, then King Crimson and on and on. Great to see Julia interviewing him.

[@frankbernard6819]

Tony is one of the nicest people i have ever seen. Such a genuine person.

[@dbeach4044]

The most charming and delightful interview ever. Julia’s observation, knowledge and enthusiasm were perfect, for an interview of one of most accomplished bassists, T. Levin. It was fun to see Tony’s amazement at Julia’s thorough knowledge of his music. Two charming and knowledgeable people.

[@donald-parker]

A legend. But Julia was the real treat. What a smile! And great questions. You can tell she is a serious musician.

[@rocktonmusikschule]

The legend. What a cool guy ❤

[@tapatvde]

Wow! That must have been a dream interview for Julia! Julia Hofers knowledge is so deep, that you could see the surprise in Tony Levins face - more than once! It was Julias knowledge and her personality that got Tony comfortable and he seem to really enjoy this interview a lot! Bravo!

[@marcelogormazbarrientos858]

I was listening LTE3 yesterday with AKG Headphones and I focused my attention on the bass lines. His support to the harmony and melodies is truly amazing. Not just playing fast or rude. Tony has the Magic!!!! 😄🇨🇱🎸🎸🎸

[@ThisIsHaizeel]

omg she is a wonderful interviewer!! i really enjoy how she ask the question, done her research thoroughly but not sounding like some other interviewer who might sound like a know-it-all and she gave a really good space for Tony to answer in details and calmly.. good job!

[@timoiiskola7676]

It's such a wonderful thing when the interviewer truly understands Everything! Julia, you are a Gem!

[@azurduy117]

Really nice to see an interviewer who comes from a musician's perspective rather than a biography/journalism/collector point of view.

[@benperezc]

Julia, thanks so much for having such an amazing bassist and talented artist as Tony Levin is

[@SgtHartmann--]

omg watching her smiling genuinely and be so happy at him is so gratifing xD

[@darrendohertymusic]

One of the best interviews I can recall watching. Julia is a star and Mr Levin is more humble than he has any right to be. Hope to see him on tour soon.

[@DanielVerberne]

I couldn't be happier with LTE3 and everything associated with it, I love that Tony is back with the guys and Mike Portnoy ... oh man, it's just wonderful, it really is.

[@petedonaghyguitar]

I was listening to Tony playing on the Chuck Mangione's Alive record from 1972 recently and remembered this interview and had to come back and watch it again. Wonderful interview.

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Over and over people are surprised how knowledgeable Julia is. I guess they don't expect people to notice the detail like she does. She looks so young and then plays like someone much older. Well done Julia. Great interview.

[@bernardhossmoto]

Very good, personal interview. Tony is a pleasant guy!

[@090nj2]

*Tony definetly one of my to 10 bassists man, such a icon*

[@yellowdudewithedibleshorts]

This was far too short! Loved every minute. Julia is a fantastic interviewer and Tony is just a living legend. Would love to see an interview to LTE's 3 engineer to hear some of the secrets and philosophy under all the treatment and processing involved in the album.

[@Sagerydian]

I don't play bass and I don't know Tony Levin, but I watched the whole interview and then listened to LTE3. Gruß aus Hernals!

[@bloomsburgarts]

Such a wonderful interview. Tony Levin is so modest and humble and self-effacing.

[@roger955]

OMG Julia what great chat with the greatest Bassplayer of world! I am realy jealous! Such a nice man...🙏🏼🙏🏼 for me he did the most magic things with Peter Gabriel

[@strat0871]

And with King Crimson too..

[@bm2085]

I'm not even playing any instruments, but man... it's such a delight to listen to this interview of two dedicated and talented people... I love it... Julia is so cute :)

[@hvfd5956]

A few years ago, King Crimson played a concert hall in Austin, Texas - Tony's favorite - Bass Concert Hall. The band didn't allow pictures during the show as they wanted you to enjoy the music (I did!). At the end of the show, when Tony started taking pictures, we were allowed to take some as well. The next day, Tony had posted some of the pictures from that show and you could clearly see me taking pictures of Tony as he was taking pictures of the sold out audience. Kind of neat to have pictures from both directions. Sorry Tony, the hall isn't named for your instrument, but for a rather affluent oil family in Fort Worth that gave a donation to the University to build the concert hall. I look forward to y'all coming back again real soon. It sounded real good in that hall. Thanks also for this interview. It was informative and clearly Julia had done her homework before this was recorded.

[@mrbluesky4ever]

It does my heart good to see Tony happy and healthy and still rockin that 80s hair!

[@hasenfuzzi]

Julia: Chapeau. Absolutely brilliant, well prepared and mega interesting interview of an awesome musican. Wow. Thank you.

[@drvpscott]

What a delightful interview! Thank you all.

[@stevemartin7096]

Clearly Julia is an elite talent as a bassist, and, as an interviewer. She conveys excitement in talking to a bass legend like Mr. Levin while adding her own insightful comments. 🎸

[@DrSardonicus12]

Brilliant interview Julia. Obviously well researched, which clearly impressed Tony. And as a result he seemed really relaxed and enjoying being given the chance to actually answer interesting questions. Loved every minute of this :)

[@stefanbranden4898]

This is the best interview i have ever seen, julia is amazing! I fell in love with Tony Levin in my early teens, (Alice Cooper, Escape), and every thing and everyone he has played with since. He has played with every "super group", and everybody else,not just a bassist, but as Tony Levin. It only takes 1-2 bars to hear its him playing..

[@ericraymond3734]

Nice to learn that my favorite bassist on the planet is a pleasant human being.

[@grelch]

Great interview Julia. Tony seems a very humble person. I enjoyed this thoroughly.

[@algiskara]

had a great pleasure watching your interview with a genius Tony Levin! Best wishes Julia!

[@WWROABM]

Hit like at the first statement. Love listening to Tony Levin!! Great interview!! When you have musicians of this caliber together it isn’t surprising that such great music gets composed so quickly. Amazing record!!!!!

[@braddills6381]

What an outstanding interview. Julia did a fantastic job. And Tony seemed truly excited to talk about the process of making the album.

[@Painting_Humans]

Wow. Great interview Julia! I grew up in California in the 80’s and fell in with Tony’s work with Peter Gabriel. Don’t Give Up always made my heart swell (at age 16). My Uncle Dean introduced to Bass guitar around 86 and I immediately fell into U2 and Rush with Tony’s skill being an unreachable dream. I stopped playing for more than 20 years but am back in the Saddle and working with three great musicians and friends in the Würzburg area. All original music and I’ve written more than 40 pieces in the last year. The AEther Pulse has enough complete material for an album (or two) and once we set into a new normal in Bayern we will look to get our music out in the public and see who Salutes. Keep up your great work and thank you for sharing your talent with us all. Viele Grüße aus Schweimfurt

[@PascalNagat]

Julia, thanks for this true moment. Tony is one of my favorite musicians for almost 45 years. I'm sure he really and deeply appreciate your knowledge about his career. Interviewing some musician you're fan of is a gift. You did it perfectly with a wonderful man. Many many many thanks to both of you

[@RenardeauGuy]

Tony is one of my favorite bass players. Excellent interview and great job

[@bartekbartek4067]

Wow! Great,Professionally interviewer,SHE'S REALLY GOOD, SO SMART, positive person, well prepared, asking questions, can listen, Example of two passionate people talking about sth, really encouraging

[@bartekbartek4067]

Just noticed she's a bass player a,gonna check her

[@nicolas.grisanti]

I LOVE his work with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel, Tony is a genius! He is one of the reasons i fell in love with the Musicman Stingray.

[@SuperstarMcHammercool]

The Man... The Legend... The Funk Fingers. Wish I were that gifted.

[@wl9399]

what a nice interview! Tony Levin, Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Will Lee, etc They are all amazing musician. I wish there are more interviews to come.

[@flapjackson6077]

Tony is a gracious and friendly guy. What a class act! Oh, and he’s a legend on bass! Cool interview!

[@walterhyneman4073]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and felt it was the equivalent of a jam session where magic happens. Julia's preparation, research, and attention-to-detail on Levin enabled her to peel back layers from the usual surface-level conversation to remarkably interesting depths allowing the listener to actually feel at times that he/she was there. Julia you're an amazing musician and quite obviously an amazing interviewer with a style that's refreshing, inquisitive, fun and genuine ("Rolling Stone" pay attention). Thank you! Levin, thank you for the joy and I'll definitely check out "Liquid Tension Exp III" and the new book. Others, if you like improvisation, listen to "Black Light Syndrome" [1997] recorded in LA w/ Bozzio & Stevens.

[@magnus17985]

Thank you Julia and Tony for this interview! Great job Julia!

A wholesome interview :-) I love watching(hearing) interviews where the interviewer has such deep knowledge of the subject! Very well done.

[@ricardomichela9560]

Thank you for the interview. It's a pleasure to hear Tony about his music and techniques. He is such a great musician. It's been a pleasure to discover and hear Julia. Tony was so pleased about her interesting questions, that were fed with surprise and nice compliments from Tony. Nice "between musicians" chat. Thank you Julia.

[@lareunoia]

julia, knowledge of the music and your gleeful enthusiasm was infectious and delightful. I suspect it was enjoyed by Tony as well.

[@nixneato]

Super interviewer, humble legend. Music just doesn't get any better than this.

[@byteborg]

What a heartfelt and heartwarming interview. Thank you so much Julia and Tony!

[@Ishkybibble]

These interviews are excellent, especially with the detail and interest Julia shows to the interviewee - outstanding work, and I’m hoping there are more to come!

[@orioletes]

This interview is pure gold

[@timontide6404]

Fantastic interview, Julia! Tony, especially his work with Peter Gabriel, is the reason I bought a 1978 Stingray Bass. Sometimes I even play it. It's lovely that Tony is the kind of person you'd hope he'd be. :)

[@JoeMM5]

These 2 are absolute bass legends but in such different ways!

[@Scoharr]

Amazed by how humble Tony is about the music, while having such an awesome level of skill and talent himself. Great interview as well. Thank you!

[@alejpix]

I come here from time to time to hear this wonderful interview. Well done in putting that out. The sledgehammer story is priceless!❤

[@shamrock3639]

Ein wunderbares Interview. Bitte mehr davon. Gut vorbereitet und informiert. Das tut gut. 35 Minuten keine Langeweile und viele Informationen die wirklich interessieren. Danke.

[@progordie]

One of the best music interviews ever. Very refreshing 👍

[@goesjem]

This is absolute gold! Thank you.Such a great vibe during this interview. Two great personalities as well as musicians. So nice to see that positive energy in these dark times. Well done Julia! Tony is a complete legend.

[@the_fleeing_dutchman]

Tony has done amazing things with his Chapman Stick, starting with King Crimson. Great interview!!

[@halcyo]

An interview that ACTUALLY goes into the details! What a concept! Even Tony is impressed that she is asking the actual questions that the bass nerds really wanna talk about. Great job!

[@vorhangauf...]

Wow, Tony Levin ist so ein netter und angenehmer Typ... Aber mit solch einer bezaubernden Interview Partnerin wie mit Dir, Julia, kann man ja nur gut drauf sein. Vor allem hast Du Dich super vorbereitet und sehr spezielle Fragen gestellt, dass sogar Tony erstaunt über Dein Wissen war. Hat großen Spaß gemacht Euch zuzuhören!!! - Danke! Ich habe Tony Levin zuletzt 2019 mit King Crimson gesehen. In der Augusta Raurica in Augst (CH). Noch 4 weitere Konzerte mit Crimson davor. 2003 mit Peter Gabriel und 1989 mit Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe. Jedes mal sah ich einen Bassisten der Superklasse. Man merkt wieviel Spaß er auf der Bühne hat. ;-)

[@paulcamus8944]

Brillant to see Tony! Great job, Julia!

[@scharpma]

Ich glaube ich bin verliebt! Also schon lange in Tony Levin, schon sehr lange in den Bass, aber so ein junge Frau mit so viel Bass in ihrem Herzen ist mir noch nicht untergekommen (vielleicht Kinga Glyk?)! Herzlichen Glückwunsch Julia zu diesem großartigen Interview! Deine Art Fragen zu stellen und Tony ausreden zu lassen und ihm zuzuhören ist in den heutigen, hektischen Zeiten wirklich außergewöhnlich! Was für ein "Fund" für Thomann, ich bin restlos begeistert. Sofort nach weiteren Videos gesucht und die Kinnlade fällt immer weiter... TOLL! Wenn ich einen Wunsch äußern darf: Bitte holt Marcus Miller für dieses Format vor Kamera und Mikro, das wäre soooooo schön! So und jetzt rüber zum Interview mit Victor Wooten! Peace, Love and Bass! ✌

[@SRHMusic012]

This is great. My friends and I always thought Tony was the coolest musician, since seeing him with King Crimson in the early 1980s. Wonderful interview, and what a great guy.

[@ViktorLundberg]

Wholesome and interesting. Fantastic job by both involved. Wish more interviews were like this.

[@qqg]

great interview: two kind, modest, down to earth, incredibly skilled people talking about what they both love the most, going in depth on the technical side of things, but all the time smiling and being light hearted about it.

[@zoomzoom3950]

Great interview, Julia; very insightful and knowledgeable, even Tony was surprised!

[@noonsound4894]

Nothing better than a knowledgeable, talented musician interviewing another musician. Great job Julia!!

[@PatNetherlander]

How often a brilliant bass player like Tony Levin gets interviewed by a fellow musician who is not only a fan, but also a great bass player herself! So she can go in depth like no other interviewer can! This was really great!

[@dannyspiteri1589]

Julia did an amazing job on this and it shows in his reaction to the questions. Seriously great content

[@lmyhr]

Tony is such a great person, not only as a bass player, his personality is just so impressive and it's so cool to watch a real competent fan interviewing him.

[@shamrock3639]

Ich noch mal. Ich wünsche mir mehr solche Interviews von Julia Hofer. Sie ist so kompetent. Ihre Tutorial-Videos über Songs finde ich nicht wichtig. Solche gibt es schon genug. Was für Bassisten wirklich bedeutet ist, sind wirklich informierte Gespräche. Die machen bestimmt auch den interviewten Musikern mehr Spaß. Toni Levin ist doch der beste Beweis.

[@jimturpin]

Hey, just passing through as I was checking out the new Liquid Tension release and found this... boy howdy this young lady really pays close attention to the details, things I never thought to notice, which made for an excellent and pleasant interview with Tony (who is absolutely awesome). I hope to hear more interviews by her, I really like her interviewing style!

[@danielweinfurtner]

A very well done Interview! A joy to listen to both of you. Thx and stay safe.

[@humanclock-music]

This is really a great interview. Tony is one of the coolest persons on the planet and Julia, oh Julia! You are so inspiring, you really shine as you share what you love. Your musical knowledge ist just beyond real. Keep the respect, share the love!

[@fooook92]

How can't you love Tony, such an awesome musician, but so humble and down to earth!

[@sebastiandiaz29]

Impressive interview, even Tony Levin was impressed by it, congrats

[@whiskytray8456]

What a pleasant conversation! Well done, both!

[@joemills4603]

Julia is such a bass nerd... and it's fantastic.

[@0000song0000]

"today we have God" is what i heard first.... it's Tony! 😳 thank you so much for interviewing these legendary musicians

[@BCS4]

Great interview, thanks a million!

[@SantiagoBilly]

This is one of the best interviews I've ever seen.

[@RonGalloway]

Just listened to LTE Rhapsody In Blue per this interview. Resplendant. Thank you. And that look on Tony Levin’s face at 16:23 when she says “It’s a G, but with an overtone.”

[@jerdure]

Thank you so much Julia for bringing this legend to us in such an humble way. What an incredible artist, Tony has been my inspiration and favorite for years, seeing you both talk gives me goosebumps :) Superb interview !

[@guitarguru186]

Learned about Julia's monster playing in the beginning of 2021, & to see her being such an articulate & passionate interviewer is really inspiring :) Great interview from both parties!

[@NUMBerger]

where would you recommend I start to hear her playing? TY

[@guitarguru186]

@@NUMBerger I first heard her stuff on Instagram, but she’s also an active KZbin uploader, if I’m not mistaken. Worth searching her name on either platform!