Periphery - Misha Mansoor

I was given the opportunity to do an Email interview with guitarist/mastermind of Periphery Misha Mansoor. Not huge on Periphery(obvious, due to the somewhat boring questions) but I'm very aware and think they are thoroughly talented. So here it is.



SK -For those unaware of Periphery, how would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard Periphery?

Mansoor- "A progressive metal band who loves groove and melody."


SK- What influences you through your writing process?

Mansoor- "Its hard to say, sometimes i feel like im watching myself write because it just sort of happens. And its difficult to force inspiration to write, so sometimes i just have ideas and when i sit down to record them, they sort of magically turn into songs there!"


SK- Your thoughts on the whole "Djent" movement?

Mansoor- "Its interesting, i mean to me a lot of what is being called "Djent" is just new progressive music, so there are some incredibly talented bands that get that label, definitely a good crowd to be associated with."


SK- Do you think the term "Djent" is stupid?

Mansoor- "Well its a misnomer, and the original meaning is a descriptor of a palm mute sound, so i cant take it seriously. I dont necessarily think its stupid, but i wouldnt self apply that genre, i still use it to describe a certain kind of tone, which is how that term came about (thanks to Meshuggah)."


SK- How is your current tour going?

Mansoor- "It is going great so far! I just hope it keeps up! Since it is our first US headliner, we were all a little nervous to see what the turnout would be, but so far we have been pleasantly surprised, and the shows have been really fun too! I have to say that i am especially happy that we got the line-up that we did because those bands are incredible and definitely inspire us to keep working hard."



SK- Thoughts on Spotify and some Record Labels pulling their rosters from it?

Mansoor-"I think Spotify is a great idea, and could perhaps be a sign of things to come for the industry. However it seems that as far as the labels go, only the early adopters were able to get good deals and royalties with them, so unfortunately for a bunch of labels they absolutely do not benefit the artist. If there was a profitable business model that worked like spotify and could also provide income for bands, i think we would be looking at the future of the modern music industry!"


SK- Why didn't you produce the new Animals As Leaders album?

Mansoor- "I was incredibly busy with Periphery as we were getting our new headlining rig together (which was a huge undertaking since we did it all ourselves) and learning our epic 15 minute song "Racecar" as well. On top of that we were writing for our 2 upcoming albums we are recording next year, and i also was producing Veil Of Maya's new album, so i was just too busy. From the snippets i have heard, it sounds like the album will be amazing regardless!"


SK- If you could choose one Classic Artist or Band to work on an album with, who would it be?

Mansoor- "Does Michael Jackson count? That dude had so much power and grit in his voice, i think he would have been a surprisingly good rock or metal singer actually!"


SK- What unsigned bands have you excited?

Mansoor- "Red Seas Fire, Vestascension and Monuments are all bands to look out for. Absolutely scary talent on all ends, and some of the nicest and most awesome dudes you will ever meet!"


SK- Anything you would like to add?

Mansoor-"Come check us out on the Frak The Gods tour if you still can, and be sure to come out for our tour with Dream Theater in europe in early 2012! Looking forward to playing for and meeting you guys!"