Originally published in Accordo.it · August 2012
Aquiles Priester interview (excerpt)
Interview3 min read
G.B. - Tell us about your experience with Dream Theater.
A.P. - That was a milestone in my life. I never imagined that I could be one of the seven drummers chosen all over the world for the most important audition in the history of modern music. It was amazing to take part of the whole process. My history if completely different from that of other drummers who were there. I always had a parallel job to my career since I was 15 years old. I only stopped working when I began the tour of the “Rebirth” album which I recorded with Angra in 2001. In other words, I have only been in the professional market for 10 years and look at everything that has happened to me. My first drum lesson I took when I was 22 years old. That was when I learned my first rudiment. Before that I played by ear and accompanying records. I had no idea there existed a drum technique. Without the Dream Theater audition maybe I wouldn’t be here in Los Angeles now rehearsing with Tony MacAlpine and preparing for a European tour. I am playing songs that have been recorded by Steve Smith, Deen Castronovo, Atma Anur, Mike Terrana, Virgil Donati and Marco Minnemann. According to him, John Petrucci indicated me for this work. I think doors never close on you when you do a good job. It was a great honor to be called for the audition because of the videos of my last DVD, which are basically tracks by Hangar and Freakeys.
G.B. - Among the seven drummers called for the audition, you're probably the one with a more similar to Mike Portnoy’s style. What do you think has influenced the final choice?
A.P. - Actually I always thought that Mangini’s style was always closer to Mike’s than to mine. I like speed and worry a lot about grip when I play. That doesn’t matter a lot now, since Mangini is doing a great job and only the band knew what they were looking for in the new drummer. Portnoy definitely influences my work for I always appreciated the band’s music. With each new album he always innovated and he is one of the guys who most influenced a new generation of drummers. The fact of having been contemplated to substitute him is reason enough to be proud.
G.B. - Was It hard to prepare DT's songs for the audition? You were already very busy at that time I know.
A.P. - Hangar was on tour and I needed the band’s backing to go do the audition. I isolated myself in a farm for two weeks and immersed myself in Dream Theater’s world with DVD’s, CD’s and everything that involved the band. I was pleased to know that I was still capable of dedicating myself for some many hours and days in a row for such an exclusive event. To play the songs that Mike had composed and arranged was not as easy as people imagine. He has a unique style and that is what makes him such a special drummer. I am sure that Mangini also dedicated himself completely to this project and after he joined the band he still continues doing so.
G.B. - In which way do your drums parts starts?
A.P. - I focused on the three songs of the audition and also with the band’s style per se. I didn’t want to play everything exactly the same. I wanted to add a little bit of my own style when playing the band’s songs.