
Dear readers, we are pleased to offer you in this article and interview with Kevin Dodson, founder of the US Symphonic Prog band The Madrigal Project.
Hi Kevin, how are you?
“Doing quite well, thank you …hope all is well with you!“
The band started in the 80s under the name Madrigal, how did the project and the idea for the moniker come about?
“Well, if you mean the change from simply ‘Madrigal‘ to ‘The Madrigal Project,’ there is quite an in depth story and that goes into explaining that …suffice it to say, we experienced some rough times in the beginning, including signing a horrible distribution deal and basically losing control of all of our music from the first 2 albums, ‘Waiting’ & ‘On My Hands.’ This and the fact that there were multiple bands, both past and present, that use the name Madrigal presented a identity issue…In order to protect this latest offering, and to differentiate it from the past while still being able to retain the GOOD history that is also a part of the story, we opted to change the name to “The Madrigal Project.” So we are essentially looking to this as a means to start fresh. And I was also able to procure the Trademark on this name which further protects us from intellectual property ‘Infringements.‘”
You play vintage Symphonic Progressive Rock sounds, where did your passion for these sounds come from?
“At a very young age I was exposed to some of the most enduring, important and amazing music of all time …it was the 70âs after all! When I heard early YES, GENESIS, GENTLE GIANT, etc. I was deeply moved and enthralled. It was truly magical to me. One of the things about this music that captured my heart and imagination was how atmospheric and beautiful it was. The subject matter was also very deep and it moved me emotionally on a level I had never experienced before. It sent me on a lifelong journey to capture the magic in my own little bottle and make music of this nature of my very own.
Fast forward to my early 20’s and I started working as a sessions drummer and started to learn engineering, production and further strengthen my musical and production knowledge. I began to work in audio production for film and television as a writer and producer. This has had a major impact on my sonic sensibilities and I have used much of the techniques and methods learned here in the writing and production of my compositions ever sense!“
After about 30 years the project is back with a new album âThe Madrigal Project: 11th Hourâ released on October 11, 2024, how would you describe this work?
“It is an album of an autobiographical nature and encapsulates great deal of my experience, production chops and song writing sensibilities to date. The title â11th Hourâ eludes to the idea that, here at the 11th hour of my career, my life and, quite frankly, what I believe to be the 11th Hour of man’s domination over himself and this earth, I am FINALLY reaching a lifelong dream and goal of producing a work of this magnitude…and recognition ⌠really ….
I have been at this for a lifetime. All of this is happening here at the 11th hour…. pretty amazing really.
It certainly evokes tinges of my heroes and influences, as well as the âSpiritâ of the true progressive pioneers of the prog rock genre, yet with a modern approach to the production.“
Several top-notch guest artists participate in the album, what did they bring to the sounds of this work?
“It’s truly remarkable in so many ways …what they brought, besides world class musicianship, was insights and concepts that elevated these songs to a level I didn’t even know was possible! Their wisdom and experience was felt immediately. They counseled and helped with arrangements and certain key writing âtweaksâ that proved invaluable to its final form. I couldn’t be more humbled, thankful or blessed to have had these amazing musicians on the album! They elevated the project beyond anything I could have imagined or hoped for …and I thank them from the bottom of my heart!“
Long tracks with intense instrumental textures and dynamic vocal parts, what themes do the lyrics deal with?
“All manner of subjects really …Love gained and lost, family ties, personal relationships, the current state of music and the world, Spiritual and emotional insights and, as stated before, my life’s experiences as they relate to it all. Some have thought that it is a concept album but it isn’t in the purest sense …it’s autobiographical.
I am very much a ‘lyrics guy.’ Lyrics are extremely important to me. Probably my biggest influence on that front would be Peter Hammill. When I sit to write a lyric …he is the bar for me. He and Peter Gabriel actually. With that said, most prog lyrics are very much open to personal interpretation. Which is as it should be in my opinion. That’s one of the things I find so beautiful and enduring about prog. Therefore, I am reticent to âexplainâ my lyrics as they relate to my own personal interpretation. I feel I would be taking a very personal and important factor away from the listener if I were to attach too much of my personal meaning to the lyrics. I would want the listener to be able to attach their own personal meaning and interpretations. It’s part of the magic …I don’t want to deprive people of that!“
Symphonic passages between classic and modern Progressive Rock, how does the creative process of your music take place?
“I suppose like all artists, the muse strikes in many ways. It may start with a melody or chord progression …or a lyric or subject matter for lyrics. It sometimes comes very quickly in almost finished form…or I struggle with it for weeks or even months (and in a few cases, even YEARS!). At the beginning of any writing project though, I ALWAYS have one eye on what the production may or may not entail… this can sometimes influence the final form of a song immensely!
If I come at something with a very particular concept, either lyrically or musically, I will often ponder over it for a while …allow the idea to germinate and evolve…before ever putting pen to paper. .. Other times I will open up a project and simply jam and improvise …see what appears …So yes, there are really many approaches to writing that are each different and valid in their own way. I also strive to weed the ‘Not so good’ ideas from the stronger ones…but I’m sure this is every writers process in one way or another.“
Many of your fans and our readers wonder if there will be a chance to hear your music live, do you have plans in this regard for the near future?
“Indeed I do! I am currently writing and producing the next record. In the process, I am trying to solidify a core ‘touring group’ that will both record on this next album as well as perform live. I am in the process right now of finding a couple of missing elements to round out the group…namely a bassist and keyboardist. I have Chuck Swanson (who appears on 11th Hour) on horns and who also is on Madrigal’s 2nd album, âOn My Hands.âI also have Dan McInerney on Guitars. Dan was the first guitarist in Madrigal way back in 1977… it’s coming full circle now as he played on several tracks on the 11th Hour album and we are collaborating on a bunch of new material as well. So YES! You will be able to see us live! I am shooting for this to happen asap …hopefully sometime in mid to late 2025 but possibly a bit later, depending on circumstances.“
This is your third full-length since 1988, how has your sound evolved over the years?
“I normally write on acoustic guitar or keys. In the early days, many of my songs were much more acoustic guitar written in nature. I wanted this record to be somewhat of a change, though I plan on revisiting some of the more acoustic guitar driven material on the next record. Also, and not necessarily by design, the 11th Hour record is very keyboard oriented. I will be trying to do a bit more of a guitar driven album for this next one.
Also, in the early days, I was still cutting my teeth as a producer/engineer…and writer…. This coupled with the fact that we recorded on a Fostex 8 track Âź â reel to reel tape deck made for a bit less of a sonically mature effort I would say. My writing was always getting better (at least I hope! LOL!) and, from a production standpoint, the fact that these albums were recorded on a 1/4â reel to reel 8 track, made for some ‘tape source limitationsâ to say the least. I would like to revisit the âOn My Handsâ album at some point and remix/Master it to possibly improve on it from it’s current state.. Our 1st album, âWaiting,â is lost to the mists of time as I no longer have the original 8 track tapes for this record. I would like to re-master it though sometime down the line ⌠time allowing(!)“
How do you think the way of gigging has changed since the â80s? What has changed for you?
Everything.
And mostly, not for the better I’m afraid ⌠Less venues, less attention spans, a myriad of choices for your entertainment dollar and the dumbing down (listeners wise) of the masses where it comes to the value of music and musicians… you know, I could write a book on how awful the music business has become, but I would rather stay on as much of a positive note as possible. Suffice it to say, the times have gotten very bleak for the working musician these days. Music is free. Yet, musicians have mortgages, car payments, kids to put through college, just like everybody else. But our society nowadays sees nothing wrong, morally or otherwise, with âstealing music.â You know, there is a guy out there right now who is SELLING my NEW album for 12 cents a single and $2.26 for the ENTIRE album!!! …without my permission mind you! He will soon be in for a surprise though as I own the copyrights and the name is trademarked, so he will be hearing from my lawyer with a cease and desist as well as being held accountable to repay every penny back to me…in FULL!! Historically, musicians (outside of a lucky few) have been grossly underpaid since the first drum beats were beat out on a log by a inspired caveman!!. It is virtually impossible to make a living as a gigging musician these days. Of course there are the exceptions, but they have become farther and fewer between than at any time in the history of recorded music. When I first started playing music professionally the average pay for playing a typical gig was around $50 to $150 per show. That was in 1974!! Guess what …50 years later, and that compensation, for the most part, has not gone up one penny!!! In my case, where cover music was concerned, I learned very early on to specialize in manner by way of being a âshow bandâ or ‘Tribute band’ which paid considerably more. But even when I toured with name acts with worldwide hits, etc, the compensation was nearly the same. It was unsustainable to be on the road, away from your family, putting in ridiculously long hours and barely being able to make ends meet…Ask yourself. If you were choosing a career in which you could support a family and thrive monetarily, would you chose being a professional musician?
I think not.“
What advice would you give to young artists approaching music with more sophisticated sounds like yours?
“I would say make sure deep down in your soul that this is something you are compelled to do. That you MUST do. Because it is rough (as explained above) and you will need thick skin to bear up against it all. That said, it is a privilege and honor to, as Robert Fripp once said, âhave music lean over and take you into it’s confidence.â Follow your passion. Be smart about your decisions and choices. I was fortunate in that I began writing library production music, network promos and advertising jingles at a fairly early age, which produced the one last vestige of opportunity for the working musician to actually make money…. Royalties!!! It’s the gift that keeps on giving!“
How do you see today’s music scene in the Progressive genre both in your country and more generally in the world?
“I actually see a very bright future as the popularity and universal awareness of Progressive Rock is better today than at any other time in it’s history! I had been sort of out of the mainstream where prog rock was concerned for a number of years (during my absence from the scene for a while). Upon getting back in full swing, I was pleasantly shocked and amazed at how much the art form had grown in awareness and popularity!
So, yes, I see a very positive future ahead (GOD let’s hope so! Lol!)“
Do you have any other projects or artistic activities outside of music?
“Yes. I am an artist/illustrator and I was deeply into painting in my early days. I have recently picked it back up and I’m very excited and inspired as a result!
I’m also an avid fisherman…fresh water mainly. I live in the Pacific Northwest in Washington State, USA. Some of the finest fishing in the world is a 15 to 20 minute drive in any direction from my house! So… if you don’t find me cleaning tracks …you’ll find me cleaning fish!! LOVE IT!!“
I thank Kevin for the interview and wish him all the best for the continuation of his artistic career.
“Thank you! I appreciate the chance to give this interview and for your audience to be made aware of my work!
Prog On!!“
Purchase the albumon Bandcamp: https://themadrigalproject.bandcamp.com/album/11th-hour