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Circa:

Interviewed by Gary Hill
Interview with Billy Sherwood of Circa: from 2007
MSJ: This interview is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2007 Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Everyone in this band has either been a member of Yes or played on the Union CD. How did you guys come together for this project?
Circa: was formed after TK [Tony Kaye] and myself got together to start working on new music for fun (post Back Against The Wall). After we had some ideas flowing we called Alan and asked him if he wanted to jump in - same with Jimmy.
MSJ: I know artists are not crazy about having their music pigeon-holed, but how would you describe the sound of Circa:?
Circa: has obvious flavors of Yes, how could it not with all the people involved? We are pushing prog more toward the commercialism with our sound. We make the music that comes natural and this is it.
MSJ: Who do you see as musical influences, both personally and as a band?
I am influenced by so many musicians it's hard to narrow down. The band is inspired to be a driving force in music, we are influenced by all bands wanting to move forward in 2007.
MSJ: Where did the name come from?
I got the name in a car driving wih a friend. The radio was playing some band, I think I said that sounds "Circa" 1976, and the word stuck.
MSJ: What's ahead for you guys?
The near future has us producing our live DVD from the 1st Circa: show we played recently. Our goal is to get out there and play live as much as we can.
MSJ: Trevor Rabin co-wrote a couple of the songs on the disc, how did that happen?
I wrote a few lyrics and melody over some tracks Trevor had on tape. We did 5 tunes. They sat on the shelf till I rediscovered the ideas around the time of creating CIRCA: I showed TK the ideas and we reshaped them into the Circa: style.
MSJ: Are there musicians you'd like to play with in the future?
Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Floyd, for openers. (laughter)
MSJ: Do you think that downloading of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians? It's been said by the major labels that it's essentially the heart of all the problems they are having in terms of lower sales - would you agree?
I am not big on downloads personally i don't like the way they sound. I also like to feel the CD in my hand as i am hearing the music. As for it helping or hindering? - time will tell...
MSJ: In a related question how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them?
I don't have a problem with bootlegs, they are just that. Real productions require time and care to make the sound and visual work so it stands the test of time. A boot is just a snap shot of a show, nothing that can be a problem compared to a finished production. I say, “go for it.”
MSJ: What was the last CD you bought, or what have you been listening to lately?
I listen to a lot of Weather Report, very sad to hear Zawinul passed away. He was my favorite keyboard player of all time.
MSJ: What has been your biggest Spinal Tap moment?
Lost in the hallways of the theatre, been there (laughter)
MSJ: Any closing thoughts you’d like to get out there?
Thanks to all the supporters, friends and family. We are excited to get rolling and couldn't do it without all the love and support!
 
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