Assignment 2. Interview Ernst van Ee

For this assignment, we had to interview someone that had something to do with art.  So that could be a painter, architect, writer, or in this case, musician.

We decided to interview my drumteacher Ernst van Ee, and today we sent him the questions for the interview, so now we just have to wait.

Ernst van Ee

UPDATE

These is the interview Tristan and me did with Mr. van Ee.

1. What is your whole name?

Ernst van Ee.

2. How old are you?

Older than I feel…

3. How long have you been drumming?

Since I was 8, so a very long time.

4. What are previous band you’ve played with?

 Highway Chile, Helloise, Vengeance, Lana Lane, Ayreon, Half Past Midnight,  Threnody and Tamas.

5. What was your first drum kit?

 A Tama Royal Star.

6. Do you play another instrument?

Nope.

7. Do you get frustrated if you can’t play a certain part?

Not really, I just keep practicing and then everything can be done.

8. Is one of your previous bands split-up because of a fight?

Yes, the original Highway Chile.

9. As a child, did you dream of becoming a drummer?

 I think so. I started as a kid and I never stopped and I’ve been earning my money with it for such a long time..

10. Did your parents like it?

Yes they did. Especially my mother found it fantastic. They have been supporting me ever since. I’m really thankful for that.

11. Of all the records you’ve made, which one is your favorite and why?

I think Fata Morgana by Halloise from 2002. I though everything on this was cool. The songs, the production and the playing of the other musicians. 

12. Who was a big influence on your playing style?

A lot of drummers, but especially Deen Castronovo (Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Vai), Cozy Powell (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy) and Ian Paice (Deep Purple)

13. What is your favorite aspect of making music?

You can just be yourself on every spot.

14. If you could record a song whit anyone you like, who would  it be?

I think Judas Priest, because it’s my al time favorite band.

15. What do you like about making music?

 Sometimes the waiting to travel and being on tour. 

16. What is for you the most memorable moment that happened on tour?

Playing in De Kuip (Rotterdam) for 40.000 people.

17. What was your favorite band for you as a child?

The Sweet.

18. Has someone in the crowd ever threw something to you? If yes, what?

A drum stick that I lost.

19. What was the most fun band you’ve played with?

 I’ve got to go with Helloise.

20. How much records have you made in your career?

I think like 35 records.

21. What was your biggest motivation to play?

To entertain and inspire other people.

22. What is the best concert you’ve attended?

 Early Judas Priest and later it was Rammstein. 

23. What’s the best concert you’ve given?

 I don’t know, but some memorable where in the, earlier named, De Kuip. Ahoy was also cool and the performances in Japan and America…

24. Who do you find the best artist of all time?

-

25. Is there a drumstick/sticks that has special memories and why?

It should be your first pair, but no, nothing special… It’s just wood and it begins nice but as time passes by you hit the splinter in your hands.

26. What is the first song you learned to play?

 Dance with the Devil by Cozy Powell.

27. How would you describe your music?

 In general heavy rock and metal but also a bit of blues-rock. 

28. What are the future plans of your band?

The well-known becoming famous and rich!!! But no, just keep on playing and release as much as possible cd’s, and performing. 

29. Have you ever met a fan? How was that?

 Haha, yes. I’ve met a looooot of fans and it’s always nice to talk to fans unless the are acting stupid.  That gets embarrasing.  

30. Do you have any advice for beginning musicians?

A lot of practicing and  trying with different music and keep your legs on the ground. It’s the best way to keep it up. 

Assignment 1. Where do I want to go, and where not?

We were given a small magazine, which contained all kinds cultural events, and we had to choose one where you'd like to go, and one where you'd not like to go. just as simple as that.

I thought it was simple, but it proved me wrong pretty fast. since I'm not really interested in all the things in that magazine, chosing one for both was pretty hard.

Since I've already been to the world harbor day's once, and that was very boring, I chose that as my event where I'd not like to go to.

All the way in the back of the magazine, I saw a big picture of Frank Zappa. The 30th of September, there will be performances, of Frank Zappa's music, mixed with classical elements. It sounded interesting, and since Symphony and Metallica turned out to be cool, this might be as well.


Frank Zappa