Interview with NDV before the recording of Karma
by Papa Jim Harrel

(Nick's comments are BOLD)
  
Nick, I want to take this time to thank you for agreeing to participate in this series of articles. We are all anxious to get inside the creative process of the making of a new record. I know you've been especially busy as you are moving your family into a brand new home as we speak, and that as you are recording your first solo album, you will be living out of boxes.

Yeah, Jim, Sorry for all the craziness. After 32 years of life, everything is happening in 3 weeks time. I really, really appreciate all that you are doing.

THE NEW RECORD

I will not be asking any questions about Spock's Beard, unless there's something in particular you'd like to tell us.

I don't mind if you ask about the band.

Thanks, but I'd like to focus on the new work of yours. Have you decided on a name for the record?

The name of the record is KARMA, by NDV.

NDV?

It's short for Nick D'Virgilio. Many people have trouble pronouncing it, and I'd rather people not think of this record so much as Nick's solo album, but more a musical project that I am directing. I think NDV says that better.

OK, KARMA by NDV. With a title like that I'd expect to hear some Persian riffs or at least a little sitar. :)

There actually are a couple of things like that here and there.

Is there any kind of conceptual thing going on here? How did you come up with that title?

No real concept, just a record. I wrote a song called Karma and just decided to call the record that. It sounded good to me. That's all.

How did this project come about?

Well I've been trying to get this happening my whole life and finally... Just started to feel good about myself and actually getting the opportunity from Inside Out kicked me in the ass and got me going.

Where will recording take place?

Most of the recording will be at Lawnmower and Garden Supply Studios (Kevin Gibert's old place). Spock's records there a lot.

Are there any instruments you play besides drums? Any unusual percussion instruments?

I play guitar and bass. Some keys and a few other things.

How would you categorize the style of music?

Rock, pop, funk, fusion, jazz, punk, country, alternative, childrens choir kind of rave up.

Will it be a mix of vocal songs and instrumentals? Any guest vocalists?

It's 95% vocal songs. There are some instrumental things though. I'm working on guest vocalists but I'm not sure yet.

Who will be guest musicians?

Mike Keneally, Brian Beller, Rick Mussallam, Dave Carpenter, Ryo, Neal, Alan, Roland Orzabal (hopefully) and..???

How did you hook up with Mike Keneally and Brian Bellar? And what made you decide to use them in this recording? Are they bringing a certain style to the table?

I played with them a long time ago on a Yes tribute record with Kevin Gilbert. They both are just amazing musicians and years later I'm finally getting another chance (to play with them).

Will you (this band) ever play live?

God I hope so. I don't want to record it just to put it on the shelf. I really hope to get out there one day.

Let's talk a little about song writing: What inspires you? How do you come up with songs? Words or music first?

Songs come to me in various forms. Sometime a guitar riff. Sometimes a subject idea or sometime a drum loop. Whatever. Words most of the time come second. I wish it was the other way around sometimes but what ya gonna do?

Are there any writing Collaborations on this record?

Yes. There is a song with Will Sexton called The Waters Edge that we wrote together when we were in David Barewalds "New Folk Underground" together. There is a song I wrote with Kevin Gilbert called "The Game". Kevin is actually going to be on my record. I kept all the old parts of him playing. It is really great because years after his life we are still making music together. There is one other song called "Come What May" written by David Barewald and Kevin Gilbert.The rest are by good old me!

Other credits: Producer, engineer, etc.

Mike "Palmtree" Johnson (Whom you've heard on Spock's records) is engineering and mixing.

How much will parts be written out for the players, VS improvised?

The parts are pretty set but I'll let anybody do what they want if it works and is better. Whatever is good for the song. I don't care who comes up with it.

PERSONAL

Do you listen to a lot of music while you're puttering around?

Sometimes. Radio isn't very inspiring here in L.A. I'm finding listening to music over the internet to be really cool. You can actually hear something different. What A Concept!

Do you watch much TV? If so, what are your favorite programs?

I don't watch much T.V. Just Dodger games when I get the chance and The Food Channel. The best channel on T.V. I like Seinfeld though.

What music do YOU listen to?

Everything. New, old, all styles.

What was your first concert experience?

The Osmonds at The Tropicana in Las Vegas when I was 4 years old.

What was your favorite concert?

Van Halen on the Unlawful Carnal Knowlege tour. It was the last show of the tour. I had never seen them live. I had shitty seats but they kicked some serious ass.

With regards to computers and music: What do you think about the role that technology plays in today's music scene? (Sequencers, samplers, digital recording...)

I love it all. I think it's great.

Some people would say I'm a techno-dweeb: How much do YOU use computers? Do you prefer email or phone calls? How about non music use? What types of applications do you use?

I prefer phone calls because my typing sucks so bad. I should have never skipped out of typing class in high school. I use the computer a lot more and I use it for all the usual stuff.

What about the Internet and it's effect on the music biz?

It's pretty powerful and is the way the future is going. We all better get on the wagon.

KEVIN

I'd like to talk a little about Kevin Gilbert if it's not too personal: He has reached legend status and many people are hungry to know more about him: You guys were close friends right? How would you characterize his personality?

He was a very nice guy with quirks like we all have. Very caring and also very demanding. He knew what he wanted when it came to his music.

Was there any indication that something was wrong near the end, or was it completely out of the blue?

Out of the blue.

Shaming of the True sort of indicates he had a certain contempt for the music business. Can you tell us where this came from?

I don't know all the details, I just know he went through some shit.

It has been rumored that Mike Portnoy wanted him to engineer Falling Into Infinity. True? What affect do you think that might have had on the album?

He would have made anybody sound better. He had amazing ears.

What do you think he would be doing now?

Making great music and giving lots of love.

FINAL QUESTION

One last question. There is a long running debate on the internet that I'd like you to clear up. We all know what is printed on the lyric sheet of the CD, but what did Neal actually sing, "Farts" or "Thoughts" that linger?

I think it's thoughts that linger but.........oh my GOD do his farts linger. Don't go on a tour bus or a motor home with him....aarrgh!!!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Nick. And I hope that all goes smoothly on the recording and the move! I'll see you in the studio. :)

Thanks so much Jim. Let me know what else I can do.
Peace, Nick