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Derek ‘Mo’ Moore of Nektar: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
Nektar is an iconic force in progressive rock, yet their influence extends far beyond the genre. From shaping the sound of Pink Floyd to influencing Iron Maiden, their legacy is profound and far-reaching. In an era where older artists can struggle to break through, Nektar remains unwavering, steadfast, and passionate about their art. Derek ‘Mo’ Moore, the band’s bassist, shares with us his insights on the latest offering, Mission to Mars, and what keeps Nektar relevant despite the ever-changing musical landscape.
A New Sound for the Modern Era
Moore reflects on what sets Mission to Mars apart from the band’s past work, stating, "We are a rock band and have been around for a lot longer than prog. We don’t change keys for the sake of it, but the song ‘Drifting,’ for example, is 9/4 most of the time. It creates a laid-back feeling, which is what we were going for."
The new record is not a nostalgic effort, but rather a modern take on the Nektar sound, embracing fresh ideas while still honoring the band’s roots.
The Making of Mission to Mars
The song ‘Mission to Mars’ originated from a bass riff played during a 1970s soundcheck. From there, it evolved organically, with the ‘da da da’ melody emerging naturally. Moore recollects, "After hearing it back, we liked it. It sounded good with me and Ryche [Chlanda, vocalist/guitarist] singing, and it felt full."
The rest of the album took shape as each member brought their own inspirations and ideas to the table.
Blurring the Lines between Old and New
Nektar’s ability to seamlessly incorporate their classic sound with fresh, modern elements is an art in itself. The band believes in "treading new ground," citing the album as an instance where the "old rules don’t apply."
"In the 1970s, you didn’t want to experiment, because ‘progressive rock’ already had that reputation. And now, in this more open era, you get to break those rules a bit. That’s our approach: keeping it close to home while also finding new sounds and techniques. We have to reinvent ourselves all the time; otherwise, you’re like a record from 35 years ago, trying to be hip and modern when you’re really not. We like the fusion process."
A Commitment to Quality
For this album, Nektar mastered both CD and vinyl separately to achieve unique sounding experiences for each format.
"I find vinyl warmer, you know? It gives you more body and feeling. The sound separation creates multiple interesting listens, always keeping the sound fresh and exciting. I’m thrilled with the results, from the warmth to the crunch."
Moore believes "Mission to Mars" surpasses any album the band has ever created, considering the attention to detail paid to both mastering and vinyl production.
Lineup and Labor of Love
The current lineup has sparked a creative surge, marked by collaboration and shared inspirations.
"Ryche and I have developed a deep bond since we co-wrote the music for ‘The Other Side’. We now share song structures, work on ideas with each other, and often find inspiration from Maryann [Castello, singer] and Kendall [Scott, vocalist/guitarist]. Our aim is constant: a labor of love, working towards creating unforgettable music for our fans and ourselves."
Moore adds, "It’s truly a democracy. Everyone weighs in and brings their share of creative genius to the table."
Reflection on Nektar’s Enduring Impact
Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden have praised Nektar as inspiration, testifying to their lasting influence. When questioned about Nektar’s significance in progressive rock history, Moore humbly remarks:
"It’s our duty to contribute something we’re passionate about. Being part of a musical circle, it’s an understanding that when we write the next page in Nektar’s story, you can draw upon your ancestors, who helped create Nektar’s history.
We can draw upon past experiences and still stay cutting-edge, experimenting, playing with ideas. This helps us push forward while nodding to the past; it keeps our spirit active and connected."
Where to Find Nektar’s New Sound
Mission to Mars has arrived, carrying with it the unmistakable spirit and energy that Nektar has long been known for. Join the band and their journey on the Official Nektarsmusic website, https://www.nektarsmusic.com
FAQs
Do you feel indebted to Nektar’s earlier sound and records?
"Yes, but in a different context. We choose our iconic songs to mix with this new record, allowing you to relive our 1970s moments but also witness the progression as we ‘Recycle’ our creativity and revisit a rockier direction with new songs like ‘Mission to Mars.’"
What album is your personal favorite in your discography?
"I’ll avoid the usual ‘Other side’ cliché! My personal preference leans toward some of our other gems. ‘Recycled’ features some stunning songs and new sounds."
Will we still see you exploring different labels and genre blending in Nektar’s future discography?
"We love reinventing and rediscovering within our unique identity. Nothing is out of bounds yet. Expect an array of sounds within Nektar to keep it exciting, the same passion with every passing year."
