These ports will be used for take-off and landing of flying vehicles and serve as hubs for passenger pick-up, drop-off, and battery charging
The story goes like this... when JP was about 12 years old, he used to be jealous of the fact that his sister was allowed to stay up late. Why? Because she had to attend organ lessons. Now, young JP didn't like the idea of going to bed earlier than his sister. So he came up with an idea - why not learn guitar. He thought that he had the perfect alibi for not hitting bed early.
Wearing many hats
JP is a multi-talented artiste, and is known to wear many hats. He teaches (music), is a skilled luthier (one who builds and designs guitars) and has a keen interest in engineering and art. "I probably would have steered towards a career in art and graphic design," the maestro said if he didn't have to take up music. Talking about his inspiration, JP admitted that early progressive bands had a major of influence on him. "Growing up, I was a huge fan of Rush. Their Hemispheres album had an incredibly influence on me. I also loved bands like Yes and Iron Maiden," he said about how he developed his amazing technique and sound while crediting guitarists like Steve Morse (of Deep Purple) and Al Di Meola for giving him a strong foundation.
Advice to budding guitarists
Though academics is vital to development, JP says that there is no substitute for practice. Though he knows his craft well, he told us that he still practices for hours daily. "You really need to be on top of your craft. There is no substitute for dedicated and consistent practicing on the instrument," said JP, advising budding guitar players to go out and perform with other musicians.
On the future of music
When asked about the current state of music, he said, "I love the progression of musical styles that has been evolving over the years. Young bands are doing some really creative these days and they are doing some unique things, there's no telling how far things will go."
Not many rock bass players today can boast of technical wizardry like John Myung. The musician's lightning chops and progressive grooves form the backbone of Dream Theater's dynamic sound.
Born in Chicago to Korean parents, Dream Theater co-founder Myung first learnt to play the violin at the age of five but a chance opening for a bass player for a local band when he was in school is what drew him to the instrument initially.
Soon after finishing high school, he and his guitarist friend John Petrucci decided to take music as a career so they left for Berklee College of Music, where the duo met drummer Mike Portnoy, and the rest is history! Known to be soft-spoken, shy and a man of few words, the maestro however, opened to City Times to talk about his his favourite instrument and music in general.
What type of music did you listen while growing up?
I was born the year The Beatles released Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, the '70s was well underway by the time I approached my mid teens. So, yes, I was listening to music from that era.
Are you the only one in your family into music?
No. My mother's into classical music and she played piano as well. So, I was listening to composers such as Beethoven, Bach and Mozart when I was young.
What are some of the bands that have influenced you and your playing?
It was bands like Rush, Yes, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
When did you decide to pick up the bass guitar?
It was when I was in my early teens, around age 14, when it became an idea that meant a lot to me.
When did you decide on taking up music as a career and how did you confront your parents?
When I was about 16 years old, it became clear to me that I wanted to take up music seriously. My parents were very supportive of my decision. So, the next logical step was to join a music college (Berklee).
Do you remember the first gig you played?
Yes. I was participating in a battle of the bands in high school.
And how was the first gig?
It was exciting - my first gig experience.
Would you recommend music as a career to youngsters?
Yes, why not? It's an industry which has evolved with time and, in any case, young musicians are the future of the industry.
How easy or difficult is it to get a break in the music industry?
Nothing is easy. We all work hard to do what we do. It takes persistence, time and, if I may say, a little luck too.
What's your advice for upcoming musicians if they want to break into the scene?
Put in a lot time (practising), and learn as much as you can.
Name an artist that you want budding prog rock musicians to hear and learn?
The Beatles, they've had the biggest impact on the world (of music).
What's your take on the modern music scene?
I don't have a definitive take. It's a vast scene out there. There is a lot happening at any given moment.
We heard a DT song with the title Bombay Vindaloo. As exotic as it sounds, why did DT choose to name it after an Indian delicacy?
The title actually came from a really spicy dish we had for dinner one night. That's how it came about!
What other genre are you comfortable playing, besides prog rock?
This is what I mainly do. But I also take time to create music with (my other band) The Jelly Jam which is another creative outlet for me.
Are you into jazz? We heard your cover of the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius's Portrait of Tracy. Will we be seeing more such stuff?
No immediate plans to do so.
Any anecdotes that you want to share with fans?
Be healthy and live a life with beautiful experiences.
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