Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Band members: Trevor Tabone (vocals, keyboards) Jirka Matousek (bass) Petr Matousek (drums) Petr Lux (guitar, backing vocals) Petr Kania (live guitarist)
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Different Light? How long has the band been around?
Different Light was formed in Malta in 1995 when I (Trevor) formed the band together with Mark Agius Cesareo, Trevor Catania and Richard Rizzo. After recording “All about Yourself’(1996) and ‘A Kind of Consolation’(1999) I moved to Prague, Czech Republic and reformed the band with different members. We have since released ‘Icons that Weep (2009), ‘Il Suono della Luce’(compilation 2014) and ‘The Burden of Paradise’(2016).
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
I think it was Mark (original guitarist) who came up with the name when we were out drinking somewhere. In fact, I’m sure that’s the case! It’s remained the same ever since, it’s like your child’s name, you don’t change it!
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I write the bulk of the music and lyrics, present them to the band, then we rearrange the material together. The topics change according to the album and period they were written in. Life, death, loss, love, religion, relationships, freedom and so on, have all been topics used. I can tell you that the next album will be more conceptual and dealing with mental challenges, manic depression, BPD and having to deal with people afflicted with this kind of thing.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Mostly prog bands like Genesis, Pink Floyd, Rush, Supertramp, Yes, Camel, Spocks Beard and a host of others, there are too many to mention!
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Definitely Roger Hodgson of Supertramp at the time. I just wanted to write something like he has, I’m still trying!
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect
Not much really, more of a group chat, warming up the fingers and voice and not drinking too much J…
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
I’m sure the other guys in the band will agree that our biggest highlight has been the response to our last album ‘The Burden of Paradise’ which has been nothing short of phenomenal. The reviews and response (and sales) have been brilliant and it’s been a really inspiration to the writing of the next album, which is going to be even better J
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Personally, I’d love to tour with Rush, just so that I can have a drink after with Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee, they look like great company! Realistically though, any of the great prog bands that are doing the rounds now, Haken, Neal Morse and Marillion come to mind.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I can guarantee that our next album is going to be even better than our last one, and I mean it!