Japan's Muse On Muse recently spoke with FLYING COLORS' Neal Morse (TRANSATLANTIC, vocals) and Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE, guitars). An excerpt from the interview with Steve Morse is available below:

Q: Please tell us about the concept of this (debut) album.

Morse: "Originally, it was to be a prog rock meets commercially viable music album. It ended up with us just writing whatever we all liked, but sort of did fit that first idea, I think."

Q: We were told that the album was recorded in nine days. Nevertheless, the album sounds great. What is the secret behind being able to deliver agreat album in such a short recording period?

Morse: "The nine days was the final writing and basic track recordings, which still needed overdubbing and some lyrics rewritten, and all vocals redone. We worked every day until we all felt we had something special to keep."

Q: The opening track 'Blue Ocean' has a live band recording feel. How did you actually record this song?

Morse: "Just like it sounds. That was the talking and playing that we actually did when we first recorded it. Mike wanted this to seem very live and to start the album, which turned out to be a surprising idea because it brings the audience close to the band. Having a very humble beginning is great because it all builds from there."

Q: 'Shoulda Coulda Woulda' has an impressive heavy groove guitar riff that is reminiscent of bands such as MÖTLEY CRÜE. How do you feel?

Morse: "Thanks to my son, Kevin, I got to meet and spend some time with Mick Mars. He is one of my heroes for spending time with us, and especially for patiently answering the questions that my son had for him. Kevin regards him as one of the best guitar players in rock and I have to agree. His tone and rhythm ideas are exceptional, and, like I said, he is one of a handful of heroes that I have personally seen go out of their way to meet a young fan. KIP WINGER is another that I have seen like that. As far as the riff goes, I can come up with guitar riffs all day long. I thought that riff was a fun groove, sort of like something that SMASHMOUTH would do. Mike was a little concerned about it at first, but I assured him that the riff isn’t trying to be anything but a good time."

Go to this location for both interviews.

The formation of Flying Colors began with a simple idea: virtuoso musicians and a pop singer joining together to make new-fashioned music the old fashioned way. Refreshing, classic, old and new, the recordings are saturated with the many styles, tones and hues of the players who, in becoming a band, have delivered a unique fusion of vintage craftsmanship and contemporary music.

"The album has bits and pieces of what you'd expect from each of us,” says Portnoy. “The sum of all its parts led to brand new, unchartered territory for everyone involved."

"It was quite an experience,” recalls Dave LaRue. “The band moved at a fast pace, ideas flying around the room at all times. Sections of tunes were arranged, and then re-arranged. Ideas were tried every which way until we made them work, or, in some cases, discarded them altogether. Just keeping track of everything was a challenge!" The album is filled with trial and triumph. It's been an inspiring challenge melding folk, prog, pop, and metal all into one big recording."

Check out "making of" footage for Flying Colors' debut album below: