Ghost Cult Magazine caught up with Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess recently in New York City to discuss his new solo album, Wired For Madness, released on April 19th via Mascot Label Group. Jordan chats about his new album, working with guest musicians like Marco Minnemann, James LaBrie, Vinnie Moore, Guthrie Govan, Joe Bonamassa, John Petrucci, Rod Morgenstein, taking a prominent role singing lead vocals, his many entrepreneurial endeavors, his Keyfest music conference, former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy and the possibility of a future project with him, his new Keytar, and the working on solo music at the same time as the new Dream Theater album, and much more. 

Jordan Rudess has been the full-time keyboardist with Dream Theater since 1999's Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory, as well as releasing his own acclaimed solo works with accompanying solo tours, developing his own range of award-winning keyboard apps, writing instruction books and teaching online keyboard courses.

And now comes his latest solo release, Wired For Madness. Bursting and flowing forth with all of the drama, technique and melodicism that have become his musical hallmarks, the album also features the keyboard wizard handling many of the vocals. It blends old-school prog and piano with a ferocious and typically ambitious oeuvre that’s as tasteful and classic as it is outrageously expansive

Renowned guests include drummer Marco Minnemann, Dream Theater singer James LaBrie, guitarists Vinnie Moore, Guthrie Govan, Joe Bonamassa and Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci. But the true star here is Rudess - equal parts classical master, prog monster and interstellar master of the musical universe. There’s even some blues!

Says Rudess: “’Just Can’t Win’ is a dirty blues song! The Dream Theater guys call me 'Blues Man' because, at 8 AM, after sleeping on the tour bus, I sound like a reincarnation of an old blues man soul. I called in Joe Bonamassa and a full brass section to help make this song really happen. For my prog fans, this is Jordan Rudess in an alternate universe!”

It all started with a curious mind and a furious set of little hands. He has gone to change the world of music in many wondrous ways, and his latest solo release is the next dynamic chapter in a book that's still being written.

Tracklisting:

"Wired For Madness - Part 1"
"Wired For Madness - Part 2"
"Off The Ground"
"Drop Twist"
"Perpetual Shine"
"Just Can't Win"
"Just For Today"
"Why I Dream"

"Why I Dream" lyric video:

"Wired For Madness - Part 1" lyric video:

"Wired For Madness Pt 1.3" lyric video:

EPK: