CONFLICTED Frontman Jason Orton - "It Doesn't Hurt Being Influenced By The Greats Like FREDDIE MERCURY, GEOFF TATE And IAN GILLAN"
July 3, 2011, 13 years ago
Toronto’s CONFLICTED released their new album, Never Be Tamed, on April 12th in Canada and the US, and on May 6th in Europe. Frontman Jason Orton is featured in a new interview with Norway's Metal Express Radio. An excerpt is available below:
MER: There is a ton of power and emotion, which is clearly noticeable throughout each track of Never Be Tamed ... can you describe the song writing process and what goes into creating these great songs?
Orton: "As the band's lyricist and one of the main musical composers, it's nice to know that a listener can hear the depth and intensity in our work. As far as the songwriting goes, we really have no rules. In most cases the music is written first, then the lyrics, then we (or I) rearrange the music to fit the lyrics & additional melodies. Lyrically, I like to write about inner and outer observations. I am not a fan of political or Dungeons & Dragons lyrics ... I just can't relate."
MER: Your four octave vocal range is without a doubt incredibly impressive. When did you first realize you had this amazing talent and gift, and how did you work to achieve the goal of becoming a Heavy Metal front man?
Orton: "I remember as an inexperienced singer (in fact I was a bassist) hitting Ian Gillan's notes in 'Child In Time', and it was easy. Really easy, actually. I would get frustrated with singers in my own early bands and wonder why they couldn't just hit the note? Singing has always been what's attracted me to all popular music. So, as a teenager, I began training. My range is natural, and my vocal teacher would laugh and wonder why I would waste my time with Rock music? My control is learned from operatic training and even more live practice. As for being a frontman, I just do what's natural for me. It also doesn't hurt being influenced by the greats like Freddie Mercury, Geoff Tate, and Ian Gillan."
Go to this location for the complete interview.
The tracklisting for Never Be Tamed is as follows:
‘After Too Long’
‘Never Be Tamed’
‘Victor(ia)’
‘Fallen’
‘The Hand of God’
‘Stay’
‘Heat Me Up’
‘I Wish. I Remember’
‘Alive’
‘Torment’
‘Release’