MetalSymphony.com recently spoke with MARILLION mainman Steve Hogarth. The following is an excerpt from the interview:

M.S: First of all, and before talking about the album, I would like to know more about the marketing process. With your last albums (marillion.com, Anoraknophobia, Marbles and this last one: Happiness Is The Road) you´ve been releasing bonus CD, deluxe editions, raffling some stuff, writing the names of the pre-buyers in the “thank you” section, etc. Why did you decide to start with this methods of promotion? Is it a good way to survive in these times when record sales are dropping?

Hogarth: "After the US tour fund in 1997 (where our US fans contributed $60,000 to cover the shortfall of the Strange Engine US tour) we realized that our fans have a deep level of faith and trust in us. We also realized that the internet was the future. I think the internet (especially email, but also Facebook etc.) is a medium through which musicians and artists can make a living without the need for record companies. Knowing who your fans ARE is the most important knowledge any artist can have and I would suggest that all artists take steps to find this out at every level of their career."

M.S: Given the fact that Marillion signed for a major (EMI) and now you have the control of your work. What´s the main difference, artistically talking between working for yourselves and working for a record label?

Hogarth: "Artistically there's not too much difference because EMI never really bossed us around much. The biggest difference of all is that we're in control of everything, including the money, so we have to be realistic about what we can and can't afford. In turn, because we are in control of the income streams, we sleep better at night knowing where we stand. When you're signed to a label you feel constantly insecure - not knowing if you'll be on the label next year or whether it will be all over for you. I think the labels do that to you partly to control you and keep you on your toes. The music business tends to lie a little to artists to keep them happy and so you never know what's REALLY going on. The best thing about managing yourself and having your own label is that you DO know what's happening and NOT happening. I sleep better these days."

Go to this location for the complete interview.