Interview with Alberto Rigoni

Alberto Rigoni moves within the boundaries of rock, metal but also creates various fusions. Alberto Rigoni, born in 1981, is an Italian bassist, composer, producer and business lawyer, internationally known for his career as a solo artist and as a member of the metal bands BAD As, The Italians, Natural Born Machines, co-producer of Vivaldi Metal Project and member of the progressive rock band TwinSpirits (which is no longer active) and bassist in Italy of the famous Canadian singer Kim Bingham (ex Nelly Furtado).
Alan – Hi Alberto. Come and introduce yourself to our rock and metal crew.
Alberto - Hello Alan, and thanks for having me. I'm Alberto Rigoni, an Italian bass player, composer, and producer. Over the years, I've been involved in various musical projects, including bands like BAD As, The Italians, Natural Born Machine, and the Vivaldi Metal Project. I've also released several solo albums that span genres from progressive rock to metal and fusion.

Alan – When did you start your musical career, and with what?
Alberto - I began playing bass around the age of 16 after being introduced to Dream Theater's music. Their complex compositions fascinated me, and I aimed to cover their songs, which was quite challenging. This led me to form a band called Ascra, where we played Dream Theater covers for about five years.

Alan – Who brought you to music and the bass guitar?
Alberto - A friend introduced me to Dream Theater, and I was immediately drawn to their bassist, John Myung. His playing inspired me to pick up the bass guitar. Additionally, my friend and drummer Enrico Buttol played a significant role in my early musical development. We spent countless hours practicing together.

Alan – How many albums do you have? Each one is different. Can you describe it a little bit?
Alberto - As of now, I've released over a dozen solo albums, each exploring different musical landscapes. For instance, 'Three Wise Monkeys' delves into progressive themes, while 'BASSORAMA' is more experimental. 'EvoRevolution' is a 33-minute track focusing solely on bass and drums. I always strive to bring something new to each project.

Alan – What do you base your creation on?
Alberto - My compositions are often instinctive. I don't confine myself to a specific genre. Instead, I let inspiration guide me, whether it's a melody, a rhythm, or a particular mood. This approach allows me to keep my music fresh and diverse.

Alan – Who do you create with? Do you use different players every time? And do you prepare the album yourself, or is it a collaboration?
Alberto - While I handle most of the composition and production, I frequently collaborate with various artists. Each album features different musicians (Gavin Harrison, Marco Minnemann, Mark Zonder, Jordan Rudess, Kevin Moore, Goran Edman and many others) bringing their unique styles to the table. This collaborative process enriches the music and introduces new perspectives.

Alan – Do you have a cover song on each album? Adapted to your own taste? See Ultravox etc. .....?
Alberto - Not on every album, but I do enjoy reinterpreting songs that have influenced me. For example, I've covered Ultravox's 'Dancing with Tears in My Eyes,' (“Unexpected Lullabies” album) adding my own twist to it. It's a way to pay homage to the music that shaped my artistic journey.

Alan – You have also written about a lot outside of Italy. Poland, Spain, USA, Japan. You are reaping quite great critical success. Now also in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Have you visited these countries? Have you played in these countries? And where exactly?
Alberto - Yes, I've had the pleasure of performing and collaborating with artists from various countries, including Poland, Spain, the USA, and Japan. Each experience has been unique and enriching. While I haven't performed in the Czech Republic and Slovakia yet, I'm looking forward to opportunities there in the future.

Alan – For concerts, performing. How do you take on backing musicians? Do you have them prepared in advance, or only after the album is released?
Alberto - It depends on the project. Sometimes, I assemble a band specifically for live performances after an album's release. Other times, I collaborate with musicians during the recording process who then join me on stage. Flexibility is key, and I choose collaborators based on the specific needs of each performance.

Alan – The intensity of composing music, etc., doesn't it block you from working? Or are you no longer involved in legal matters?
Alberto - Balancing music with other professional commitments can be challenging, but I've managed to find a rhythm that works for me. I’m working as a business lawyer, moreover I’m now father of a 14 months old baby called Vittoria.

Alan - Which artist has inspired you the most? Does he inspire you? And why?
Alberto - John Myung from Dream Theater has been a significant influence. His technical prowess and musicality opened my eyes to the possibilities of the bass guitar. Additionally, artists like Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, and Tony Levin have also inspired me with their innovative approaches to bass playing. Anyway I’ve always tried to find my unique style.

Alan – Have you heard any new artists lately that have inspired you?
Alberto - Absolutely. I'm continually inspired by emerging artists who bring fresh perspectives to music. Collaborating with younger musicians introduces me to new ideas and keeps my creativity flowing. Check out JayBird Byrne, a 13 years old female guitarist, amazing!

Alan – Thanks for the interview. Hopefully, we will meet again sometime.
Alberto - Thank you, Alan. It was a pleasure speaking with you. I look forward to our next conversation.
https://albertorigoni.net
https://sliptrickrecords.com