Steve Smith

Steve Smith is a legendary drummer best known for his work with the iconic American rock band Journey, whose timeless hits—like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways”—remain beloved by fans around the world, including in Japan. Smith’s dynamic fusion of rock and jazz rhythms and his exceptional technical prowess have left a lasting mark on Journey’s most celebrated recordings. But his talents extend far beyond that—he’s also made a name for himself through acclaimed projects like Vital Information and Steps Ahead, where his drumming continues to shine with unmatched precision and creativity.

On New Perspective, the latest album from Steve Smith & Vital Information, released in 2025, Smith revisits Journey classics such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Who’s Crying Now” through a bold and imaginative jazz-rock lens, breathing new life into these familiar songs. His rhythmic mastery captivates once again, blending innovation with deep musicality.

This time, Japanese drummer Shun Minari—known for his work with the rock band BLINDMAN, as well as his performances on numerous anime soundtracks and with a wide range of Japanese artists—posed a series of questions to Steve Smith. Their exchange dives into the making of New Perspective, offering insight into the creative process and rhythmic concepts behind the record—from one drummer to another.

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Pete Lesperance

Photo by Kevin Vyse Photography

HAREM SCAREM return with their first new album in five years, “CHASING EUPHORIA”. Known for their enduring presence in the world of melodic hard rock, the band continues to captivate fans with their signature sound.
The new album delivers everything listeners have come to expect—catchy and melodic vocals from Harry Hess, rich vocal harmonies, and hook-driven riffs and tastefully crafted solos from Pete Lesperance that drive each track forward with finesse. It’s a record packed with highlights, living up to—and exceeding—the expectations of longtime fans.
We spoke with Pete Lesperance about the making of “CHASING EUPHORIA”.

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Phil X

Photo by Stephen Jensen

PHIL X & THE DRILLS are back with their first full-length album in nearly five years, following the release of the 2019 EP “Stupid Good Lookings Vol.1.” While Phil X is widely known as Richie Sambora’s successor in Bon Jovi, his raw, electrifying guitar tone and untamed, free-spirited playing style truly capture the essence of rock. In his flagship band, PHIL X & THE DRILLS, these qualities shine even brighter, delivering powerful, hook-driven hard rock that pulls listeners in. We sat down with Phil X to talk about the new album “POW! Right In The Kisser,” as well as his musical background, past projects, and much more.

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Eric Johnson

Photo by Max Crace

Eric Johnson is a musician who has established a one-of-a-kind sound with his transparent vocals, beautifully soaring guitar tones, and unique playing style that soothes the listener’s soul. In 2024, he joined forces with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai as part of the G3 tour, reuniting the three guitar legends for the first time in over 20 years. A live album from this tour, G3 Reunion Live, is set to be released on January 31, 2025.
We had a chat with Eric Johnson about G3 Reunion Live and more.

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Daytona

When we think of catchy and melodic ’80s-style arena rock, those who experienced it in real time can instantly picture the songs and sounds that defined the era. Swedish band DAYTONA has recreated that very image with their debut album, Garder La Flamme, delivering the sound, music, and even music videos that embody the spirit of the time. Their music not only meets the expectations of those who lived through the era, but also feels nostalgic yet refreshingly new at the same time. We spoke with Erik Heikne (guitar) and Fredrik Werner (vocals), who took the lead in songwriting for the album, about their work and inspirations.

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Daniel Cavanagh

Photo by Caroline Traitler

On September 23, 2020, the British alternative/progressive rock band Anathema announced an indefinite hiatus.
While the band’s sound evolved from gothic metal in their early days to progressive rock, their exceptional songwriting and unique sonic landscapes continued to captivate a deep and dedicated fanbase. Now, two core members who were integral to Anathema’s music, Daniel Cavanagh and Daniel Cardoso, have formed a new band called Weather Systems and released the album “Ocean Without A Shore”. This new work continues to deliver the same beautiful, deeply immersive sound that has long resonated with Anathema’s devoted followers.
We have a chat with Daniel Cavanagh about the album and his plans for the future.

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Simon McBride

Photo by Jim Rakete

Legendary hard rock band Deep Purple is set to release their latest studio album, “=1.” This album marks the first studio effort featuring guitarist Simon McBride, who has joined the band following the departure of Steve Morse. Deep Purple has had an illustrious history of iconic guitarists, starting with the great Ritchie Blackmore, followed by Tommy Bolin, a temporary touring stint by Joe Satriani, and then Steve Morse. The addition of Simon McBride brings fresh anticipation and excitement for “=1.”
Ahead of the album’s release, music videos for “Portable Door” and “Pictures of You” have been unveiled. These tracks showcase Simon McBride’s unique guitar work, which not only retains the classic Deep Purple essence but also highlights his original style through precise backing guitar and emotionally charged, clever guitar solos.
We spoke with Simon McBride about his musical background, his encounter with Deep Purple, and the creation of their latest studio album, “=1.”

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Guthrie Govan

Photo by Jon Luini

Guthrie Govan (guitar), Bryan Beller (bass), and Marco Minnemann (drums) form the powerhouse trio known as THE ARISTOCRATS. Their latest concept album, “DUCK,” features a narrative centered around a duck protagonist. Interestingly, the story was not created first. Instead, each member composed three tracks independently, and these nine tracks were then woven into a cohesive nine-chapter tale.

With their deep knowledge of various music genres and exceptional technical skills, THE ARISTOCRATS create music that paints vivid, cinematic scenes. Their latest work stimulates the listener’s imagination and draws them deeply into the story. We had the opportunity to speak with Guthrie Govan about THE ARISTOCRATS’ new album “DUCK,” as well as his involvement in Hans Zimmer’s projects.

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TODAY WAS YESTERDAY

Angelo Barbera and Ty Dennis, who once shared the stage as band members of The Doors of the 21st Century, have formed the music unit TODAY WAS YESTERDAY and released their self-titled debut album, “TODAY WAS YESTERDAY.” The album features ten tracks, including six songs with Alex Lifeson of Rush, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, and one track with Robby Krieger of The Doors as guest guitarists. In this album, they elevate their unique sound by drawing influence from the artistic, beautifully nuanced music of Japan, Genesis, and Tears for Fears, as well as the experimental sounds of Led Zeppelin and Rush. Meanwhile, they successfully merge complexity with an accessible catchiness.

We sat down with Angelo Barbera [vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards] and Ty Dennis [drums, percussion, programming] to discuss the formation of their unit and their debut album “TODAY WAS YESTERDAY.”

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Keith Scott

Photo ©Keith Scott

Bryan Adams’s live album ‘LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL’, recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2022, has been released. This work features live performances of every track from three studio albums: ‘CUTS LIKE A KNIFE’, ‘INTO THE FIRE’, and ‘WAKING UP THE NEIGHBOURS’, both audio and video recordings are included. In this live work, Bryan’s numerous classic songs still radiate power and brilliance without fading, and the wonderful and solid combination of Bryan and his close friend, guitarist Keith Scott, is proven to be intact. Keith Scott, a guitar master who beautifully accentuates Bryan’s music with his soulful guitar playing, speaks about their brand new album with Muse on Muse.

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