A Conversation with Geoff Downes – HuffPost 3.3.14

Mike Ragogna: Geoff, many Asia albums have been created over the years. How does your new one, Gravitas, hit you?

Geoff Downes: I think it’s a fine album, and we are very proud of the way it turned out. Apart from showing the instrumental skills of the various members, I think the songwriting from John and myself provides pivotal support for the arrangements to build from. The album has a very “complete” feel to it.

MR: Is John more of the lyricist during the creative process?

GD: Yes, although I have made minor contributions in the past, it’s fair to say John is at the helm when it comes to writing the lyrics. It’s important he sings about what he believes in. A vocalist who also writes the lyrics can often deliver them with more conviction in my experience.

MR: Geoff, I’ve heard that originally “Valkyrie” was going to be the title track.

GD: We always set about writing the songs quite methodically, and ‘Valkyrie’ was the first one that appeared on the scene. At the time, we felt it was a fitting album title, but then “Gravitas” came up, and we felt that title better encapsulated the spirit of the entire album.

MR: How did you approach this album sonically?

GD: In very much the same way we normally do. There are certain textures and layers that are quite unique to the way we approach our recordings. I believe this is one of the reasons Asia has its trademark sound. I’m not giving away any secrets here!

MR: You’ve been with every Asia album, right? What does Asia, after all these years, mean to you?

GD: Obviously, it’s very much a part of me, having been involved with the band for over half of my years. That said, we do try to approach each new challenge with fresh ideas and motivations. I think that’s what keeps us going and helps us stay inspired to continue with the band.

MR: Do you get a kick out of how Asia’s music is used in things like South Park andForty Year-Old Virgin?

GD: Of course. Any publicity is good publicity in our eyes to a degree. The fact that our songs are still featured in current exposure is great for Asia, and demonstrates that our music is not just something which was once popular, then forgotten. We seem to get more requests for usage than ever these days, funnily enough.

MR: Geoff, do you feel that the group is evolving into another sound?

GD: Yes, I think it evolves with each album. Although we do adhere to the hallmark sound of the band in some respects; otherwise, it would not be Asia. However, the sound that comes from the collaboration of the four members is the key – it’s organic and, unmistakable.

MR: Some of us might hear “Heat Of The Moment” or “Only Time Will Tell” play in our heads, you know like any other pop classic, because they’re so ingrained in the culture. Do you ever have some of those familiar Asia songs pop into your head as well?

GD: It’s certainly a privilege and honor to know that some of the music you have written becomes embedded in the minds of generations. It’s not something you design – it just happens. The music that stays in my head is usually what I’m working on at any given time, but it’s still a buzz to hear one of our songs either in passing or on the TV/radio.

MR: Asia has had a long, amazing run, and now you have a young guy in the band, Sam Coulson. Why that move?

GD: I think Steve [Howe] wanted to concentrate his efforts on other things, but the three of us were of a solid mind to continue what we had built up over the years. Sam was recommended, and we felt immediately he fitted the bill and would be part of the next chapter.

MR: What advice do you have for new artists?

GD: Stay with your own beliefs and don’t be swayed by trends or fashions, or what others think you should be doing. Only accept the advice you acknowledge from those who you know have your best interests at heart.

MR: How do you view Asia as it’s heading to the future?

GD: I think we have a great future. A band that is still going thirty-three years on shows the level of longevity and the depth of the music that we have achieved, and deserves to be preserved.

MR: So the songwriting team of Downes and Wetton is as strong as ever?

GD: Over the whole time I’ve worked with John, we never seem to have a problem coming up with new ideas – touch wood! It has always been a seamless and natural partnership. We understand the same things, about life, love, literature…anything. It’s important in the creative process.

MR: And it’s still fun to be making music together after all of these years?

GD: Absolutely. We see each new chapter as a challenge, and there is a fair amount of self-satisfaction in achieving those aims and ambitions. And yes, we do have a sense of humor. I don’t think we’d still be going this long if we didn’t!

Original Interview Transcribed by Galen Hawthorne, Rebirthed By Bruce Pilato