Ewa Walczak: What caused you to become a musician?
Adam Wakeman: Watching my Dad on stage with YES at Wembly Arena, London on the ABWH tour.
I thought "That's what I want to do"

EW: How do you feel about people who compare your music with your father's output?
AW: People have always made the connection through the name, and when we tour together our styles are notably similar, however - this is mainly because I am playing his music. I like to think that my writing style and albums are very different. Especially the new album which is far more guitar based.

EW: Do you think your age in any way affects the music you are composing?
AW: With my album, no. with the other work , for example touring and co-writing - yes. I have to adapt to fit an ever changing industry. Most of the work at the moment is pop based, so I play and write pop music. With my album I get all self indulgent and just do whatever I please!

EW: Your songs sound like they were very personal. Are they somehow based on your life?
AW: Most are. Others about friends and some from random characters I've seen on TV!
Neurasthenia is the most personal yet.

EW: Could you tell me, what inspired you when you were writing tracks for your latest album and why did you call it "Neurasthenia"?
AW: Inspiration came mainly, again, from personal experiences and those involving my friends and family. The album deals with issues surrounding relationships, love, hate, religion, all things that people can relate to. This album is just how certain things have effected me, and my opinions on them.
Neurasthenia is an old medical term for a condition which is chronic nerve fatigue - which in the case of the album is caused by a kind of madness created by relationships, and peoples effect on each other.

EW: What do you think rock will be like in the nearest future?
AW: There's always going to be variations of rock music which is what keeps it exciting. Hopefully people will keep doing what they want as opposed to pressures from record companies of what they think will make them the most money. People need to express themselves through their music.

EW: Considering all your albums - which song do you like most?
AW: On the new album - Broken Biscuits or Sacred.
On "100 Years Overtime" - Only Me Missing. This was written about a girl on the front of a fashion magazine! "Soliloquy" - Soliloquy part II, the act is over.

EW: What kind of music do you listen to and do you have any music idols?
AW: I listen to the radio a lot, as I am travelling constantly. Music idols - Dr. John a.k.a. Mac Rebennack. He's a New Orleans Blues/Jazz piano player. He's my hero! I love Alanis Morissette, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Lamb, The Avalanches, Stereophonics, Steely Dan...... the list goes on!

EW: I wonder if you sometimes escape from music, looking for some rest?
AW: Yes, and I make things out of wood. I am currently making a 7 foot dining table out of 100 year old Pine! I find it relaxing! Maybe I should sell furniture.....!

EW: Is there anything special you would like to say to your fans in Poland?
AW: I hope we can come and play in your country soon. we are looking into arranging a release there and get the band over to do some shows. Or maybe I'll just come over and visit!

EW: Thanks and wish you all the best!
AW: Thank you!


27 July 2002
© Ewa Walczak