BT Fasmer (*) of NewAgeMusic.nu has interviewed Mark Mendieta about Transcend with Time.* You have two music projects, one for progressive rock (Subject to Thoughts, together with Brandon Strader) and one for new age (Transcend with Time) for new age. Do you have to change your approach to music when going from one project to the next?

Mark: Yes, I do have to change my approach when writing the music for both projects. When writing for Subject to Thoughts, it just depends on the mood I’m in that particular day when I’m writing either the music or lyrics. For example, if I’m in a miserable mood, then the music or lyrics will take that avenue. If I’m in a happier mood, then they will take that shape. Writing the music & lyrics this way helps me create different moods that help the band sound more unique.

When I write the music for Transcend with Time, I like to be in a more calm & relaxed state of mind. This helps me create my music with more emotion and atmosphere which is something I always strive for. For both projects, I always strive to make the music thought-provoking. I enjoy making music that has purpose because this allows me to challenge the listeners, and that is what music is all about for me.

* I find that the most interesting aspect with Through Memory’s Perception is the atmosphere, which is in my opinion unique. The mood reminds of rock and perhaps even metal, but still it is 100 % ambient new age. Was it a goal for you to make something truly different, or did it just happen?

Mark: When I started Transcend with Time, my goal was that I wanted to make New Age/Ambient music that was totally different from the typical New Age music out there. To tell you the truth, I’m not that into New Age music (well, only a few). I’m more into Progressive Metal/Rock and Doom Metal, so that’s why my music probably sounds so unique.

* How has the feedback from your audience been? Do rock music fans like your music?

Mark: To tell you the truth, since the inception of this project (2006), it’s been a rough road with not much fan support. I’m not going to lie, probably not many people know what this project is all about to this day, but that’s okay. To the people that have listened to my music, I thank you. It was not until probably the end of 2008 that people finally started responding to my music. I guess it helps that my music has received reviews, and it is being played on Internet radio stations worldwide. Probably one of the biggest misconceptions is that when people see or read independent artist, some assume that the music is not worth listening too. Oh well. So far, the feedback off my latest album Through Memory’s Perceptionis turning out great. It seems that I am finally starting to make a dent.

To answer your other question, most of my fans are into Rock or Metal. That’s nice to know that people can listen to music with an open mind even though it’s a different genre.

* You have released three albums in two years, and all songs have a personal touch and high quality. How do you find inspiration to so much music?

Mark: Well, first of all, thank you for the compliment. To answer your question, music is something that I’ve always wanted to do and have been doing (in some degree) since the age of 5. It’s my passion, so for me the songwriting process comes out naturally. Usually, a song for me develops from a certain melody, beat or mood I have circling in my head.

In releasing three albums in two years, for me, music is a constant flow of emotions, so I have no problem finding motivation. I have always believed that there is no need in having to wait for 2 or 3 years in between for albums to be released.

With all three albums, before I start writing the music, I actually sit down and think of a theme. After I’m content with the specific theme I have selected then I start writing the music. All three albums have a personal touch because I have been through a lot during these past years. Throughout the years, music has definitely helped me through some very difficult times in my life. This is how I cope with my feelings.

* Tell us about the equipment you use (hardware synths, sequencers, VSTs ect). Have you had any help with the recording and mastering, or have you done all yourself?

Mark: Well, I don’t have a very elaborate studio, and I go through a fairly simple process to get my music done. I use my Yamaha PSR-GX76 (it’s an old keyboard, but it still gets the job done). As far as sequencers goes, I use the one built in to my keyboard and record all the instruments onto different tracks then I transfer all of the music to my Adobe Audition 3.0 music program that I use to edit & master my music. As far as VST’s go, I usually do not use many, but one that I do like to add to all of my songs is a Plate reverb. This gives the instruments a nice echo feel. Sometimes, I might use a Chorus effect, a transpose effect to change the sound or add a pan effect, but not much. I like my music to have more of an organic sound instead of adding a lot of effects. It will then just sound to overproduced.

Since Brandon introduced me to Adobe Audition 1.5 first then 3.0, he gave me some pointers on how to work these programs, but other than that, I have always done all the recording and mastering by myself.

* Do you have any new albums under way? More new age or more progressive rock – or both?

Mark: Yes, hopefully by late February or March, we will be releasing our new Subject to Thoughts CD entitled The Culmination. Right now, Brandon (my bandmate) is finishing mastering the disc. If you want to check us out, you can visit us at Subject to Thoughts or on MySpace or Soundclick. If you like what you hear, you can go to Tarniusmusic and purchase our latest CD/downloads From Sunrise to Sunset.

As far as Transcend with Time goes, I have nothing at this moment. Hopefully by summer, I’ll start working on new material for a new album. Right now, I’m just promoting Through Memory’s Perception as much as I can.

* Thank you Mark for the interview! Check out our review of Through Memory’s Perception. You can buy it on Tarniusmusic.com.

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