Stormbringer Webzine

Interview Roger Trigaux of Present



How would you classify your music ?

I don't like to classify PRESENT's music. It's not my job, reporters have to do it.
I just can say that I don't understand why people absolutely want to classify Art.


Music is first emotions and not a reference to a style of music.
Let's say it's /prog/rock music..........


Do you all have day jobs and if so what do you do ?

I'm 46 years old and my only job is music.

How did the band get together ?

PRESENT was founded in 1980 with Univers Zero's members + a new musician : Alain Rochette

During the 80's, I often changed of musician on the way to find the best for PRESENT
One day, I asked to my son if he wanted to play with PRESENT and he did it.

When I need a new musician, I just search and try all musicians interested in my work.
I saw Dave KERMAN playing with 5 UU's in Brussels and I asked him if he was interested in playing with PRESENT

.............And so............
It's a little bit difficult 'cause he's living in DENVER, CO-USA
But, you see, it's possible.


What are your musical backgrounds ?

I decided to learn and play music after my first listening to Jimi Hendrix 's work (1967) during the 70's I listened a lot of other music like classical, contemporary, Jazz & free music and I was very interested on the work of artists like Don Van Vliet, Soft Machine,etc..

At the same time I started composition, first alone and after for and with Univers Zero With Univers Zero I found my own style of composition and later (1980) I founded my own band PRESENT..........

What kind of music do you like to listen to when your not playing ?

I don't listen to a lot of music.
Sometimes I listen to my favorites:
Igor Stravinsky : "L'histoire du Soldat" & "The rite of Spring"
Bela Bartok : "sonate pour piano et percussion's"
Captain Beefheart : "Trout Mask Replica"
Miles Davis : "Live Evil"
Carla Bley : "Escalator over the Hill"
Robert Wyatt : "Rock Bottom"
Magma : "Tristan & Yseult"
& the 3 first albums of Jimi Hendrix.

What do you do to relax ?

I never "relax"

If you had the chance to jam with any band, who would that be ?

I hate to jam. I did it when I was very young and I don't want to jam anymore.

What's the best thing that has ever happened to you ?

Life

What's the worst thing that has ever happened to you ?

Life

Who writes the songs ?

I write all songs but sometimes with help from Réginald and a friend of mine called Luc Govers.

Where do you get your Inspiration from ?

Sometimes, I really need to create music, but I don't know why. I just feel it like 'urgent before to die" It's not inspiration, I just need to do it .......

who thought of the bands name and how did you choose it ?

I did. You have to understand PRESENT meaning a "cadeau" I give you my music, it's a present.

Which are your personal favorite songs and why ?

My favorite piece of music "L'histoire du Soldat" by Stravinsky. Why? Listen to it; it's fabulous, great, intense, human , etc...........

Do you play many gigs and if so where ?

In my opinion, we don't play enough gigs, but we don't make an "easy listening" music.


What bands would you say have had most influence on you ?

I think Jimi Hendrix Experience and Magma

What are your plans for the future ?

I hope we'll play more & more.