We had an interview with Symphony X’s guitar wizard, Michael Romeo, right before their first-ever concert in Turkey! We dove deep into his thoughts on pushing the limits of his music, his take on Turkish music, and the inspiring details behind his creative process. We think you’ll really enjoy this heartfelt and genuine conversation!

Oh, and don’t miss Symphony X live on August 30th at IF Beşiktaş in Istanbul! Get a sneak peek into Michael Romeo’s excitement and thoughts before this unforgettable concert by checking out our interview!

In your War of the Worlds, Pt. 2 album, you included some key instruments from Turkish music, like the oud and saz. Before your concert in Turkey, could you share a bit about your experience with these instruments? What kind of inspiration did they bring you while playing? I’m really curious about how these experiences have influenced your music and perspective.

Michael J. Romeo: I often enjoy listening to different types and styles of music. There are so many unique instruments from around the world that provoke a certain mood or have a certain color. I might hear these instruments being played in thier native setting, or being used in a film or TV score, or in a classical piece that features a particular instrument from a specific region. Whatever it is, if it’s something I like the sound of, I usually end up buying one and trying to learn it… or at least, the best as I can haha. I have lots of different instuments here in my studio, and to me, they are just different colors that provide a broader pallette of musical sounds and texture when I’m writing. I’ve always tried to tell a story with music, and being able to add some different instruments is always cool.

It seems like you have a genuine interest in traditional Turkish instruments and melodies. How do these melodies make you feel? If we imagined a cinematic scene with Turkish tunes playing, how would you visualize it? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

MJR: Yeah, that’s the word..”visualize”. When I’m writing music, (well, most of the time) I will try to visualize something. Whatever I’m thinking about… a scene, a story, etc. and then try to come up with a musical idea that feels right. If I was asked to write something like you mentioned, I’d get some percussion happening along with the saz or oud… but also a more personal instrument, like a guitar. I think that would work. Again, if I hear a certain instrument I like, I’ll try to grab one and do my best with it. And yeah, I’ve always liked the sound of the saz.

Have you picked up any special techniques while playing different instruments? For example, has any skill you’ve learned on the guitar influenced how you play the keyboard? I’d love to know how these techniques have shaped your creative process.

MJR: Not really, every instrument has it’s own thing. I kinda learned that along the way. When I first started cello, I thought “it has strings – like a guitar – how hard could it be?”, then I picked up the bow and, well, not so easy… so, off to lessons I went, ha! But, most of the time I’m writing on guitar – riffs, rhythms, that kinda thing, but writing on piano is great, as well. Just a different way of coming up with ideas.

Do you have any plans to experiment with new instruments or music styles in your upcoming projects? Is there an instrument or style you’re interested in but haven’t tried yet?

MJR: I’m always experimenting, and I try to write as much as I can. I’ve been busy working on the new Symphony X album, so ofcourse, there is alot going on in the ‘guitar department’, as well as on the ‘orchestral side’ of things. But there are plenty of other things to add, if needed. It’s cool to have all these spices, it’s just knowing when to use them.

When playing multiple instruments, what kind of differences have you noticed in their technical and emotional demands? For example, how does the creative process differ for you when playing the cello, guitar, or keyboard? I think it’d be fascinating to hear about how these differences impact your musical expression.

 MJR: Well, just to be clear, on the cello and piano, I’m only “ok” – not a virtuoso or anything – lol, and guitar is usually my first choice. It mostly depends on what exactly it is I’m trying to write. Sometimes going between acoustic guitar and piano for a more “ballad-like” thing is cool. But for something heavy and aggressive, I’m going with just guitar and amp cranked. Orchestral – maybe paper and pencil. It all depends on what you’re trying to achieve. I’ve worked on music for a few films and TV shows, and sometimes just a cool, evolving synth sound can kickstart alot of ideas.

Do you have any special methods or techniques you’ve developed for managing your time? Especially when transitioning between your music and personal life, what strategies do you use? It seems like you’re able to balance your career, family, and hobbies pretty well.

MJR: I do my best, but it’s always a balancing act. No ‘special methods or techniques’, you just make it work.

What kind of advancements do you foresee in music technologies and digital innovations? Specifically, in your music-making process, where do you see technology playing a big role, and how do you plan to adapt to these changes?

MJR: Just out of curiosity, I have looked at some of the A.I. music creation stuff, and yeah, it’s kinda scary of what it can do. But, that being said, real music and creativity is a human thing. You can never replace that.

Given the world’s current state, many artists are channeling different emotions and ideas into their work. How has this impacted Symphony X’s creative process? Are there specific themes or messages you’re aiming to convey in your upcoming music?

MJR: Again, this goes back to “story-telling”. We are always looking for ideas from literature, history, mythology, good and evil… those types of things. Stories and ideas that are timeless. We like to take listeners on a journey – away from the everyday stuff of the world. I think we all need a break from that from time to time, and music can say alot of other things.

With your Turkey concert coming up, what would you like to say to your fans here? We’d love to hear what message you have for everyone who’s eagerly waiting to see you perform! Thanks for answering all my questions!

MJR: We are really excited and are very much looking forward to the show! See you soon!