Interview with Arrow Haze drummer Theo Green

I recently had the opportunity to speak with drummer Theo Green of the Belgium hard rock band Arrow Haze. The group is currently hard at work putting the finishing touches on their debut album which is due to be released in June. Here’s what Green had to say about the news songs and upcoming release.

Tell us a little about the new record.
Theo: The songs are being finished as we speak. The 14 songs have been confirmed. We hope to release a new single in June. It’s very modern; it’s like a modern version of Deep Purple. Derek Sherinian played as a special guest on this album, we made 3 songs with him and it sounds very special with his keyboard parts and solos.

Are you satisfied with the way it came out?
Theo: I am really satisfied with the result. Now we need to mix the album. I hope that people will like our style.

What is the main element of your sound and what is the most important tool you use to get that sound?
Theo: Solos are a very important part of our music, but the foundation of every good song starts with the rhythm so it’s very important for us to write good and memorable melodies with interesting instrumental breaks. Together with some industrial effects it makes our sound very special.

Do you think about distinguishing performances and sounds from release to release?
Theo: We don’t have any plans, but we would like to try something new with every new album.

Let’s go back in time a bit. Where and when did you start playing music?
Theo: I started playing drums when I was 11 years old. It was an electronic drum set, Roland. I think it was really good for my neighbors because they couldn’t hear me. I was playing with headphones.

Do you remember the first song you played?
Theo: I think it was “Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen.

Did you have any formal music education?
Theo: I studied music at the Drummers Institute in Germany.

Check out the song: “Stranger Tides”

Who are your biggest influences on your playing?
Theo: The biggest influence on my playing is Neal Peart (Rush), Ian Paice (Deep Purple) and Simon Phillips (Toto). Deep Purple was a very important band in my life because their album Made In Japan inspired me to play music.

How long do you practice your instrument a day?
Theo: 4 or 5 hours. During weekends 8 or 10 hours.

When you write do you ever think about the live performance?
Theo: No. If the song is good, it will sound good during the live performance. So we concentrate on making good songs.

Any touring plans in support of the record?
Theo: It depends on the album sales, but I am sure that we are going to play in Belgium, Holland, France and Germany.

Any closing words?
Theo: Thanks for the interview!

Check out the song: “Elly Kedward”