Mars Juarez, drummer for Canadian Rock band Project Mars. 
Project Mars Interview
1. Could you tell me about the recording of Project Mars’ EP Don’t Hold Back?
The recording process was pretty much done the same as most records, we sent the engineer demos of the songs we intended on recording and since we sent him quite a few, he helped us narrow the selection down to what we all agreed would be best for our debut effort. Basically first we tracked drums and rhythm guitars for bed tracks then bass lines ,then guitar solos and finally the vocals, although sometimes we added guitar solos at the end to make sure they didn’t clash with Ron or Jay’s vocals. On songs Push’n and I could change, the infamous cowbells were the last things done on those tracks. All in all it was one of the best experiences any us had up to that point and it had a lot to do with how great Steve Foley our engineer was.
2. How did the song writing process work?
Almost every song in the Project Mars catalog has been approached a little differently, some stem from guitar riffs that the guys been playin’ around with or maybe a drum line like in Push’n, sometimes it starts from a cool lyric or just something that comes out of jam. One of our crowd favorites came from Adam and I (Mars) working on some ideas while Ron and Jay were outta town. Basically Adam who normally plays bass came up with the guitar hook that fit well with a concept for a song that the guys already had in mind so… some songs come easy and quick while others take all four of us grinding it out until we think it’s where it should be.
3. What would be some the amplifiers and guitars used in the recording to create the tones?
We had tons of selection but we mainly stuck to Orange and Hughes&Kettner heads in combination with Mesa cabs and as for guitars we used a Paul Reed Smith, a Strat, a Telecaster and an LTD for that chunky baritone sound that was neatly tucked under the other guitar tracks.
4. Are there any tours lineup for Project Mars?
Project Mars’ next tour will probably be in the summer of 2013. After a successful summer 2012 cross Canada tour the band is looking forward to hitting the road again.
5. What’s your vision of the internet for musicians in the future?
As for our vision of the internet when it comes to musicians well I guess only time will tell cause right now for one thing everything is still in transition from hard copy c.d’s that you could actually hold in your hands and buy in stores to digital copies readily available which seems to be the direction it’s heading so when used well the internet could be a great tool for bands especially new bands. I think eventually most music will be offered in download format as opposed to hard copies because it seems the less material you use to get your music out there might be what people are more attracted to as far as the environment is concerned. I know that there are many people and fans that we now reach that normally would not be possible without the use of the internet. We have amazing fans that could now stay in touch with us even when we go out on the road.
6. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
The band has tons of influences and listens to everything from Neil Young to Pantera as for interesting I would have to say , take a look in my vinyl collection you’ll find some Prince, INXS, Supertramp, ABBA and Madonna to name a few.
7. What equipment is the band currently endorsing, etc.
We use Marshall gear, Hughes & Kettner, Gibson, PRS, Epiphone, Shure, Remo, Vic Firth, Paiste, Ziljian, Sabian and Pearl.
8. Would you say the health of the Metal scene is becoming stronger worldwide?
Metal is only getting bigger, badder and bolder everyday. It seems everybody knows a kick ass Metal band. We happen to know a few.
9. What were your earliest influences?
Our earliest influences would probably include bands like Nirvana, Pantera, early G’n”R, CCR, The Beatles and Black Sabbath.
10. Where do you see Music in 100 years from now?
Music in a hundred years from now let’s see , well with all the new sub genres that pop up daily it’s hard to tell but hopefully it will still be going strong after all music plays such a big role in so many people’s lives, it’s hard to imaging that this would change even after a century. The music itself might be drastically different but the impact it has will always be the same in my opinion.
Extra Questions answered by Project Mars band members: Ron Henry, Jason Connolly, Adam Gauvin, Mars Juarez
a. Life without music would be : Colorless and Tasteless – Mars
b. Favorite movie : Resevoir Dogs – Mars
c. Favorite sport : Hockey – Adam
d. Favorite food : Steak – Ron
e. Favorite drink : Beer – The whole band
f. Favorite saying : “It is what it is” – Ron
g. Favorite car : Trucks and Vans
h. Favorite book : Heavier than Heaven a Kurt Cobain Bio by Charles R. Cross – Mars
i. Favorite band : Tragically Hip – Jason
j. Star Wars or Star trek : Star Wars
k. PC or Mac : Both
http://www.reverbnation.com/projectmars
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