In a coffee shop somewhere in downtown London, a man walks in through the front door. All eyes are on him as he walks towards my table. He was wearing this simple polo shirt and jeans combination, not too fancy or elegant, but his presence was really strong and captivating, maybe because he was this cool rock star type of guy. All the people in the shop were really surprised at the sight of Troy Mascenon, everyone except me. It's my job to interview these kinds of people and I've gotten used to it after all these years. Troy sits in front of me and orders a caramel Macchiato for himself while I order some brewed coffee. That was such a long intro for a short interview, let's get back to business.Q: It's been a long time since you've last appeared in the music business, would you mind sharing the reason why you have been gone for so long? Well, after the Reckoner break up, I felt devastated at first because I knew I was going to miss making music with JC, JPC, Carl, and Tristan and it was my livelihood as a musician. But at the same time, I felt relieved that the burden of being a celebrity had been taken off of me, new people started to come in, some of them I don't even know, and they start to take over and stuff. I couldn't be part of an industry that was getting too mainstream and hectic so I took some time to relax, clear my head, and think of what I'm going to do next, and that was to tour around the world.
Q: So how was it like touring the world? What places did you visit? What experiences did you experience? It was a blast! I really recommend Japan for all those people who haven't been there yet, it's a really beautiful place. Touring the world is really a good thing to do if bored in life and rich. I'm not the kind of person who loves to stay in bed all day and do nothing but daydream, I am more of a man of action. Have you ever tried climbing Mt. Fuji? Have you ever been to the Amazon? Have you ever tried to eat frogs? The world is a big place and there are so many things that we have not yet tried in life.
Q: You ate frogs?! I didn't really know they were frogs, the dish was very well prepared and aesthetically appealing and I even asked my tour guide what that was, he told me it was chicken and it did taste like chicken. It wasn't disgusting at all but I puked a few minutes later when he told me the truth, that bastard.
Q: Moving on, how is it like to receive a warm welcome from fans and even some of the music industry's finest artists on your return? It feels great, I honestly though everyone had forgotten me already, but my fans and friends in the industry proved me wrong. I was really overwhelmed when I learned that the people actually missed me. It's a great feeling you know, to be remembered for something or to have a special place in someone's heart.
Q: That's good, so about your direction in music. It was said that another possible reason for Reckoner's break up was the conflicting tastes in music between you and the rest of the band, is that true? And if so, please explain further. Yes it is true, but that didn't really result to bitter feelings with each other. We just thought that it wouldn't really be nice to go on if we didn't like what we played. That's where JC comes in, he was sort of the translator, he was the bridge of the band's musical style. He was able to modify our songs into songs that both parties would actually want to play and losing him just killed the band you know?
Q: Is there a chance of reuniting Reckoner? Pray that JC would be fine and ready to work again and I assure you the band would be back.
Q: So we have heard that you are planning to work on a solo album? Mind to share your story? I'd be totally open right now, I do have plans on making a solo album but I don't plan to do it all alone though, I'd get by with a little help from my friends. It's going to sound real different and I don't know if my mainstream, referring to the Invisible and Backstabber era, fans would love it, but I have a feeling the indie, Everything X era, fans would adore the album, you can't please everybody. Oh and by the way, I was signed to a huge record label, just be prepared for news on that.
Q: And to end up our interview, we have a random question for you. What bands or artists can we find on your Ipod? I don't have an Ipod, but I do listen to some old school stuff like Quarantine, still my favorite band, Casting Thin Shadows, Moronic Changelling, Blood of Wecz, PANIC!, Jake Comatose, Exit, Mind, and Infinite. You'd be surprised with all my anti mainstream rants, but i do listen to Stephanie Fierce and Michelle Green at times, not a fan, but I do like a song or two.
Q: Well thank you for your time Mr. Mascenon. You're welcome
Troy Mascenon finishes his cup of coffee, bids me farewell, and leaves the cafe without another word.
