Tim McPhate | KissFAQ
In conjunction with KissFAQ’s month-long NovElder retrospective, “Music For The Elder” songwriter/key contributor Tony Powers discussed how he came to meet Paul Stanley and get involved on the project, his contributions to the album: “Odyssey” and “The Oath,” why KISS making a musical departure was a positive move for the band, and shared his message for KISS fans regarding “The Elder,” among other topics.
The following are excerpts from Powers’ interview with KissFAQ’s Tim McPhate:
On the song “Odyssey,” which he wrote:
KF: “Odyssey” is very sophisticated musically — there are interesting chord changes and musical twists. The lyrics also have a cinematic quality. Tony, I’ve always wanted to ask you: What was your inspiration for writing this song?
TP: I have always been fascinated by the concept of time. To me, physics and time are very interesting things, very interesting topics. I’m writing a script right now that’s got a lot to do with that. As far as “Odyssey” is concerned, it was just the thought that there are many times that exist in the same time. And everything — past, present, future — happens at the same time. And what we consider to be time is an illusion. I guess I was just dwelling and thinking on that. I’m pretty sure it just started with the very first line of the song, “From a far off galaxy I hear you calling me.” It just came quickly after that. And the lyrics to the chorus always knock me out. I just loved it.
KF: “Once upon not yet/Long ago someday.” That’s such a lovely play on words.
TP: It is, I think. I will accept that. (laughs) I’m usually not one to toot my horn about those things, but yeah, that’s it. Past, present, future — all at once at the same time. Right now it’s an illusion that there’s a past, present and future. You know, scientists think there are 10 dimensions. We only live in three of them. There’s a lot that we can’t see that’s happening so …