Robert Jackson's newest album "Twilight Theatre" is a two-disc journey through mankind's experiences with the paranormal and the supernatural. Jackson shows musical genius through his playing of many musical instruments, and also shows proficiency as an announcer/voice over man lending his powerful talking voice to narrate each chapter of the album's story. Jackson is in the process of creating a theatrical stage show of his spooktacular album.

Metal Mayhem: How do you feel about your latest album 'Twilight Theatre?' Did it turn out the way you wanted?
Robert Jackson: Yes it did, I think it's my most ambitious effort because I utilized not only my skills as producer, writer, musician, arranger, singer, but also voice over/announcer (which I have had some jobs here and there in; part time radio dj/show announcer etc). Also, I was pleased to put out something unique and creative with a gimmick as well in this day and age of stagnant corporate music.

MM: 'Twilight Theatre' covers a range of moods. It can be spooky, at times has a B Movie feel, and other parts are really fun showing you rock out in a classic rock sense. How did you decide where to place each mood, and when to change the song or album's vibes?
RJ: Interesting, I did not think about it much; I just did it. When I work on a new CD./recording I examine the 100 plus songs I've written since age 17, format it, and just bang it out. With this CD followed a chronological timeline so to speak: genocide reflects political modern day horror so that is at end. Shadow before that is kind of like modern day paranormal hunting, i.e. X Files. Nightmare, the last song, wraps up a range of themes from the CD culminating in a nightmare.

MM: This album touches upon some really cool concepts. Considering the Western World's interest in horror films and Halloween, you picked a concept that many people have an interest in. Have you always wanted to write an album on the supernatural and the unknown? RJ: It came out like that. In the past, I wanted to form metal band in the 80's and all four members dress up like Universal classic monsters, but I thought we would get sued so the idea has always been in the back of my head. I wanted to do this after the "Personal Jesus" CD and commercial radio rotation, calls from Warner Brothers and no deal, and I thought a gimmick would be good too. MM: Each topic you introduce is not only entertaining but educational. Tell me about your research on your subject matter. What were some of your resources?

RJ: Well, the internet, then I have like four volumes of the paranormal in my library, like Time Life, other publishers, classic 70s type encyclopaedias on paranormal, etc.

MM: 'Twilight Theatre' is a two-disc album.  Even though both discs fit into your concept, the second disc seems to take a different turn. Am I right in this assessment?
RJ: Yes, see what I said earlier, I think in #2 regarding genocide and shadow. Disc two starts in the 1800's with the uncle Jed farming theme (after the spiritualism time from Legia to the end of disc 1). "Spiders" kind of reflects fascists, etc in World War II, then "Monsters" reflects Universal horror movies, etc. that came out after World War II. After that, "Forces in the Sky" reflects UFO sightings starting with Roswell and in the 50's.

MM: Are you the ghostly character in the tuxedo on the album's cover art? Where did you get all the ghastly props for this photo?
RJ: Yes I am. The idea is a cross between a freaked out Rod Sterling and The Tall Man from "Phantasm" who speaks telepathically. Well, some of those props will be in the stage show. I put on the biggest Halloween show on the block. After Halloween on Nov.1, I go and buy stuff 50-75% off and stockpile it. I like collecting it too.

MM: Speaking of the album's cover art, which is the Twilight Theatre, tell me about your ideas for representing these macabre themes on the stage.
RJ: From the cover: the devil will show up in "Nightmare" ,and the skull guy next to him, the short pig is from "Uncle Jed" who will rise up and kill the farmer. The alien will be seen in "Forces in the sky", little evil moon (my son) will be seen in "Nightmare" the bride is Legia, and me. I will introduce each song telepathically (over a sound system, the CD will play), so for other songs other crazy stuff will be happening. After I promote the CD in the 2-3 weeks, I will begin work on stage act for October shows.

MM: One aspect of the album that I found amazing is your playing of so many musical instruments. When you perform live, are you planning on only playing the electric guitar or will you lay down and pick up one instrument after another? RJ: When in the indie rock business, I found out long time ago you can't rely on other musicians; half the time they're stoned out and not showing up (etc etc), so I learned bass, singing, rhythm and some lead guitar, keyboards and I hire a lead guitar and drummer. That is how I work. NO BS, get the job done. My mother is a pianist and my grandmother was a concert violinist. The live show will be to CD with no live instruments. MM: How did you learn to play all those instruments? Tell me about your musical background. RJ: Please see above. Also at age nine, I played trumpet in school. I always had chair #1 in band and orchestra, played in jazz bands, sang in choir at church, had piano lessons, played organ heard all over town

after church sometimes, my brother is conductor and is cover conductor sometimes at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. Music is in my blood!

MM: 'Twilight Theatre' comes across as a ghoulish rock orchestra due to the entire album's instrumentation. In addition to your varied musical talents, you also utilize a number of session musicians. Do you gather different session players for each album?
RJ: Once you kick around the scene long enough, for me 20 years now in the N.Y. area, you get to know people and they get to know you. I always go for top pros if I can. I can't stand wasting time, on this record: Steve Bernstein is an old friend and had a deal once with Megaforce but Johnny Z (discovered Metallica) dumped his band MILC and he never released record. Ray Detone is from the area. He toured with a lot of musicians, great guitar chops. I believe Ray also toured with Paul Dianno, ex-Iron Maiden singer. Richard Hutchins, session New York drummer, did a bunch of stuff for Homestead Records band, Live Skull. Vita, the chick singer, did some stuff with Ritchie Blackmore.

MM: Along with creating music under the moniker of your own name, you also run your own record label AIF Records. Please tell our readers a bit about your label.
RJ: 1995 was my first release on my label AIF. I also manage, produce and promote other acts and book as well. I have promoted my releases before right up to landing on radio charts in U.S.A. and Europe.

MM: Under where the CD is placed, you wrote an editorial about the present state of radio rock. Why do you think that "99% of today's corporate music sucks"?
RJ: Just listen to it, anyone who grew up with the Beatles and with bands like Kiss, Led Zepplin, Ozzy, Genesis has to admit most of it sucks. That is my own opinion.

MM: Do you believe there is some way for fans to take back the music from the corporations? RJ: Yes, the internet. What you and I are doing is great! I hope the bastards lose more money from downloading. That's what they get for charging over $15 for years for a CD, which costs 25 cents to make, and for sticking us with Boy George and rap, but the corporations have the six figures to promote records, not me, so the more you spend, the more it will be in people's faces. It is like Wonder Bread has the money to advertise, but the bread with less calories and healthier ingredients down the block has ten grand, who will sell more? MM: Another statement you made that I found interesting is how you advise bands to market their music. You state it's better to focus on a region than embark on a massive, interstate tour. Why do you think this holds true?

RJ: I have studied this shit for years, as well as talking to known promoters and industry people. Labels look for 2-3 markets with commercial radio airplay and sales. If it spreads it usually does like a bonfire, one area catches fire from its neighbour. I see young bands from Florida tour Virginia, the next week they are in New York, after that they break up because they ran out of money, STUPID! Work a 2-3 hour radius and work it to death over and over again, that's the way to attract fans over and over again. You have to hit em on the head! New York has tons of bands and too much entertainment. It's better to stay in stixville, U.S.A. and pack the bars miles around because you have NO competition!

MM: That's about it for my questions. Is there a message you would like to relay to our readers?
RJ: ROCK on people! Let the music set you free. Always love yourself first and others. A healthy mind in turn makes a healthy body. I was lying in hospital years ago and then you know every day is a blessing, and god gives us a new day everyday. What really matters in life is family and friends and most of all PEACE! I hope you all find it.

Darren Cowan