Shredder extraordinaire Simon Fiorletta made a name for himself in the excellent prog/power metal band Moonlight Comedy, but now also has a new project he is involved with called No Gravity. Their new album Worlds in Collision is an excellent release featuring a slew of notable vocalists and stunning musical performances. Sea of Tranquility Publisher Pete Pardo had a chance to chat with Fiorletta to talk about the new project and CD, as well as the future of Moonlight Comedy.

SoT: Before we start discussing No Gravity, can you talk a little bit about the current situation with the band you've been in for many years, Moonlight Comedy?

Simone: Moonlight Comedy stopped two years ago. We consider this stop more like a breathing space than a 'being arrived at the end'. But, latest news, I can tell you that we have been reunited with the same line-up, except the keyboard player is being replaced by a second guitar, and soon we'll enter in studio to record an album. New music, new style, new name, new image and so on.

SoT: Onto No Gravity-this is a new band for you, that I'm sure many metal fans might not have heard of yet. Can you tell us all about the history of No Gravity, its members, where they came from, musical influences, and how you would describe the band to someone who has never heard you before?

Simone: All was born for fun. After the former Moonlight Comedy split-up, I began to work on some ideas without a particular aim. After a first arpeggio, then the intro of "Nowadays", I thought to write something Prog with my favourite international singers. Once I made the decision all was born in a flash. I think that I wrote and arranged the entire album in the space of a month. This work has involved me full-time considering that I was been the only author and producer in my "S.F. Studio". So I take advantage of this interview to tell all the bands which want information about recordings and mixings in my studio to contact me on simone.fiorletta@gmail.com.

For this project I let my instinct guide me. Then, as the contacted singers confirmed their presence, I began to compose the suitable music for each singer's style, to pull out the best from them. Anyway we are talking about big professionals, of course in the position to give their best on any kind of song. Behind the microphone there are Michele Luppi (Killing Touch, Mr. Pig, Thaurorod), Andy Kuntz (Vanden Plas), Fabio Lione (Rhapsody Of Fire, Vision Divine), Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth), Mark Basile (DGM) and Emiliano Germani (Moonlight Comedy). What more can you say! They are the best voices in the Power-Prog world.

SoT: The new CD 'Worlds in Collision' is an excellent release, full of progressive and power metal styles but plenty symphonic. Was that the plan all along to have multiple guest singers appear, rather than get one singer?

Simone: First I thank you for your words about the album. Sincerely I hadn't any objective in the participation of various singers, simply I would like to collaborate and compose music with them, nothing else.

SoT: How did you go about choosing all the guest singers for the album?

Simone: In my opinion, I have chosen among the best and most interesting voices in the Power-Prog world. I didnt think much about it, the choices came naturally and I'm totally satisfied with the end result.

SoT: As for future releases, do you forsee going about it the same way with many guest vocalists (much like Avantasia, Star One, Ayreon) or will you look for a permanent singer?

Simone: I shall continue in this way, I would assign a piece for every singer and to make this I'll have to involve others. I can tell that I already have an idea about a big guest star… well, we'll see.

SoT: The Lion Music roster is filled with plenty of solo artists and bands who like to show off their shredding abilities. No Gravity certainly have the ability, and lay down some great musical passages, but Worlds in Collision seems to be more about the songs first and foremost. Did you consciously try to write more 'song based' material for the debut?

Simone: Personally, when I compose, first of all I want to feel the music without taking care of the virtuosity and skill demonstrations. There always must be a good song, good songwriting; then you can surround all with some technical times.

SoT: Can you talk a bit about the storyline behind the lyrics of the new CD?

Simone: There isn't a main theme nor a concept. I have given singers all the expressive freedom, so they wrote melodic lines and lyrics on my music. Anyway there are various themes treated in the songs.

SoT: Do you have any live plans for the band in support of the new CD?

Simone: Sincerely no, No Gravity were born as a studio project, but I'm open to anything interesting.

SoT: How has the reaction been from fans and critics so far for Worlds in Collision?

Simone: I can tell you that it's going well. Lots of fans and the critical sector are appreciating so much this album and I'm really proud. All these things give me the determination to start something about the following, although I still don't know when I'll have time to work seriously at this project; in this period I'm very busy in other things.

SoT: Do you follow the current metal scene? Are there any bands that you enjoy?

Simone: Well, I love Dream Theater, Symphony X, Vanden Plas (Andy as you know sings on "Worlds In Collision"). I'm also appreciating Creed and Alter Bridge. Then I must mention the excellent Italian metal bands: Rhapsody Of Fire, Killing Touch, DGM, Labyrinth ...

Now that we are at the end, I want to tell you and all the readers goodbye; thank you for this interview. For anything, I invite you to email me directly at simone.fiorletta@gmail.com, I'll be happy to answer all your emails! See you soon...

Pete Pardo