Mike Vennart
“Mike’s music is one of the biggest reasons i’m doing what i am, and i’m sorry that’s such a clichéd answer, but his music really unlocked something in me.
“Prog doesn’t really have to mean just virtuosity or technical ability: it’s so much more than that. i got into prog in my teens because of how
shockingly complex it was, but then it soon grew cold for me. But when i first heard Music For a nurse, it reduced me to tears, and i was a grown man too! it’s his melodies, his counter melodies and how it all comes together.
“oceansize redefined what progressive music meant to me.
Women Who Love Men Who Love Drugs is one of the most gorgeous pieces of music i’ve ever heard, it’s a beautiful journey with the most wonderful crescendo. i channelled that a lot on my song, aurora. i’ve been pretty shameless with channelling his style. When people ask me what are my influences, i usually tell them that if they like the clean layers and counter melody stuff i do, to just go listen to oceansize and thank me later.”