In a new interview with Vinyl Writer Music’s Andrew DiSecco, MEGADETH guitarist Kiko Loureiro revealed that “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!” he contributed more songwriting than on 2016’s first MEGADETH album “Dystopia”:
“At the time of Dystopia, I was new to the band – I was only in it for five days. I met Dave [Mustaine, frontman of MEGADETH] and then about a week later I was in the studio learning the parts and open to suggestions. So it was important for me to work with DAve on “Dystopia” and build a reputation. And now, after so many years, when I understand MEGADETH better, not only Dave, who is more confident in me, but I also understand the fans, the band, the catalog, I play songs… As a metal fan, I know MEGADETH, but of course, after four or five years of playing in different countries, when you see the faces of the fans and their reactions, playing songs from the 80s and 90s, you understand the band better. So when you come up with ideas, you know, “OK, this will do. It’s MEGADETH. I know what I’m suggesting is still relevant to MEGADETH.” I think Dave felt, “I’m safe with these guys.” So I was always bringing ideas and making suggestions – not only on the ideas I brought, but also on his songs and guitar parts. No fear, you understand? I think creating a creative environment is like feeling like you’re in a safe place because you can come up with an idea that’s not very good, that sucks, but it’s okay to be told, “No, it doesn’t fit” . This should be in the order of things, and then you need to try again and offer something else. Conversely, the person who is considering this idea should be ready to say, “Okay…” Maybe he doesn’t like the idea very much, but he can say, “Okay, let’s try it.” So it works both ways, right? We must be open to “no” answers, and the other person must be open to trying an idea, even if it doesn’t sound like a great idea at first glance.
I think I understand Dave. Sometimes – it’s hard to explain – he looks at things creatively. He suggests looking at elements that you have no idea about: it could be colors, it could be an old movie, it could be a soundtrack for something I don’t know, an old TV show, stuff like that. And then when you listen to an old TV show theme, it has nothing to do with what the riff is. But there is something there that reminds him. Therefore, you need to give time to understand what a person is thinking. Sometimes it’s just the feeling, “I want something like an intro from an old TV show from the 60s.” Then you say, “Let’s hear it. Let’s move in that direction.” Then I think because I have experience with other composers and experience writing my own songs, I know that. So I understand what he’s getting at, so I think Dave feels safe saying these crazy ideas out loud. It’s a creative process and everyone is free to contribute their own ideas. And Dirk [Verbeuren, drums], I think, felt, “You know what? I have some ideas too, because it’s a great vibe.” So in the process [Dirk] came up with some riffs – because he plays the guitar – and then Dave helped him get what he wants, because he has certain guitar skills. So then we play it and say, “We can refine your idea.” The same thing happens when we offer a drum rhythm and Dirk plays something a hundred times better, but based on what we offer. So it’s mutual cooperation.”
