Ann Janish-Schieder

Ann Janish-Schieder, lead singer and keyboardist for The Dreaming, has been a big part of the music scene for the past ten years.

So . . . now with the release of your third CD, Shadow Days, how does this reflect on the previous releases?
This CD, people have commented, is much more orchestrated and more progressive. Also, Dan and Ray's style has, in my opinion, become more prolific.

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Picturebook Rain interview

Leah Pinnavaia

How is it working in both the Dreaming and Cosmic Stepping Stones (CSS)?
Both bands are pretty choosy about where they play. As a result the schedule is more manageable. So far it has worked out well. But I do have to be careful not to get myself into a conflict. Basically, once one band has something booked I let the other know right away so a conflict does not occur. My role in either band has been very different and so as a result, both projects have helped me to feel more fulfilled with music in general. In CSS I am the lead vocalist and so my role is quite demanding. In the Dreaming I sing primarily backups with Ann Janish-Schieder singing most of the leads. But it is incredibly fulfilling doing that because I can weave vocals in an out of the mix and use the upper end of my vocal range more than I normally would. I really like the challenge of both projects and I think it has helped me develop my voice even more.

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Daniel Haskin

Dreaming guitarist Daniel Haskin gives us the 'what for' as he talks about Shadow Days and other topics of the mundane.

So . . . now with the release of your third CD, Shadow Days, how does this reflect on the previous releases?
Well . . . this is certainly a progression. I think of the recordings as reflections of what we were going through at different parts of the bands existence. This latest one seems to reflect our growth as songwriters.

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Tell Me Interview - Buffalo News, November 12, 2004
By Toni Ruberto

The Dreaming's sound lives up to its band name: gorgeous melodies, rich textures, lush vocals and an often ethereal soundscape. The quintet is a collaboration of some of the most talented veteran musicians on our scene: vocalist-keyboardist Ann Janish-Schieder, guitarist-bassist Ray Lorigo, keyboardist-guitarist Daniel Haskin, vocalist Leah Pinnavaia and drummer Pat O'Connell. The Dreaming performs an acoustic set, opening for the Strawbs at 8 tonight in the Tralf and then celebrates the release of its third disc, "Shadow Days," 8 p.m. Nov. 27 in O Restaurant & Lounge, 3047 Sheridan Drive, Amherst. For info: www.dreamsuite.com. Musicians Haskin and Lorigo took time to answer some questions.

How has your music evolved over the course of three discs?

Haskin: It's been a steady progression from strictly acoustic on upward. Lately we've been writing songs using richer orchestrations, "Piglet and the Black Fox" and "My Resurrection," to name two.

Why the move in a "heavier" direction, relatively speaking, for the band?

Haskin: I think we opened up our music to more instrumentation than the previous two CDs. Ray has a lot to do with that edgier feel. He's a very percussive guitarist. On the other hand, I tend to work with sound textures and melody, so together it makes a nice fit. Also, Pat had more input this time around and it shows in some of the more exotic drum work.

Lorigo: I think we've evolved into better musicians technically and we aren't "fumbling in the dark," so to speak, with a sound we want. We're clearer on how we want to sound. Quite frankly there was no intention about a "heavier" sound. We never think we're going to be the next mainstream; which gives us great writing freedom.

What has the addition of Leah Pinnavaia brought to the band?

Haskin: The combination of Ann and Leah on vocals is a real blessing for us. Having two dynamic singers can really open the floodgates in the way harmonies are invented. There's a certain something in their voices that draws you in . . . especially live. Leah also plays clarinet and keyboards which has added a new dimension to our performances.

How did you hook up with the U.K. label, Witchwood Records?

Haskin: Witchwood is a label that was initially based around the legendary folk-rock band Strawbs. I've always admired that band and found it a dream come true to open for them a few times recently. They got to know us, and our work, and the label gave us a chance.

Have you noticed a difference in perspective with a U.K. label?

Haskin: Yes . . . especially with a small, selective label like Witchwood. Many of the artists are part of the era of classic '70s British folk-rock like the Strawbs, and Hudson and Ford. It's great to be part of something that embraces the traditional and the new, not just focusing on dollar signs.

Talk about the band's following on Internet radio.

Haskin: Internet radio is like a return to the early days where an unknown still had a chance to be heard. Lately we have cuts in rotation on Progressive Soundscapes Radio www.progressivesoundscapes.com).

Lorigo: Internet radio is a great way for bands like us to get airplay and a following. We all know that radio stations won't touch a band unless they have a big label behind them.

What's next for the Dreaming?

Haskin: We're planning to jump right back into the creative process and start laying down tracks for the fourth disc, starting in December.

- Toni Ruberto, Buffalo News