Episode 142 - Interview with S&M2 Conductor Edwin Outwater

Edwin Outwater is a world renowned conductor from California. Among his many accomplishments, Edwin most recently conducted both night's of Metallica's historic S&M2 concerts at the Chase Center in San Francisco. On this episode Ethan and Clint sit down to talk about Edwin's career and all things S&M2. Here are some of the topics covered: (the interview begins at the 12:55 mark) - Edwin’s educational and professional background - Edwin’s history as a Metallica and heavy metal fan - the process of becoming a professional orchestral conductor - having a unique chemistry and performance style as a conductor - conducting in front of large audiences - becoming a part of the Metallica Family - the intensity of performing for Metallica fans - the similarities and differences between classical and metal music - the origins of S&M2 and being chosen as the conductor - which S&M arrangements from 1999 were redone for S&M2 - working closely with Greg Fidelman - conducting Metallica as well as the symphony - the unique challenges of conducting S&M2 - Edwin’s role in the stage design of S&M2 - the necessity of collaboration between the symphony and Metallica - technical details about how certain sections of the orchestra could see Edwin - Edwin’s in-ear mix for the show - why Edwin nixed “Bleeding Me” from the setlist! - how Edwin felt the day of the first show - the differences between night 1 and night 2 - speeding up “The Ecstasy of Gold” - the percussion intro of “One” - was “Fixxxer” discussed for S&M2?? - Michael Tilson Thomas is obsessed with James Brown - making room for the orchestra in Metallica’s music - the role of improvisation in S&M2 - the trumpet solo for “The Unforgiven III” - other music Edwin is listening to from Sabbath to Goat Whore! - Edwin’s personal highlights from the shows - What Edwin would be doing if not conducting - will Edwin play on the Lunar Satan record? - how S&M2 will impact Edwin’s career in the future - the final S&M2 release still being mixed