Bienvenue sur / Welcome to

Profilprog (PP): We are incredibly pleased to have a chat with Ted Leonard, singer, keyboard, and guitar player from Spock’s Beard. Thank you so much for giving us time to answer our questions.
Ted Leonard (TL): My pleasure, thanks for the reaching out.

PP: The gap with the last album of the band, the regularity of PATTERN SEEKING ANIMALS with you and DAVE MEROS, plus the projects of RYO OKUMOTO, solo and with PROGJECT, and ALAN MORSE solo album gave us the impression that SPOCK’S BEARD days were somehow endangered. How was the feeling for the members of the band?
TL: There was a group decision after Noise Floor to put recording on hold at least for a while and possibly indefinitely. However, after the short 2024 UK tour, we decided to give it another try.

PP: Beside the great return of the band, there seems to be another good news. NICK POTTERS is the new guy behind the drum kit. Can we consider him as the new drummer of the band? How was maid the connection with him?
TL: That’s a good question. He is very much an integral force on this album and will be touring with us but as to whether he will be an ongoing contributor has not been discussed but we all haven’t been in the same room for a while. It would also be up to him, obviously. He’s quite a commodity, so who knows what kind of other opportunities are going to come his way.

PP: From what I read, you have found a second excellent drummer and singer? Chances were slim that something like this would happen.
TL: Right! And one named Nick! He was a big part of the harmonies on this album and blended right in, vocally, when we played with him live.

PP: Another important change for the band was the fact that long-time collaborator JOHN BOEGEHOLD concentrate his talent and energy with PATTERN SEEKING ANIMALS. That brings me a couple of questions? To start with, does this create some uneasiness within the bands?
TL: I haven’t witnessed any tension as a result of this. PSA was seen as a bit of an offshoot back when we started but we’ve diverged quite a bit, stylistically, since then.

PP: Also, JOHN was an important part in the creation of the songs of the group and now you must rely on different forces. We really discovered RYO compositional talent on his excellent album, « The Rise of the Mostrophus ». How you guys dealt with the transition?
TL: Ryo kind of spearheaded this album. He had some material already that was going to by his 2nd solo album but upon hearing that Spock’s wanted to get back on the horse, he and Michael started crafting the compositions with that in mind.

PP: As on his album, RYO worked with MICHAEL WHITEMAN (I AM THE MANIC WHALE). What was his contribution and did the other guys put their ingredients in the recipe? And what were those ingredients?
TL: Michael was a huge part of both the music and lyrics/melody composition. That said, we all had freedom to put our stamp on it. I think that was important to Ryo so that we would still sound like Spock’s. Everyone in the band comes to the table with such distinctive styles and sonic fingerprints. I really didn’t get much feedback or direction except for the 1st verse of the epic. Alan and Dave did their parts with total autonomy as far as I know (of course there are plenty of parts that can’t stray to much from the demo when recording remotely…otherwise it would be chaos…haha). Then, of course, Alan and I contributed lyrically as well. So, despite the massive contribution from an outside writer, it still feels like a band effort.

PP: Something striking when listening to « The Archeoptimist » is how rooted in the band’s sound it is, even in the first ones. But with a rejuvenated twist. Is it the players, the way RYO and MICHAEL composed? What is your perception on this?
TL: There was an obvious nod to some sounds of the past in several spots throughout the album. It was definitely intentional. I think it’s kind of fun.

PP: Here comes the “what’s in a name question.” Please tell us what is an archeoptimist? And where does it come from?
TL: The Archaeoptimist is the father’s pet name for his daughter. In the story, she has an infectious positive outlook that was a rarity given the grim circumstances. She also was on an undying quest to dig up remnants of the lost civilization that she and her tribe survived.

PP: I feel the three first songs of the album like a one, two, three punch that leaves you breathless and enthusiastic about the latest music of the band. Was it something done on purpose when looking at the overall material offered on The Archeoptimist?
TL: There is a consistent energy throughout this album that is really unrivaled in our catalogue. Ryo has never been short on energy. Those who have seen him on stage can attest to that. That’s probably how he can keep up with his 3-year-old son!

PP: If I am not mistaken, each musician recorded individually in his studio. Were you tempted with an altogether recording? And have you done that in the past?
TL: Not for new material. We did a live recording at Sweetwater of some favorites a few years back with Nick on drums. That was a blast.
For Brief Nocturnes, we got together and hashed out some parts of certain songs. Then, of course, some parts were recorded at Rich Mouser’s studio on previous albums which had some moments of collaboration. But for this one, we were all entirely remote.

PP: The title song is a true “tour de force” and a musical treat for your fans. From a musician perspective, what do you feel is the most challenging about those long songs? On record and on stage.
TL: The most challenging thing for me was coming up with 4 pages of lyrics!! On stage, I imagine, it will be just remembering what part comes next.

PP: Another ear candy for the listeners is Afourtoughts. In the Thoughts series, it is the second time for you and the fourth one for the band. Vocally and musically, those songs are full of twist and turns. Do you consider them more difficult to play? And now that you have those behind, have you thought about adding more in the future?
TL: I don’t think there’s any ‘thoughts’ about a future iteration just yet but it has been a fun part of the legacy. I remember hearing that live for the first time when Enchant toured with them back in 1998 (I think). And then performing Afterthoughts on the BNaDS tour. It has always been a fun part of the show for the band and audience. Especially Dave. He loves to sing ;-).

PP: Throughout the history of the band, most of the time there were guest musicians on the albums. But not this time. Is there any reason?
TL: I think Ryo wanted to make an album that could be completely recreated live. There may have also been budgetary considerations. I’ve always loved real strings and wind instruments on the albums but I gotta say, I don’t really miss it on this one.

PP: The band will be touring in Europe in February 2026. Are you looking for more opportunities of playing live next year?
TL: I certainly hope so. It’s going to be a lot of work to put this set together so it would be a shame if we don’t get to spread it around a bit more.

PP: The first time I saw the band, it was at the Rites of Spring Festival in 2007. After you came twice in Canada. In 2015 and 2017 and, of course, I did not miss those occasions. Can we have hope that you will recreate a Canadian occasion next year?
TL: I really can’t say. I know we’re open to anything if the situation is right.

PP: A quick ENCHANT question if I may. The band had a first seven albums run from 1993 to 2003. And a come back album in 2014. Is that chapter of your career over or there could be another one if the opportunity rise?
TL: I suppose anything is possible. There was no conscious decision to halt the writing of another album and there was some progress after we toured the last one but then it ceased for whatever reason. I’m open to it. I definitely miss those guys both personally and musically.

PP: Ted, my sincere congratulations for the new album, The Archeoptimist. I really love it and each time I listen to it, I am always amazed how fast the time went by. For me, it is a true sign of a great record. All the best for you and the guys and I will leave you the final words for our readers.
TL: Thank you so much for your time and attention to this album. I, too, think it’s something special and that current fans and even those that may have waned in their interest over the years will have really dig this one.