Hi Antoine,
I'm Steve, and it's a great pleasure to talk to you about your album “Believe Again” for the Break Out Magazine in Germany. Thank you very much. Here are my questions for you:

1 - Right from the start of the first song, "Lone Survivor," it's clear where the band's influences come from. From my perspective, from the 80s. Please tell us a bit about yourself and your roots.

In 1980, at the age of 15, I discovered hard rock, with a particular passion for bands like Scorpions, UFO, and of course, MSG. Listening to Michael Schenker's first album was a revelation—I decided to learn to play electric guitar. At first, I played casually, but soon I got more serious and started taking lessons. Naturally, buying a Flying V and a Marshall amp was a must! My first band was formed in 1984, mixing original compositions with covers of Pretty Maids, Alice Cooper, Judas Priest and more. As time went on, I was influenced as a guitarist by Gary Moore, Uli Jon Roth, and, of course, Yngwie Malmsteen. Like many guitarists in the late '80s, I got into the shred movement, discovering Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore, Tony MacAlpine, and Jason Becker. I became totally addicted to Shrapnel Records!

2 - The album is really strong, especially for an old-school listener like me (born in 1969), who has his roots in the 80s. Did this vibe emerge from within you, or did you consciously choose this style?

Beyond virtuosity, I’ve always been drawn to bands that know how to write real songs—where melody and atmosphere matter just as much as guitar solos. Bands like Night Ranger, TNT, Whitesnake, Europe and more recently, Brother Firetribe, Degreed, and HEAT have had a big impact on me. This powerful melodic hard rock, blending energy with well-crafted synth lines, naturally became part of my style, all while keeping the intensity in the guitar solos.

3 - Perhaps you could briefly introduce us to the other members and their previous projects?

The project brings together some incredibly talented musicians: Manos Fatsis (Desperado Odyssey, City Of Lights) on vocals, my longtime friend Greg Aubert (Bernard Minet Metal Band) on bass, and Mats Eriksson (Degreed) on drums. As you see a truly international European project !

4 - A certain love for the great guitar virtuosos with classically inspired solos and runs is also evident. Do you have any role models for your style?

You're right, Steve! There’s always a classical influence in the guitarists who have inspired me: Michael Schenker, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, and George Bellas. That’s my Top 5!

5 - Your band has only been around for a short time. What was the deciding factor for founding Prost?

In 2022, I discovered City Of Lights, a fantastic melodic band led by Neil Austin, with Manos on vocals. I immediately connected with the style and felt he was the right singer to work with on my compositions. I reached out to him, and things came together quickly. The result ? An album in the making and now an album to release!

6 - Strong choruses are your strength, that's immediately clear! Who is responsible for the compositions? Is that entirely up to you? Whats about the Lyrics?

Thank you for the compliment about the choruses! I wrote the music and song structures, while Manos handled the lyrics and vocal melodies. He also helped refine the arrangements and structures, making a huge difference in bringing a professional touch to the album. I’m very grateful for his contribution.

7 - Did you already have song material before the band was founded, or did it all come about when the band first launched?

Most of the songs were already in demo form, but after seeing the direction of the first tracks, I composed a few newer songs to fit the overall vibe of the project. Flame of Hope is a perfect example.

8 - You're strongly influenced by classic hardrock, but also by modern music. Where would you classify your music?

"International Melodic Hard Rock" is a great choice! A huge thanks to Mats—he managed to keep the '80s spirit alive while incorporating a modern sound and mix.

9 - Perhaps you'd like to tell us something about the songs on the album, such as themes or certain backgrounds that are particularly important to you?

The album title, Believe Again, is more relevant than ever. You always have to believe in yourself, in the future, step out of your comfort zone, and surround yourself with the right people. These themes are found in the lyrics of the songs on the album. Maybe just one anecdote: while listening to SUMMER DAYS, I forgot to turn up the drums, but in the end the sound on the first verse just after the intro was so good that I kept the idea. Finally from a mistake we went to something I hadn't imagined and which remained. Sometimes mistakes are beneficial.

10 - Do the musicians still have other commitments, or do you see Prost as a band that should be the focus from now on? Or perhaps a project?

Yes, Mats Eriksson is busy with Degreed, Manos with City Of Lights, and Greg with BMMB. Everyone has their own priorities, so PROST feels more like a first project than a full-time band. But one thing is certain—if there’s a second album, I’ll definitely be part of it!

11 - Do you plan to perform your music live?

I’d love for us to play live, but the distance makes things complicated. Greg and I live in France, Manos live in Germany, and Mats live in Sweden. Still, we’re not giving up on the idea—who knows what the future holds?

12 - Perhaps you'd like to tell us something else that's particularly important to you and your future fans?

It took me 45 years from buying my first guitar to releasing my first album - probably a record in the business! Believe in your dreams. I hope you enjoy listening to the album as much as we enjoyed composing and recording it. I would like to thank Birgitt Schwanke for offering us this opportunity with Pride & Joy Music, and to Steve from Break Out Magazine for this first PROST interview. Keep the International Melodic Hard Rock Alive !!

Thank you very much, Antoine, for the interview and all the best for your great album! Best regards, Steve