Devin Townsend Interview
Lessons > Interviews
Devin Townsend InterviewBy Evan Berry
July 19th, 2011
Following Devin Townsend’s career has been a diverse musical journey through the many facets of his compelling personality. First introduced to the world as Steve Vai’s lead vocalist on 1993′s Sex & Religion, Townsend quickly flexed his talents as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer with Strapping Young Lad where his darker emotions could run amok. Not content to hide his lighter side he released a slew of solo albums on his own HevyDevy records. While still toeing the blacker waters of metal, Townsend’s solo career found him submerged in more progressive tides as his complex and honest personality shined through…. (Continue)
Cliff Chase Interview (Fractal Audio)By Ivan Chopik
June 23rd, 2011
As the founder of Fractal Audio and the mastermind behind the acclaimed Axe-Fx guitar preamp and effects processor, Cliff Chase has inspired the sound of legions of musicians. With his innovative approaches to amp modeling and ‘quality first’ mindset, he was able to dispel many of the misconceptions associated with digital guitar gear and provide the realism in amp modeling that has converted many tube amp aficionados’ rigs into a 2-space rack unit. The Axe-Fx packs in an extensive collection of vintage and modern guitar amps, cabs, effects and gives its users the freedom to craft practically any rigs they… (Continue)
Vinnie Moore InterviewBy Luke Dennis
May 13th, 2011
Though his first big break came in the form of a Pepsi commercial, Vinnie Moore’s guitar playing is anything but saccharine. He’s able to adapt his phrases to spice any auditory feast, dropping whole jaws rather than rotting teeth with ear candy. Moore began gigging at a very early age and by his twenties he was signed with Shrapnel Records as a solo artist, placing him in the pantheon of eighties shred meisters, such as Yngwie Malmsteen and Tony MacAlpine. Moore went on to record several songs for Alice Cooper’s Hey Stoopid album before lending his hand to Mr. Cooper’s… (Continue)
Michael Romeo Interview – Symphony X (2011)By Ivan Chopik
April 23rd, 2011
After touring the world in support of their acclaimed release Paradise Lost, progressive metal mastermind Michael Romeo and his band Symphony X returned to their studio, The Dungeon, where the band would craft their newest epic. The resulting record, Iconoclast, amplifies the band’s unmistakable blend of classical influences and progressive metal with some of their heaviest tracks to date. The album’s gritty, industrial textures carve a new dimension in Symphony X’s sound, while simultaneously laying a solid foundation for the driving riffage and fluid lead work that Romeo is renowned for. I had the opportunity to catch up and speak with him at… (Continue)
Lee McKinney & Jason Richardson Interview (Born Of Osiris)By Annie Grunwald
April 16th, 2011
As those of you into the metal scene are probably aware, all the rage about Born Of Osiris’s new album turned their March release into quite the phenomenon. With a newly crafted sound including a bold electronic influence, newfound technicality and shred in the mix, The Discovery is something quite unique and experimental for the metal masses, leaving what makes up the rest of the deathcore scene seemingly in the dust. I had the opportunity to sit down with guitarists Lee McKinney and Jason Richardson before their performance at the Metal & Hardcore Festival in Worcester, MA and pick their brains about what has… (Continue)
Chris Letchford & Travis LeVrier Interview (Scale The Summit)By John Anderson
April 2nd, 2011
Modern prog instrumentalists Travis LeVrier and Chris Letchford of Scale the Summit discuss their new album The Collective as they unfold a new and exciting chapter for the group. Putting their current standing into perspective, Chris and Travis reminisce on the time they’ve shared as a band, touching upon the major facets of their story and recounting tales of tours past. I spoke with Chris and Travis before the duo hit the stage for the Worcester, Massachusetts date of their tour with Periphery and Fair to Midland. JA: You guys are on tour right now with Periphery and Fair to… (Continue)
James Smith & Timothy McTague Interview (Underoath)By Ivan Chopik
February 18th, 2011
Throughout their decade-long journey, Tampa, Florida’s Underoath have crafted a unique and ever-evolving style, securing them as one of the premier acts in today’s heavy music scene. 2010 was a turbulent year for the band with the departure of long-time drummer and clean vocalist Aaron Gillespie, which was followed by the subsequent recruitment of ex-Norma Jean drummer Daniel Davidson in time for the recording of the band’s seventh full-length album. The resulting effort, Ø (Disambiguation), was released in September of 2010, and marked a new chapter in Underoath’s history by pairing darker and rawer, yet tightly-woven compositions with the infectious melodies and undeniably heavy groove… (Continue)
Pierre Bensusan InterviewBy Luke Dennis
January 19th, 2011
Musical nomad Pierre Bensusan discovered the guitar in his early teens, and it wasn’t long before his home-crafted skills earned him critical acclaim at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. Since then, Pierre has assimilated musical threads from across Europe and beyond into his style – his ears deftly weaving folk standards and original compositions into a lush acoustic tapestry dyed with jazz, latin and gypsy hues. On his latest release Vividly, Pierre stretches his boundaries even further – incorporating not only his own voice but exotic percussion, choruses, and even a Chinese violin. The resulting compositions are not simply world music,… (Continue)
Tommy Emmanuel InterviewBy Luke Dennis
January 11th, 2011
Australian virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel is going on five decades of professional guitar playing. At an age when most of us were occupied with learning our alphabets and the intricacies of counting to twenty, Tommy was falling under the spell of Chet Atkins and cooking up his own brew of musical magic. After honing his chops as a sideman throughout the seventies and eighties, Tommy embarked on a solo career. He followed the trails of Doc Watson, Merle Travis, and Leo Kottke and carried the torch of acoustic Americana back Down Under and then around the world. On his own, Tommy… (Continue)
Per Nilsson Interview (Scar Symmetry)By Ivan Chopik
November 20th, 2010
With their progressive blend of melody and brutality, Sweden’s Scar Symmetry are pioneering metal with their own distinct take on the genre. Per Nilsson makes his mark not only as one of Scar Symmetry’s primary songwriters, but also for his fluid touch on the guitar. His playing style quickly shifts from crushing extended-range riffing to elegantly-phrased solos that navigate the shifting sonic landscapes that he creates with his bandmates. I had the opportunity to speak with Per in Worcester, MA during Scar Symmetry’s tour in support of their latest offering - Dark Matter Dimensions: IC: How’s the tour going right now? PN: Pretty good…. (Continue)
Marc Okubo (Veil Of Maya) & Misha Mansoor (Periphery) InterviewBy Marc Okubo & Misha Mansoor
November 12th, 2010
We at Guitar Messenger already had plans to interview Veil Of Maya’s Marc Okubo, but once we saw the announcement of their tour with Periphery, we knew we had to do something special. So the thought occurred to us: what if instead of us interviewing Marc, we had Misha do it instead? Soon, what began as an interview became an in-depth discussion between these two titans of modern progressive metal. Since their formation in 2004, Chicago’s Veil Of Maya have cultivated their dedicated following with non-stop touring and a passionate do-it-yourself attitude. In 2010, the quartet released [id], their third full-length… (Continue)
Eric Johnson Interview (2010)By Ivan Chopik
November 7th, 2010
We last spoke with guitar luminary Eric Johnson during his debut with the Experience Hendrix tour in 2008. Two years later, following his third appearance on the star-studded celebration of Jimi’s music, we had the opportunity to meet again to discuss his latest musical endeavors, including the release of his latest studio gem Up Close. Up Close is one of Eric’s finest musical voyages to date, showcasing fifteen tracks of gracefully-crafted composition, which is amplified by his rich sonic textures and vast range of influences. In typical EJ fashion, the record is as toneful as ever and bursting at the seams with inspired… (Continue)
Silenoz & Galder Interview (Dimmu Borgir)By Evan Berry
November 5th, 2010
Dimmu Borgir’s international success in a genre that celebrates dissonance and gritty production is nothing short of remarkable. Since their formation in 1993, Norway’s Dimmu Borgir have expanded their sound with each new release – from harsh, atmospheric black metal, to full-blown symphonic metal, complete with full orchestra and choir. The interplay between guitars and orchestration is an essential feature of Dimmu Borgir’s sound, and it’s showcased exceptionally on their latest album, Abrahadabra. The masterminds guiding this dark harmony are the the band’s guitarists and riff engineers, founding member Silenoz and Galder, who joined the band before their 2001 release… (Continue)
Slash InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
October 28th, 2010
Slash is more than an extraordinary musician – he’s a cultural icon. The top hat-wielding and Les Paul-slinging axeman’s instantly identifiable sound has helped to define an entire genre and inspired legions of guitarists across the globe. 2010 marked a new chapter for Slash with the release of his self-titled solo debut – a 14-track rock opus featuring a star-studded cast of Slash’s musician friends, and, of course, the gritty riffage and soaring leads that are key to his sound. I had the opportunity to speak with Slash following the recent U.S. leg of his world tour: IC: I’m glad… (Continue)
Tosin Abasi Interview (Animals As Leaders)By Ivan Chopik
July 31st, 2010
First emerging onto the metal scene with the Washington D.C.-based Reflux, extended-range guitarist Tosin Abasi quickly distinguished himself with his relentless riffage and captivating lead work. After Reflux disbanded, Tosin began work on a solo instrumental effort, the result of which was Animals As Leaders: a 12-track journey that leads listeners through an eclectic blend of progressive, guitar-driven music that fuses heavy, mesmerizing 8-string grooves and virtuosic lead work with tasteful electronic production and a range of stylistic influences. Guitar legend Steve Vai sums Abasi up with these thoughts: ‘When I first heard Animals As Leaders I felt as though… (Continue)
Francesco Artusato InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
July 31st, 2010
2010 has been a landmark year for guitarist extraordinaire Francesco Artusato; within months he joined forces with California’s extreme metal powerhouse All Shall Perish and released his debut solo album Chaos And The Primordial. The new release is a reflection of Francesco’s growth over the past years both as a composer and guitarist, showcasing dense, rich layers of melodies and some of the most articulate playing in the business. Guitar Messenger is proud to have worked with Francesco over the past few years – check out his column titled ‘Technical Difficulties.’ We recently caught up with Fran at the Worcester, MA… (Continue)
Eric Krasno InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
July 16th, 2010
An acclaimed musician in today’s jazz, hip-hop, and funk circuits, Eric Krasno is best known as the guitarist and co-founder of the soul-funk powerhouse Soulive. With his deep groove, bluesy attitude and jazz chops, Kraz’s signature sound stands out throughout all of his work. Kraz is also a founder of Lettuce and is currently on the road with his band Chapter 2 in support of his debut solo album Reminisce, which was released on Soulive’s newly established label, Royal Family Records. In the production world, Eric Krasno works with collaborator Adam Deitch as Fyre Dept, a project which has provided tracks… (Continue)
George Bellas Interview (2010)By Ivan Chopik
July 9th, 2010
George Bellas is a unique figure in the world of instrumental guitar. His fusion of technical facility and compositional prowess allows him to consistently deliver fresh material that both excites and challenges his listeners. The Dawn of Time, his latest offering, continues to expand the boundaries of his signature sound. At the same time, the record incorporates the neoclassical roots that have been a hallmark of his style since the beginning. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with George and talk about his music: IC: Congratulations on completing the new album – The Dawn of Time. GB: I’m pretty stoked… (Continue)
Misha Mansoor Interview (Periphery)By Ivan Chopik
April 24th, 2010
Always striving to expand the outer limits of their sound, Periphery is a band that’s living up to their name – and storming onto the progressive metal scene. After years of anticipation, numerous line-up changes, and several re-recordings, the Bethesda, Maryland-based unit finally unveiled their self-titled debut on April 20th, 2010. Leading the growth of the latest movement within the metal genre, Periphery’s style pairs the grinding polyrhythmic grooves of bands such as Meshuggah and Tool with the melodic sensibilities of pop music, and supports it with a harmonic platform that’s as complex as it is fresh. Topping it off… (Continue)
Oz Noy InterviewBy Oscar Jordan
February 27th, 2010
The first time I heard about Oz Noy was when I saw an advertisement for his first record in a guitar magazine. The ad had a quote in it that made me snort; or maybe it was a face palm. I don’t remember. I imagined that the quote was the work of some, oh so pleased with himself PR genius who wasn’t really into fusion. The quote was, ‘Imagine Jeff Beck meets John Scofield in James Brown’s band, and you might get the picture.’ I later discovered that the quote wasn’t dreamed up by some hyperbolic hipster making stuff up… (Continue)
Martin Henriksson & Niklas Sundin Interview (Dark Tranquillity)By Chris Dingman
February 4th, 2010
Few bands are as committed to crafting quality melodic death metal as Gothenburg, Sweden’s Dark Tranquillity. Since their formation in 1989, the band’s music has matured along with its members. From the raw enthusiasm of their humble beginnings, through their genre-defining work as a part of the legendary mid-90’s Gothenburg metal scene, to their electronic experimentations in the new millennium, their distinctive fusion of beauty and brutality has been ever-present. The dynamic guitar playing of Martin Henriksson and Niklas Sundin is integral to Dark Tranquillity’s unique sound. The duo’s memorable riffs and melodies serve as the perfect complement to the… (Continue)
Guthrie Govan Interview (2010)By Ivan Chopik
January 29th, 2010
We last spoke to guitarist extraordinaire Guthrie Govan at the NAMM 2009 Show in Anaheim, California. Throughout the past year Guthrie’s kept quite busy with a variety of musical endeavors, all while continuing to gain widespread recognition both inside and outside of the guitar community. In early 2010 Guthrie embarked on an East Coast clinic and concert tour, including a stop at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where we took advantage of the opportunity to catch up and learn more about what he has been up to: IC: Can you fill us in on what you’ve been up… (Continue)
Steve Morse InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
October 21st, 2009
Arguably, Steve embarked upon his career in the 10th grade, after being expelled from school for refusing to cut his hair. It makes sense then, that in an industry of ever-changing trends, Steve Morse stands on his own – having forged himself a 30-plus year music career while staying true to his music, and making a point of approaching his duties with the utmost dignity and professionalism. His musicianship transcends the boundaries of style – whether he’s playing fusion with the Dixie Dregs, progressive rock with Kansas, hard rock with Deep Purple, or a blend of all of the above… (Continue)
John Wesley Interview (Porcupine Tree)By Ivan Chopik
September 27th, 2009
A multi-faceted guitarist, singer, and songwriter, John Wesley is best known for his work as touring guitarist and backing vocalist for British progressive rock luminaries Porcupine Tree. John hails from Tampa, Florida where he began his career in the early 80’s. In addition to his performance work, he has crafted a prolific recording career, including 5 solo albums which he both wrote and recorded. In a bold move, John released his entire studio catalog for free download in 2007. His most recent release, Shiver, mixed by Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson, highlights John Wesley’s intimate and earnest approach to songwriting, which… (Continue)
Joel Stroetzel Interview (Killswitch Engage)By Ivan Chopik
August 12th, 2009
Joel Stroetzel is best known for being one of the axe-slingers for Massachusetts-based Metalcore pioneers Killswitch Engage. In June 2009 the band released the self-titled Killswitch Engage, their fifth and highest charting album to date – debuting at #7 on Billboard’s Top 200. The record was produced by Brendan O’Brien, who has worked with acts such as AC/DC and Rage Against the Machine, and by Joel’s co-guitarist, Adam Dutkiewicz, who’s produced all of the band’s previous releases. Killswitch Engage continues to evolve the band’s signature sound – bringing forth some of their heaviest riffs thus far, while showcasing their memorable melodic… (Continue)
Matt Heafy Interview (Trivium)By Ivan Chopik
August 12th, 2009
Matt Heafy was born on January 26, 1986 in Iwakuni, Japan and is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the Orlando, Florida based metal quartet Trivium. Trivium formed in 1999 and since their inception have released 4 studio albums and consistently expanded their following with high-profile festivals and tours such as the Download Festival and Ozzfest. In 2008 the band released Shogun, an album that defines Trivium’s distinctive brand of metal more than ever before. The album’s opening track “Kirisute Gomen” appropriately sets the tone for the record – Matt explains the song’s title as being “an ancient… (Continue)
John Petrucci Interview (2009)By Ivan Chopik
July 24th, 2009
It’s been 2 years since we last spoke to guitar virtuoso John Petrucci. Since then John has reunited with Liquid Tension Experiment to complete a highly celebrated tour and has delivered a new album with Dream Theater: Black Clouds & Silver Linings – their heaviest and most diverse album in years, which debuted at #6 on Billboards’ Top 200 album chart. I had the opportunity to speak with John on the opening date of Dream Theater’s second annual Progressive Nation world tour in Miami, Florida: IC: Opening night of Progressive Nation 2009 – what are your thoughts going into this… (Continue)
Francesco Artusato & Roy Lev-Ari (Hiss of Atrocities)By Ivan Chopik
June 3rd, 2009
Hiss of Atrocities have established themselves as a band capable of delivering a brutal onslaught of complex rhythms, dark harmonies, and calculated aggression. Their particular brand of metal takes the listener on a journey from eerie interludes and relentless riffs to articulate and harmonically rich guitar work, provided by the band’s two axe-men – Roy Lev-Ari and Guitar Messenger’s very own Francesco Artusato (Check out Francesco’s Technical Difficulties column). The idea for Hiss of Atrocities was conceived in 2005, while Roy, Francesco, and drummer Giovanni Dürst were studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Since then the band has relocated to… (Continue)
Dave Martone InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
January 18th, 2009
Dave Martone hails from Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada), though he’s originally from outer space, where he devised his unique brand of modern progressive fusion. His style combines tasteful, jazz-inspired phrasing with fierce riffing and high-octane techniques – always highlighted by his fresh approach to modern production. Be sure to check out Dave’s exclusive Guitar Messenger Masterclass lesson. Since arriving on Earth, he’s delivered numerous studio albums of his own, as well as several collaborations with various accomplished earthlings. On his latest release, appropriately titled Clean, Martone strips down his complex sound in favor of a more straightforward rock approach, emphasizing strong melodies… (Continue)
Guthrie Govan Interview (2009)By Ivan Chopik
January 17th, 2009
Guthrie Govan is one of the most versatile guitarists around. His vast range of influences and terrifying technique has allowed him to develop what seems to be a limitless ability to adapt to any style of music, all the while also maintaining his own distinct fusion sound. Guthrie has established his presence playing in bands such as Asia, The Young Punx, and GPS, as well as working for the UK magazine Guitar Techniques, where among other things he contributed spot-on transcriptions and performances of solos by players such as Shawn Lane and Eric Johnson (to fully appreciate the depth of… (Continue)
Jason Becker InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
December 16th, 2008
Jason Becker was born on July 22, 1969 and started playing the guitar at the age of 5. By the time Jason was only 16 he was already being praised as a guitar virtuoso and was one of the hottest up and coming players on the rock and metal scene. It was around this time that he joined forces with Marty Friedman to form Cacophony, a band which has provided us with some of the most mind-boggling metal compositions and performances to date. At 20 Jason joined David Lee Roth’s band and shortly thereafter was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s… (Continue)
Eric Johnson InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
October 18th, 2008
Eric Johnson is a remarkable artist who makes no compromises with any aspect of his music – from the well-crafted songwriting that spans various styles, to the carefully-selected chord voicings and wide-interval leads that are always delivered with some of the most exceptional tones in the business. Eric first gained widespread success with his 1991 Grammy-award winning single ‘Cliffs of Dover’ from the platinum-selling album Ah Via Musicom. Since then Eric has released a number of acclaimed albums and live performance DVDs, as well as a series of comprehensive instructional videos that dissect his style and influences. He was also… (Continue)
Richie Kotzen InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
June 24th, 2008
Richie Kotzen is one of today’s most intriguing guitarists. He arrived on the music scene in the late 80’s through Mike Varney’s Shrapnel Records and became one of the leaders of the shred revolution of the time. After breaking through as a guitarist, his musical focus has shifted more onto songwriting – though he’s still had time to incorporate jazz/fusion influences into his tasteful blend of rock and blues guitar. Without compromising for the standard of virtuoso playing that put him on the map in the first place, over the years Richie has established himself as a soulful singer and… (Continue)
Mikael Åkerfeldt Interview (Opeth)By Ivan Chopik
May 30th, 2008
Opeth’s newest release, Watershed, marks the band’s ninth studio album since their formation in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden. The band has always been known for their progressive blend of musical styles, combining their death metal foundation with elements of folk, blues, jazz, as well as classical music. Watershed is no exception to this; in fact, it expands their sound in every direction and, in classic Opeth fashion, it also takes the listener for a spin with its intricate, yet graceful dynamic shifts – from quiet, haunting interludes to full-on metal assaults. The band’s main driving force, as well as the… (Continue)
Mårten Hagström Interview (Meshuggah)By Ivan Chopik
April 27th, 2008
Meshuggah is a band that truly stands in a musical category of its own. Over the past two decades, the Swedish experimental metal group has forged a unique and instantly identifiable sound. Meshuggah’s intricate polyrhythms, low-tuned 8-string guitars, and grinding grooves have played an important role in influencing numerous other artists – especially those coming up in the new generation of heavy metal. Always pushing the limits of extreme music, their latest album obZen is no exception, proving to be one of the band’s most vicious and inspired releases yet. I recently had the chance to speak with one of… (Continue)
Marco Sfogli InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
March 14th, 2008
Marco Sfogli is at the forefront of the new generation of virtuoso guitarists. He first appeared on the map after handling the guitar duties on Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie’s solo album, Elements of Persuasion. On this release, Marco established himself as a passionate and highly proficient guitarist with a great sense of melody and phrasing. By drawing inspiration from artists such as Andy Timmons and John Petrucci, Marco has been steadily developing his own distinctive playing and writing style. Marco recently released his first solo instrumental album, titled There’s Hope. This album marks a new step in his career… (Continue)
B.B. King InterviewBy Phillip-Michael Scales
November 18th, 2007
[Editor's Note: Very special thanks to Phillip-Michael for contributing this unique and intimate discussion with his uncle, the King, to Guitar Messenger.] Noble, Legendary, Dignified; these are terms used to describe a King. However, the interesting part about royalty is that people are born into it with all qualities attached, fitting or not. How does one stay dignified in a world that’s trying to make them feel anything but? The eighty-two year old King of the Blues, Dr. Riley B. King has done it. Born on September 16th, 1925 in Itta Bena, Mississippi, facing more blues in his eight decades… (Continue)
Bobby Thompson & Ravi Bhadriraju Interview (Job For A Cowboy)By Ivan Chopik
November 16th, 2007
Hailing from the depths of Glendale, Arizona, Job For A Cowboy have been stirring up a storm within the metal community ever since the release of their first EP, Doom, in 2005. The band’s name is a witty allusion to their country surroundings, though the music is, in fact, quite serious. Their aggressive sound could be described as an onslaught of violently brutal metal. The band’s second release, Genesis, is their more extreme offering to date and reinforces JFAC’s standing within the metal community. Unlike Doom, this album is more deeply rooted in death metal, rather than deathcore. Make sure… (Continue)
Joe Bonamassa InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
November 10th, 2007
Joe Bonamassa is one of the leading lights in today’s modern blues scene. His latest release, Sloe Gin, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart with his previous record, You and Me, still in the Top 10. He was voted Best Blues Guitarist in Guitar Player Magazine’s 2007 Readers’ Choice Awards. But to strictly label Bonamassa a pure blues player would be misleading at this point. On Sloe Gin, he expands into rock territory and an overall heavier, bigger sound – giving the record a bit of a Led Zeppelin vibe. This is not surprising, considering Joe’s continued collaboration… (Continue)
Mark Tremonti Interview (Alter Bridge, Creed)By Ivan Chopik
November 9th, 2007
Mark Tremonti is a renowned guitarist and leader of rock powerhouse Alter Bridge, who just released their second album, Blackbird, in October 2007. The new record offers an intense collection of well-crafted songs, packed with loads of heavy riffing and powerful vocal melodies. Much to the delight of guitar enthusiasts, Tremonti also delivers a healthy dose of ripping guitar solos. While many people know the Grammy Award winning guitarist and songwriter as a member of the multi-platinum selling Creed, with the new record Alter Bridge strongly establishes their own identity as an accomplished hard rock band. They are currently on… (Continue)
John Petrucci Interview (2007)By Ivan Chopik
October 11th, 2007
John Petrucci is one of the founding members of Dream Theater, arguably today’s biggest progressive metal band. He has come to be known as one of the world’s finest guitarists, exhibiting technical precision and control of the instrument, all the while providing intricate melodic lines that weave through a diverse catalogue of music – as is the nature of progressive metal. In addition to working with Dream Theater, the Berklee College of Music alumnus has also been involved with various outside projects, including the release of his solo debut, Suspended Animation, several albums with his acclaimed instrumental project, Liquid Tension… (Continue)
Michael Romeo Interview – Symphony X (2007)By Ivan Chopik
August 9th, 2007
Michael Romeo is the founder and leader of power/progressive metal band Symphony X. This is a band that has been able to create their own unique style of music, blending sounds of classical composition and progressive heavy metal with extraordinary musicianship. As a guitarist, Romeo is known for his incredible technique with his own brand of tapped arpeggios, smooth legato phrasing, and lightning fast alternate picking. At the same time, his playing exhibits tasteful inflections and a strong sense of melody. Guitar World named him one of the Top 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of all time. Paradise Lost, the… (Continue)
Robert Cray InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
May 1st, 2007
We’ve all heard a variation of the phrase “he can say more with one note than others can say with a million notes.” This one note belongs to Robert Cray – and he makes it weep and moan. The Grammy-winning musician has had a solid career for almost 30 years and is going as strong as ever with his latest release, Live From Across The Pond – his first live album. He is known to tell stories in his songs and deliver them with some of the most heartfelt guitar playing and soulful singing around. To learn more about Robert… (Continue)
Sasha Ostrovsky InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
April 18th, 2007
This interview features a true guitar master. However, Alexander ‘Sasha’ Ostrovsky’s talent is not limited to just the one type of guitar – he plays the dobro, as well as classical, electric, steel, and lap steel guitar. Sasha was a member of the Grammy-nominated Russian country band Bering Strait, which disbanded in 2006. Since then the members of Bering Strait have moved on to their own solo careers. Sasha has moved on as well and is currently an in-demand session player in Nashville. In addition, he is currently recording with his new band – Buckledown. Be sure to check them… (Continue)
Ron Thal (Bumblefoot) InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
March 14th, 2007
Wikipedia defines Bumblefoot as “ulcerative pododermatitis – a bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction on the foot of birds of prey and rodents.” However, it’s safe to say that in the music world the name is more often associated with Ron Thal – lead guitarist for Guns n’ Roses, a writer, and a producer. Before joining GnR almost a year ago, he’s released 8 solo records since 1995. Bumblefoot is a true virtuoso guitarist and a highly original writer with a style that I’d describe as hard rock with a quirky and experimental flavor to it. Check out his latest solo… (Continue)
Al Di Meola InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
February 12th, 2007
World-renowned guitar virtuoso Al Di Meola known for his eclectic mix of Latin jazz-fusion and fiery guitar lines. Over the years, he’s been named Best Jazz Guitarist in Guitar Player Magazine’s Reader Poll four times. His career first took off in 1974 during his studies at Berklee College of Music, when he was chosen to play guitar for Chick Corea’s band – Return to Forever. Besides having a productive solo career, he’s also become very well known for his collaborations with artists such as Paco de Lucía and John McLaughlin. Check out www.aldimeola.com for more information on this world-class artist… (Continue)
Adam Dutkiewicz Interview (Killswitch Engage)By Ivan Chopik
December 12th, 2006
With a unique style, ferocious riffs, and great melodic sensibility, Killswitch Engage has morphed into one of today’s most successful acts in heavy music. The band pioneered the genre of music known as Metalcore, combining elements of heavy metal and hardcore for their brutal mix of pummeling rhythms and grand, melodic choruses. In addition to being one of the axe slingers in this band, Adam Dutkiewicz (more commonly referred to as Adam D.) is also known as one of the top producers in the genre. Besides having produced all of his own band’s records, the Berklee College of Music alum… (Continue)
James Byrd InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
November 26th, 2006
James Byrd is perhaps one of the most underrated guitarists out there today. In fact, Guitar One Magazine named him one of “The 10 Best Guitarists You’ve Never Heard.” However, among those who know him he’s considered one of the most elite players around – one who makes every note count. He describes his style as Symphonic Metal for the New Age, in which he focuses much more on composition for the entire band – or orchestra for that matter – rather than having all other instruments play around lead guitar parts, which is a common trait within the guitar… (Continue)
Zakk Wylde InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
August 20th, 2006
Jeffery Phillip Wiedlandt was born on January 14, 1967 in Bayonne, New Jersey. Today, however, he’s best known as Zakk Wylde – leader of Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne’s axeslinger. Zakk has built a reputation for his unique style of guitar playing and aggressive technique. For three years straight he was voted “Most Valuable Player” in Guitar World Magazine polls and was recently named “Riff Lord” by Metal Hammer Magazine. 2006 has been a productive year for him, as he just released the new Black Label Society album Shot to Hell, was a guest player on Derek Sherinian’s latest… (Continue)
Herman Li Interview (Dragonforce)By Ivan Chopik
August 20th, 2006
Over the last few years Dragonforce have established themselves as one of the premier bands in today’s metal scene. Their latest release, Inhuman Rampage, is an exceptional example of their over-the-top brand of music, which combines extreme power metal with catchy choruses and wild soloing. Perhaps their most unique musical influence would be old video game soundtracks. During this summer’s Ozzfest 2006 tour I had the chance to catch up with one of the band’s guitarists and founder, Herman Li. Li recently received the Dimebag Darrell Best Young Guitarist award at Metal Hammer UK’s Golden Gods awards. Check out www.dragonforce.com… (Continue)
Joe Stump InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
May 1st, 2006
Shredlord Joe Stump is a professor at Berklee College of Music and is the head of the department of metal. GuitarOne Magazine rated him as one of the Top 10 Shredders of All Time. One of the leaders of the modern neoclassical metal scene, Joe has released 7 solo albums and 4 more additional albums with his band ‘Reign of Terror.’ Look out for new upcoming releases later this year from his new band ‘Holy Hell’ and his new instrumental solo album. For more info on Joe and his music, visit www.joestump.com. IC: 2005 was a very busy and successful… (Continue)
Paul Gilbert InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
April 18th, 2006
Paul Gilbert is best known for his work in the greatly successful band Mr. Big. However, Gilbert is also one of the leading guitar virtuosos out there, with some of the scariest technique known to man. Since parting ways with Mr. Big in 1996, he has reunited with his former metal band Racer X and launched a successful solo career as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Look out for his first all-instrumental album coming soon. For more info on Paul and his music, check out www.paulgilbert.com. IC: What are your current projects? PG: I’m starting work on my first all-instrumental… (Continue)
Joe Satriani InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
March 28th, 2006
Legendary guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani is one of the most widely respected musicians in the business and an inspiration to many other guitarists. In addition to pursuing his solo career, he’s also been a teacher to people like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammet (Metallica), and jazz fusionist Charlie Hunter. Joe has had an active career for over 20 years now and is still going strong with one of his most solid albums yet released just several weeks ago. Make sure to check out Super Colossal, his latest release, and visit www.joesatriani.com for more info on Joe and his music. IC: How… (Continue)
George Bellas Interview 1By Ivan Chopik
March 13th, 2006
George Bellas is a guitar virtuoso and one of the leaders of the neoclassical scene, with three solo albums released and a truly unique musical style that combines some of the scariest technique out there with very intricate compositions. Check out www.georgebellas.com for news on his upcoming two records, which will be released later this year. IC: How did you get started with playing guitar and studying music in general? GB: I was 7 years old and ever since I was really young, I remember my folks playing Frank Zappa records and I always had an affection for music. One… (Continue)
Greg Howe InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
February 27th, 2006
Guitar legend Greg Howe was one of the leaders of the virtuoso guitar movement of the 80’s, but soon thereafter he set himself apart from other shredders by developing his unique jazz-fusion style. Nowadays, besides being a producer and teacher, he is also one of the top session players out there, playing with acts such as Michael Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, N’Sync, and Justin Timberlake. In addition, Greg has been very active with his solo career. Extraction, his latest album (featuring Victor Wooten and Dennis Chambers) is a masterpiece definitely worth checking out. IC: What are your current projects? GH: I’m… (Continue)
Yngwie Malmsteen InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
February 24th, 2006
Yngwie Malmsteen is the undisputable king of neoclassical metal. Drawing from hard rock and blues influences in combination with classical music, he pioneered the genre in the early 1980’s and inspired countless musicians to this day to pursue extreme levels of guitar playing. Yngwie’s (pronounced ING-VAY) first album, Rising Force, rewrote the book on heavy metal guitar playing. Now, more than 20 years later, he shows no signs of slowing down with his latest release, Unleash the Fury. For more info on Yngwie and the new album, check out his website – www.yngwie.org. IC: Unleash the Fury is definitely one… (Continue)
Michael Angelo Batio InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
February 13th, 2006
Shred virtuoso Michael Angelo Batio was rated by Guitar World magazine to be one of the “Top 100 Greatest Metal Guitar Players of All Time,” as well as “The No.1 Shredder of All Time” by Guitar One Magazine. Being the mastermind behind the double guitar, as well as the over-under technique, MAB is an inventor and innovator. His latest release, “Hands Without Shadows” is one of his strongest albums to-date, and definitely worth checking out! For more info on MAB, go to www.angelo.com. IC: With the recent release of the new album “Hands Without Shadows,” what are your plans for… (Continue)
Derek Trucks InterviewBy Ivan Chopik
December 2nd, 2005
Derek Trucks is a virtuoso blues artist and is also known as one of the greatest slide guitarists. In addition to leading the Derek Trucks Band, he is also a member of the Allman Brothers band. In 2003, he was youngest player, at age 24, to be featured in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of 100 greatest guitarists of all time. I recently had the chance to see him play an excellent live show at the Avalon, here in Boston. For more info on Derek Trucks and his music, visit www.derektrucks.com IC: How has the current tour been going? DT: It’s… (Continue)
