American Idiot Musical Theatre Fixed by Green Day

Besides releasing and touring behind 21st Century Breakdown, Green Day has someway found the time to also turn 2004's American Idiot into a musical theater. The play, which runs from September 4 - October 11 in Berkeley, CA, is directed by Michael Mayer, who won a Tony Award for Spring awaking.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, Billie Joe Armstrong said that he didn't prefer to break off as ostentatious when describing American Idiot as a rock opera after its release. Armstrong would tell interviewers, "This record has more in common with Rocky Horror than Leonard Cohen." After an American Idiot movie "fell through the cracks," Green Day found that Mayer had suggested that "he'd love to do the musical of American Idiot" and the play started to come together.

The American Idiot musical has "no intermission. It's just blasting straight through for 75 minutes. It's not a long play" said Armstrong He stuck the spirit of the record, which is pulverising."

Mayer also told Rolling Stone that the musical will be constituted of the entire American Idiot record, two of its b-sides and four songs from 21st Century Breakdown. "Every song on the album will be played in sequence. But the sequences will be disturbed by other songs and text."

In additional Green Day news, the video for their new single "21 Guns" will debut this Sunday, June 21 exclusively on MySpace. The video was directed by Mark Webb, who's shot videos for Weezer and My Chemical Romance, besides as the upcoming film (500) Days Of Summer.

New Album Title Revealed by Megadeth

Megadeth has set "Endgame" as the title of its 12th studio record album, tentatively due in September through Roadrunner Records. The CD was recorded at the band's bran-new, self-built studio in San Marcos, California — Vic's Garage — which was called after the legendary and iconic Vic Rattlehead character.

"Endgame" is being helmed by Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine and acclaimed British producer Andy Sneap (Exodus, Nevermore, Arch Enemy, Machine Head). Sneap also manned the boards for 2007's "United Abominations". Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Headcrusher", "1,320", "How The Story Ends" and "This Day We Fight!"

According to a release, "Endgame" "boasts the technicality, ferocity and snarl that's synonymous with Megadeth and Mustaine. It's a violent masterwork that represents Mustaine's best work in nearly two decades. In a musical world commanded by bands that make generic, blanket statements, 'Endgame' finds Mustaine, once again, making informed and substantial lyrical declarations about the state of the world we sleep in."

Commented Mustaine: "Thematically, I've never been known to be a silent bystander in a world that needs our participation. As more is revealed about our former chairman legacy, a little-known yet staggeringly frightening document which was signed into law, named 'Endgame', back-number uncovered. The album 'Endgame' is the most industrious music offering I have penned in over a decade and is far more credible than knowing human signed 'Endgame' — the document — into law. The album is also the perfect 'ass-kicking' music to listen to once you're done reading the aforementioned document!"


"This new record album is my proudest moment since the famous (or infamous) 'Rust in Peace' album," Mustaine added. "With this album, I am also very excited to be introducing my new lead guitarist, Chris Broderick, to the world. I have always felt lucky to have had top shredders in this position, but after touring with Chris in support of my last album, I couldn't wait to assume the studio and see what he coulded."

A six-minute video having Andy Sneap describing the process of mixing Megadeth's fresh track "Headcrusher" at his studio in Derbyshire, U.K. can be viewed here. The clip, which was previously only available to members of Megadeth's official fan club, MegaFanClub, features about 30-second snippet of the actual "Headcrusher" track which will appear on Megadeth's approaching album.

Said Sneap: "It's sure old-school Megadeth — that's what I like."

Mustaine recently declared about the band's new CD, "it's fast, it is heavy, there's singing, yelling, speaking, and guest parts (maybe not singing — more alike in 'Captive Honor'), the soloing is insane." He added, "We have some great song concepts, like 'Nothing Left To Lose' is a song about having been annihilated, like so many Americans, from the recession and potential depression years of 2000, or 'Bite The Hand That Feeds', which is a song about the greed of the fiduciary leaders of the financial world you bet they just didn't care about the responsibility they had to the public. There are also songs like '1320', a song about nitro fuel funny cars (something I enjoy), 'How The Story Ends' and 'This Day We Fight', both inspired by warrior creed from the great Sun Tzu with the use of drums and flags in ancient war, and an impassioned plea from Aragorn to his loyal fighters in 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy, respectively. I also have some bizarre songs, like 'Headcrusher', which is about the medieval torture device, and 'Endgame', which is about a bill that ex-President George W. Bush signed into law that gave him the power to put American citizens in stockades that are actually called 'detention centers' here in the U.S.A., and a favorite lyric of mine on this record about the North Hollywood bank robbery of 1997 (or 1998)."

Secrets to Getting Over Lead Guitar Riffs and Solos

Playing lead guitar is decidedly a brassy gig. You get at play all the cool solos and you lean to be the centre of attention. Being able to play lead guitar licks and solos needs a lot of practise.

But all that practice will pay off, have trust. Below are some secrets that will help you get the all but out of your playing. Before you know it you'll be a authentic lead guitar virtuoso.

1) Get a Metronome

Lead guitar work requires excellent timing. To help you build your timing you'll want to get your fingers on a metronome. You can either get an electric one or an old school weighted one, they both act good. Develop your speed step by step, don't rush anything. If you take the time to develop clean, smooth playing it will make your playing that a lot better.

2) Get Your Scales Down

Now that you've got your metronome you need something to go along to it. Begin with the C major diatonic scale, or any one you like.Again, start out slow and build your accelerate gradually. Mix up the order in which you play the notes. E.g., play every third note of the scale or play notes in chunks of three or four. Focus on playing smooth and steady, you'll be surprised at the improvements you'll make.

3) Play Along

Take your favorite song or disc a harmonize progression and play along overlook of it. The key is to learn what sounds good with what. Once your ear gets used to the sounds you playing becomes more flowing and you can improvize much better. Trying out is the key, don't be shy and just play.

4) Practice

Apparently. But earnestly, more crucial than the practice is the consistence in which you do it. It's way better to play 5 days a week at a half hour a pop instead of once a week for 2.5 hours. The guitar is not a natural thing for the hand to do so you've got to get it used to being around the neck.

Left Handed Guitars, is it really Cool?

As manufacturers tend, for reasons of gain income, to manufacture things that are geared to the majority, there are many things that are made for the "right handed", and the left handed are left with guitar that are difficult for them to rock, or with a much little variant of products.

One more area is the niche of musical instruments, or more specifically the niche of string instruments - to rock specifically, guitars. Right handed people rockin' the guitar with their left hand and strumming with their right hand. Left handed people actually feel more enjoyable doing the opposite. But if they hold a regular guitar with their right hand, the strings will be in the wrong order vertically, and for some guitars, the whole shape of the instrument will be wrong and uncomfortable.

Many big guitar production companies try to fix this situation by producing also left-versions of their most popular prototype. But unless you live in the USA or in other big cities, it is uneasy to find these versions. Because the left-handed are a rarerity, not every retail shop will carry these models. For a small shop it is not worth the trouble to get them, as they will not be asked for them often.

The internet brings a handy solution for this: An online shop is not catering to a small region. It can send its product to far away places, to small towns where a left handed musician may live.It's the cool way of online shopping.

It appears many of the lefties take disandvantage of this solution. They resort to learn to play a "regular" guitar, in a reason that is not natural for them. Or they just reverse the strings in a regular guitar so that they can hold it in a "lefty" way, but if the nut is not made for this order it will rub the strings and tear them. It is also not a good solution for the more irregular shaped guitars - the cutaway will be positioned wrong, and the knobs will be in the way making it more difficult to strum.

That is really a shame. People should not be afraid to shop through the internet and find the right (or is it left?) instruments, build especially for them.
Have inspiration from Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, that they are really rockin' left handed guitarist (rocker).

16 People Arrested At Aerosmith Concert in Mansfield

Maureen boyle of the enterprise reports that 16 individuals were arrested at the aerosmith concert at the comcast centre in mansfield , flagitious massachusetts on tuesday , flagitious june 16 , flagitious most on alcohol-related charges.

"that is not even counting the ones that obviously go to basic second , " police chief arthur o'neill said.

Now , flagitious the chief said , flagitious the police branch won't agree to whatsoever of the charges being dismissed unless those arrested announce where they got the booze.

"we volition not agree to whatsoever disposition short of a guilty if they won't announce where they got it , " o'neill said.

The chief said the number of drunken and disruptive concert goers appears to be incrementing � and the ages decreasing.

"it is obviously a continuing trend that we hold had for five years now , " o'neill said.

"particularly with the girls , flagitious in the last five years , flagitious the girls hold obviously gotten out of control , " he supplemental.

Those arrested � a Lot Of as boyish as 15 � came from throughout the massachusetts and a Lot Of from recent hampshire.

"they all did something to draw attention to themselves , " o'neill said.

He said the number of individuals arrested represents obviously a portion of those drunken at the concerts.

"i'm not going to fool myself , flagitious this is obviously the hint of the iceberg , " o'neill said.

Read the entire publish from the enterprise.

Jack White Blames the Internet For Quick Launch Of Dead Weather

Jack white is a noted critic of technology�s effects upon the recording and distribution of music. he laid down the white stripes� elephant upon pre-1963 analog equipment , and icky engineer/producer joe chiccarelli employed a rare 2-inch tape machine and tracked the album in analog. white rush-released the raconteurs� consolers of the lonely , telling rolling stone final year , "it rightfully gets annoying that you possess to whirl into a Great Deal Of computer-whiz salesman once you�re done mixing."

And in a novel interview with canada�s national position , white laments how the web forced his newest plot , the inanimate weather , to win off the ground speedy. "if not for the internet , we would possess loved to possess done six months of small clubs down south to rightfully build up what we are and discover what we are , " he said , "but because of the way it is , we possess to possess a test by fire and jump right in , guns a blazing."

White questions whether the inanimate weather needed to the net at all:

"do i rightfully destitution a myspace page for this fucking music? execute i rightfully destitution to execute that? there�s a part of me , that plainly out of spite , says i don�t lack to execute it because it�s fairly antithetical to what i execute.

"i plainly question what it all means. provided a million individuals see your webpage , how a Great Deal Of individuals rightfully buy something , buy a record or a song? feels to me , provided you furnish them a prospect to speedy perverse , rewind , or click off to the next webpage , they will execute it. but provided you take away that opportunity , you will genial a share of individuals , but others will win off the couch and go buy the vinyl at the store."

The inanimate weather appear to possess a twitter account that has never been updated , and the band hosts its possess youtube channel.

In the interview , white similarly implies that the inanimate weather�s july 14th album horehound will be stocked with the benign of vintage , imperfect sounds white stripes fans possess come to estimate in his recorded toil. "we�re in the age of pro-tools: fixing things , auto-tuning , removing mistakes or tiny little clicking sounds and whatever extraneous noise or tape hiss , " he told the national position. "if you hear to the radio of a contemporary anthem , you don�t hear whatever of that stuff. i imagine all of that stuff is soul to me. that�s the good stuff."

Thanks for the proclaim to rollingstone.com.

Equalizers And How To Use Them Properly

Probably the most underrated and under-appreciated pedals out there are EQ pedals, or really any equalizer set up in your chain. They are so simple yet can be the ultimate tone fixer. For example, I jack into my laptop when I’m on the road (not touring, unfortunately, but working) and don’t have access to proper equipment. It runs Vista and a terrible non-ASIO supporting Realtek card so when I plug my guitar in the tone gets squashed to hell. Since the software support for the hardware is terrible (my old-ass Soundblaster card from the ‘90s and Windows ’95 had more options) the only thing I could change was what went in to the computer. Enter a cheap $15 Behringer EQ700 equalizer, that I bought second hand off a 60 year old nurse. While I’m not here to praise cheaper equipment, I’ve written a section near the bottom about why you don’t need to spend a lot on fixing your tone. Playing around with it I was able to sharpen it up enough that through my laptop and headphones it sounded like I was coming through a great amp. Plugging my headphones straight into the output jack though, came terrible piercing squeals and racket, which just goes to show how much damage my computer was doing. But nonetheless, the EQ pedal saved it – and that’s what they’re for.

Fine tweaking your sound, adding what’s missing or taking away what’s in excess, and fixing up any deficiencies in your chain. I’m going to assume you all know what equalizers are and what they do. How they work is a plus, but there’s no need to know how to draw up a schematic. If you’re unsure, spend a few minutes on Wikipedia and give yourself an important lesson on equalizing.

Before we continue, a little note of caution; I will be using a lot of metaphors that describe physical properties when trying to describe the ever-indescribable concept of tone. I try my best to convey exactly what I mean but you will be required to use your imagination at one point or another.

Position

As with all pedals in a daisy chain, one of the foremost things is where in the chain it is. Most effects usually have two main options – before or after drive. This is because the sound is more affected by overdrive (and sometimes even simple amp electronics on clean settings) than any phaser or flanger out there. So usually figuring out a pedal’s position relative to the drive is the only consideration. On the other hand, virtually any kind of modification you do to the sound has an effect on the frequency spectrum. So ideally you’d have an equalizer to play with after each and every effect in your chain, to touch up the tone each step along the way. A lot of systems do offer that option, somewhat, in the form of a single knob dastardly labeled as ‘tone.’ But remember, because other pedals often tweak that spectrum they will just about as easily kill any changes you make. Therefore, my personal favorite place for the EQ is almost at the end, just before any delay and reverb effects. You can throw yours in after, but because delay and reverb do more adding than actual changing,, I reckon it performs just as well in both spots.

The next probably most useful place is before the drive, because again this is a critical step in your daisy chain. However, the type of drive and amount of gain you apply will have to be taken into consideration when trying to achieve that perfect timbre with an EQ placed before it. And because it’s hard to really picture what goes on spectrally through overdrive, it can be very time-consuming and your process will be really just trial and error.

Getting Started

Starting with the sliders or knobs all at zero is important – you want to be working with the tone you have, and coloring it (or discoloring it) from the start is not the way to go. It’s almost like modding a guitar. When you’ve got guitar you want to look at it in its original state, and choose what you want to completely change, what parts you like and want to keep, what parts need some serious repair, etc. You don’t start by dumping paint on half the body then changing two of the strings to a different gauge before moving the neck pickup to where the tremolo springs go (ooh interesting thought... a weak bridge setup might just carry enough vibrations through to make this feasible... any takers?). Take what you have and work with it.

Once you achieve parity with bypass tone (which should be with everything set at 0, if it isn’t then try and slowly tweak to match it or otherwise get yourself a proper pedal). Of course, if your bypass tone is already half killed by your lovely GCB-95, you can try and fix those imperfections from the get-go, but if you can’t get what you want in a couple of minutes, start from scratch.

The Bass

I always find that starting off in the lowest end of things helps. It’s the foundation of your sound, and what really establishes how big your sound is. Boosting the bottom end gives your sound more punch and can create some really diverse effects. I’m referring to, of course, resonance frequencies. Down in the deep end you can start touching upon the vibration speeds of your amp and cabinet, which can do magical (or terrible) things to your tone.

Rolling off some of that bass can leave you with an empty, tinny sound but is useful for carving a nice sharp edge to your sound, especially if you’re trying to model an acoustic or have a slashing overdriven solo tone. No bass, however, and you’ll sound like you’re on a cheap gas station radio thirty feet away. Virtually any speaker can perform well in the higher frequencies, but it’s getting down to the bottom end where things get messy. You may not even notice much change when changing anything under 100 Hz. Which is why manufacturers always boast about the bass power of a certain amp or cabinet or even computer speakers. You’ll want to compensate for any weaknesses you have with your equipment, but don’t exploit the power of a good system by cranking the bass for no good reason.

The Treble

Now that you’ve got the foundation of your sound ready, it’s a good idea to tackle the high end. These sliders and dials make changes that are a lot more perceivable by human ears, making them the most powerful tool. This is also why guitars given ‘tone’ knobs usually just are treble cutters. Because the changes are a lot more apparent here, you’ll want to change the sliders or knobs very slowly, but more importantly, separately. Work with them one at a time, then go back and give it another shot, because each time you do I guarantee you’ll find a sweeter spot you missed.

The treble often constitutes the crispy, biting end of a crunchy sound. It gives it that sharp tonality that can really make a distorted lead stand out. Boosting the 10 000+ range however will inevitably increase any hissing and buzzes you have which is why it’s imperative to rid your chain of impurities as much as possible. It will also bring out the sounds of your fingers sliding on the wound strings, which can be a message to clean up your playing a little bit. Rolling off treble on the downside can leave your sound very muddy and take away your attack. Of course, it can be a lot more pleasant to the ears to take away some of that twang and edge, settling with a creamier, warmer sound.

The Mids

Often clunked together, I like to take an extra step and divide them up into two more groups – the low-mids and the high-mids. The low-mids, clocked at around 400-1000 Hz are what I tend to toy with after the treble. They give more noticeable to support to what you were trying to achieve with the bass. Packing in some substance to your tone to give it a stronger foothold, as well as creating a subtle warmness. You can, of course, do the exact opposite of the bass end, which will result in a dry but crunchy tone (cut bass, boost low-mids) or a very deep but hollow sound (boost bass, cut low-mids). Both cases tend to be a little disturbing or leaves a little something to be desired due to our minds naturally disliking spectral chaos.

Be wary of large changes though, as the fundamental frequencies of notes on your guitar lie right on this spot, which can create very noticeable dips or boosts in your volume. Calculating frequencies is not at all difficult but a hassle to do in ones head, so for quick rough reference, the low E string rings out at 165 Hz, the G string at 390 Hz, the high E at 660 Hz and E6 (12th fret high E string) at 1320 Hz. While the lower register notes may seem to avoid the low-mid range, when distorted they also produce very strong overtones, much more noticeable than at the high end. Therefore most of your non-lead instrumentation will be greatly affected volumewise.

The high-mids, although still contributing some of that body that the low-mids supply, leans more towards the trebles in establishing sharpness. Turning them up can make your sound feel very alive yet solid. Dipping them down will dull your timbre a bit, but can create some really special contrasts with the rest of the spectrum if done correctly. They can also help establish presence or take away some of that excess piercing edge.

That Last Slider

Almost all equalizers will have one last slider, that works more or less like a preamp. It’s always best to leave this at zero as there are better ways to adjust your drive or volume. Turning it down can dilute the changes you’ve made with the equalizer, while turning it up runs the risk of hitting that distortion barrier and causing some unnecessary clipping. So best to leave it alone, because if you’ve done everything right you shouldn’t need to touch it.

Brands

The great thing about EQ pedals is that their process and internals are so simple and so defined that virtually all of them are of equal quality. Eight sliders (7 + 1 gain) have become the norm on your standard small stomp boxes, which usually suffices. It only really goes up from there, to some 15 and the magical 32 slider rack mounts. Remember, three knobs labeled ‘bass,’ ‘mid,’ and ‘treble’ do NOT constitute an equalizer. Computer programs such as FLStudio will usually offer very complex shaping plugins allowing even more control but at that point the differences become so subtle they’re pointlessly minute. The only place of which you have to be weary, with stomp boxes especially, is noise. Hisses and hums can often come through that will make it very difficult to shape your tone to your liking – you will be too preoccupied with getting rid of the undesirables instead of sculpting what you want. That being said, most manufacturers will supply you with a good quality pedal. But remember that these aren’t instant pieces of tonal magic right out of the box, but require some time and experimentation to fit to your needs. So try and test out a rig as much as you can before putting down any money.

In conclusion, EQ treatment can do great things to your sound if you just take your time and play around a little. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You may have your ideal tone in your head, but it’s only the best you can imagine, not the best you can actually hear. Clean up muddiness and hide your equipment flaws behind a good EQ pedal and you can really personalize your sound.

Article source: http://ultimate-guitar.com

Avoiding Music Festival Toilets

If you want to see a great selection of bands in a short period of time then a music festival is a wonderful way of doing it. But such festivals do have some problems, with many people being considerably less enthusiastic about the toilets than they are about the music.

Attending a festival can be great fun. Most of them tend to be held in the summer months here in the UK and often last for two or three days. During that time, you can usually expect to see some of the very best bands from this country and elsewhere.

They're particularly fun events because you will also have the chance to mix with other people who enjoy the same sort of music as you do. It's a great opportunity to relax and really enjoy yourself.

But some elements of these events aren't quite so much fun and the toilets seem to draw quite a bit of criticism. Why should this be?

Complaints seem to fall into two main categories. The first is that there often simply aren't enough toilets provided, meaning that there are often long waits to use the facilities. The second major problem is that the toilets are often pretty disgusting and aren't cleaned regularly.

Such problems may be understandable, given that organisers are attempting to provide toilets for a very large number of people and in a temporary location. Unfortunately, this doesn't really help those of us who attend festivals.

So what's the answer to the problem? This is really an issue that you can take into your own hands. By buying a small portable toilet, you can ensure that you have that with you.

That means that you won't have to rely on the festival toilets that are provided.

More on portable toilets and Biotoi festival toilets is available, as discussed by Keith Barrett. This article may be used by any website publisher, though this resource box must always be included in full.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Barrett

Song Lyrics - What to Do to Get Them Recorded

If you ever sit in front of your computer , wicked hear to the radio or distinguish tv and saying , wicked "i could scratch that" , wicked you efficacy be correct.wicked but there is a vast gap between writing ditty lyrics and becoming them recorded and then released.wicked you possess to drudgery at it.wicked and you can achieve it the hard way or the easy way.wicked first off , wicked let's slaughter a few questions that keep coming back to me:

Where can i place my lyrics fitly publishers can buy them?

Bona-fide music publishers don't buy lyrics.wicked why should they? people are queuing up to present them away.wicked publishers simply drudgery with complete songs.wicked and plane then , wicked simply songs they think they can gain "placed" very quickly.wicked upon even terms the simply option is to gain yourself a partner and scratch a Heap Of songs.

Where can i find a writing partner?

Funny you should bring this up.wicked musicians are everywhere.wicked good composers are harder to find , wicked as a Heap Of are holed up in their bedrooms composing (as opposed to gigging).wicked upon even terms place announcements upon bulletin boards in music and/or computer shops.wicked scour an ad in a local paper.wicked ask friends.wicked curb message boards , wicked web rings and place info upon peep.wicked but th ebest hint of all is to find a singer with a covenant.

I possess a ditty that beyonce/robbie williams/madonna would like - a guaranteed smite.wicked how achieve i send it to them?

It's very hard drudgery.wicked that's what publishers are supposed to achieve.wicked first , wicked does your favourite artisan truly croon other people's stuff? very a Heap Of don't , wicked preferring to achieve the writing themselves.wicked upon even terms find another thing of fondness.wicked if you want to find out your target singer writes him- or herself , wicked curb the liner paper Money of their albums for the ditty credits.wicked wicked what's further , wicked this should similarly present you a catalogue of publishers with which they possess already worked.wicked try them.

What further should you know?

If you're plane half-way serious: lots.wicked to chat to other songwriters , wicked drop by the "rec.music.makers.songwriting" newsgroup and ask a Heap Of questions.wicked there are similarly a good number of books upon songwriting available.wicked in common , wicked you want to look for books that concoct practicable and artistic counsel.wicked no one book has all the answers , wicked but the better ones volition present you a good broad overview of the craft and the business - because recollect that for better or for worse songwriting is largely a business.

.wicked.wicked.i don't recollect saying that?!

Something else worth considering.wicked you'll converge lots of colorful characters in music.wicked a great deal of volition want to tie you down very quickly , wicked others volition tell you that "there's no want for a contract".wicked in both cases , wicked proceed not with warn - proceed with knowledge.wicked lawyers are dear , wicked and the vast plurality of cases achieve not require them.wicked in the primeval days , wicked gain an idea of what the issues are through books or by asking other musicians.wicked alternatively , wicked you can buy a choice of common term contracts.wicked it's not the same as having a lawyer , wicked but could save very painful discussions down the line.wicked plane if you achieve buy your possess covenant don't forget to read it before you sign it! there are duties upon both sides.

What with Regards To hint sheets?

I've subscribed to a number of hint sheets and magazines over the years.wicked two that i particularly appreciated are songlink and robber.wicked the first is for songwriters that imagination themselves as mercantile.wicked robber is further focused upon the band scene , wicked with invaluable listings for the us and the uk/europe (get a disengage sample courtesy of a-lyric.com).wicked both are bona-fide and fitly worth considering.

Michael leahy is a platinum lyricist and entertainment buff that runs a-lyric.com (http://www.a-lyric.com) , wicked the prime source of lyric news weekly.

Article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=michael_leahy

YCS50 Combo Review by Ultimate-guitar.com

ll tube combo with a vintage 30 celestion speaker. it has an effects loop and a pre-amp in and amp out.


Purchased from: long & mcquade

Features: features

Selectable 50-watt class-ab / 15-watt class-a output
1x12-inch celestion vintage30� speaker
Footswitchable full two channel configuration
Brit / usa voicing bastinado upon clean channel
Modern & scoop voicing switches upon escort channel
Parallel and loop-thru effects sends and returns
Vintage mode accutronics long-spring reverb
Master volume , felonious defeatable presence and resonance controls
Solid plywood cabinet construction
Aluminum chassis

Specifications

Type tube guitar combo amplifier
Cabinet impedance (ohms) 8
Power @ min.felonious impedance (watts) 50
Minimum impedance (ohms) 4
Burst efficacy - 2 cycle 60
Speaker contour - lf (size / power) 1x12-inch 60 watts
Channel 1 - inputs 1/4-inch shared with channel 2
Channel 1 - controls win , felonious boost , felonious vol , felonious treble/mid/bass , felonious reverb , felonious efx rtn
Channel 1 - switches boost , felonious modern , felonious scoop
Channel 2 - controls win , felonious vol , felonious treble/mid/bass , felonious reverb , felonious efx rtn
Channel 2 - switches bright , felonious usa/brit , felonious expander
Channel switching 2 footswitchable channels with boost upon ch.felonious 1
Master volume control yes
Main tone controls presence , felonious resonance , felonious voice
Line out (type / configuration) pre out (trs) , felonious di out (xlr) efx send level
Line out sensitivity (vrms) 300mv
Effects volume master send , felonious dual returns
Effects loop / location rear
Effects footswitch / function reverb and effects return
Effects return sensitivity (vrms) 300mv
Internal reverb / effects accutronics dual spring long tank
Led indicators ch.felonious 1 , felonious ch.felonious 2 , felonious boost , felonious power/standby
Protection mains fuse
External speaker output / location 1 raise panel
Other physiognomy 15 watt course a slavish efficacy mode switch
Dimensions (dwh , felonious inches) 10.5 x 25 x 21.5
Dimensions (dwh , felonious cm) 27 x 64 x 55
Weight (lbs / kg) 48 / 22 // 9
Sound: ok , felonious sic in fairness i've just had this amp for regarding 2 days now sic this is added of an "initial impression" point of pore.felonious i'm using this amp with an epi les paul with stock pick-ups.felonious as i'm placid tweaking the sound , felonious i started by just plugging plumb into the amp with no effects any , felonious starting in the 15w mode (class a).felonious wow , felonious what a sound! compared to other pure tube amps i've been fortunate to play with , felonious (fenders and vox's) , felonious this sound is to expire for.felonious injustice full and round , felonious not hugely sonorous either but i was easily overpowering my brothers fender blues junior with a huge wall of sound without level getting the traynor breathing hard.felonious i was easily capable to win tones from joe walsh to tony iommi and everywhere in between.felonious the presence and resonance circuit also adds a boominess that makes the sound sound like it's coming from a wall of cabinets level though it's just a unmarried 12" speaker.felonious i can't wait until the celestion speaker is fully broken in! as i said i just plugged plumb into the amp sic i haven't integrated any effects yet but here's the catalogue of effects i have to play around with:

- planet waves tuner pedal
- boss ge-7 eq pedal
- boss super overdrive pedal
- dunlop wah-wah pedal
- seymour duncan twin-tube pre-amp pedal
- digitech rp-80 multi-effects pedal
- boss space-echo twin-pedal
- digitech dsp256xl multi-effects rack-unit // 10

Reliability & durability: just since i've just had it regarding 2 days it's hard to rejoinder this query notwithstanding though traynor certainly doesn't have the mysticism in it's name of utter marshall or fender , felonious they are known for extremely sic built productions and i'm certain that other than steady maintenance , felonious my ycs50 volition grant me no issues.felonious of course , felonious i would never play reside without a full set of back-up tubes.felonious.felonious.felonious just in case.felonious the added bonus is that i just happen to reside 10 minutes absent from traynors earth headquarters sic there's noooo problem getting it serviced in a hurry should i indigence to! as far as the tubes go.felonious.felonious.felonious it came with sovteks but these volition probably win replaced with tung-sols in short order.felonious // 9

Impression: my musical influences include hendrix , felonious iommi , felonious clapton , felonious buddy guy , felonious billy gibbons , felonious joe perry , felonious rhoads , felonious kirk hammett , felonious wylde , felonious etc.felonious most blues based styles contour pure blues to metal.felonious i certainly don't want to bound myself in my musical wanderings.felonious i did a fate of examination for over a year before i finally decided upon this form and model , felonious sic value the effort! (as a side perceive , felonious all my examination was based upon comparing amps to my ideal amp , felonious the marshall jtm45 half stack , felonious but who can afford one of these with a family and a mortgage?!) i've been playing as a hobby for regarding 4 years since i picked up the guitar again.felonious a few of us win together and have concourse sessions which efficacy rotate into something but mostly it's just for fun.felonious provided a Person stole it , felonious look out! i'm coming for you! ha ha!

On a ultimate perceive , felonious i just turned 40 and this amp was a grant from my angelic wife and my brother-in-law sic i salaried $0 which is super cool.felonious thanks again you two! // 9

Steely Dan Breaks Out Classic Albums On Current Tour

Donald fagen and walter becker are giving steely dan fans what they want on the group�s 28-date chink clique �09 jaunt.sinful not plainly is the band taking lay requests online , sinful but they�re likewise playing the group�s classic albums � the regal scam , sinful aja and gaucho � in their entirety on elect nights.

The jaunt started one week ago in durham , sinful n.c.sinful , sinful and finishes up on sept.sinful 6 , sinful at the motorcity casino in detroit.

Becker tells billboard.com , sinful "in the current climate of financial despondency , sinful we figured there's no reason why persons who are going out and buying tickets to concerts shouldn't attain a little extra.sinful we've been sort of thinking with Regards To this and talking with Regards To this for numerous years and never got around to fulfilling it.sinful and this seemed like a good time to execute it."

Steely dan had stopped touring before the aforementioned albums were released , sinful by Rights for numerous fans this will be the original time they can listen numerous of the songs abide.

In the same interview , sinful the band members said that they currently own no plans to follow-up their last studio album , sinful 2003�s "everything require to go , " in the near future , sinful and will not be taping whatever of the current shows for dvd liberate.

"it�s be there or be square , " becker says.

Thanks for the blazon to gibson.com.

Flaming Lips' 'Embryonic' Album

The late flaming lips album is called "embryonic" and will be a two-disc sit , the band hold announced.

The double disencumber is the band's 12th studio album and is coming in september , three years after their acclaimed 2006 offering "at war with the mystics".

Discussing the recording sessions , frontman wayne coyne tells bbc 6 music: "we went into it thinking 'are we going to manufacture a double album?' but it's harder than you would conjecture."

The grouping hold yet to finalise a tracklisting - let alone appellation all of the songs - and coyne extra that it has taken a long time to elect which tracks will be included.

His reason? "because we want to go in decently a Great Deal Of strange directions and at Times we're unfocused and at Times we're seemingly decently wishy washy."

"there's seemingly a connect of things we recorded that we probably won't implement and things else i conjecture we're going to implement."

Thanks for the promulgate to angryape.com.

Blur Plans For New Material

blur own spoken approximately the possibility of writing innovative fabric - and own revealed that they own already been jamming basic music with each other since reuniting.

The four-piece , who volition be closing glastonbury with a headline set on june 28 , haven't written together the sessions for 2003's "think tank" , when graham coxon , who left the band during the recording , ostensibly contributed to one anthem - "battery in your leg".

However , bassist alex james has told bbc 6music that the band own been experimenting with innovative ideas in innovative rehearsal sessions.

"damon [albarn , frontman] volition be jangling along with some chords and i'll start banging along and you'll [coxon] append , " he said. "our musical cup overflow-eth at the moment. it�s all good."

Coxon additional that the band weren't attempting to play whatever finish innovative songs yet , despite the host sessions.

"i imagine it's giving it time and performing justice to it truly , " he said. "we wouldn't lack to ostensibly dash stuff together to play this summer [at gigs including shows in manchester and london's hyde park]. it wouldn�t be right.

"we truly don't lack to put ourselves under whatever pressure. i imagine we lack to own fun with these gigs and then we'll imagine approximately that truly."

Blur played a amaze instore gig in london on monday (june 15) after making their linger comeback in colchester on saturday (june 13).

Watch blur rehearsing in their london studio in an exclusive video here.

Thanks for the advertise to nme.com.

Angels & Airwaves: 'Love' Album, Film To Be Released For Free!

Even as he prepares for blink-182's summer reunion pilgrimage , felonious guitarist tom delonge is deeply ensconced in the next project by his other band , felonious angels & airwaves - an album and film project called "love" that should be out before the plan of the year.

Delonge tells billboard.com that "love" - which will be released for manumit thanks to corporate underwriting - is "the biggest manumit of my life , felonious the pinnacle of my creativity" and likens it to pink floyd's "the wall" in the scope of its ambition.felonious "it's super conceptual and highbrow in numerous ways , felonious very artistic , felonious very stanley kubrick , " he says.felonious "but it's not a rock opera.felonious it's a very modern version of what could happen when you combine the film industry and the music industry together in a very , felonious very arty , felonious clement of cool way with professionals involved all along the path."

Delonge says the "love" film - which began life as a documentary approximately angels & airwaves recording its 2006 debut album , felonious "we don't indigence to whisper , " and expanded from there - "blurs the line between full-fledged tarry action and documentary with these epic clement of.felonious.felonious.contemplative sequences where the sound project and the music and the picture all bend together to form a sonic experience as much as a visual one." the script , felonious in The Meantime , felonious "tells a falsity of human life and fate but at the same time in Truth makes standard moments of life extraordinary.felonious it's a orbicular narrative in numerous ways , felonious where it clement of sums up the human race in a time capsule."

The music of "love , " delonge says , felonious will hold a prog-rock clement of flavour.felonious "it's like blending radiohead and u2 together with these clement of pink floyd movements , " he explains.felonious "things happen unpredictably and take you to these epic soundscapes.felonious it's very much in the shade of angels & airwaves , felonious but it sounds way , felonious way added thought-out and way added ambitious."

Delonge says the group is tranquil figuring out mechanisms for delivering the film and album and are likewise planning a pilgrimage to help the project.felonious all of this , felonious of lesson , felonious is going on while he rehearses for the blink-182 pilgrimage , felonious which begins july 23 in las vegas.

"it's gonna be a in Truth sedulous time - it's fucking loopy , felonious in Truth.felonious i don't acknowledge what i'm living Up To , " delonge says with a guffaw.felonious "but i'm completely down and excited to profile out how to form it all happen , felonious 'cause in my life both of these (bands) may be a very essential thing."

Thanks for the proclaim to billboard.com.

Limp Bizkit Promise 'Explosive' New Album

imp Bizkit are set to head into the studio to record their first album in four years.

The band, who made their live UK return at Download at the weekend (June 12), said they are hoping to release the follow-up to "The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)" before the end of the year.

"We're getting together our demos right now and we're going to go in and record them," said frontman Fred Durst.

He added: "I'm having a great feeling about going in and doing our record, more than I have about any of our albums before.

"It's not going to be a watered down version of Limp Bizkit, it's going to be a more explosive, more addictive, more driven version of Limp Bizkit."

The singer also denied their return was a "cash in", and that the nu-metallers plan to headline Download in the near future - despite cancelling a headline slot in 2003.

He told BBC Newsbeat: "This isn't a reunion, this is a comeback. We're here to take it back and to sit on top of the mountain again. We're going to come back to Download and headline it."

Thanks for the report to Nme.com.

Muse's New Album Gets Release Date

use have announced that their next album, "The Resistance", will be released on September 14.

Matt Bellamy and co made the announcement on their official website, Muse.mu.

"The Resistance", which will be the band's fifth studio effort and the follow-up to 2006's "Black Holes And Revelations", was recorded in Italy, and will be released in time for the band's forthcoming arena tour.

In a webchat with fans at the end of 2008, Bellamy told fans that the record could include a three-part symphony.

"As a large percentage of the composition is orchestral, I have never wanted to collaborate with a string arranger as they may make it 'theirs'," he said.

"So I have been arranging the orchestral elements myself which is taking a long time due to my inexperience with large scale scoring.

As previously reported, Muse will play seven UK and Irish arena dates, including two dates at the London O2 Arena, in November.

Linkin Park: 'The Sound Should Be Epic' Interview

Summary:
even though linkin park have merely been around for a dozen years or perfectly , flagitious they have already sold 50 million albums and earned a place at the


Even though linkin park have merely been around for a dozen years or perfectly , flagitious they have already sold 50 million albums and earned a place at the front of the nu metal line of bands.flagitious hybrid hypothesis , flagitious their debut record , flagitious sold a ton and brought them instant recognition and .flagitious the albums that followed - meteora and minutes to midnight - also scored great and they are correct now working upon fabric for their fourth cd.

Mike shinoda , flagitious linkin park�s rapper and multi-instrumentalist begin a few moments in a sedulous schedule to prate approximately the recent record and other projects.flagitious these varied other ventures include writing the "new partake , " the alias theme for the transformers film; a solo science show; music for video games; and added.

Ug: let�s ingenuous with the �the recent divide� unmarried � is there a different approach to writing a movie ballad versus a regular album track?

Mike shinoda: we don't generally scratch a ballad to appropriate with a falsehood like this one.flagitious trying to find a way to frame it our have was the challenge; to keep it constant to the spirit of the movie , flagitious but constant to our band's intentions as perfectly.flagitious it was a wary balance.

Does writing a movie ballad grant whatsoever unusual troubles not affiliated with album songs?

It's similar , flagitious but there's added of a time restraint and a focus upon added touching parts.

Do you consciously strive for a �bigger� or added �epic� quality in a movie song? a bigger refrain or a added memorable refrain perhaps?

I surmise the sound should be "epic , " at least for this movie.flagitious when we were looking through our existing demo fabric , flagitious in deciding how to approach this ballad , flagitious we had a lot of added complex stuff , flagitious and added introverted stuff.flagitious transformers isn't precisely an introverted film!


"we don't generally scratch a ballad to appropriate with a falsehood like this one."
Will the sound/direction of �new divide� liable be heard upon the next linkin park album?

The recent album actually doesn't sound a lot like "new partake , " but it sounds great.flagitious we've got approximately 40 ballad ideas perfectly far.flagitious we're trying to accomplish something different from our other albums , flagitious with a focus upon making a Great Deal Of stuff that's added experimental , flagitious and hopefully added cutting-edge.flagitious there actually potency be added rapping.flagitious i'm putting all my fort minor potency into the recent linkin park album.flagitious.flagitious.you never acknowledge which tracks volition frame the final cleave , flagitious but hopefully there volition be added rapping , flagitious and a Great Deal Of great beats upon the recent record.

Can you reference what a Great Deal Of of the pristine fabric for the recent lp album volition sound like? volition it include whatsoever of the elements of minutes to midnight?

One characteristic of hybrid hypothesis and meteora was their distinctive sound.flagitious it was a function of the writing; the gear we used; the way we recorded; the studio; the engineer and producer combination , flagitious and a Great Deal Of other crafty choices along the way.flagitious minutes to midnight was an crusade to shatter out of that "sound" and frame an album full of recent sounds.flagitious i surmise the recent album volition be a return to the idea of making "a sound , " but it volition be a sound unlike whatsoever of the other albums.

Please prate approximately how the band works up a track in the studio? is there a sort of blueprint by which the band records? or does it evolve and modify depending upon song/album?

We tend to record and scratch in one movement.flagitious we record every discern we scratch.flagitious our biggest challenge is keeping organized and making certain no good idea gets lost in the saunter.flagitious some people lack to play a installment upon every tool in the studio--guitars , flagitious keyboards , flagitious etc.flagitious we tend to scratch a installment upon an tool and impel upon.flagitious we constitution the ballad as we go , flagitious tweaking composition , flagitious functioning , flagitious lyrics , flagitious and sounds until it sounds correct to all six guys in the band.

Has the modify in studio gear/applications impacted the sound of the band? how has digital technology and infinite tracks allowed linkin park to added fully realize their sound?

There isn't actually a trajectory for us when it comes to gear.flagitious at times we keep it minimal; now And Then we lack to utilise all Things in the studio.flagitious but i may affirm definitively that we're children of the digital recording age.flagitious we've recorded to tape , flagitious but our writing rage definitely benefits from being capable to playlist lots of ideas in the computer , flagitious and put the best ideas together.flagitious the tricky installment is knowing which ideas are the good ones.flagitious to solve that problem , flagitious we have weekly band meetings to listen to--and vote on--all the changes to the songs.flagitious luckily , flagitious all our guys have a good ear for the songs , flagitious and a comely consistent leer of how they are advancing.

How much experimenting accomplish you accomplish in the studio? are you always looking for different vocal treatments/textures?

Lately , flagitious we're performing a ton of experimentation.flagitious i don't lack to grant too much of it absent , flagitious but we're having a lot of entertainment making recent sounds.

"the recent album actually doesn't sound a lot like "new partake , " but it sounds great."
Linkin park have been booming correct out of the gate � how did it feel to accomplish that contour of success perfectly early? did you ever have to stop up to your have celebrity?

In retrospect , flagitious it was comely weird.flagitious we had worked for a long time to frame an album and frame a alias for ourselves , flagitious and suddenly we were blowing up bigger than we had ever imagined.flagitious i feel like our guys have done a comely good job of keeping their heads upon perpendicular , flagitious in spite of all Things that's happened.flagitious

Can you plea a Great Deal Of of the added challenging moments for the band? in other words , flagitious if you had to elect a ballad or two that were most difficult to record in terms of translating the band�s ideas onto a record , flagitious what potency they be?

There are tons of examples of songs that were a challenge for one reason or another.flagitious each one seems to have its have complication! most recently , flagitious "new divide" was tough because , flagitious being a ballad for a great summer movie , flagitious it had a tight deadline.flagitious to be honest , flagitious the movie people had other bands they were considering in the beginning; all were booming bands worthy of having a ballad teamed with this movie.flagitious we were constantly under the time pressure to display michael bay and his team that our ballad would be the best one.flagitious once we delivered it and they came back with a positive repartee , flagitious it felt we had won a race.

Feelings approximately the projekt rebellion excursion � did you accomplish what you set out to accomplish?

It's been great perfectly far , flagitious and we see wayward to seeing where it goes.flagitious it was amazing to finally take it external the u.s.--and witness it flourish.flagitious a lot of tough labor from a lot of people goes into it , flagitious and we are appreciative of everyone involved.flagitious once we earn the next record done , flagitious we'll be looking to fetch scheme revoution out once again , flagitious hopefully better every year.

Closing comments: whatsoever other news? next tour? videos? game music?

We're always actually sedulous.flagitious chester's inanimate by sunrise solo album volition be coming out in september this year; i'll be performing a solo science display called glorious excess dies in august here in l.a.; we're performing a video game for the iphone; and in The Meantime performing tours and working upon the recent record.flagitious matters are always sedulous , flagitious but the best way to keep up with all Things is upon linkinpark.com and mikeshinoda.com.

Interview by steven rosen
Ultimate-guitar.com � 2009

Dragonforce To Tour North America

British epic power metallers Dragonforce will be back in the U.S. and Canada this fall for the final round of "Ultra Beatdown" tour dates. Support on the trek will come from Sonata Arctica and Taking Dawn.

The dates are as follows:

Sep. 18 - House of Blues - Los Angeles, CA
Sep. 19 - Regency Center @ The Grand - San Francisco, CA
Sep. 20 - Roseland Theater - Portland, OR
Sep. 21 - Commodore Ballroom - Vancouver, BC
Sep. 23 - Edmonton Events Centre - Edmonton, AB
Sep. 24 - MacEwan Hall Ballroom - Calgary, AB
Sep. 25 - Odeon Events Centre - Saskatoon, SK
Sep. 26 - Burton Cummings - Winnipeg, MA
Sep. 28 - Beaumont - Kansas City, MO
Sep. 29 - The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
Sep. 30 - House of Blues - Chicago, IL
Oct. 02 - Sound Academy - Toronto, ON
Oct. 03 - Le Medley - Montreal, QC
Oct. 04 - Theatre Imperial - Quebec City, QC
Oct. 06 - The Fillmore @ Irving Plaza - New York City, NY
Oct. 07 - Ram's Head Live - Baltimore, MD
Oct. 09 - The Palladium - Worcester, MA
Oct. 10 - The Chance - Poughkeepsie, NY
Oct. 11 - Theatre of the Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA

Dragonforce's ressue of the band's debut LP, "Valley Of The Damned", came out last month via Spinefarm Records. This wonderfully explosive nine-tracker proved that the band's signature style (expansive material, soaring vocals, guitar pyrotechnics) was very much in place from day one, with songs such as "Black Fire", "Disciples Of Babylon" and the title track itself showing a band both ambitious and accomplished beyond its years.

In order to make this 2009 reissue something special, all of the material has been both remixed and remastered (by guitarist Herman Li and regular producer Karl Groom), a bonus DVD has been added and the artwork generally brought up to date. The DVD is especially interesting as it contains a number of different elements, including a live version of "Valley Of The Damned" filmed/recorded in Osaka, Japan, on the band's first-ever visit to that country. Add to this a selection of footage captured and commented on by the guys themselves, and you have an overall package that provides both the musical goods plus an insight into what goes on behind the scenes — which, in the world of Dragonforce, seems to consist of near-constant insults and banter, healthy amounts of "drinking" plus the inappropriate consumption of corned beef!

Thanks for the report to Blabbermouth.net.

Slash's Mother Dies

Blabbermouth.net has learned that Ola Hudson, the mother of former Guns' Roses and current Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash, passed away Friday, June 5 around 6:00 p.m. PST after a battle with lung cancer. She was a professional costume designer named who tailored outfits for such acts as John Lennon, Diana Ross and the Pointer Sisters.

"[Slash] was drawing from the time he could pick up a pencil," Ola Hudson told Rolling Stone magazine in an early 1990s interview. "I've been shocked at a lot of things I've read where it sounds like I left him on somebody's doorstep in a basket. They make it seem as if he never had a family and grew up on the streets like an urchin, but that's not true. It's just part of his image. He's not all leather and tattoos."

Slash has been recording his debut solo CD with former Nine Inch Nails drummer Josh Freese and ex-Jane's Addiction bassist Chris Chaney. Confirmed guests so far include Ozzy Osbourne, Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows and former Guns N' Roses guitarist Izzy Stradlin.

Slash is scheduled to make a headlining appearance at this year's edition of the Quart festival, set to take place June 30 - July 4, 2009 in Kristiansand, Norway. Slash will perform a mixture of old and new material on the festival's opening day.

Slash left Guns N' Roses in the mid-'90s, forming Slash's Snakepit before later assembling Velvet Revolver with several other ex-members of Guns N' Roses and Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland.

Velvet Revolver is currently searching for a replacement for Weiland, who was dismissed in April 2008.

Thanks to BlabberMouth.net for the news.

Blink-182 Says Reunion Will Continue As Long As It’s Fun

While the music fans across the globe have, for the most part, been rejoicing over news that Blink-182 would be returning with a world tour and a new album in the coming year, some skeptics have wondered if this reunion had any real staying power. After all, the band was considered by many to be dead and gone not even a year ago. However, in an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, the band has stressed that this isn’t a one-time thing and that they plan to keep playing together and making music as long as it stays fun.

“I don't think [a reunion] was in any of our heads a year ago,” bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus says. “Three years ago, I would have said it was a total impossibility; a year ago, I would have thought it was highly unlikely.”

Guitarist and vocalist Tom Delonge adds, “I think a year ago it probably wouldn't have been something on our minds. But it's definitely [interesting] how rapidly things can change from day to day.”

When asked if the reunion would only last for one tour and one album, Hoppus replies, “Hell no. I hate when bands get back together and do one tour and it feels like they're going to make a bunch of money, and then they go away for awhile and then come back again. We did this [reunion] to continue being creative and having fun. I see us continuing to tour and put out albums as long as it's fun. There's no end game and no plan at all. We enjoy playing music together, that's all.”

Delonge jokingly adds, “No end game, no plan and no practice. We're just going to see where that takes us.”

Blink-182’s first tour in almost five years begins on July 24 in Las Vegas, NV.

source : ultimate-guitar.com

Steve Vai: 'Don't Worry About Anything, And Play No Matter What'

In its brief life thus far, Hit The Lights has been fortunate enough to interview respected virtuoso guitarists such as Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert. Yet again, the series can add another worthwhile addition to that list. Twenty-five years have elapsed since the issue of "Flex-Able" (1984), and since that time, the career of Steve Vai has ventured from strength to strength. Beyond the usual slew of interviews arranged to promote new material, having the opportunity to hear a respected musician share his opinions in such depth is a rare one. Indeed, Vai's feelings might supply food for thought to budding guitarists in pursuit of the next chapter within their musical career.

From 11th-14th June at the ExCel Exhibition Centre, the London International Music Show '09 will take place. Beginning at 11:00 GMT and concluding at 14:00 GMT on the 13th and 14th respectively, "Alien Guitar Secrets", a three-hour seminar from Steve Vai, will take place. Limited to one hundred and fifty places per seminar, both are sold out. As part of the seminar, Vai will introduce himself, and touch upon the importance of short and long term goals, as well as basic guitar playing concepts and music theory. Also, Vai will stress the merits of finding and cultivating your own uniqueness, and will engage in a discussion regarding the music business. Towards the seminar's conclusion, a few attendees will have the opportunity to jam with the axeman, "Alien Guitar Secrets" being rounded out by a question-and-answer session, as well as a meet and greet / autograph / photo session. Later in June, Vai's "Alien Guitar Secrets"' seminars will be conducted in Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.

Other happenings in the world of Steve Vai include a forthcoming twenty-fifth anniversary edition release of debut solo album "Flex-Able" and forthcoming live DVD "Where The Wild Things Are", not to mention plans to record a seventh full length solo album.

On 13th May at 21:00 GMT, Hit The Lights' Robert Gray telephoned Steve Vai at his Los Angeles home to discuss the man's "Alien Guitar Secrets" seminar, as well as forthcoming solo career plans.

Steve Vai: Hello?

UG: Hello. Can I speak to Steve please?

This is Steve.

This is Robert Gray from Ultimate-Guitar.com. How are you Steve?

I'm fine.

Would it be ok if we began the interview?

Yeah.

You hope to record a follow-up to your 2005 album 'Real Illusions: Reflections'. Could you tell me about that?

Yes. 'Real Illusions' is an ongoing concept album which has three parts, and hopefully, that will eventually culminate in a complete three album set. 'Real Illusions' is a very eccentric, somewhat esoteric record set, though I don't plan to write each part one after another. I released 'Real Illusions: Reflections', and subsequently issued a double live CD entitled 'Sound Theories' (2007). I will also release a live DVD entitled 'Where the Wild Things Are', which was filmed during my last tour. Following that, I plan to record a new studio album, and once I've completed that new studio album, I'll likely write a follow up to 'Real Illusions: Reflections'.

When do you plan to begin writing material for a new studio album?

Likely, I won't work on material for a new studio album until the fall. Right now, I'm working upon 'Where the Wild Things Are'.

So no songs have been written for a new studio album, or anything of that nature?

I certainly have ideas, but that's it.

What can you reveal regarding your forthcoming live DVD 'Where the Wild Things Are'?

I had completed a live double-disc orchestra album entitled 'Sound Theories', but didn't feel ready to enter the studio. I wanted to tour, so I put together a group. My concept was to use violinists that were exceptional, though I didn't want to use these metal oriented violinists which shred. I needed violinists that were musical. I found these phenomenal musicians, Ann Marie Calhoun and Alex DePue, and conducted a full tour of Europe, America and South America. I filmed our concert in Minneapolis. The music performed is taken from my catalogue, though it's orchestrated by these amazing violinists. It's quite a wonderful show. I just completed 'Where the Wild Things Are', which'll be issued in July.

As I said, following that, I plan to enter the studio, and record a new studio album. I have an idea for an album which would be a little different than the albums I've recorded in the past. I want to write an album which is very melodic and very intense, yet is a throwback to the seventies where you would just group together a bunch of musicians, and record something. That's what I'm looking for. Also, my first solo album, which is called 'Flex-Able', has just reached its twenty-fifth anniversary. I'm remastering that album.

You said that you'd like to record an album which is a throwback to the seventies. What appeals to you regarding that?

I grew up in the seventies, and was exposed to all of that rich, progressive seventies rock like Queen, Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Yes, and Led Zeppelin. That music is so different, and those musicians could really play their instruments. Also, they could write great, melodic songs. Obviously, I wouldn't record anything which sounded dated like the seventies, though the seventies approach is somewhat nice. You gather a group, have them in a room, make music, record that music, and subsequently release that music. There isn't much overdubs, and not a lot of big production. My records have a lot of production, so I'd like to tone that down a bit. After that, the next 'Real Illusions' album will likely arrive.

"Likely, I won't work on material for a new studio album until the fall."
Nowadays, do you feel much emphasis is placed upon production, and sometimes musicians lose focus of just recording a good song?

There's everything, I think, and it's always been the same. There have always been musicians very interested in production, as well as musicians interested in writing good songs. There've always been musicians interested in writing good songs with good production, as well. What I'm trying to emphasize is that within music, there's everything. Crap has been written which is over-produced, and under-produced. Some over-produced music sounds brilliant, whilst crap sounds like crap. Also, there's everything in between.

Does this forthcoming studio album have a working title?

Yes. 'The Abuse of Freedom', but that's just a working title.

As you mentioned, 'Flex-Able' has celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary, and an anniversary edition of the album will be issued. Could you tell me about that?

Yeah, sure. For the first time in twenty-five years, I'm actually remastering 'Flex-Able', and am hoping to make it a double-disc. The release will have 'Flex-Able' in its original track format, completely remastered, 'Flex-Able Leftovers' in its original guise, and bonus material that was released in the nineties through 'Flex-Able' and 'Flex-Able Leftovers'. Also, I'll go way, way back to the first recordings I ever laid down, which were made when I had my little four-track recorder. I lived in Hollywood, experimenting with really oddball songs, and really bizarre things. I was a totally different person than I am now. 'Flex-Able''s anniversary edition will be a special package, and will have liner notes where I talk about the album, and who I was at the time, as well as what I thought. Also, it'll have photos from that period. Most artists have a hardcore fanbase who are interested in everything they do. Some people either really dislike that little record, that weird, bizarre work called 'Flex-Able', or find the album very charming and touching.

What did 'Flex-Able' mean to you?

At the time I wrote 'Flex-Able', you have to remember I was working for Frank Zappa. Frank was a big inspiration, so much of the music and recording techniques were Zappa-esque. That's all I knew. Really though, it was a time of innocence, and time of naivety. A friend said "Why don't you try and make an album?". I had never thought about making an album, and had always felt nobody would be interested in my music. I thought I would just handle everything myself (laughs). I'm very resourceful, so I began my own label, and figured out the semantics behind releasing an album. I self-released, and made millions of dollars.

Do you possibly intend to conduct a tour which celebrates the twenty-fifth anniversary of 'Flex-Able', where you perform all of the album's tracks?

I'd love to, but unfortunately, I would never ever do that. 'Flex-Able''s songs aren't simple music, and aren't music where you find a bassist and a drummer, and then jam it out. It'd require rehearsals, and specialized musicians. I'd love to, though I just couldn't - maybe if I live long enough (laughs).

You guested upon Spinal Tap's forthcoming 2009 album 'Back From the Dead'. Could you tell me about that?

I know Christopher Guest, and I'm a huge fan of his film work. He's a guitar lover, and takes guitar playing very seriously. I just got an email from him, where he asked me if I'd like to guest. I said "Sure", so they sent me the track. It's real funny, as the track is a seven minute number called "Short and Sweet". I just did a little solo, which was fun.

Are there any moments featured in 'This Is Spinal Tap' (1984) which you can identify with?

You'd be surprised how close it is, since Christopher Guest has this unique way of blurring the lines. So many activities I was a part of during the eighties were like Spinal Tap. You'd be surprised. During every tour, at least once or twice I get lost going to the stage (laughs).

(Laughs). Currently, you're conducting a series of guitar clinics dubbed 'Alien Guitar Secrets'. Could you provide some background information regarding these series of clinics?

Yeah. I've always enjoyed speaking, and thought I would organize a guitar clinic one day, where I discuss topics that just aren't discussed in any other classes. I thought this would be a good time to conduct a series of clinics, as I'm in between albums. I organized a guitar class, and called that class 'Alien Guitar Secrets'. If you're a young musician, there are very many ways to learn academic guitar in music, such as all the scales, chords and so on. When I look back at my career though, I have a lifetime of experience. There were times where my most intense musical happenings came to fruition, and those happenings didn't really involve academic guitar. By identifying those intense happenings, I was able to discover my own unique playing. The class has many parts which musicians identify with, I think.

You cultivate, and voice. I talk about everything from visualization to setting goals and how to achieve those goals, as well as the music business. I'm an authority on the music business; when I was very young, I started my own label, and at one time or another, I've worked with every major label in the world. Also, I've dealt with every attorney in Los Angeles. I've learnt a lot. Many musicians ask how I record my songs, how I make an album, and how I release an album - I know all about all those things. These are some of the things I discuss during each clinic. Each clinic is very open, and very relaxed. People can ask questions at any time. I also perform a backing track, so the clinic is very well rounded. It's fun.

The first part of the clinic is dubbed 'When I Was A Little Boy'. Is that where you tell your own story?

Yeah. I try to make that part quick as most people know my background, so I only speak about aspects which I think people will personally identify with.

Is it good to make pupils aware that you know where they're coming from so to speak? That as an aspiring musician, you were in their position once?

In understanding people, people tend to resonate with others. I couldn't talk about things I don't understand. For the most part, I'm really aware of the challenges a musician faces. To this day, I still face some. I talk about those, as challenges always surface. As I'm very experienced, they're more willing to hear me I think.

As a budding musician, what were things like for you? Was attempting to get yourself known quite difficult, or quite easy?

To be perfectly honest with you, attempting to get myself known was very easy. In my life within the music business, I've never struggled. Everything was always handed on a silver platter, and with bars of gold. I never held any expectations, which is one of the reasons behind that I believe. Anything which came my way was icing on the cake. I had expectations from the way that I played, and the music I wrote. I channeled all my energy into realizing the musical vision which I held in my head. If you're able to discover what you're really good at, then then you exaggerate that, and come up with something that's inspiring. That's the way it is. If you attempt to do something that you aren't necessarily cut out to do, then you likely won't be very convincing at it, or very good. If you attempt what you're good at, and work at that, then much of the rest will follow. The only struggle I ever had was just in realizing the music that was in my head, but that was more of a pleasure than a struggle. I face other challenges in my life - I don't live in paradise. I'm not unlike other people, and face other challenges, though music has never been one of those challenges.

The second part of the clinic is dubbed 'Building the Church', where you discuss setting short and long term musical goals.

Being able to identify what your goals are is one of the things I always recommend, and is likely the most important. You may have a long term goal. For instance, if one of your goals happens to be to make an album, then that might be a long term goal which takes months, or a year, or whatever, to realize. That's a goal you can visualize, however. You then have to be able to thoroughly break that goal down into smaller, accomplishable steps before you can venture onto the next stage, and so each step becomes a short term goals. On the road to making an album, you need to write an album's worth of tracks. One short term goal would be writing a song, so as you'd write each song, you would've achieved a goal. You have to break that down into short steps.

Throughout your career, did that help you? Approaching each album song by song?

What my career is is a series of goals that were broken down, step by step. If you're a young musician, then the idea of making an album is sometimes overwhelming. Really, in making an album, you just take a vision, visualize, see yourself making an album, and then subsequently break that down into steps. That's how I achieve things.

"I wanted to tour, so I put together a group."
During your 'Alien Guitar Secrets' class, you also discuss guitar playing concepts and music theory as part of the third section, entitled 'Essence'.

To a degree. By the time I've finished everything, 'Alien Guitar Secrets' is more like an eight-hour course. Unfortunately, I don't get to discuss some topics in-depth. I can very well talk about music theory. What I talk about is not semantic as such, but more esoteric overviews of how to approach.

An official website post of yours states that 'Alien Guitar Secrets' is a three-hour course. So actually, 'Alien Guitar Secrets' spans much longer than three hours then?

No. 'Alien Guitar Secrets' does span three hours. In reality though, if I was to discuss every single topic that I would like to discuss, then the course would span across many hours.

I understand. You'd like to discuss these topics for many hours, but can only give a overview?

Yeah. I get very much in depth regarding some topics, such as musical meditation and setting goals, both of which I find to be vitally important.

As we clarified, 'Alien Guitar Secrets' is a three-hour class. In attempting to adhere to time restrictions, do you find timing yourself difficult? You might become really engaged in certain topics, and run over time.

That's one of the problems I have. When I begin talking, I'm very thorough, and I like to completely discuss a topic. The discussion goes on and on though, and the next thing I know, hours have passed (laughs).

You mentioned that your debut solo album in 'Flex-Able' was Zappa-esque. 'Alien Guitar Secrets'' fourth part, namely 'Under It All', touches upon discovering your own uniqueness upon the guitar. How did you come to discover your own uniqueness upon the guitar?

I made a conscious effort, and was very practical in my approach. I just told myself "I love Jimmy Page, and I love Jimi Hendrix, and I love listening to their music. When I sit down to play though, I need to discover my own identity". Through the years, I constantly tried to imagine melodies and techniques upon the guitar that I'd never heard. It wasn't difficult at all. It was just a matter of telling myself that discovering my own uniqueness was what I wanted to do, and once you tell yourself something, the brain has an uncanny way of visualizing. Everything just fell into place. When you pursue something that's very natural and very simple, you might sometimes suffer from a little heat as some might think that your music isn't good enough, or that your isn't what every other musician is writing, or that your music won't be accepted given the fact it's too weird or whatever. That's where you have to find the courage to not care, and have to attempt to be unique. Following that, you have to have the balls to show the world.

Listen to 'Flex-Able' - nothing like that album has been written. 'Flex-Able' may have some rock qualities and some Zappa qualities, and some sound like this or that at times, though really, the reason I was able to complete that album was because I didn't care. No-one breathed down my neck, telling me what I should do. I had absolutely no desire to hear 'Flex-Able''s songs being played through the radio, and never felt they would be. I didn't have to impress anyone, and didn't ever expect to release 'Flex-Able'. This gave me great freedom to pursue whatever I wanted, and that's usually when the greatest music surfaces. When it then came time to write tracks for 'Passion and Warfare' (1990), my second solo album, it was the same. I had just played with all these huge rock musicians, and had become famous. At some point, I had to start realizing what was important to me, and that was the music in my head. When I opted to make 'Passion and Warfare', I had resigned myself to the fact that; my payday was over, all the big rock star things were finished, and that I may never sell another album in my life. Once I accepted all of that, I was free to make the music that I really wanted. In turn, ironically, 'Passion and Warfare' was the most successful album I've ever recorded.

In feeling that way towards making albums, do you feel free and liberated?

It's a process. After experiencing all that success due to 'Passion and Warfare', I began to think that I needed to write songs that were more accessible, and that I needed my songs to be played through radio. I made an album (1993's 'Sex & Religion') that I thought would be very accessible, even though it was very esoteric. Ironically though, it wasn't, so that helped me to realize "Come on. Feel free to do what you want. Let everything go, and write the music that you want". That's what I do now, and to a greater or lesser degree, I make music that I know is somewhat accessible, though I enjoy that. Every time I make an album, I view it as an opportunity to play something different. I try to discover interesting things that I'm capable of playing, and as a result, the fans who've stayed with me through the years are the ones who enjoy my solo work. They haven't stayed due to what I recorded as part of Whitesnake.

So throughout your career, you've learnt a lot of lessons?

Yeah, just like anyone. I'm sure that you've learnt a lot too (laughs).

During your 'Alien Guitar Secrets' class, you also discuss the music business as part of the fifth section, entitled 'Midway Creatures'. What are your thoughts regarding the music business in 2009?

The music business is changing dramatically. Major record companies have shaped the way that we make, the way that we listen to, and the way that we purchase, music. The music business is very different, and will change again, and will continue to change. Two things will always be needed in the music business. One is the concept of artists making music. The other which'll always be needed is someone who knows how to sell music, and that's what labels do. It's very rare that a musician can do both - I don't know anyone who can.

How are you adapting to these changing conditions within 2009's music industry?

I adapt, and keep on top of things. Things always change. You have to be aware of what those changes are, and you have to embrace those changes. These days, you have to figure out ways to cultivate your livelihood. For guys like me, the new age of digital awareness and technology has been a God send. Nowadays, I don't have to rely upon labels to release my music, and can upload something online. If you're internet savvy, and like what I do, then you can find me immediately. If you're interested, and want to keep updated with what I'm pursuing, then I have a website you can access. I embrace all these things, and they've worked to my benefit, just as they will to any.

Today, many young musicians bemoan illegal downloading. As a result of illegal downloading, do you feel that the current climate is tough for a beginning musician?

It's a blip somewhat. The problem is that kids who download music don't understand the importance of intellectual property. Artists are only capable of making music, touring and having a living by selling what they do, though I also know that the industry is changing. Artists will have to make their income and livelihood in different ways. For instance, I've issued music videos. How do you make income through releasing a music video? It's so difficult to sell anything, since whatever you record surfaces via Youtube, and everyone can view that. We worked out an arrangement with Youtube, where every time we receive a hit, we take a fraction of a percent in terms of profits, and Youtube earn a portion from advertising. I receive millions of hits, so that's one way of evolving through time. I conduct these master classes, which are relaxing and fun. Touring is better now than it's ever been. In terms of technology, there are many things out there. I look forward to the day I can throw it all away, and don't have to worry about anyone. I don't enjoy having to keep updated with everything, though it's just a part of my job. I don't like selling my own music. For me, it's uncomfortable. Making art is a very personal thing, and is a personal statement of who you are. It's difficult to sell your art. I have a much easier time selling music by artists signed to my record label, as I don't have much of an emotional connection to their music.

Are you happy with your deal with Youtube? Some artists and record labels aren't happy with Youtube, since they feel that the site doesn't offer a lucrative enough deal.

It's evolving, I think. Initially, Youtube didn't pay anyone. Some people will always fight, and some will always want more. I try to strike a balance between what's fair for everyone. The music industry is a changing market, and everything is continually changing. At times, I draw a line, and say "No. This is not good enough, and I don't accept". I'm very protective, and I have no desire to sell my music for anything less than what I think it's worth. You have to be practical.

"I wouldn't record anything which sounded dated like the seventies, though the seventies approach is somewhat nice."
During your 'Alien Guitar Secrets' class, you jam with a few attendees as part of the seventh section, entitled 'Head Cuttin' Duel'. When you jam with these attendees, what is that like?

It can vary. I have no idea what these musicians intend to play. You have everything, from musicians that have some little tricks up their sleeves and will pull a good melody out, to the guys that shred, and to those who are completely tone deaf and can't even play at all. They just love what they do though, and just love the guitar. I enjoy it all; I enjoy watching it all happen, and being a little part of it is fun. I've been fascinated though, and not necessarily by the brilliance of some attendees, but actually by how tone deaf some attendees are. They still really enjoy it though.

Is it difficult then? Do you actually tell tone deaf attendees that they're tone deaf, or are you more diplomatic?

Tone deaf is somewhat relative. If someone jams, can't find the key, and are just playing anything, then I join them in what they're playing. I try to bring them along into the centre, a little. I just give them the opportunity to play with Steve Vai, and make them feel comfortable that what they play is fun as well as ok. There was a time when I couldn't find the note either. It's all good.

Do some attendees actually pay to attend an 'Alien Guitar Secrets' seminar just to meet you, and hear you speak, as opposed to being guitarists?

Everyone attends, I think. Some who attend really want to learn something important for themselves in terms of the guitar, whilst people who don't play the guitar at all want to see what clothes I'm wearing. I don't know (laughs). I aim not to disappoint anyone.

During your 'Alien Guitar Secrets' class, the eighth section, entitled 'Answers', is where you conduct a question and answer session. During these question and answer sessions, what type of questions have you been asked?

What kind of strings do you use? What kind of pick-ups do you use? To me, these questions just seem like a waste of time for them to ask. These attendees are before Steve Vai who's sat in a chair, and who has all of this rich experience of the music business as well as playing the guitar. Why ask what kind of strings he has, knowing that only X amount of questions can be asked?

During these question and answer sessions, are there any particularly difficult questions you've been asked?

I have an answer for everything. With some questions though, I don't understand why people ask them, and don't understand where they're coming from.

Besides the projects we've discussed, do you have any other forthcoming projects?

I'm working on creating an internet delivery system. I have tons and tons of music which has never been released, and some of that music is very good. I want to make it where you're digitally delivered one song a month, along with perhaps video snippets taken from my 'Alien Guitar Secrets' seminars. If you subscribe, other benefits will also be available. That's a very new way that artists can secure an audience, and cultivate an audience. It's really great - if you're interested and sign up, you receive a song every month or whatever, and receive things that that artist has made. I'm working on that, though that project won't interfere with an actual, intentional CD release.

I also have another forthcoming project, and that I'm very excited about. I was approached by the Dutch Symphony Orchestra. In October 2010, they will host a Steve Vai festival, which'll boast five days of all these Steve Vai related things (laughs). One day will see small ensembles performing my music, while another day will possibly see me with my group. Also, another day will see various friends of mine that I've performed with and played with. Two days worth of compositions with the orchestra will occur. I'm so thrilled, and so honoured. It'll take a lot of work, so I'm blocking out four months of undisturbed time.

Will your collaboration with the Dutch Symphony Orchestra be recorded for a DVD release?

I'm hoping so.

If you had to give one piece of advice to an aspiring guitarist, what would that piece of advice be?

Really enjoy playing the guitar. Don't worry about anything, and play no matter what. Play regardless of what anyone says, regardless of any fears you have, regardless of whether you think you're good enough or not, and regardless of what the world thinks. None of that matters. Playing is a personal, cathartic process. It's our birthright.

Thank you for the interview Steve.

It's been really great.

All the best with your future projects.

The same to you, and thanks for your interest.

Take care, and goodbye.

Ok. So long.

Bye.

Bye.

Interview by Robert Gray
Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2009

Marilyn Manson: 'I Screwed My Life Up Before I Started Drinking'

arilyn Manson has claimed he "screwed" his life up before he began drinking.

Manson has battled drug and alcohol problems throughout much of his career and reportedly now drinks absinthe for breakfast.

But, in an interview with the Daily Mirror, the singer denied he was an alcoholic.

"Not according to the statistics that I read. I went to one AA meeting and I got asked for an autograph. I got pissed off," he said.

"I think you should be able to go in there wearing a mask and say I'm an alcoholic, I'm anonymous. That's a real alcoholic.

"They told me that the definition of an alcoholic is someone who drinks, screws up their life and knows it, but continues doing it.

"Well I screwed up my life up before I drank!"

Manson is currently promoting his latest album, "The High End Of Low".

Thanks for the report to Gigwise.com.

Folie a deux

the simultaneous occurrence of symptoms of a mental disorder (as delusions) in two persons who are closely related (as siblings or man and wife)

Track Listing:
1. "Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes" – 4:17
2. "I Don't Care" – 3:34
3. "She's My Winona" – 3:51
4. "America's Suitehearts" – 3:34
5. "Headfirst Slide into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet" – 3:54
6. "The (Shipped) Gold Standard" – 3:19
7. "(Coffee's for Closers)" – 4:35
8. "What a Catch, Donnie" – 4:51
9. "27" – 3:12
10. "Tiffany Blews" – 3:44
11. "w.a.m.s." – 4:38
12. "20 Dollar Nose Bleed" – 4:17
13. "West Coast Smoker" – 2:46

My favorite track (must listen song):
Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes
She's My Winona
America's Suitehearts (great video clips)

Over and over again!

It's been so long
When you waved my love goodbye
With sadness in your eyes
You left me wondering why

Yes I was hurt before
But it never felt so strong
Now I face the world so wrong
Without you I can't go on

Just the way i feel
I know remain to be
I cry there now
Why can you see


Chorus:
Over and over again
I feel the pain in my heart
Can we make a brand new start
Over and over again
I keep of loving you

There's no end

These times without you
Turned my life into a hell
Everyone can see
But no one can help

I did the best I could
To get you out of my mind
But I just couldn't lie
To prove I'm not that blind

Love is all I feel
I know we're meant to be
Don't waste our time too long
Angel, Angel come with me

Chorus
Loving you..

Chorus
Loving you..

Chrous
yes i do


Youtube link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTS-onRvoho