Singer-Songwriter Q&A
Photo credit: Mike Newman
How old were you when you started playing guitar?
Around 5 yrs. old
What was your first guitar? Did you buy it yourself? Do you still have it?
A Stella acoustic. It was a gift. No, but wish I did!
Did your parents or grandparents play any instruments? If so, what did they play? Did you ever get a chance to play with them?
Yes, my father was a guitar player, my older brother played guitar and bass, my grandfather on my mother’s side played drums and was a bandleader. A true song and dance man. Since my father taught me my first chords, I got to play with him quite a bit when I was young. My brother and I played together whenever possible.
What are the guitars that you play? Do you have a favorite? If so, why is it your favorite?
Fender and Nash Telecasters and Esquires. Gibson J45 acoustic. Love ‘em all.
Photo credit: Anita Muller
Photo credit: Mike Newman
What strings do you use (brands and gauges)? How often do you change your strings?
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky. As little as possible!!! No idea really.
Do you use a pick? If so, what brand and thickness?
Yes, Dunlop .73 mm.
Do you use any effect pedals? If so, what are your favorites?
No.
Do you work on your own guitars or do you bring them to a guitar tech? Are there any guitar techs that you would like to recommend?
Wolf Ginandes & Jon Mouradian
At what age did you start writing songs?
I’m sure I thought I was writing songs around age 7 after I saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. Most likely I wrote my real first song around age 13.
What is your songwriting process?
The part that I enjoy the most is the mystery of writing. Catching the idea that is hovering over my head. I will pick up the guitar and go mining for a song. Sometimes it’s there waiting, other times it likes to play hard to get.
Is it the music or the lyrics that usually come to you first?
Most of the time they come together, yeah.
Do you write old school on paper, or electronically?
Both
Who are the top three musicians or bands that have had a major influence on you?
There are too many to pair it down. The entire British Invasion tore my head off. For American composers: Brian Wilson, Bob Dylan. All the usual revolutionaries.
If you could jam with one person, living or dead, who would it be?
Luca Brasi
What are your top three “desert island” albums?
For today they would be Arthur by The Kinks, Quadrophenia by The Who, Berlin by Lou Reed. Ask me again in an hour…
What was the first concert you attended?
Janis Joplin at the Boston Music Hall 1969.
What was the last concert you attended?
No idea!!
The Beatles or the Stones?
The Kinks!
Where and when was your first paid gig? How much did you make?
It was before electricity, and it was dark so I’m not sure where it was. I think it was two bottles of coke and a bubblegum cigar.
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
Too many to name or maybe I’m just lazy.
What has been your worst gig so far and why? (You don’t have to name names).
I do not have one that I can recall.
What are some of the venues you enjoy performing at the most? What things make the venue enjoyable for the performer (location, equipment, setup, organizers)?
This late in the season I’d say any ol’ barn will do!
How do you work out your setlist?
Most of the time I make a setlist for fun then call out the songs I feel like playing!
Is there any advice you wish someone had given you when you were first starting out in the music business?
Watch your wallets and handbags for there will be random looting taking place.
Do you have any suggestions for a guitarist or songwriter who might be stuck in a musical rut?
Yes, don’t listen to any advice from anyone and in time your mojo will either return or not.
If you weren’t a singer-songwriter, what would you be doing for work?
I’d be a songwriter-singer!!
Photo credit: Anita Muller
Please list some of your upcoming shows, plug your music and provide links to your merchandise.
New release: Rectifier by The Amplifier Heads
