VMU: Hey how are you and where are you located?
GM: I’m good thank you. I am in Hammonton NJ. Half way between Atlantic City NJ and Philadelphia PA
VMU: How many releases have you put out and who produced?
GM: I have a 5 song independent demo (5 for now) and plenty of tunes written
self produced
VMU: Were the recordings done digital or analog? (if comps what programs)
GM: Digital no computer recording yet
VMU: How did you get started into music?
GM: My mom had gotten me a guitar when I was 7. I tried to play it but was too difficult at the time but kept my interest trying vocals at 10, drums at 11, keys 12 and bass 13 then guitar before I was 14. I took private lessons from Jeff Aach down the street here. He later went to Berklee College of music. So needless to say my lessons were tough but great. I really treasured them. I was a music major at a local community college went for 2 years and plenty of music education classes and guitar instruction. Later I turned to vocals for lack of singer. Played in a number of cover and original bands now solo but still looking for new projects.
VMU: Do you prefer live or studio recording?
GM: I prefer studio recording
VMU: How's the local music scene in your home town?
GM: It is so non existence it’s mostly covers
VMU: What do you express in your lyrics?
GM: Life experiences, religious beliefs, things in the news at times
VMU: How do you feel about other artists expressing their beliefs in music? (Religious or political)
GM: Fine I do.
VMU: Could you explain in detail the gear you use?
GM: I use a Carvin dc127t and tl60t primarily. I also have a custom strat I made when I worked at a factory in NJ here. Also a Jackson jx10 remodified. I use fender stratacoustics for acoustic. My bass is a Yahama rxb250 and Strings I use d'Addario 10’s and DR 10's and d'Addario med for bass and Martin 13's for acoustic. Picks I use Dunlop 1.14 blue and Boss gt3 effects processor. Amps are a Behringer Ultratwin gx210 and a Line 6 flex tone ii head and peavey stereo cab.
VMU: Who are your musical influences?
GM: Fates Warning, Queensryche, Dream Theater, Savatage, Dokken, Rush, Megadeth, Alter Bridge, Collective Soul, Kiss
VMU: Any tours in the works?
GM: Not at the moment
VMU: How did you do the recording process direct or mic?
GM: I use a combination
VMU: How do you feel about the mainstream music scene? (USA and overseas)
GM: It’s awful little talent in musicians. No business sense poor quality tunes.
VMU: Any deals in the works?
GM: I had some good responses from a few labels but nothing yet
VMU: New recordings in the works?
GM: Just in writing stages now
VMU: Any advice to other indie artists?
GM: Don’t give up enjoy what you love BELIEVE in yourself and realize you have a gift. Also practice your craft always push yourself to learn more not just your instrument but the business end of it.
VMU: Do any of you own a home studio? (What gear)
GM: I have a Boss br8 and Tascam CDR 700 burner. A Boss dr550 drum machine and a Yahama psr220 keyboard. Mics are Shure sm57 and a few cad mp10s
VMU: Why do you do what you do in music?
GM: I love to play and teach and work on guitars and keep growing it’s what I love. I always had a interest and I’m good at it.
VMU: Thank you so much for your time!! Any last words?
GM: Never give up don’t worry If you DON’T GET SIGNED. Establish fans online and in your shows and be true to you and have fun.
htttp://groups.msn.com/guitarman1973nj
VM UNDERGROUND
March 7 2005