1. Describe the early years of your musical roots and how your talent was nurtured.

I began playing guitar at the age of 5.  I play by ear, I don't read music.   My dad taught me all of the guitar chords that I needed to get started.  My dad played bluegrass music, so I was always sitting in playing with him and
his friends.  I also learned to play drums, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and some piano throughout my early childhood.

2. Where there any events, people or catalyst(s) that were musically influential?

My dad was my only influence up until I discovered rock n' roll music when I was 12.  That's when I discovered Motley Crue.  They are the most influential band in my life, even today.  They may not be the most talented
musicians on earth, but when they play together, they are a monster.  I only hope that I can achieve 1% of what they have achieved in their 20+ year career.

3.  What does your live set up consist of?

Lately, I have been playing mostly solo acoustic shows.  I perform originals from my 7 independent CD's as well as cover tunes to please the crowd.

4.  You have released seven independent CD’s to date.  Do you have your own record label and publishing company?

This year I released my 7th independent CD titled, "Wanna Get Plunked?".

I do not have a record label, I've been doing everything on my own.  Just recently I developed my own publishing company titled, "Plunk This Publishing".

5.  How involved are you in the recording process of past and present recordings?

I have always been heavily involved in the recording process.  That is an area of the music business that has always interested me.  I have produced or co produced all of my CD's.  I hope to be a producer someday later in
life.

6.  What was it like when the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences awarded you with the 2000 Premier Player “Newcomer of the Year” Award?

It was the best moment of my career.  I felt like I finally made a difference in the music community and for the first time, I felt really appreciated for my talents.

7.  In 2002 you did a television performance that was broadcast to over 20 million viewers for the Food Network Program.  Where there any obstacles that you encountered?

It was a great experience and a great pleasure to be a part of the Food Network program.  Everything went very smoothly.  No obstacles at all.

8.  You also have several songs from  “A Piece of Me” that have been used in an independent film entitled, “Nothing But Flowers”.  What are the important clauses for a songwriter to include in a contract with a film company interested in using your songs?

I would always suggest an attorney when receiving any type of contract.

9.  What equipment was used to record you live CD titled, “Live At One More”?

I recorded this CD on a Roland VS880 digital workstation on 4 tracks.  One vocal track, One guitar track and Two room mics hanging from the ceiling.

10. How do you prepare yourself before a gig?

Rest!  Rest is so important for me before a gig.

11. What gauge strings do you use?

I have an endorsement with S.I.T. strings.  Lately I have been using medium/light acoustic strings.

12. What is the feel of your newly released CD, “Wanna Get Plunked”?

My main goal on this project was to have more of a rock’n roll vibe to it.   I have always loved loud guitars and heavy hitting drums.

13. Who else played on the CD?

The musicians that I used on "Wanna Get Plunked?" were:

Jason Edwards - drums (he has been with me for quite some time now)
Mark Prentice - bass guitar (session player in Nashville)
Glen Duncan - fiddle ( this guy is amazing, I used him for one song on the CD.  He is also a session player from Nashville.  He has played with every big name music star you can think of including Reba McIntyre, George Strait,
Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Jo Dee Messina, the list goes on and on and on.)

14.  Which radio stations are you currently receiving airplay with?

I have been sending out the new CD to internet radio stations as well as several college and indie stations.

15.  What are your career aspirations?

Eventually, I would really like to be involved in the Music Biz side of things.  I would love to be a A&R rep for a major label and work my way up
to President.

For more info on Carol Plunk visit www.carolplunk.com or see the female rock category of the database.

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"Mathematics is music for the mind; music is mathematics for the soul".

Anonymous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"My profession....consists of bringing truths nearer to the point where they explode".

Henze

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"To play great music you must keep your eyes on a distant star".

Yehudi Menuhin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Describe the early years of your musical roots and how your talent was nurtured

Well, you know, I love guitars since 1975, I was five years old. My sister (she’s eight years older than me) bought the Santana song, ”Europa” , so it was a revelation for me you know, I was crazy about the sound & Santana’s playing. I was eight years old at this time. One year later, Van Halen made his killing “Eruption”. I begun to listen to metal music at this time. Anyway, I’m playing 10 hours by day ( sometimes more ) during a lot of years, specially when I began to learn neoclassical music (Malmsteen, Mac Alpine etc.)

2. Where there any events, people or catalyst(s) that were musically influential ?

From the start, as a lot of guitar players, it was Van Halen for sure . I loved to listen & play some songs from guitarists like Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits or Mike Oldfield as well. I begun to play & learn shred guitar in the middle of the 80’s, I was 15 or 16 years old .. I really love this music.

3. What guitar equipment did you use in studio to record your debut CD entitled, ˜Eternity”?

I used my Marshall Amplifier (9100), I like the sound, I have played with it since 1994. Then I used my Pod pro Line 6 as well, I’ve had it since 2002, before I was using a Rocktron . I have a Wah Wah pedal too, Cry baby, and I used my midi foot controller FCB 1010 Behringer. As guitars, I have my Ibanez Jem, my Ovation & ESP.

4. How involved were you in the recording process of "Eternity"?

You know, for this album, all the guitars & bass were recording in my own studio, I was the musician & the engineer (laughing!) The drums were made in the ATS Studio ( Marseille ), the pre mastering too ... generally, in the studio, I work hand in hand with the engineer .. Good team!

5. What recording equipment did you use ?

I recorded with a Behringer Eurorack, compressor & effects . I have a computer with Cubase SX , Wavelab, T rack Etc ... As speakers, I have the Behringer truth b 2031 . I have also my great micriphone Sure SM 57, because I’m always recording live, better feeling.

6. Explain the creative process of “ Eternity”, from the initial inspiration to the recording of the CD .

Well, I had in my head some riffs you know, some chords and harmonies .. in 2003. (my last album at this time came out in 2002, it was a guitar duo with my friend Ritchie Roncarolo) .. So I wanted to play & record my own album. I began to work and compose the songs . I take my inspiration from the world, the nice and the terrible things , but I always look at the dark side ..

7. What sort of obstacles did you face during the creative process?

I didn’t really face obstacles during creative process you know, and that’s fine, because sometimes everything goes wrong.

8. Are you planning a tour ?

Not yet .. Not really .. I mean I have some contacts to play in south america & Asia but I’m very busy, I’m a guitar teatcher for a great music school on the web called, Guitar tips/Guitar songs, it takes a lot of time .. So we will see.

9. How did you record your rhythm guitar parts?

I record each part two times, one at the right panoramic, & one at the left. Playing like this, at the same time, the sound is deeper. I record it with a drum & bass sample at the beginning , in my home studio, and when it’s ok, we can record the real bass & drums at the ATS Studio in Marseille .

10. How did you record your bass part ?

When all the guitars (rhythm) are recorded , the drummer & the bass player record their parts together, live . Sometimes I’m there, sometime I’m not. They know exatly what I want, and we know each other for a long long time!

11. What bass rig did you use in the studio?

When I make a demo in my home studio, I use only my little bass sound from Hallion . That’s enough ..

12. What are your musical ambitions ?

Well .. You know I’m happy like this, my music .. but my ambition, my dream, is to play in a great band like Symphony X , Raphsody .. If I could ask something to God ... It would be that.

13. What scales would you recommend to a novice player wanting to improvise a blues/rock solo ?

Playing at the beginning the C major scale everywhere on the neck, from down to up & up to down and make it for each scale .. because to play a nice chorus, you must know your neck by heart .. Make it with pentatonic & arpeggios as well .. And keep a great feeling. Be yourself with your guitar!

For more info on Cyril Lepizzera visit www.cyrillepizzera.com or see the male metal category of the database.

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