SoundClick artist: Jack Aikens - Jazz, Solo Guitar, Classical Guitar, Heavy Metal, Thrash, Neo-classical, Studio, Session Musician, C

Jack Aikens is a guitar instructor and performing artist living in Eastern Tennessee near the Cherokee National Forrest. He currently teaches at Salt and Light Studios in Sweetwater, TN and can be reached to book performances and lessons at 423-519-8144 or at jackaikensmusic@yahoo.com. He specializes in a variety of styles from Classical to Jazz to Thrash and currently has students enrolled at or studying for entrance to several collegiate guitar/music programs in the East Tennessee area ranging from Classical Guitar at UTC to Bluegrass at ETSU.

When Jack is not teaching, he is performing! Jack’s talents have been showcased in the following:

Private parties and restaurants

Riverbend Festival 2008 ( http://www.riverbendfestival.com ) in Chattanooga, TN.

The Monroe County Relay for Life Fundraiser with vocalist/guitarist Chris Williams at Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN

American Legion Bandstand in Sweetwater, TN performing with songwriter Perry Devine (http://www.perrydevine.com)

The Celebration an American Red Cross Fundraiser featuring headlining act Doyle Tallent hosted by the First United Methodist Church in Sweetwater, TN.

Knoxville Bands Together a benefit for the victims and families of the TVUUC shooting at the Valarium in Knoxville, TN.

Do you play live?

When I can. Mostly I've been doing studio work and teaching guitar over the past few years. I'll be doing acoustic sets of my solo project at a few local venues.

How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?

The internet is great. It helps independent artists like myself who don't have many venues for their music to reach more people.

Would you sign a record contract with a major label?

Maybe, I would have to weigh whether I would benefit more from a label deal or doing it myself.

Your influences?

Randy Rhoads (RIP), Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, John Coltrane(RIP), Alex Skolnick, Scott Kirkland of Downslave (http://www.myspace.com/downslave), Lonnie Mack, Greg Koch, Chet Atkins (RIP), Segovia (RIP), Ludwig Van Beethoven(RIP), J.S. Bach(RIP), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (RIP), Old Metallica, Sabbath, Bruce Dickinson and Maiden, Slayer, Dave Mustaine, Eric Johnson, Dimebag Darrell (RIP), and the list goes on and on.

Favorite spot?

East Tennessee

Equipment used:

ESP/LTD and Ibanez Electrics into a Furman Pedalboard and a Peavey 6505+ Head with a Peavey Valve King 4x12 Cab. I use primarily Yamaha Steel and Nylon String Acoustics. I use a Korg D888 to track into and Cakewalk Sonar for any editing and final mixing. I prefer Sure Instrument and Vocal Mics.

Anything else...?

Please Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/jackaikens79

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