Machamer
I'll have to think of something clever to write here...
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I'm primarily a guitar player, but at this time I'm a one man band sitting at my computer. I had a long layoff from music in the 90's when I was focused on working as a computer nerd. A few years ago I came to realize how much I missed just holding a guitar and fiddling around with it. Now I'm playing almost daily, writing my own music, and learning how to record and get my ideas distilled into something that others might want to hear. I also jam with a drummer a few times a month because jamming is just good clean fun.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I haven't played in front of an audience since the 80's. There were a lot of special moments for me back then -- any time our band played I was making music with my best friends, and occasionally we sounded like rock stars.
Your musical influences
As a rock guitarist, I really enjoy up-tempo melodic music like that of Joe Satriani, or aggressive finger-picking like that of Leo Kottke. Lately I've been listening to more mainstream material by artists like Sting and Maroon 5 because the writing, production quality, and vocal performances are so good. It is influencing what I play and write, especially on acoustic guitar.
What equipment do you use?
My electric guitar is a parts-guitar built in the 80's -- Charvel neck, EMG pickup, Floyd Rose. I use a Diezel Herbert amp through a Bogner 4x12 cabinet, plus some other equipment. I'm still working out my live sound as I would like to get out and play live again. My acoustic guitars are by Taylor and Yairi.
My workstation is a Sony VAIO computer running Tracktion for sequencing/recording. I record electric guitar over USB from Line 6 POD XT and now a TonePort that my wife bought me for Christmas. For drums/bass I use plug-ins: Drumkit From Hell Superior and Quantum Leap Hardcore Bass.
Anything else?
I'm interested in performing with a band again and I'm open to playing a number of styles. Stepping into an existing act in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago would be ideal.
