Sebastian Kelly
Sebastian Kelly is a largely self-taught guitarist whose extensive traveling and wide range of musical tastes have given him an extremely broad range. From Clas
3
songs
240
plays
Rage & Ruin (Demo) Rage & Ruin (Demo)
Willow (Demo) Willow (Demo)
One Nation (Demo) One Nation (Demo)
Just a little instrumental intro idea for a record I was working on.
WithinAnother - Conflict with Reason
Show all videos (3)
Sebastian Kelly is an American guitarist from Charlotte, North Carolina. His style is a blend of classical, blues and southern rock influences and latter flavours of jazz, fusion, country and world music with deep progressive rock/metal roots.
His music is typically characterized by soaring melodies, odd-time signature rhythms, and intricate harmonies combined to create an aural environment meant to draw the listener into a sonic landscape of musical imagery.
His aggressive approach to the guitar is notably unique though his influences clearly shine through at times. However, make no mistake, Sebastian Kelly isn't just a flash in the pan shredder with something to show. He's got something profound to say.Band/artist history
I started playing when I was 11. I had been an athlete [competition gymnast] until about age 15, but my parents weren't able to afford it anymore. So, my friends were all into punk and metal music and I followed suit and really focused on my playing. I heard Yngwie Malmsteen and thought, I want to do that! I took a few lessons here and there but mostly taught myself and picked up on what my friends were doing.
Later on, I joined and started bands, worked in musical theater and did some security for big-name touring acts. All of those things combined in lessons on what to do and what not to do on and off-stage.Have you performed in front of an audience?I do play live. Fortunately for me, musically, I have a wandering soul so I've traveled quite a bit and gotten to play to a lot of different faces and a good number of different venues, large and small. I absolutely love the studio environment and creating new music excites me. Playing shows, though, is where you get to experience that instant gratification for your hard work. Especially those moments, rare as they are sometimes, when you see someone singing something you've written back to you.
Your musical influences
I was exposed to a lot of different musical styles and types growing up and gravitated heavily toward progressive music like Dream Theater and Symphony X. When I got serious about my craft I began really studying Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai and other technically proficient guitarists and it when on from there. Actually, I owe quite a lot to a guitarist named Denny Mishler. We played together for a while in a band, Badwater, and the things I picked up from Denny are still propelling me today.What equipment do you use?
I don't pretend to have any endorsements but I've tried a lot of gear and I'm fairly loyal when I really like something. Right now I'm using Schecter guitars [Hellraiser & Solo] because I think the tone and playability is the best you can get without buying custom. Plus they're damn sexy! I used Boss effects because, again, they're the best out of the box. There are some limitations but I can't call Boss and say, "Hey. This is Sebastian Kelly. Build this for me." They'd say, "Who?" I'm really loyal to the Morley wahs and volume pedals. The switchless design ala Steve Vai is wonderful and makes live so much easier. I'm kind of shopping for amps right now. I haven't found quite what I'm looking for yet. I know what the major brands are about so I'm shopping boutique brands now. There's one local to me in North Carolina called Splawn. Small custom shop and they're cranking out some really nice amps. So, ampage is TBA, I guess.Anything else?
I'm heading into the studio in September to lay down a few tracks for my solo project, "Brand New Burn." I'm finishing up the lyrics and arranging now. It's extremely stripped down and streamlined from what I'd originally intended but I'm very excited with where it's ended up. I can't wait for people to hear the finished product!
Bloomington, IL
USA
ID
1164697
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