The Screaming Ninja

There is no band. Only me. I play guitar and bass. I can fake playing drums for about 20 seconds.

I'm interested in many kinds of music. Too many to ever focus on one long enough to get anywhere with it.

I started doing this because I wanted to be like Kurt Cobain and write and sing some songs with my guitar. I kept trying because I thought I just hadn't met the right people yet.

I started getting into metal because with my aggressiveness and limited vocal range it just seemed like a better place for me. I took it all very seriously and devoted myself to the craft of writing songs. This was about 2000-2002. I modeled myself on Phil Anselmo and Blackie Lawless with a slight, but healthy injection of Merle Haggard.

When I realized I don't have the chops to be a singer, I devoted myself to being a better guitar and bass player. But my prime intent was still to write the superior song.

When I realized I probably wasn't going to be in a band, stupidly, I became a much better guitar player.

Now I still write a few songs, but mostly I just play guitar pointlessly. I'm attempting to write ad and commercial music. But I'm probably not hardwired for it. I will write it regardless of if people take it or leave it. I guess I mostly just play for mself.

I've played live a handful of times in mostly strange scenarios. I'm indifferent about it. If I'm ever in a rock band again, I think I will wear a mask. Not so people won't know who I am, but so I can feel alone. Most everything I do, onstage or off, could somehow qualify as a "special" moment.

These days: Buckethead, Shawn Lane, Raoul Bjorkenheim and a big list of people. Mostly those who work by themselves.

All drums are currently programmed by Fruity Loops and all guitars are recorded by Adobe Audition.

Everything is run through a Behringer V-Amp pro, which is "The" Mutli-Effects rack unit for people with no budget at all.

Guitar wise, I prefer guitars modeled after the Stratocaster. I've played and owned many guitars. I've learned too much about them. Aftermarket pickups and wiring especially. I don't have a favorite guitar or pickup or string or pick or whatever. Most of this stuff has it's own merit regardless of company name and price and I feel that good sounds can be coaxed out of anything when the mood is right. I do believe that "tone is in the hands" but a Dimarzio X2N in your bridge isn't going to slow you down.