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.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
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.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
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.
Your musical influences
These days: Buckethead, Shawn Lane, Raoul Bjorkenheim and a big list of people. Mostly those who work by themselves.
What equipment do you use?
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.
Anything else?
Maybe later.
