Interview with Scott McClellan !

Inferno Guitars’ endorser interview series “part three” brings us shredmiester Scott McClellan, a great metal guitarist with a humble, laid back attitude…

Trevor Discombe: Thanks for talking with Inferno Guitars today Scott, I know you are busy so I really appreciate it. To begin, I’d like to ask how many bands and musical projects are you currently involved in?

Scott McClellan: Right now only three, I had to cut back to better attack each one.

Trevor Discombe: That’s understandable… Is there any new material coming up?

Scott McClellan: Well Trevor, I am writing my own material and writing with Tony Martin of Black Sabbath.

Trevor Discombe: How did you become involved with Tony Martin and Charlie Benante of Anthrax?

Scott McClellan: With Tony it was an accident – I heard his vocals on MySpace so I asked to him to record one of my songs and he responded within a day with the voice on the song and I was blown away with his pipes – didn’t even know he was from Sabbath… but after I found out by reading his bio I was floored! We talked and enjoy each other’s skills, so we are working on our CD between projects as we are both very busy. As far as Charlie goes I got a sweet complement on my song “Not Of You”… he’s cool but we never really worked together.

Trevor Discombe: Could you tell us about some of the bands you have been a part of in the past?

Scott McClellan: I played with almost too many to name… some of the bands where Outlind, Sabbins Gull, Ravis Havok, then Project Spine. Then I met up with singer/front man Paul Menki – he’s a great singer… we wrote two CD’s and I went back to Spine which changed to Brotherhood of Spine. Then I started Dreamography and the front man Dane Johns and I wrote a death metal CD called “Earth Died Screaming”. Then I ran into Tony Martin of Black Sabbath and I’m still working with him… it’s been slow because he’s busy with his other projects as I am with mine. I am still in America’s #1 Pantera tribute band Cemetery Gatez, so I have been busy… there’s others but this would take all day ha!

Trevor Discombe: So how long have you been playing guitar?

Scott McClellan: Since I was nine years old, a very long time.

Trevor Discombe: Who are some of your main musical influences and favorite artists?

Scott McClellan: Devon Townsend, Jed Simon and Gene of Strapping Young Lad, Anthrax, Judas Priest, old Ozzy (and some new), BLS, Pantera, Soilwork, Led Zepp… too many to name.

Trevor Discombe: So, what is the metal music scene like in the USA?

Scott McClellan: Right now it’s still here, but I hear it’s much better your side of the planet. I plan on trying to make it that way one day.

Trevor Discombe: How do you see the metal music scene today around the world?

Scott McClellan: It’s much stronger in Europe, the USA is still going strong but in some areas there’s bigger numbers and some areas smaller… probably like anywhere really.

Trevor Discombe: At this time, what would be some of the biggest highlights of your musical career?

Scott McClellan: Going to the NAMM Show – I love it every time, I don’t have to worry about being in tune and I can just chill with all my rock star bros and relax. Also my many endorsements and thank you to them all, you being one of them… and I love the big crowds shouting at us as well, I love the fans, I am nothing with out them.

Trevor Discombe: What would your daily or weekly rehearsal routine involve, both personally and with your bands?

Scott McClellan: Well I write everyday so I get up with music in my brain and get to my studio and start cracking at it… also my bands, we practice before every show several times to be tight as we can be.

Trevor Discombe: As you have now received two different budget priced Inferno guitars, what would you say to those who may be concerned about the sound or playability of an Inferno guitar?

Scott McClellan: They’re good guitars – fast and mean, also I use my acoustic by Inferno a ton on all my clean stuff. As far as the electric “Inferno Meteor” goes, I do a lot of my faster songs with it, I like to record with it a lot.

Trevor Discombe: Again, many thanks for your time Scott and best wishes brother…

Scott McClellan: Never a problem Trevor, I thank you for all you have done for me and you are too kind, God bless you.

    by infernoadmin