Inferno Guitars’ Endorser Interview Series (part seven) features Daniel Frank, the modest yet cool and colourful lead guitarist for the ever popular pop-punk band “Better Than Grey” from Bulgaria…

Trevor Discombe: Thank you for sparing some time for Inferno Guitars, Daniel. To start with, could you tell us about your new album “No Way Back” please?

Daniel Frank: Well… I don’t really like doing self-promotion but we’ve been working on it for three years, so at least you’ll know that we really did our best… even though the second one will be better.

Trevor Discombe: I really like your song “Dream”… it got your endorsement application approved in the first thirty seconds of hearing it. Do you have other previous recordings that our readers can check out?

Daniel Frank: Well, since this is our debut album we don’t have earlier recordings… and we give “Dream” as a free song to everyone who wants.

Trevor Discombe: How did you become involved with the Eurovision Song Contest?

Daniel Frank: We actually got involved kind of last minute. Justin thought that one of our songs could be slightly modified to fit the requirements for Eurovision song, we tried and it worked out. It became exactly three minutes long as this is the limit. So, we submitted it and they picked us up to be semi-finalists.

Trevor Discombe: Could you please tell us how Better Than Grey formed from CHVoR and about other previous bands you may have been in?

Daniel Frank: Well, to be honest I haven’t been there at the moment the change started. I started playing with those guys four years ago, when CHVoR and OLLIE were two active projects of the same people who wanted to create music in different genres. Lucky for me, I was into both styles and wanted to join both projects. After that OLLIE made some transformations in the lineup and changed the name to Better Than Grey.

Trevor Discombe: How did your love for punk rock and music in general originate?

Daniel Frank: Started early in high school with bands like Green Day, Offspring, Blink 182…

Trevor Discombe: So, how long have you been playing guitar and how did you begin?

Daniel Frank: I started pretty late actually, at age of twelve. I started without any serious intentions, just got curious on chords and melodies etc… Later on I was really bored at high school with everything, kind of spent all my time playing the guitar and then it got serious…

Trevor Discombe: Please talk us through Better Than Grey’s method of song writing…

Daniel Frank: Mostly Justin writes the music, then we all start pitching in for the arrangements…

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

Daniel Frank: Boom! I don’t want to spend an hour listing names here… It’s been so many throughout the years, especially if we talk about guitar players… Almost every serious guitar player I think have had the ‘Yngwie’ phase and then the ‘Satriani’ Phase … maybe the “Vai”… and many, many more of course. I’ve been always a huge fan of Alexi Laiho as well, also so many classical and flamenco guitar players like Eliot Fisk, Tomatitto, Carlos Barbosa-Lima…

Trevor Discombe: How would you describe the music scene today in Bulgaria and the rest of Europe?

Daniel Frank: Not good. Bulgaria Is almost hopeless, Europe is also suffering a huge decrease in the amount of people who are willing to go and check out live bands in venues, especially new bands that don’t have a strong name for twenty years already.

Trevor Discombe: Please tell us about your most memorable live performance…

Daniel Frank: That’s Rock’n’Roll … who remembers their shows after that many beers?

Trevor Discombe: Ok… so, how much personal guitar practice would you undergo in an average day or week?

Daniel Frank: … (chooses not to answer)

Trevor Discombe: What would be the biggest highlight in your musical career so far?

Daniel Frank: Everytime I see people in the audience singing our lyrics and tunes …

Trevor Discombe: Cool. Do you have any guitar playing advice for people who are just starting out?

Daniel Frank: Don’t try to be ‘the best’… this is art, not a sport.

Trevor Discombe: Now that you have spent some time with your Inferno Comet Custom guitar, what would you say to those who may be concerned about the quality of an Inferno custom guitar?

Daniel Frank: I am extremely pleased with my Inferno Guitar. Absolute quality.

Trevor Discombe: Again, many thanks for your time Daniel and I wish you good luck with your new album “No Way Back”…

Daniel Frank: Thanks, Trevor… for all your support.

Inferno Guitars’ Endorser Interview Series (part six) features Patte Carlsson, lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter for the talented Swedish “old-school” metal and rock band known as Fretless…

Trevor Discombe: Thanks for your time with Inferno Guitars today Patte, I appreciate it very much. To begin, could you tell us about your new album please?

Patte Carlsson: Thank you Trevor! And thank you so much for your trust in me as a guitar player, it is an honour to be an endorsing player for Inferno Hand Crafted Guitars. Our upcoming album will be called “Hunter” and will be released in October 2012. Our fans will recognize the Fretless sound and style for sure…

Trevor Discombe: …And your previous recordings?

Patte Carlsson: We released our album “Local Heroes” digitally in December 2010 and the actual CD was released in January 2011. The album can be bought on every major download site. The actual CD can be bought from us in the band (www.fretless.se). In 2010 we made music for a Swedish movie called “The Jaukka Brothers” released by Doppelganger Films from Stockholm. Our song “Rock You” is in that movie and this feels very good! In January 2012 we released our single “We Support The Ride”. The song “Ride” is written for the UK based road racing team “After Dark”. The two songs on the single “Ride” and “Stand & Deliver” will be on our new album “Hunter”. During 2012, our song “Stand & Deliver” will be on a compilation CD with many Swedish acts. The CD will be called “F*ck Cancer” and its purpose is to raise money for the work to fight youth cancer.

Trevor Discombe: Wow, that’s a great cause to support. How did you become involved with the U.K. moto racing team “After Dark”?

Patte Carlsson: I was recording a song in my own studio. I really liked the way how it sounded, a little different from the songs I used to write. I sent a working copy to our label E.L.T Records, UK and asked for their opinion. The day after Simon from E.L.T contacted me and told me that he had played the song for the road racing team. They had loved it so we were asked to do the song for them. I talked to the guys in the band and we believed that this was a really fun thing to do. Now it is recorded and released and everyone is happy!

Trevor Discombe: Could you tell us how Fretless formed and about other previous bands you have been in?

Patte Carlsson: The band Fretless started in 2009. I was offered a contract by a Swedish record label for my own project but they wanted me to start a real band. I called some friends of mine and Fretless as a band was born. No one from the start is left in the band. Dennis our bass player joined shortly after the band had started. I have played in many bands during the years but mostly in bands put together by friends just to play and have fun. It is now that things really starts to happend and I have never worked harder with my music as I do today, but I love it for sure…

Trevor Discombe: How did your love for hard rock and metal music originate?

Patte Carlsson: I have always loved music and when I was fourteen years old I was asked by a friend if I could be the singer in the band called “Fasad”. This was a pop band really. The same year I started to play guitar more seriously and I listened more and more on heavier music… bands like Iron Maiden, Scorpions and MSG really turned me into a hard rocker.

Trevor Discombe: So, how long have you been playing guitar and how did you begin?

Patte Carlsson: As I answered on your earlier question I started when I was fourteen years old but the first years I was the bass player and singer in the most bands I played in. I believed I was not good enough on guitar then, no one said anything but I am convinced that this was the reason I played the bass. I don´t know if that helped me out, to become a guitar player but I think it is good to try different instruments.

Trevor Discombe: Please talk us through your method of song writing…

Patte Carlsson: I do the most of our songs in my own studio… plays around on my guitar just to find the feeling in my riffs and chords… and when I find it I just record it, building the song in the studio. I am always building the songs in the studio piece by piece. When I am satisfied with the result I am sending the other guys the songs. Then we try them out when we rehearse and make the changes together. For us, this is a great way to work.

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

Patte Carlsson: For vocals… Andi Deris (Pink Cream 69), Biff Byfford (Saxon), Ed Kowalczyk (Live) and many more. For guitar… John Norum, Dave Murray and many more.

Trevor Discombe: How would you describe the music scene today in Sweden and Europe?

Patte Carlsson: In Europe, USA and Australia we are appreciated in a different way than in our home country Sweden. We plays in different radio stations every day. Here in Sweden, people likes us a lot but I think media and booking agents believe that we are too “old school” and not modern enough… but one thing is sure, we are not gonna change the way we perform our music just to please them!

Trevor Discombe: Please tell us about your most memorable performance…

Patte Carlsson: Our release party for our album “Local Heroes” at Valand in Gothenburg was really awesome, with a big crowd that rocked with us in every way they could! But there have been many special gigs over the years…

Trevor Discombe: Cool… how much personal guitar practice would you undergo in an average week?

Patte Carlsson: I play the guitar for about three hours a day, so twenty-one hours a week is my answer.

Trevor Discombe: What would be the biggest highlight in your musical career to date?

Patte Carlsson: I think it is the process with Fretless… from nothing to an upcoming band in a very short time. It feels very good… and we have been lucky to work with a great label E.L.T Records, Birmingham, UK… and our management Eddie´s Mates from Kansas, USA. The future is looking really good for us, so ask me in a year and then I think I can give you a better answer!

Trevor Discombe: Do you have any guitar playing advice for people who are just starting out?

Patte Carlsson: Don´t give up! It will be some tough years in the beginning. Listen to guitar players that you like and get inspiration from them. After some years, I believe that your own style will be heard in your guitar playing and try to keep it that way. Find a guitar that you really love to play on. Enjoy it and as I said before, don´t give up!

Trevor Discombe: Well said… Now that you have spent some time with your Inferno Bandito signature guitar, what would you say to those who may be concerned about the quality of an Inferno custom guitar, even considering the fairly low price?

Patte Carlsson: I am really stunned and surprised over the good quality that the guitar has. It looks good, it sounds good and I love to play on it. My friends know that I am a guitar freak and that I have had many guitars during the years… but the Inferno is my new stage guitar together with my customized Stratocaster from before. I am looking forward to getting the Inferno Comet guitar that we have been talking about… I believe that my Inferno Bandito is one of the best guitars I have ever tried so I am sure that other guitar players around the world would love Inferno guitars!

Trevor Discombe: Again, many thanks for your time Patte and best of luck with your new album and upcoming shows…

Patte Carlsson: Thank you so much Trevor, I am honoured that you wanted to do this interview with me. Good luck with your great guitar brand and we will speak soon!

Inferno Guitars endorser interview series “part five” finds me discussing music and life on the road with none other than Johnny Carona – a talented singer/songwriter/guitarist and guitar technician with music in his veins…

Trevor Discombe: Thanks for talking with Inferno Guitars today John, I appreciate your time very much. To start with, could you tell us about your latest performances, where you’ve been playing and who with?

Johnny Carona: Thank you Trevor, it’s an honor. Really dig the guitars you are building. My latest performances have been as a guitar player for Jocaine, a major player in the Detroit country/rock scene. We just did a show with Bret Michaels (Poison) and that was off the hook. Also, I’m still doing gigs sometimes with Uncle Kracker too….

Trevor Discombe: Is there any new material in the works?

Johnny Carona: There is, it’s just a matter of getting around to recording it. There is also a side project in the works, modern rock, called “The Dirty Losers” that I’m really excited about.

Trevor Discombe: How did you become involved with Keith Urban, Kid Rock and Uncle Kracker?

Johnny Carona: I started taking jobs as a guitar tech, just to get further into the industry. I loved it, was a great job and I was great at it. I just kept getting better gigs, all along knowing I wanted to be on the stage but it was a great way to network. One day I got the call from Kracker’s manager to tech, spent a year teching and traveling extensively when ‘Drift Away’ was a smash. In many ways, it was the “funnest” year of my life. I learned his set in my downtime, just in case they needed me to do an emergency fill-in for the guitar player, who is now with Melissa Etheridge. Well, one day they did need me, and I knocked it out of the park… so they hired me as a full-time guitar player. My third gig was a thirty-thousand seat sold-out arena opening for Kenny Chesney; go figure… I became friends with the Keith Urban camp while doing all the Chesney tours, which lasted for two or three years. Incredible.
And Kid Rock, well he is Kracker’s executive producer, so he was always around…

Trevor Discombe: Could you tell us about some of the other artists you have played with or other bands you have been in?

Johnny Carona: There were a lot of projects I was in around Detroit early on… Detroit had a thriving music scene…
Honestly though, Uncle Kracker was one of those ‘dream gigs’ and I spent 8 years with him. Jocaine, the artist I’m currently spending the most time with, has a huge following around Detroit, I’m expecting big things…

Trevor Discombe: How did your love for southern rock and country music originate?

Johnny Carona: It started on those Chesney tours, being around Keith Urban all the time, stuff like that. Those Nashville players are infectious, the best in the world.

Trevor Discombe: How long have you been playing guitar and how did you begin?

Johnny Carona: Wow, I guess I have been playing seriously for almost thirty years, which sounds crazy to me. My uncle gave me a guitar when I was six, one day I just really started getting into it….

Trevor Discombe: Please talk us through the Johnny Carona method of song writing…

Johnny Carona: Green tea, candles, silence, notepad… that’s where my creativity lies. To me, it’s about ‘connecting’; some people will understand what I mean by this – and I always have a pen and notebook around… also, I have this small place in Florida… so beautiful and inspiring, it just nurtures new song ideas, I try to get there as much as possible, which is never enough….

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

Johnny Carona: It changes, but obviously Keith Urban is a huge influence, an incredible artist. Currently, I’m really into this band called ‘Needtobreathe’, which are doing great in the states.

Trevor Discombe: How would you describe the music scene today in the USA?

Johnny Carona: The ‘scene’ in the states is always amazing, fun, awesome. The ‘industry’, well… that’s a different story right now.

Trevor Discombe: How do you see the music scene in other places you’ve been?

Johnny Carona: It’s always strange outside of the ‘states – more sitting down and clapping type of stuff, which kinda freaks me out. Not sure if we have just caught the wrong venue/wrong day, or if it’s always like that…

Trevor Discombe: Please tell us about your most memorable performance…

Johnny Carona: Curtain rising in front of me as we are about to go live on Jay Leno. One of many memories, but after all… it is The Tonight Show….

Trevor Discombe: Please describe a typical day on tour for Johnny Carona…

Johnny Carona: As any touring musician knows, it’s a lot of “hurry up and wait”. Riding in buses, airplanes, limos, passenger vans. Then usually a sound check early afternoon. Then more waiting…. It can be exhausting but I live for it, it’s my favorite thing to do. Shows are usually a blast for me, and I really dig hanging out after, meeting new people, bands, etc… I like to try to capture the vibe and culture of the different areas we are in, if there is time for it….

Trevor Discombe: What would be the biggest highlight in your musical career to date?

Johnny Carona: The Kenny Chesney tours, probably because it was twenty-five thousand seat venues every night, with some sixty-thousand seat football stadiums thrown in for good measure.

Trevor Discombe: Do you have any guitar playing advice for people who are just starting out?

Johnny Carona: Sounds sarcastic, but learn how to sing. That will separate you from the millions of guitarists who can’t….

Trevor Discombe: Wow, that’s actually excellent advice when I think about it… What would you say to those who may be concerned about the sound or playability of an Inferno guitar, even the budget models?

Johnny Carona: I would tell them to watch the video of me singing ‘No Pressures’ live on Sydney radio. That guitar sounds amazing to me…

Trevor Discombe: Again, many thanks for your time John and best of luck with your upcoming shows…

Johnny Carona: Thank you Trevor, my pleasure….

Johnny Carona performs “No Pressures” live on Sydney radio:

Inferno Guitars’ endorser interview series “part four” introduces Drazen Djordjevic – a young, eager guitarist and web developer with a keen sense of musical versatility…

Trevor Discombe: Thanks for talking with Inferno Guitars today Drazen, I really appreciate your time. To begin, I’d like to ask how Masque of Betrayal formed and how you got involved with the band?

Drazen Djordjevic: Hi Trevor, thank you my friend. Well, to speak honestly, I was the main man behind Masque of Betrayal’s forming many years ago. I just wanted to gather people who are eager to play good metal and after quite some time, the right people came. It was difficult and took ages – but it was worth it.

Trevor Discombe: Is there any new Masque of Betrayal material in the works?

Drazen Djordjevic: Yes, there is a lot of new material, but unfortunately we have this problem with drummers – it’s some kind of drummer curse. We find a perfect guy and something happens, so he leaves the band after a short time. As a founding member of M.O.B., I had put the band on hold a few months ago and I hope to reunite the new incarnation of the band in the future. It’s a shame because of all those great songs we made earlier.

Trevor Discombe: Could you tell us about some of the bands you have played in other than Masque of Betrayal?

Drazen Djordjevic: Of course Trevor. I am involved in many other musical projects and bands – there is Dichotomy Engine (my dark/ambient/industrial/noise project) which is kind of experimental music… but anyway it gained a lot of good reviews. I also performed many gigs with Dichotomy Engine and released four albums with some splits and EP’s so far. Also there is my solo project which I will work on later and it will be just instrumental jazz/rock music. Scatter My Remains is a melodic death metal project where I am trying to make a new breed of melodic-death metal (just working on new music the last couple of months). As you can see, I am involved in a lot of different music and bands… there are also some bands where I play guitar in live performances as a session guitarist. I just love to play and that’s it!

Trevor Discombe: How are your solo projects going? Can you tell us more about them please?

Drazen Djordjevic: Dichotomy Engine is going good, there are no limitations for it – and more music is always there around the corner. I make new stuff whenever I get free time and it is some kind of experimental exploring. I love that! My other rock/jazz solo project is going slowly. I have recorded two demo songs and I don’t intend recording anything else soon… but I don’t want to leave it behind. I just wait for the right time when the inspiration and everything comes into place. Music is not a product but an art, so it needs the right moment and emotion to be what it was originally intended to be – especially when you want to make this kind of music.

Trevor Discombe: How long have you been playing guitar?

Drazen Djordjevic: It has been over 8 years and yes, I started to play fairly late… but my will and love for guitars, guitar playing and music is great – so I haven’t had any fear or such because I started late. Many awesome musicians proved that fact. It’s never too late to play! Just have a strong will with a love for music and you can make it!

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

Drazen Djordjevic: Oh, that’s a tough one. I have many musical influences in different music genres. I am broad-minded when it comes to music, so I could make a gigantic list. You know, I think that everyone has stages in their “musical life” and at some point we have different favorite artists that we admire. I will try to narrow this list down somehow, just to guitarists. My main influences are Tony MacAlpine, Joe Satriani, Jon Shaffer, Vinnie Moore, Al di Meola, Dan Swanö, Mattias IA Eklundh, Chuck Loeb, Michael Romeo, Prashant Aswani, Kiko Loureiro, Jeff Waters, Arjen Lucassen, Stef Carpenter, Tom Englund, Niklas Sundin, Mikael Akerfeldt, Jimmy Page, Mike Stern, Lee Ritenour, David Gilmour, and John McLaughlin… this influence is more emotional than technical.

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

Drazen Djordjevic: Serbia is a tough place for metal musicians (and all other kinds of music which is not main-stream) but that’s a long story. The only good thing is that over the last ten years Serbia has a wider scene, despite the tough conditions for metal music. Also the fan base is much greater than before. I think the metal scene is going to be better and stronger because we have great musicians and good music. The most important thing is to find a way to promote bands outside of Serbia and if one or two bands become successful, the world will take a better look at our scene and other good bands will get a chance to show their quality.

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

Drazen Djordjevic: I think that metal music is good these days around the world. The situation was bad in the 90’s but as the new century came, people started listening to metal music again – and it is good, because with more bands, more good music is created so you have more choice.

Trevor Discombe: Please tell us about some of your most memorable performances…

Drazen Djordjevic: I have played many gigs and festivals with different bands and projects. Every performance is unique for me but I would say performances with Masque of Betrayal at Battle of the Bands in Zajecar (Serbia’s oldest band contest – over 40 years old) and Rock Battle in Kula, when we won the Best Band Award as voted by the audience. Fans are the best judges, so that’s why I love that one.

Trevor Discombe: I have received many positive comments regarding the graphic design work which you have done for Inferno Guitars including the logo, website and MySpace page. How did you become involved with graphic design?

Drazen Djordjevic: That is so nice to hear. I did my best to present Inferno Guitars with this new logo and other web designs. I have been involved with computers since I was a kid. Also I love to be creative in many ways. Being interested in web programming, I loved the other side of the web and that is graphic design. I really don’t know when it started but in the last few years I became so involved in the graphic side that it is now part of my daily life, although I must admit that I was a good painter in elementary school, haha!

Trevor Discombe: How should people contact you if they would like some graphic design or website work done?

Drazen Djordjevic: Well, they can simply email me at djdrazen@gmail.com. I don’t have a website which is especially intended to promote my graphic design yet but maybe I’ll put one online soon. Currently I am mainly busy with my daily job and my music (bands and projects).

Trevor Discombe: As you have 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?

Drazen Djordjevic: Yes, it’s been a while and I have tested and played these two Inferno guitars live. First I have to say that I love them! You know, I wanted to experience what these “budget” guitars look, feel and sound like because every guitar builder can make a great custom guitar which will cost a lot of money… but who can make a great budget guitar which will not cost you so much and still be as good as custom one? Well I can honestly say that these two Inferno guitars totally exceeded my expectations. They are so awesome I couldn’t stop playing them from the minute they arrived. Both of these two are perfectly crafted with great sound and playability. I can tell you now a lot of things but you must take an Inferno guitar in your hands and feel this. I am happy that my waiting for these two guitars paid off. I love both the acoustic and electric guitar, each one has its own highlights. The most important thing is that these are to great instruments which are awesome in crafting and even better sounding. Thanks Trevor for such good work!

Trevor Discombe: Again, many thanks for your time Drazen and best wishes my friend…

Drazen Djordjevic: Hehe thank you Trevor again! I am so glad to have this interview with you, it was a pleasure. Take care my friend, all the best to you and everyone who reads this.

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.

“Part two” of the Inferno Guitars’ endorser interview series sheds some light on the amazing Alfredo Herz and his song writing/recording techniques…

Trevor Discombe: Thanks for taking some time out for Inferno Guitars today Alfredo, I really appreciate it. To begin, please tell us about your album “Raw” on iTunes… it has to be some of the best self-produced music I have ever heard…

Alfredo Herz: Thanks a lot, Trevor! That is great to hear. That album took a long time to record. I started by step-writing all the drums in a drum machine. After nine months of sequencing the memory of the machine went out, so I lost all the sequences. I had to re-do everything again, but this time I got an Imac, so I step wrote and edited the drums in it.

I recorded the album in my apartment, so I had to go direct. I wish I had gone through an amp, but you have to work with what you have, so…

Everything has been done in guitar, so I tried to not be another “shredder clone”. Instead of going for the usual licks I tried to hear melodies in my head and then figured them out on the fretboard, instead of just playing licks that I was familiar with, with a few exceptions, of course.

Trevor Discombe: Is there any new material coming up?

Alfredo Herz: I have been talking to some of my friends here about putting a project together. The idea of being a soloist is not as appealing to me as being part of a band. I really miss that comradery and the trading of ideas. Besides, I usually listen to bands that have singers. Hardly ever I throw in an instrumental CD in my car anymore.

Trevor Discombe: Could you tell us about some of the artists you have played with and bands you have been in?

Alfredo Herz: Only local stuff.

Trevor Discombe: How did you become involved with Drew Carey and “The Price Is Right”?

Alfredo Herz: Just like everyone else that is in the business gets anywhere – through a friend.

Trevor Discombe: So, when did you first begin playing guitar?

Alfredo Herz: When I was 15 years old, so that makes it what, now? About 6 months ago? (joking)

Trevor Discombe: I have really enjoyed your guitar lessons on YouTube, how did all of that begin?

Alfredo Herz: I was doing video editing for some of Greg Howe’s online lessons (www.ghworkshops.com) and had one of his video cameras in my apartment, so I recorded my “how to play 30 notes per second on the guitar” video as a joke. After getting all kinds of positive and hate-mail-type feedback I decided to just get a camera of my own and have some fun with it.

Trevor Discombe: Naturally, my favorite video of yours is where you play your Inferno guitar with your tongue… how did that begin?

Alfredo Herz: When I was learning to play live I was just looking for ways to give the best live show I could, so I started playing with the tongue and doing all kinds of fun gimmicks on stage.

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

Alfredo Herz: My friends say that I sound like a broken record when I say this, but Greg Howe is my favorite guitarist. Some of my other influences are Marty Friedman, John Petrucci, Slash and Nuno Bettencourt.

Lately I’ve been listening to all kinds of music, from Tool to Coldplay to Lady Gaga to Brad Paisley. I love the album “Plans” by Death Cab for Cutie and my latest favorite album is by a relatively unknown band called “Depswa.” The album is called “Distorted American Dream.” If you have a chance, check them out. It is so refreshing to hear great rock music again.

Trevor Discombe: How would you describe the music scene in California and the rest of the USA?

Alfredo Herz: All I can tell you is that I spent over 10 years going from one place to another, and when I got to Los Angeles I realized that I should have been here the whole time.

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

Alfredo Herz: I honestly don’t know. Just when I think I have it figured out something surprises me. For a while it seemed like labels weren’t willing to take any risks and damaged the industry by releasing “safe” albums and/or artists that already had financial backing, one after another. They were in such a hurry to cash in on their next artist that they didn’t even allow people to develop an emotional link to the artists. Here is an example: Anyone can tell you who the guitarist for Guns and Roses was. They can tell you who was the drummer for Motley Crue. Can you tell me the name of the drummer for Chumbawamba? – Do you even remember Chumbawamba?

My point is that for every action there is a reaction. The industry is hurting because of their own makings. I think that the only reaction that makes sense would be to become a little more picky about who will get launched and make sure that there is actual talent and soul, instead of yet another generic pretty kid band. It might be a little while before that actually happens, if it happens.

Trevor Discombe: Please tell us about your most memorable live performance…

Alfredo Herz: I hold too many dearly to have only one.

Trevor Discombe: What would be the biggest highlight in your musical career?

Alfredo Herz: I have never engineered a recording, mixed or mastered before, so my favorite moment would have to be when I threw the final product in my friend’s car and listened to it from beginning to end. At the time I was sick of the songs, but just realizing that it was done was an amazing feeling.

Most people don’t realize the amount of work that it takes to write an entire album, let alone sequencing and editing the drums, recording the guitars and bass, mixing and mastering. When I had entire days to work on it sometimes I would forget to eat, and other occasions I had to hold going to the bathroom for hours just trying to get things right. Finishing it was such a great feeling that I am getting in such a good mood just remembering it as I am talking about it.

Trevor Discombe: What does your daily or weekly rehearsal routine involve?

Alfredo Herz: It changes every day. Lately I’ve been taking a break, but when I come back it will consist of stretching, about 15 minutes warming up and exercises with alternate picking, hammer-ons, tapping, sweeping, and then writing something… anything.

Trevor Discombe: Do you have any guitar playing advice for younger or less experienced players?

Alfredo Herz: Yes – Be smart about your decisions. If you already have a band, stick with it. A lot of the bands that succeed have been friends since they were young. It will be very difficult to find that kind of bond again. If you decide to leave your hometown, go where it’s at instead of “playing it safe.”

Trevor Discombe: Again, many thanks for your time Alfredo and best of luck with your album…

Alfredo Herz: Thanks, Trevor. Always a pleasure!

Mick Sultana (Mortal Sin)

I recently conducted “part one” in a series of interviews featuring Inferno endorsing artists. Mortal Sin’s Mick Sultana was kind enough to be the first whom accepted my interview invitation.

Trevor Discombe: Thanks for sparing some time for Inferno Guitars Mick, I know you are very busy. You’re aware that I’m a big Mortal Sin fan and have been since the 1980s, so this is a pleasure for me. To begin, I’d like to ask how you first got involved with Mortal Sin and were you a fan of the band before hand?

Mick Sultana: My involvement with Mortal Sin started in mid 2003, when I received a call from my old guitar buddy Joe Buttigieg, who at the time was playing in the band, asking if I was interested in joining to complete the line-up. Joe and I had previously played together in Addictive so I felt at home straight away. I was also a fan and friends with the remaining original members, as we had played many shows and tours alongside each other in the day. We also rehearsed at the same studios so we were pretty much on the same level right from the start.

Trevor Discombe: Could you tell us about some of the bands you have played in before Mortal Sin?

Mick Sultana: The only other band I’ve played with is Addictive, so Mortal Sin is my second gig. I’ve never really understood how musicians can jump from band to band year after year because in some ways it’s like starting over again as far as the groundwork is concerned, unless of course you’re a “hired gun” type of player or get a better offer haha… but then I guess it’s a question of loyality at the end of the day.

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

Mick Sultana: I first picked up the guitar in 1985 at the age of fifteen, two years later I joined my first band Addictive which spanned from 1987 until 1996. After that I kind of went into musical retirement from 1996 up until 2003. Finally from 2003 onwards is where Mortal Sin comes into the picture. The simple answer is twenty-four years, where does the time go?

Trevor Discombe: I personally like your guitar playing style. Who are some of your main musical influences and favorite artists?

Mick Sultana: I grew up listening to Kiss & AC/DC but by the time I had started playing I was more into the thrash movement, with the likes of Megadeth and Destruction – who were probably my main infuences at the time. Im not generally a huge Death/Black metal fan but there are some exceptions like Amon Amarth’s latest album, Twilight Of The Thunder God is simply awesome. Anything and everything you listen to is an influence to some degree… I also like classical players such as John Williams and Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. My personal favorite guitarists out of respect would have to be Marty Friedman and Randy Rhoads, who both have this great ability to take you in and hold your attention.

Trevor Discombe: How do you see the metal music scene today, both in Australia and overseas?

Mick Sultana: I think the metal scene is pretty strong right now and generally more accepted today, apposed to the ’80′s. The Australian metal scene in particular is good but I still believe the bands never get the recognition they deserve on a global basis. It’s really interesting overseas though, it all just seems to be taken a lot more seriously.

Trevor Discombe: In your time with Mortal Sin you have shared the stage with some legendary metal bands. Could you please tell us about some memorable tours or concerts?

Mick Sultana: Looking back it’s hard to believe some of the shows and festivals we’ve been lucky enough to play the last few years. The Inferno Festival, Oslo Norway 2008 for example was the last show of the European Tour with Overkill, which was headlined by Destruction. Not only was it the first time I got to see them live but I shared the stage, chatted and had a beer with them. Some of the festivals have been amazing too, both Wacken ’06 and ’08, Head Banger’s Open Air, Jalometalli in Finland, Metal Mania with Megadeth, as was the Anthrax Tour and shows back home with Slayer, Testament, Judas Priest and the up coming Australian tour with Kreator.

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

Mick Sultana: Show wise I’d have to say the European tour with Overkill and playing Wacken Open Air will stay with me forever. For me personally, I really believe the recording studio is the most important part in anyones musical career. Let’s face it, once its all said and done, when touring is all but a distant memory, only the recordings remain.

Trevor Discombe: You mentioned previously that Mortal Sin are writing some new material, could you tell us a little about that and when fans can hope for a new CD release?

Mick Sultana: The new material so far is a lot thrashier than the last release. Although Nathan Shea and Luke Cook have been in the band for several years, at the time of recording “An Absence Of Faith” a good part of the material was already written, so Mortal Sin’s next effort will show a lot more of their influences and shine throughout, also bringing some heavier elements onboard. As far as a release date is concerned, we were aiming for late 2009 but a 2010 release might be more realistic.

Trevor Discombe: You also mentioned previously a South American tour for Mortal Sin?

Mick Sultana: Shows for the South American tour are currently being booked and it’s growing into a decent sized tour. It should also be noted thats it’s the first time Mortal Sin will play in these regions so we are really looking forward to it.

Trevor Discombe: Do you have any advice to offer younger or less experienced guitar players in bands?

Mick Sultana: Yeah I do… Don’t do it, stay away haha! It can be an extremely tough industry and it’s only getting harder in this “ipod age”. It’s also a lot of sacrifice, hard work, it’s costly and it absorbs a lot of time. On a high note, its a creative path and a good outlet in life if you follow your dreams. It really all comes down to what you want from it – if you’re expecting the world then be prepared for some major dissapointments. Be sure to love what you’re doing because it doesn’t love you back very often. How’s that for encouragement?

Trevor Discombe: As you play in one of my favourite international bands, you also endorse Gibson and you have played two different Inferno guitars, your opinion is quite valuable to me. What would you say to those who may be concerned about the sound or playability of an Inferno guitar?

Mick Sultana: Im very proud to be assosiated with and to have obtained an endorsement deal with Gibson guitars but for someone looking into Inferno guitars as a cheaper option, they will be pleased with both the sound and playability. From my experience, Inferno is a promising, quality guitar at an affordable price with a very comfortable setup. I definitely recommend Inferno Guitars in this price range.

Trevor Discombe: Again, many thanks for your time Mick and all the best mate.

Mick Sultana: No worries Trevor, thanks for the interest.

Tell us about Inferno Hand Crafted Guitars, how did it start? etc..

I first became interested in working on guitars when I bought a new electric to play at home. I took it back to the music store because it played poorly, so their luthier set it up and crowned the frets for me. Once I understood this concept, I bought some guitar repair books and a few new guitars to work on myself. I had trouble understanding the technical wording of the books so I took the guitars to the music store to get worked on, only these guitars had more serious problems and the repairs were expensive. Over time I became friends with the luthier and he has taught me a lot, as he continues to do. My friends liked my guitars so much, they started asking if I would work on new guitars for them. Some time after, I started selling my new handfinished guitars on ebay – having 100% positive feedback over several years. This is where Inferno Guitars started but a lot has changed since then as we now focus on handmade custom guitars for professional players. Having said that, some of our endorsers play our lesser-priced handfinished guitars built from premade parts and are quite happy with them.

You have a few endorsement deals with guitarists and bass players around the world. Who are they and why were they selected?

Our endorsing artists include Australian metal legends Mortal Sin, Disdained (Serbia), Fantasy Opus (Portugal), Daemon Foetal Harvest (Australia), Alfredo Herz (USA), Shaun Hague (USA), Masque Of Betrayal (Serbia), Thyresis (Brazil), Scott McClellan (USA), Earth Died Screaming (USA), The Gallery (USA), Hellfraction (USA), Falling Dusk (Portugal), The Victim’s Diary (USA), Forgotten Tragedy (USA), Dissidium (Brazil), Slaughterbox (USA), Johnny Carona (USA), Beyond The Shore (USA) and Violent Hill (Australia). Of those mentioned, only Mortal Sin were approached by us, the rest simply wrote to us and applied. We generally don’t approach bands anymore, they need to apply to us in writing. There is specific criteria the artists need to meet although any truly professional band with a good sound would qualify. We only started accepting endorsements twelve months ago so we have come a long way in a short time, yet it’s still “early days”.

How do endorsement deals work? What do companies generally supply and what is expected from musicians with endorsement deals?

Endorsing Inferno artists receive up to two custom guitars at 50% off standard price plus free merchandise and promotion. In return we simply ask the artists to help promote us. I understand that other companies such as Dean and Gibson offer 40% off but you already need to own one of their guitars plus meet other criteria.

There are a lot of musicians who would love to get endorsement deals from companies. What advice would you give to people who want to approach companies for these deals?

The most important thing would be the general image of you and your band. Mostly the musicianship, sound and overall professionalism is what I look for. With bigger companies it’s more important to already be somewhat famous but that is more in the company’s best interest than the artist’s. The artist has already done the hard work to become known so respectfully (for example) Kirk Hammett helps ESP sell guitars but I doubt ESP influences the sale of many Metallica albums, as Metallica are already well known. My advice is try to get recording label support first, even if they are a small independent firm. Get yourself steady live work and a sincere supporting fanbase. Have a great demo CD to offer. Last but not least, be loyal to your band! Sometimes people leave their band for various reasons, thus they become an unemployed musician and this will not help your endorsement quest at all.

What is the main difference in standard store bought guitars and custom made ones?

Every guitarist I talk to finds the same problems with any premade guitar. They really like it except for one or two things they wish they could change. Common examples include: the neck is too wide, the neck is not wide enough… the scale is too long, the scale is too short… it only comes in five colours and I want something unique… the inlay is too plain, the inlay is too fancy and distracting… too many dials, not enough dials… I want a third pickup, I only want one pickup… I want a locking tremolo, I hate locking tremolos… I want more frets, I want less frets… I want one pickup for death metal and one for jazz fusion is the latest one among many – the list is endless. With Inferno custom guitars the client can  design the guitar themselves to their specifications including body and head shapes, timbers, colours, fret inlays, pickups, bridge, nut
width, neck profile, body graphics, machine heads, etc. This way the client gets the guitar they really want and will love forever.

How do your prices compare with music stores?

Very well actually because the client is purchasing directly from the supplier. For example, a Fender USA custom alderwood Stratocaster (which is premade so how custom is it?) retails in Australia for AU$5499. For a comparable guitar, made to the same high standards with the client’s choices of parts, we would sell it to the client for around AU$2899 depending on options chosen. A Jackson USA Soloist guitar retails for AU$4899, again we could produce a comparable custom guitar for under AU$3000. These would be some of our most expensive examples as our custom guitars start at AU$999 and the average is around AU$1599. Some handfinished premade examples are still available between AU$350-$599 however these were not handmade by the Inferno custom luthier, rather they are new guitars handfinished by myself as mentioned previously. I just wanted to clear that up as some people get confused by the differences in pricing.

How do you see the heavy metal scene in Australia as it stands mid 2009?

Personally I think its cool. There are some very talented bands making some great sounds from Mortal Sin to the band down the street. I really like all ages shows, as this opens up a larger audience potential and a second generation of fans can be part of the scene. I’m pleased to say that most of the bands I see play original material too, as obviously original musicians have potential to go further with their careers. There is a fair blend of styles although death metal bands seem to out number the others four to one! Sadly poker machines have turned most venues who previously hosted live bands into gaming lounges so there are even fewer metal venues than in the past, which is a shame with so many bands eager for work. All in all the metal scene is great but I must humbly say that there are some artists I see on stage that could use some more musical theory tuition. Knowledge is power after all. I don’t mean that they need to play faster, I mean they need to play music.