Interview: Tony De Gruttola
I listen to all types of music, which helps me to keep up with the times, above all rock-fusion jazz, blues, and some Italian bands like Negramaro and Neutra.
I listen to all types of music, which helps me to keep up with the times, above all rock-fusion jazz, blues, and some Italian bands like Negramaro and Neutra.
Keep playing, keep trying new things as well as listening to and learning the old ones. Try to listen and play with your heart. Play with other musicians as much as possible and when you are getting good enough, be heard in public as much as you can.
I started to get calls from different record labels, they had interest in me, but at the end of the day the didn`t know what to do with me, because it`s not really jazz, although it`s jazzy, it`s not really blues, but bluesy.
Instrumental music kind of reminds me of little orchestra or classical pieces, because there`s so much information going on. It`s a challenge to do, it`s really hard to do that stuff.
I just love instrumental guitar music. There is something great about hearing somebody write music that will keep people`s interest without having the vocal to rely on.
I do any interview I can arrange to promote the CD. My partner has been marketing all over the internet and working in conjunction with our record company to keep getting press and putting the word out about my CD.
On every album I try to compose songs that fit together and record the album using a wide range of emotions and atmospheres. If I have enough speed/technique songs, I`ll work on an atmospheric one, or an acoustic number.
Being your own record label eliminates having to sell your soul. You also have full control over the creative aspects of your music, you own 100% of your publishing, you don`t put yourself in debt, and you call all the shots.
Guitar music isn`t for everybody. Can`t expect to sell as much as pop vocal music, and that`s OK. Guitar music is for those who enjoy it, and it`s great that Guitar Nine Records gives us a place where we can easily get it.
I have many goals and options, but I`ll take it day by day. It`s kinda scary to think what could happen in five years. I hope to accomplish something really special by that time.