I had always wanted to do a solo album, but it was all talk. One day I mentioned it again to my wife and she said don`t talk about it, do it. So I did. As soon as the real decision was made things started to fall into place, as they often do.
I think that the best promo is playing live, and to be seen as much as possible. I do many clinics for Digitech, Parker and now Vox amplifiers. This is a great way for people to hear your music and to sell discs at the performances.
The Internet itself is a huge jungle. I believe it gives a chance for those who don`t make it via a traditional label or distributor, if they know how to reach the audience.
Let`s face it, it is hard to get a label to pick you up and understand your visions. On the other hand, doing an independent release, you have control and you learn a lot. Sure, it is hard work, but I love to work hard for a dream!
The gear we use is a major part of the Plankton sound. We¥re resting on a solid foundation of the classic sounds from the 60¥s and 70¥s, made famous by Hendrix, Cream and Led Zeppelin among others. It¥s basically Strats into various vintage Marshall amps and cabinets.
I recently purchased an 18 track digital recorder made by Roland. I love having it and I`m amazed at the quality recordings with relatively little effort. I plan to do the third Delirious Tremor CD with it, as well as most future projects.
I`ve been playing guitar for 35 years, and still find it very challenging, and exciting. I work at it every single day, and realize that the real fun and spirit of this entire process of being a professional player is the `journey`, not the `end-game`. Sometimes I feel as if I am just getting started. The most important aspect of learning different styles of music, is one`s genuine love for that particular style.
The beauty of being an independent artist is that I don`t die if I don`t score a big record deal! I`ll still have a career. These days with stevefister.com, Guitar 9, and some independent distribution, I can grow and have more control over my musical fate. A new CD means a bright new day, with more to follow!
Liquid Note Records (or LNR) was set up to principally cater for virtuoso instrumental guitar music - though that`s not to rule out the possibility that we`ll also release vocal albums in the future. LNR`s aim is to release albums every bit as good - or, dare I say it, better - than those released by the mighty Shrapnel.
I think gear is important because you want to sound your best. I took it to such an extreme, but that`s the cool thing about the studio - you can always learn and prepare for the time you get to record the next CD.
