Author Archives: steviehimself

Had yet another rollicking rehearsal today w/Mike at his studio (Bandmother Recording) and while we didn’t work on any more new songs (yet!), the two we went over are really coming together nicely. Nicely? In metal?! Despite today being rainy and blah, once we played the first tune, we got lost in the music. AndContinue reading “RAMPING THINGS UP”

Another rehearsal with Mike in the books. And yes, a calico buddy stopped by to visit before we began work. Is there enough coffee?! Worked on the first song we did and then tore into a new one. And I mean TORE! WOW! This is quite possibly the fastest song I ever wrote! The guitar-onlyContinue reading “IS THERE ENOUGH COFFEE?”

Welcome to 53. Holy crap… I am proud to advance in age. It’s better than the alternative. Yesterday I moved up a notch, closer to reaching the speed limit. And that’s sweet to me. Here’s the kicker: The older I get, the more ambitious the music gets. You’d think I’d be adventurous when I wasContinue reading “THIS IS 53…”

Your eyes are not playing tricks on you again. But when I said there would be some interesting twists and turns pertaining to my next album, did you think I was kidding? I hope not! Yes, that is Plasmatics drummer TC Tolliver in the picture with yours truly. He will be guesting on one newContinue reading ““IT NEEDS TO BE HEAVY!””

Do you know how difficult it is to keep quiet when you’re excited like a kid at Xmas morning? I have learned the art of admirable restraint (thanks to Bill Bruford) over time. ‘Twas not easy though! But as you can see by the above photo, drummer/engineer Mike Sabatini and I met up at BandmotherContinue reading “NUMBER 9…NUMBER 9…”

So almost a week after I surprised people with a new single, this happened… “Pieces Of Light” debuted at #9 today in Australia. Don’t ask me how! I have sent this song to various stations, and while a couple have played it, a few said “It’s WAY different, but doesn’t fit our format.” HUH!? IContinue reading “DON’T ASK ME HOW…”

While I await rehearsals for album number 9, inspiration decided to strike again in a bizarre way That’s the story of my life. Saw a post by my good friend Larry Mitchell quoting a friend about “A piece of light”, and figured that would sound like a cool song title. The music came to meContinue reading “A NEW TUNE? YOU CAN SAY THAT…”

Steve Vai has been one of my biggest influences, if not one of the most severe in my life as a guitarist. Granted, I cut my teeth on fantastic players such as Jimi Hendrix (the GOAT), Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, etc. But with Vai, his influence was more than the music and the guitar gymnastics.Continue reading “WHEN STEVE VAI SPEAKS…”

What did I say about nothing happening? OOPS! I spoke too soon… Apparently, a thing happened this morning. The ISSA have decided to do a new voting poll, this time for Instrumental Artist of the Month. And wouldn’t you know it…I am on the ballot! Not bad for someone who was always told “You needContinue reading “SPOKE TOO SOON…”

Well we are into October. Weren’t we just sweating a bit ago? Every year I seem to say the same thing: “Where did the time go?” This was the fastest summer but was the best one for me personally. Now it gets darker earlier, which admittedly bums me out. I love the Fall, don’t getContinue reading “IN THE FOURTH QUARTER…”