ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: LUCA MANTOVANELLI

To start off, let’s rewind to the very beginning and talk about how you first discovered your interest in music.
I was born into a musician family and I started to play flute when I was 5. I switched to the drums after a few years, only at 14 I started to play guitar. I’m 90% self-taught. I studied from records because I didn’t have the internet at the time and this helped me a lot to develop my musical ear. I have listened and listen to all musical genres, from metal to jazz. My references are not just guitar, I learned a lot from the records of Lagrene, Howe, Oscar Peterson, Michael Brecker etc.

Today, which guitarists do you think stand out (in any genre)?
Rick Graham is very versatile. Also Pierre Cotè is one of my favorites when it comes to versatility.

Do you still practice your instrument regularly? If so, what does your routine look like?
Until a few years ago, I woke up at five in the morning to study for three hours. I believe that concepts are assimilated much better early in the morning, so I divided my study between technique and improvisation. At the moment, I don’t have a real own routine because there are many commitments and time is always short. But, I always try to carve out an hour to study.

You are an Ibanez player and have your own signature model. What specifically did you look for when putting this guitar together?
I was looking for a classic and versatile guitar, and we did it! It’s a classic three single coil guitar but with a blender system that gives you a lot of tones, not just the five classic position. I’m totally proud of my Ibanez LM1.

In 2020, you released your first solo album. Any plans for the next?
Yes, i’m working on my second album. I hope to release it next year.

What is your creative process like? How do ideas come to you? Do you sit down and actively write or does it happen organically when inspiration strikes?
The ideas comes to me when i’m sitting in the studio with my guitar. I just start playing and create content. I have a lot of stuff in my mind, haha! Sometimes everything starts from a melody, sometimes from a chord progression or from a rhythmical riff.

In this process, which Toontrack products do you use and how do they help?
I use a lot of Toontrack products. All my JTC masterclass (more than 40) are created with Toontrack. I use EZdrummer, EZkeys and EZbass. They are all extremely reliable products and give me space for my creativity.

Out of everything that comes with being a musician – writing, recording, jamming, touring, traveling (the list goes on)…what is your favorite part and why?

My favorite part is the journey. Every day is a new day with music. I am so grateful to be a musician and live with music. – and that never would happen without the support of my fans or companies like JTC, Toontrack and Ibanez. So, thank you guys!


ARTIST PROFILE: JOEY TEMPEST

The lead singer of Europe talks creative process as well as past, present and future!

NEW MIDI PACKS FOR EZBASS AND EZKEYS.

EZbass and EZkeys MIDI, tailored for acoustic pop, Americana, folk and more.

NEW CUSTOMER JUKEBOX PLAYLIST!

The third Songwriting September playlist of songs by YOU is up.

UPRIGHT EBX FOR EZBASS, OUT NOW!

The latest addition to the EZbass family is available now!

NEW DRUM MIDI PACK.

New grooves, tailored for acoustic music!

NEW CUSTOMER JUKEBOX PLAYLIST!

The second Songwriting September playlist of songs by YOU is up.

BEHIND THE SONG: YOUNGER ME.

If you could, what would you say to your younger self? That’s the burning question Memphis-based Hunter Leath asks himself in this heartfelt song. (...)

NEW EZX RELEASE.

We are proud to present the Singer-Songwriter EZX.

BEHIND THE SONG: HOLY GHOST

Born out of a bad case of writer’s block, this gem truly shows that if you put your heart into it, you can always come up with something. (...)

THE CUSTOMER JUKEBOX RETURNS!

The first Songwriting September playlist of songs by YOU is up.

NEW EZBASS SAVINGS BUNDLES AVAILABLE.

Bundle up and get more for less!

MONTY’S SONGWRITING TIPS.

Monty Powell shares 17 of if his best tips on becoming a better songwriter!

No products in the cart.

×