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!
