BENGALURU: From auditioning for Megadeth, at the age of 16 to being listed as one of the fastest guitarist of all times, Jeff Loomis has surely had an illustrious career graph.
Helmed as the leading guitarist in modern progressive metal since the 90s, Jeff is currently on his maiden Indian tour.
City Express catches up with the former lead guitarist of Nevermore who now plays for the death metal band Arch Enemy just before his show during The Twisted Metal 2016 festival at Blue Frog Bengaluru on Sunday. The Washington-based shredder shares his thought on millennial music and the struggles of playing aggressive music as one gets older.
What is the inspiration behind most of your solos? Do you get inspired by neo-classical greats like Jason Becker, Yngwie or do you get inspired by musicians like Mozart and Beethoven?
Both. Jason Becker and Marty Friedman were really big influences when I was growing up, but I try to be diverse with the music that I listen to. So, classical musical is a big part of note structure and I like to write in very minor keys like sad and depressing sounding stuff you know. Umm, but yeah, I would say both classical music and the likes of Becker and Friedman had huge influences on my music.
Any plans of collaboration with Jason Becker?
Yeah. I mean he’s working on a new album right now and I am going to be a part of it.
How did the India tour happen?
My friend Mayur Jalan and I actually started talking about this five months ago. We just orchestrated to make it work and now I am here. The timing was important because I am so busy with Arch Enemy. I am very happy that we were able to make it happen.
Has anything surprised you about India so far?
Yeah, the traffic is unbelievable crazy and so much different than United States. Ryan and I were saying that it is all about negotiation on the road and making quick choices. (laughs) I have travelled the world and so far after the first show here I am just overhwelmed with the coolness of the fans and how I have been treated.
Does it feel any different performing as the main attraction on stage as opposed to how you’ve played LIVE over the years?
I am so used to playing with the band. So, when you are all on your own, doing your own thing, it is a little bit difficult and nerve wrecking, but umm, I think it is giving me an opportunity to showcase my music in another way. Maybe sometime in the future, I’ll be able to bring the whole band over to India, but for now, I am just enjoying on my own. So, it’s cool.
One thing you like and hate about the millennials and their music.
You can defintiely see how the music in the past has influenced this generation. Iron Maiden and Metallica have influenced bands like Trivium. So, it is cool to see the older generation influencing the new. It is just that sometimes you hear bands copying other bands so much. It would be really nice to see some diversity and trying to be more original sometimes.
What are the pros and cons of going solo?
For me, solo playing is just another extension of me being a musician and showing another side of me. Because I have always been a fan of instrumental music, but I dont know... It’s very difficult to be a solo musician because it is a whole another way to try to promote yourself. I really prefer being in an established band like Arch Enemy, but at the same time, I’d like to have the other choice of being able to do solo too. Having both the choices is good.
A whacky or weird thing about you that not many people know.
Uhhh.. that I am a chef? (giggles) I am a good cook and can make a really good authentic Italian meal. I like to cook at home, use fresh fruits and ingredients. It relaxes me. It may not be whacky, but a lot of people don’t know that about me. Also, I started off as drummer and not a guitar player.
Any ritual you follow before going on stage?
A half an hour warm up. Stretching my fingers and stuff. As you get older, it is harder to play the aggressive kind of music that I play.
