Here is an interview with Chilean guitar ace, Benjamin Lechuga. Please remember that English is not his first language so you grammar geeks take it easy. Enjoy!

1. For the readers who may be unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe your music? Who are your main influences?
That answer divides in two. The music with my band Delta is a very defined style. Is Progressive Metal, with lots of Neoclassic influences. Yngwie Malmsteen, Artension, Ring of Fire and Planet X, Deep Purple could be the main influences for Delta. But for my solo music it’s kind of different. I have LOTS and VERY DIFFERENT musical tastes, but there are several influences that have changed my way of seeing music. Daniel Gildenlöw (Pain of Salvation) and Steve Vai are probably the most important ones. One in the kind of “composing” influence and the other one as “guitar playing” influence. I think both of them have a very “emotional” way of making music… they really put their soul into every sound in each recording. I also like a lot: Mattias IA Eklundh, Mike Patton, Emir Kusturica, Bumblefoot, Michael Jackson, Opeth, Pantera, and LOTS of Chilean bands… there are some GREAT musicians in my country.As I said, I love lot’s of different music. Metal, Jazz, lot’s of Funk! Bossa Nova, Classical, Blues, and some Latin Folk! Chilean music of course! So my music is a mixture of all my influences, but in a very rock kind of view.

2. So how did you get started playing the guitar?

When I was about 9 or 10 years old I loved Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera and Iron Maiden (I still do, indeed) … those riffs were simply PERFECT!!! I had a cousin who had an electric guitar. He gave it to my brother… he started playing it, and didn’t lend it to me, so when he was not at home, I went to his room and played. Hahaha! I liked it so much that I asked my father for a guitar for Christmas. And I spent about 2 years only playing Metallica and Megadeth riffs… I wasn’t interested in playing solos at all!

3. What is one influential event that helped shape your playing style, or take it to the next level?

I think the development of my technique was a detrimental point on my playing style. My guitar lessons with Alejandro Silva (Chilean AMAZING guitar player) is the most important point of my technique development and way of viewing the instrument… I really learnt A LOT from him… How to understand the instrument, and how to visualise it.

4. How do you approach your song-writing?

Almost impossible to answer. Specially for me, as I actually study “Composition and instrumental Arrangements” on a local Music College. It is simply the most important and difficult part of music… It simply doesn’t matter if you are a great player, if your songs suck.

5. What kind of gear are you using?

All my guitars are Ibanez! Of course hahaha

RGT3170
JPM100P4
RG1527
AW40

I use a 100 Watts 100% tube head. It is made in Chile by Alejandro Silva. It is an AMAZING amp. The only effect I use is a Custom Remote Delay made for me by Darkglass FX
(http://darkglassfx.blogspot.com/) My amp just kicks ass!

6. Describe a normal day for you. How much time do you spend practicing and playing, talking to fans, networking, etc. ?

Some years ago I practiced at least 6 hours a day… Now it is impossible to do that… On a normal day, I go to college, where I have Music Theory lessons, Composition lessons, Latin Folk lessons, Piano Lessons, etc … so there’s not much time for guitar playing (as I am not studying guitar) … When I get to play guitar is when I give lessons… I have several students weekly. The other moment for playing is rehearsing with Delta, and playing live. I’m also working on a home studio, recording an producing some local bands. I love recording and mixing music. I am actually working by myself on my solo CD! It is EXHAUSTING!!! But SO much fun! Networking is another hobby! And it’s a really fun question, because lately, a lot of fans have sent me mails and chatted with me! It’s difficult to answer all of their questions!

7. Do you have any advice for aspiring young guitarists who want to pursue a career in music or just better themselves as players?

Follow your instincts and HAVE FUN. A musician knows perfectly when music is a hobby or a professional career. Some people have asked me: “Do you think that I should study music as a professional career?” and my answer is “Probably no… if you should, you would not even ask, you would know it for sure”

8. What are you most proud of musically?

I think that being endorsed by Ibanez in a country as Chile, at age 17 is probably something to be proud of, but… I think what I’m most proud of, is being able to listen and enjoy music! That’s a gift!

9. Any other thoughts or words of inspiration?

First of all, thanks for being interested in my music! For taking the time to write the questions and to read the answers!!! With so many guitar players worldwide lately, it is an honour to be highlighted by any website! So, THANKS A LOT!
The other thing I wanted to mention… take your time to listen to Chilean music… there are SO MANY AMAZING GUITAR PLAYERS!!! Alejandro Silva, Claudio Cordero, Javier Bassino, Soledad Genúa (Best female guitar player I have ever heard!) Emilio García, are just some names I can mention…
Check them out!!!! Chile Rocks!

Thanks a lot!
Bye!

Benjamin Lechuga

www.benjamin.lechuga.cl
www.myspace.com/blechuga
www.myspace.com/deltaofficial

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