Curtis Fornadley

Check out Curtis’ song Open Road while you read more about him. Check out his great quote at the end of the interview to get inspired!

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For the readers who may be unfamiliar with your work, how would you
describe your music?

I have used a couple of descriptions over the last few years, the latest being: melodic instrumental rock: virtuosity, soulful playing and great melodies. In general my music is guitar based instrumental music with a wide array of influences rock, jazz, blues, and surf.

My influences come from a variety of styles, which have blended together in my head; all this comes out in my writing. All my CD’s have a wide variety of styles, tones and feels; I think surprise is a great element in
composition and in selecting material for a record. This keeps things interesting for me and listeners. Traditional music marketing likes to put music into narrow categories, so my eclectic nature is a positive and a negative.

Who are your main influences?

In my mind musical influences can be compositional, guitar style, or both.

I have had many influences through the years, some of which have remained constant from early on like: Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, Stevie Ray Vaughan.

As a teenager Van Halen was a huge early influence; where I picked out and learned many solos, tried to emulate his tones etc., but then I kind of stop listening to him.

I really enjoy listening to the big three: Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, but I never spent any time actually learning their parts. These guys kind of defined modern instrumental rock records so I think
their influence is more approach and composition. It is now a challenge for me (and everyone else recording instrumental guitar music) to move beyond what they defined and create something that sounds new and fresh. This comes down to composition, arranging, instrumentation, tone etc.

Recent influences over the last few years include: Chet Atkins, Mike Stern, Wes Montgomery. Really, I now try and focus on moving beyond influences; carving out my own niche. The best players hide there
influences well and create something “new”.

So how did you get started playing the guitar?

I was about 11 and I was totally fascinated with the electric guitar; a kid in the neighbor hood had a Fender bass and an old Bassman amp. I learned on a nylon string acoustic guitar that my parents picked up in
Tijuana before I was born. I took some classical lessons and started picking out Kiss songs on the
guitar. Imagine “God of Thunder” on a nylon string guitar; I eventually got an electric guitar.

I had some good teachers early, on but like many players, most of my progress was made through self study and lots of practice; and listening to the right music.

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

During the recording of their most recent CD “Out of the Shell” (2008), a rough mix of the title track was sent to Guitar Player Magazine. The track caught the ears of the editors and I was selected as one of 10 finalists
in Guitar Player Magazine’s “Guitar Hero 2007″ competition.

At the show I had to performance first. I nailed the tune; I could not have played it better and I felt like I connected with the audience and the judges. It was a victory for me even though I did not win 
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuZ6w9MX7RQ)

I think conquering the mental game of performing, at my best, in front of the “famous judges” (Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, Nuno Bettencourt, Elliot Easton, Greg Howe and Mike Varney), who are all great players, took
me to a new level.

So much of playing consistently well is mental; getting away from the noise in your head and tapping into the timeless flow where it all happens, and you connect with your instrument, the band, and the audience.

What kind of gear are you using?

My two main guitars are a Tom Anderson Classic Drop Top and Fender EJ Strat. I probably tend to favor the Anderson. I use DR strings (10′s).

On “Out of the Shell” I used a Bogner Shiva, a Marshall 50-watt Plexi reissue and a 1965 Fender Deluxe. My main cabinet is a Bogner 2X12 oversized.

Current effects include: Eventide Timefactor, RC booster, Zen Drive, Fulltone OCD, Fulltone wah, MXR phase 90.

I am always on a tonal journey. I am constantly trying new things; I usually try to sell the stuff that does not work so that I can try other things. For example I recently sold the Shiva and bought a CAE OD50. Different pieces of gear interact differently so if I change one piece it may lead me to changing another.

Gear pictures: http://www.curtisguitar.com/guitarist-gear.htm

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

Try to get at least 2-3 hours on practice in a day. I am online during the day so I am doing something for music on a daily basis. It is tough to keep up with the online social networking stuff and balancing music and the music biz.

What are you most proud of musically?

Every time I finish a record that is high point for me. This is then followed by the postmortem anxiety of getting out there and promoting it and selling it. Just because you are proud of something does not mean
others will recognize your achievement; so is the life of an artist.

Any other thoughts or words of inspiration?

Do music because you love it. Believe in yourself and just do it. “There is no trying; only doing”.

You can reach Curtis at www.curtisguitar.com

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