.: FuryRocks :: interview :: Impellitteri__very_important_to_make_the_music_that_touch_peoples_lives

Published: 27 April 2009

Impellitteri - very important to make the music that touch peoples lives

Chris Impellitteri is back. This guitarist, described as the fastest playing guitarist in the world, made a new cd. It took him three years to write, record and mix this cd Wicked Maiden.
He managed to record ten songs on the new album with James Pulli on bass, Brandon Wild on drums and vocalist Rob Rock. Chris recorded his first ep with Impellitteri back in 1987. Since then they made 9 metal cd’s. It’s time to ask these great guitarist some questions. Chris isn’t, by the way, very impressed with the predicate fastest guitarist of the world. He thinks it’s nice, but eventually he wants the guitar to be a part of the song and giving the melody more strength.

How did it actually all start?

Chris: When I was 9 years old my parents died, and so my grandmother bought me an electric guitar to help heal my mental wound. I also loved a lot of bands like Van Halen, Thin Lizzy, and Queen, and I wanted to be a rock guitarist like the players in those bands.

After all these years you become just the same. A rock guitarist like the players in those bands and you earned some credits with your colleagues. Can you tell me what your guitar-hero’s are?

Chris: Eddie Van Halen, and Rhandy Rhoads.

Can you tell me why particularly these guys?

Chris: I like both of those guitar players because of their soloing and riff song creation. Although they played cool guitar solos, they also created memorable guitar riffs. So it was truly inspiring.

Let’s take a look on your new cd. It took almost three years to complete your latest cd Wicked Maiden. What was the reason why it took so long?

Chris: We wanted to make a great album that would stand the test of time. Our goal was to play better than we had played previously and write better songs. So, it took a few years for the magic to be happen !!

I saw that Rob Rock is back with Impellitteri again. That’s good to see and to hear. Did you have his voice already in mind when you were writing the songs for the cd?

Chris: Yes, I had contacted Rob as I began writing the record, so I wrote the music with his voice in mind.

Rob Rock is quit busy with Driver. Can we see Rob Rock at the gig in Sweden this summer?

Chris: Rob is back with Impellitteri full time. The Driver band is not permanent. Rob Rock said Driver is only doing one show.

You’ll be playing in Europe this summer. Every country has got his own audience? Every country has got his own music. Do you think that there is a difference between the music scene in the States and in Europe?

Chris: Yes, I think there is a difference between the United States and Europe. The music industry in the United States is very pop oriented. You can think of Britney Spears and Hanna Montana. In Europe people got a diverse musical taste. There’s much more diversity in the musical taste of the people in Europe.

I’ve listened to the cd Wicked Maiden quit serious and I think you’ve produced a good rock cd with Impellitteri. Do you’ve got a particular writing process. Where does a song starts?

Chris: I always start with the guitar riff. Then I work out the guitar solo and orchestration of the song. After I have a great riff and solo, I then usually work with the other band members to get their input during the recording process.

When I listened to the songs on your cd, my attention got out to the song High School Revolution. I think it could be a hit. The song for me has a surprising theme, because I suppose you left school for quit some time by now. Where do you got your inspiration for the lyrics of the songs, especially High school Revolution?

Chris: I recently finished my MBA in Malibu California. I was inspired while I was finishing my masters degree in business. So, I actually have been in school recently. It was a secret, but now everyone will know.

Do the other lyrics also got a message? Is there something you want to achieve with your songs?

Chris: Yes, I want each song to be memorable. It is very important to make the music touch peoples lives and excite them in a positive way.

You already worked with several good artists. Also on the new album you’ve got guys with experience. In the past you also worked with great guys, for example Graham Bonnett. Is there still someone you want to play with?

Chris: Yes, there are many musicians I would like to play with. At this time I am focused on my current band.

Because you’re a guitarist, you know what you want to use. Can you tell me something about the equipment you’re using in the studio and on stage?

Chris: Yes, I am endorsing Dean guitars. Dean guitars are making a Chris Impellitteri signature model which will be sold in stores very soon. My model is based on a modified vintage 1974 Fender Stratocaster. It has a 12 inch radius which allows me to play fast. The guitar will also have a humbucker in the bridge and a vintage tremolo. I am endorsing Engl amplifiers. I use a variety of heads in the studio from vintage Marshall, Diesel vh4, and Engl powerball.

At the end I’m very curious in what way Chris wants to see himself and the band Impellitteri in 2020. What will the media, according to your opinion, must write about Impellitteri in the year 2020?

Chris: In the future I want them to describe Impellitteri as a legendary metal band that features shredding guitar solos, screaming vocals, and a brutal rhythm section coupled with strong melody.

When you read the article above and becoming curious about Chris and his band Impellitteri, you can see them on Sweden Rock this summer or you can buy the latest cd of the band Wicked Maiden