Michael Orlando is a super-technical melodic hard rock guitarist living in New York. He owns his own recording facility, Sonic Stomp Studios, where he produced his debut instrumental album, “Sonic Stomp”, which was released last year. He has just returned from the 2007 Winter NAMM Show, and now he’s here to talk about his album, performing, and much more.
An Interview with Mike Orlando
IC: Mike, your album features some of the most intense, fast, and hard-driving guitar instrumentals I’ve heard, and it was unquestionably one of the best instrumental rock guitar albums of ’06.
What inspired you to first pick up the guitar, and how old were you when you really started playing?
Mike: Thank you! I was inspired by my father making me listen to Les Paul and Mary Ford. Les blew me away with his command of the instrument in all areas. I would say I was 9 when I started to play.
IC: Who were your initial influences and how did that change over the years?
Mike: My initial influence was Les Paul. He made me want to play fast and fluid. Then of course came Eddie Van Halen, Rhoads, and Malmsteen. “Game over” as they say! [Laughs]
IC: What inspired you to do instrumental guitar music yourself?
Mike: I was never a big fan honestly. A couple of years ago my buddies Zakk Wylde and Phil Cuilo convinced me to do it. No joke!
IC: Now that your debut instrumental solo album “Sonic Stomp” has been released, can we expect a follow-up anytime soon?
Mike: Without a doubt! I am working on the follow up right now, although I would still like to get “Sonic Stomp” distributed better throughout the globe.
IC: How do you feel about Sonic Stomp now that it’s out the door? Do you listen to your own music for enjoyment?
Mike: I'm glad it's out and under my belt. I listen to it very little actually. I listen back and kind of go, “Oh, why didn’t I do something like that there?!”
When I do solo's I don’t write them beforehand. I push record and just go and see what comes out. Then I must re-learn the whole CD! [Laughs]
IC: [Laughs] Yeah, I’ve heard of that being a problem for a lot of guitarists. They improvise a lot of their album, and then when it comes time to play it again live they can’t remember what they did!
(Mike O. live in action)
... So what has the experience been performing the songs live? What kind of an audience does the music draw in?
Mike: I absolutely love doing the songs live. I can take it a step further and step out of the tune. Though some songs I stay true to, like the ballads. Generally all types of people dig the music, as it's got cool grooves and is not just all about the guitar.
IC: Ron Thal (a.k.a. “Bumblefoot”, now of Guns N’ Roses) was a guest on "Sonic Stomp". How did you first come into contact with Ron, and what was it like getting him on the album?
Mike: I've known Ron since I was like 13. He's a great friend, and he’s truly a great guitarist who can do anything. I love him to death. Getting him on the CD was as easy as calling him up and saying, “Yo wanna track some shit?!” He's the nicest guy you can meet!
IC: I see you play Vigier's, and one of them is a fretless. What is it that attracted you to Vigier guitars?
Mike: I was turned on to the Vigier’s by Ron Thal. I played his “foot guitar” and loved it! The fretless is a totally different beast.
IC: Do you compose differently for the fretless?
Mike: Yes, you must alter many aspects of your playing. I will track it on my next CD no doubt.
IC: Great, I look forward to hearing it in action!
(Michael Orlando and his Vigier guitars)
... So aside from music, what inspires you?
Mike: Everyday life sometimes inspires me. Feelings… and too much to list! [Laughs]
IC: Are the songs on “Sonic Stomp” about anything specifically, or is it all just music to you?
Mike: All just thoughts in my mind. I didn’t write the songs for anybody. It’s just what I felt at the time. … But the next one will be sick and way beyond Sonic Stomp!
IC: Nice! Keep me posted.
Alright, your technique is absolutely insane! How many hours did you practice when you were younger?
Mike: Thank you! I developed my chops over the years, though I never was one for practicing all day. [Laughs] I was hangin’ with the guys. [Laughs] I would play an hour here and there a day. Try not to let it rule you, and have fun with it.
IC: Trust me, at this rate there’s no danger of me practicing too much. [Laughs]
Okay, last question! Do you plan to release any performance DVD’s?
Mike: I am definitely going to put out a DVD of the “Sonic Stomp” live set. No doubt.
IC: Alright, sounds good. Thank you for the interview, Michael!
Mike: Thanks so much, Dave!
Essential Mike Orlando links:
... and don't forget to buy "
Sonic Stomp" at guitar9.com!
-- Dave B.