1. The First Record I Bought
The first piece of music I got my hands on was Led Zeppelin IV. I bought it because my parents were big fans of ’70s rock music and I was always fascinated with the artwork of that era. I cherish that album then and now and it was one of the main reasons I picked up the guitar in the first place.
2. The Last Record I Bought
My most recent purchases was Black Sabbath’s latest, 13. I don’t think I have to give much of a background about Sabbath apart from the fact they are the gods of heavy metal. I bought the album because I’m a long-time fan of the band and the fact that they’re still releasing new material even today is awesome.
3. The First Thing I Recorded
I got my first guitar when I was about 15 for Christmas – it was a piece of crap, but man did I love to play that thing. I’m self-taught so starting [out] I just learnt the tabs to my favourite bands like Van Halen, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, et cetera. The first real recording I did was an EP with my first band – when I look back on it, the songs weren’t bad and it was a lot of fun.
4. The Last Thing I Recorded
That would have be the debut album I did earlier this year with The Deep End, entitled Cop This. We recorded at Basin Studios with our good mate Matt D’Arcy. He really understands what we’re about. The album features yours truly on lead guitar, Dale Schober on vocals, Jarrad Morrice on rhythm guitar, Matt Berg on bass and our previous drummer Jarrod Medwin on drums, but our current drummer is Nick Trajanovski. The album has been really well-received all around the world, allowing us to embark on two massive Aussie and NZ tours this year and an upcoming headlining tour of Europe in 2014. Our CD reeks of the energy that we display on stage but if you want the real deal live and in your face, you’ve gotta come to a show!
5. The Record That Changed My Life
The first [self-titled] Van Halen album would be that one album for me. It has everything. It took a while to grow on me but once I caught the bug I was hooked. Eddie Van Halen is like a god to me and I admire the band for their great music, amazing live shows, and simplicity yet at the same time technicality of their style. Every track off the album is a gem but songs like ‘Runnin’ With The Devil’, ‘Ain’t Talkin’ ’Bout Love’ and the epic guitar solo ‘Eruption’ are timeless. I play through the entire album note-for-note at least once a week just to keep motivated and just to play those bitchin’ guitar solos!
See The Deep End at Frankie’s Pizza on Thursday October 17, at the Spectrum on Friday October 18 and at The Square Saturday Octover 19. The Deep End debut album Cop This out now through Bandcamp.
