Joe Satriani
Photo : Chapman Baehler
With his cutting edge performance and technique, the guitar master of the rock music industry, Joe Satriani leads the way with his 14th studio effort “Unstoppable Momentum”.
With top notch musicians such as bass player Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction, Slash), drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Sting), and keyboard player Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa, Steve Vai) participating as recording members, Joe Satriani delivers an amazing band sound, creating a collection of tunes with a variety of musical styles, stirring the listeners’ imagination.
Muse On Muse asks Joe Satriani about his new album “Unstoppable Momentum”.
Photo : Chapman Baehler
Interview / Text Mamoru Moriyama
Translation Louis Sesto (EAGLETAIL MUSIC)
Muse On Muse : Your new album “Unstoppable Momentum” is definitely a great guitar album. It also seems that the album has a story within it, triggering the listener’s imagination. I find this very musical and artistic.
Joe Satriani : Thank you. I want my listeners to feel the album take them on an emotional journey as well as give them a good time.
MM : What was your concept for this new album? What is the meaning behind the album title “Unstoppable Momentum”?
JS : The title refers to my desire to create and perform music, a desire I have had since my youth. It just keeps growing stronger every year. The title track is my own soundtrack to that very feeling and desire.
MM : You have Mike Fraser producing the album again. What do you like about Mike as a producer?
JS : Mike has a great command of the studio. He hears things in a very unique and interesting way, and always has a very creative outlook to each project. He works very well with groups of players too, which is very important when tracking.
MM : How long did it take you to record the album? Tell us how you recorded the album.
JS : I spent two months writing and making demos at my home studio, then another six weeks at Skywalker Sound to complete the recording. The band was around for about eight days tracking basics, the rest of the time was used for my overdubbing of guitars. We took twelve days to mix the record at Bryan Adam’s Warehouse Studio in Vancouver, BC.
MM : You have Chris Chaney on bass, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, and Mike Keneally on keyboards for the recording. Definitely a bunch of great musicians. How and why did you choose them for this album?
JS : After finishing the writing phase of the project I realized I needed some different players to make all the material sound new and exciting. Having Chris and Vinnie on bass and drums gave a whole new groove and sound to the rhythm section that was very inspirational. Adding Mike Keneally on keys filled out the band to create a brand new, fresh sound.
MM : All songs on the album have a very impressive melody too it, but it also seems like there is a live feel where each instrument/musician inspires each other as the song progresses.
JS : We always used the take with the most natural feel to it. This was essential to complete my vision of the album.
Photo : Chapman Baehler
MM : The title track “Unstoppable Momentum” sounds very dramatic and has a prog rock vibe to it. Vinnie Colaiuta’s drumming (definitely with a lot of momentum!) sounds very impressive on this song.
JS : Vinnie goes crazy on that track, and he makes the 5/4 time signature sound so comfortable and strong.
MM : The brass on “Three Sheets To The Wind” and the keyboard sounds supporting the emotional guitar performance on “ I’ll Put A Stone On Your Cairn” definitely proves that you have taken your song arrangements to the next level. What do you think?
JS : I spent months working on those orchestral and horn arrangements at my home studio. I wanted to create a new sound and production style that would make my melodies really sing. I used the Kontakt 4 program for all of the arrangements.
MM : The contrast you create between “Jumpin’ In” and “Jumpin’ Out” sounds very unique.
JS : They are twin compositions that represent two different views of the same situation, which is; don’t be afraid to try something different and wild!
MM : The arrangements and feeling you have on “The Weight Of The World” definitely seems to be different and new compared to what you have created in the past.
JS : That’s a song that reminds me of early Genesis with Peter Gabriel. The main melody is represented as an ensemble chordal performance, which is very different from my usual approach.
MM : All of your songs have a great melody. When you write songs, do you create the chord progressions first, then write the melodies to it? Or do you come up with the melodies first, and then add chords to them?
JS : Sometimes. I write songs in all manners of technique. It depends on the moment!
MM : What kind of recording equipment do you use when you do your songwriting and/or make demos?
JS : ProTools at 96k with a Mac computer.
Photo : Chapman Baehler
MM : Please tell us about each song on the album. How the song came to be, what you feel about each song, and/or any special meaning behind the song, etc.
JS :
“Unstoppable Momentum”
My ever-growing desire to create new music.
“Can’t Go Back”
The moment you grow into a young adult and realize you can never return to the home of your youth.
“Lies And Truths”
This song is about dealing with people and all the lies they tell us.
“Three Sheets To The Wind”
A very dapper young man goes out on the town with a champagne glass in his hand and has a wild night of adventure, always a bit tipsy from his drink!
“I’ll Put A Stone On Your Cairn”
This is a song to honor the memory of our loved ones who have departed.
“A Door Into Summer”
A song to celebrate the coming of summer and all the fun it brings.
“Shine On American Dreamer”
This is how I feel about the American Dream, every citizen must keep it alive, and make it better, and make it work for all of us.
“Jumpin’ In”
It’s about not being afraid to dare yourself.
“Jumpin’ Out”
When it gets too crazy, jump out so you can jump in another day.
“The Weight Of The World”
Sometimes the pressures of the world press down on all of us. This song is about trying to carry that weight.
“A Celebration”
Pure melody for a pure emotion. This song should make you feel good and want to celebrate being alive.
MM : Please tell us about your gear. What guitars, amps, effectors, foot pedals did you use for this recording? Did you use mainly your signature guitar and amp?
JS : Ibanez JS2410, JS2400 into my Marshall JVM410JS heads and cabinets, my signature Vox pedals made up the majority of my setup. Some songs have a little vintage Tel, Strat, Les Paul, 335 mixed in for fun. A few vintage Fender amps were used as well.
MM : Tell us a little about creating your guitar sound. What are your settings on your amp and foot pedals for a basic clean sound and basic distortion sound?
JS : I just tweak the knobs until I like the sound There are too many to list!
MM : You are offering a limited bundle featuring an art book and poster. How did you come up with the idea of the art book?
JS : I wanted to see my drawings in a better and bigger format. Once I held the book in my hand I knew my fans would like it too, so, I got to work compiling enough for the first book with the idea that more will be forthcoming.
MM : The G3 project started in 1997 and you have shared the stage with numerous top class guitar players. Are there any guitar players that you haven’t played with before and you would like to have on future G3 tours?
JS : Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, etc…
MM : What’s the current status of CHICKENFOOT?
JS : Sammy and will start working on some new material by the end of the year. 2014 should see the return of The Foot!
MM : What do you have coming up next? Tell us about your upcoming schedule.
JS : There will be much international touring behind Unstoppable Momentum for the next year and a half. I hope to play in Japan early next year.
MM : Please give a message to the Japanese fans.
JS : Thank you for listening to my music all these years and for being my fans.
Joe Satriani official site : http://www.satriani.com/
Unstoppable Momentum / Joe Satriani
1.Unstoppable Momentum
2.Can’t Go Back
3.Lies And Truths
4.Three Sheets To The Wind
5.I’ll Put A Stone On Your Cairn
6.A Door Into Summer
7.Shine On American Dreamer
8.Jumpin’ In
9.Jumpin’ Out
10.The Weight Of The World
11.A Celebration
