INTERVIEW
A minute’s all it takes to find out what makes a great guitarist tick. Before he jumped into his limo for the airport we grabbed a quick with Brian D’Addario, guitarist from this sensational US vocal harmony group.
GT: Do you have a type of pick that you can’t live without (if so, make, gauge and why)?
BD: Any medium pick! I’ve never gotten around to having a favourite make. It’s always whatever one I can find!
GT: If you had to give up all your pedals but three, what would they be?
There’s only three we really use: 70s MXR Script Distortion, MXR Phase 100, TC Electronic Chorus.
GT: Do you play another instrument well enough to do so in a band?
BD: Yes, Michael (brother Michael D’Addario) and I have both played drums and keys live in the band before. I’ll be playing bass with this new live configuration as well.
GT: Many pop musicians do read music, while others prefer to play by ear. If a music chart were put in front of you, could you read it?
BD: Yes I could, but very slowly. Michael could read the rhythms.
GT: Do guitar cables really make a difference? What make are yours?
BD: If they’re too short, you’re liable to trip and fall on stage.
GT: Is there anyone’s playing (past or present) that you’re slightly jealous of?
BD: Richard Lloyd and Tom Verlaine (Television), for sure. Plus Richard Thompson, Robert Fripp, Neil Hagerty (Royal TRux), Alex Chilton (The Box Tops), Sneaky Pete Kleinow (legendary pedal steel guitarist), Segovia!
GT: Your house/studio is burning down: which guitar do you salvage, and why?
BD: My 65 Melody Maker. Simply, it’s the iconic Lemon Twigs guitar.
GT: What’s your favourite guitar amp and how do you set it?
BD: 1980s Mesa Boogie. Volume up to 7 or 8, master volume 5, treble and bass 5, and mids about 7 with my 70s Strat.
GT: What kind of action do you like to have on your guitars?
BD: Pretty low. It changes depending on who sets up our guitars. We’re not very choosy.
GT: What strings do you use?
Usually D’Addario 10s.
GT: Who was your first real influence to pick up and play the guitar?
BD: John Lennon and George Harrison.
GT: Therefore, what was the first guitar you really lusted after?
BD: George’s 12 string Rick. John and George’s Casinos would’ve been pretty high on my list as well!
GT: Can you remember the single best gig you ever played…
BD: I really enjoyed playing in New Orleans a few years ago. The crowd that was there mostly wandered in without knowing any of the music but it all came together and managed to be one of the most enthusiastic crowds we’ve ever pl
