Joe's Interview with Metal to Infinity

Interview by Patrick de Sloover

Metal to Infinity: Joe is one of the youngest guitar players that I interviewed over the years, and this newcomer from the US spreads a lot of skills, so it might be interesting to learn some more about this young talent. Tell us Joe, how long do you play the guitar and how did it all start?

Joe Granata: I've been playing for about 5 years now. It all started after hearing Randy Rhoads, Metallica, and Stevie Ray Vaughn and anyone who could play really well. I knew at that point I needed to go buy a guitar.

MTI: Do you have specified influences? Which other axemen opened your eyes and started the passion?

JG: Jimmy Page, Zakk Wylde, Dimebag Darrell, Ritchie Blackmore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Michael Angelo Batio.

MTI: Can you describe what a good guitar player needs to have? An original style, an own sound, varied playing or what else?

JG: A good guitar player needs to be well rounded, and proficient in all techniques, have good emotion, varied playing and not being repetitive, and most of all being a good listener that's where it all starts is with listening to as much music as possible and having the ability to understand it and interpret it and create your own sound based on your influences.

MTI: Recently I spoke with Paul Nelson from Liege Lord and Johnny Winter among others. He told me that a good guitarist needs: ''Charisma and talent to lift a song to a higher level. You have to be well equipped in all areas. you really have to know your craft and learn almost everything available to your ears that's out there. Music changes and a true musician must change with the times, and the only way to do that is to have a good musical foundation from the start. If you stick with it long enough, your own style will shine.'' What is your comment on that?

JG: I believe it, very true however I believe music is timeless and fads or trends are a bunch of bullshit, well most of the trends today. The things that might change are the technicality of the music. You have to play what you want and what you believe is good. And if you do that there are definitely people out there that will enjoy it.

MTI: Musicians like Steve Vai, Michael Schenker, Malmsteen, Jason Becker, Joe Satriani, Eddie Van Halen created an own style. I guess it's really difficult to get to that level. Isn't it?

JG: Yeah, It's all about practice if you ask any of those guys how they got where they are - it was practice everyday, all the time, there are no short cuts.

MTI: Some of them prefer to release instrumental albums in stead of 'real songs'. Do you agree that a multi talented guitar player is also egocentric and self-willed?

JG: No not at all, granted a few of them are but that's just the way it goes. I love the instrumental stuff it's just like any other song the only difference is the guitar is doing the talking. The earliest music was all instrumental especially jazz. I've actually had the pleasure of meeting Steve Vai, Gary Hoey and Michael Angelo Batio and those guys are really cool down to earth guys.

MTI: Will you continue as 'Joe Granata' or the 'Joe Granata Band', or is it possible that you gather a bunch of people around you, and start a band with no link to your personal name?

JG: Well it's too early to say, but if I ended up joining another group I will still continue to do my own thing. I would love to make an instrumental album and experiment will other styles of music and integrate them into my playing.

MTI: Do you have a certain goal or path that you want to reach? Do you play for fun in first place and see where it might bring you, or do you want to reach as much as possible people and make a living from making music?

JG: I want to be the best I can be so I plan on continuing to practice for many more years and see where it takes me I definitely want to make a living from music and reach as many people as possible. I'm not the 9-5 suit and tie kind of guy. I am going to go to Berklee College of Music in Boston to obtain a performance degree. And hopefully that will help ensure a long career in music.

MTI: On your debut album 'A Long Road to Hell,' you played all guitars and bass, while Aaron Martin is taking care of the drums. I guess that Aaron is a friend of yours; perhaps you are at the same college?

JG: I actually met Aaron through a guy that I was taking guitar lessons from and at that time the drummer I had wasn't right for the job so I asked Aaron if he would go into the studio with me to record the album.

MTI: Do you also practice together, or was Aaron only invited during the recording process?

JG: We practiced together a lot before we went into the studio but we jam from time to time. Aaron was actually compensated for his time while we practiced together and for the time we spent in the studio. I felt that it was only fair to provide him with some financial incentive in addition to the exposure that we hoped the CD would generate once it was on the market.

MTI: What is the deeper meaning of the title? Why choosing the road to hell?

JG: I felt the title conveys the darker side to some of the songs on the album.

MTI: In my review, I made a remark about your vocal chords. At the time of my review, I had no idea how the album 'A Long Road to Hell' was created and accomplished. Afterwards you forwarded me interesting info, so this interview is also meant to reconcile!Ý Tell us, how comes that you took place behind the microphone as well?

JG: Well, to be honest it's because I couldn't find anyone else who was right for the position, I auditioned a lot of peopleÝ but I couldn't seem to find anyone else who was serious about wanting to make music and not just scream into a microphone. Which to date is the hardest part of the whole thing. Trying to find people who loved music as much as I did and not just as a hobby, I'm sure there are many people out there who are as dedicated as I am but I've yet to find them.

MTI: Did you get in contact with that singer afterwards?Ý What was the reason that he didn't show up?

JG: When I first started rehearsing the songs with him things were going ok but not as well as I would have liked. I thought that as we practicing more he would start to become more solid. Then when it came time to record he didn't show up. Later when I spoke with him he said that it was because he didn't feel comfortable enough.

MTI: Have you heard my comment from other people as well?

JG: Well, to be honest I haven't. Recently, I was sent a review from a record label executive panel that evaluated the music and they sent a favourable review on the vocals and guitar. I also think when people listen to the CD they understand that its all about the guitar and that comes first.

MTI: In my opinion, we wrote a reliable, fair and honest review...

JG: Yes, however the beauty of music is that everyone has a different opinion and nothing is black and white.

MTI: Perhaps, you are too close to the songs. The same goes with your family and friends, perhaps they don't want to lie or make you dolefully. Isn't it better that an impartial and objective person lay on a neutral opinion?

JG: I guess that's a possibility but I was pleased with my performance vocally considering my experience. And thanks to Mark Baxter I've seen a big improvement in my voice since the studio session.

MTI: At this moment, you are following lessons to upgrade your vocals. It seems like you aim high, because your teacher Mark Baxter isn't just a regular teacher, right? Who else is he working with?

JG: My first expose to Mark Baxter came by way of buying his book 'The Rock-N-Roll Singer's Survival Manual.' Then I also acquired his DVD titled 'The Singer's Toolbox.' After listening to Mark describe the various components of the human anatomy and their importance in the singing process I became very curious and wanted to learn more. Mark also lists as regular clients in addition to Steven Tyler; Scott Weiland from STP and Velvet Revolver plus Gary Cherone who sang with Van Halen. Also, being in close proximity to Mark's Boston studio location was also convenient for me. Mark also teaches privately in from his New York and Hollywood locations.

MTI: His main task will be to work on your vocal chords and make them looser and more flexible, isn't it?

JG: Yes, Mark is great and I love working with him, we do exercises to strengthen the vocal folds and adapt them to singing different pitches and volumes.

MTI: A man that is coaching Steven Tyler, must be pretty expensive, I presume?

JG: Yes, that would be an accurate observation. Let's just say my private vocal training sessions tend to be more expensive than any guitar lessons I have taken to date.

MTI: How many hours do you spent on your musical career each week? Do you focus on the vocals right now, or is the guitar still prior to your voice?

JG: Every minute that I'm not sleeping, eating, or at the gym I am practicing the guitar or vocals. Right now I practice guitar a lot more than my voice. Guitar is still a main priority compared to my voice. I can sit down and practice guitar for 6-8 hours, voice is a little different because after an hour or two I usually feel like I had a meaningful practice.

MTI: How would you like to describe the music on 'A Long Road to Hell?'

JG: I would say it's a hard hitting CD with good guitar solos, and the CD is diverse. From one track to another there are different influences present: Glorified has a thrashy sound with a fast solo to Back to Life which is a ballad and Supersonic Shred is an all instrumental rock track.

MTI: It's rather strange that you don't follow trends at all. Normally, American bands like to follow trends and play what is hot at that time or period...

JG: Like I said before I think fads or trends are bullshit and this whole Emo scene that's popular over here is terrible and contains no substance and no staying power. The thing about fads or trends is that they only last so long and then disappear. I think there are too many bands over here all doing the same thing, in the mid to late 80's there were fads and trends but every band was doing their own thing. I'm going do my own thing and play what I want, at least while I have a choice in the matter.

MTI: You funded the recordings of the first album all by yourself.Ý How is the selling till now, and how is the reaction of the people that bought the album?

JG: It's going pretty well. The CD is still new to the market but sales are good and the reactions have been favourable and building-up. As you know, a performer can never make enough money. I would like to earn or obtain the additional funds necessary to be able to effectively market, promote and distribute the CD in a coherent way.

MTI: Did you promote the product all over the world, to the major magazines, or is it on a limited base?

JG: One of the first steps I took to get my music promoted to a specific and world wide audience was by utilizing MySpace.com. I have met so many great music people this way and they have been very eager to help me with advice and/or airplay. Almost everyday something positive happens as it pertains to my music!

MTI: We already played some tunes in our metal show Overdrive. Was this beyond all expectations? Did you ever think that the CD would receive airplay?

JG: I was hoping it would and I'm really thrilled it did attract airplay and support but it wasn't beyond my expectations.

MTI: And how is the situation in the US?

JG: It's going really good, actually I've been playing a fair amount of shows at local clubs and the music has received airplay on several radio and internet stations including one in the large New York City marketplace.

MTI: Do you believe that Joe Granata needs to focus on the European market in stead of the American market?

JG: Based on my own situation I feel that the European market for USA Metal is very open and supportive at this point in time, I'm not sure why that is the case other than that it could be indicative of the taste levels in certain market areas or countries. I think that many times we have to look back into the past to learn and then decide what path to take. Many of my music influences were also very successful in Europe and that might be a benchmark that I have set for myself. To date, I have been very pleased with the response and support I have received from all over Europe.

MTI: Is there any chance that you will play live and promote your music in clubs, or is it too difficult, yet?

JG: Yes, I've just started doing that recently, and I'm enjoying it, I will be updating my website soon with future show dates.

MTI: Can you give us some comment on the lyrics of the songs as well? For example 'Glorified,' the opening track from the album.

JG: That song was written about the political situation and the war against terrorism. To a certain extent I feel that the war is Glorified and certain political parties are taking it for granted and using it to gain money and popularity around election time. Plus, as much as people want the war to be over they also encourage it.

MTI: And what about 'Death Machine Ride?'

JG: The song was written about the problems of addiction. I personally haven't experienced that but I know what its like because I have known a few people who struggle daily with some form of addiction.

MTI: The last song is 'Supersonic Shred,' and that's a mix between a jamming session and a real song, am I correct?

JG: That song was all improvisation, I had written out the rhythm underneath it before-hand but all of the leads were off-the-cuff.

MTI: Do you also play covers, or do you only play original material?

JG: When I play live I do like to integrate covers into the set list.Ý I really enjoy covering some early Metallica and also Black Sabbath with Ozzy.

MTI: How many songs have you already written so far?

JG: I have around 8 to 10 more songs completed and ready to rock and a few that I'm still working with to get them where they should be.

MTI:Ý What are the plans for the next coming weeks and months?

JG: I plan to keep practicing and improving. Writing more material and promoting my music worldwide.

MTI: Well, I guess that we all know much more about the first cd and the artist.Ý How can people buy or order the cd?

JG: The CD 'A Long Road to Hell' is available on iTunes, CD Baby, or through Digstation.com

MTI: You can also mention the homepage and any additional info that people might need.

JG: I have my own website: www.joegranata.com and a site on MySpace: www.myspace.com/joegranata that I try to update regularly with any news about my music.

MTI: Do you have a final thing to add, before we end this interview?

JG: You asked me some very good and thought provoking questions. I want to thank you guys for the airplay and for giving me the opportunity to have this interview and for allowing your audience to become more intimate with me as a person and a musician.

MTI: We know much more, thanks for your time and we appreciate your honest feedback!

JG: Anytime, thanks again and keep it HEAVY!

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