Todd Metcalf
- Instrument
- Guitar, Guitar
- Genre
- Acoustic, Ambient, Blues, Classical, Country, Experimental, Folk, Instrumental, Jazz, Progressive, Rock, Roots
- Location
- Windsor, Queensland
Interview with Todd Metcalf, 15.07.09
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What music has inspired you?
In my teens, I was a fanatically passionate fan of first Dylan, Young and the other folk-styled guitar writers of the 60's period. The music of the era inspired and shaped my early tuition in guitar. Within years, Hendrix et. al. had gained prominence as a sylistic influence and interest in more challenging, virtuosic and visually impressive lead techniques lead to an increasing curiosity with Heavy Metal- at the time largely emerging into the popular arena represented by Guns N' Roses, and lesser-so, Metallica. Through my late teens, I had developed into a devoted Metal guitarist writing and performing live (the best part!!!) with similar musos. Throughout my 20's saw the prominence of the Grunge era and my Metal sensibilities naturally tended toward the heavier bands of the period such as Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and related acts including The Offspring, Bad Religion et. al. with a less technical focus on the composition or style of lead guitar being employed. With the end of the 90s, I found myself yearning for the feel and simple appeal of a purely acoustic sound, as in my formative youth, and the freedom of not relying on extensive equipment, effects and amplification. I came to a realisation that a lot of my appeal, impact and ability as a performer and writer relied heavily on electronics and not natural playing skills. A great desire and fresh inspiration (concurrent with the birth of my only child) to truly develop as a musician resulted in a decision to limit my instrument/s of choice to acoustic models, primarily the Classical guitar. Pursuant to this, equally I sought fresh influences and discovered, among many blues/roots-style players, Mark Knopfler; I have now been told by many listeners he is probably the easiest influence to identify in my solo acoustic pieces. I view this is a compliment, however, I am not derivative of his material whatsoever. Most recently, I have begun seeking inspiration from an an ecclectic array of local, national and o'seas artists which are not limited by genre, although I rarely listen to any music without audible guitar present. I consider my latest inspirations to be Joe Satriani and lesser-so, Steve Morse. Ultimately, I am inspired by challenging arrangements and compositions and the ability to successfully fulfil the role of a lead guitarist, composer and performer as may be professionally required in any capacity imaginable (restricted to acoustic instrumentation). In simple terms, I am inspired to the best acoustic lead guitarist I possibly can be.
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Use three words to sum yourself up?
Intelligent, perceptive and erudite
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What music are you listening to at the moment?
Clapton- some twelve bar thing off Unplugged.
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If you had a choice to play one song, what would it be, and why?
The one I haven't finished yet- for obvious reasons...
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Where will you be in five years from now?
I like to think I will be on Tour- internationally- promoting an album and group that has singled within the Top 100 and too busy taking care of the business of playing live music with talented musicians... Hopefully answering real media interviews with questions similar to this...
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What venue would you most like to play at?
The first one to offer me my next paying gig. I think the international Festival circuit would provide the most facinating arenas and audiences.
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If you had a choice, who would be your support band?
Honestly, any act that represents a band of devoted musicians who are legitimately attempting to share their creative skill/s and truly entertain the punters. And to be REALLY honest though, an act that is appropriate and that will not lessen the appeal of my own peformance or band. In fantasy terms, any of the big guns of the last 50 years like Zep and so on- but it makes for one hell of an act to outplay...
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Have you ever played in a band before, and if so who?
Yes, many... I have played in several Heavy Metal and hard rock outfits over the years- all with predictably graphic names and that only ever resulted in small, local gigs, usually unpaid. I have played private parties, Boat Cruises along the Brisbane River as well as a few small festival-type events with various groups, duos etc and my last band, FLAMETREE, had completed recording and were preparing to Tour when the group became defunct. Since concentrating on acoustic material, I have not formed an ensemble, however, this is my firm priority...
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Three people you would invite to your gig and why?
Satch, Clapton (Hendrix, if alive) and Slash. I can think of nothing more rewarding than the respect, acknowledgement and critique of my live music as expressed by these players following a performance.
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Any tips you would like to share with your fellow musos?
I am only a guitarist so I am reasonably limited by the scope of advice I can provide. I would suggest practise, practise and more practise. Even after you finish practising. Then practise some more! Try to be as open-minded to styles and genres of all kinds even if not the style you personally prefer to play. And remember that regardless of how "good" or technically-skilled you are, there's a good chance a typist is usually performing more difficult tasks, and faster for longer, than you are. In other words, do what took me a really long time and still haven't mastered and "get over yourself". As my Luthier says,"it's only a chunk of wood..." Enjoy, don't compete!
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Do you live the Rock n Roll lifestyle?
Oh yes. Indeed... I lived 'the life' far too much. When younger; in every way, and paid the price of not succeeding at a level I well-could have. Live the lifestyle but live it your way and live it clean. Remember that what the media and publicists may want you to believe is actually often based in falsehood and selling a romantic notion, perception or image. Don't buy the hype. Music should be pursued, if professionally, identically to any other occupation. Times have changed and the industry doesn't support antiquated cliches concerning substance abuse or the 'slacker' attitude to writing and performing. I believe punters increasingly want greater value for money with higher (pardon pun) standards expected of musicians of all calibres. In short, if you use or you booze...you lose. Now, I say there is a time and a place. Few beers from the rider? Sure. Few to wind down after playing? Sure. Stoned at rehearsal? See ya later! That's me...