Bee-Wee's Playhouse

Did your love for rock music begin on guitar?

I've always been singing. I started on piano first (more of a family decision) at age 5. Guitar was my first conscious choice in instrument. I've always admired guitar players and their ability to make it look so easy. They’re as expressive as a voice, but with their fingers. In order to create the music I wanted to make I needed to play that guitar! I still remember the first time I plugged in a guitar. I went right to electric; bought a $300 used BC Rich, plugged it into my Fender Rhoads keyboard amp with a cheap distortion pedal and let ‘er rip!  It is a feeling that is still present today every time I hit my guitar.

What was the first song you learned on that instrument?

First song I learned on guitar I believe was “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” by Joan Jett. It was however not the first song I ever played live. That was an original.

What brands/ models do you use to record?

I like finding a grand balance between the sound you can get from a combination of amps and effects and the sounds you can uniquely create with your fingers. On our debut album, Halestorm, I used Diesel and Marshall amps and Gibson guitars. There were minimal effects used except for the stadium reverb on a solo or two; the slap technique in "It's Not You" is all fingers!

What brands/ models do you use for live shows?

Gibson guitars, Randy Rhoads signature 100 watt amp, Dunlop pedals: Zakk Wylde distortion, MXR boost pedal, classic Wah, Dunlop strings and 10-52 Dunlop picks.

Do you find yourself really sticking with one certain guitar brand?  

I can't quit Gibson guitars. There's just something about holding a weighty, resonant, hunk of wood in your hands. It makes you feel powerful to wield it in your hand, to make it sing or to make it your bitch. It's an intangible feeling…I’m addicted.

 Any techniques that are a bitch?

Of course! That's 90% of learning and mastering any craft. You don't give up because of the thrill of that 10% where you finally nail that run or master that bend! It's in those moments where you realize that nothing is impossible!

Any mishaps with your instrument?

Daily! I do, however, have an amazing guitar tech (one of the dearest friends I have) who trouble shoots those mishaps.

What other gear do you covet?

I have a love for old Fender Rhoads keyboards and baby grand pianos. I also love baritone guitars. I used one on the recording of "I Get Off".

Any advice for people who wanna learn to play but might be nervous to do so?

Don't be nervous! Just dive in and listen to what your body and your heart tells you. Don't get discouraged. Everybody learns differently and every body's view of their instrument is different. For instance I learned guitar primarily by ear and I relate it to the voice.  That’s why all the solos I do come from something I sang or could sing.  Final advice: Practice! If you get frustrated walk away for an hour and come back. Remember... nothings impossible!!!

Halestorm's rolled through the Rock 106.1 studio many times.  Check out interviews of the band plus more pictures of Lzzy throughout the rock1061.com website.

Halestorm's self-titled debut is in stores now.  Visit the band at www.halestormrocks.com