John:
Greetings, thanks for taking the time talk with Hardrock Haven.
Gunter: "Thank
you so much for your interest in me and Thanx for supporting man made music."
John:
Your name is fairly new to me. I know you grew up in Austria. Can you tell
us more of your background growing up?
Gunter: "I
played throughout Austria, Germany and Europe in the 70's and 80's and did
some recording but nothing that ever really took off. It wasn't until I
moved to the United States and began gigging around Las Vegas that I began
to get some better offers but a lot has to do with timing. Its not that
easy in Austria. The recording industry is much smaller and the quality
is not comparable. Most people listen to music that comes from America and
England. There is lots of good stuff in Germany but the radio stations there
won’t play it. Just think about whom you know from there. Nena (99
Luft balloons), Scorpions …….. hmmmmm I already have run out
of names. So as you can see not much to break out of there if you love rock."
John:
Who were your influences growing up?
Gunter: "Lots
of classical music and all the American and British rock from the 70’s."
John:
What prompted you to move to United States?
Gunter: "I
already wanted to come to the states when I was a teenager. The whole vibe
turned me on, the cars, the bikes, the movies, the music, the lifestyle,
and the beauty and openness of the country. I really appreciate America
and in some cases more than Americans do because I've seen the difference.
I love America and consider it home now. I love people and love to meet
people from all over the world. Different cultures teach me to think outside
the box and make me more open minded. Its very exciting. I love how we have
become all closer now with the Internet."
John:
Was it a culture shock?
Gunter: "No,
some things where surprising but in a good way. In Austria we learn formal
English in school. A proper greeting is: “ How do you do” and
the response is be “ Thank you fine and you.” So when I arrived
first time at LAX and walked up to the rental car guy I said:” How
do you do” and he responded “ wwaaaaaazzzzzzz uuuuupp”.
That was a culture shock. I had to start all over. But now I got it down,
"bro" (grin)."
John:
Had you been in contact with Mike Varney before you moved to the U.S.?
Gunter: "No,
I met Mike here."
John:
My assumption is that you are currently working with Mike Varney as a session
musician. Did Mike hook you up with Pat Travers?
Gunter: "Yes,
he needed a bass player for that album and recommended me to Pat. Pat was
awesome to record with and very inspiring. Pieces fell into place from then
on. Mike keeps hiring me for one record after the other. It’s a pleasure
to work with him and I love his projects. He has very good musical taste
and an outstanding instinct for talent so I feel great that he has used
me on so many records in such a short period of time."
John:
You are working on a new release with Kevin Dubrow. Did you have fun rerecording
the classic songs that Kevin had picked out?
Gunter: "I
think Kevin is very talented not only as a singer but also as a producer.
He picked some of his favorite songs from the 70’s for that album
which would sit well as a collection. We really had a good time in the studio
and I think it reflects on the album. Michael Lardie (ex-Great White) is
very creative too. He has Magic ears and is also a good producer, the most
patient guy I've met. Jeff Martin (Racer X vocalist and ex-badlands drummer)
and Kevin Curry are total pros and unbelievable musicians."
John:
Is there a release date on the CD with Kevin? How about a CD title?
Gunter: "It
will be out in April and the title is “In for the Kill.”
John:
How long did the project take to record?
Gunter: "3
weeks 2 days 4 hours 20 minutes and 45 seconds."
John:
You also will be releasing a CD with Michael Schenker. How did that project
come about?
Gunter: "Mike
Varney hooked me up with Michael too. Actually I was supposed to work on
the pre production for “Arachnophobiac” already but I was recording
with Pat Travers at that time. I’m very glad it finally worked out
and I could be on an album with Michael. Wow, This album is gonna blow you
away, I promise, Michael outdid himself. It contains some of the best solos
I have ever heard from him. I hope to be able to do an MSG album one of
these days. I love Chris Logan. He is a very good friend of mine and one
of the most talented and nicest guys in the business."
John:
Michael Schenker is one my favorite guitarist’s. What was it like
working with him in the studio?
Gunter: "Actually
we where not in the studio together, Michael cut his tracks in San Francisco
at Prairie Sun with Mike Varney and I did mine in Vegas."
John:
Did you develop a relationship beyond collaborators outside the recording
studio?
Gunter: "I
met Michael a couple of times just recently for the album and for photo
shoots, but I’m sure we will stay in touch. He is a great guy and
after all we have the same native tongue."
John:
Michael has been referred to as “hard to get along with,” did
you get that feeling working with him?
Gunter: "As
I said I don’t know him very well but I will say this. Michael is
a very warm person and I did not get any negative vibes from him. I don’t
feel that he is hard to get along with at all. Compared to him I am a rookie,
but he did not treat me like that at all. He was very friendly and supportive.
He let’s his guitar do the talking for him. Does that sound hard to
get along with to you?"
John:
The other musicians involved included Aynsley Dunbar. How was it working
with him?
Gunter: "Aynsley
is the best and a very close friend of mine. He always knows the songs spot
on before tracking, like he owns them. He is truly a super professional.
I always enjoy working with him. He makes ME sound good."
John:
What kind of music can we expect to hear on “Endless Jam?”
Gunter: "70’s
rock, killer stuff picked by Mike Varney. Here, I will give you one for
your readers exclusively: A Whiter Shade of Pale (Procol Harum). 3 minute
guitar solo from Michael at the end. It will put tears in your eyes."
John:
Do you know the expected release for “Endless Jam?”
Gunter: "I
think it’s April."
John:
Are you happy working on different projects or are looking to join a band
full time?
Gunter: "I
will do anything as long I can play music, recording or live, doesn't matter.
I feel very blessed to have the talent and the ability to spend my life
playing music. I'm always looking for new musical opportunities."
John:
What brand of bass guitars are you playing?
Gunter: "Fender
and Music Man, mostly Vintage."
John:
Is there any particular equipment that you currently use?
Gunter: "Yeah,
I love Eden amps, There's also a gear list on my web page: http://www.gunternezhoda.com
For the most part it’s all really simple. Bass-Cable-Amp-cabinet (Ampeg
8x10) on track. 2 tracks DI (Demeter and Aguilar). 1176 or Manley Compression.
Neve Preamps. I also use the Eden Navigator a lot. Live: Eden Navigator
- Crest CA9 Power amp. 2 Ampeg 8x10 cabinets. Sometimes Chorus and Compression.
I believe the tone is in your fingers. If you have a decent axe all the
sounds are there, you just need to find them. The playability of the neck
is much more important to me than the electronics. If the bass becomes one
with you, it will inspire you and that's all you need to sound good. I like
my sound with lots of bottom and warmth, more vintage. Don’t forget:
It’s called Bass … not Treble."
John:
Do you have any words of advice to aspiring and struggling musicians?
Gunter: "Believe
in yourself, work hard on your craft and most of all: Keep playing, Never
give up. If you are really good and you want it really bad you will likely
get it."
John:
Anything you like say? Maybe plug anything future projects coming up ...
Gunter: "I
am slated to start working on an album with George Lynch next week. Should
be a good one too. Tell your readers to say Hello to me if they come to
a live gig. I love to meet people who are into music. Yeah, one thing I
would like to plug: http://www.hardrockhaven.net
You guys rock."
John:
Great to talk with you, please keep Hardrock Haven up to date on your projects
in the future. I can’t wait to hear your upcoming releases with Kevin
and Michael. Thanks for your time.
Gunter: "Thanx
John and Thank you for doing all that. Your e-zine is great and really an
asset to the music world."
