Simone Fiorletta (Moonlight Comedy, Solo)
Interview September 2007

by Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer

Matthew: My Secret Diary seemed similar to Parallel Worlds as it was so damn diversified but it is also kindler and gentler. I spoke to you after the first record took the Worlds Guitar Community by storm. What were the "main" motivations/influences for this record?

Simone: I like to compose instrumental songs, without the use of the word, to communicate my emotions or my way of life. I’m not a singer but a guitarist, so I try "to speak" with my guitar. To understand what I want to say you can read the titles of the songs, so called for the initial inspiration.

Matthew: Speak to the tracks "A Day in California," and "Welcome Anita" specifically. First have you ever been in California, and second who is Anita?

Simone: No, I have never been in California, unfortunately. I would like to go there someday, but at this time I tried to imagine how it is and in my song I express the emotions linked to that beautiful land. "Welcome, Anita!" is dedicated to a very special baby. Anita is the daughter of one of my dear cousins, who was born when I was writing my new album. I’m her godfather and that song is a welcome to her.

Matthew: These two albums have treated the world to such a broad spectrum of styles, With you developing such aggressive metal shred, heavier metal and also softer beautiful styles which genre most like is the real Simone?

Simone: It isn't easy to explain but the real Simone is really a Shred, Heavy-Metal, Ballad, Rock style lover and player. I also love a lot of Progressive metal. I play with Moonlight Comedy and I recognize myself in this style as much as in the ballads of my solo albums, in my acoustic passages, in Rock songs etc. I guess you would call me a "schizophrenic" of music; I have various personalities.

Matthew: What modern day guitarists do you listen to, if any?

Simone: I like listen to Zaza, Neil Schon, and Satriani. I like their style if we're talking about guitar-heroes. Among metal band guitarists I like Michael Romeo!!!

Matthew: Is there anything you listen to that may surprise your fans?

Simone: Anastacia, because of the big voice and exceptionally written songs.

Matthew: Does your buddy Francesco Fareri influence your playing any, as he is one of the World's premier seven string shredders?

Simone: I don't believe that Fareri's style, a dear friend of mine, could influence me because our styles are too much different. Anyway according to me Francesco is the greatest worldwide shredder. He has a technique that overcomes every limit ... great Francesco!!!

Matthew: When are you going to do an Instrumental tour here in The States? Possibly you could match up with Satriani on G3 or Vai when he tours next time, because crowds here would love your diversity!
Simone: I would go on one now but it isn't easy to tour out of Italy across the ocean without the help of a big manager.

Matthew: What are your dreams/goals for your solo career?

Simone: Considering the previously question, the G3!

Matthew: Do you listen to any really extreme metal bands like in the doom, black, death or grind-core genres?

Simone: I 'm not a big fan of these other branches of metal, so the bands that I know are those more "commercial" like Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir etc.

Matthew: I played your first record to my unborn daughter in my wife’s stomach; now that she is ten months old she is listening to the new album and seems to like it. Have you ever thought of producing an album of lullaby's (laughing)?

Simone: Why not? I could compose an acoustic album with very melodic ballads and slow-time; I could dedicate it to your daughter!

Matthew: Thanks, that’s super cool Simone. I said in the album's review that you may be as the best all around guitarist in the world. What is your response to that statement?

Simone: According to me you’re exaggerating! Anyway I thank you for your consideration and your beautiful "My Secret Diary" review. I always take care to read your reviews and for me it's a satisfaction to know that you like my albums so much.

Matthew: Is there anything you would like your fans to know that we have not covered?

Simone: I just want to say, thank you to all your readers that have been with us. I would like to invite them to visit my sites at www.simonefiorletta.it. or www.myspace.com/simonefiorletta.

Matthew: Thanks so much for your time Simone and the very best of luck on your career!