1 - Glad to hear from you, thanks for your time!
It's My plearsure.
2 - Tell us about your personal history and background for the fans at Mexico.
I was born in Sweden, Where i lived until i was 21. On and off Through my teen years i played in a ray of local bands. I spent all of my time practicing guitar and teaching,i also did some clinics and session work. I got in touch with Ron Keel in early 2000 regarding his new project "IRONHORSE". So i started sendng him demos and here i am. I feel very lucky and honored that he gave me the gig, especially since theres so many great guitar players out there.
3 - When did you first pick up the Guitar?
I started playing when i was about nine after seeing Yngwie on television.
4 - What motivated you to want to learn to play the guitar?
For as long as i can remember i always wanted to be a "Rockstar" (laughs) but i have to say that it was Eddie Van halen who motivated me to pick up the guitar, then after seeing Yngwie that was it. I was like I WANNA do that.
5 - Who are your main influences?
I get influenced by a lot of things but guitarwise i'll say Paul Gilbert, Yngwie, Vinnie Moore, Eddie Van Halen, Jason Becker and Michael Romeo from symphony x is a player who i think is really good.
6 - Who is your favorite guitar player?
Too Many too pick one.
7 - You have a couple of new proyects right now, one of them is the amazing tribute to Jason Becker "Warmth In The Wilderness", and the other one "Iron Horse" Produced by Mike Vescera. Could give us a run down on the music that is included on these releases?
I'll start with IronHorse, wich is kinda southern shred rock(imagine skynyrd meets racer x). the record contains only originals except we did a cover of Bad Companys "Shooting star". Playing southern rock was a totally new thing for me. I come from a "metal, classical" school so i took me awhile to get the hang of it,i mean playing harmonic minor scales at 300 bpm doesnt sound very good in "sweet home alabama"(laughs) wich i found out pretty quick. but theres still plenty of shredding on the record. Im really proud of the solos on "dont stop" and "signs of life" theres also an instumental called "lets ride" wich is a mix of Metal,Classical,Country and funk. Its pretty funny. The Jason Becker Tribute record is a Total honor to be part of. Jason's playing and writing was so beyond his age. I spent many days and nights practicing his sweep arpeggios. We cut "eleven blue egyptians" wich was a big challenge to learn. I tried to play it note for note as much as i could. i mean i could have just played my own version of it but i enjoy a good challenge. I think it turned out pretty good, of course you always listen back and go "i could have done it so much better"
8 - The albums has a very good sound quality to it - the production, at least to my way of thinking, was handled very well. Can you share any insights into the production of the music from Iron Horse?
The IronHorse record was produced and recorded by Mike Vesera(ex: loudness, Yngwie Malmsteen singer). I dont know about any insights(laughs) but Mike did a relly good job.
9 - What does each track mean to you?
Each song has its own personality and meaning. My favourites are "Run for the border" and "sings of life" becuse i think theyre the heaviest.
10 - Where is the line between performer and musician for you?
When im on stage im an animal im trying to put on as much show as i can without sacrificing too much "lick cleaness"(laughs). I think when you go see a concert there should be a show, if i just want to listen to music i'll go home and listen to a CD. I try to combine playing like Yngwie and move around like Angus Young(laughs). I think its okay to play a little sloppy sometimes when youre moving around live, but in the studio im a perfectionist.
11 - All of the music you have recorded showcases your depth as a musician and your strong technique as a gifted guitar player. Tell us about your technique and how you developed it?
it all comes from playing and practicing a lot. I remember practicng my picking, sweeping 8 hours a day for years. Paul Gilberts first video helped me a lot.i always loved the sound of CLEAN fast picking.There is notnhing worse than unclean playing,especially when people try to "shred". I used to tell all my students that anyone in the world can play fast and sloppy but play CLEAN is a different thing. I still try to practice about 4 to 6 hours a day. Because i will always wanna make progress and grow as a musician.
12 - Have you ever done a song or album that you wish you could go back in time and un-do? If so, which one, and why?
Theres always things you wanna go back and change as you get better. But i think each recording represents the phase you were in at the time. Im pretty proud of what i've done so far.
13 - What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
I listen to alot of classical and progressive music. I get bored pretty easily when music is too simplistic. i love the harmonies and the chord progresinons of classical music.But i enjoy listening to Beatles and Rolling Stones as much as i do listening to Cacophony and Mozart.
14 - What do you think about the new crop of talented Guitar player's that are currently out there making music?
I think it's great that there are still people out there whos ambitious,talented and interested in the (virtuoso)guitar music(thank god). No matter whats concidered "hip" these days. I also think that people are getting tired off all these "(c)Rap metal guys with a sequencer" yelling abut how miseralbe they are. I think people are starting to look for something real.
15 - What are your thoughts on the state of instrumental guitar these days?
I always loved good guitar music and theres still lots of it coming out.
16 - what will be next for Robert Marcello?.
We're curently on a U.S. tour supporting the IronHorse record. I would also like to do a "heavy rock shredding" Solo Album in the future with different singers.
17 - When all is said and done, years from now, how would you want people to remember Robert Marcello?
I would like to be remembered not only as a guitar player but as a musician
18 - Can we expect to see you in Mexico any time soon?
Thats up to the promoters but i would like to play there. It would be awesome!
19 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us that i have not asked?
I just gained an endorsement with Peavey electronics. i Think everybody should check out the Wolfgang guitars. They sound great they play great its the best guitar i've ever had.
20 - Thanks again for your time, we really appreciated it!, and we hope to see you soon, thank you very much!.
It was my pleasure! anytime!...shred on!!
Jorge Miranda.