A few words with guitarist George Larin

Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself.
George: I have been playing guitar now for quite a few years. Have played in many bands, recorded many albums and played many shows. My music history is on my website: www.georgelarin.com

LB: How did you start out making music?
George: I got into music at a very early age, first by listening and then later by teaching myself how to play guitar.

LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now?
George: My hero at the time was Jimmy Page. I remember seeing THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME at my local cinema and just loving the way he played, the notes he used and his style. Later came Ritchie Blackmore, Jeff Beck, etc. By listening to those guys it helped me develop my own style, which is something that has carried me through to today.

LB: Tell us about your latest release.
George: My latest album is entitled, "Chameleon".

It was recorded at my home studio. I played all the guitar parts, including the bass. The drums are programmed and I tried to make them sound as natural as possible. It is a guitar instrumental album, but not your typical rock guitar album. It features different styles of playing, lots of moods and textures, as well as loads of different guitar tones.

LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows?
George: This was my first attempt at doing an instrumental album. All my previous efforts have been with vocals, so it was a whole new thing for me. At the moment I am not performing this album live. I want to get this out and into the world to gather feedback, but if it generates enough interest, then I will put together a band and go out and perform it.

LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy?
George: Playing in front of a crowd of people who actually appreciate your talents is an amazing feeling. It makes all your hard work all worthwhile, just to see a smile on someone's face. As for recording, there is no better feeling then to see your idea grow right in front of your very eyes. From a riff to a fully finished song with production, is such an achievement. Like painting, starting with a blank white canvas, and then filling it with all sorts of colours, etc.

LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music?
George: The album is available at the following places:
www.georgelarin.com
www.cdbaby.com/cd/GEORGELARIN
www.jbhifionline.com.au/music/pop-rock/chameleon/514865