Interview with a guitar god

Image by Pierre van der Walt

Can you tell us a little about the recording process? What was it like working with Theo Crous? Was it easy letting go of the producing reigns?

It was long overdue but very cool to work with him. He has a great musical mind. It was tough at the beginning, but once we figured each other out and how each of us tick it went a long very smoothly. Well worth it, I believe.

Why the album title "Dear Silence Thieves"?

While on tour in Germany last year I did a few shows opening for Everlast. During his performance two guys were very loudly talking to each other. Everlast refused to play until the silence thieves shut up and left the venue. I found this quite awesome to see and decided it was a great album title as I've experienced the same thing a million times before.

You say that with this album you have focussed more on the writing. What is your writing process and where do you draw inspiration from?

I always start with a basic riff I like and build from there. Sometimes it takes months for the riff to grow into a song. Once that is done I then look at the lyric side of things, that's how I've always done it; works for me. The inspiration comes from many places, but a great source for me is other artists that I look up to, that always gets the juices flowing.

How's the national tour going? How have the new songs been received?

Very well, thankfully. You never know until you do them live. They translate brilliantly. Of course we had to change them ever so slightly for the live thing, but I couldn't be happier.

Any plans to tour the new album overseas?

Yes, we head back to Europe in October for a three-week tour, so can't wait to drop the album over there.

You have had numerous commendable awards and accomplishments throughout your musical career both locally and internationally, what have been some of your personal highlights?

Playing in New Orleans for the first time was awesome. The Bruce Springsteen show at FNB was a massive milestone for me.

What was it like touring with The Boss?

Nerve wracking to say the least, but an experience I'll never ever forget. What a massive rush. And what a nice guy Bruce is, a salt-of-the-Earth cat. Playing for that number of people is a very strange experience indeed, but one I could definitely get used to.

What is it about the blues sound that resonates with you?

Its complete rawness and its freedom to let the player express. It's almost primal, the blues. And almost everything we hear today comes from the blues in some way.

Who are some of your favourite artists to work with?

Guy Buttery, Nibs van der Spuy, Albert Frost. Always enjoy the vibes we have together.

What advice would you give to aspiring SA musicians who would like a career as successful as yours?

The longer you push away at it, the easier it becomes.

If your sound could be described as an animal what would it be and why?

A loud lazy bear, because I think it's got a lot of aggression when needed, but is also chilled when needed.

Any plans after the tour?

Sleep, and prepare for the next tour.

danpatlansky.com

Dan Patlansky Guitar Weekend 2014

The Dan Patlansky Guitar Weekend is a three-day event in the beautiful countryside at which 30 students will have the chance to hang out with Dan and attend group workshops covering various subjects. You'll eat sleep and breathe guitar playing for three solid days! All ages and playing levels welcome. Everyone will benefit massively.

Dates: 21 to 23 November, 2014 (check out 10am on Monday, 24th)
Venue: Clarens Backpackers

Dates: 28 to 30 November, 2014 (check out 11am on Monday, 1 December)
Venue: Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch

Cost: R2850
To book mail Susan at moc.liamg@sdnekeewratiugpd