A Dirty Dozen with LOU DIBELLO – August 2019

According to a recent press release: “Guitarist Lou DiBello certainly showed the world he is most talented on the six-string with his previous album, Heat Wave (which contained the rocking highlight, “Full Throttle”). On August 2, 2019, he will prove that its predecessor was no fluke, with the release of American Hard Rock.” We get Lou to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

I always end up with little licks or phrases, and not always intentionally, that reference another song or artist. There is a little lick in one of the instrumentals that sounds just like a couple beats of “Reelin’ In The Years” by Steely Dan, lol!

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I have been playing music since I was a kid, and have spent most of my life as a full time player and guitar instructor, so it is something that has really been a constant for nearly as long as I can remember.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

I was very much influenced by Jimi Hendrix at a very young age, even before I began playing the guitar.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

As far as guitarists go, my Uncle Dave, who is an incredible jazz guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Marino, Michael Schenker, and Angus Young.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Probably Sammy Hagar, I have always loved his style. We could probably write some good songs, and have a great time doing it!

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

It’s American hard Rock! I don’t know if I can answer the second part, most people seem to get where I am coming from.

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

In a general sense, I like working for myself, and in terms of playing there is nothing like meeting the challenge of playing my very best, and connecting with the audience at every gig. And I play A LOT of gigs!

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Well, our drummer is a great cook, we’re just lucky if we all get to the gig on time!

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

I don’t tend to feel that way often, not sure.

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

High powered lawyer or farmer.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

All in all, I am very happy with my current situation, so no real regrets. In about 1994, Michael Sweet got a hold of me after I appeared in Guitar World magazine, about auditioning for him. I did not want to relocate at the time so I passed I suppose it would be interesting to know what might have come of that?

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I just read K.K. Downing’s autobiography, and it would be fascinating to be there for the British Steel sessions. One of the greatest rock/metal albums of all time!

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Category: Interviews