The Guitar Player's Resource
Canadian-based, Ukrainian-born guitarist Alex Koumpan submitted an extremely rough demo CD-R with 5 songs he recorded on a 4-track recorder. The songs are rock and hard rock oriented, with Koumpan handling all lead and rhythm guitars, bass and a drum machine. Because of the low-fi recording, it's kind of difficult to hear what Koumpan is after here, and he doesn't break down the songs at all so that you might be able to determine his direction. On a casual listen, the most obvious need here is better compositional direction, with stronger themes and solid song structures. Koumpan could probably benefit by collaboration, getting together with other musicians, as well as production and engineering types.
Alex was born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1986. At age 11, he took a strong interest in his dad's classical guitar, and decided to begin taking lessons at age 12. Bands such as Metallica and Megadeth prompted Alex to teach himself electric guitar as he continued taking lessons on classical. Later, he took electric guitar lessons as well, where he was introduced to jazz, fusion and theory. Alex' greatest progress was achieved at home, spending countless hours in the basement, playing along with guitar heroes' recordings. As a senior in high school, he played with several bands, including a Toronto metal band by the name of Bleak Destiny. Deciding that music would be his life, Alex enrolled at York University, where he is studying music and working on several music-related projects. He is also teaching privately and at Hi-Note Music in Oakville, Ontario.
Some of Koumpan's many influences include Jason Becker, Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Kirk Hammett, Vinnie Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Jim Hall and John Petrucci.
Alex Koumpan
Canada