Dan McAvinchey

I still discover a lot of music by word of mouth, seeing what my friends are listening to. I have always bought music and still do.

I am very fortunate to know and have worked with an amazing variety of musicians, so I can write a piece of music with someone in mind.

If you want respect, get out of the music business (laughs)! If you love what you are doing, it will show and you will gain respect. People who buy records like how songs move them no matter the skill level.

Phrasing is what makes the big difference between just mindless noodling and a great guitar solo in my opinion. Think more about which notes you play and when you play them.

Instrumental music is pure and real music! It has all the focus on the music and not on some cheap love story. The most exquisite music does not need words to express itself.

I believe the Internet it`s a great window to the world, it`s a great tool to communicate with other musicians, and people who can help you with your career; it`s definitely great for business!

Today it is quite hard to set yourself apart in the instrumental rock domain. There are a lot of great guitarists! Unfortunately, lots of them do the same kind of stuff.

I had several proposals with major labels, but now the music business is really hard - no one does anything serious for you.

My listening isn`t biased towards guitar players. In fact, I think I might even avoid seeking out guitar players` recordings, because I`ve had better luck trying to get clear about my own approach to the instrument.

I`ve got a killer new record out on Lion Music which is being promoted with a digital, electronic press kit (EPK).

I`m not taking myself to seriously. And I think that`s a good thing... music is supposed to be fun.

I wanted this CD to sound like four musicians jamming live in a studio, and if that`s what it sounds like to someone, then that makes it better.