Bill LoNero: metalunderground interview

Bloodofheroes: How did your first album influence how you approached “JFL”? Is there anything you specifically tried to do the same or differently?

On the first album I produced it. We also recorded it at someone else’s studio. With “J.F.L.” we had Michael Rosen and I produce it and we recorded it at our studio which was fantastic. We basically took a warehouse and converted it into our own recording/rehearsal studio. It’s perfect. We also use it for photo shoots and generally hanging out. We’re pretty self-contained. I recommend this approach to every band out there that takes their career seriously. It not only creates a musical environment that is more conducive to creating but it gives you peace of mind knowing that you have everything you need at your fingertips.
Bloodofheroes: Guitar instrumentalists of all stripes are clear influences on your music - What are some influences on LoNero that aren’t so obvious?

Actually I don’t listen to instrumental guitar. I can’t sit through it. It’s too much wanking and not enough shaking. What I mean by that is instrumental guitar is always about the lead and always about how many notes you can play and how fast you are and how many arpeggios you know. To me that’s so boring. Give me some groove. Show me a song. I want to hear a verse with a melody. I want to hear a kick ass rhythm. Not some guy wanking with his whammy bar. Most instrumental, if you take away the lead and you leave just the rhythm, the whole song falls apart and there is nothing there. My biggest influence is Angus Young. I love his tone, attitude, style and conviction. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve got nothing against speed, arpeggios etc. But there is a time and place for everything and doing it non-stop in a song is just not my thing. Can I do it? Absolutely. Do I need to in every song? Not a chance! more