Lori Linstruth: Modes for metalheads

Modes for metalheads:

Modes have always been confusing to me, but thanks to one of Vinnie Moore’s instructional videos and many patient explanations by my musician friends, modes are finally starting to clear up a bit. What you find below represents the line of thought that finally helped me make a little sense of modes, and to start understanding how I could use them for something besides practicing scale patterns. At this point, you might want to open the Flash demonstration in a new window and keep it handy as you’re reading. more

Lori Linstruth: How can you write on a “guitar blog” when you no longer consider myself a “guitarist?”

An interesting post from one of the best female rock guitarists around. Lori has decided to stop the guitar after struggling with a bout of depression and come out the other side. Lori has decide that there are other things to do and other things in her life that currently take precedence. I for one will miss Lori's excellent playing and hope it's just an extended hiatus, but wish her well on her future musings.

Lori Linstruth:

I’m going to be making some massive changes here, and want to give my current readers — all five of you — fair warning. But first, some background:

I started writing on the web about my passion for guitar 2003, and moved from a static website to this blog in 2006. In 2007 I went through a major depressive episode (or burnout or nervous breakdown or whatever you want to call it). Bouts of depression have dogged me pretty much as long as I can remember, but the Great Darkness of 2007 was worse than anything I could imagine. It was truly life-changing. I won’t bore you with the details: the important thing is that I got better.

Even so, three years later it is finally sinking in that I crawled out from the darkness a very different person. Some things have changed for the better, some for the worse. Some things are either better or worse depending on how you look at it.

One of the things that changed is that playing guitar no longer gives me pleasure. I’ve fought against this fact for three years and it’s brought me nothing but stress and guilt — I KNOW what I should be doing to “rekindle the flame.” But I don’t WANT to do it. And because I can count the times I’ve played guitar this year on one hand (with fingers left over) I no longer identify as a “guitarist.”

How can you write on a “guitar blog” when you no longer consider myself a “guitarist?”

The truth is, I can’t. And I won’t. And that’s the real reason I’ve not written more the past couple of years.

Fortunately there are still plenty of things that interest me, and plenty of things I want to write about and share. But because of the guitar focus of my blog, I’ve not felt “entitled” to write about them here. I’m sure most would agree that it’s a crappy situation when someone feels that they can’t be themselves on their own f’n blog! So I’ll be reworking this one as a personal blog, and it will no longer be guitar centered.

I still HAVE my guitars, and who knows, I may become passionate about guitar again one day and write about it again. My last “guitar sabbatical” was 10 years long, and when I started playing again a few years ago I was keener than I’d ever been before. But until that happens, I’ll be focusing on other things.

Lori Linstruth: Uncensored English, 2,000,000 downloads

Lori Linstruth says:

Wow,just checked stats and have just passed 2 million downloads on my English learning podcast. If only I had one penny for each one! ;-)

Crikey!


Uncensored English By Lori Linstruth
To listen to an audio podcast, mouse over the title and click Play. Open iTunes to download and subscribe to podcasts.
Podcast Description
English lessons to teach you American and British English swear words, slang, idioms, and other colorful language in a fun, conversational format. http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/uncensored-english/id250908423

Lori Linstruth: guilt machine giveaway

Lori Linstruth:

The people at BigMusicGeek.com are running a giveaway in which you can win a signed copy of the Guilt Machine album, “On This Perfect Day.” From what I can tell you don’t have to register for anything. They do require you to enter your email address, but you can choose to opt out of their mailing list. go for it

Damjan Pejcinoski,Tum Siamrath,Bryan Aspey,Jack Gardiner,Joop Wolters: Shred This Too... you know the drill... Shred This Three coming soon.

Marco Sfogli wants thanks you for your awesome playing... and so do all of the judges. There were so many brilliant players it was almost impossible to pick winners. So I want to thank you all for all the hard work you put in even if you do not appear in the top 5.

Marco Sfogli: http://www.marcosfogli.com/
Rick Graham: http://youtube.com/starlinginspector
Tom Quayle: http://youtube.com/tq105
Magnus Olsson: http://www.magnusolsson.com/
Chris Brooks: http://www.chrisbrooks.net/

The Prizes:
1 Tom Quayle: Toadworks John Bull Mark III
2 Magnus Olsson: Ibanez SM7 Smash Box
3 Marshall Harrsion: signed guitar transcription volume 1
4 Richie Kotzen: signed Peace Sign
5 Lori Linstruth, Arjen Lucassen: signed Guilt machine

Music details:

Backing Track: Spread the disease
Video Music: Alex Argento Vibrations excerpt

Like Marco's music: buy There's Hope
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/marcosfogli
http://www.guitar9.com/thereshope.html
http://www.guitareuroshop.com/catalog...
http://www.amazon.com/Theres-Hope-Mar...
http://lionmusic.com/cd/thereshope.html

As Arnie said... I'll be back... Shred This Three coming soon.







Marco Sfogli: Shred This Too - The Results

Lori Linstruth: instrumental demos are for Arjen's new CD!

A little birdy tweeted to let me know what yesterdays cryptic message actually means... Lori Linstruth says:

The instrumental demos for what will become Arjen's next studio album. It's sounding like a Star One :-)

Sounds like a sweet tweet to me ;)

Lori Linstruth: cryptic code?

Lori Linstruth tweets:

The instrumental demos from Arjen's latest project totally KICK ASS for interval training and general butt-kickin' in the gym

Now what that means is anyones guess, I'm hoping this means more quality playing from the fingers of Lori Linstruth... but only time will tell.

Lori Linstruth: shameless self promotion

Lori Linstruth always has something cool to say and when she talks about the subject she knows best she's never wrong!



Lori Linstruth:

I sincerely hate shameless self-promotion as much as anyone (really, I do!). But because the kind interviewers below took precious time out of their one lives to talk to yours truly, it would seem ungrateful of me not to pass on links to their work.

Check out the shameless self promotion for yourself!

Lori Linstruth: guilt machine ragnarock interview

Lori Linstruth and Arjen Lucassen join us to talk about their latest project Guilt Machine. The album ‘On This Perfect Day’ was released in Europe on August 31st, an album of self reflective twists and turns through progressive metal sounds.

As well as Guilt Machine Arjen also talks about life after the Ayreon project and his future musical direction. listen

Lori Linstruth: rip glitter interview

Lori Linstruth says:

It took me ages to muster up the courage to ask Rip for an interview, as I feared that if he found his inbox infected with an unsolicited email request from a far lesser player (and a GIRL no less), I’d be in for a counterblast of sarcasm and vitriol in customary Glitteresque style. Or even worse, he’s just IGNORE me, which would totally hurt my itty-bitty girly feelings.
Fortunately, he turned out to be more of a gentleman than the acerbic tone of his Harmony Central reviews would lead you to believe, and graciously agreed to take a short break from unleashing pure metal fury on his SIGNATURE Jackson Randy Rhoads Flying V to answer some questions for PLAG readers.
‘Scuse me for going all gushy fan-girl on ya, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that my humble blog would be graced by an interview with a LIVING LEGEND like Rip. Read on, Chickadees, and learn from the master!
[Warning: probably not safe for work, and definitely not suitable for those of you who are offended by naughty words]

full interview

Some solo demos: http://lorinator.feminoise.com/downloads/LL_solos.mp3

Lori Linstruth: guilt machine... the peanut butter connection...

Lori Linstruth says: Due to certain gender-specific anatomical limitations, I’ll have to take his word about the peanut butter thing:

So let me skip to the conclusion right away to save you the suspense; Guilt Machine is really fucking good. Imagine the softer side of Ayreon, particularly from the album “The Human Equation”, with a really good vocalist, who kinda sounds like James Labrie, except without sucking (and Labrie, mind you, was great on “The Human Equation”. Yes, Arjen makes magic happen). Imagine some insanely different and tasteful lead guitar playing. Add that to Arjen’s natural gift for memorable song writing hooks and a super talented drummer, and you’ve got chocolate covered cookies. It’s just fucking delicious. It’s as good as sticking your dick in peanut butter. Trust me on this.

The album is quite an introspective journey, and an interesting addition was asking for fans to send recorded messages in their mother tongue. Thus, you get this myriad of spoken passages which really connect greatly with the music and turns the album into a sort of epic confession of the soul.

full review

Lori Linstruth: luna andromeda demo

One I missed back from 2008. highlighted by this new and detailed post from Lori Linstruth:

For Newborn Race I used the bridge pickup on my Luna Andromeda, the Pod Pro, and the Dunlop 535-Q wah pedal, recorded directly into my computer’s sound card (the photo shows the whole chain). I always record with no added effects or EQ. During mixing, Arjen made many adjustments: EQ, compression, limiting, short reverb, long reverb, and delay. EQ usually involves hunting down and reducing any ugly frequencies, and often adding a bit of top. It depends on the solo sound used, and the characteristics of the backing.

full post

Luna Guitars - Andromeda Electric - Lori Linstruth

Lori Linstruth: guilt machine wallpapers to download

Sorry none of Lori in guitar shred pose... but cool none the less... download from: http://www.arjenlucassen.com/aal/aa_albums_gm.html#downloads w

Lori Linstruth: guilt machine new track promo released

We’ve just uploaded the full song Green and Cream, the third audio preview from "On This Perfect Day". The song clocks in at 10:32, and highlights the intricate drumming of Chris Maitland (ex-Porcupine Tree). You can find it on the Guilt Machine MySpace. We’ve also uploaded the booklet artwork and lyrics for the song here.

If you’ve not preordered yet, it’s not too late to order your signed copy of "On This Perfect Day" from Mascot Records. Be advised that quantities of signed copies are limited!

Lori Linstruth: makes it to the cover of aardschok

Aardschok album of the month:

The first reviews of "On This Perfect Day" have been really positive. In fact, we're pleased to report that the album came in on top of the Aardschok magazine soundcheck, thus becoming the album of the month for the August/Sept issue. Photographer Jasper van Tilburgh shot the cover and article photos -- thanks Jasper!

listen to the tunes

Lori Linstruth: a perfect day for blogging

A welcome return from Lori Linstruth as Lori is back to blog posting! With good reason... the new Guilt Machine project! This from Play Like a Girl blog

Promotional trailer for Ayreon mastermind Arjen Lucassen's new project Guilt Machine. Guilt Machine features vocalist Jasper Steverlinck (Arid), drummer Chris Maitland (ex-Porcupine Tree), guitarist Lori Linstruth (ex-Stream of Passion) and Arjen Lucassen himself on all other instruments and backing vocals. The album, titled "On This Perfect Day" will be released by Mascot records in Europe on 31 August and in the USA on 29 September. You can pre-order your copies at

http://www.mascotrecords.com/gm/shopgm.htm

Arjen Lucassen's Guilt Machine Trailer - On This Perfect Day

Lori Linstruth: guilt machine good to go... just need to sign a few things...

Lori Linstruth, Jasper and Arjen signing the Guilt Machine digibook preorders... I got mine on pre order!

Lori Linstruth: guilt machine new track promo released

Second Guilt Machine audio sample posted!

If you visit the new Guilt Machine Myspace site, you can listen to the second preview song from the forthcoming Guilt Machine album "On this Perfect Day". We’ve uploaded the 11-minute song "Perfection?" in three parts. Arjen would love to hear your responses to the track, which you can submit at any of the following:

Arjen’s Myspace :: Arjen’s Facebook :: Arjen @ Twitter :: Email

Guilt Machine preorders!

Thanks to everyone who’s already preordered copies of "On This Perfect Day." If you’ve not preordered yet, you can still order your copy from Mascot Records.

Preorders will be shipped near the release date, and (depending upon your country of residence) should arrive during the week of release (31 August). All pre-ordered copies will be signed by Arjen Lucassen, Jasper Steverlinck & Lori Linstruth. Paypal is the only method of payment accepted.

Note: The prices below are for all countries, and include all shipping, handling, and applicable taxes.

EDITIONS and PRICES
DIGIBOOK LIMITED EDITION CD + DVD
w/ 32-page booklet
25 Euros including applicable taxes, shipping and handling (worldwide!)

DIGIPACK SPECIAL EDITION CD + DVD
w/ 24-page booklet
22 Euros including applicable taxes, shipping and handling (worldwide!)

Pre Order

Lori Linstruth: guilt machine pre order special CD DVD package

Lori Linstruth and Guilt Machine have a cool MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/guiltmachine



You can pre order the new CD and special DVD

Track List
CD (all editions):
1] Twisted Coil (11:43)
2] Leland Street (8:03)
3] Green and Cream (10:32)
4] Season of Denial (10:22)
5] Over (6:11)
6] Perfection? (10:46)

DVD (Limited and Special Editions only):

Audio Bonus Tracks:
1] The Stranger Song (L. Cohen) - vocals Jasper (4:53)
2] Michelangelo (J. Campbell) - vocals Arjen (3:23)
3] Fan Messages (8:14)
4] Perfection? - guide vocals Arjen (9:37)
5] Twisted Coil - radio edit (4:17)
6] Pull me out of the Dark - radio edit (Green and Cream) (3:36)
7] Over - radio edit (3:56)

Video:
1] Trailer On this Perfect Day (4:33)
2] Making of the Trailer (3:44)
3] Interview with Guilt Machine (Arjen, Jasper, Lori) (40:03)



Spotted a cool mp3 featuring Lori Linstruth



Ordered my copy BTW.

Lori Linstruth: guilt machine looking gorgeous

Super cover for the new CD featuring the guitar talents of Lori Linstruth:

We’re happy to finally announce the European release dates and details of the forthcoming album from Arjen’s new project, Guilt Machine! The album, titled "On This Perfect Day," will be released by Mascot records on the following dates:

Germany, Austria, Switzerland: 28 August
Europe: 31 August
USA: Date still pending

The art for the cover (pictured above) and booklet was created by Christophe Dessaigne, a talented new artist whom we discovered (quite by chance) while browsing Flickr. Bu unexpectedly happy coincidence, it turned out that Chris is an Ayreon fan, and was thrilled beyond belief when we asked him to do the artwork! The Guilt Machine logo and packaging layout were created by pixelwielder extraordinaireThomas Ewerhard.



On This Perfect Day will be released in 3 different editions:

Limited Edition 32-page Digibook (CD + DVD)
Special Edition Digipack 24-page booklet (CD + DVD)
Regular Edition jewel case, 24-page booklet (CD only)



TRACK LIST

CD (all editions):
1] Twisted Coil (11:43)
2] Leland Street (8:03)
3] Green and Cream (10:32)
4] Season of Denial (10:22)
5] Over (6:11)
6] Perfection? (10:46)

DVD (Limited and Special editions only):

Audio Bonus Tracks:
1] The Stranger Song (L. Cohen) - vocals Jasper (4:53)
2] Michelangelo (J. Campbell) - vocals Arjen (3:23)
3] Fan Messages (8:14)
4] Perfection? - guide vocals Arjen (9:37)
5] Twisted Coil - radio edit (4:17)
6] Pull me out of the Dark - radio edit (Green and Cream) (3:36)
7] Over - radio edit (3:56)

Video:
1] Trailer “On this Perfect Day” (4:33)
2] Making of the Trailer (3:44)
3] Interview with Guilt Machine (40:03)

Guilt Machine:
Arjen Lucassen: instruments, backing vocals
Jasper Steverlinck (Arid): vocals
Chris Maitland (ex Porcupine Tree): drums
Lori Linstruth (ex Stream of Passion): lead guitar