"VESA"

"I would like to be remembered for being an innovative guitar player."

"As I walk on the path I see the mountain ahead, traversing across the hills and meadow, passing over the river and pond, I drift my way past, brushing the bushes, twines and trees; I open my way into a clearing by a lake and finally reach the mount; how matter of fact things are. An angel put a slide in my finger one night and the next day I awoke playin' the blues."

Canadian Blues lover Vesa Peltonen graces our site this month with his views on life, music and philosophy. A man of strong and meaningful expression, both in his music and through his own sentiments, Vesa has a distinctly positive attitude towards both his work, art, and life in general. He fills each musical note with deep and valid meaning and has unsurprisingly notched up a charming string of regular admirers through his creative work.

Last but not least, Vesa is full of positive encouragement and is always consistently offering support and good advice to his fellow musicians. Melodrift wish Vesa very best wishes throughout his future musical journey.

Stream Playing Guitar With Angels by Vesa

 The Interview

1. Name

Vesa Peltonen

2. Age?

49

3.Location?

Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

4. Genre

'General Blues',(however there is alot going on that is fusion to my blues).

5. How long have you been making music?

I've been playing guitar for 30 years, (not everyday or my family would have gone nuts). I started composing seriously my own originals about 20 years ago and much more in the last 5 years.

6. What's your favourite piece of gear/equipment?

My favourite piece of gear is my latest guitar; the 'Variax-line6' solid body, which can sound like just about any well known guitar, just by turning a knob and flicking a switch by the sound control. No peddles or other hardware to get in the way. It can sound like a '58 Fender Strat, a '65 Gibson, a 12-string to sounding like a sitar or a steel dobro. It's amazing, really. I try to stay with certain fave sounds for now and begin to use other sounds as I need to. It's the best way to use it since it can get overwhelming if you try to memorize all the switch directions.

7. What's the first record you ever bought?

The first record I bought was the Beatle's 'Seargent Pepper'. My older brother had already had a collection so finally I dug into my pocket and began a large collection of LPs; I still have about 70 Lp's, which some are 'classics', like Eric Clapton and the Bluesbreakers.

8. What's the worst and best song or band you ever heard?

The worst band I heard was 'Sly and the Family Stone' and the best I guess are 'The Rolling Stones'.

9.If you were suddenly the most influential person in the music industry, what would you change about it?

If I were suddenly the most influential person in the music industry I would fire all the C.E.O.'s who make over $100,000. a yr. ;that's a tough question actually. Lots to change in the biz.

10. What's your philosophy on life?

My simple philosophy on life is; to pace oneself, taking every moment as it comes and follow your feelings, but most of all be a compassionate person.

11. What irritates you the most?

I get irritated by having to stop a project right in the middle of it; since i could lose that creative feeling.

12. What's your most treasured possession?

As far as material things, my most treasured possession is the computer.

13. What are your goals or ambitions?

Since I am a qualified Visual art/Communications teacher my goal is to do the best I can to help out students. One just keeps on learning, whether it's with my family, in my music, art or with helping out others who may need motivation.

14. Where would you most like to visit and why?

I love travelling and have been to many places around the world. I would though like to visit Japan to learn more about their culture.

15. What's your biggest fear?

My biggest fear is my computer crashing (lol) Well perhaps it's actually the fear of heights.

16. What do you most or least like about where you live?

I like Thunder Bay, since it's so centrally located and the city is right in the heart of alot of forest and lakes. I love the outdoors. Our problem is some of the extra cost of being further from the main bigger cities.

17. Who do you admire and why?

I admire people that give and don't expect anything back; they set a good example for us all.

18. What's the worst or funniest experience you've had while producing a tune?

The funniest experience I had while producing a tune was having my son 'sneeze' while I was right into the first note on the guitar. I kept it in.

19. What would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for being an innovative guitar player.

20. What advice would you give musicians starting out?

Advice for musicians is simply to practice and learn from every source you can; especially from other musicians showing you how to play a certain style or tune.

You can visit Vesa Peltonen's Music site at http://www.funender.com/music/bands/94/

IF YOU would like the chance to be a featured artist on Melodrift Productions, just send your answers to the above questions, plus a pic of yourself or band, to contact@melodrift.com

 

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