Genre: Jam Session

John Reid’s MNotez Interview:

• MNotez: How long have you been a musician? What age did you begin?
  • John Reid: I have been playing guitar for about 15 years. I started when I was 15 years old.

• MNotez: What motivated you to start playing music?
  • John Reid: I actually had no interest in playing guitar until I met a guy at school who had been playing for about a year. He was showing off his skills, or lack of, at his house one evening. I paid close attention to what he was doing, picked up the guitar and copied him……He suggested that I learn how to play and we would start a band………The rest is history. It’s been an addiction ever since.

• MNotez: Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you play?
  • John Reid: I really can’t narrow my influences down to any one or two certain bands. The first song that I learned was Sweet Dreams as performed by Marilyn Manson. After playing that over and over until my fingers bled, I moved on to Nirvana, Stone temple pilots, Bush, Green day and other “Grunge” type bands. A short time later I had found a new interest in Death metal music and began to learn different metal playing techniques. I have always been descent at listening to music and being able to closely copy what I was hearing. I’ve never had a formal guitar lesson and couldn’t tell you difference between Dorian or any other mode. I’m sure is shows in my music that I am somewhat “Flying” blind but I enjoy it and in the end that is all that matters. Mistakes are only made when duplicating something that has already be done. True art is taking something abstract and trying to make it work with your ears. What the hell is a mode anyway?

• MNotez: What’s the greatest concert you’ve ever been to?
  • John Reid: I went to a Slipknot show in Biloxi Mississippi that was hands down the best one yet. The Pantera show comes in at a close second. Mudvayne, Uncle Kracker, and Disturbed where also there. By the way….. I liked disturbed until I saw them in person. Very disappointing. I have to give an honorable mention to Aerosmith also. Wasn’t even close to being a fan until after the concert. I’m still not that close!

• MNotez: If you could play with any other musician or band… who would it be? (past or present)
  • John Reid: Anyone who creates original music is my “guitar hero.” Copying bands can really help you learn and build a musical foundation but if that is as far as you go….you’re missing out on something special. I would however love to be able to just sit and watch Robert Johnson play a tune or two.

• MNotez: You’re very unique in the fact you play electric guitar, love blues/rock music, however you prefer to collaborate and mix your sound with rap, any particular reason for this?
  • John Reid: Actually yes. I believe that rock/metal guitar compliments rap perfectly. Look at bands like Limp Bizkit and Saliva. They were doing something very similar a long time ago and still do. Generally speaking…metal vocalists aren’t doing much singing but more like really fancy screaming. Screaming is pretty much just talking loud and rapping is pretty much just talking……..it’s all related. (Damn I hope that made sense!)
    
    Also, most rap music that I like to jam to does not already contain any guitar. I feel more able to “create” instead of just follow.

• MNotez: What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?
  • John Reid: I don’t plan to be the next guitar “God” and Know that my playing is not really anything super spectacular. It is what it is and if one person other than myself hears it, enjoys it, and is inspired to improve upon it by creating something of their own……I’m happy.

• MNotez: Any particular venue you’ve always dreamed of performing at? Why?
  • John Reid: Not really. I’m actually very insecure in my musical abilities. I’ve been offered some descent gigs but have turned most of them down fearing that I wouldn’t perform “good enough.”
    
    I did play blues once in front of about 100 people in the middle of a field. Turned out historically bad. Fortunately is wasn’t my fault. I did however get to carry the drunken drummer back to his car after the show and made a whole $3 cash. Seriously!

• MNotez: Out of all your songs or albums… do you have a favorite? What is it? And why?
  • John Reid: As I mentioned early, I am very critical about my music. I can’t really say that I’m a giant fan of any of it. I do have a few songs that I am pretty proud of. Most of these songs were written for people in my life that have passed away or just moved on and I like to keep them personal. I’m learning everyday and hope to finally get to a skill level that will pacify me for a while.

• MNotez: How do you believe the internet helps the music industry or you as a musician?
  • John Reid: The internet has completely revolutionized the world of music. Think about it. 20 years ago you wouldn’t know who the hell I was and I wouldn’t have been writing this. The internet gives average Joe’s like me the ability to share their art with the entire world. No matter if they like it or not. Ha!

• MNotez: What’s your dream guitar to own? Favorite guitar you currently own or have ever played?
  • John Reid: I own an Epiphone Les Paul standard and a MIM Fender Stratocaster. I can’t really say that either one of them make me completely happy but they both have a place in my arsenal of weapons. I WILL own an ESP-KH2 one day. The ESP Kirk Hammett signature models are awesome! We’ll talk more about the Les Paul after I pop some EMG 81’s in it….

• MNotez: Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music?
  • John Reid: If you want to play guitar just grab one and start banging on it……something will happen!
    
    Remember: Play what you feel and feel what you Play. Being able to run the fretboard faster than the next guy doesn’t automatically make you special. A well placed note is much more appealing than 23 notes doing mach 10.
    
    Thanks to Nick and everyone else at MuzicNotez,
    
    John