Will Knox: Site + MySpace + Facebook + Twitter
Q&A
G: What 3 albums have influenced your writing the most? Why?
WK: 1. Nick Drake – Pink Moon. This was Nick’s last record, it’s all solo acoustic. It is packed with raw performance, intricate songwriting, and extremely honest emotion. I think it gives a rare chance to just hear one the greatest singer-songwriters at his rawest (guitar & voice), letting the melodies, lyrics and harmonies speak for themselves. Jose Gonzalez’ ‘Veneer’ is a similar record in that respect, though very different in its context.
2. Ryan Adams – Heartbreaker. Not only do Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings play on this record, but every song is a gem. It flows seamlessly, track after track – your finger never thinks about pushing the ‘next’ button. Faultless writing, faultless performances, beautiful sounds.
3. I’m torn between Elliott Smith -Figure 8, and Tracy Chapman’s debut record. Such different records! But they both have an uncanny way of making you connect with them. Such unique voices and trademark songwriting. I suppose what ties all these records is raw emotion. For me that’s what separates the greats from the not so greats.
G: What guitars do you own? What other gear(s) do you use?
WK: I own a steel string, acoustic Collings SJ, a Fender Telecaster, a Gibson Les Paul Custom 1957 Re-Issue, and a steel string acoustic Fender Malibu. I just bought a Kala Tenor Ukulele too! It pains me to say I rarely pick up my electric guitars.. the closest I get to amplification is plugging my Collings in to a Fishman Loudbox 100 (great acoustic amp). The closest I get to gear/pedals is my Boss Tuner!
G: Can you share one tip each on the following with young musicians:
a) recording
- Never be arrogant/rude to your engineer. Sometimes it takes a while to fix a problem/get a good sound.
b) writing
- Carry around a notebook everywhere – I like to write on trains a lot.. there’s nothing else to do but observe and think.
c) performing
- Do it a lot! It’s the only way to get rid of over-nervousness.
Recommend me new musicians/bands to meet for a session, via Email or Twitter.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great interview, Emon. Loving Will’s music.. really beautiful.
Thanks, Dee!
Sometimes I’m staying for hours in front of my computer watching different guitarists playing their guitar…. but this one really rocks, a very talented man…. I liked his music… he has a great soul!
He is indeed very talented. Thanks for dropping by!
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