Interview with Rusty Cooley

Why did you decided to play guitar?

Well because me and some friends had been air guitaring with some tennis rackets and after a while we decided that it would be much cooler to play a real guitar.

Which artists were your main influences at the beginning?

Randy Rhoads, Yngwie, Tony MacAlpine, Vinnie Moore and Paul Gilbert.

Can you please tell us about your gear?

Well right now I'm using Ibanez 7 string guitars and a Conklin 8 string. My rack has a Rocktron Prophesy preamp, DBX Dual stereo gate, Rocktron Intellifex and a VHT power amp. I also have a Bogner Uberschall amp. On the floor I have a DMC Ground Control Pro, Rocktron Austin Gold overdrive, Bad Horsie 2, Ibanez Flanger. I also have four Mesa Boogie Recto cabs with V30's.

What can you tell us about your solo album?

My solo record was me trying to do the most extreme playing that I could do at the time and still write good songs. I always start with the song first then I put all the melodies and leads on last. A lot of people seem to miss what I was trying to do and right me off only as a mindless shredder.

You´re very known in the guitar scene worldwide for your impressive technique. How did you developed it?

Well it's just a lot of practice, dedication and motivation. I have always been very driven and I'm always trying to find a way to expand my playing to keep myself from getting bored.

Can u please tell us about your instructional material?...how do you get all those ideas for teaching?

Well again it's just my quest to constantly push forward. There was a time when I would write every lick or idea down on paper in case I forgot it or so I could come back to it in times of burn out. So I have logged tons of stuff and started to put it together for instructional purposes. I plan on releasing much more it's just a matter of having the time to do it.

What do you recommend to aspiring guitar players?

Well you really need to get your technique and theory under control because with those two things working for you, you will be able to unlock the music in your mind. It also helps when trying to communicate with other musicians. Also be true to yourself, play what you like and don't worry about what others think or say and forget about trying to be in with what ever is trendy because it will be out tomorrow and then where will you be?

What do you think about the guitar scene nowadays?

Well I think it's on the way back. There are lots of new bands with guitar players that are pushing and promoting good music and the message is that it is good to be good at your instrument and it's cool to be able to do killer solo's!

What are your plans to the future?...any upcoming projects?

Well right now my band Outworld www.outworldband.com is putting the finishing touches on our debut cd that will be released later this year on Replica Records. The cd is very heavy, aggressive and has plenty of great musicianship going on and has killer vocals. We plan on doing some touring to support the cd as well. Most likely in Europe. As for my self I plan on continuing to push the envelope of guitar insanity and working hard on song writing.

Anything to say to your fans in Chile and to the readers of CDK.cl?

Thank you very much, all of your support is greatly appreciated and I hope to see you soon!

Thanx for your time, and keep rockin!

Thank you!
Rusty

Interview by Gustavo Serrano