The Guitar Player's Resource
Edward Box: I started writing the songs in early 2005 and this continued alongside the recording. I wrote five tracks and then recorded them and then did the next five. It seemed the easiest way to work at the time, climbing the mountain halfway, and taking a break - so to speak! As for what I wanted to achieve, I had no real goals other then to make a good instrumental rock record and to make a worthy successor to my debut album "Plectrumhead".
Edward Box: I've never had a specific practice routine other than practicing everything out there! When I'm writing I tend to focus on any problems a song throws up, and I put a lot of work into melody and solo construction. When you first start playing you have to put in many hours in order to master all the techniques. I would say that between the ages of 17 and 25 I probably practiced about 25 to 35 hours a week.
Edward Box: Good structure, good melody and a sense that it is adding to, and moving the song along. Technique plays its part, as does having a good feel and a good vibe. Early George Lynch and Kee Marcello are great examples of well structured solos.
Edward Box: I like "Jack In The Box", "Axis Of Evil" and "Big Screen Love Theme". They are all different and encompass what I wanted to achieve with the songs.
Edward Box: I sent Lasse (Lion president) some demos I had done and he really liked them so I re-recorded them to a higher standard and they became the "Plectrumhead" album.
Edward Box: Yes. I perform at guitar shows with the magazine Alloutguitar.com, and I also perform them with my band Vendetta.
Edward Box: I definitely find it more satisfying because I am no longer banging my head against a brick wall! The other things I have done belong in the past so I only look to the musical future. I did what I thought was right at the time and moved onto the next thing.
Edward Box: Look out for an English guitarist called Andy James. He is a true phenomenon of British guitar and he will be everywhere soon! Chris Francis is another top English player who I really like. His album "Studs And Sisters" is well worth checking out. At the moment I'm listening to Michael Romeo and Jeff Loomis who are both monster shredders. I'm always keen to check out new players but I still love the old masters.
Edward Box: I love Abba, James Bond themes, Chic and the Carpenters!
Edward Box: I have just finished an album with my band Vendetta, which should be out later in the year. It's traditional metal with a melodic slant - very British sounding. We are starting to gig soon, and I am also appearing at the London Guitar Show in April. The rest of the year will be spent building the band's profile.
Edward Box: It would have to be my all time favorite player, the great George Lynch. I would just riff and watch him solo!
You've certainly heard of the phrase "think outside the box". British guitarist Edward Box thinks - and plays - outside of conventional limits, releasing several instrumental albums geared towards six-string super highway travelers, while also recording tracks with a vocal fronted metal band called Vendetta.
Dan McAvinchey checked in with Box to get the inside scoop on his most recent activities, as well as his upcoming projects.