Tag: Bootsy Collins

INTERVIEW: Malina Moye

If you’re a fan of guitar gods like Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix, you may have to make room for a new goddess in town, by the name of Malina Moye. Hailed as one of the Top 10 Female Guitarists in the World by Guitar World Magazine, Malina shows her skills every time she picks up an axe. Her latest album, “Rock N’ Roll Baby” is available now via Sony Records, and her single “K-yotic” featuring the legendary Bootsy Collins lit up the charts upon its release. With an international tour kicking off later this month, we caught up with Malina to get the latest info on what’s in store.

B&E: For those that haven’t heard of you, how would you describe your sound?

Funk-Rock in a contemporary style. I’d say Sly and the Family Stone meets Led Zeppelin, but contemporary.

B&E: You’ve been called a “Female Jimi Hendrix” for your similarities in playing style (being a lefty guitarist doesn’t hurt either). How do you feel when you get that comparison?

I’m flattered, but Jimi is the greatest guitarist of all time. I don’t think anyone can ever fill his shoes or even be in the same realm as a player. Being left-handed won’t make anyone sound like Hendrix. I’d like to think that my tone, phrasing and feel are more important than being left handed. I’m definitely influenced by Hendrix, but I have my own style, which is different than his.

B&E: Your upcoming tour supports your album, “Rock & Roll Baby.” What was the recording process for this album like?

We recorded a lot at Capitol Records in Los Angeles. It’s always fun playing live with a band—feeling each other’s grooves and energy. I recorded this way for half of the album, then, of course, some tracks we laid separately.

B&E: Your first single features Bootsy Collins. How was it to work with him?

Bootsy is the best. I wanted to get Bootsy to do an intro on the record, but he ended  up vocalizing on the entire song thus making it a duet. It was a real honor and privilege to be on a record with one of the founding fathers of Funk. Bootsy is a master of groove and precision.

B&E: You’ve supported acts like Robin Thicke. Do you prefer to support acts or would you rather play out on your own?

Robin is incredible he and his team were so giving and supportive. I think if you’re lucky enough to score incredible support slots, you have to do it. It’s a part of the process, gaining your own audience and learning. Of course, as a headliner, we get to call a lot of shots now. I think my fans have grown with me over the years.

B&E: Is the live experience different when you’re the focal point of the show, as opposed to the support?

I have to be honest here, not really. I love both aspects, but if you’re support for the Rolling Stones or for an arena act who happens to be in the top 20, it’s a great opportunity as an independent artist. Then if you go out and kill it, the audience is going to love you regardless, and the next time you come in and you’re the headliner, I guarantee some of them will be there for you.

B&E: Lastly, what is your favorite thing about playing live?

The magic and the energy all around, especially from the audience.

Malina Moye’s tour kicks off in late April and details, along with her latest album, “Rock N’ Roll Baby”, can be found at her official website.

INTERVIEW: Ana Popovic

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Ana Popovic, the only female guitarist of the Experience Hendrix Tour, which makes it’s way to the Riverside Theater on March 9th and 10th. Born in Belgrade, Serbia, she grew up surrounded by the blues and the music of guitar legends. On the Experience Hendrix Tour, which was assembled by members of the legendary Jimi Hendrix’ family, she shares the stage with a variety of guitar gods, including Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Bootsy Collins, and more. Learn more about the tour, as well as Ana’s solo career, straight from the woman of the hour below:

B&E: Let’s start with the Experience Hendrix Tour. How did you get involved with that project?

AP: It was a tour I wanted to be a part of for a long time. I’ve been a fan of Jimi my whole life and a tour put together by Jimi’s family is not JUST a cover gig. It’s the real deal. Knowing they didn’t have many women in the past- I took it as a huge honour and privilege to be a part of, for the 3rd time. I’ve been playing songs of Jimi off and on, throughout my career, and to be able to play those songs for Jimi’s audience and audience of all these incredible performers is really a dream come true for me. Songs like ‘Belly Button Window’ ‘House Burning Down’ ‘Crosstown Traffic’ ‘Can You See Me’ are songs that I had played for many years in my set.

B&E: The tour features an eclectic group of guitar royalty, from Buddy Guy to Zakk Wylde. Who’s your favorite person to watch (or play with) on the tour?

AP: If I really have to choose it’s Buddy Guy and Billy Cox. I had that fortune and privilege to share stage with not just one, but 2 legends on a closing jam for more than a few evenings – just the 3 of us. It was beyond words. Zakk puts out a great performance, and sharing stage with Dweezil and Mato was fantastic.

B&E: You have mainly a blues background. Does it feel different to get out and rip into some Hendrix on stage?

AP: I finally feel this is my audience. My music is based on blues but I was always very comfortable playing for ‘guitar audience’ in general. My music merges styles and is ‘unpredictable’. Specially on Trilogy there’s guitar work that spans from Buddy Guy’s style, Hendrix, to Joe Pass and George Benson. And that doesn’t even cover the soul and funk part of Trilogy.

B&E: “Trilogy” is just that, three albums in one. Why did you decide to release it all together and not piece the albums out?

AP: In a way all three CDs are so different but they at the same time are part of the same thing. it resembles this specific time in my career, my influences as a guitar player and singer, as wide as they are. I felt I was simply ready for a big record – for a big body of work. I felt it was time for that. All these songs have a mysterious connection although I recorded them to sound as different as possible, like if you would collect 3 of your favourite artists in 3 different genres of music. I was surprised to see how well those songs fitted together, being so differently recorded and though of, I felt I shouldn’t take them apart. It’s a project I’m very proud of – to be able to do something like this – at this stage in my career is to me a real personal success.

B&E:  What was the recording experience like this time around? Different from your past albums at all?

AP:  Very different. All the songs are carefully chosen to fit the exact genre. They were written in that matter. To fit the jazz album, or a soul/funk record, or the blues and rock style that my fans really love to hear.Then I carefully chose the musicians and producers to fit those particular songs. A great drummer or a bass player can be really great in one genre, but I would find great player for what they are really great in. For what they mastered. And have them do ONLY that. So there been 3 different sessions planned in different studios with different amazing lineup. and finally having them produced by 3 different producers to have them sound like 3 different artists. It’s been such a great experience, – I can’t imagine going back to the previous way of recording 12 tracks with one band and one producer.

B&E: Besides the record, and the tour, are there any other plans for the rest of the year?

AP: First things first: Experience Hendrix, than touring with the release of Trilogy and getting ready for new projects that are already in planning.

The Experience Hendrix Tour visits the Riverside Theater on March 9th and 10th. Tickets can be purchased here via the Pabst Theater Group website.