The frontman, songwriter, and guitarist discusses his most recent albums, a soon-to-be-released solo album, and how his bond with Slash and Tremonti all stem from their mutual love of the guitar.
For the final segment of the Disc Dive with Ryan Downey and Myles Kennedy, the conversation begins with the fourth solo album from Slash and the continued collaboration with Kennedy, the Conspirators, and the legendary guitarist.
This time around, Kennedy had some help as the band took on the talent of Frank Sidoris to handle the rhythm guitars for the album, Living the Dream. The move allowed Myles to shift his focus entirely on being the band’s frontman, but moreso, Kennedy admits there was magic in having Sidoris in one ear and Slash in the other.
Referring to the guitarist’s talent as a “monster,” Kennedy said that even before the album began recording, the chemistry between the two axemen was something special and getting it on record was inevitable.
In discussing the recording of the album and what it was like to continue such a well-established working relationship, Kennedy expressed a genuine appreciation for being able to work with such a creative collection of people. Kennedy would go onto explain that these collaborations are special and that he is grateful to be able to be involved and contribute.
The conversation also detailed the sixth album from Alter Bridge in Walk The Sky. It was then that the discussion began to explore the idea of being so prolific. Between his solo work, his collaborative work, and his continued work collective work with Altar Bridge, there seems to be a wealth of source material for Kennedy has allows him to continuously produce at a such a high level.
At this stage in his career, Kennedy confides that he is trying to power down in an effort to ensure that he doesn’t hit a creative wall. The idea is to turn off the facet to make sure the well replenishes. Kennedy explained that his pace has resulted in an archive of material that he has crafted over the years that ensures he has plenty of bullets in the chamber. In fact, Kennedy cited how the track “Love Can Only Heal” from his Year of the Tiger LP, was an older song from a previously released effort that he was able to retool and repurpose – a testament to his creative output and the shelf life of his music.
The tandem also talked about the old saying that most musicians seem to write their best stuff before they are thirty, though Kennedy confides that was not the case for him. Admittedly a late bloomer, Kennedy some several albums deep into his incredibly prolific career, is only now hitting his stride.
Even on album six with Altar Bridge, the embrace of old school synth and different songwriting dynamics showcased their commitment to not repeat themselves and craft something new. The hallmark of Kennedy’s career could certainly be his ability to juggle various projects and his tenacious work ethic, but it could very much also be his continued evolution as a musician. Regardless of who he is working with, there seems to be a very clear understanding that creating a formula and cranking out something safe is, nor was ever in the cards.
As for the secret to his success, Kennedy shares that it all seems to revolve around the love for the guitar. Entering all of his creative endeavors as a guitarist, he found common ground with guys like Mark Tremonti and Slash in just geeking out over the guitar. That common denominator is what allowed the chemistry to develop initially, but it is also what allows it to continue to flourish.
Watch the final segment of The Disc Dive with Ryan J. Downey and Myles Kennedy below.
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