Richie Kotzen has long been a formidable force in music. His latest single, "Cheap Shots," not only reaffirms his musical mastery but also sets the stage for an electrifying new album, 'Nomad,' due this September. With an extensive series of live shows set to take place across the U.S., Kotzen gives an exclusive interview with Guitar Interactive Magazine, sharing insights into the creative process that has shaped his career evolution, advice given to him as a musician, and much more.
From his early days as an instrumental guitar prodigy to his current status as a seasoned singer-songwriter, Richie Kotzen's story is one of relentless passion, hard work, and undeniable talent. Born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania, Kotzen's ascent in the music world began in 1988 when he inked a deal with Shrapnel Records, quickly earning a reputation as a guitar virtuoso. His early records were a testament to his extraordinary technical skills and innovative approach. "I was exactly who I was in that moment," Kotzen reminisces about his self-titled debut album. "I was a terrified 18-year-old kid in a room with guys like Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, and Mike Varney. But I was also determined to prove myself."
Despite his initial success, Kotzen soon realised his artistic vision extended beyond instrumental guitar music. "I knew very quickly that I did not want to be in the instrumental guitar game. I wanted to write songs, have a band, and be a singer," he explains. This pivotal decision steered him towards a prolific career as a songwriter and vocalist.
However, long before Kotzen had picked up a six-string, his love affair with music began with the soulful sounds of American R&B and soul. "I loved Stevie Wonder—that was probably my first proper concert. I saw him in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania," he reminisces. Shortly after discovering Stevie Wonder, Kotzen was captivated by the guitar theatrics of Kiss, notably Gene Simmons. "Seeing Gene breathing fire and spitting blood made me think, 'I want to do that.'" Highlighting Kotzen's varied tastes from the outset.
With his solo career on the rise, Kotzen made significant contributions to iconic rock bands Poison and Mr. Big. In the early '90s, Kotzen joined Poison, replacing guitarist C.C. DeVille. His tenure with the band included the release of the album 'Native Tongue' in 1993, showcasing his impressive guitar work and hit-making prowess. Following his stint with Poison, Kotzen joined Mr. Big in 1999, replacing guitarist Paul Gilbert. With Mr. Big, Kotzen recorded the albums 'Get Over It' (1999) and 'Actual Size' (2001), further cementing his reputation as a versatile guitarist and songwriter.
Joining Stanley Clarke's band at 29 was a key moment for Kotzen in terms of how he visualises the fretboard; as he recalls, "Stanley took the bass and said, 'All these notes are available to you. Pick some and play them.' Karen Briggs, the acclaimed violinist for the group, told him, 'The right note is either a half step up or down.' Those two things clicked," he recalls. This experience reshaped his approach to the fretboard and ultimately enhanced his improvisational skills.
In recent years, Kotzen has also fronted The Winery Dogs and formed a dynamic duo with Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith in Smith/Kotzen. Despite being involved in all of these projects, Kotzen's eclectic solo career has never been put on hold. Over the years, he has released more than 20 solo albums, each showcasing his ability to transcend genres, from rock and blues to soul and jazz. "I've broadened my scope because I've lived more and had more life experience, so I have more to write about," he says, encapsulating the evolution of his sound. This versatility has garnered Kotzen a loyal following worldwide.
When it comes to gear, for Kotzen's upcoming tour, he'll be wielding the Marshall 59HW — a hand-wired amp that's been his mainstay for years. "There's something magical about this amplifier," Kotzen enthuses. "A lot of other stuff sounds good, but there's something in that original circuit and the simplicity of it." He pairs this amp with Celestion Creambacks, favouring these 60-watt speakers for their unique tone. His pedalboard is anchored by the RK5 Fly Rig, a floor unit he co-developed with Tech 21. "I wanted something simple that I could throw down without a big cumbersome pedal board. It came out of necessity," he explains.
The Richie Kotzen Signature RK5 Fly Rig, known for its compact yet powerful design, encapsulates Kotzen's approach to live performance. The pedal features an overdrive section that captures Kotzen's signature tone, a delay, a reverb, and a boost function. "The Fly Rig is my go-to on the road because it has everything I need in one piece of gear. It's practical and sounds incredible," Kotzen says. Continuing his collaboration with Tech 21, Kotzen is currently developing a new wah pedal. "We're beta testing the wah pedal right now. I've recorded with it, and I really like it," Kotzen reveals. The development of this new pedal once again highlights Kotzen's hands-on approach to anything he puts his name to.
"The wah pedal is an exciting project because it's designed to complement my playing style. It's about finding that sweet spot where the expression and tone meet," Kotzen explains. This new addition promises to offer fans another way to capture Kotzen's unique sounds.
Kotzen's approach to songwriting is as organic as it gets. "Ideas come at random times," he reveals. "I've been woken up out of my sleep with an idea, dreamt songs, heard a melody in a restaurant and ran outside to put it in my recorder." His latest single, "Cheap Shots," is a testament to this process. "I had the riff and drum beat, started playing, made a form with a beat to get some emotion and feel, then put up the mic and started freestyling," he recalls. The result is a track that hits hard both sonically and lyrically.
Set for a September release, Kotzen's upcoming album, 'Nomad,' is poised to be another masterclass in musicianship. "It's done in the old-school classic way—eight songs, like some of my favourite albums," he notes. "It's not about jamming as many songs as possible onto a CD. I thought about how it would play on vinyl." The album promises to be a rich tapestry of rock, blues, and soul, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped Kotzen's career. "It really shows the pendulum swing of who I am as a solo artist," he says. "It covers the scope of what I do artistically and represents it very well."
As Kotzen prepares for his tour and the release of 'Nomad,' he remains grounded in his artistic philosophy. "Progress, not perfection," he says. "Obsessing over making something perfect doesn't mean anything. You create something that never existed before, and it maybe doesn't need to be better. You like it, so you're done."
Kotzen's live performances are legendary for their unpredictable energy and musical brilliance. One of the most memorable live performances of Kotzen's solo career took place in Argentina in the mid-2000s. "That show in Argentina was incredible. The audience was so alive, and the connection we felt on stage was something truly special," Kotzen recalls. "I remember looking out into the crowd and seeing a sea of faces singing along to every word. It was one of those nights where everything just clicked." This concert stands out as a testament to Kotzen's ability to connect with audiences worldwide, delivering unforgettable performances for those in attendance.
His latest U.S. solo tour kicks off on September 13th at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano and will traverse the nation, culminating on November 2nd in Dallas, TX at the Granada Theater. Before heading stateside, he'll conquer Europe with dates throughout June and July. "I'm very much looking forward to playing "Cheap Shots" live with my band," Kotzen says. "From Montclair, California, we go off to Europe for all of June and a bit of July. Following those dates, I'm doing an extensive USA run starting this September, and by then, my new studio album will be released. This is turning out to be a very active year for me."
See Richie Kotzen's blend of technical mastery, captivating performance and soulful songwriting at the following shows.
Richie Kotzen 2024 U.S. Fall Tour Dates
For more information on Richie Kotzen, new releases and tickets, please visit: richiekotzen.com
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