“Steve is a classic example of an artist who has navigated the music business and created a niche for himself,” says Hugh Gilmartin, DAddario Artist Relations Manager. “He has parlayed his playing and production chops into a career that allows him to be creative, and at the same time, make a living, making music. He embodies the spirit of D’Addario’s roster of working artists and professionals.”

For more information

Dan Irish, CEO, Threewave Software, Inc (Moderator)
Paul Ruskay, Composer, Homeworld 1-2, TUROK, Studio X Labs
Jon Mitchell, Scarface Audio Programming, Radical Entertainment
Marty O’Donnell, Halo I-III, Bungie/Microsoft
Mark Griskey, Freelance Composer, Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
Gordon Durity, Studio Audio Director, Electronic Arts Canada

For more information please visit www.vancouvergamesummit.com

• Why a metal version of TDWDTG for GH3? I thought that was a fiddle song.

While it’s true the song was originally written for a fiddle, and is a country song, that wouldn’t translate well to a guitar-based game.  The original is a classic and a song that just about everyone has heard at one time or another.  It was a natural choice to give it a heavier treatment considering the game and stylistically what would work for a guitar, so that was the direction chosen.

• Who played guitar on the track?

I played the main guitar and bass for the song, plus all of the “Lou” parts on the right channel as well as the unaccompanied solo toward the end.  There were two other amazing players on the track playing the “Johnny” parts.  Ed Degenaro took the first solo and Geoff Tyson took the second one.  However, there are two final phrases at the end of the second solo that are Ed as well.  I made the decision to have these two guys on the recording not only because they are great players, but because it would give a nice contrast in style.

• Where was it recorded and mixed?

This track, as with all of the tracks I did for Guitar Hero 3, was recorded at Crush Recording (http://www.crushrecording.com/) in Scottsdale, AZ.  The always amazing Ryan Greene, my partner in this and many other projects was at the board was responsible for the mix and engineering.  Obviously, Ed and Geoff played and recorded their parts then sent them to me to be brought into the song.  I edited the tracks at my studio and brought them all in for the final mix.

• What type of guitar and amp was used for the recording?

For my parts I used a Les Paul R8 and an 80’s Kramer Barretta.  The amp was a Diezel VH4 on channel 3 into a Bogner 4×12 cab with an X-pattern of Celestion V30’s and 75’s.

• Who are the singer and drummer on the track?

The singer is Chris Powers, from the local AZ band Razer http://www.myspace.com/razer  .The drummer was Bruce Weitz from another Arizona band named Vayden http://www.myspace.com/vaydenband.  Both Chris and Bruce were great to work with and are true professionals.  Thank you guys!

• Why did you keep the original lyrics for the song?

I didn’t see any reason to change the lyrics.  Sure, they talk about a fiddle, Georgia, etc, but that’s the way the song sings to me.  I have heard other versions where the lyrics are changed to be more contemporary or to mention different places, etc, but they don’t sound right to me.

• Isn’t it blasphemy to destroy a classic song like TDWDTG?

Lol!  Well, I guess it depends on who you ask.  There are a lot of people that like the way it turned out, and it was purposely created to be a difficult song for Guitar Hero 3, so there’s that.  In a way, much like remakes of other classic songs, it brings the song to a completely different audience and lets them hear a great song.  I’ve actually heard a lot of people say it made them go back and listen to the original…which of course, they loved.

• How long have you been playing guitar?

I’ve been played guitar now for 25 years.

• How does it feel to be on the same CD as Slash, Smashing Pumpkins and QOTSA?

It feels great.  Nuff said!

• What other tracks did you do for Guitar Hero 3?

I did 7 other tracks for the game.  They are; Rock You Like A Hurricane, School’s Out, Barracuda, Talk Dirty To Me, Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, and Mississippi Queen.

We look forward to hearing you!