Interview with guitarist, singer and songwriter, Simon McBride

What inspired you to become a musician?

My dad was always listening to rock music in the house like Led Zeppelin, Free, and Jimi Hendrix, so music was always around. My dad had a guitar just lying around the house and so one day I just picked it up and really liked it. I started to learn small things like chords and easy tunes, and from there on I just fell in love with playing the guitar. So much so that I couldn’t put it down and I was practising 8-9 hours a day.

Do you have a 'practice regime' at all now?

Unfortunately due to the nature of this business, my practice is generally whatever gig or session I'm doing. I do try to get in any practice I can whenever I get a free moment. Also having two kids doesn’t help haha!

Who are some of your earliest influences?

My first influence was AC/DC, I absolutely loved them and the fact that it wasn’t really difficult to play made it even more attractive. I grew up in the 80s so the likes of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai were a big influence on me. I think I learned everything that Satriani played… or at least tried to!

Gary Moore was a huge influence as I loved his style and aggression.

You have played with some incredible musicians.  Who is in your band for the current tour?

Yes, I have been very fortunate to have played with amazing musicians, currently I use Dave Marks on bass who is a phenomenal bassist/musician. I use a guy from Belfast called Marty McCloskey on drums as well as a guy called Jon Finnigan on drums too. They are both great players.

How have you managed to stand out in what is arguably a very ‘crowded’ genre?

To be honest I’m guessing because I didn’t go down the typical road that most of the bluesy players adapt. For one I play different guitars, I use PRS guitars and most of the players in this category either use a Strat or a Les Paul, and believe it or not I get criticised for it, but I don’t really care as its generally and old way of thinking. Its is also probably down to the fact that I come from a more hard rock background which comes out in my playing. I just didn’t want to be another SRV clone.

What advice would you give somebody wanting to be a professional musician?

My advice would be to be professional about everything you do, don’t be late, have good gear, be prepared always and be nice and accommodating. Lastly don’t ever give up.

Would you be willing to share any difficult lessons you have learned?

I have never really had any difficult lessons, apart from not being prepared for one gig and having to fight to keep the gig, but that happened only once. As a musician you have always got to remember that there is always someone else right behind you waiting to take over.

Is there a piece of guitar gear that you just can’t live without?

To be honest I’m quite flexible when it comes to gear, over the years I have used various guitars and amps, which has made it easy for me to adapt quite quickly, but at the moment I would say my PRS Signature model.

Do you have an album or song that you are most proud of?

I’m proud of everything that I have done, to be able to have my music out there and be enjoyed by lots of people is a wonderful feeling.

In terms of the current music scene, who are you a fan of?

The music scene these days is a little strange, I have to search for good bands as before it was all on the radio and in your face. I really like Rival Sons, Snarky Puppy and anything else thats a little different.

Could you elaborate on your point about "The music scene these days is a little strange”?  How do you try to ensure people ‘find’ you?

What I mean is that the music industry has changed drastically in the last 10 years, everything seems to be online. There are artists who are stars on YouTube. It's funny, I meet various artists who may have signature guitars, pedals etc and I ask them who have they played with and the answer is "I don’t play gigs, I play on YouTube". So that's what I mean by strange as I'm still from that old school way of thinking, getting out gigging and putting your name about that way, but I'm slowly adapting to the new rules. To get your name out there now it is about putting your life pretty much online. 

I feel it has gone back to the way it was in the 40s/50s when people didn’t really have the facilities to play music at home, like having a CD player. It was all done via radio. I believe YouTube/Spotify/Apple Music is the new radio. Artists used to go into the studio, to record songs to be played on the radio, to promote a tour. There was no worry about selling albums. Today, artists make very little money, if any, from album sales. Don’t get me wrong I'm not moaning about it, I'm simply just saying it has changed and you have to come to terms with that fact and get on with it.

If you could work with anybody who would it be?

I would say Prince, simply because he was a musical genius.

What are your plans for the rest of 2018 and beyond?

There a several things in the pipeline for me, some of which I can’t speak about just yet, but I have a new album which will be out next year through Ear music which I’m very excited about. I have a tour with my own band in France in October, and some stuff with Don Airey and Snakecharmer.

Big thanks to Simon for taking the time to speak to us.  You can find out more about Simon McBride here.  Follow @simonmcbrideguitar.  Simon uses Gator Cases.