Editor’s Note: Recently guitarist extraordinaire Lou DiBello released his fourth album entitled “Heat Wave”. The album consists of half instrumentals and half songs with lyrics and Lou DiBello has recruited the likes of Ross “The Boss” Friedman, who is known for founding Manowar, to guest on the single “Blood On The Cross”, along with recruiting Mike LePond of Symphony X for three songs. In this interview, Lou DiBello talks about his latest record entitled “Heat Wave”. Fans can add Lou DiBello on Facebook or follow his page here!
Madness To Creation: You have released Heat Wave, what can fans expect from the record?
Lou DiBello: Heat Wave is a 50/50 split of vocal and instrumental tunes, very much in the classic hard rock/heavy metal style. I was fortunate and honored to have a great line-up with me on the record, including the legendary Ross The Boss guesting on a solo, and appearances by noted bassist Mike LePond (3 songs) and the great German singer Carsten Schulz on the vocal tunes.
Madness To Creation: Tell us what it was like having Ross The Boss guest guitar on “Heat Wave”? What are some techniques he shared with you?
Lou: It was a real thrill, and an honor, to have Ross play on the song “Blood On The Cross” with me. Not so much guitar techniques, but we had some great discussions about various aspects of the music business, that were very informative for me and helped shape the final product. I did, however, develop an even deeper appreciation and understanding of his playing after working with him, and he is a very unique and inspirational player and songwriter. Nobody plays like Ross!
Madness To Creation: Tell us about Mike LePond of Symphony X, what takeaways do you have from playing bass with him?
Lou: Mike is an amazing bassist and musician, and a really down to earth guy as well. Having Mike play on my songs was really great, he totally stuck within whatever parameters I may have given for a song, while still bringing an entirely original and appropriate voice to the parts on each of the 3 songs he played. I certainly hope we will work together again in the future.
Madness To Creation: Biggest career accomplishment in your life?
Lou: Still working for it!
Madness To Creation: What do you look for when you go in the studio for the writing process?
Lou: With vocal tunes I like to have the main hook/chorus part in place and build around that. For instrumentals it varies, typically I start with one part, usually what ends up being the chorus, but could be an intro riff or verse idea, and build around it. I like to have an identifiable structure, verse, chorus and so on, with instrumentals much like a vocal tune.
Madness To Creation: If you’re not motivated, what inspiration do you draw from in the studio?
Lou: Just to have some time to sit and play for a while usually gets things going.
Madness To Creation: What does 2018 have in store for you?
Lou: Working on live dates with an American vocalist and some hot local players I work with, should have some firmer details soon! Also material is coming together for another CD maybe very late in the year. I play a ton of cover and variety gigs, and teach full time so that too.
Madness To Creation: What else would you like to add in regards to the Heat Wave record and where we can find you?
Lou: I have been very pleased with how well it has been received and hope people continue to find it and enjoy it! Check out Lou DiBello-Guitar on Facebook, my YouTube channel, and www.loudibello.com.
And there you have it! Check out Lou DiBello on Facebook here
Fans can pick up a copy of “Heat Wave” by Lou DiBello via CDBaby here!
