Interview with Magnetico guitarist Rafael Moreira

Magnetico is the latest project from guitar virtuoso, Rafael Moreira. The band’s newest release, Songs About The World is a very solid, straight forward rock album that is accentuated by the incredible shredding of Moreira, which to me seems to be the focal point of this disc. He shreds through tune after tune leaving the listener spent and in awe. The man is talented and it is truly amazing what he can make his guitar do. As an amateur guitarist (a self-proclaimed hack) and someone who has been in and around the music business for the past 18 years I was thoroughly impressed. This is a great disc from an incredible musician. Here is what Moreira had to say about the band, the new release and what we can expect from Magnetico in the near future.

Now that your new CD, Songs About The World, is complete how do you feel about it? Are you satisfied with the outcome?
Rafael: I’m really happy with the album, particularly considering there was no budget or label support; I think it came out amazing. I feel that Joey, Corey and I played really well together and we got to create our own sound and I’m very proud of everyone involved on this project for their hard work!

What can fans expect when they pick up a copy of Songs About The World?
Rafael: Definitely some exciting music – it’ll take you places! You may not be able to take it all in in just one listen; you’ll probably find something new in each song each time you play it!

Even though the songs on Songs About The World are packed to the gills with huge guitars, intricate rhythms, and complex arrangements, there are still strong songs at the core of it all. When you write do you start building from a simpler frame and then just stack up all of the individual parts and nuances?
Rafael: I usually write the songs on my own and then we start to play the song/idea with the band. You gotta have a great group of guys that want to create incredible music together! It’s like being scientists in a room developing new things, but with music… I love it!

Are there any tracks on this disc that are personal favorites or that have good stories behind them?
Rafael: I pretty much like all the songs on the album… but, even though I really like the music on “Avalanche” the lyrics are even cooler since it’s a double entendre. We didn’t think about it that much when we wrote it, but usually people think it’s about a relationship between a man and woman, but in reality it’s about the love and hate relationship between a man and cocaine. “Letter For A Friend” also has an interesting story behind it. After I wrote the song I called a friend of mine (singer/songwriter Courage). He and I used to be in a band together and I asked him if he could write lyrics for it. He asked me “what do you want people to feel when they hear the song?” I told him I wanted people to cry… I swear I’ve witnessed a few already.

How quick are you in the studio? Can you usually knock things out in a couple takes?
Rafael: It all depends on the purpose of it all. Some people think my first takes are the best ones, but when I’m producing my own music… forget it! I get very picky with the whole thing, it’s no fun sometimes! But I think when I’m producing other people I get to see things differently. I can’t wait for somebody else to produce my music… but I have to have a lot of respect for them musically, otherwise it’d never work.

What about your personal influences, which guitarists were you listening to early on?
Rafael: Oh man, people like Ace Frehley, Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, Angus Young… all the good guys!

What are some of the qualities of a good metal guitarist?
Rafael: In general I dig all around guitar players that have soul… no soul, no go! They need to have a good vibrato, good bends, and they need to be able to improvise… you gotta be loose and able jam out! Basically I’m not a fan of robot guitar playing… lol!

Overall, what guitarist have you been the most inspired by?
Rafael: I mentioned a few early on, but there are some really amazing people that I’m inspired by and one of them is Scott Henderson. He used to be my teacher when I went to school and I learned a lot from him, not so much by his vocabulary, but by the way he thinks as far as improvisation goes.

The list of musicians that you have played with is quite impressive. Is there anyone individual or any one band that you have not played with that you would like to play with?
Rafael: I always wanted to play with Ozzy and I think he’s going to miss out.

You have had an unbelievable career as a guitarist. Can you offer any advice to any of the younger guitarists who may be reading this out there and are trying to etch out a career in the music business?
Rafael: The name of the game (in my opinion) has changed – it’s called “crossover”! If you wanna work and collaborate with different people you have to be versatile! Some people might see me that way I think. I’ve worked with Paul Stanley (KISS), Don Felder (The Eagles), been on a Rock TV show on CBS called Rock Star with INXS and Supernova (members of Metallica, GNR and Motley Crue), released a CD with my own rock band Magnetico, released a solo CD of my own fusion project called “Acid Guitar”, have an acoustic project in the works as well, but I also work Christina Aguilera, Natasha Bedingfield, Pink, etc. I basically love music and enjoy doing it to the fullest and that’s my advice to all of you trying to get some gigs – “be versatile!

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Rafael: Obviously having played with Paul Stanley from KISS was like a dream come true for me, for a number of reasons. I started playing guitar because of KISS, and Paul Stanley used to watch the Rock Star TV Show; he personally asked all of us in the House Band if we would go on tour with him! The Live DVD One Live Kiss is basically a partial documentary of that.

Any closing words?
Rafael: Do it because you love it!  [ END ]