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She’s performed at the "Experience PRS" event and the James Burton International Guitar Festival, she’s been on the Steve Wilkos Show as the lead guitar for Megan McCauley, and she’s featured in two upcoming documentaries, Tone and The Axe Factor about guitar’s great players, alongside Slash, Orianthi, and others! She has guitar endorsements from Gibson, Paul Reed Smith and now DRG who is creating a custom "V" for her! Ultimate Guitar had the pleasure of catching up with her, here’s how it went…
Kristen Capolino: I started playing the guitar when I was about 5 years old. I remember my brother had a red guitar at the time. Immediately, when I picked it up, I felt such a connection and fascination for the instrument. Because it was too big for my little hands at the time, I simply played on the first two high strings. My father always loved music so he would often show me Gary Moore videos. I simply could not get enough of Gary. Everyday I would watch his videos during breakfast, and then I would try to play along with them for hours. I remember I spent days trying to learn Gary's solo on B.B. King's, “The Thrill Is Gone.”
What was your first guitar? Why did you choose it?
At that time, my father had a black, left-handed Gibson Flying V. He decided to have it rebuilt for a right-handed, little guitar player. I will always hold on to that guitar. When I was about 9 years old, my father bought me an Epiphone Les Paul Junior, which was my first "grown up" guitar. A year later, I got a Gibson Les Paul Studio for Christmas so I could be like Gary Moore. I still have that guitar today.
Have you taken lessons? With whom?
I started taking guitar lessons at the age of 9. Throughout the years I've studied with many great players. Over the years, I worked with Nick Moroch, who is just an incredible player. Recently we recorded my new instrumental, "Mr. Bun," which was an absolute blast. I have also studied with Steve Gravino, who is an awesome jazz player. He has such a smooth feel, and he is one of the most passionate people I have ever met.
Who are your influences and why?
Well, I would definitely say that Gary Moore is my biggest influence. When I was 12 years old, I really started to get into Michael Schenker. As I did with Gary, I would watch his videos and play along with them. Some of my favorite songs to play along with were "Rock Bottom" and "Lights Out." I am still trying to play Michael's solo for "Lights Out" note for note. Al Dimeola is another great influence as well. I call him the "James Bond" of guitarists because of his smooth and melodic style of playing. Earl Slick has also influenced my playing greatly. By working with him on my second album, I learned that feel and vibe are so very important. If the rhythm and pocket are not happening, the foundation of the song is going to be lost. I would also say that Santana influences my playing quite a bit. I just love how he plays with so much heart and intensity. I am definitely grateful to have had the privilege of getting to meet and work with some of my greatest influences.
"I got a Gibson Les Paul Studio for Christmas so I could be like Gary Moore. I still have that guitar today."
Well, I remember playing at some talent shows when I was about 10 years old. It wasn't until I turned 13, however, that I played in my first band. My father put me in an ad as a female guitarist. He didn't mention my young age. I went to audition for the Joe Payne Blues Band, which is an experience I will always cherish. When my father and I first arrived, we soon discovered that we were the only two white people in the room (laughs). Even more, I was the only female present as well. At first they all laughed, but they were kind enough to still give me a chance. I remember the saxophonist, Guy, coming up to me and feeling my finger tips, seeing if I actually had calluses from playing guitar. They then had me jam with them for a song or two. After that, the room fell silent. Then Guy suddenly spoke up, saying that they weren't going to let me go (laughs). It was with these guys that I played on stage for the first time. I learned a great deal from those guys, and I will always remember those special moments. After a few years of sitting in with different bands and such, I finally decided to form my own band. I played out with my group for the first time when I was about 15 years old I believe. And so I began my musical journey...
You have been told that you are one of a few women who can play like a man... what do you think of that?
I am definitely flattered by such a compliment. When I went to NAMM this year, I had the privilege of meeting Craig Goldy, Dio's guitarist. As he was signing autographs at the Engle Amplification booth, I was next door trying some beautiful guitars. After I finished jamming out a bit, I walked over to meet Craig. Although he was quite busy speaking with his many fans, he took quite a bit of time sharing his experiences and advice with me. I'll never forget his first words, however. He held my hands tightly, and told me that I play with the intensity of a male guitarist. I've never met someone so kind and sincere. Hearing these words from such an accomplished player as he, certainly filled with me confidence and inspiration. I admit that rock and roll is definitely "a man's world." To be honest, I run into many different kinds of people. Luckily, most of the men whom I have performed with have been very kind and accepting, despite the fact that I'm a female player. At the same time, I still meet people here and there who don't always take this fact too kindly. Because music is universal, however, it shouldn't matter the gender or race of the musicians. As long as one plays from the heart, the music will speak for itself.
You sing, too, how long have you been doing that and do you have a vocal coach?
I started singing when I was about 13 years old, but I didn't start working with a vocal coach until a few years later. When I was 15 years old, I started to study with Don Lawrence, who has worked with many prestigious artists, such as Jon Bon Jovi, Bono, Lady Gaga, and Mick Jagger, to name a few. I felt like I was going to vocal "boot camp" when I first began to study with him (laughs), but he is amazing at what he does and a sweetheart, as well.
What's it like to have played with the likes of Les Paul, Michael Schenker, Al DiMeola, and James Burton?
It was such a privilege to get the opportunity to meet and share the stage with such incredible musicians and wonderful people. Three years ago I had the pleasure of performing with Les Paul at the Iridium in NYC. He was such a ball of fire (laughs). Immediately he called me "doll with a beautiful smile." I am definitely grateful to have met and performed with one of the icons of guitar.
When I was 14 years old, I got to perform with one my greatest influences, Michael Schenker. At his show at the Downtown in Long Island, Michael pulled me up on stage to join him for his encore. We played “Rock Bottom.” That was just such a magical night. Because my guitar was in the car, Wayne Findley, Michael's rhythm guitarist, let me play his Carvin, which ended up sitting below my knees because the strap was set up for him. I felt like a metal guitarist. I'll never forget the crowd's reaction when Michael let me take over the solo. They continued to watch Michael because they didn't realize that I was playing. Then, Micheal raises his hands up from his guitar and points at me. In unison, the fans in the front all say "Holy F, it's the little girl!" After the show, Michael signed my black Flying V, Luna. Recently, I had the pleasure of catching up with Michael at NAMM this year so that was exciting.
Two years ago, I was introduced to Al DiMeola. That was such an incredible experience. The first time we met, he invited me to come to his home and jam. I couldn't believe that I was going to be playing with one of my idols. During the summer, my family and I often blast his music on our boat. I must admit that I was really nervous to meet him for the first time. We ended up having blast. He was so kind and encouraging. That was certainly a day that I will never forget. Not too long after we met, we were both invited to play at the James Burton International Guitar Festival of 2009. Those were the greatest few days of my life. I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with so many incredible guitarists, such as James Burton himself, Steve Lukather, and Jennifer Batten, to name a few. James Burton was such a sweetheart. During my soundcheck, he came up on stage to meet for the first time. Immediately, he smiled at me and said "Smokin'!" It was just too cool having the opportunity to meet and share the stage with the guitarist for Elvis Presley.
"If the rhythm and pocket are not happening, the foundation of the song is going to be lost."
It's been such a pleasure getting to know Slick and work with him. I've never met someone so down to earth, yet so unique. I love how it is "what you see is what you get" when working with him. At the same time, he says exactly what he has in mind, without sugar coating it. I feel that our personalities really mesh well together. While I tend to be a perfectionist and analyze the small details, Slick always looks at the big picture. He always tells me to look at the overall package before I go crazy fixing parts and such. I like how he keeps some of the rough edges in the song in order to give it character and vibe. It's so exciting to watch him work out a part for a song. He always gives the song exactly what it needs. It's so organic. I definitely look forward to working on future projects with him.
You just finished recording with some monster players...Gail Ann Dorsey, Sterling Campbell, Nicky Moroch, Doug Pinnick and Jerry Gaskill from KINGS X...what was that like?
Working with these guys was such an incredible experience. I couldn't believe how nervous I was when I met them for the first time. Once we played together, however, within a few minutes it felt like we had worked together for years. It was amazing how everything went so smoothly. We just connected and embarked on a musical journey. One of my favorite aspects about this project was that we recorded in the old-school manner with the entire group together. These people were some of the kindest individuals one could ever meet. The first day that I worked with Jerry Gaskill and Doug Pinnick from KINGS X, Jerry mentioned that he immediately felt like he was spending time with family. I absolutely loved working with those guys. I had such a blast working with Gail Ann Dorsey and Sterling Campbell as well. Again, they were wonderful people and awesome players. The development process of each song with these guys was so fascinating. We even had to write a few parts on the spot, which was a lot of fun. Working with such prestigious musicians definitely inspired me to push myself even harder and strive to be better. I really hope to work with all of these guys again. Recently, I recorded my new instrumental "Mr. Bun" with Nick Moroch. It was such an honor to work with one of my mentors and greatest influences.
I see that one of your influences is The Outlaws??? Really???
I've seen these guys perform 5 times now, and every show was phenomenal. What band these days has three part guitar harmonies, as well as three part vocal harmonies? I can't believe how tight and consistent these guys are. Watching and listening to these guys has definitely inspired me to get into southern rock and bluegrass. It is just too much fun to play.
You just recorded an instrumental called "Mr. Bun" with Jennifer Batten!! Tell us a little about that?
I really had a blast recording "Mr. Bun" with Jennifer Batten. I would definitely say that it was quite a challenge keeping up with her as well (laughs). During this project, I learned that there are so many different recording techniques. This was my first session where we emailed the files back and forth. Jennifer sent us her solo, and then structured our solo's from there. That was such a fascinating process. At the same time, each of us recorded our parts separately so that took some getting used to. While I took a more "live" and free-style approach with my solo's for my other songs with Slick, this solo was a lot more developed. Our goal was to really capture the true magical moments of each of our solos. And, what can you say… it's recording with Jennifer Batten!!!
What was your favorite live performance, so far?
I would definitely say that the James Burton International Guitar Festival was my favorite live performance so far. Having the opportunity to share the stage with so many iconic players and performing in such a beautiful venue with so much history was truly magical. That night will always hold a special place in my heart.
You've just connected with a major manager in Nashville... congratulations! What's next?
We definitely have some exciting things in the works. In the next few weeks I am going to meet with him and discuss where we go from here on this musical journey. I certainly look forward to seeing what the future has in store.
"He held my hands tightly, and told me that I play with the intensity of a male guitarist."
In regard to Gary Moore, "Empty Rooms" is definitely my favorite song of his. Ever since I was very young, I would listen to his solo and well up with tears. That song has always touched me so deeply. He is truly pouring his heart out on that solo. "Light's Out" from Walk On Water is my favorite Michael Schenker song. I am still trying to learn his solo note for note (laughs). His playing is absolutely on fire on that song.
We know that you have a lot of guitars which one is your favorite?
I have a white Gibson Flying V, named Sola, that was signed by Les Paul. He is definitely my baby. I actually hadn't played him for a while, but we just reconnected this last show (laughs). I'm really excited to play my new custom V that Daisy Rock Guitars is currently building for me... maybe that'll be my new favorite....
What's your pedal board look like?
Well, my pedal board is quite a sight. I often say that I could sleep on it in case I get stranded somewhere (laughs). It's pretty unique. I have my wireless on the top left corner of the board so I know where everything is. I have my volume and wah pedals on my right. Then I have my actual effect pedals in the middle of the board. At the bottom I have a Pedalboards Inc. true- bypass switch strip so I don't have to dance while switching effects. Some of my favorite pedals are my new Visual Sound Son of Hyde distortion, my Langraff Overdrive, and my Source Audio Soundblox Multiwave Distortion, which Slick gave to me last year. My father and I decided to install my mic stand into my board. Because the board is so large, I usually never had room on stage for my mic stand so it would often fall over and attack me in the middle of a show (laughs).
You're going to be featured in two new documentaries about the guitar and it's great players... "Turn It Up" and "The Axe Factor" and you're just 21... that's pretty cool! How does it feel to be included in with such lofty company?
It is definitely an honor to be part of something so special. In "Turn It Up," I'm going to be placed right between Slash and Santana, which is just too cool. In "The Axe Factor" I'm going to be in the company of some awesome players, such as Jennifer Batten, Orianthi, and Khaki King, to name a few. I can't wait until they are released!
For more info go to www.kristencapolino.com.
