RSS
Home
Yogi Lonich, guitarist for Chris Cornell, sits down to discuss music, the industry, and more
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
RTTD's debut album now available on iTunes.
This past week, Chris Cornell was in town for two nights at Webster Hall, playing everything from his Soundgarden days to his new album, Scream. For those of you who couldn’t make it, you missed a hell of a show. I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris’ lead guitarist, Yogi Lonich, who tore up the stage with his play, giving the audience a show we wouldn’t soon forget. Here’s what transcribed.
Jonathan Monina: You’re quite an accomplished guitarist with a pretty wide range. From the Wallflowers to AC/DC to Prince to Chris, you’ve played with everyone. What gig have you enjoyed most and why?
Yogi Lonich: Each gig has been rewarding in its own way. Cornell is a legendary artist and one of my top favorite singers of all time. Working with Anastacia was similar in that she's a vocal powerhouse in female form. On the other hand, Buckcherry had an energy live that I haven't experienced in other bands. We would get so pumped up before shows, like a boxer before a match. The Wallflowers, Jakob Dylan is a songwriter from a legacy that runs deep (Bob) and he (Jakob) was an inspiration to me in the realm of songwriting. There's always something to learn from any artist and it's difficult to claim a favorite.
JM: Does Chris give the band a lot of input? What was working with Timbaland like on the new album? Very different change of pace? Excited to work with him?
YL: Chris is pretty hands off, he has respect for us as musicians. We're also pretty sensitive to performing his music with integrity and purity. He rarely offers us suggestions on how his music should be played. The album, Scream, was recorded in Orlando at The Hit Factory. I ended up putting some guitar tracks down at my studio in LA, independent of Timbaland's influence. Scream is a very different change of pace from Cornell's previous work, but coming from my background of diverse artists I've worked with, it was an effortless transition.
YL: Was kind of amusing. I don't understand what fuels this kind of behavior. It reminds one of high school. It's not my battle honestly.
JM: What’s the set list making process for each night? Does Chris give the band much say?
YL: Chris will present the set list minutes before show time. It's usually similar to previous shows with a few changes here and there. We don't get involved in the set list. He would be open if I suggested something, as he is a spontaneous fella. Otherwise, we don't feel the need to be involved in that.
JM: How do you prepare for a Cornell tour having to play songs from multiple bands and time periods? Do you prefer imitating different guitarists or tackling songs with your own style?
JM: How do you prepare for a Cornell tour having to play songs from multiple bands and time periods? Do you prefer imitating different guitarists or tackling songs with your own style?
YL: I'm the type of guitarist that learns the songs (chords and melody) and improvises over them in my own style. Although I can do it, it takes effort for me to learn things note for note. Musically, I express myself best when I'm creating or embellishing on what was there before. I do get off on playing different styles i.e. jazz, blues, rock, country, etc.
JM: I would love to get your thoughts on the recent Ticketmaster news (as seen here and here). How do artists feel about this? What can be done?
YL: It's a crime that they are essentially scalping tickets. A good idea would be for artists to sell tickets to their concerts from their own websites and regulate ticket sales exclusively.
JM: Your band, Run Through The Desert, has their first album out, Break the Silence. How did you guys decide to get together?
JM: I would love to get your thoughts on the recent Ticketmaster news (as seen here and here). How do artists feel about this? What can be done?
YL: It's a crime that they are essentially scalping tickets. A good idea would be for artists to sell tickets to their concerts from their own websites and regulate ticket sales exclusively.
JM: Your band, Run Through The Desert, has their first album out, Break the Silence. How did you guys decide to get together?
YL: I met bassist, Corey McCormick and drummer, Jason Sutter when we all came on board with Cornell a couple years ago. I had the idea for RTTD in a dream a few years ago. They were the guys that helped bring it to fruition. I had a bunch of songs and I new they were the rhythm section that could bring the rock.
JM: Can you talk about the issues modern day recording artists face with illegal downloading?
JM: Can you talk about the issues modern day recording artists face with illegal downloading?
YL: It's part if the industry today. When Radiohead offered free downloads of their album, I still bought the hard copy. I believe fans will support artists regardless. Pirating will continue, but the majority of revenue comes from merchandise and touring these days. Also, bands are seeing a much larger royalty percentage today than in prior decades.
JM: The digital age is creating more and more competition in the music world. Pretty much anyone with Garageband can make a record nowadays. How do you stay ahead of the game?
JM: The digital age is creating more and more competition in the music world. Pretty much anyone with Garageband can make a record nowadays. How do you stay ahead of the game?
YL: It's about the song and always has been. The means of production is now accessible to novices, but brilliance can still emerge. It's great that there is more music available these days because of low cost/free studio time. I don't feel ahead of the game necessarily, just blessed to make music as my livelihood.
Buy the Run Through The Desert's debut album, Break The Silence directly from the band's website here: http://www.runthroughthedesert.com/store.html
Special thanks to Yogi Lonich for the interview.
Catch Yogi on tour with Chris Cornell throughout 2009. Unfortunately, you may not have the chance to see this again:
Related Articles:
Comments
Over the past few weeks, Comcast has been in the process of acquiring a controlling stake in NBC Universal from General Electric. The acquisition has …
Dearly beloved; we are gathered here today to pay our respects to a once great independent film company, and the long standing icon of the New York …
