Music

A Reddit “Ask Me Anything” Session with Johnny Marr

The ex-Smiths guitarist (he’ll always be that, won’t he?) did an AMA with Reddit users.  Here are some highlights.

Q:  Hey Johnny! You’ve been a major influence for both and guitarists alike over the past few decades, and your playing style is something I’ve idolized since I first heard “There is a Light that Never Goes Out”. How did you come to create such a unique style of guitar playing, and would you have any advice for someone who is trying to find himself as a musician?

A:  Playing with other people is the best way to evolve as a musician, especially people with a different style.

Q:  When you look back at your entire career, which one song do you consider your greatest achievement as a musician? Do you look back on any particular works and think you would have done anything differently were you to revisit them? Is there anything that you wish you simply hadn’t written?Also, what’s your guitar of choice at the moment?

A:  Nothing I wish I hadn’t written. Some songs jump into/out of the mind : Dashboard Modest Mouse, Get The Message, Last Night I Dreamt…many. I’m playing my Jag exclusively now. It’s perfect.

Q:  Afternoon mate, what’s your favorite chord?

A:  Csharp Minor.

Q:  Your intricate jangly guitar sound and style on those albums is instantly recognisable and distinctive – if there was one song or album that you could say was the biggest influence on the development of your style, what would it be?

A:  Meat Is Murder was a breakthrough. It was the first where the production role was on me and was therefore a challenge and opportunity to go forward. Headmaster Ritual was a first in a way.

Q:  Not on the topic of music, but were you aware that your name was used for the cleanup batter on the Montreal Expos in Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball?

A:  I wan’t aware. I don’t even know what that means.

Follow up with the rest here.  And thanks to Moe for the link.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 38022 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

One thought on “A Reddit “Ask Me Anything” Session with Johnny Marr

  • Morrissey and Marr just won't go away. It is time for a reunion.

    Reply

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