Joey Amenta
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Joey Amenta

TASTE - 2015.jpg

What piece of equipment do you have to show us today?

My custom made DELM guitar. It’s just an absolutely beautiful guitar, handmade in Melbourne by a local, Michael Deluca.

 

How did you come across this particular item?

A friend of mine told me about a guy that I used to go to school with that makes these amazing guitars. I remembered the guy so I went and saw him and since then, I’ve had the most amazing relationship with him. He is an incredible craftsman and the touch that he gives to his hand-made guitars is second to none. You can’t buy a mass produced one that plays like this.

 

What is it that you like so much about it?

I love the personal feel about it. Because it’s hand-made and because he puts the love in it. I’m a passionate player, and it’s such a passionate feeling instrument, you can tell it’s made with love.

 

When has it come in handy most? Do you recall any time this has got you out of a tough spot?

It’s always handy and as for tough spots, they never break strings. So it’s just a really reliable instrument.

 

How do you use it, and how has it shaped the way that you write music?

I get a feeling off of it which inspires me to play in a certain fashion that I’ve never played before, and write songs in a way I’ve never written before. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 14, and I find that the instrument speaks to me and tells me stories.

 

Any other interesting points/stories about it?

The sound – he makes his own pickups. Other guitar makers buy the pickups and just put them in. This guy makes his own pickups. He’s an electronic engineer as well. He’s amazing.

 

Tell us a little about what you’ve got coming up.

Taste has been recording a new album Life on Earth with 13 new tracks. It has taken over a year to record and it deals with terror, murder and love (all the usual stuff). It’s epic and cinematic, full of guitars, strings, horns and harmonies. Think Queen meets Foo Fighters! We plan to release it early next year. We have also released and remastered our first two albums, Tickle Your Fancy and Knights of Love on a Best of TASTE Remasters compilation.

 

Taste are touring through December and January, for more information visit www.taste-music.com