What piece of equipment do you have to show us today?
My Boss loop pedal, which is an instant recording/playback device.
How did you come across this particular item?
A mate of mine bought one so he would be able to accompany himself playing two parts i.e rhythm then lead. When he actually listened to the recording of what he had played in the loop pedal, he didn’t like what he heard so he gave it to me.
What is it that you like about it so much?
It enables me to lay down a rhythm track and improvise freely over it. And then I can create layer and layer harmonies. Also, it tells the truth. Whatever you play in, it plays back exactly the same so I can quickly access where I’m at with a new piece.
How do you use it and how has it shaped the way you write music?
I try to use it sparingly as my whole performance is based on the simplicity of me, my acoustic guitar and complete solo guitar arrangements, so when I do use it, it is usually for one song that has four or five guitar parts that I can play together.
It helps my writing because if I have an idea that incorporates more than one guitar, I can actually compose on the spot. It also helps me write for ensemble work, either guitar and/or orchestra. Also by hitting the guitar in a percussive manner, I can loop that and play more rhythmic patterns.
Tell us a little about what you have coming up?
I am touring my new album Six String Anthology around the cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, and Wollongong. I also get requests from Facebook and email asking me to go to regional areas so if they have a theatre, hall or music community there, we will make it happen/ For the last half of this year and into next I will be getting out to as many regional areas as possible
Six String Anthology is out now. Catch Bruce on tour this month. For all of the details, head to mathiske.com