A chat with Xander Demos, shredder extraordinaire

As you know I love my rock and roll, but I have a special place in my heart for great shredder guitarists! Well I tell you there is one shredder that you might already know about but I want to make sure you do! He is Xander Demos and when you take a listen to him playing, you can’t help but be in awe of how his fingers just sweep that guitar. It is truly incredible. If you are new to him, the perfect song for you to check out right now is “White Knuckle Driving” from his CD “Guitarcadia” that one just blows me away every time! You can check out a video of him playing it here:

He is just amazing. We had the chance to talk with Xander and we are pleased to bring you that interview:

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Music Junkie Press: How old were you when you first started playing guitar and can you remember what was the first song you learned how to play in its entirety?

Xander: I was 13 years old when I first started and the first song I learned to play was Asia’s “Heat Of The Moment”. Although I wouldn’t learn the solo until later on in life.

Music Junkie Press: That is cool, I always loved that Asia song! What was your first guitar?

Xander: My first guitar was a this Gibson SG copy but I had it for such a short time that it never felt like my first one. I was more serious after I got a BC Rich Mockingbird. That really felt like my first.

Music Junkie Press: The Mockingbird has such an incredible sound! That is your current rig rundown for you?

Xander: I play through the Fractal Audio Axe-FX II into a Matrix GT800 amp and Port City cabinets. I also use Mission expression pedals.

Music Junkie Press: Do you have a special nickname or name for your favorite guitar now?

Xander: Since it’s my only 7-string I just called “The Seven”. Not too interesting, but I will probably come up with something way cooler when I’ve had it longer.

Music Junkie Press: What three artists were most influential for you when you first started playing?

Xander: Brad Gillis (Night Ranger, Ozzy), Eddie Van Halen and Tom Scholz from Boston.

Music Junkie Press: Very nice variety there Xander. If I could peak into your Ipod, what artist or song would I be most surprised at finding in there?

Xander: Anything from ABBA or perhaps the occasional Lady Gaga song

Music Junkie Press: If you could take a song from any other genre and turn it into your shredding metal sound, what might it be?

Xander: “Talk of the Town” by The Pretenders. It was actually the very FIRST song/video I heard/saw that made me want to be a musician.

Music Junkie Press: Actually, I have to tell you that your “Boys of Summer” cover is the most shredding version and I LOVE IT! hat would be incredible! I hope you think of doing that one day, it would be amazing! What is your favorite guitar solo of all time?

Xander: “Moonage Daydream” by Racer X. It was the solo that made me really want to dive into that level playing.

Music Junkie Press: What are you currently working on or touring?

Xander: Getting ready to hit the road for Skull Fest and Wolf Fest on Oct 19th and 20th. Some of the biggest names in hard rock and 80s/90s glam will be playing on these bills. Very honored to be a part of those shows. Also, we’re working on the follow up to “Guitarcadia,” which is called, “Dancing Thru Daggers.” I’ve got several other side recording projects coming up, too.

Music Junkie Press: That is some exciting news. You will have to keep us updated on “Dancing Thru Daggers”. Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with our audience?

Xander: I just want to say thanks for letting me do what I do. The support is very humbling and I am so appreciative of every single person who listens to and purchases my music.

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Xander Demos currently is in Pittsburgh, PA and fronts his own solo band, XDB. He has several upcoming concerts that make me jealous for not being on the East Coast!!! Now you have to head over to Xander Demos social media sites and stay up to date on his upcoming shows and news. Also, make sure to check out on his Reverbnation page or Facebook page an AMAZING cover of one of my Don Henley songs, “Boys of Summer“. Xander just adds so much more depth to that song and shreds it on the guitar. Check it out, it is not to be missed!

~ Marisol

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