Neil Zaza

Neil Zaza is a world-renowned instrumental guitar player located right in our own backyard. This twenty-year veteran Cleveland rocker travels and performs around the world; he also divides his time between his other professions as a session musician and a music educator. Neil's new CD Melodica was introduced to the public at Tangiers in Akron last week, and now he's embarking on a month-long tour of Asia in October. The release of an instructional DVD will follow, and in December, Neil is bringing back his annual holiday music extravaganza One Silent Night. Cool Cleveland correspondent Marc Majercak caught up with Neil about what's happening with his music's popularity in Asia and Cleveland alike.

You just completed a new album, Melodica; what was your musical inspiration?
Melodica is the combination of two words, Melody and Electronica. Melody is the inspiration. I realize for me it’s all about the melody, so that’s why there are so many “mel” words, melodia, melodica. We even started our own label “Melodik Records.” It’s a purveying theme through everything. This record signifies a new version of me, as I have different viewpoints of the world. I am not looking back. It’s not how fast you can play; it’s all about melodic structure.

You are a guitar rock instrumentalist. Have you ever thought about singing?
No, I can’t sing, so that helps me make that decision. I am not knocking anyone, however, lots of instrumental tunes are background so a guy can “whack off on guitar.” Is there a song there? Why would you want to listen to it again? My whole philosophy is the tune, the tune, the tune. Make sure the tune is really good, real strong, so it really doesn’t even need the guitar. Then you put your playing on top of that and you really hope for something good. My latest instrumental effort was co-written with a singer. I would hum non-sensical melodies and then turn those into guitar driven riffs.

What do you say to people who say you are guitar soloing the entire time? How interesting can that be?
My music is based on melodic tunes, where the guitars are doing the singing. You are almost taking a replacing vocal approach where a lot of that melody is just guitar. There is a vocal quality that is emulated by the guitar. Then you have your sections where you go off. There is structure to my music. There is a verse, a chorus, and a solo section even though the guitar is in the solo section the whole time.

You are saying that your music has structure like Electronica, which has some sub-categories like Trance, House and Techno. If there were a sub-category for guitar instrumental music, where would you categorize yourself?
Good question, this is an educated discussion at this point. I would say the category is Melodic Instrumental Rock - I view the music more as pop music. There is something palatable about the melody of the music. I do good melodies put over good songs.

How familiar are you with the Cleveland music scene?
I am so isolated; I don’t even know where to play here in Cleveland.

If I am the average Clevelander, why should I check out Neil Zaza’s music?
You are making me think. I don’t have a stock answer for this. You are getting hopefully some great guitar playing. You are also are hearing some cutting edge things that we are trying to mix together. We have a diverse program, so if you like techno music you will like certain elements of the show. If you like jazz, you would like the improvisational element out of it. If you like rock music, you will hear great melodies, but a good jam too.

You’re a proud Cleveland musician, but you recently hit it big in Asia. How did this all happen?
It’s strange; I didn’t even know it happened. My records are licensed over in Korea, Taiwan, China, all throughout Asia...Indonesia. We sold so many of the records I had no idea. I went over two years ago and co-headlined the Bussan International Rock festival. There were fifteen thousand people there and they knew the songs note for note. It was standing room only, packed, and these people were humming my guitar solos. There were dance remixes and downloadable ring tones of my song I’m Alright. I did an hour-long interview on their version of MTV, M2. I was freaking out. Yet in the US, I couldn’t touch getting on the cover of a guitar magazine; I was recently on the cover of two magazines over there. I am not being egotistical; it’s just how it is. It’s great over there.

After stunning success overseas, how does that make you feel when you come back to Cleveland?
When I return to Cleveland, it's on a whole other level, because that recognition I have abroad doesn’t exist here. But I am cool with that because I don’t need that boost every day. It is just nice to know that I can go somewhere and get that level of respect. It’s tough when a few different companies own the play lists and control what we hear. That is why people are forging new methods to exchange music. The old business model of CDs doesn’t work anymore.

Are you for downloading music?
As an artist, I don’t care that much, because ultimately it benefits me in other ways. People use it as an audition. If it grows the fan base, I’ll get them to come out to a concert. I know that it is illegal, but I am in that gray area.

As an artist, why do you remain here in Cleveland?
The “low key-ness” of the city. The city is relaxed and the people are real. People will rally around an artist, and there is a sense of unity and community. This is a big small city, a perfect place to base. If you can make it here, then you can make it anywhere else. There is everything you need here.

What is the worst aspect of Cleveland?
Once again, Clevelanders have a tendency to rally around certain things, but they can be apathetic as well. I think the local music scene could be more supportive of their artists.

How have you made a living just playing your guitar? What advice would you give someone who wants to make it in the Cleveland music scene?
You have to specialize, yet be diverse: I perform live and also participate as a session musician, I tour, I conduct clinics, I teach a few select students, and I create music. I have to mix it up, but as long as I’m playing, I am happy.

So do you feel you’ll be doing this until the day you die?
Yes, I am a lifer. There is nothing else I am really passionate about in life. There is not an option for me to do anything else. Is it stubbornness or stupidity?

interview & photo by Cool Cleveland contributor Marc Majercak (:divend:)