Jon Robert Quinn started writing and producing music at the age of 14. After releasing his first album at 17, he knew music and entertainment would be the path of his life. Today, Jon Robert Quinn has released over a dozen solo albums, is the guitarist in Anarchy Lace, hosts over a dozen talk shows, is a best-selling author, and is regarded by many as a rising star.
How did you first get into music? Was it through TV, radio, or parents?
I was 14 years old and skateboarding one day in Monterey, California, and came across a couple of guys skating. We went into his garage, they grabbed guitars, and started playing. It was the coolest thing. That night, we ran up to the store and he showed me G3 Live with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Eric Johnson. He was a huge Vai fan. I was more interested in Joe Satriani.
I went home, grabbed my mom’s acoustic, and started making noises with it. One night of guitar turned into a month, into a year, and into a career. It wasn’t until I was about 35 that I realized I had a special talent.
I was in Los Angeles in January 2018, and Joe Satriani, of all people, walked up to me and congratulated me on my career and told me to keep going. In April 2018, I sat down with Joe’s producer, John Cuniberti, to work on a record and, after careful consideration, I didn’t want a Joe-sounding album. I wanted to keep my sound and feel and decided to self-produce like I had for decades prior.
Who or what turned you onto rock ’n’ roll?
When I think of rock ’n’ roll, the first band that comes to mind is Metallica. They really are the kings of rock in my opinion. After picking up guitar, I started exploring. I was working with the producer of Papa Roach’s first EP, way before DreamWorks came into the equation. This was around 1996 or 1997.
I started buying everything Metallica that I could and would spend hours and hours learning riffs and playing lead parts. This was when I really started getting a feel for where my future would go.
You recently joined Anarchy Lace. How did that come about? What kind of changes can the fans expect in Anarchy Lace now that you are on board?
I have known James for decades. He was in Bypassing Oblivion, and I was performing solo as an instrumental guitarist, and we were both playing the same shitty clubs. We just kept in touch over the years and always talked about doing a project, but things never lined up really.
It wasn’t until I saw an ad online that they needed a lead guitarist, and I think my text was something like, “Fucker, why didn’t you call me?” He figured I would be too busy to make that kind of commitment.
I was tired and burnt out on the music business as a solo artist and really needed a fresh start, and this gave it to me.
What to expect? I bought all new gear for the project. Two Les Paul Customs that I have fully rewired, new pickups, and modified. Two Marshall half stacks. And I am really focused on adding a new dimension to the band.
James has created something special here with Anarchy Lace. Love them or hate them, they have always been the underdog, yet they are playing the best clubs and opening for the best bands. Why is this? Because they work hard and are just good people.
The band has needed a really clean guitarist, and I feel I am adding that dimension to the band. I am calling it “Slashriani.” I am adding the feel of Satriani with an element of Slash. Come out to a show, you’ll see what I mean.
What is the plan for recording new music? Where, when, and with who will be recording you?
I am currently working on a new solo album called KING. It’s kind of all over the place right now. It’s bluesy. There’s a lot of piano in it, and I am not sure whether I want drums at all on the album.
I am thinking it will more showcase my artistic skill more than my technical skill. We shall see.
Who are your original influences and who are your current inspirations, local and/or international?
Joe Satriani, John Mayer, and Frank Sinatra I would have to say are my main inspirations. I like the old-fashioned feel of Sinatra and try to add a vintage feel to my music.
John Mayer is the new Clapton and is the best songwriter in the world today. And Satriani is, well, Satriani. Having met him several times, worked with his team, and toured as a Satriani tribute, I know his music and what goes into it. He’s hands down the best living guitarist in the world.
What was your first concert and what was the first music you bought with your own money?
My first concert was Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and I left. Wasn’t impressed.
I went and saw Satriani in 2004 at a Tower Records for an in-store performance, and he was playing maybe four feet from me. His grace and fluidity in his playing really made me think about where I needed to take my skill level.
Last year I saw John Mayer twice in concert, and that was also exceptional. If you’re not familiar, go watch his Trio show. It’s incredible.
Give us a rundown on the gear you have brought to Anarchy Lace.
Two Gibson Les Paul Customs that are fully modified. Two Marshall half stacks.
I am used to using a ton of pedals and processors, and with this project, I really wanted to keep things clean. Nothing on the floor. I want exactly what I have now and nothing more.
What music takes you back and where does it take you? Has music at all been therapeutic for you? Is there a particular artist or type of music you go to for comfort?
When I’m having a really shitty day, I will listen to Jewel. I know it sounds corny, but I’m a ’90s kid, and it takes me back to the good ol’ days where I didn’t have a care in the world.
It’s really hard to listen to Satriani music for comfort because then I am hearing something and thinking, “How can I replicate that or play that?” Now it becomes work, and I do enough of that already.
Do you still buy CDs and records or mostly use streaming sites? Which sites do you use?
Only iTunes.
I am married to a Russian, so a lot of music I listen to today is Timati, Egor Kreed, Terry, Nazima, Mot, etc. There is something very interesting about music from other cultures, especially pop music. Again, if you’re unfamiliar, check it out.
Top five albums or songs released in the last 12 months?
Sheesh, I have no idea… How about top five albums of all time? In no particular order:
- Morning View — Incubus
- Audioslave — Audioslave
- …And Justice for All — Metallica
- Crystal Planet — Joe Satriani
- American Idiot — Green Day
You’re on a desert island and only have three albums to listen to for the rest of your life. What are they and why?
- Crystal Planet — Joe Satriani
- #1 Hits — Frank Sinatra
- Ride the Lightning — Metallica
Why? Why not?
What does rock ’n’ roll mean to you?
Rock music is who I am. Just turning on “Girls, Girls, Girls” on a long drive and playing it on repeat makes your heart beat faster. It makes you dream.
How about System of a Down? Turn that up to 8 and drive under 80. Good luck.
When you’re a bad boy or a rebel or whatever you call yourself, rock music is your anthem.
And what’s on the horizon for you and Anarchy Lace?
Ask James that question. He’s the man in charge. I’m just the guitar player.
I will say that we are playing a lot of shows and adding a lot of new elements to the show. I am a great guitarist, and that’s not ego speaking, and I have been known for decades now for my ability on guitar from crossing hands, tapping, and getting a little crazy on stage.
A lot of that is going to come out in these shows. You’ll have to wait and see, but we have a lot of momentum and, with my resources in radio and entertainment, we have the means of taking this project further than ever before.
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Categories: Interviews, News
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