 
Published: June 05, 2008 11:04 AM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA
(Juniorscave.com)
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Ken Snyder
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Ken Snyder, who began playing the guitar at the young age of 13, has now mastered the art of playing the guitar. Just like the iconic musical giants such as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen, Ken has captured his own diverse style. Check out a recent interview Ken conducted with our team. Here is what formulated.
Isaac: Briefly describe how you entered into the music industry.
Ken Snyder: I wouldn't say entered per se. I started playing guitar at age 13 and simply wanted to take it to the next step which was to perform and record. The industry is just a necessary evil.
Isaac: What is the most rewarding aspect to making music currently for you?
Ken Snyder: Just the fact of being creative and creating something that others enjoy. Music means a lot to me and to be able to contribute to that is amazing.
Isaac: What has discouraged you the most about making music?
Ken Snyder: Just the business aspects. I prefer to make the music I want to make and don't want to be concerned with what I am supposed to do.
Isaac: Do you have a personal philosophy about music? If so, what is it?
Ken Snyder: At this point, I make music that I enjoy and my philosophy is that I need to always put my heart and soul into everything I do and I don't worry about what anyone else thinks. As long as I am proud of it, that's all that matters.
Isaac: When you are performing live in front of an audience, what are the thoughts that are running through you head?
Ken Snyder: Don't mess up!!! Really just enjoying the moment, bring the energy and hopefully entertain the crowd.
Isaac: Why is being an independent musician important to you?
Ken Snyder: I am my own boss. I can make the music I love and not be told what I should do.
Isaac: Do you think the Internet has altered the path of music as an industry? If so, how?
Ken Snyder: Absolutely. The thing that record copies always had over artist was marketing and distribution. The Internet solves both problems and now with services like iTunes you can reach people that you couldn't before without the big label muscle behind you. It also has re-asserted the importance of good songs. If you can buy individual tunes the album better be good or people will only buy the one song.
Isaac: Any advice for other musicians out there when it comes to using the Internet as a medium for getting their music heard to the masses?
Ken Snyder: Really it’s the same thing. Pound the pavement so to speak, except now it is cyberspace. The business hasn't changed, just the tools. You have to knock down doors. Find any avenue you can to get heard.
Isaac: What kind of recording software do you use?
Ken Snyder: Nuendo is my basic recording software. I have a few UAD audio cards to help with effects/cpu usage though I tend to keep the effects to some compression, light reverb and occasionally some delay. For tracking guitar my first two CDs were done with a line6 pod and my last was mostly guitar rig. I am working with an isolation cabinet now and hope to go back to a real amp since they just feel better.
Isaac: I know that everybody has his or her idea of a dream artist, someone who for whatever reasons that person would just love to listen to and admire. As an entertainer yourself, if you could play with one of your "dream" musicians, anyone at all, who would it be and why?
Ken Snyder: If it was just one musician, it would probably Steve Vai. He has such an amazing perspective on music it would be great to be around that for a short period of time. For a band, it would be Dream Theater but just to absorb that much music ability. Of course, I would love to spend time with Jimmy Page but would probably be scared to death.
Isaac: What are you hoping to gain from your experience of being a musician and making music?
Ken Snyder: Just to experience the wonder of making music. It still is my ultimate high.
Isaac: What are you hopes for your music in the year 2009?
Ken Snyder: That I continue to reach new and exciting people.
Isaac: This is our Shout Out time. Please give props to anyone and everyone that matters the most to you.
Ken Snyder: My girlfriend, Christina, for always tolerating this nonsense; my best friend, Darwin DeVitis, from Carbon9, who always pushes me and of course members of the extended Cut Throat family who are never too far away.
Isaac: This is Shameless Plug time: Give us some updates on new releases and other projects in the works.
Ken Snyder: I hope to start on material for my next CD. I would love to say what it will sound like but I never know until I finish it.
Isaac: Final Thoughts:
Ken Snyder: Contrary to popular opinion, I play music because I love it. Every CD I have done is an extremely exhausting process, but in the end it’s worth it. I would pay to play music (and have) so it’s never about the money, the fame or the girls. Music is my soul.
Main Website
www.ken-snyder.com
Ken Snyder
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