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Listen Here: Matteo Mancuso Interview

Craig Garber:
Hey everybody, this is Craig Garber. Welcome to Everyone Loves Guitar. We had a great guest for this day with Matteo Mancuso live from Italy. There you go. I want to say thanks to John Bleeker. I’m sorry, John Blycher for hooking us up. John. Thanks as always for all your support. Uh, real quickly, I’m sure you’ve seen Matteo online. If you haven’t, let me give you his background. He’s only 26. You’re younger than like two out of my three kids. This is really

Matteo Mancuso:
haha

Craig Garber:
funny. Uh, He’s only 26. He’s an incredibly proficient guitarist. He grew up in Palermo, which is the capital of the island of Sicily, which of course is part of Italy. His dad was a successful session player as well as a big influence on Matteo. Matteo’s playing is pretty amazing and his playing technique is incredibly unique. I’ve never seen anybody play with their hands the way he does. And we’ll talk a little bit about that today. He graduated from the Palermo Conservatory of Music with honors in jazz guitar, and he’s played on loads of jazz festivals, including the Umbria, Bremen International, Eddie Lang, Lugano, Uppsala in Sweden, New Ross Guitar, and Spoleto Jazz Festivals. And that’s only just in the last couple of years. He also has a new album out called The Journey, and it’s really fantastic. And we’ll talk about that today as well. And his English is pretty damn good for considering it’s a second language. So, hey, Mateo, thank you for your time. I appreciate you coming on the show.

Matteo Mancuso:
Thank you, Greg. Thank you so much.

Craig Garber:
Oh, you’re welcome. My pleasure. Um, I’m going to ask you one question. I’m going to apologize in advance because I know you get asked this a lot and let’s get it out of the way. Your right hand style is unlike anything I’ve seen before. You’re not just finger picking. It’s almost like each one of your fingers has a pick built into it somehow. I’ve never, so my question is, how did you develop that style? And was that deliberate or accidental? Oh, it looks like you got a technical difficulty.

Matteo Mancuso:
Yeah, I think it was accidental, first of all, because back when I first started, I started when I was around 10 years old, and my first teacher was my father, of course. And I always saw my father, when I was a little kid, he was playing a lot of classical guitar back then. So I always saw him playing with fingers, and I just thought that every guitar was meant to be played like that, you know? I didn’t even know that you should use a pick for electric guitar. So that was my first choice only because I always saw my father playing like that. And I started really with the electric guitar rather than the classical guitar. I started with electric because my very first influences were electric guitar players like Angus Young from ACDC, Jimmy Page, Deep Purple of course, and Andrix was my favorite back then. All these classic rock bands were my very first influences. So yeah, I developed this technique because of all of that influences. And I first started with almost like a bass technique, like that. And I was using…

Craig Garber:
So, so this was like a blessing that you didn’t know any better in a sense, that you didn’t know that that’s how people, that people that a pick existed, it was really like a blessing. And I would imagine you got turned on to all these classic rock bands by your dad. Right, right. I know you did a you played a concert with al D’Amio at a festival together, right? Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Oh cool. That’s not I had him on the show here. He was he was a really nice guy to talk to as well. Yeah, but I’m Did you guys get to jam like were you both going freestyle? Mm. Right. Sure. That’s cool, man. That’s really nice. Um, so you started blowing up on social media, but unlike a lot of young guitar players that become well known on social media for their playing, you actually have a career. And I don’t mean that with any disrespect to anybody else, but like you played out in bands as a kid, this kept growing and you kept touring and you playing festivals and concerts. And now you have a full length album with mostly originals. original songs written by you and a couple written by your dad. So my question is, if you have an opinion on this, what drove you to do this? And also, why do you think it’s rare that so many people who become known on social media as very proficient players don’t do something similar? Yes. Good. Yeah. No, I don’t pay attention to any of those guys to be honest with you because I want to talk to people like you that play live. Oh, it’s pain in the ass. Yeah. Yeah, very true. Right. Good for you, man. I give you credit because it’s very easy to fall into that, I think. And I think the path you’re taking is more difficult, but I got to believe it’s more connected to your soul. As you said, you know, that’s what you want to do play live. So. Yes. Yes, I agree. Because nobody, I mean, there’s a big difference between sitting, sitting here in front of a monitor and listening to someone play and going to a club or a theater. And it’s a totally different experience. And so, and you probably get, and you don’t get to connect with anybody when you’re behind a computer either, you as the musician. And I know that’s important as well. You know, you want to feel that from your audience that makes everything worthwhile, you know? So I get you. Well, good for you, man. I think that’s a great answer. Thank you very much. What was your first career break and how did that come about? Sure. Sure. Sure. Yeah. So that, that was a big break getting all that exposure, I guess. Yeah. Congratulations, man. But you’re a hard, listen, man. The bottom line is you work your ass off. You didn’t, you know, you’re an amazing player, but it’s not because you were just like born an amazing player. You know, I can’t imagine how much work you’ve, I mean, put into your craft already at 26 to be at that level. So, you know, my hats off to you. you know, don’t let anybody take that away from you because there’s a lot of work involved and that’s, that’s what counts. You’re welcome. You’re very welcome. So you grew up in Palermo for most of the people who are listening to this and who might not be familiar with Palermo. What was growing up there like? Sure. Yeah. Sure, sure. Yeah, but again, you took advantage of it and did the work though. Yeah. Right. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Sure. Yes. Yeah, that’s good. That’s a good, I think that perspective is easier attained outside of America. I think in America, we are very geared towards production and work. And I think it’s so hard. I mean, you hear everybody talking about, how do I get balanced in my life? And I notice in other parts of the world, you naturally have balance in your life, you know, family, uh, just there’s things about life that are more important. And there, I think it’s drilled in. you know, through ages, you know, the parents and family and stuff like that. And, uh, but it’s good to hear that you’re, you know, you are aware of that because it’s important, especially at the older you get, if you’re out of balance, it just, your life’s pretty shitty. So. Hell yeah. Yeah. It was interesting. I was watching a documentary. It was kind of new on Charlie Parker. And they were interviewing some modern day saxophone players and just jazz players in general. And there was a, I think a guitarist there and he said, I never say I’m going to go practice my guitar. He said, I always say, I’m going to go spend some time with my guitar. And I I thought of that. And when you say that I’m going to spend time with my guitar, there’s a different connection about your intention than I have to practice my guitar, you know? And I, I’ve been, yeah. And I’ve been doing that myself. Just, I only saw this a week ago and it’s a lot easier to then go pick up your guitar. You want to spend time with it. It’s not work. It’s fun. Like you just said. So I agree with you very much there. Let’s talk about some of the songs from your new album, The Journey. Um, start with open fields. So I love how you start that song at a soft volume on a clean guitar tone. And then you just explode on an electric and just crank up the distortion and man, you’re playing on the ending of that song is just really phenomenal. Tell me about this track in particular. travels. Okay. Sure, yeah. Oh, of course, of course, it’s always harder to play. Yeah. Yeah, and you gotta work to- Yeah. It’s a great track, man. And, you know, again, I don’t mean to keep saying it, but for a young guy to be able to write in a range like this, man, it, you know, speaks a lot of how much work and, and effort and talent you’ve put into everything. Cause it’s not common to have that kind of, you know, skillset at, at this young of an age, I mean, it’s your first record and it’s like really, really good. You know? So, so props to you, man. Another, my, probably my favorite track. Drop D, you did a great job. You just bring in the acoustic guitar there for the bridge. My question was when you’re putting songs like this together, does the idea to do something like switching to acoustic, does that come to you when you’re composing the track or once you’re laying down the song in the studio and you have the other musicians there? Mm-hmm. Oh. Great rock song. Yeah. Yes. Yeah, yeah, I agree with you. Well, I think that’s why people are coming want to hear him instrumental music in the first place to hear the improvisation. But let me tell you, you did a really good job. And not a lot of people do this, especially early on. You know, a lot of guys that are solo guitar artists, or even with a trio, you know, they make an album, it’s just like solo masturbation for 10 tracks, nonstop, you know, they forget, oh, I need a melody here. I need a chorus. I need a verse. And you did a really good job. I was really impressed with that because the solos were very appropriate. It wasn’t like, okay, this should have ended 16 bars ago. It’s not like that at all. But you know what I’m talking about? That’s pretty common. And so I thought you did a great job on that, man. Yeah, yeah, I totally get it. And your trio is the other two guys are phenomenal musicians. Are they local to Palermo like guys that you knew in around town or That’s amazing. I mean, super talented guys, man. I mean, both that, that rhythm section is just awesome and they groove well together. It was like really good. Uh, you got a track on there, the title track, the journey. It’s a beautiful acoustic song. And I think it’s a perfect track to close out the record with any backstory to that. Okay. Hahaha Yeah. No, far from it. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Yeah. Yes. That’s a great track. Again, it’s a perfect track to close the record. You did a great job the order of the tracks. I know that’s not easy either. You have to sit and listen. It’s not random. It was a great track. Great job on there. What was the most challenging thing? This is your first record. What was the most challenging thing for you about putting it together? Okay. Interesting. Yeah. Oh. That’s great. Yeah. Man, it’s so good that you’re aware that perfection doesn’t exist because you don’t usually learn that lesson till you’re older in life, but you’re right. And it takes a lot of pressure off you when you learn that lesson. Like good is good enough, you know? And, uh, that’s great. So it sounds like you got a lot. You really learned a lot putting this first record together in so many different aspects. That’s great, man. That’s great. That’s so, I liked that song, blues for John. Your dad wrote that correct. Who’s John? What? That’s what I thought. Yeah. That’s what I thought. Okay. Tell me, all right. Tell me, man. Thanks for sharing all this. So that’s a great first record, man. It really is. And congratulations to you for all the hard work you do putting it together. Uh, tell me something in general that you thought would be difficult to do, but in reality, it turned out to be much easier to do could be. Music could be personal, whatever you choose. Oh no, that’s not an easy question. right when they feel it. Definitely. Definitely. Dude, you are smart beyond your years, man. I like what you said, playing live is more about feeling than execution. Right on. Excellent, man. You’re young, so this might not apply to you. But have there been any low points or dark periods you’ve had to deal with in life? And if so, how’d you get through them? Oh wow. Oh my god, wow. Yeah. Yeah, that makes sense though. I mean, when you’re being forced, you know, you’re essentially being forced to play music that you just don’t like. I mean, that’s a normal reaction to say, you know, the hell with this. I’m not, this is not my thing. Yeah. Yes. Good for you. Plus you’re 15, you know, that’s a rebellious time. You don’t give a shit. You do what you wanna do. And you’re supposed to, man. That’s what those, it’s weird. Everybody says, oh, your teenage years are the best years of your life. I don’t know anybody who feels that way. Teenage years suck. They’re difficult. Everybody feels like they’re alone and like they don’t, they’re, you know, different. So I don’t know who came up with that. No, it’s terrible. And as a parent, when your kids become teenagers, you just like, you’re just waiting for this period to end. It’s just so difficult, man. I gotta tell you. Um, are you trying to learn anything new on guitar now for your personal enjoyment, as opposed to stuff you need, or you want to learn for gigs? Mm-hmm. Johnny Island? Okay, I have to check him. Interesting. That’s cool. I know you’re talking about Johnny Highland. Yeah, H, yeah, I had him, I had both him and Brent on the show here quite a while ago. Yeah, they’re both incredible players. Yeah, yeah, really good players. Okay, so what, you know, we talked about how much effort you’ve put into thousands and thousands of hours. What aspect of your playing have you worked hardest at from a technical standpoint? Interesting. a lot of work for a lit for a yeah I could see what you’re saying Yes. Right. Interesting. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. That’s really interesting, man. There’s a lot of different subtleties about your ability to master this based on your particular skill sets. That’s really interesting. I never would have thought of that. All right, let’s talk about gear for a minute. What’s your go-to guitar right now and what other two guitars would round out your top three? Yep, I’ve heard of them. Sure. Who plays a lot of baritones? You know Mark Leteary? Yeah. Yeah, he really is, but he plays a lot of baritone from time to time. That the custom Yamaha, is that the one you had in the drop D video? Yeah, let’s see that bad boy. Ah, it’s beautiful, man. Okay. I got to tell you, I have Loller P90s on one of my guitar, the most amazing pickups I’ve ever heard. I mean, I haven’t tried any of their other pickups, but I got to believe they’re phenomenal. Yeah, what is that? Oh, that’s really cool, man. No, that makes a ton of sense. That’s a great customer. That’s a great asset to have on there. And that probably makes your life much easier. That’s awesome. Very cool, man. Uh, when you made that drop D video, it looks like you were having so much fun out there, was it a fun experience? Oh cool. I bet. Sure, sure. He was yeah That’s very cool, man. You know what? Just to make you feel better. I can’t tell you how many guitarists I’ve had on the show that have said to me, yeah, I forgot my solo and I had to go back and listen to the records. So this is a more common thing than you might think. It’s pretty common for lots of people, man, especially, you know, when you have the dexterity that you have, you’re going to go off in places. There’s no way you can remember it without listening to the record. It’s not possible. You’re equal. This is really rare about you that you’re equally skilled and comfortable playing jazz, rock, classical, and fusion. You know, not too many people could shift from like a jazz groove into the level of rock. You’re you’re playing like a rock guy when you’re playing rock, you’re not playing like a jazz guy playing rock. You’re playing like a rock. You know what I’m saying? Like you got rock in your soul. Uh, maybe give me a couple of like your heroes in some of those genres. Just curious. Okay. Yes. Sure. of listening to those solos and like a Charlie Parker solo and transcribing that. Yeah, that’s gotta be. Yeah. Your training. Yeah. Thank you. Do you have a, like, tell me your top three favorite CDs in no particular order and just for this minute? Cause I know that changes all the time. Mm-hmm. great record. Phenomenal for what’s it what’s there to say, you know? Pretty amazing, yeah. By who? Tribal Tech. Okay. Yes. The sewer, yeah. Thank you, man. Those are good. Boy, you had those, those are, that’s usually the hardest question, believe it or not. People are like, oh my God. And then when it get down to number three, it’s like, oh my God, I can’t think of it. You’re getting a lot of exposure now. How are you handling all this? Because I would imagine it’s a lot to process and it’s also probably overwhelming at times. And I was curious if you have found yourself having to learn to set boundaries. So you could still have balance, you could still have your own life and not have to sit there listening to it. All the internet critics are suggesting you do with your own career and your own life that it’s none of their business anyway. But how have you handled that? Because it’s a lot, you know, for, I could see it being overwhelming. Oh, God, that’s a very, that’s a lot every day. Yeah. Tell me, tell me one event that happened to you, not, not musical, but personal, but if this thing, this one event had not happened, you wouldn’t be the person you are today. Good for you, Matt. Good for you. Yeah. Awesome, man. Well, I hope you have that feeling for the rest of your life with her. That’s nice. What is a tough question? What do you like most about yourself? Right, right. even in the right in the middle of it. Good. Good. You probably live a lot longer because you’re relaxed. Trust me. Tell me something about yourself that people might be surprised to hear, or they might find it a little odd. There’s more to you than just your guitar. I think is what you’re saying. Right. Yeah. Yeah, but you know when, but when you work hard, your viewpoint of lazy is very different than someone who doesn’t work hard to begin with. You know what I mean? Hey man, the fact that you are aware of all these things is awesome, so let me tell you, you’re doing great. What’s the best advice that you’ve ever been given and who gave it to you? Except music. Good for you. Do you have any hobbies outside of music? soccer. Yeah, I knew you’re gonna say that man. What what European doesn’t want to as an answer for every European is football, you know, it’s so popular. Yeah, yeah. Yep. Yeah, yep. Yeah, it is. Oh yeah, man, you got these things, man. Sure. Oh, that’s cool. Where do you kayak there? Is there lakes or do you go in the, in right in the sea? Yeah, I wouldn’t think so. Yeah. Okay. Oh, cool. Oh, that’s cool, man. Did you go fishing out there in the sea as well? Sure. What kind of fish does he catch out there? Sure. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like this, like your soup sort of sauce. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. That’s very cool, man. What, what is the thing in your life that’s making you happiest or giving you the most joy and satisfaction right now? That’s nice to hear, man. That’s great to hear, man. I hope that happens continues for a long time for you, man. Any, uh, any final words of wisdom? think that’s great, man. Uh, let me tell people where to find you. Thank you so much for your time, man. It’s really been a pleasure talking to you, man. You’re, you’re like a super bright guy and a screen really talented player. And I think you’re going to have a great career and it sounds like, uh, you well deserving of it. So give me a minute. Uh, thank you, man. Everybody check out Matteo Moncuso. If you haven’t listened to him already, please do yourself a favor and enjoy some of his music. You could find his website online at Matteo, M-A-T-T-E-O, Mancuso, M-A-N-C-U-S-O.net. And also check out his new album, The Journey. It’s available every place. And you can follow him online at Instagram, Facebook, and his YouTube page. And he probably puts up more than one video a week. He’s got a lot of content there. So I would check that out. Anything else you’d like to promote that I forgot or that I left out? Are you touring? Are you going to be touring the States? Are you coming to the States to play? Yeah, it’s hard to get over here with visas and everything, isn’t it? Great, man. Well, I hope you come over here and if you come to Florida, I’ll be at one of your shows for sure, man. Hang on one second. Let me just wrap up. Thank you very much for everything. I wish you the best of luck, Mateo. Hang on and then we’ll chat for a minute. Everybody, thank you so much for listening. If you enjoyed this, please share it online. We appreciate your support. Thanks very much to Mateo Mancuso. Again, please check out his new record, The Journey, and his website, mateomancuso.net. And most important, remember that happiness is a choice, so choose wisely. Be nice, go play your guitar and have fun. Until next time. Peace and love everybody. I am out. Thanks brother. Hey Mateo.