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Interview with MAG

Interviewed by John Prassas

Here samples of MAG playing here.

When did you begin playing guitar?

I began playing when I was 15 years old, when I was in high school.

How many languages do you speak?

Only two, french (my first language) and english

What is a recent influence you have had or found?

The latest guitar player I discovered and really like is Guthrie Govan. That guy can play anything, in any style, and seems to master every technique known to guitar.
Another one would be Dave Martone. A fellow canadian. I saw him at the Montreal DrumFest playing with Daniel Adair. I just love his style and his attitude.

What influenced you in the beginning of your career?

In terms of musicians, I would say that Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are the biggest influences I have. Careerwise, I really didn't feel I was made for the normal "day job" way of life and working in music seemed to be appropriate for me.

How many hours do you practice a day?

Right now, almost nothing. There's a lot of stuff to do and work on beside practicing. But I do have a guitar with me most of the day giving lessons, writing music and learning songs for various gigs. But I can't seem to find a lot of time to really practice.

When I was in college though, I was doing a solid 4-5 hours a day of real practice.

What has been your best experience with music?

A couple of things, but I can't pinpoint one in particular. Writing and recording my album on my own was certainly one of them. Opening for Malmsteen, and touring Europe with Quo Vadis are also among my greatest satisfactions.

Any terrible experiences you would like to share?

Actually, not really. I can't recall anything terrible that happened to me.

Do you prefer instrumental or Vocal Music?

I do prefer instrumental music. Not that I don't like vocal music, but I usually find myself listening more to the music than the vocals anyway.

What have you been listening to lately that is guitar oriented? What you have listened to lately that is not electric guitar oriented ?

I don't listen to a lot of stuff, especially since my car stereo got stolen (no, I didn't replace it yet, and it would surely get stolen again anyway). I do listen to music all day long while giving lessons and learning songs for gigs. But It doesn't leave much time to listen to music just for pleasure. So, the answer to your question would be Guthrie Govan and Dave Martone. They're about the only album I've really listened to lately.

I haven't listened to anything not guitar oriented lately.

Looking down the line, what impact would you most want to see emerge from your work?

First of all, I'd like to be able to keep living from music. Work for different artists and band, touring and recording, and keep writing and recording my own stuff. I'd like to be the guy people call because they know they're going to get the job done.