Exclusive Interview With Top 5 iTunes Rock Guitarist Brady Novotny

Brady Novotny has been on a tear since the February release of his debut album, Passions Collide. His blend of flamenco and rock styles has put him on the radar of some of music’s most influential magazines, including Guitar Player. His first single, “Redemption’s Cry” received both critical and airplay recognition, while the follow-up title track is currently charting on several national airplay charts, while hitting the iTunes Top 5 Rock songs chart in Canada.

Brady took some time out to answer some questions for our readers…

Indie Pulse Music: Thanks for taking the time, Brady.  Please tell us about your debut album, “Passions Collide.”
Brady Novotny: The album is mainly a guitar instrumental with a few vocal tracks. The style is a fusion of melodic rock guitar and flamenco guitar. Ultimately, my goal was to take the listener on a musical journey, allowing him/her to experience singable (haunting) melodic lines while captivating the ear with flamenco sounds and strategically placed virtuosity.

IPM: Your current single, the instrumental title track, has done very well on the national airplay charts.  What do you attribute that to?
BN: I would like to give a shout out to MTS management for doing all the legwork for it. I kind of just played what was in my heart and it seemed that it was well received and I am very thankful for that.

IPM: If there was one band that you would have loved to be in, aside from your current situation, what band would that be, and why?

BN: Trans Siberian Orchestra. I’ve always loved their shows and music. I am a fan of combining the rock guitar with classical music.

IPM: How did your eclectic style of music develop over the years?  What bands/artists would your fans be surprised to know that you like listening to?
BN: It is combination of my two favorite style, Rock Guitar and Flamenco Guitar. I started playing guitar on a Nylon string. So, that was my first exposure to the instrument. Even though I play electric Guitar, I never abandoned my love for the nylon string. I enjoy listening to many Flamenco guitar players. Strunz and Farah are one of my favorite groups to listen too. I also listen to Lindsey Stirling, she just comes up with great melody lines.

IPM: How is the music scene in Pittsburgh?  Any live shows coming up for you?
BN: The music scene in Pittsburgh is getting better, as there are a lot more places to perform. I will be playing the Hard Rock Café mid-September, but please check my website for all upcoming shows at http://www.bradynovotny.com.

IPM: What 3 venues would you most like to perform at locally, nationally and internationally?
BN: Locally: Palace Theater in Greenburg, PA; Nationally: Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado; Internationally: Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome, Italy

IPM: What has been the highlight of your music career so far?
BN: Early this summer I got to open for one of my guitar heroes, Paul Gilbert. Next year I just found out that I will be opening for Uli Jon Roth, which is another guitar hero of mine.

IPM: What advice would you have to offer a young musician, just getting started in the business?
BN: Do your best not to look around you, keep your head down, and keep moving forward.  You will have great days, and days you want to quit. Sometimes those feelings will be in the same day, but just keep going.

IPM: Any plans for a follow-up single to “Passions Collide,” and if so, when do you think you’ll have that ready?  Will there be a music video for the next single?

BN: I have plans to make another music video for the song “Ancient Romance” from the Passions Collide album. I will hopefully have it completed by mid-November. The video will actually be filmed in a real castle. I am very excited to do this video.

IPM: Thanks for the time Brady. Good luck with your upcoming shows and next single/video.