FGH-0020: Interview with Don Alder – National Fingerstyle Guitar Champion & Vocalist
Summary, Episode 20: Don Alder plays acoustic fingerstyle guitar with a passion that has quickly earned him a reputation as Vancouver's "best kept little secret". Don is a world-class fingerstyle guitarist with a "wow factor" that has let to multiple endorsement deals with major manufacturers and a collaboration with Greenfield guitars to produce a signature acoustic guitar- the "Don Alder G4" model. Don currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His unique style of playing incorporates fingerpicking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a wall of sound. He is often referred to as sounding like a four piece band. Don's music is his own unique weave of deeply textured melody and story. Lyrical and compelling, his original songs are notes of exploration - some passionate and haunting, some hard-driven, others light and teasing. In quiet pieces or pushing right to the edge, Don's phenomenal fingerstyle playing and rich voice captivate. https://vimeo.com/438267665 "Alder can make a single instrument sound like a 4 piece band. The Guy's like the acoustic Hendrix". Picque News Magazine” "Don is Canada’s secret fingerstyle weapon - it’s only a matter of time until everyone discovers this world class player. I am honored to have Don endorsing my guitars." World Class Luthier, Michael Greenfield (Timestamps are for audio version of the podcast.) * 2:44 Welcome Don Alder!* 4:20 Don’s earliest musical inspirations* 8:34 Don gets an electric guitar in his hands for the first time* 14:02 Don starts playing in bands* 15:52 Don and the bass player’s onstage gun prank goes wrong* 19:42 Don explains how he started playing solo acoustic guitar* 22:39 Music - Don plays his composition “Fingers Fingers Fingers”* 27:30 Don becomes a studio player* 37:01 Don’s musical, color, touch, and his personal approach to the guitar - how to learn how to play like yourself* 46:07 At a live performance people are looking for a journey, they want to walk home with an experience* 52:04 Don’s advice he would like to give to more guitar players - more heart, play music not just songs and technique* 53:35 A fellow guitarist seeking advice writes a song for Don Alder* 57:31 Don’s message to all musicians* 58:58 Don’s last message to everyone!* 1:00:03 Ending credits and podcast contact info* 1:03:01 Music - Don plays his composition “Haunting Me” Don's Links: * https://www.donalder.com/* Don on Facebook* Don on Youtube* Don on Twitter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1nEHCNlUYo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G1SSi0Ljvg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPvF_zwD0ac Never Miss an Episode - Subscribe NOW!