HUGO SILVANI
HAILS FROM MANCHESTER, ENGLAND
PLAYS IN PALE WAVES
SOUNDS LIKE AN ANGSTY CHASM OF ‘00S EMO AND BRITPOP LATEST DROP UNWANTED
(LP OUT NOW VIA DIRTY HIT + AUSTRALIAN TOUR IN MARCH)
How did you first discover the guitar?
My older brother had started playing the guitar and naturally I wanted to copy him. I think I was about ten at the time, and I got a gear4music acoustic for Christmas.
What’s your current go-to?
That’s a tough one! I like to use different guitars depending on the purpose! However, right now I’d say it’s my custom-built Heritage Core H-150. I think the fact that it was built for me makes it extra special – not to mention how massive it sounds.
Who and/or what are your main influences?
Honestly, this is constantly changing with the music I’m listening to and experiences I’m having. Right now, I’m trying my best to almost unlearn what I naturally do – certain chord sequences, tones, etcetera… For me, it’s important to challenge that.
Are you much of a gear nerd?
I actually have a tonne of pedals! A recent favourite of mine would be the Funny Little Boxes 1991. But very recently I switched to a Kemper for live purposes, for ease of use and consistency.
Do you have any ‘white whales’?
My gear4music acoustic! I think my brother took it to university and left it in his house when he moved out. I’m not joking, it sounded incredible.
What would your signature model look like?
I’d probably try to create a Frankenstein – something between a Strat and Les Paul with those self-tuning pegs so I never have to tune it again… But now that I say it, that sounds horrible.
What advice would you give your past self?
If possible, record yourself and listen back. It can be daunting, but it will really help you identify the weaknesses in your playing.
If you could jam with any guitarist, dead or alive, who would it be?
I’m going to say Nile Rodgers. He seems like a really nice guy. I’d get him to teach me ‘We Are Family’.