Eight days ago, we featured an interview with one half of the twin guitar team, Adam Rafowitz (see his interview HERE). Today, we feature his partner in crime, the amazing Adam Bentley.
Adam attended the Berklee College of Music (where he met his Arch Echo band-mates), and then set out for Nashville. Once there, he stretched out beyond the scope of instrumentalist, and is also working as a composer, mixer, and producer (in fact, he mixed the debut Arch Echo album, and recorded, mixed, & produced his debut solo album, under the moniker "Absently", titled "Open Mind").
You can learn more about Adam and Arch Echo at their website, and be sure to "like" their facebook page. Adam also has a personal Youtube Channel with loads of great tutorials and music.
I had a chance to chat with Adam recently - check it out!
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1) What are your current projects?
I am a guitarist in the band Arch Echo. We have an album coming out on May 18th, 2017! I also have a solo instrumental project under the name “Absently.” Absently is much more guitar-centric (when compared to Arch Echo) and is essentially an outlet for my own personal compositions.
2) How does this (do these) differ from your past work?
Arch Echo is much different than anything I’ve done because of the band’s synergy. Everyone brings so many different ideas and stylistic backgrounds to the table that I’m really pushed to broaden my horizons. I always feel inspired when we play and write together.
When I started recording and writing it was primarily on my own, so I’ve gotten very used to overseeing every aspect of the album making process. Moving into a 5 person dynamic like Arch Echo was a big change for me at first, but it was a change for the better.
When I started recording and writing it was primarily on my own, so I’ve gotten very used to overseeing every aspect of the album making process. Moving into a 5 person dynamic like Arch Echo was a big change for me at first, but it was a change for the better.
3) Do you have one project that you are most proud of as a guitarist?
Arch Echo is definitely the project I am most proud of because I feel that it’s the most ambitious and unique work I’ve ever been a part of. Also, everyone plays such a pivotal role in the band and the guys are so reliable, which gives us a lot of potential to be together for the long haul.
4) Can you give our readers a run-down of your basic gear (live and/or studio), and do you have a favorite piece of gear?
As of now, I use the AxeFX II by Fractal Audio and run that directly into FOH or the computer.
That has to be my favorite piece of gear because of its endless tone shaping possibilities, its realism, and most of all its portability. The Friedman and 5150 are my favorite amp models! ML Sound Lab makes some great IRs (cabinet emulations) that I use exclusively.
My primary guitar is an Ibanez RGA7 with Bareknuckle Juggernaut pickups. I’ve always loved the feel of Ibanez guitars, and Bareknuckle Pickups really make my tone sound articulate and unique to me.
I have always been a fan of drum softwares and I use them to record demos and my Absently material. GetGood Drums and Toontrack are my two favorites. We actually used GetGood Drums software for the Arch Echo single “Earthshine,” before our drummer Richie Martinez recorded acoustic drums for the record.
5) Who would you cite as early influences, and who are you favorite new players?
Early influences include Jimmy Page, Alex Lifeson, David Gilmour, and Tom Morello (many others for sure). Nowadays guitarists that really excite me are Jakub Zytecki (Disperse), David Maxim Micic, Owane, Misha Mansoor (Periphery), and Tosin Abasi (Animals As Leaders).
Honestly, my fellow guitarist Adam Rafowitz has been very inspiring; he’s a phenomenal player and he’s expanded my playing a lot so he has to be on this list!
6) Can you give a few tips to aspiring players?
Record yourself a lot, and be honest with yourself - understand your strengths and weaknesses as a player and tackle those weaknesses head on. Also, don’t ever get brought down by another guitarist’s ability. Everyone brings something unique to the table. Speed isn’t everything. Play a little bit everyday. At the end of the day, guitar is fun and it’s not a race to be the best.7) What are your future plans?
My plans are to go full force with Arch Echo by touring and beginning work on album 2, as well as continue with my solo project whenever time allows. I also want to grow my mixing/mastering business because it is something I’m truly passionate about.
8) Thanx for talking to us, Adam!
My pleasure - Thanks for the opportunity!
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