"Producer" Alex Salzman Interview
www.AlexSalzman.com
Interview by Roger Zee (08/26/21)
Roger Zee: Who inspired you to play piano? Do you sing or play any other instruments?
Alex Salzman: I came into this world born to a family of musicians and artists in Russia. My mother, a classical pianist/musical director/educator, performed all over the world and enrolled me in music school at age six. So I can say she's absolutely the reason I became a musician.
I studied classical piano and the accompanying curriculum for a number of years. Then picked up the guitar at twelve after discovering The Beatles. I sing backup on some recordings I produce and also sometimes live.
RZ: Tell me about some of the musicians and groups you've gigged and recorded with.
AS: In my younger days, I played in numerous Westchester bands such as Emerald, Top 40; Red Stripe later named Bonzai Pipeline, Reggae; and Tour De Force, Original Hard Rock. Some of the more prominent artists I recorded and performed with include Ace Frehley as co-producer/engineer/bass, Alan Menken of Beauty and The Beast, Aladdin as recording engineer, Peter Criss as musical director/keyboards, Arlen Roth as engineer/keyboards, and Grammy nominee Jana Mashonee as co-producer/engineer/music director/keyboards/guitar. Some of the more interesting one-offs occurred backing up The Pointer Sisters, Jennifer Holliday, and Idina Menzel.
RZ: Talk about your recording studio.
AS: I built a very comfortable recording suite on my property consisting of two rooms filled with some choice gear. And that's where I spend most of my time. I also work out of other studios in the area as well as nationally when a larger tracking room's needed.
RZ: What instruments/strings/amps/mics do you currently use?
AS: My setup changes depending on the gig. But there's always the Nord Piano or the Nord Electro as the main keyboard for piano, Rhodes and organ with a keyboard controller triggering the laptop with Main Stage or Gig Performer with Omnisphere, Kontakt, etc. My guitar rig usually consists of a Tele or a Les Paul and a Blackstar or Marshall amp. Not very particular about strings, but I do enjoy SIT's. I've accumulated a nice studio mic collection of Neumanns, AKG, Shure, ADK, etc. For live work, an SM58 or a Beta58 will do.
RZ: Talk about what and how you pratice.
AS: I make it a point to practice every day. Even just to put my hands on the piano or guitar and play scales for fifteen minutes. In busy season or prepping for an important show, I tend to put in at least an hour or more a day. I'm always, always prepared and practice not only to maintain my technique, but also my confidence.
RZ: Do you teach music privately?
AS: I don't. Many of my friends and colleagues do it so well that I always refer requests to them. However, I do quite a bit of studio consulting for a choice selection of composers which often involves me teaching them new software.
RZ: How has the Pandemic affected you? What's on the horizon?
AS: As with everyone in our business, I lost a year of numerous sessions and gigs, including an international tour with an unnamed Rock icon. The silver lining? It allowed me to concentrate on and finish up a couple of projects that otherwise would not have happened.
But, I'm back and busy with gigs and sessions. I also started a new production company/label with a dear friend/collaborator designed for developing, nurturing and promoting young, eclectic talent. Our first release comes from a supremely talented singer/songwriter, Ashley Suppa, www.AshleySuppa.com. Her debut singles received tons of press accolades and millions of spins on social media.
RZ: Describe your most special and/or unusual gig.
AS: I've got a couple:
1. I once spent a glorious week recording with Alice Cooper and Alan Menken who collaborated on a project quite a few years ago. Just the three of us. And I recollect pinching myself that both a Rock and a Musical Theater/motion picture icon trusted me to capture their ideas. I've worked with Menken for many years, but having Cooper there made for a different dynamic. He flew into LaGuardia, rented a car, drove himself up to Danbury, checked into a hotel, and showed up to the first session before everyone else. A humble, talented and interesting man -- full of amazing stories.
2. In 2017, I played what ended up as Peter Criss' final public performance. Our mutual friend Rob Affuso from Skid Row introduced us when The Catman needed someone to help get his voice and drumming into shape for upcoming shows in Australia and New York. I spent a couple of days a week rehearsing with him over a period of two months. We became good friends and he subsequently hired me as the music director for his "retirement" show in New York. So, I played "Beth" and many other songs with the guy who wrote and sang them. Epic!
RZ: How do you see the future of the music business?
AS: Social media and virtual reality technology currently drive it and will continue to. I'm convinced of that! There's an enormous amount of music released due to the wide availability and affordability of quality recording equipment. But most of it will never get heard due to sheer volume. But I truly believe that the right combination of talent, songwriting, production, promotion, and even more importantly, drive and dedication. can propel an artist using heavy fan engagement and interaction.
RZ: What advice do you give up-and-coming musicians?
AS: Get good at one thing first, whether it's your instrument or voice. Once you reach a semi-pro level, then expand your horizon. Play with people better than you. That's the best way to improve. Praticing in your bedroom may increase your chops, but you will never learn how to interact musically with others that way. That's one of the very important skills that makes a musician, whether pro or hobbyist.
Go to jam nights and open mics. Sit in. Take every opportunity to play with others. Be nice. No one wants to work with a dick. Put aside your ego. I don't care how many notes you can play. If you're difficult to work with, there's always someone who may or may not be better than you, but who's easier to work with. I guarantee they will get the gig before you.
RZ: Do you live with any animals?
AS: No.
RZ: Anything else you'd like to add?
AS: I feel grateful to live here as part of the incredibly talented, robust and resilient NY Tri-State music community. The sheer amount of talent that I come across on pretty much every gig, session or project inspires me. Thank you for having me! Keep on Rockin', Roger! Please visit my website at AlexSalzman.com and say hi!
YouTube - Never In My Life - Ace Frehley
YouTube - Trouble - Ashley Suppa
©2021 Roger Zee
