on the record with...
Gus Drax
By Reb Sixxx
(SugarBuzz International)
SugarBuzz Magazine
Gus Drax is a RockStar--you just don't know it yet.
Greece has been holding out on us and hiding one of the best guitarists in the world. America, this is Gus Drax. Gus Drax, this is America. Welcome.
Rarely am I impressed anymore when it comes to musicians. I have heard so many bands in my life, that it has went from how much talent an individual musician has, to if they blend well enough with the rest of the band they are playing with. Imagine my surprise while cruising MySpace one day, when I arrived at the music profile of a sexy, young guitarist named Gus Drax. His music started playing as I was looking at his profile and suddenly my eyeballs nearly ejected from their sockets. I leaped out of my chair and stood there shaking with raw excitement as a silent scream erupted from my open mouth. In my entire life I have never heard someone with so much talent. I was absolutely floored by him and decided immediately, right then and there, that I was going to make Gus Drax a household name. He is definitely an island unto himself and his style of guitar playing will land him smack dab in the middle of super-stardom one day soon. Mark my words.
At a mere 20 years old, Gus has only been playing 6 years.
We immediately befriended each other and began getting to know each other. The first thing I noticed about him is how nice he is. He is by no means your stereotypical arrogant musician and was very humble about his ability. I remember saying to him that he had a wonderful talent and his response was that talent had nothing to do with it. He said it was all hard work. I started laughing and explained that I know people who have played for 25 years and work just as hard as he does and they play nowhere near as good. He seemed genuinely awed that I thought he played so well. He plays very well and I am impressed with his attitude, as well.
A year ago Gus joined the London-based band Biomechanical. He defines them as a "progressive, extreme, technical, powerful and unique band". I would have to agree. Gus travels between Greece and London regularly. Since joining the band, Gus' first gig with them was in front of a crowd of 300 in London and more recently played the Rockin Field festival in Italy in front of 2000 people. Biomechanical is headed up by John K (a fellow Greek) who writes most of the material and is the only original remaining member. The new members are Jonno Lodge on drums, Adrian Lambert on bass, and of course Gus Drax on guitar. All of the members are extraordinarily talented and the band's music reflects that. Their latest album is called, "Cannibalised" on the Earache label and a tour is being planned to support it. Their brand of heavy metal is not for the faint of heart. It's in your face and raw with hauntingly melodic overtones. You absolutely have to see this band live. I implore you.
When Gus is not out rockin with Biomechanical, he's working on solo material. The first song he ever wrote was a song called, "Vitality", and he plays it on a bad-ass 7 string Schecter HellRaiser C-7. The neck is thicker than a tree stump and somehow Gus plays it easily. We here at SugarBuzz are truly happy that he's allowed us to post the video for "Vitality". Please check it out. It's directed by devastatingly handsome Bob Katsionis and I promise you it will be one of the best 4:16 minutes of your life.
The Interview
I was lucky enough to sit down with Gus recently and ask him a few questions. My palms were sweating and I kept taking deep breaths before he even entered the room. It had been a long time since I felt like a fan meeting a music idol. He walked into the room, long golden locks spilling down his back, and he smiled a huge smile. I immediately relaxed and it was as if we were two old friends simply having a conversation.
SB: Hi Gus! It's an honor to meet you!
GD: Hello Rebecca. It's nice to meet you as well!
SB: I've been telling people that not only are you a great guitarist, but what a nice guy you are, too.
GD: Oh thank you, but I don't like talking so much about myself! (laughs) I will just say that I'm a positive person who loves music!
SB: (laughs) So what is it about your playing style that is different than all the rest?
GD: That is difficult question! I think I've developed a style and a sound all of my own. Technique-wise I use a lot of picking in my solos but without forgetting the other techniques like legato or sweep-picking.
SB: Who or what has inspired you the most?
GD: John Petrucci! He is the guitarist who made me play guitar. I saw a video tape when I was a kid and I was speechless from the way he was playing. After that video tape, my first words were: "Dad, I want a guitar!" (laughs)
SB: (laughs) That's a cool story! So what other bands have influenced you?
GD: I will say a few. Dream Theater (which is my favorite band), Nevermore, Strapping Young Lad, Jason Becker, Marty Friedman, Cacophony, Symphony X, and many, many more. I also listen to Classical music and Film Soundtracks!
SB: Right on! That's awesome! If you could join any band, past or current, who would it be and why?
GD: I would join any of my favorite bands if I could and if I have the time to. Bands like Dream Theater, Nevermore, and Strapping Young Lad would be a pleasure to play with. The reason why of course, is the fact that I like their music!
SB: Yeah! So what have been your biggest triumphs and successes would you say?
GD: That would be definitely be Biomechanical! It's is one of the bands that I like a lot and when John asked me to play in the band I was really excited. Also, some of the great shows we did! So everything has to do with Biomech!
SB: On the flip-side, what have been your biggest barriers and disappointments?
GD: I wouldn't say that I'm really disappointed from something that's happened so far. I'm used to thinking before acting so its difficult for me to feel disappointed really.
SB: Haven't you ever had a gig go bad? (laughs)
GD: Oh yes! (laughs) That would be a gig we played in London last February! We didn't play well at that one. We had some big sound problems that made us make many mistakes. I still feel uncomfortable when I remember it. Don't tell anyone about that one.
SB: Okay. I won't. (laughs) How has Biomechanical changed your life?
GD: They changed my life tremendously! But only in a better way. I started living my dream! Touring and playing guitar in front of people. Meeting some of the artists that I liked their work.
SB: What is it like being on the road and touring and where do you want to go?
GD: It's pleasant but also difficult! You play in front of people but you also get tired. Also, food is not always good. I guess there are always good and bad moments. The coin always has two sides. As for where I want to go, I would like to go and play everywhere!! Europe, USA, Japan, Australia. Anywhere I can. I've been in talks lately with Half-Leg Productions about a potential US tour soon and I hope it happens!
SB: Me too! That would be great! So what was your initial reaction from fans and how does that compare to now?
GD: Most of the fans reacted great which is good for me! I can't even imagine how I would feel if they didn't like me. They all know now that I am the guitarist for Biomechanical, so they face me, which is cool.
SB: What is Biomechanical's stance on how you treat your fans and groupies?
GD: (laughs) Nothing special. Just be gentle!! (laughs)
SB: What are your current plans and future plans?
GD: We have another festival to go to soon. It is called "Caos-Emergente" and its taking place in Porto Portugal. Besides gigs, I am in the writing process of my first solo album.
SB: So last but not least, what is the one main thing you want to say to SugarBuzz Magazine readers?
GD: Thanks for reading this interview and check out my profile and Biomechanical's profile on MySpace. I hope to see you all guys and girls on tour! Let's rock!
SB: Thank you Gus for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with me. It was a fun interview and I really appreciate it.
GD: Thank you! It was fun! Now let's go grab a coffee. (laughs)
SB: (laughs) You're on. Let's go.
Gus Drax has graciously allowed SugarBuzz Magazine to give you all an exclusive free download of his song, "Cerebral Chaos" which will be on his forthcoming solo album. You can download it for free HERE. So keep your eyes peeled for this RockStar in the making and know that you heard it here FIRST at SugarBuzz Magazine. Gus Drax is going to be known world-wide. Time will prove it.
Let's rock!
