Why do you play music?
Because it’s my favourite mode of self expression, and it challenges you artistically, physically and mentally. Being in a band is also great socially - touring with my best friends is fun, and we get to meet so many people and have experiences that we would never have otherwise.
What Ormsby instrument do you use and what do you like about it?
Customshop Hypemachine (2016 copper top)
It’s exactly what I needed in a guitar spec-wise, and since playing it for the last seven years no other guitars feel quite right to me. Plus it looks really cool ;-) Almost every show someone comments on the headstock.
What is one memorable tour/music related story you have?
Almost getting stranded at a Romanian truck stop with no phone, shoes, passport or money.
Who are your musical influences?
This one is hard to answer concisely! Instead of listing every band, some important early guitar influences are Jimmy Page, Yngwie Malmsteen and Marty Friedman. Lots of death/ black/ tech/ symphonic metal, Chopin, Bach, 70s and 80s rock, some jazz..Really I see most metal, and other genres, as colours on a palette I can use when composing music.