Your passion for the guitar was born at a very early age, playing with your family – what are your fondest memories from this time?
Travelling to different places, doing shows in little halls, staying in places by the ocean, having a kind of carefree life as a child –that’s what I loved.
How do you feel that such a creative and unusual childhood affected your life?
I didn’t know that my childhood was different from anyone else’s, I was just doing what came naturally and that meant doing shows, TV and radio... that was normal life for us.
When did you figure out that you wanted to do this even after growing up – was it something that you always knew?
I always knew that all I wanted to do was to pursue music and be in show business. I wasn’t really interested in anything else.
I will give you the best I possibly can!
And why did you opt for finger-style, rather than the traditional method?
I play many styles, not just fingerstyle. I enjoy all kinds of music... I just enjoy composing and using fingerstyle to express myself. Fingerstyle works so well for a solo performer like me because it’s so self-contained and I don’t need any other instruments on stage. It’s almost a way that the guitar can be as versatile as the piano.
How do the different techniques affect the music?
Every song requires a different technique and some songs need me to play like a band, other songs need me to play like a blues player, some need me to play like a pianist. So I try to use what techniques are right for the song, whether it’s using a thumbpick, cascading harmonics or even percussion.
How long do you practise every day?
I don’t always practise every day, because I travel a lot. I practise as much as I can when I get the opportunity. It can be anything from zero to five hours in a day.
What is the biggest challenge in playing guitar at this level?
Finding time to write new songs.
Do you have a preference when it comes to guitar models? Why?
I prefer to play Maton guitars because they’re the best guitar for me. The electronics are the best and these guitars are my voice.
You are known for touring a real lot – what is the best thing about being on tour? And the downside?
Playing different places every night and meeting new people. Missing my family and wishing I was with them.
You were also known to be a close friend and collaborator of the legendary Chet Atkins – how do you feel this has affected your music?
Chet Atkins came long before the rest of us did, and he showed us a way that a solo player could put on a show without anybody else, and his way of communicating with the audience was so natural.
Is this your first time in Malta? What are you expecting?
This is my first time in Malta and I’m hoping to meet local musicians and hear them play and to enjoy the local culture and food!
And what can we expect from your performance?
I will give you the best I possibly can!
Tommy Emmanuel performs on August 10 at 7.30pm at Pjazza Teatru Rjal, Valletta. Tickets are available online. The event is being organised by TAO Productions.
www.ticketline.com.mt