Les Fradkin Album 'Mr MIDI Guitar' and Single 'Ode to Joy' Artist Interviews

Interview with Les Fradkin on the Midi guitar, covering Ode to Joy, what’s next & More

MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you again Les, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.

What’s new in your life lately? How have ya been?

  • Les Fradkin: I have been good. My solo track “Ode To Joy” has over 1 million streams worldwide including over 1,680,000 on YouTube in the last two months. And I have, seen AI and Elon Musk’s redo of my Biography on Grokipedia.

    https://grokipedia.com/page/les_fradkin

One of the latest released we pushed for you is your album ‘Mr. MIDI Guitar’, what is it about MIDI guitars that you love so much?

  • Les Fradkin: I use the Ztar to achieve lightning-fast, articulate lines and zero-latency performances that mimic the speed of traditional shredding but with a broader sonic palette, including Moog-like synths and Mellotron orchestral textures. I can play music which is impossible on conventional instruments.

As a known guitar guy, at what age did you start playing guitar? What got ya into it?

  • Les Fradkin: I started playing guitar at age 13. I saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan and thought “That looks like a good job!” Although I continue to play guitar to this day, I’m actually a multi instrumentalist who plays keyboards, bass, OUD, Bouzouki, to name a few. In 2007 I transitioned into the Ztar and I’ve now advanced to the latest Starr Labs model- the iTar, which interface is with your iPhone or iPad and is the most portable midi guitar I have ever played. It’ll be a great acquisition for anyone of any age.

Is there a style of playing guitar that you haven’t tried yet but would like to learn and get into?

  • Les Fradkin: I am already into it. Classical themes and structures cast in high octane rock arrangements. But until the invention of the Ztar, that was impossible to achieve without sounding like a heavy metal guitar player.

You create really unique one of a kind covers, such as ‘Ode To Joy’. What does it take to create a fresh new take on a classic track like that?

  • Les Fradkin: My Baroque and Classical music training is essential. And my style with the Ztar is also an essential element. And of course, practicing and learning the Zetar over a 10 year period. Didn’t hurt either.

You’re also in the group California with your wife, recently I saw you dropped the album ‘Postcard From London’. A lot of your original music seems inspired by your travels. Where would you like to go next?

  • Les Fradkin: The World lets us know yearly. We are planning a new video for California this Spring.

How would you describe your music to new fans?

  • Les Fradkin: While I operate within the neoclassical tradition by reimagining Baroque and Classical works, my style is more accurately described as a fusion of progressive rock, electronic experimentation, and symphonic orchestration rather than traditional heavy metal “shred”.

What else are you working on? What can we expect to see and hear from you in the future? Tell us about the new album you have coming up in April.

  • Les Fradkin: Working on helping develop Starr Labs newest model- the iTar which merges your iPhone or iPad with the Ztar lighted button fretboard. It has the potential to revolutionize digital music. And I am working with the iTar on a follow up Single to “Ode To Joy”.

Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Any message for your fans?

  • Les Fradkin: Thanks to all who give us your generous support. Listen and share it with all your friends.

Find more new music here!

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