:: Steve Turner ::

Who is Steve Turner?

I am a 34 year old singer and guitarist living in Melbourne, Australia. I think I was just about to turn 17 when I got a job in a factory so I could save up and buy my first guitar and amp. Early on I started studying classical as well as electric guitar but after a year or so realized I would find it difficult to reach an advanced level at both instruments as quickly as I desired, so I focused on electric guitar. At the time it seemed like the right thing to do and though I don’t regret it, I do still love hearing great classical players.

I played in a metal band named Archeus through the early to mid 90s. We played technical metal which I guess would have been termed progressive metal by some people. Our best material, however, was never recorded and after a few hard years of trying to get the music out there the band dissolved.

Later, I went to La Trobe University to study composition and music theory. It was a great experience but when I left I was so keen to do something different, something new, that I found it almost impossible to write for nearly a year after completing the degree. I guess after you study Bach and Beethoven it’s hard to just relax into the simpler structures of rock music. Eventually, though, that’s what I did – I got back to my roots which were rock and metal with some fusion thrown in to the mix as well as healthy dose of classical articulation.

Who are the guitarists that influenced you?

My influences these days are extremely varied and not in any way limited to guitarists or guitar music. Sometimes I might hear something in the way a singer reaches for a note, or harmonizes a chorus and think of ways to apply that on guitar. At the moment I am really enjoying listening to Steve Morse’s SMB material (High Tension Wires, Southern Steel), Allan Holdsworth (Heavy Machinery, Metal Fatigue), Brett Garsed (Big Sky), Ron Jarzombek (Solitarily Speaking of Theoretical Confinement and Blotted Science) as well as progressive bands like The Flower Kings and Ayreon.

Can you tell us something about your current activities?

I have drums and bass all recorded for a full length album. I am lucky to have two great players on board for those instruments - Greg Limberis on Drums and Evan Harris on Bass and Stick. I am chipping away at final versions of the guitars, vocals and keys - all of which I will be recording myself. The material is a mix of metal, rock, fusion and progressive music. I also have a live band called the Steve Turner Trio who are gigging at various venues - see the GIGs page for more details.

What guitar gear do you use?

Live I use a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier through a Soldano 4x12 cabinet. I love the sound of vintage 30 speakers and the Dual Rectifier is a far more versatile amp than many have realized. I play a Soundworks Custom guitar which I designed and had built for me in about August 2000. It is mahogany with a maple top and has a very rich tone. I also play a Steinberger red sunburst which I believe is one of the finest production guitars ever built. Recently I have picked up a US Fender Stratocaster and modded it pretty severely but still kept the traditional Fender look. It is a wonderful instrument. I also use a Trainwreck clone through an Achillies 2x12 cabinet for smaller venues and different sounds.