EP11: Alex Misko on Pushing Guitar Boundaries, Creative Collaboration, and Finding Balance
Fingerstyle guitar prodigy Alex Misko talks about his innovative approach to acoustic guitar, from his custom "Frankenstein guitar" to creative percussion techniques. Alex shares insights on musical expression, collaborative projects, mental health, and the future of music in the age of AI.
In this episode of The Guitar Journal podcast, host Jesse Paliotto sits down with modern fingerstyle prodigy Alex Misko to explore the boundaries of acoustic guitar innovation. Alex shares his journey from classical training to developing his unique approach to the instrument, including his custom "Frankenstein guitar" with triple detuning systems and creative percussion modifications. The conversation takes fascinating turns as they discuss the balance between technical experimentation and musical expression, the role of cover songs in building an audience, and the importance of collaborative projects within the fingerstyle community.
Alex opens up about the challenges of being a touring musician, offering candid insights about mental health and the value of therapy for creative professionals. The episode concludes with thought-provoking reflections on how AI might transform the music industry and what it means to create truly exceptional music in an increasingly technological world. Whether you're a fingerstyle enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or simply curious about creative innovation, this conversation offers valuable perspectives from one of today's most innovative acoustic guitarists.
Links
- Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi - https://amzn.to/447srnc
- "Pirates on Chopsticks", Alex Misko - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpTxdYHLYLo
- Alex's custom guitar by Baton Rouge - https://alexandr-misko.myshopify.com/products/alexandr-misko-signature-guitar-by-baton-rouge
- Schlagwerk SamJam Guitar Snare https://amzn.to/4l7CXB9
- Schlagwerk RTBZ Frame Buzz https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RTBZ--schlagwerk-rtbz-frame-buzz
- Ebow - https://www.schlagwerk.com/en/product/frame-buzz/
- "Drifting", Andy McKee - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfF4QLO-L_4
- Candy Rat Records - https://www.candyrat.com/
- "No Woman No Cry", Thomas Leeb - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2WphiHHMds
- "Aint' Nobody", Jon Gomm - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vCcZIARw9k
- "Song for Max", Alex Misko and Dmitri Toporov - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrtIHwPaZ3Y
- Peterson Auto Strobe Tuner 😊 - https://amzn.to/42c98a5
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Alex Misko and Fingerstyle Guitar
- 02:18 The Journey of Self-Taught Fingerstyle Guitar
- 06:05 Exploring Unconventional Techniques in Guitar
- 12:49 The Importance of Visual Performance in Fingerstyle
- 22:45 Covers vs. Original Music: A Marketing Tool
- 28:17 The Emotional Power of Original Songs
- 31:52 The Evolution of Covers in Music
- 34:14 The Power of Collaboration
- 43:54 Navigating Loneliness on the Road
- 49:59 Mental Health Awareness in the Music Industry
- 50:20 The Burden of Sensitivity in Fame
- 53:29 The Illusion of Fulfillment Through Success
- 56:50 Mental Health and the Creative Journey
- 57:00 The Impact of AI on Music and Creativity