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""My goal is to show the songwriting substance of many of today’s rock writers. At the same time, I’m trying to show that violins can rock too..."" |
THE SECTION QUARTET INTERVIEW
The Section Quartet is an LA based group consisting of two violins, viola, and cello. And they will rock your head right off! That's right folks no tea and crumpet string quartet here. Oh no. The Section Quartet performs instrumental takes on both classic and modern rock songs from artists such as Radiohead, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Buckley and Tool. They just released no electricity required, a CD that you need to buy. Each member has extensive formal training in music balanced by a unique rock and pop sensibility establishing them as ideal collaborators with diverse artists such as A Perfect Circle, Finch, David Bowie, Dokken, and Kelly Clarkson, among others. In addition, they’ve worked with producer T-Bone Burnett on Sam Phillips’ upcoming release, A Boot and a Shoe, Grant-lee Phillips on his newly released album, Virginia Creeper, Danny Lohner from Nine Inch Nails on The Underworld soundtrack, and producer Linda Perry on Christina Aguilera’s hit single, “Beautiful”.
FPE: At what age did you begin playing the violin?
Eric: "I was 4 years old."
What drew you to that particular instrument?
Eric: "My dad played when he was a kid, so I followed in his footsteps."
Do you play other instruments as well?
Eric: "Yes, the mandolin, guitar, keyboards, shamisen and even the drums. I can also play a mean Theremin!"
How long have the Section Quartet been performing with one another? How did you come together?
Eric: "We have been together for 3 years. We met at the American Music Awards show."
 How did your covering of rock artist's material come about?
Eric: "I began working for an LA-based record label who wanted to do a Led Zeppelin tribute. Having toured with Robert Plant & Jimmy Page, the project was a perfect fit."
Of the artists material whom The Section Quartet has recorded, whose guitar riffs are the most challenging to play on the violin?
Eric: "Radiohead’s riffs because they are so unusual and melodic."
Do you feel that by performing material familiar to them you may be introducing string instruments to a new audience?
Eric: "Absolutely! My goal is to show the songwriting substance of many of today’s rock writers. At the same time, I’m trying to show that violins can rock too, when it the right hands!" You have personally toured and recorded with many artists. Tell us a highlight please.
Eric: "Playing the riff to Kashmir with Robert Plant’s voice in the monitor and Jimmy Page catching my eye and giving me a wink as he threw shapes across Budokan in Tokyo."
What CD is in your CD player right now?
Eric: "Howlin’ Wolf! The inventor of rock & roll!"
What gear do you use live?
Eric: "A Paesold violin made of wood from a hundred year old organ pipe, an LR Baggs violin pickup and Para DI, D’Addario Heliocore strings, a Freehand Systems Musicpad and various effects pedals."
Official Site: www.thesectionquartet.com
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