January 1, 2009
Rustin Hiatt
Inspired by Classical, Metal, Blues, and Jazz, Rustin Hiatt has been influenced by a diverse group of artists. Gleaning inspiration from such players as Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Tak Matsumoto, Steve Vai, Akira Takasaki, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
I recently spoke to Rustin Hiatt, an up and coming guitar virtuoso and songwriter. About what inspires him to write his music, and his song WIP, which according to the artist is a challenge to his skill.
Denise Smith: Working on your song WIP?
Rustin Hiatt: No, I stopped a while ago, it’s rough, really rough. I made a midi of it if you want to hear.
Denise: Yes, please. I get to hear you challenge yourself? Interesting.
Rustin Hiatt: Yes.
Denise: *on hearing the song* Very Nice.
Rustin Hiatt: Thank you. I really like some of the harmonic movement in it. It’s not a long piece…. But it’s intense.
Denise: Has a madrigal feel. I like very much.
Rustin Hiatt: I’m glad you approve. But actually learning both parts and getting them in synch will be harsh.
Denise: When did you write it?
Rustin Hiatt: Several months ago, I think.
Denise: And haven’t tried to do this before?
Rustin Hiatt: I tried when I wrote it and couldn’t get it. Now I can play it…but not well. So I’m going to have to pull myself up to it. It’s the arpeggios that are hard.
Denise: What inspired the song?
Rustin Hiatt: Nothing. No inspiration just started writing.
Denise: You don’t have a specific thought in mind when you sit down to write?
Rustin Hiatt: Depends, sometimes I do. Other times I don’t.
Denise: What types or genres of music have you used?
Rustin Hiatt: In terms of strict genres, I’ve done classical, metal, rock and blues. But I tend to blend those along with some jazz elements sometimes.
Denise: When you sit down to write blank what determines the first thing you put down?
Rustin Hiatt: Well, if I’m writing like I did that one, I often hear a progression or a few notes in my head and it goes from there. Other times, I just start playing and things materialize… that’s how the majority of what I write comes about. And then every once in a while, I’ll have a specific thought or image that I make into music.
Denise: Thank you so much.
Rustin Hiatt: Of course.
Interview 2006.06.08. I would like to thank Rustin Hiatt for his participation in this interview and hope you will listen to his music here at Anusaya.
