Mike Shouse Talks New Album, Favourite Instruments And More

Guitarist Mike Shouse returns with new album ‘Jaded’, Bringing Along Fellow Axe Slingers Tony MacAlpine, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal & Michael Angelo Batio. He very kindly spoke to us about the album, favourite instruments and more: 

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

Wow, ok that’s a hard one. I’d say my first was playing in the grade school band. Trying different instruments. One of my earliest guitar memories was seeing Van Halen’s ‘Hot For Teacher’ videos and air guitaring. I had to try it for myself, guitar that is.

 

When did you begin songwriting?

I’m guessing the 90s. Although I’d say it was mostly coming up with riffs, licks etc. My first release was 2001 and really a demo. But I learned a lot creating it.

 

You have your new album ‘Jaded’ out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

It came out of mental and emotional necessity. I’d had a few bad years and moved back home to help take care of my parents. It was a big change. I’d retired, sold my lake house and was back in a small town where there’s not much of anything. No friends, no romantic possibilities, nothing to do but be a care taker and wait around till needed. So, I had the equipment and a lot of ideas I’d gathered over the last few years and had to do it or go mad.

 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

I produced it. I recorded guitar, midi at my place in Kentucky. Sent of the drums in NY and then bass in LA. After I got all the performances in I sent to Nashville to get mixed.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

It was a challenge. We get flood scares here and I had to load everything up and haul to higher ground a couple times. Not fun. Delays with tracks from musicians, due to injuries and touring etc. Took a few months longer than I’d hoped but it worked out. 

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

I use only Kiesel/Carvin guitars, Marshall half stack. Boss distortion. Pretty basic. I don’t like all the digital plugins etc. To me it loses something. 

 

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Smiley Faced Emoji is the happiest for sure. Meant to be my instrumental version of Happy by Pharrell Williams. All in major pentatonic with over 30 key changes. Angriest is Romeo is Gone. Shred fest at 150 bpm. Michael Angelo Batio guest soloing the hell out of it. The most reflective is Memoriam. A short prelude piece I wrote that I imagined could be played at the Oscars when they showed those that’d passed. Imagining though my loved ones and even musicians past. 

 

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you? Did you have any special guests feature?

Charlie Zeleny is on drums. The best in the business. James Pulli on bass. He plays for Impelliteri and is a metal hall of famer. I have 3 guitar legends playing solos: Michael Angelo Batio, Ron Bumblefoot Thal and Tony MacAlpine. 

 

Does the album’s title have a specific meaning/significance?

It’s named after the track Jaded and pretty much sums where I’m at in life as of now. Jaded.

 

Was it a difficult album to write?

It was, no lyrics but to create instrumentals is a challenge. You have to good melodies and rhythms, intricate lead and lots of changes. I think every song has at least 15 key changes. One over 30 and the title track has 70. So it takes a little to figure it out.

 

Who designed the album artwork?

My twin brother Charles did all the artwork and makes all my music videos. He’s the best. He’s the visual to my audio.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Jackson Ky is my hometown. Small town with big heart.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?

No, as I said I’m taking care of my parents currently.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Give the listener a trip to a place that’s new and hopefully enjoyed.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Novel? What’s a novel? Seriously, I don’t read, I play guitar on my free time.

 

You have also released the single ‘Bucket Of Bolts’. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

I wanted a space themed track. The licks and rhythm I had reminded of that vibe so I went that direction. I used my past of doing sound FX for video productions to help create an audio story line, if you will. The video, created by my brother, went even further and added a romantic storyline and played like a graphic novel.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

That’s a long list. Pretty much anyone I heard on guitar that I liked. Mostly legends from the 80s. I’d say Joe Satriani was my biggest influence to wanting to create instrumental albums.

 

What makes Mike Shouse happy and what makes you unhappy?

When someone says they like the music, makes me happy. Not having freedom to live the life I want right now definitely makes me unhappy. But we do what we have to do for our loved ones. 

Feature Image Photo Credit: Scott Hollan Photography

Mike Shouse’s new album ‘Jaded’ is out now. 

Get your copy here: https://www.dekoentertainment.com/inthesquare/mike-shouse