artists » Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters

Chris Shiflett is perhaps best known as the lead guitarist for Foo Fighters. However, he also has an impressive pedigree of playing guitar in popular rock bands such as No Use for a Name, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Jackson United, Viva Death, and the Dead Peasants.

Foo Fighters are among the biggest bands in the world right now. Their latest album Wasting Light recently debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200 chart, being the first Foo Fighters album to do so. Impressively, Wasting Light topped the UK and US album charts in the first week of its release. The album sold 50% quicker than its nearest competitor in the United Kingdom. VOX was recently fortunate enough to talk with Chris about what he’s been up to and why he loves his AC30 Hand-Wired. Here’s what went down:

VOX: So…Wasting Light came out April 12th and people are pumped. Are there any moments that stick out in your mind from the recording sessions?

Chris Shiflett: Recording was different this time around because we tracked and mixed the whole record up at Dave’s house in his garage. Butch Vig produced it and working with him was great. We’ve been doing a ton of little club shows lately and even playing in people’s garages so we’re ready for a long year of touring!

VOX: How would you describe the recording process this time compared to past Foo albums?

CS: This was completely different. We did one song at a time which worked out to about a song a week. It’s a great way to do it if you have the time and the budget.

VOX: You guys recently played SXSW and have done some small venue shows, including the garages you mentioned, before heading out for the full blown tour with arenas and stadiums… Do you prefer playing in small or big venues? Why?

CS: I enjoy both - they’re very different experiences. Everybody starts in little clubs and bars so that **** feels like home to me.

VOX: You’re involved with other projects like Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Viva Death, and Jackson United…Is there anything in the works from these projects? Are you able to write while on the road?

CS: I do like to write when I’m out on the road. It’s about the only time I have any peace and quiet these days! My plan is to write a new Dead Peasants record while Foos are touring and get that out when we’re done.

VOX: Ok, let’s talk gear - You’ve been using Hand-Wired VOX AC30s lately…What drew you to them?

CS: The VOX AC30 is a classic amp and I used one a lot during the recording of my Dead Peasants record, and once I did some touring for that album, I started to see how that sound could apply to what I do in the Foos. I’m running two in stereo for my hot tone live and it’s pretty ripping. I’ve got those things pinned.

VOX: Do you have any favorite features?

CS: I just like the distortion you get from driving an AC30 really hot. It’s nice and dirty but you can still hear the definition and notes.

VOX: Can you share your recording techniques? Like your favorite settings, mic placement, etc?

CS: The best advice I could give any young guitar players is that you don’t have to have anywhere near as much gain in the studio as you might think. Just listen to Highway to Hell by ACDC. That **** ain’t that dirty! Less gain equals more power. Don’t layer too many tracks either…it just gets crowded and mushy.

VOX: Is there anything else that you would like us to mention?

CS: Foo Fighters are gonna be touring our asses off for a long time so hopefully, we’ll see you out on the road somewhere!

VOX: Might there be a general quote about VOX that you’d like to leave us with?

CS: My Hand-Wired VOX AC30s are the tone that I’ve been looking for, for a long, long time. They give me all the fireworks, but all the subtlety as well!

You’re awesome, Chris. Thanks!

For more info and tour dates, visit www.foofighters.com and www.chrisshiflettmusic.com

Don Holtz Photography