I recently reviewed Prashant Aswani’s latest release Sonically Speaking here on Guitar Noize and Prashant was kind enough to take the time out to answer a few of my questions:

So it’s been a few years between the re-release of ‘Revelation: Fully Loaded‘ and the new album ‘Sonically Speaking‘ what have you been up to?

PA: I have been producing and doing lots of studio work. Starting a family gave me good reason to stay close to home.

Do you ever tour with artists?

PA: Yes I do and will be doing much more of that in 2011 as a support to my new album ‘Sonically Speaking‘.

Talking of ‘Sonically Speaking‘, the production on this album is amazing, do you produce other artists?

PA: Thank you very much. Yes I do produce a lot of indie projects as well. I really enjoy producing other artists, it gives me a chance to help someone realize their vision for their music, totally gratifying! Of course producing my own albums allows me to go in the direction I want to without much resistance, also very gratifying.

You’ve switched amps since the last album, what made you go with Bogner?

PA: I have known Reinhold for many years now and have been a fan of his work. We happened to bumped into each other at the beach one day when I was taking my daughter for a walk. He asked me to come by the shop. I did and the rest is history. I am very happy with Bogner amps.

Which models did you use on the record? Were there any other amps used?

PA: I used an Ecstacy and a Shiva.

You have 2 new signature ESP guitars did you use them exclusively for the recording?

PA: I love my new guitars. I used many models for the recording. I always have my favorites but like to incorporate new ones as it inspires some different playing.

I know you are a fan of Maxon Effects I assume you used a few of their pedals? 

PA: I do use their pedals. Specifically a VOP-9, Flanger, Phaser, OD-808, and an Auto Filter. I also like use the analog delay. Ad999.

What other effects or processors did you use?

PA: I used some other various pedals like Compressors and tremelos. Tried to keep the tracks very raw and then add FX to them in the mix. I used a Lexicon super prime time as well as several vintage compressors. Lee Bench mixed the album on a vintage EMI Neve console. Lee knocked it out of the park and the Neve's have a super warm sound and really fat EQ's.

Does your live setup differ much from the recording setup?

PA: Not really. My live setup is very simple. Same pedals as when I record.

Was your approach to writing this album any different from the previous 2 releases?

PA: I am always changing the way I write tunes. I used to wait for inspiration for songs and it worked for me. Then too much time fell in between songs. Now I go in to the writing process with a very spiritual mind set. I typically fast from food for many days and try to really listen to my inner voice. This technique is working well for me.

Has anything or anyone recently influenced you that affected your approach to guitar playing or composing on ‘Sonically Speaking‘?

PA: My daughter has totally influenced me. I know when she likes a tune then it is a keeper. I am also influenced by the many day to day events that take place in life. I find that there is so much art all around me and I like to tap into that spirit when playing and composing.

You always seem to have an underlying hard rock influence that breaks out on occasion, are you ever tempted to do a Satch and get a Chickenfoot style band together?

PA: Chickenfoot is brilliant. Joe Satriani is a huge influence for me and I am always inclined to follow in his footsteps. Being in a vocal band has been a dream of mine since I can remember. It is inevitable that will come true!

You heard it here first folks!

Are we going to see any instructional DVD’s anytime soon?

PA: I will be posting many new instructional videos on YouTube this next year. I do want to release a live DVD. An instructional DVD will happen as well.

Thank you to Prashant for taking the time out to answer my questions, head over to www.prashantaswani.com to check out a sample from the new album and find out how to purchase it. You can also check out my song by song review of Sonically Speaking here on GuitarNoize.com.