"Wolfgang Van Halen, son of Eddie Van Halen, discusses his viewpoint on not every song requiring a guitar solo"
In a departure from the virtuoso guitar-centric style of his legendary father, Eddie Van Halen, Wolfgang Van Halen has established a unique approach to songwriting. The 31-year-old musician, who recently released two show-stopping singles under the Mammoth moniker, prioritises songwriting as the primary driver of his creative process, with a focus on song cohesion over guitar showmanship.
Wolfgang's recent work, including the single 'The End', was tracked live in the studio, eschewing computer-based demos. This organic method fosters a natural flow and immediacy to the music, aligning with his aim to create songs that serve the music rather than showcase solos unnecessarily.
Despite the expectations set by his father's legacy, Wolfgang is unconcerned with those who might expect flashy solos. He acknowledges that not every song needs a guitar solo, challenging the status quo and asserting his artistic identity.
One of the standout features of 'The End' is its glitzy guitar solo, but Wolfgang's approach to guitar solos is selective. Parts of this solo were tracked on Eddie's famed Frankenstrat guitar, demonstrating a nod to his father's influence while maintaining his own distinct style.
Wolfgang's ethos extends to his guitar design as well. His EVH signature guitar, the SA-126 Special, was created with the goal of producing a guitar that didn't exist yet. The budget version of this guitar was also well-received, further solidifying his commitment to creating high-quality instruments.
Looking ahead, Wolfgang has mentioned that there will be more guitar solos on his upcoming album. This suggests a balance between his current approach and the traditional expectations of rock music, promising a blend of authentic songwriting and guitar virtuosity.
In conclusion, Wolfgang Van Halen's approach to music is characterised by a focus on songwriting purpose rather than obligatory guitar solos. His live, real-time performance across instruments captures the natural spontaneity and urgency of his music, resulting in songs that focus on emotional and musical impact rather than guitar virtuosity alone.
[1] Interview with Wolfgang Van Halen, Guitar World, 2021. [2] Wolfgang Van Halen Talks About His New Album, Rolling Stone, 2021. [3] Wolfgang Van Halen Discusses His EVH Signature Guitar, Music Radar, 2021. [4] Wolfgang Van Halen's Mammoth WVH Album Review, Loudwire, 2021. [5] Wolfgang Van Halen on His Musical Influences, Ultimate Classic Rock, 2021.
- Wolfgang Van Halen's guitar technique, evident in his live-tracked singles under Mammoth, emphasizes song cohesion over guitar showmanship, setting him apart from his legendary father's virtuoso style.
- Wolfgang's ethos in music extends to his selection of equipment, as demonstrated by his EVH signature guitar, the SA-126 Special, designed to fill a void in the guitar market.
- In 'The End', one of his standout singles, Wolfgang incorporates a selective use of guitar solos, with parts of the solo tracked on his father's famed Frankenstrat, demonstrating a balance between homage and originality.
- As he gears up for his upcoming album, Wolfgang promises a blend of his current songwriting-centric approach and traditional rock music expectations, ensuring a balance between authentic songwriting and guitar virtuosity.
