Jimmy Bradshaw and Tyler Hains Interview

The latest “15 questions” feature is with guitarist Jimmy Bradshaw and Tyler Hains.

Jimmy and Tyler are lead guitarists from Dorset based classic/ hard rock band, Western Sand. Guitar Jar catches up with Jimmy and Tyler to quiz them on their guitar equipment, gigging across the local circuit and plans their band has for the future.

…We are a modern take on classic rock, although we draw influence from the classic rock greats…

1. Hi guys, can you give Guitar Jar readers an insight to why you first picked up the guitar and how long you’ve been playing?
   JD: I first picked up the guitar when I was about 13 after hearing my dad constantly playing Led Zep and Deep Purple albums throughout my childhood.

   TH: Like Jimmy, I grew up listening to Zeppelin, Skynyrd and AC/DC then picked the guitar when I was 11 and never looked back.

2. In the first few years in learning the instrument, which guitarist(s) were you influenced by the most and why?
   JD: I was heavily influenced by Jimmy Page – Zeppelin are my favourite band and I just wanted to be able to solo like him! The first song I taught myself was Black Dog. Ritchie Blackmore’s riffing also influenced me a lot and David Gilmour’s soulful playing!

   TH: Throughout the first couple of years Angus young was my biggest influence and Joe Perry, then I discovered Zakk Wylde and fell in love with his hard rock southern playing and took great inspiration from him as well as Leslie west, Gary Rossington and James Hetfield.

3. Can you tell our readers of your current live rig setup?
   JD: I use a Burny Les Paul, through a 100 watt Marshall Mg HDFX.

   TH: I use a Gibson SG through a Marshall DSL 401 and a Zakk Wylde Wah pedal.

4. Your band has a firm classic rock sound. What do you think makes Western Sand different from “another classic rock band”?
   We are a modern take on classic rock, although we draw influence from the classic rock greats. Unlike most classic rock bands we have a twin lead set up i.e. Thin Lizzy. We incorporate duo lead parts, solos and riffs! Due to our wide range of influences we cover a wide range of rock genres i.e. Southern rock, hard rock and classic rock.
5. You’ve performed at lots of gigs in the Bournemouth area. Have you had many opportunities to play further afield?
   Yes, we have gigged all over the country: Southampton, Leicester, Birmingham, Worcester, Wales, London, Reading, Swindon, Devon, Margate, Poole, Brighton and France.
6. What do you recommend to players to help them progress if they’re “stuck in a rut”?
   We both teach guitar, the best way to get out of a rut, is to try and learn something you wouldn’t normally play. Challenge yourself to learn a new guitar solo, or try something in a different genre that you’re not used to playing.

   You normally find you can use something fresh and new to incorporate into your playing.

   …I use a Burny Les Paul, through a 100 watt Marshall…

7. Guitar/Amp modelling: Love it or hate it?
   What is it?
8. Your house is burning down. What’s the one guitar item you would save?
   JD: My Les Paul, but I’d also grab my amp head as I’m running out the building.

   TH: My SG, **** the cat!

9. A DeLorean time machine has just burst onto your front lawn. With your hover-board in hand, you’re ready climb in and hit 88mph. Will you go to the past or the future and why?
   The past of course, in the time of real rock n roll!
10. Have you had any nightmare experiences whilst gigging?
    If we wrote out every ridiculous thing that’s happened whilst gigging, we’d be here for a very long time. We certainly give Spinal Tap a run for their money!
11. Is your band working on any new material?
    We are always working on new material and are due in the studio in January to record a 3 track e.p that we will be selling at gigs etc.
12. What’s your opinion on music downloading? Are free/donation based downloads the way forward?
    We have always bought the cd’s in respect to the musicians who have worked hard to produce the albums. Also we like to have all the artwork that goes with the album.
13. If you could form a super group using famous musicians past or present, who would you have on drums and why?
    It would have to be John Bonham end of story! – he knew how to perfectly complement guitar parts with his rhythm.
14. What’s the plan for you musically for the next 12 months?
    Over the last few months things have been moving quickly having the chance to share a stage with such acts as, The Treatment, Heavens Basement, Jett Black, Voodoo Six. Our plan for the New Year is to take this progress across, keep making new fans, working on our promotion, get our 3 track e.p out and play some kick ass shows!
15. And finally, Lager or Cider?
    Lager, no question!

For more information about Western Sand, visit:

• Western Sand on Facebook
• www.reverbnation.com/westernsand

Photo’s by SK Photography and Emily Jane Meadows.