An innovator and award-winning artist, Les Fradkin, has had an amazing lifetime career. See what he had to say about his career before he decides to retire!
Bio: Les Fradkin is a Producer and Composer virtuoso Guitarist and an innovator on the Starr Labs Ztar. He employs futuristic playing techniques realizing Progressive Neo-Classical Rock from the Pioneer of MIDI Guitar.
Les captured headlines as the Original Cast George Harrison in the mega-hit Broadway show “Beatlemania” in the 1970s and has played with The Ventures, enjoyed 16 #1 hits on mp3.com, Composed #1 hits for French Songstress Mireille Mathieu and Latin Pop icon Roberto Jordan, and won several awards from Akademia as well as several other Indie Music Channel Awards, including 2016 Best Instrumental Recording. He is also a member of the Television Producers Music Production Hall Of Fame as a Composer and has also been named one of the Top 20 Guitar Synthesizer players of all time by Wikipedia.
First off, Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I’m both
a Classically trained musician (Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, Timpani, and
Orchestration) and a rock guitarist and keyboardist (Ztar Midi Guitar,
Mellotron, Moog Modular, Organ, Bass Guitar). Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven were
introduced to me at a very early age by my mother, who was a Classical Concert
Pianist. I loved Bach’s work immediately. It spoke to me, as did Mozart,
Paganini, Vivaldi, and other Classical and Baroque composers.
When The Beatles, The Left Banke, Procol Harum, The Moody
Blues, King Crimson, The Yardbirds, Renaissance, Wendy Carlos, Stories, Silver
Apples, Yes, and other artists came along, I saw that Classical, Baroque,
Electronic sounds and Rock could be effectively combined. I wanted that Poly
stylistic synthesis for my own music. As for Rock guitar, as a beginner, I
started off with learning guitar music by The Ventures, The Beatles, and other
bands.
How would you describe your sound?
Neo-Classical Progressive Rock.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
The Ventures, The Yardbirds, Cream, and The Beatles’ George Harrison pointed the way to my lead guitar style which evolved from listening to a lot of Nokie Edwards, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and George Harrison solos. As time moved along, the Mellotron and the Moog gave me a way to portray symphonic sounds in a rock context. My influences there were King Crimson, Yes, Renaissance, and Wendy Carlos.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Yanni “Once Upon A Time.”
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Amazon Music.
Who is your dream producer?
My wife. I resist idolizing others. 🙂
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Sir Paul McCartney. Or Niccolò Paganini because he was the greatest virtuoso of the Violin. Yngwie Malmsteen because his shred guitar combined with my Ztar would generate some sparks, I think. Robert Fripp-The reasons would be obvious.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
My mother led me to music. To keep making it? I’ve already said everything I need to say.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
The channel of Infinite Awareness. When you tune in, magic can happen when, as Robert Fripp has said to myself and others: “Music leans over and takes you into its confidence.”
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Through the Internet.
World In Harmony released in 2019. Tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the album.
World Music mixed with Modern Beats and my already developed approach with the Ztar formed the basis of that project.
Were most of the instruments MIDI, or were they non-digital instruments?
Mostly MIDI. Some sampled acoustic instruments such as Turkish Saz, Greek Bouzouki. Some loops. All sounds performed from the Starr Labs Ztar.
What track would you say was your favorite, and why?
“Forward Motion.” I love the melody, and it has a great groove.
Several of your songs were award winners from The Akademia. How’d that feel beating out so many artists and being recognized for your achievements?
Unlike the current trend in Mainstream media, I resist viewing music as a Competition. It creates a left-brain situation for right-brain activity. It’s always nice to be recognized for one’s work.
As an award-winning artist, which award would you say you were most proud of earning and why?
Induction into the TVPMM (Television Production Music Museum) Hall of Fame. Why? Because I changed the sound of TV music.
You played with the Ventures. What did you do with them?
I have recorded with Nokie Edwards. And played live with the various members on several occasions.
What was it like playing with such a well-established group?
Interesting and always fun. They remain good friends.
Many of your songs were #1 hits on Mp3.com. Which one of your songs on that site were you most happy with?
“Body Surfin.” Simplicity defined.
You were an original cast member of Beatlemania. What was your role?
“George Harrison.” Lead guitar. I was the first of the four members of the original cast to be hired in New York City in July 1976.
How long did you stick with the show?
1976 through closing in 1979. Over 1000 performances. Occasional other gigs since then. None since 2009.
Were there any memorable moments you’d like to share?
Too many to list.
Were you part of the album?
Yes. Played lead guitar. Sang harmony.
You’ve composed #1 hits for Mireille Mathieu and Roberto Jordan. Was it an honor having the opportunity to compose for them?
Of course.
Did they approach you to compose for them?
No. They covered my material.
If not, how’d those projects come together?
Mimi heard the song at my publisher’s office. Roberto covered it because it was a hit.
You innovate on the Starr Labs Ztar. How do you go about your innovations?
Every song requires different tunings and programming approaches. Patience is key.
What is it about the Starr Labs Ztar that draws you to it?
It’s The Gateway to infinity. No matter what the musical situation, there’s always a solution. But it takes lots of time.
As a guitar virtuoso, do you have any advice to any aspiring guitarists out there?
Don’t quit your day job. Focus on copyrights. Keep your focus. Do what makes you happy.
What’s next for you?
Retirement.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
It’s been a great lifetime career- 50 years in the Music Business. I have
been told that I have changed the world four times with my music- 1) my 70’s
hits, 2) Beatlemania ( the birth of the Tribute Band Industry), 3) my
innovations with TV music, and 4) my Midi Guitar innovations. I’m listed in
Wikipedia as one of the Top 20 Guitar Synthesizer players of all time. An
honor, really.
Now I’m going to enjoy my retirement.
