Exclusive Interview with Jake Dreyer: Confessions of a Shreddie

When we first heard the music by guitar monster Jake Dreyer, our ears were immediately hooked to the sonic perfection that this very talented guitar shredder can accomplish note after note. Unlike many young guitarists who are focusing on Nu Metal guitar sounds, Dreyer has consciously adapted an old school electric guitar sound. Mentored by David “The Shred Demon” Shankle (DSG, Ex-Manowar), Chris Broderick (Megadeth, Ex-Jag Panzer, Nevermore) and Rusty Cooley (Outworld), Dreyer has proved that he has the chops to play with any musician out there. His work thus far has help him gain a great reputation in the music industry, as well as numerous awards for "best guitarist". With the right mindset, hard work and perseverance, Jake Dreyer has the skills to become on of the best guitarists from our generation.

Here is our exclusive interview with guitar monster Jake Dreyer!



- Vital Statistics:

\m/ AGE WHEN HE LEARNED HOW TO PLAY THE GUITAR: 8 years old

\m/ ORIGIN: Florida

\m/ MISSION: To keep working on his craft by learning day after day about his instrument and to keep creating original music by composing crushing original guitar sounds.

\m/ BIOGRAPHY:

Award winning metal guitarist Jake Dreyer has just released his debut solo EP “In the Shadows of Madness” showcasing his many years of study under such masters as David “The Shred Demon” Shankle (DSG, Ex-Manowar), Chris Broderick (Megadeth, Ex-Jag Panzer, Nevermore) and Rusty Cooley (Outworld). Throughout his years of playing, Jake has been named Jagermeister’s 2009 and 2008 best guitarist of the year, Stoli/Budweisers 2007 best guitarist of the year, and was a 2009 IMA finalist for his song “WAR PATH” with his former band DeadRingers Guild. Along with these titles he has performed hundreds of shows in front of thousands of people, and has recorded one full length album and four EP’s with his various projects over the years.

Jake began taking lessons at the tender age of 8 years old and formed his first band, “Stealth” at the age of 11. By the time he was 13 he had professionally recorded his first album and opened up for Lou Gramm of Foreigner and John Waite of The Babys.

At the age of 14, Dreyer was introduced to the music of Yngwie J. Malmsteen. This started a total transformation of Dreyer’s approach and outlook on music. Jake soon started practicing more (4-5 hours a day) and focused on various guitar techniques. That summer he attended NGW (National Guitar Workshop), studying under Terry Syrek. During this time Dreyer formed a new band, “Fatal Chaos”. This led to recording a 3 song E.P, winning Stoli/Budweisers best guitarist of the year, and performing all over the Southeastern United States.

Toward the end of 2007 Jake formed the melodic metal band “DeadRingers Guild.” Their debut EP “DeadRingers Guild” contained the track “War Path” which won the 2009 Independent Music Finalist Award in the Hard Rock/ Metal category. In April of 2010 they released their second EP “DeadRingers Guild II” and followed with a multi-city promotional tour from Florida to Ohio. Over the last 3 years DeadRingers Guild’s EP’s and live shows have received critical acclaim as they have shared the stage with many national and international acts such as Paul Di'anno (Ex-Iron Maiden), Enforcer (Sweden), Cauldron (Canada) and Dark Castle.

In August 2010 Jake began recording his first solo instrumental EP “In the Shadows of Madness” featuring Adam Sagan (Echoterra, Ex-Into Eternity) on drums and Noah Martin (Arsis) handling the bass guitar duties. The 3 song EP was released in April of 2011 and is available now on Itunes and Amazon.com. Since March of 2011 Jake has been spotlighted in a series of instructional videos for Reign-licks.com providing step by step instructions on how to play a featured “lick” of his original music.

Currently, Jake Dreyer is living in Los Angeles and attending Musicians Institute where he is enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree program for Music Performance and writing songs for his next full length album.

Jake Dreyer owns 100% of all his publishing rights and all songs are registered with ASCAP. Dreyer cites his main influences as Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, Marty Friedman, Yngwie J. Malmsteen and Jeff Loomis.

Related links:
Official Site of Jake Dreyer