Here’s an interview with the talented guitarist and touring musician JD McGigney! He recently released a new single by the name of “Leap of Faith” and is preparing to trek with the band Voodoo Kungfu from China as they join forces with Orphaned Land and Pain. You can learn more through the interview itself below.
JD = JD McGibney
TCP = The Circle Pit
TCP – How’s it going?
JD – Hey, Mike! Things are going well.
TCP – First off, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your experience as a musician?
JD – Well, I come from a fairly average family on Long Island. I moved to Los Angeles after college, once I decided I wanted to take my music career seriously. Within a year or so of moving, I was fortunate enough to come across opportunities that let me tour with bands like Nekrogoblikon, Alestorm, Psychostick, Butcher Babies, Battlecross, and Aether Realm, all across the United States, Canada, and Europe. In doing so, I’ve been able to meet some wonderful people all over the world, and see some pretty amazing things!
TCP – What’s your favorite guitar to use?
JD – Ah man, that’s a tough question! I have a few that I rotate between, but I would have to say that my “Go To” guitar is my Schecter Hellraiser C-7. That thing just speaks to my soul on every level imaginable.
TCP – Do you have any guitars that you’re looking to own one day?
JD – I’m always looking forward to the new toys that Schecter puts out, but other than those, I would have to say I would love to get my hands on Aristides. Those things are pretty amazing, from what I have heard and seen!
TCP – You recently launched the track Leap of Faith. How do you feel about the response so far?
JD – I’m really happy with the feedback I’ve been getting from the song! “Leap of Faith,” for me, is symbolic for the journey I’ve been going through following my music career. I will admit, I had a bit of a slow start, and the reason behind that was a lack of confidence in myself. It took me a while to realize that I did have the ability to follow what my heart was telling me to do, and I feel that “Leap of Faith” captures that triumphant moment I had when I came to that realization.
TCP – You currently have a tour coming up playing for the band Voodoo Kungfu. Can you tell us how that came to pass? Can you also tell us a bit about Voodoo Kungfu as a band?
JD – I do! We are going on tour supporting Orphaned Land, and Pain, starting September 7th (the full list of dates, and event links can be found on my website www.OnTheWingsOfDragons.com). Voodoo Kungfu is originally from China, and they have a pretty large fan base there. Nan Li (the singer, and guy in charge), came over to the United States a few years ago to study music, and further grow the band. That guy has been on one hell of a journey, himself!
I got the gig through my buddy Joe Nelson (Nekrogoblikon, I Set My Friends On Fire). He got in touch with me one day saying that they needed a second guitarist for this tour. I’d seen Joe perform with Voodoo Kungfu a few times in the past, and I was totally blown away by the stage show. When I was given the opportunity to be a part of that, I jumped and said yes!
TCP – Do you have any crazy or funny stories to tell from the road?
JD – Ahhhh man, there are definitely a few tour stories (a particularly entertaining one from Poughkeepsie, though it is not quite a PG in rating). There was this crazy time in Glasgow, Scotland, with Nekrogoblikon, where the crowd got so crazy, that the singer (Scorpion) and I had to hold the barricade in place during the performance to keep from being over run! Afterwards, we were all inundated with beer from the fans; it was amazing!
TCP – If you could set up a dream tour, what would it look like?
JD – If I could set up a dream tour, it would be more like a festival! I’d have myself tour with all of the bands I’ve toured with so far, plus throw on some of my biggest icons: In Flames, Killswitch Engage, Periphery, and the Legendary Ozzy Osbourne.
TCP – What are your plans for the rest of 2017 into 2018?
JD – The rest of this year is this upcoming Voodoo Kungfu tour, a possible second one this fall or winter over in China, a whole bunch of writing, and getting to hang out with a bunch of cool people on the road! And also coffee… lots and lots of coffee.
TCP – Any last words for the people?
JD – It doesn’t matter where you come from, or the background you have. We all have the same potential from growth, happiness, and success. Listen to your heart, and it will lead you down the path that will make you happiest. Just remember to have confidence in yourself, and know your worth in order to take that first leap of faith.
If anyone would like to follow along on my adventures, I keep my website up to date with news, and links to all my social media: www.OnTheWingsOfDragons.com
Links: Facebook // Official Website
