Hollywood Vampires recording engineer Justin Cortelyou recently joined Daniel Sarkissian for an interview and discussed Johnny Depp‘s guitar playing style. According to Cortelyou, Depp’s style resembles Keith Richards‘ rather than Jeff Beck‘s.
Before he became prominent as an actor, Johnny Depp was a guitarist eager to pursue a music career. He had a chance to work with numerous music acts such as Oasis, Iggy Pop, Marilyn Manson, and Aerosmith for several songs throughout his music career. Depp also performed with Manson in 2012 at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards.
In 2015, Depp, Alice Cooper, and Joe Perry formed the supergroup Hollywood Vampires. They released their self-titled debut in September 2015, and it contained three songs that Depp co-wrote. The Vampires’ second studio album ‘Rise’ also contained music material Depp wrote. Moreover, Depp has played slide, rhythm, and lead guitar in the band.
Recently, the Vampires’ recording engineer Justin Cortelyou shared his insights about Depp’s guitar playing style. Speaking to Daniel Sarkissian, Cortelyou said that Depp’s primary focus was having fun playing his guitar on the recordings. He then argued the guitarist could work with a technical mind and with a focus on feelings, just like Keith Richards.
According to Cortelyou, Depp’s guitar playing is more like Keith Richards than Jeff Beck. Moreover, he said Depp’s initial intent in Hollywood was to be a musician, and he never lost this motive. Cortelyou then added that Depp was having so much fun playing guitar that it could be seen on his face.
During the conversation, Justin Cortelyou said the following about Johnny Depp’s guitar playing:
“There was no ego, and there was no yelling. It was just Johnny having fun doing what he loved to do. It was awesome. He’s a fantastic musician in his own right. There are times for the session musician, the technical mindset, and then there are times to be sloppy, rock and roll, and get the feel out like Keith Richards.
That’s where Johnny is. He’s more Keith Richards than Jeff Beck. He’s so passionate about music. He’s an amazing actor and everything, but I believe his initial intent in Hollywood was to be a musician. And I don’t think he’s ever lost that drive. He was having fun so much of the time, and you could see it on his face. Especially when some of these icons came in and played, it was pretty fun to be around.”
You can watch the rest of the interview below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXEgO8PgiQw
