When you think of guitar shredders, the first few names that might come to mind are John 5, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Joe Petrucci, to name a few. The fast playing technique can make a guitarist stand out above the rest. Another talent to add to that list is Toronto, Ontario native Mike Milan Dedic. Mike's playing consists of intricate fingering and guitar solos. His latest EP, showcases his skill as a guitar virtuoso.
Track Listing
1. Energy
2. Zoom
3. Run!
4. Launch
5. Shall We Dance
Release Date: August 22, 2014
Running Time: 20:16
© Mike Milan Dedic
1. Energy
2. Zoom
3. Run!
4. Launch
5. Shall We Dance
Release Date: August 22, 2014
Running Time: 20:16
© Mike Milan Dedic
Photo: Mike Milan Dedic Calling the West end of Toronto home, Mike began playing guitar at the age of twelve.
A self-taught guitarist, his heroes are famous for their fast, finger tapping way of playing. Although "too many to name", he does cite Uli Jon Roth, Eddie Van Halen, Ritchie Blackmore, and Yngwie Malmsteen, to name a few, as influences.
With fingers flying up and down the fretboards, their guitars squeal with delight, provoking hypnotizing sounds from their amplifiers.
Before we showcase Mike's playing, some may wonder what exactly is a 'shredder'. Wiki describes it as "..a virtuoso lead guitar solo playing style for the guitar, based on various fast playing techniques."
One thing these type of players have in common is the ability to ascend and descend the neck of the guitar with rapid speed, or 'sweeping' as some in the industry call it.
Mike's playing is no exception. His instrumentals consist of fast playing, string bending, and essentially are kick ass tunes.
A self-taught guitarist, his heroes are famous for their fast, finger tapping way of playing. Although "too many to name", he does cite Uli Jon Roth, Eddie Van Halen, Ritchie Blackmore, and Yngwie Malmsteen, to name a few, as influences.
With fingers flying up and down the fretboards, their guitars squeal with delight, provoking hypnotizing sounds from their amplifiers.
Before we showcase Mike's playing, some may wonder what exactly is a 'shredder'. Wiki describes it as "..a virtuoso lead guitar solo playing style for the guitar, based on various fast playing techniques."
One thing these type of players have in common is the ability to ascend and descend the neck of the guitar with rapid speed, or 'sweeping' as some in the industry call it.
Mike's playing is no exception. His instrumentals consist of fast playing, string bending, and essentially are kick ass tunes.
Photo: Mike Milan Dedic Having released two previous albums of material, 'The Pleasure's Yours' (1987) and "Fingerfood' (1995), his latest release consists of five high energy, riff filled tracks that mesmerize the listener for just over twenty minutes.
One must appreciate the skill and dedication it takes for someone to record an album strictly of themselves playing guitar.
It can be a genre that is hard to break through. However, with the likes of Steve Vai and John 5, successfully doing it, it's becoming more common for guitar driven albums to hit the marketplace.
Mike has also utilized such platforms like Facebook and YouTube to get his passionate playing out there to fans and fellow musicians alike.
With nothing more than a barstool, a Fender amp, camera and guitar, Mike runs through some riffs for a captivated audience. (Video clips below)
What makes it even more unique is the 'GoPro' propped on the headstock that attempts to record the lightning fast speed of his fingers running up and down the neck of his vintage 1975 Fender Stratocaster.
One must appreciate the skill and dedication it takes for someone to record an album strictly of themselves playing guitar.
It can be a genre that is hard to break through. However, with the likes of Steve Vai and John 5, successfully doing it, it's becoming more common for guitar driven albums to hit the marketplace.
Mike has also utilized such platforms like Facebook and YouTube to get his passionate playing out there to fans and fellow musicians alike.
With nothing more than a barstool, a Fender amp, camera and guitar, Mike runs through some riffs for a captivated audience. (Video clips below)
What makes it even more unique is the 'GoPro' propped on the headstock that attempts to record the lightning fast speed of his fingers running up and down the neck of his vintage 1975 Fender Stratocaster.
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The five tracks include the numerous skills that Mike has developed throughout his playing career. From the string bending, finger tapping, crushing chords and picking, each track stands out on its own, yet they blend perfectly with its track mates.
Track By Track
'Energy' kicks off the EP, and like its namesake, is an energy filled track, played with passion and integrity. Mike's playing shines and gives the listener a preview of what they can expect to hear on the upcoming numbers.
'Zoom' begins with a slow, melodic opening. But before you get too comfortable, it kicks into second gear and turns into a rhythmically and technically impactful track. The swift note changing gives a whole different dynamic to the song. Definitely became a favourite of this listener.
'Run!' starts off with a rifling sound that instantly gets you hooked. Similar in style to that of John 5 or Vai, the style and techniques make it hard not to appreciate the skill level that Mike demonstrates on the track.
'Launch', like its predecessors, continues on in the vein where the titles match the power of the instrumental itself. With an authentic tone, it once again contains the elements that are present in all of Mike's tracks.
'Shall We Dance?' closes the EP with one final chance to win over the audience and welcome a new fan of Mike's music. The hook grabs the listener and holds them close until the last note is played.
Overall, the album is not just guitar playing tracks that are missing lyrics. The songs stand on their own, and you can't help but want to hit repeat and hear them for a second time, or third, or forth.
Track By Track
'Energy' kicks off the EP, and like its namesake, is an energy filled track, played with passion and integrity. Mike's playing shines and gives the listener a preview of what they can expect to hear on the upcoming numbers.
'Zoom' begins with a slow, melodic opening. But before you get too comfortable, it kicks into second gear and turns into a rhythmically and technically impactful track. The swift note changing gives a whole different dynamic to the song. Definitely became a favourite of this listener.
'Run!' starts off with a rifling sound that instantly gets you hooked. Similar in style to that of John 5 or Vai, the style and techniques make it hard not to appreciate the skill level that Mike demonstrates on the track.
'Launch', like its predecessors, continues on in the vein where the titles match the power of the instrumental itself. With an authentic tone, it once again contains the elements that are present in all of Mike's tracks.
'Shall We Dance?' closes the EP with one final chance to win over the audience and welcome a new fan of Mike's music. The hook grabs the listener and holds them close until the last note is played.
Overall, the album is not just guitar playing tracks that are missing lyrics. The songs stand on their own, and you can't help but want to hit repeat and hear them for a second time, or third, or forth.
The compositions are upbeat, intricate in the sense that there's a lot going on, but one aspect doesn't overshadow, or drown out the other. It was a pleasant surprise to be introduced to Mike and his music and I definitely look forward to future releases and performances.
Special thanks to Mike for the links and tracks.
Special thanks to Mike for the links and tracks.
Be sure to follow Mike on social media for upcoming releases and news.
Official Facebook
Official YouTube Channel
Official Facebook
Official YouTube Channel
Discography
The Pleasure's Yours - 1987 - Axis Records
Fingerfood - 1995 - Marshmallow Records
Mike Milan Dedic - 2014
The Pleasure's Yours - 1987 - Axis Records
Fingerfood - 1995 - Marshmallow Records
Mike Milan Dedic - 2014
