The new millennium has brought forth a 17-year-old virtuoso. His technique is unlike anyone else out there, is blazing. His intricate compositions are incredibly accurate and precise. He has intuitive leads, and arpeggios that are a specialty served up like gold.
Meet Deakon, as he tells a little more in depth about himself...
“I am in this business to make a difference. I’m tired of people slacken off, and I want people to realize that music is not dead. I don’t want the money and the fame that will just come and happen on its own. I just want to make a difference and people to understand the guitar is not dead”.
AAM: What Inspired you to want to play the guitar and at what age?
Deakon: The first style I would have to say that inspired me the most was Neo Classical, at the age of 12. The first person of this style I ever heard was Yngwie Malmsteen. His playing of such classically influenced patterns and writing, just blew me away. After him, I was determined to look for ways to learn more and understand this style, along with getting into other artists of this genre, like Vinnie Moore, Jason Becker etc.Then after a while of learning this style, I started to feel limited in my playing. So I decided to keep my Neo Classical influence, but try another style to widen my playing variety. From here I got into blues, and the major players that caught my attention in this style was Eric Johnson, and Eric Clapton, Of course along with other blues players. This style was getting interesting and I kept up with this style and Neo Classical. Eventually learning how to incorporate both into my playing creating the basis of my own style, never forgetting my rock and metal roots."
AAM: What are your influences?
Deakon: I would say Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, two guitarists that do it right. The 80’s style music has always fascinated me and I am often associated with them.
AAM: The Forsaken Unity is a family band, how did all that come about?
Lilkith Katz- drummer: In the summer of 1988 Trent began taking guitar lessons. He and his father AKA The Elder-guitarist learned a few songs. Soon after his brother, Mange joined in on b
ass. Then following I decided to try and play the drums; I had to practice for hours everyday to catch up. After performing for about a year, Deakon got interested in the band and wanted to join. So we gave him a microphone but that soon changed by his attraction to the guitar.
AAM: Where you self-taught?
Deakon: Yes, at nine I would watch my brother Trent play the guitar, and I was so intrigued by it. So he and my dad taught me to play a couple songs. Soon after I wandered off on my own and would practice every day. I used books to learn and consider them to be Bibles of music. The Guitar Grimiore - the book of magical formulas, and the Internet, even though it’s not a book. It has helped me all through my learning process of music. Through these resources, they have inspired me to quench my thirst for learning my craft as best as I possibly can, and in order to fulfill this thirst, I practice 3,5 and sometimes 7 hours a day."
AAM: Best describe your music to our readers.
Deakon: Progressive, Rock, Metal and Blues. But everybody in the band has their own style of playing.
The Elder: We are currently looking for a vocalist, the right person to work with Deakon. A person who will share the stage with Deakon, but they must be dependable!
AAM: Capitol Records at one time was working with you all, where did that lead?
The Elder: We were working with the director of A/R but he left Capitol. Another person there took us over but he tried to change us, so basically after the director left so did we.
AAM: The Forsaken Unity is a family band, but those that have heard Deakon perform say he is simply amazing! What are your endorsements, fans and others saying about Deakon;
Minarik Guitars- Rick Wells… "Thru out the years you find a guitarist that can overcome any obstacle. It is usually an accomplished player that has spent years of practice and the development of music theory. But in this case we have a Deakon. Anybody can play fast and do the tap thing, but Deakon is a perfect example of the right way things should be done. Deakon understands this is a lifetime commitment; he is the kind of guitarist that you listen to and want to pick up a guitar and start playing. Deakon brings playing back to the guitar. I am proud to have Deakon on board with Minarik Guitars and am looking forward to seeing him get signed with a major label in the near future."
AMT- Don Barnett... "We at AMT are always looking for players who posses the ability to stand out. Truly great guitar pedals, a product capable of letting every note ring out. And players whom can play at a speed that will challenge our equipment, Deakon is one of those. We hope that our relationship with Deakon will be a long one. He is a roll model for the younger generation of guitar players, he is humble, polite and very grateful for the gift he has been given, Deakon is absolutely one of the best young guitar players we have seen in years."
Ronny North... "The kid can shred!!! He’s the coolest guy and he can play so fast. Deakon is definitely a player to keep an eye out for, I’m a big fan!"
The Shredmistress - Rynata... "This 18 year old guitarist packs more cops and musicality into his playing than most players twice his age. He’s an amazing talent who is raising the bar for guitarist everywhere. The future of guitar playing is alive and well. Deakon is a force to be reckoned with."
Alien Guitars - Austin Harris… "Deakon is truly an amazing guitarist with explosive potential. Alien Guitars is very excited to begin a working relationship with Deakon in the New Year."
M.E. Minarik... "When I first viewed Deakon playing the guitar, I noticed immediately he had his own style of playing. Millions of guitarist struggle there whole live to have this and never do. Deakon has an effortless, seamless and amazing way of playing an instrument that is surrounded by an image and determination all his own. I look forward to being part of the Deakon revolution."
AAM: Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?
Deakon: "In conclusion, I am trying to create my own style, with all the music styles that I both enjoy listening to and playing, like that of mainly Neo Classical Progressive, Rock, Metal and Blues. I have always found it to be better to have many styles instead of limiting myself to just one. I have a wide variety of scale knowledge. To know many different scales, like the seven major scales that are Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian. And along with the help of other scales like Harmonic Minor, Diminished etc. But what most people would probably classify me as would be shred. My Goals are to keep my listeners and viewers in fascination, and to above all inspire and influence."
Thank you Deakon, AAM looks forward to watching your progress, your growth to become an accomplished guitarist. The Forsaken Unity – Lillith Katz, The Elder, Mange and Trent, thank you all it was a pleasure and I do look forward to your performance very soon.
For more information log onto www.deakonguitarist.com
Seeking management, label interest and vocalist
Contact (760) 868-3369 the_elder@hughes.net
