Roland Nipp describes himself as a sponge for the great melting pot of all the famous players before [him].
Pretty lyrical for a guy whos music is strictly instrumental.
I was influenced by such greats as Jeff Beck, David Gilmour and Mark Knopfler, said the Richmond based guitarist/composer.
The News soon learned the 48-year-old longtime resident would much rather talk about his music and his fourth CD, All We Desire, then himself.
I trust the story more than the storyteller, he said as his explanation.
Nipp does briefly say how he picked up his first guitar at 13, is pretty much a self-taught guitarist and began performing professionally at 18, in bars and nightclubs around Vancouver.
It sounds way more romantic than it was, he quipped. I took some guitar lessons to learn scales and modes, and then studied music theory.
Nipp said that until recently his life was full of compromise and now that hes focused on his music, he feels more creative and is having way more fun composing.
I teach music for a living now, I compose and I couldnt be happier.
Nipp credits his wife Corinne and their nine-year-old daughter, Emma, for much of his inspiration today.
My wife is incredibly supportive, allowing me to lose myself in my music it is so liberating, he added.
Music is that one corner of my world that is untouchable; its the prize at the end of the day.
In All We Desire, Nipp crosses musical boundaries with little regard for convention, he said. Its a little rock, a little reggae and a little bluesy.
Its all the electric guitar music that I love, Nipp said. I dont like to pigeonhole myself to any genre.
Hes proud of the CD and he said its mainly because I feel I dont have to impress anyone anymore.
I think its also better by the sheer evolution and growth that we all go through as we age and hence I choose my notes more carefully today.
When asked about the title, Nipp said it was based on the loose concept about what motivates us; is it fame, love, money or power?
His passion and love for music has never waned since he first picked up that guitar more than three decades ago. Although songwriting can be difficult at times, Nipp is happiest when hes strumming his guitar.
To reach Nipp or to purchase a CD, visit www.rolandnipp.com.
