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Axe Banger: The Guitarist Showcase

Presenting Guitarist, Kirk Reed

Kirk Reed is a guitarist, singer, composer, teacher, and veteran of the Toronto music scene. He teaches at several music academies including DeGazon and T-Rox, where he assists in the band factory program. Being a full-time musician, Kirk enjoys performing regularly throughout Ontario. And is the frontman and founding member of the original rock band The Reed Effect who has had mild success on Canadian mainstream and college radio. His roots are in the blues and classic blues-rock. He is also in The Muddy York Blues Machine, The Copy Cats and a solo performer as well.

Playing (years)

20 years

Style:

Rock & Blues

Gear:

Gibson Les Paul, Marshall JCM 800, Traynor Custom 90

Endorsements:

None at present

Past accomplishments:

I’ve been on several tours out east and got radio play with my band The Reed Effect on Canadian college and mainstream radio stations across Canada.

We’ve also opened for such bands as Die Mannequin, the Wild, and even Jeff Martin from The Tea party.

Current and upcoming projects:

I’m in The Reed Effect, an original rock band based in Toronto. We’re in the final phases of recording a new EP which will be our strongest thus far. We hope to release it in the fall.

I’m also in a new blues project called The Muddy York Blues machine, and we played the legendary Hughes Room earlier this year.

Also, I’m in The Copy Cats, a top 40 cover band I gig with regularly.

Favorite guitarist:

Jimmy Page

Most underrated players:

Ian Thornlea from Big Wreck

Best musician you’ve ever seen:

Steve Morse

Four words that best describe what you want to communicate with your playing:

Emotion, Passion, Release, Freedom

What’s your take on all the tribute bands now flooding the market?

Interestingly, tribute bands are becoming bigger and bigger. I think its a sign of the times where there are very few more prominent than life bands that are fresh and exciting. Also, people want to hear and sing along with songs they are familiar with.

I think the fact that DJs have become very popular over the past few years have contributed to the decline of an audience for original projects. There’s not as big a market for original bands as there used to be. Therefore there’s not a platform for groups to thrive and grow and become a part of the social consciousness. Enter tribute bands. I feel it’s just a matter of time before people will be hungry for something new and fresh.

Who you felt was the most overrated guitarist:

C.C. DeVille from Poison

Preferred groups :

Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Soundgarden, Tool, Rage against the machine, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, The Foo fighters

Your hero:

Jimi Hendrix

Ultimate goal:

To help lead my original band, The Reed Effect, to get regular mainstream radio play, ample album sales, and a substantial worldwide fan base. I would also like to tour Europe and The States after the release of our upcoming EP.

Contact:

Kirk Reed

reedeffect@gmail.com

Website:

www.thereedeffect.com

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