Artist description Much has happened since Sweden's Mattias "IA" Eklundh began playing the drums at the age of six after buying KISS' Destroyer (a bribe from his mother to let her cut his hair - bad move). Seeing Frank Zappa when he was 11 years young changed his view on music forever and at the age of 13 he changed to guitar, quit school, and began practicing fanatically. Self taught on the instrument, Mattias is today considered one of the most innovative and ground breaking guitar players around with a fast growing global following from fellow "guitar nerds" to simply true music freaks. Mattias’ minimalist, home-brewed, and stripped down approach to the guitar has surprised record buyers and journalists around the world. There simply aren’t any signs of expensive guitar effects or processors involved in his playing, despite the sometimes "outlandish" sounds you hear. (Mattias receives e-mails daily from dedicated guys and gals asking him what type of whammy pedal he owns. He finds this very amusing). Still, the unorthodox Swede occasionally uses anything from hose-clips to remote controls and a few other devices (not suitable for printing) to stimulate the listeners hearing organs.

Music Style Rock guitar

Musical Influences KISS, Frank Zappa, Yngwie Malmsteen

Similar Artists KISS, Frank Zappa, Yngwie Malmsteen

Artist History When not touring or working in "the studio" (read: bath/boiler room) Mattias does tons of workshops and clinics, from Haparanda (north of Sweden) to Tokyo. Every July Mattias teaches his brains out at his Freak Guitar Camp, which he founded for guitar players from all over the world. They travel to the Swedish wilderness and get their fingers spanked.

Instruments guitar

Albums Freak Guitar

Additional Info fn@favorednations.com

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).