rock nyc partner Joe Mcelroy introduced me to Brian Lippey, of Guitar Shop TV, figuring we had a lot in common, maybe could do some business together. Maybe we can, but whether or not Lippey is a great person to know if you love rock and roll.
After a successful career on Wall Street, Lippey changed careers and returned to his first love, rock, and more specifically guitars. He started the website Guitar Shop TV, a beacon for both guitar wonks and the casual fam. Also, his Artists Showcase is a big opportunity for up and coming bands and if what you are after is more famous folks, you will meet everyone from Steve Tyler to Johnny Winters on www.guitarshoptv.com
I sent Brian some questions and here is his replies:
1. Is your primary interest music or the guitar itself?
I’m a guitarist and have been most of my life, so I view music through that prism—The guitar is an great instrument that spans many genres of music, rock, blues, jazz, metal, country, folk, reggae, many other—It’s also a true equalizer, uniting people across countries, races, political beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds
2. Where are you from? raised?
Newark, New Jersey, USA—I had the pretty amazing experience of growing up in a tough town, learning from my environment, and making the most of it, and ultimately becoming a better person thanks to that experience
3. How old were you when you learnt how to play guitar? Was it a revelation?
I started when I was eight and really stayed with it—I had a great teacher—Roosevelt Spann, a big black guy who taught me about Wes Montgomery, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, lots of players white kids would never know about
4. You worked on Wall Street for years. How does finance compare with art?
They both can give you freedom of expression—Without financial security, it’s difficult to develop one’s art or be discovered—On the other hand, most wealthy people have not suffered.
5. I know you speak France, and I know you are well travelled? How did that come about?
I learned French in college and them used it pretty extensively for business in West Africa and in France itself—I’ve always had a deep interest in international relations and was bitten by the travel bug at an early age (maybe related to my desire to escape from Newark!) I traveled a lot as a kid, mostly road trips around the US and Canada, and Europe with my family. I really started traveling when I worked in finance, and spent a lot of time in Asia and Europe. I lived in London for 5 years and Hong Kong for 7 years.
6. What is the impetus behind GSTV? How did that begin?
It’s a concept we’re developing for a cable TV show, using the library of footage we’ve shot over the past few years with Guitar Shops around the country—Stay tuned to guitar Shop TV, more to come
8. How can I view episodes?
9. Who was your favorite musician?
So many great guiatrists—but it I had to pick one it would probably be Robben Ford, with Jeff Beck a close second
10. What is the Artist showcase all about?
www.guitarshoptv.com
12. I know you have been a session musician, does it help being able to discuss music with your peers?
Definitely—that knowledge of music and the creative process creates a bond and allows a depth of conversation that often isn’t possible if you’re not a musician
13. GSTV is very much in its infancy, how do you foresee this developing?
I have pretty eclectic tastes: I love soul/R&B, blues, punk, reggae, British 60’s stuff, alternative country and of course rock n roll.
15. Anything else?
Thanks for your interest and support for Guitar Shop TV and we’re looking forward to collaborating with rock nyc to share great content with our viewers