By: Helen Elkins
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
His music style may not be for everyone, but there is no doubt about this man’s artistic talent.
Shredder Pinstripe (a stage name, given by his wife, representing his guitar playing and concert clothing styles) was born in Peoria, IL on February 20, 1988 and moved to Montpelier seven years ago.
When asked about the style of music he prefers, Shredder said, “I’m into all kinds of music.”
A neoclassical guitarist, Shredder has always been drawn to 80’s style of rock and metal but plays everything from jazz to classical, progressive metal to rockabilly, and “Yes, I even play some country,” he added.
About four years ago, after his wife introduced him to guitarist Michael Angelo Batio, one of the best in the business, Shredder began to get serious about his guitar playing.
“He [Batio] saw some potential in me,” Shredder said, “and encouraged me to take my playing more seriously and pursue an education in music, and I’m working on that now.”
Shredder has played all over the Midwest and a few shows in Nashville and will be returning there to play this summer.
“I am very proud to be endorsed by over 30 companies, including five guitar companies who have signature models with more to be debuted at NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) this summer,” Shredder said.
Shredder has many projects currently in the works, including his CD, playing guest solos for other people, and doing clinics and demonstrations.
“I was asked to go for the world record for speed shredding this summer in Nashville for Summer NAMM,” he explained.
A special guitar is being built for him by JHL Custom Guitars; it will be lightweight and have a twisted, contoured neck for speed.
In addition, he will also debut a new signature guitar, the Goliath 7, from Colson Custom Guitars and demo a guitar made out of Legos.
He is currently working with St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and one of the guitar companies, who also endorses him, has built two guitars to be auctioned for the project. He is in the process of having other musician friends autograph the guitars.
Shredder has been supported, in his endeavors, by Megadeth, Saliva, Foghat, Night Ranger, and many others.
“I’m also working on a music video with Rockers Against Bullying,” said Shredder.
Although Shredder does solo work, his current band is Ratnip. They are a power rock band taking on the style of Journey or Foreigner.
Current members are: from Montpelier, Brian McKibben on drums; from Stryker, Randy Alan as vocalist; from Pioneer, Dave Perez on bass guitar; and Shredder on lead guitar.
Ratnip is working on a show with Foghat for the Veterans Memorial fundraiser, writing original songs for their upcoming CD, and will also be performing in Nashville this summer.
When asked about his future, Shredder said, “I’m 26 now and I see myself being on stage the rest of my life. My dream is to play with The Trans-Siberian Orchestra.”
Influenced by every musician he meets, in some form or another, from local guys he jams with or great legends, Shredder said, “Everyone has something to teach if you just take the time to learn.”
“It’s all about the music and coming together to share it. It makes no difference to me about age, color, religion, or anything; music will bring us all together,” he explained.
Intent on saving a much loved music venue, Ratnip will be playing a charity event at The Historic Dawn Theater in Hillsdale, MI on February 7.
“My band and I are always willing to help with charities,” Shredder stated.
He feels the community needs to stick together and support local bands. Ratnip would be honored to play the fair this year and have been asked why they do not.
“Let’s show off some local talent this year and some hometown pride,” Shredder added.
For more information about his schedule or to book him or the band, go to shredderpinstripe.com or visit him on Facebook.
Helen may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
1 Comment
Very nice ..it’s about time we recognize our own …let’s bring Shredder and his band to the fair this year ..