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Interview With Multi-Instrumentalist and Producer Marcel Yammouni

Marcel Yammouni is a multi-instrumentalist and producer from Melbourne Australia. He toured Europe with Australia's number-one artist Vanessa Amorosi. He has performed and recorded with chart toppers Andrew De Silva, Gary Pinto, and Russell Morris. Marcel is currently working on his project called The Moon Bros.

By Magesh Contributing Author

Magesh, Musicngear: You recorded and toured with Australia's number 1 artist Vanessa Amorosi for years, can you talk about this experience?

I had some of the best times of my life touring with VA and band. We were a bunch of kids experiencing touring life together around the world.

My first-ever European tour was an incredible experience. Playing venues that held 5000 people right up to Headlining 60000 plus at the SWR Mainz festival in Germany. I’d never done anything like that before.

From long international flights to double-decker tour buses with crew and band. It felt big time.

Did you have a different approach to playing guitar parts live as opposed to in the studio?

I suppose live there’s less pressure to get it perfectly spot on. You’re more in the moment and then it’s gone.

I tend to overanalyze and agonize over my parts in the studio. I usually punch in my own parts in the studio and am constantly beating myself up —' Nope, do it again. Nope, do it again'—and so on.

I’ve had my studio for over 20 years now so I’m relaxing more and more these days.

Try and be as flexible musically as you can. Try and have a big repertoire of tunes you know. Show up early, to be on time is to be late

What equipment are you currently endorsing?

I’m currently using the IK Multimedia guitar gear like Amplitube software and now their hardware series. Amplitube has introduced the X Series of pedals. The ToneX pedal and software are a bit of a game changer. It’s an Amplifier modeler and profiling system.

Theirs a Tone network of people all around the world taking snapshots of their amplifiers and sharing them with the world. It sounds fantastic. Great for studio and live purposes.

Did your ability to play multiple instruments change your perspective when producing music?

I think my perspective is always changing as time rolls on. I think one of the advantages is understanding the role of the instruments a bit more deeply.

I’ve always considered myself a Jack of all trades and master of none. My main instruments are Guitar and Bass but I’ve always been fascinated by drums and drummers. I think it’s helped me understand rhythm more and made me a stronger musician.

Be a supportive musician, it’s not just about chops. But when it’s your time to shine, take it.

Can you talk about projects you are currently involved with?

Currently releasing my own music on most of the major streaming services. I’ve gone back to the beginning and I’m making music with my older brother Joe again. Doing our own renditions of tunes we like. We go by The Moon Bros.

Do you have any advice for young musicians who want to play music for a living?

Try and be as flexible musically as you can. Try and have a big repertoire of tunes you know.

Show up early, to be on time is to be late. The big one is LISTEN. The better the listener the better the musician.

Be a supportive musician, it’s not just about chops. But when it’s your time to shine, take it.

Connect With Marcel Yammouni
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Website

About Magesh

Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour. He released an instructional drumming dvd called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk

Contact Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com

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