Welcome to the first In The Spotlight session! This new category of posts will highlight individuals in the effects pedal community, mostly encompassing guitar players and effects pedal builders. Today we’ll be taking a look at Matthew Fantini’s board and how he utilizes it with the Buffalo-based band Space Junk.
In The Spotlight Interview:
[Mimmo] Q: What’s your story? How did you end up playing with Space Junk?
[Fantini] A: Space Junk began as a 3 piece live EDM/Jam band that I formed in college with Kevin Rogers (drums/keys/DJ) and Will Thompson (Bass) in 2004 at SUNY Fredonia. In 2015 we added keyboardist Cary Meehan to complete our current lineup. We are all huge fans of experimental, electronic, and jam music but we also incorporate elements of blues, jazz, and funk.
[Mimmo] Q: Give us two Space Junk songs that allow you to utilize your pedalboard in a unique way.
[Fantini] A: Two Space Junk songs that allow me to use pedals in a unique way are: “Gas Pump” and “L Way.” In “Gas Pump” I use a combination of a Strymon Timeline set to an Ice Delay paired with a Strymon Blue Sky set to a shimmer reverb. This combo = ambient space for days. In “L Way,” I use an EHX POG2 and an EHX Micro Synth to recreate the sounds of an analog keyboard during the verses and outro.
[Mimmo] Q: What are some songs, artists, or guitarists that have influenced the way you utilize your pedalboard?
[Fantini] A: (a) Nels Cline – Wilco/Solo, (b) Robben Ford, (c) Bill Frissel, (d) Adrian Belew (King Crimson), (e) Vernon Reid (Living Colour) …can I name a million more??!!
[Mimmo] Q: What amp do you use live? In the studio?
[Fantini] A: Amp live = John Nau Engineering Crown Victoria (2×12 Combo). In studio, same as above and also an ENGL Fireball with my side project: Free Man
[Mimmo] Q: Are there any sounds you’d like to emulate that you haven’t quite found out how to do yet?
[Fantini] A: I am always working on getting analog keyboard sounds to cut through my mix better. I have an original EHX micro synth in addition to the reissue. When I push them a little hard with a boost, I sometimes have clipping issues. Pairing with a compressor does help, so maybe I need to put them on a loop together. Is there a pedal that will make me sound like Jimmy Herring?!
Q: Time for Quick-Fire Favorites! Favorite Overdrive/Distortion/Fuzz?
Q: Favorite Chorus, Phase Shifter, or Flanger?
Q: Favorite Tremolo or Vibrato?
Q: Favorite Wah or Expression Pedal?
Q: Favorite Compressor?
Q: Favorite Boost?
Q: Favorite Octaver or Harmonizer?
A: EHX POG2
Pedalboard Order:
TC Electronics Polytune –> RMC Picture Wah –> EHX POG2 –> EHX Small Stone –> EHX Micro Synth –> CMATMODS Deluxe Compressor –> J Rocket Archer Ikon –> Hermida Audio Zendrive –> Vox Volume Pedal –> Strymon Blue Sky –> Strymon Timeline –> BOSS RC-20XL Loop Station
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A huge thank you to Matt Fantini for participating on In The Spotlight! Catch Space Junk at their next show by following them on Archive.org and Facebook. Their sound emulates a wall of pure psychedelic energy that toys on experimentalism, yet manages to firmly keep itself together by way of masterful musicianship.