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All images courtesy of Nili Brosh/Credit: Tim Salaz

By Andrew Daly
andrew@vinylwriter.com

We live in a world of guitar innovation, not only by way of technology, and skill level, but also innovation via the shedding of established gender norms.

In the past, the guitar was a proverbial boys club, and it could be said that even to this day, when a typical fan thinks of a “shredder,” or a “guitar hero,” they usually envision a man.

But in 2022, we find ourselves in a new age. A new age that is no longer defined by headlines, and ideas generated by the past. In the here and now, there are dozens upon dozens of fierce female guitar virtuosos, and one of the slickest is Israeli-born, Nili Brosh.

For Brosh, her destiny was pre-determined via her inherent skill bred through determination, and a love of all things six-string. After a move to Boston, MA, Brosh’s journey to guitar superstardom began via the Berklee College of Music.

Upon graduating, Brosh’s impact on the instrumental guitar scene was nothing short of imminent, as she garnered gigs with Tony MacAlpine before joining Yngwie Malmsteen’s Spellbound Tour as the opening act.

In the year since, Brosh has kept busy with her solo work, as a member of Cirque du Soleil, and as a member of the trio Batten-Menn-Brosh. As the years unfold, Brosh’s star will only continue to rise, and her impact will continue to run ever-deeper.

Brosh recently joined me for a chat regarding her ongoing solo work, her approach to the guitar, songwriting, and more.

Andrew:
First and foremost, your last record was the phenomenal Spectrum. Are you working on a follow-up?

Nili:
Thank you so much! I am, however, it’s not going as quickly as I’d like! [Laughs]. I’m always lucky if gigging gets in the way, but I’m definitely looking forward to being able to work on the next batch of songs.

Andrew:
From a songwriting standpoint, what is your compositional process like? 

Nili:
These days, a lot of it starts with hearing a melody – implied harmony, arrangement ideas, etc. – in my head and singing it into my voice memos. I include as many arrangement notes as I can think of, and then I save them for when I have time to demo the entire idea.

Andrew:
How has that process changed from your first record back in 2010 all the way through to the present day?

Nili:
I’ve written music in a bunch of different ways, whether it started with a groove, a chord progression, or even rhythmic ideas on paper. I’ve definitely tried different approaches over the years, but as in my previous answer, I guess, it kind of comes down to hearing stuff in my head now.

Andrew:
How would you best describe your approach to the guitar?

Nili:
I do my best to be musical and “play for the song,” or the situation. I want to make sure I play whatever is most appropriate for my role in that situation, and then I can embellish on it.

Andrew:
From the outside looking in, it seems we’re seeing a resurgence of sorts in terms of virtuoso, and instrumental guitar. Would you agree?

Nili:
I think so! I think social media and YouTube have a lot to do with it, but that’s just my perspective. Having the access to so much music and so many players does seem to be inspiring people, and I love that.

Andrew:
Are you comfortable being called a “virtuoso?”

Nili:
I wouldn’t be comfortable calling myself that, but yes. I take it as a compliment that’s very humbling, whether or not I feel the same way.

Andrew;
In my conversations with various guitarists, I’ve come to find that many players dislike the idea of shredding, or being called “shredders.” What is your stance on that? 

Nili:
I agree with that to a point. It seems like “shredding” comes with a stigma of “playing too many notes and being unmusical,” and when people focus on that it can be a little disappointing. I’m okay with that term as long as the person saying it knows the player in question can still be very musical.

Andrew:
We know where instrumental guitar has been, and we know where it stands today. From your perspective, where do you feel it’s going? 

Nili:
I’m optimistic, and I feel we have enough reason to believe it’s moving forward and is in good hands.

Andrew:
In your opinion, who is the best guitar player in the world right now?

Nili:
I don’t really agree with the concept of “best” when it comes to music, as it’s not a competition. There are so many great players out there, and that’s what matters!

Andrew:
To what do you attribute the rise in women playing the guitar?

Nili:
Probably similar reasons as the rise in guitar in general. Also, I think we’re at the point where most people agree the instrument isn’t a gender-based thing. I don’t think it’s considered a “boy hobby” any longer to pick up a guitar when you’re a young girl, you know?

Andrew:
Walk me through your guitars, amps, and gear.

Nili:
Right now, I’m primarily using the custom Ibanez RG that I designed, and Mesa Boogie TC100 Amps. My pedalboard is fairly simple (depending on the gig), but that’s the basic setup.

Andrew:
Does vintage gear interest you at all?

Nili:
Musically it does, but I’m trying very hard not to rack up too much gear in my house. I’m not a fan of clutter. [Laughs].

Andrew:
You’re well known for working with a variety of artists. This said, is there anything that would spur you on to join one band full time?

Nili:
I never say never to anything. Who knows what might come along? I definitely stay open to all opportunities!

Andrew:
What’s next for you, Nili?

Nili:
Some Cirque du Soleil shows, original music shows, and Dethklok. Doing my best to keep as much variety as possible right now!

– Andrew Daly (@vwmusicrocks) is the Editor-in-Chief for www.vwmusicrocks.com and may be reached at andrew@vinylwriter.com