From Guitar World · · 1m 10s
Russian Circles Guitarist Mike Sullivan on Loop-Based Music
Mike Sullivan explains how Russian Circles' loop-based post-metal music strips away complexity for emotional impact.
In brief
Mike Sullivan explains how Russian Circles' loop-based post-metal music strips away complexity for emotional impact. Russian Circles guitarist Mike Sullivan uses minimal tunings and loops to create heavy, emotive music without overcomplicating. Originally reported by Guitar World.
First Practice in 2004
Mike Sullivan and Dave Turncrantz started Russian Circles after high school in St. Louis, Missouri.
No Preconceived Style
Sullivan recalls their first practice produced a song that informed the band's hypnotic, cinematic identity.
Stripping Away Complexity
Sullivan describes Russian Circles' writing process as stripping away the 'funny business' for the 'meat and potatoes'.
Classical Influence
Sullivan cites John Williams' Mikis Theodorakis: Epitafios No. 3 as a classically expressive piece he loves.
Dissonance for Emotion
Sullivan uses dissonance in Empath to evoke visceral responses before the catchy riff returns.
Tuning Strategy
Sullivan adjusts one string up or down almost every song using super-floppy strings 11 to 58.
Guitar Setup
Sullivan uses a green Dunable Gnarwhal with mahogany body and maple top for his current guitar.
Pedal Board
Sullivan uses a variety of pedals including a Metal Zone, DigiTech Drop, and Strymon TimeLine.
The essence
Russian Circles guitarist Mike Sullivan uses minimal tunings and loops to create heavy, emotive music without overcomplicating.
