The unlikely pairing of Iron Maiden's Adrian Smith and guitar virtuoso Richie Kotzen has blossomed into a successful collaboration, with their second album "Black Light/White Noise" set to release on April 4 via BMG.
Despite their contrasting backgrounds - Smith from the heavy metal realm and Kotzen known for his technical prowess across multiple genres - the duo has found common ground in their love for blues-based rock. Their partnership, which began during the Covid lockdown, has evolved into something uniquely special.
"I started on guitar because I wanted to be in a band and meet girls," Smith reveals, while Kotzen's journey began with a pure passion for the instrument itself. This fundamental difference in their approaches has created an intriguing dynamic in their music.
The pair's creative process is distinctly their own. They often work separately on their guitar parts, coming together to blend their styles. Smith admires Kotzen's technical abilities, noting "It's quite mind-boggling what he does," while Kotzen brings out Smith's bluesy side, which fans of Iron Maiden might not typically associate with him.
Their musical marriage works because of their maturity and mutual respect. "We don't really feel like there's anything to prove," Kotzen explains. This attitude allows them to focus on creating music that showcases both their strengths without forcing either into uncomfortable territory.
The new album represents a more cohesive effort than their self-titled debut. Songs like "Black Light" exemplify their partnership, combining Kotzen's funk-influenced style with Smith's blues-heavy approach. Their equipment setup remains straightforward, primarily utilizing a hand-wired Marshall amp and minimal effects.
What makes Smith/Kotzen stand out is their unique format as dual vocalists and guitarists. They split their responsibilities equally, with each member contributing to verses, choruses, and trading solos. This balanced approach has helped them create a sound that's both fresh and familiar.
Their success stems from putting the music first and maintaining a positive creative environment. As Kotzen puts it, "The ultimate goal is to move the composition forward and make sure you're both excited about it."