Tone Talk – Malena Cadiz

What is your definition of tone, and how has it changed over the years?

It’s the quality, the mood and character of sound that helps create the world and tell the story of the song.

Which guitars, amps, and pedals are you currently using and why?

I’m definitely not a gear head. I find the things I love based purely on instinct and usually stick with the same thing for a long time.

My favorite guitar is my Harmony Stratotone that I got from Old Style Guitar Shop in Echo Park about five years ago. It’s from the 70s I believe. I love how light weight it is and the quality of the sound, plus it’s physically beautiful, with this really nice sunburst and old pickguard and pickups.

I use a 1978 Fender Champ that I also got from Old Style. I love the warm tone. For pedals I use a Srymon El Capistan tape delay pedal, an Earthquaker Levitation reverb pedal and sometimes a Boss tremolo pedal.

What about strings?

I love the Curt Mangan Monel Electric/Acoustic Strings.

Are there certain recording techniques you prefer in the studio?

I love recording live. I love getting to be playful and trying new things. Our drummer brought in pots and pans and kitchen things for one song (“The Real Thing”) off my new record (‘Hellbent & Moonbound’), I love how that turned out.

Overall though, I work with a producer I love and leave a lot of that to him. One thing I’ve realized is that I don’t have to be an expert at every aspect of this career, so I try to surround myself with the people I feel most aligned with, who’s work I admire and let them do what they’re best at.

How do you keep your sound consistent onstage?

I try to really take my time with soundcheck so I feel confident that everything lines up. I used to take pictures of all my amp & pedal settings so I could make sure it was all consistent. Also, super basic, I try to only play venues where I know the sound will be good.

What does your practice consist of?

Right now I’m really into reviewing the things I’ve been working on and then pulling up a lesson on something like Pickup music and doing like 15-30 minutes of that. Often that will lead me on a tangent where I’ll want to write something. Learning covers is an important practice tool for me too.

Favorite guitar riff or lick that inspired you to play guitar?

I love that beginning riff of “Rhiannon,” just revisited that recently. I get reinspired all the time too. Every time I see an amazing songwriter who can also play guitar really well – like Margaret Glaspy or Madison Cunningham, or I love how Feist plays. It’ll get me inspired to take lessons again or learn a new type of thing.

What is your advice for young women who hope to work in the music industry?

Surround yourself with other women who inspire you! Our culture so often situates women as competitors – like there’s a scarcity of opportunity in the music industry. And I don’t think that’s true. I think when we surround ourselves with powerful, talented women we all rise together.

And get yourself a female teacher! When I was coming up there weren’t a lot of other girls who played guitar and I only had male guitar teachers. Representation is really powerful for our subconscious to believe what’s possible. Recently I took some lessons with Molly Miller, who I admire so much. She’s such an incredible player and excellent teacher.