In a new interview with Metal Mayhem ROC, surrounding promotion for From The Fade, Joel Hoekstra also discussed how his extensive touring experience with Trans-Siberian Orchestra has influenced his playing and songwriting.
The demanding performance schedule associated with the group has required a unique level of consistency and endurance from the musicians involved. “When you’re playing that many shows in a season, it definitely changes how you approach the instrument,” Hoekstra said. “You learn very quickly how to pace yourself and how to stay consistent night after night.”
Performing in large arenas on a nightly basis has also reinforced the importance of clarity in both tone and phrasing. “You become very aware of how guitar parts translate in a big room,” he continued. “Every note has to speak clearly.”
Those lessons inevitably find their way back into the recording process. “It definitely informs how I think about writing and arranging guitar parts,” Hoekstra explained. “You want things that are musical, memorable, and that will hold up live.”
As Hoekstra continues promoting From The Fade, that balance between studio craft and live performance remains central to the way he approaches the music of Joel Hoekstra’s 13.
Hoekstra recently released the fourth album of his solo project, Joel Hoekstra’s 13, titled From The Fade, available via Frontiers Music Srl.
From The Fade is a dynamic collection of 10 brand-new tracks that combine soaring melodies, thunderous riffs, and the high-level musicianship fans have come to expect.
Once again, guitarist and composer Joel Hoekstra is joined by an elite cast of rock veterans: powerhouse drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio), legendary bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm, Blue Murder), virtuoso keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Sons Of Apollo), and rising vocal sensation Girish Pradhan (Girish And The Chronicles, The Nail).
From The Fade delivers a blend of classic hard rock and modern melodic metal, characterized by tight arrangements, technical precision, and emotionally charged performances. Each track reflects Hoekstra’s signature songwriting – rooted in tradition but pushing the genre forward with a fresh and contemporary sound.
This is more than just a studio project; it’s a statement of intent from one of rock’s most respected guitarists and his band of world-class collaborators.
Joel comments on the album: “The songs were built from the guitar riffs up. Most of the riffs were written during the time I was filling in with Accept, so there is a heavier edge to this album overall. That being said, the album still would be more accurately described as melodic hard rock, not straight-up metal”.
He continues, “As always with the Joel Hoekstra’s 13 albums, I wrote the style of music that inspired me to pick up the guitar and tried to focus on SONGS for you to enjoy, not overly self-indulgent guitar solos. HUGE thanks to Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin, Derek Sherinian, Girish Pradhan and Jeff Scott Soto for bringing the songs to life! I hope you all enjoy ‘From The Fade’ as much as I enjoyed making it!”
Order From The Fade here.
Tracklisting:
“You Can Give”
“The Fall”
“Lifeline”
“Will You Remember Me”
“Misunderstood”
“Start to Fight”
“All I’d Do”
“Free To Be”
“The End Of Me”
“Quite The Ride”
“All I’d Do” visualizer:
“Lifeline” video:
“You Can Give” video:
“The Fall” visualizer:
New York guitarist Joel Hoekstra currently plays for Whitesnake and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Joel is also well-known for his work with: Cher, Night Ranger, the Broadway show Rock of Ages, his fill in work with Foreigner, Accept, his annual sets on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, recording projects like Revolution Saints, Iconic, viral collaboration videos with the likes of Dino Jelusick, Arnel Pineda, Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan and his acoustic shows with Brandon Gibbs.
Exhibiting a knack for music education, he has also been a frequent columnist for Guitar World Magazine, taught at Musician’s Institute, Rockstars of Tomorrow, Guitar Workshop Plus, and has often been a counselor at Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camp.
Over the years, Joel has released three instrumental solo albums and three critically acclaimed albums with his side project, Joel Hoekstra’s 13. Most recently, he was the guest guitarist on Dancing With The Stars (Hair Metal Episode) and played with Cher at her Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame induction and the SNL 50 Homecoming Concert.
Lineup:
Joel Hoekstra – guitars
Girish Pradhan – lead vocals
Vinny Appice – drums
Tony Franklin – bass
Derek Sherinian – keyboards
Jeff Scott Soto – backing vocals
(Photo – Mike Polito)
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