In a new interview with Daniel Pavlica for The Rocktologist, guitar legend Vinnie Moore (UFO) discusses his new solo release, Aerial Visions. An excerpt can be read below:

Q: Your last solo studio release was in 2009 with To The Core”. What prompted you to revive your solo career at this point?

A: “I have had a solo career since I started and have always kept that going. I haven’t been able to release as many records recently as I would like because I have had so much going on for the past 12 years with touring, making UFO records, as well as things like the Red Zone Rider album.”

Q: We're you pining to step outside the band format for a while and start work on your own? How important is it for you as a musician to do that?

A: “I am always pining to do both. I write a lot and have lots of music completed that hasn’t been released yet. It is very important for me to keep writing and recording as this is what I do and what I am.”

Q: How does your approach to songwriting on the album differ to that of UFO?

A: “UFO is a rock band so when I write songs for that, it stylistically falls within a more defined range. Because my solo stuff is instrumental, things are more open and there are less rules so I can just sort of explore and follow the inspiration wherever it leads. As a person I am all over the frikkin place so this format  is perfect for me. It’s therapeutic for my schizophrenic personality, frequent mood changes, and problems staying focused with one task. I enjoy both musical realms though.”

Read the full interview at The Rocktologist.

The long awaited new album from Vinnie Moore was released on October 23rd via Mind's Eye Music. Titled Aerial Visions, Vinnie's 8th solo album features drummer Richie Monica (Tantric, Poppa Chubby), and bassists Dave LaRue (Steve Morse Band, Flying Colors, The Dregs), Rob DeLuca (UFO, Sebastian Bach), Dorian Heartsong (Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience) and Elliott Dean Rubinson (Uli Jon Roth, MSG).

Vinnie has released seven critically acclaimed solo albums; five albums and one DVD as a member of rock royalty legends UFO; and one album with band Red Zone Rider. His solo and UFO releases as well as live performances have amassed rave reviews all around the globe from both fans and music press, inspiring guitarists worldwide and launching him into aerial guitar superhero distinction.

Says Vinnie, “I have been touring all over the world pretty nonstop for the past 12 years. I started this record about two years ago and have been working on it while at home. I'm totally jacked up about getting it out there for others to hear as well as playing these songs LIVE. Two of the songs on Aerial were written as instrumentals but were included on a UFO record with vocals. I have also done a cover of ZZ Top's “La Grange” which I have always thought is one of the coolest songs ever. I have done ZZ covers onstage a lot.”

Vinnie has toured several times all over Europe, UK, Scandanvia, Brazil, and the USA, as well as performing in India, Korea, Mexico, Russia, and Canada. The UFO A Conspiracy of Stars tour will continue in Europe on October 21st, and will include nine shows in December as opening act for Judas Priest on their Redeemer of Souls tour.

Says Vinnie, “With my solo records I can cover a lot more territory stylistically. I enjoy this freedom to be able to follow my muse wherever it leads. All of my influences are in there, from Rock to Blues to Be-Bop to Funk. I am into so many different styles of music that I can't help myself, I’m basically a slave to it all and so there are inspirations from everywhere. Having said that, being a songwriter is the most important thing to me. I try to use my inspiration to create a mood and take the listener on a little journey to wherever.”