How I Wrote "The Kid"

A riff written at 16 and still worth turning up.In this Wednesday Session, Soren Andersen shares the story behind “The Kid,” tracing its main riff back to his teenage years and his love of Iron Maiden, Accept and George Lynch.With his guitar in hand, Soren demonstrates the sounds behind the track, explains why he chose his custom-shop Yamaha Pacifica, and explores the expressive possibilities of it's Gotoh 510 tremolo.He also walks through his Line 6 Helix setup, showing how snapshots help him move between sections and how a little chorus gives the next part a bigger sound.In this episode:• Writing the main riff for The Kid at 16• Finding inspiration in heavy metal and Dokken’s “Mr. Scary”• Choosing the right guitar for a fast, demanding song• Using Helix snapshots to switch sounds smoothly• Adding chorus to change the character of a sectionA look at the ideas, influences and practical choices behind the music — and a reminder to keep writing and playing.Watch the video version for a closer look at the guitar and demonstrations.🌐 EXPLORE SOREN’S SUNDAY SESSIONhttps://www.sorenssundaysession.com/📲 JOIN THE COMMUNITYInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenssundaysession/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sorenssundaysessionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sorenssundaysession/✉️ [email protected] the podcast for more music, stories and lessons from a life in music.

What does it really take to prepare a professional rock band for tour?In this episode of Soren's Sunday Session, guitarist and producer Soren Andersen takes us inside the rehearsal room with his band Electric Guitars as they prepare to bring their music to the stage.Together with Mika Vandborg, Morten Hellborn, Peter Kjøbsted and touring guitarist Søren Lund, we explore the musical and technical decisions behind a professional live show.From arranging songs for three guitarists to building reliable live setups with Ableton, MIDI-controlled effects, guitar amps and in-ear monitoring, this episode reveals what happens long before the audience hears the first note.🎸 IN THIS EPISODE• Why Soren Andersen and Mika Vandborg started Electric Guitars• How professional musicians prepare for a tour• Why the band needs three guitarists on stage• Guitar rigs, pedals, amplifiers and troubleshooting• Using Ableton and MIDI automation during live performances• Guitar tunings, string gauges and custom instruments• In-ear monitoring and live sound• Why listening to your bandmates matters more than your individual sound• The importance of preparation, communication and teamworkA great live performance doesn't begin when the lights go on. It begins in the rehearsal room, where arrangements are refined, equipment is tested and musicians learn how to make the band sound its best.This is Part 1 of our three-part behind-the-scenes series with Electric Guitars.In the upcoming episodes, we follow the band into full production rehearsals before joining them backstage and on stage at Hotel Cecil in Copenhagen.🎸 EXPLORE MOREDiscover more episodes, musician profiles and behind-the-scenes stories:https://www.sorenssundaysession.com/📲 JOIN THE COMMUNITYInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sorenssundaysession/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sorenssundaysessionFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/sorenssundaysession/Subscribe to Soren's Sunday Session for more honest conversations, music education and stories from professional musicians.Keep learning. Keep playing.

How do you turn a jazz-inspired guitar idea into an instrumental rock track?In this Wednesday Session, Søren Andersen breaks down "Agent Wells" from his album Guilty Pleasures.He shares the unexpected story behind the song's title, explains how Larry Carlton and Paul Gilbert influenced different parts of the composition, and reveals how a completely improvised guitar passage became one of the recording's most memorable moments.A short, personal look at musical inspiration, songwriting and the unpredictable magic of recording.Discover more at https://sorenssundaysession.com

What does it really take to make a rock band last?Soren Andersen sits down with Rival Sons guitarist and founding member Scott Holiday for an honest conversation about rock 'n' roll, creative ambition, guitar tone and the realities of the music business.Scott shares the story behind Rival Sons, why believing in your own music matters, and what inspired him to bring classic, guitar-driven rock back into the spotlight.They also explore the power of simplicity in guitar playing, how Rival Sons approaches songwriting credits and financial agreements, and why Scott traded his massive amplifier setup for a Line 6 Helix.From the creative decisions that shape a band's sound to the business conversations that keep it together, this episode offers valuable insights for guitarists, songwriters and anyone building a career in music.In this episode:The early days of Rival SonsBelieving in your music and creative visionBringing classic rock 'n' roll backWhy fewer notes can create a bigger soundSongwriting credits, money and band relationshipsScott Holiday's guitar rig and Line 6 HelixDiscover more episodes, artist stories and music industry insights at https://sorenssundaysession.comSoren's Sunday Session – Real conversations. Real musicians. Real stories.

What makes a song truly yours? Sometimes it's the influences you grew up with. Sometimes it's the guitar in your hands. And sometimes it's a mistake you decide not to fix.In this episode of Wednesday Sessions, Søren Andersen revisits City of Angels, one of his earliest compositions and a song that has become his personal theme.Søren shares the story of how the song came together, from its feel-good California atmosphere to the guitarists and songs that inspired its distinctive sound.He talks about the influence of Danish band News, the melodic playing of Michael Lee Firkins and the unmistakable guitar style of Reb Beach from Winger.Along the way, Søren introduces the one-of-a-kind Yamaha Pacifica he used to record the song, explains the ideas behind its guitar parts and reveals how an accidental phrase during recording became a permanent part of the arrangement.It's a personal look at songwriting, guitar playing and the musical influences that stay with us throughout our careers.In this episode: Songwriting, guitar influences, Yamaha Pacifica, Michael Lee Firkins, Reb Beach and the story behind City of Angels.Discover more episodes and join the community at https://sorenssundaysession.com.

What started as a collection of guitar pedal demos eventually became Guilty Pleasures, Soren Andersen's instrumental solo album.In this episode of Soren's Sunday Session, Soren takes us behind the scenes of the album, sharing how the music came together, the inspiration behind its sound and the recording techniques that helped bring it to life.He also dives into the guitars, amplifiers and effects behind his signature tone, including his custom Yamaha Pacifica, Marshall amplifiers, Line 6 Helix and Myasnikov Custom preamp.From recording guitars dry in the studio to building a hybrid analogue and digital guitar rig for live performances, Soren shares practical insights into guitar production, tone shaping and the challenges of recreating studio sounds on stage.In this episode:How guitar pedal demos became a full instrumental albumThe inspiration and stories behind Guilty PleasuresRecording techniques and guitar toneSoren's custom Yamaha Pacifica and Marshall amplifiersBuilding a hybrid live rig with Line 6 Helix and external preampsThe effects and equipment used to recreate the album liveWhat's next for Guilty PleasuresWhether you're a guitarist, music producer or simply curious about the creative process behind an instrumental rock album, this episode offers a look inside Soren Andersen's world of guitars, recording and live performance.Discover more from Soren's Sunday Session:Website: https://sorenssundaysession.comInstagram: @sorenssundaysessionYouTube: Soren's Sunday Session

From Demo to Recorded DrumsA great demo is just the beginning. But how do you turn programmed drums into a real performance?In this Wednesday Session, Soren Andersen shares his personal approach to preparing a recording session for a live drummer.From MIDI drums and custom click tracks to Pro Tools session templates, monitoring and talkback, Soren explains the practical steps that help turn a rough demo into a professional studio recording.It's a quick look inside the recording process, with useful tips and a few tricks from years spent working in the studio.Wednesday Session. One topic. Straight to the point.Discover more at https://www.sorenssundaysession.com/

What happens when a producer becomes part of the band?In this episode of Soren's Sunday Session, Soren Andersen is joined by Filippa Nässil and Linnéa Vikström of Swedish rock band Thundermother for an honest conversation about songwriting, collaboration and the making of their upcoming album.The band calls Soren their “fifth member” — but what does that actually mean?Together, they explore how their creative partnership works, why they decided to involve Soren before writing the songs, and how sharing ideas can lead to stronger music.From writing songs around a single lyric to recording twelve basic tracks in just six days, they share practical insights into the creative and technical sides of making a rock album.They also discuss why preparation matters, how to avoid getting stuck in the studio, and why the best idea should always win — regardless of who came up with it.Most importantly, they explore the difference between changing a band's identity and helping it become the best version of itself.In this episode:Songwriting and creative collaborationThe producer's role in a bandRecording and studio preparationGuitar riffs, melodies and arrangementsThundermother's upcoming albumTrust, communication and leaving ego behindSoren's Sunday Session is hosted by guitarist and producer Soren Andersen, sharing stories, knowledge and experiences from more than 40 years in the music industry.New full episodes every Sunday, with shorter Wednesday Sessions covering one topic at a time.Explore more episodes:https://www.sorenssundaysession.com/

What does it take to become Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist?In this episode of Soren's Sunday Session, Soren Andersen sits down with Greek guitarist Gus G, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind and his solo career.Gus shares the incredible story of receiving an unexpected invitation to audition for Ozzy Osbourne, flying to Los Angeles and landing the gig on the spot.But the conversation goes far beyond Ozzy.Soren and Gus discuss the realities of touring, working as professional musicians, the importance of preparation and the challenges of building a lasting career in the music industry.They also dive into Gus G's Jackson signature guitars, Blackfire Pickups, touring equipment and the lessons they've learned from years on the road.And Soren shares his own story of how he became Glenn Hughes' guitarist.From dream gigs and unexpected opportunities to practical advice for aspiring musicians, this episode is packed with stories from two guitarists who've experienced the music business firsthand.Don't be late. Be prepared. Don't be an asshole.🎸 Soren's Sunday SessionStories, education and conversations from a lifetime in music.New full episodes every Sunday, with shorter Wednesday Sessions every Wednesday.Visit our website: https://www.sorenssundaysession.com/

One topic. Straight to the point.Soren Andersen has never really been a Les Paul guy. After owning and selling several over the years, a 1971 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty finally changed his mind.In the first Wednesday Session, Soren tells the story of the guitar, its more than 50 years of wear and why this particular Les Paul finally clicked.Wednesday Session is the short-form companion to Soren's Sunday Session. New Wednesday Sessions every Wednesday, with the full Soren's Sunday Session continuing every Sunday.Watch, listen and explore more at sorenssundaysession.com