HoS: Tell me a little bit about how you guys came up with the name Dali's Dilemma?
PR: [Matt] Guillory's uncle suggested it. We thought it sounded different and actually admired Dali's work. So we felt honored to be associated with the name. Our dilemma is that we are confined within the underground realms of the music market.

HoS: And how about the title of the CD, Manifesto for Futurism?
PR: Steve got that idea from a news journal. The name has a strong meaning and even sounds bold. We are not futurists, but can relate to the meaning.

HoS: Is there a story behind the overall look of the CD case? I'm referring to the use of the really old typewriter and such.
PR: No. It was all conceived within Dave McKean's creative mind.

HoS: How much of the CD was recorded "live" in the studio? Or do you prefer to layer tracks?
PR: Everything was layered. This allowed us to take our time with our individual tracks. I don't prefer overdubbing as far as basic tracks go, but when it comes to solos I prefer to overdub. I would definitely like to get a live basic track session done in the future. You just can't get the "feeding off each other" vibe when you overdub. Perhaps on the next one.

HoS: Your guitar has a very rich sound, do you use a cabinet simulator for recording? And if so, what brand and model?
PR: No cab sim. I used a Mesa Boogie Dual Recto head through a Recto 4x12 cab. I recorded two tracks for a stereo guitar sound - each track with a different tone. The mics were a Neumann and a Sure 57 - both upclose and directed straight at the center of the cone. I usually put one mic far back and off to the side for more ambience and warmth, but there wasn't enough room in the studio to accommodate for that technique.

HoS: A friend of mine has a band who's drummer and bass player are brothers. It is obvious that years of the two playing together have given them a very tight feel. How do you feel that playing with your brother Steve on bass has effected Dali's sound?
PR: We have been playing together for a long time and I think we are pretty tight as a result. I suppose a different bass player in the band would introduce a different sound and feel. But having a brother in the band is kinda cool because it's one more guy in the band to whom we don't have to explain what kind of vibe were going for in any given situation. He's already with us. I would say being brothers has a lot to do with it.

HoS: While listening to the CD, I get the feeling that you guys put an awful lot of time and effort into all of the songs. Does this mean that a 2nd CD will not hit the stores for a long time? If not, then when can we expect a new CD?
PR: I think you can expect another record next year. Maybe Summer 2k. And yes, we do put a lot of time into our material. We are very meticulous about our work and are always refining songs.

HoS: What kind of munchies or surprises can ALWAYS be found in the studio when you guys are recording?
PR: Fast food wrappers, Wonder Bread, sodas, magazines, and an occasional six pack. Oh yeah, and lots of humor!

HoS: Tell me a little about your sound. What kind of equipment do you prefer to use? Is there one particular piece that you cant live without?
PR: My set-up is quite simple: I have a Mesa Dual Recto T-Verb head, and a Marshall 50 watt plexi head. The Boogies are good for fat chunky rhythm tones, and I like Marshalls for full volume overdriven lead tones. I have a couple of fuzz boxes which I bought when I first started out: DOD Overdrive/Preamp 250, and a Boss DS-1. I don't used them regularly, but have them around in case I need them. And of course, I can't live without a wah-wah.

HoS: What about your guitars? What kind do you use?
PR: Fender 76' strat , Music Man Silhouette Special, Ibanez RG-7. I prefer the tone of strats overall. Although I play guitars with humbuckers, I never really got used to them. Single coils rule!

HoS: If you could add ANY guitar to your collection, what would it be?
PR: A "Sky" Guitar designed by Uli Jon Roth. Not only because Roth is one of my favorite players, but because it is so unique of a guitar.

HoS: Do play different guitars on different songs in order to achieve that certain sound?
PR: Yes. Every guitar has a different sound, and I like to take advantage of that. I used my strat for all the clean guitar parts on Manifesto, and on the dirty tone for Despite The Waves.

HoS: What about plans for a tour? Where can we get info?
PR: Right here (laughs). We really want to embark on a tour; however, we haven't found funding for it yet. We will make an effort to hook-up with a tour for the next release.

HoS: Do you write your solo's after the rest of the song is completed or do you build songs or passages within a song around a solo?
PR: After the rest of the song is done. I have in the past written parts for a song which were inspired by improvised lead lines. I don't have a defined approach to solos. Sometimes I improvise and sometimes I write it out. I think improvising is better though because you are playing what you are feeling at the time instead of what you were feeling at another instance. There are so many variables involved with guitar playing that reproducing some improvised lines are virtually impossible.

HoS: What guitarists do you listen too and who inspire you to play?
PR: Allan Holdsworth is just about as good as a guiatar player gets. Yngwie is still king of the metal guitar mountain. Greg Howe is incredible!, and Uli Jon Roth - need I say more? I don't listen to guitar players like I used to in my younger years. The guys who inspired me were Randy Rhoads, Michael Schenker, Al Dimeola and Ritchie Blackmore.

HoS: On our website, we have a section called the "Hall Of Shame". Its where we put the names of great guitarists who have lowered themselves and compromised their ability and integrity just to sell a few more CD's. Are there any axe-masters out there who you would add to the Hall Of Shame and why?
PR: I really don't have anyone in mind.

HoS: And the hardest question, the one that we ALWAYS ask (resistance is futile)...If you were marooned on a desert Island, and could only have 5 CD's to listen to forever, what would they be?
PR: Hmm...this time I'll have to say:
Michael Schenker Group - self titled
Black Sabbath - Headless Cross
Bach - Piano Concertos
Stevie Ray Vaughn - Couldn't Stand the Weather
Rainbow - Long Live Rock n' Roll

The House of Shred would like to thank Patrick Reyes of Dali's Dilemma for taking the time to talk to us, and we apologize to Patrick and the band for the delay in getting this interview posted.

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