My story begins in the huge attic of my grandmother’s house in Bulgaria.
When I was a kid, one of my favorite things to do was explore that attic. I would spend hours up there, digging through boxes and discovering all kinds of interesting objects from another time. One day, when I was 10 years old, I found an old acoustic guitar.
I picked it up and strummed a note—an A-flat or perhaps an A on the high E string. Whatever the note was, something about that sound immediately fascinated me.
Many, many years later, that fascination has never stopped.
My first electric guitar was, to put it kindly, a horrible instrument. With very little information and even fewer resources available to me at the time, I began heavily modifying it. Somehow, I eventually turned it into a reasonably playable guitar. Years later, I discovered that several famous guitarists had started out doing the same thing—taking imperfect instruments apart, modifying them and trying to make them better.
That discovery made me feel like I had been on the right path all along.
Discovering a New Way to Play
I have had many guitar heroes throughout my life, and I have learned something valuable from each of them. However, my entire approach to learning music and practicing changed dramatically around 1987 or 1988, when I first heard Yngwie Malmsteen.
I did not even realize that what I was hearing was being played on a guitar. I certainly could not comprehend the technique required to produce those sounds. It was completely out of this world.
I knew immediately that this was how I wanted to approach the instrument.
From that moment forward, I began working relentlessly.
Classical training helped me develop a deeper understanding of music theory and the many elements that exist beyond technique alone. At the same time, an intense daily practice regimen gradually shaped my playing into what it is today: a violin-inspired approach to the guitar that is melodic, technical and driven by a deep, expressive vibrato.
Technique has always mattered to me, but only when it serves the music.
A Life of Music
Over the years, I have played, toured and recorded with many bands. I am proud of everything I have accomplished with each and every one of them.
There have been accolades, competitions, individual and band prizes, as well as numerous radio and television appearances. Those experiences have all been meaningful, but recognition has never been the most important part of the journey.
The most important thing has always been the music itself.
It is what writing and performing music has given me throughout my life—and what it continues to give me today. I believe it will remain part of me until my final day, and perhaps even after.
Music is not simply something I do. It is how I communicate, how I create and how I understand the world around me.
Joining Throckmore
The latest chapter in my musical journey is joining Throckmore.
I first saw Throckmore perform at Backstage Bar & Billiards in Las Vegas. As I watched the band, I immediately recognized something special in their music and performance. I knew immediately that I wanted to play alongside them. When that opportunity came knocking, I didn’t hesitate to answer the door.
What drew me to the band was not only the music, but also the musicians themselves. I believe Throckmore is made up of incredibly talented and underrated artists who have the creativity, passion and ability to bring new music to the masses.
There is something powerful about musicians who continue creating original music because they believe in it, even when the industry often favors familiarity over something new. Throckmore has its own identity, its own sound and songs that deserve to reach a much wider audience.
I want to be part of that journey.
For me, joining Throckmore is an opportunity to contribute my experience, technique and musical perspective to a group of musicians who are hungry to create something meaningful. It is also a chance to continue growing as a player while helping the band take its music to the next level.
I believe in these musicians, I believe in the songs and I believe Throckmore has what it takes to connect with people far beyond the local music scene.
The Instruments Behind the Sound
I primarily play Ibanez electric and acoustic guitars. When nylon-string acoustic duties are required, I rely on my Godin Multiac Duet Ambiance.
I have fully embraced the digital guitar-modeling revolution and appreciate the flexibility, consistency and creative possibilities that modern technology provides. At the same time, there is still nothing quite like the feeling of air moving from a traditional guitar cabinet.
My Mesa Boogie 4×12 and 2×12 cabinets remain an important part of my sound and my connection to the instrument.
And one thing is certain: I will never sell my Triple Rectifier.
Never Stop Learning
My approach to everything related to music is simple:
Never stop learning.
Never stop creating.
Never stop sharing.
Music is the most beautiful art form there is. It can communicate emotions that words cannot express, connect people from completely different backgrounds and continue to exist long after the final note has been played.
My journey began with an old acoustic guitar in my grandmother’s attic in Bulgaria. Today, that journey continues with Throckmore and a new group of musicians who share my belief in the power of original music.
Decades later, I am still chasing that first feeling of wonder every time I pick up the instrument.
The fascination never stopped—and I do not believe it ever will.
By: Vlad Vacarescu – Guitarist for Throckmore