Local artist profiles: Jin Turpie and Kyle French

This week we double up and chat with two lead guitarists from local groups we’ve showcased recently, Jin Turpie from The Chans and Kyle French from The Flannos.

What motivated you to take up lead guitar?

JIN: Since I was young, I always had a passion for music. For ages, I just played rhythm guitar. But with help from my guitar teachers and live experience, I was pushed into a lead guitar position.

KYLE: I’ve always loved music and asked my parents for an electric guitar when I was 13. I didn’t learn much more than the start of some of my favourite songs until I hit my 20s. In my late 20s I joined the Union Street Blues Club and learning from other people made me start to love it all over again.

How would you describe your style?

JIN: Somewhere between heavy blues and rock. Over the years I’ve played different genres, covering most of them until I fell in love with rock n’ roll.

KYLE: My musical motto is “what I lack in talent, I make up for in theatrics”. I developed this style out of necessity.

Which other lead guitarists inspire you?

JIN: If I were to choose a (few), I would probably say that Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen, Mark Tremonti and Slash have shaped me into the guitarist I am today.

KYLE: Angus Young from AC/DC is a big influence. He’s so fun to watch. Jack White has (also) been a favourite for a long time. He’s always exciting and creative.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

JIN: So far it would be opening for Thirsty Merc, playing at Federation Square and having a great time playing with the other members of The Chans at many of our shows around the state.

KYLE: Being invited to play the Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival was an honour and made me feel like a real muso. Going into the studio (for) some recording was (also) a thrill.

How can people check out some of your music online?

JIN: Currently I don’t have any solo work out to the public. However, The Chans has one song out called HSP which is definitely worth checking out on all streaming platforms.

KYLE: We have lots of live streams and videos on our band Facebook page. You can stream our original songs on Spotify too.

Is there anything in particular you’re working on now?

JIN: At the moment while writing this, I am currently studying classical guitar and working on some fingerstyle arrangements to add a variety to my repertoire, as well as working on The Chans EP that will be coming out hopefully early next year.

KYLE: Macca and I are always passing bits and pieces back and forth just in case something sparks something cool. (He) recently wrote a great song that we’ve been jamming out over the last few weeks.

What would you say to young regional aspiring musicians who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

JIN: My message to young people is to take every opportunity that comes up and to enjoy music for what it is. Making new connections and having fun is vital to having a successful career.

KYLE: Get out there and play as much as you can. Joining the Blues Club and learning how it all works by watching other people play was the best thing I ever did.