Lister

By Cathrine Rodalgaard

Since Marnie Stern first held a guitar in her hand, she has not put it down again. With an average practice time of seven hours a day the 33 year old New Yorker has spent the past decade developing a style proving that technical finger-tapping is not only about Van Halen’s “Eruption”.

Last year when she released her second solo album, it was dubbed one of the year’s most interesting American rock albums and helped establish her as one of New York’s most explosive female guitarists. Marnie Stern’s technical skills, her energetic finger-tapping and catchy tunes make the adrenaline rush through your body at the same neck breaking pace as her manic, math inspired indie rock.

My Best Friend, the Guitar

How did your affection for the guitar arise?

“I had always wanted to play the guitar, but had the notion that it would be too difficult to learn. When I was 20, I decided to just go for it and start learning. Since then, it's all I've really thought about and all I want to do all of the time”.

You are self-taught – how did you develop your style of playing the guitar?

“I just sat in my apartment for many years and tried to figure it out. I've taken bits and pieces from different things I've heard and liked. Though, I would like to think that my style is somewhat original – and hopefully a reflection of who I am as a person”.

How would you describe your relationship with your guitar?

“That's an interesting question. I suppose in some ways it’s my best friend because I spend so much time with it. When I write a song that I really like, I praise my guitar. But when I am stuck with the song writing process, I want to throw it across the room”.

Ready to take on Roskilde Festival

How do you like playing at festivals?

“I love it! So far my best experiences are at festivals. The crowds are enthusiastic and the environment really revs you up to play a good set.”

How does a concert at a festival differ from playing a regular concert?

“Clubs are usually a more intimate setting. And while that is nice, I think it's far better to work off the energy of a festival crowd. They are there to see so many shows and so they are usually more motivated than the average person who just comes to a club for a night out”.

What can people expect of your concert at the festival? 

“They can expect me to bring the ‘rawk’ and a lot of fun”.

What would you be doing at the festival if you were a regular festival-goer?

“I'd be wearing a ton of sunscreen, drinking beer, and watching as many shows as possible.”