After captivating guitar lovers around the world with her flawless technique and melodic sensitivity, Lari Basilio returns with Redemption — a record that blends virtuosity and emotion with top-level production. Recorded at the legendary EastWest Studios in Los Angeles and featuring icons such as Vinnie Colaiuta, Leland Sklar, and Sean Hurley, the album represents a stage of personal and artistic growth for the Brazilian guitarist.
Just days before her tour in Spain, Lari sat down with us to talk about her beginnings, her influences, the creative process behind Redemption, and what fans can expect from her upcoming shows.
David Aresté
M.S: First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us, Lari. How are you feeling right now with everything happening — the release of Redemption, the tour, and connecting with your fans worldwide?
Lari Basilio: I feel really good. It’s a very exciting moment. I’m happy with the new album and finally being able to hit the road, performing these songs live. Also, coming to Spain for the first time with my band is something I’m really looking forward to. I can’t wait!
M.S: Let’s go back to the beginning: how and when did your musical journey start? What led you to pick up the guitar for the first time?
Lari Basilio: It all started at home, with my father. He’s a very musical person and was always playing guitar at home. In fact, he was the one who taught me my first chords. But before that, I studied organ — it was my first instrument. After a while, I stopped organ lessons because what really excited me was the guitar. I fell in love with the instrument, and I haven’t stopped since.
M.S: Which artists, genres, or key moments in your life do you think influenced your sound and musical identity the most?
Lari Basilio: I grew up listening to my guitar heroes like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Eric Johnson, which I think explains why I love instrumental music so much. I’m also inspired by guitarists like Richie Kotzen, John Mayer, Jeff Beck, and Steve Lukather. I listened to a lot of rock bands too, like Foo Fighters and Avenged Sevenfold — I love Synyster Gates; the way he plays is incredible. And of course, Brazilian music is part of me, even if I haven’t formally studied it, it’s always in my musical DNA.
M.S: How would you describe the evolution of your style from your early work to what we hear now in Redemption?
Lari Basilio: I think my compositions are more mature now. With each album, I aim to improve, both in production and sound. I feel my style is still versatile — there’s rock, groove, pop, acoustic songs — but with stronger technique and composition. Every record helps me grow a bit more as an artist.
M.S: On the new album, you collaborated with incredible musicians like Vinnie Colaiuta, Leland Sklar, and Sean Hurley. How did those collaborations come about, and what did each contribute to the final result?
Lari Basilio: I feel very honored to play with legends I deeply admire. With Vinnie, this is already the third album we’ve recorded together, and having him on my records is a privilege. Redemption also features Leland Sklar and Sean Hurley on bass, and my friend Mayron Sinto on keyboards. They are extraordinary musicians and, more importantly, great people. Each one brings a unique touch, perfectly understanding what each song needs, elevating the music to another level.
M.S: You recorded Redemption at the legendary EastWest Studios in Los Angeles and mixed it in the UK. How was that experience, and how did those environments influence the album’s sound?
Lari Basilio: It was an amazing experience. EastWest is an iconic place, with fantastic acoustics, especially for drums. We recorded there for two days with the full band playing live, which I love because it captures the real energy of the group. The engineer and mixer, Ross, was with us from the start. The final result exceeded my expectations. Those were two magical, inspiring days.
M.S: The album seems to explore deep emotions — growth, loss, hope, and rebirth. What message or feeling did you want to convey to listeners with Redemption?
Lari Basilio: This album reflects a very personal stage of my life. Before having my baby, I went through a miscarriage, so Redemption accompanies that whole emotional journey — sadness, faith, hope, and finally joy. For me, it represents a new life, a rebirth. I hope that anyone who listens can feel that message of hope and light.
M.S: Very soon, you’ll be performing in Spain: what can audiences expect from these concerts? Will you play the full album, include improvisations, or any special surprises?
Lari Basilio: The setlist is mainly made up of songs from Redemption, but I’ll also include tracks from Your Love and Far More. It’s going to be a very fun concert, full of energy. I’m excited to play in Barcelona and Madrid with my band — Lucas Bidran on drums, Arthur De Palla on bass, and Leo Bomeny on guitar and keyboards. We’re going to have a great time!
M.S: Is there any song from Redemption that’s particularly challenging to play live, or one you’re especially excited to share with the Spanish audience?
Lari Basilio: I love playing them all! But New Chapter and Seasons are two of my favorites right now. They’re really fun to play, and I feel they connect a lot with the audience.
M.S: Do you usually adapt your setlist or playing style depending on the country or audience?
Lari Basilio: The setlist is usually quite similar throughout the tour, although sometimes we make small changes depending on the location. But the essence of the show remains the same.
M.S: Do you have any pre-show rituals or personal items you always bring on stage?
Lari Basilio: I used to have a warm-up routine, but now that I travel with my baby, it’s different. I spend almost all my time with him when I’m not on stage, and that gives me a very special energy. Honestly, it’s better than ever.
M.S: After this tour and the release of Redemption, what’s next for you?
Lari Basilio: I want to start writing again soon. Composing new songs is one of my favorite things, so I’m excited to have time for that. I also plan to keep touring, visit places I haven’t played yet — like the UK, South America, and Asia — and work on new collaborations and products with my partners.
M.S: What advice would you give to young guitarists or instrumental composers who are starting out and looking for their own voice?
Lari Basilio: I think the most important thing is to always think about communicating a message through music. Even without words, the guitar can be a voice that tells a story. A good song should have a beginning, a development, and an ending that make sense. And above all, you have to have fun playing guitar. That’s the key.
M.S: If you could do a female “G3,” who would you like to share the stage with?
Lari Basilio: Wow, that’s a tough question! There are so many incredible female guitarists today… I’d love to play with Nita Strauss, Jennifer Batten, Orianthi, Yvette Young, Nili Brosh… It would be amazing to do something like that, with all those talented women sharing the stage.
M.S: A classic question to close: how many guitars do you have?
Lari Basilio: (Laughs) I think around forty. I don’t know exactly, but somewhere around that. I play Ibanez live, ever since I got my signature model, the Ibanez LB1. It’s the guitar I designed with everything I love and need, so I really don’t feel the need to use another. It has everything I’m looking for.
M.S: And finally, would you like to send a message to your Spanish fans before your concerts in a few days?
Lari Basilio: Of course! I’m very excited to see you at the Barcelona and Madrid shows. We’re going to have so much fun! I hope to see you there and share this music with all of you.
David Aresté