In the vast landscape of online content creation, few realms are as dynamic and captivating as the world of guitar content. From tutorials to performances, reviews, to behind-the-scenes glimpses, guitar enthusiasts flock to platforms like YouTube for their daily dose of musical inspiration. In this engaging podcast episode, Mel Torres sits down with Steven Ward, a prolific guitar content creator, to uncover the secrets of his success and glean invaluable insights into the art of digital storytelling in the realm of music.
Mel and Steven met in URM Summit in 2018, setting the stage for a friendship grounded in a shared passion for music and digital media. Steven reflects on this serendipitous meeting, acknowledging the pivotal role it played in shaping his journey. "It's funny how life can lead you to unexpected places," he muses, encapsulating the essence of their chance encounter.
At the heart of Steven's content philosophy lies authenticity – a guiding principle that infuses every aspect of his creative process. "Authenticity is key," he asserts, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and real stories. In a digital landscape often saturated with polished facades, Steven's commitment to authenticity sets him apart, fostering a deep sense of connection with his audience.
Delving into the intricacies of content creation, Steven offers a glimpse into his creative process, rooted in a keen observation of everyday moments. "I find inspiration in everyday moments," he shares. "It's about capturing those sparks and turning them into something meaningful." This disciplined approach ensures a steady stream of engaging content that resonates with his audience.
Yet, Steven's journey has not been without its challenges. Embracing imperfection, he views setbacks as opportunities for growth and innovation. "Mistakes are just opportunities in disguise," he reflects. "They push us to evolve and innovate." This resilience in the face of adversity underscores Steven's unwavering commitment to his craft.
Central to Steven's success is his unwavering dedication to staying true to his vision. In a world of fleeting trends and external pressures, he advocates for artistic integrity and staying true to oneself. "Your authenticity is your greatest asset," he affirms, urging creators to remain steadfast in their artistic vision.
Beyond individual creativity, Steven acknowledges the power of community in fostering growth and collaboration. "Community is everything," he declares. "Together, we inspire, encourage, and uplift each other." Through collaborative projects and an inclusive online environment, Steven cultivates a vibrant community of like-minded individuals united by their passion for music.
Steven's journey reminds us of the enduring power of authenticity, resilience, and community in our creative endeavors.
I'm excited to share my experience driving the NATAS through the Orange Tiny Terror. If you're familiar with the Orange Tiny Terror, you know it's a single-channel Orange Amp with EL84 power tubes, delivering that signature Orange sound. In this demo, I decided to load this amp with another channel – a distortion channel; in this case the Fortin NATAS. The guitar was my friend's Legator Helio equipped with a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates, gated with the Zuul+ into the NATAS into the Orange Tiny Terror, and finally into my MESA 4x12" cab, mic'ed up with my trusty SM57. Let's dive into how this tone sounds.
Overall Impressions:
The combination of the two-stack gain structure of the Orange Tiny Terror and the NATAS creates a unique tone. It's got that signature Fortin bright articulation, yet not overpowering, with clarity and cut from the NATAS distortion. Balancing both gain structures was a challenge, but the result was a tone that stood out..
Deep Dive:
Conclusion.
The Orange Tiny Terror proves to be a solid amp that accommodates pedals well without oversaturating its characteristics. This combination with the NATAS results in a pairing that beautifully complements the Orange sound. If you're into a dynamic and unique tone, experimenting with the Fortin NATAS through the Orange Tiny Terror might be your next sonic adventure.
- Mel Torres
