In the promotional video for her new Kramer Voyager signature, Lzzy Hale can be seen passing her guitar through a television set into the hands of a young girl dreaming about her future life as a musician. And while this advert, which premiered on Gibson TV back in December, certainly does its job in selling the latest model for the Halestorm singer/guitarist, there's also a deeper message and meaning behind it.
And rightly so, given that Hale has now joined an elite handful of players (Slash, Jerry Cantrell and Dave Mustaine) as a Gibson Brand Ambassador - in her case, marking the first female player to be awarded such a lofty and highly coveted title...
"I love that it's being talked about so much," Lzzy says. "Something like this gives all the girls out there even more permission to pick up the instrument. I know there are some women who might feel, 'Why are you even mentioning it, can't you just let the talent speak for itself rather than play up to being the first female whatever?' But for me, it's a personal choice...
"Because I remember what it would have meant for me when I was growing up. I was looking for someone I could see my reflection in, and there wasn't really anyone... these conversations weren't even happening. When I was younger, female musicians were just a novelty. People would think, 'Oh, you're talented' and then say, 'Oh, we're going to put you on the girl's night at the local club!' I had to work very hard to get here. I want all the girls out there to know if I can do this - some dork from Pennsylvania with no music contacts or clue how to play when the band started - then so can they. Nothing is impossible!"
What exercises and practice regimes helped you become the player you are today?
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Total Guitar.
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This story is from the February 2024 edition of Total Guitar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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