Meet Eddie Pimentel | Guitarist, Singer & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eddie Pimentel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eddie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would say that the most important factor that has always driven me forward is my persistence, combined with consistency and continuous dedication to music and my career. It’s hard to pinpoint just one factor, but I would say that developing the three pillars of guitarship, musicianship, and music business to the fullest is the way to grow in such a competitive and simultaneously underserved field. Resilience is also essential; often, things won’t go as we want, and it’s important to be able to adapt and navigate situations whenever possible. Attitude, attitude, attitude. As the great producers say, if you have the right attitude, you’re in the session; otherwise, you’re out. And I believe this applies not only to studio musicians but to everyone in the industry and even to other professions. Dealing with people is one of the biggest challenges when trying to make a project succeed, so in my opinion, having the mentioned three pillars well-established and adding to that a consistently positive and optimistic attitude with everything and everyone is crucial!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
From dream to reality, I, Eddie Pimentel, a guitarist originally from Rio de Janeiro, am proudly debuting my first album, “One Way Home,” produced by Tim Carmon. With ten original tracks and several musical bonuses, I’m making my debut in the international blues and soul music scene, with intimate compositions that reflect my experiences in the United States, a period marked by both successes and personal losses.
For me, the album “One Way Home” represents the greatest professional achievement I could have as a musician and artist. Playing and recording with my idols has been a long-held dream, achieved after many years of study, dedication, and some sacrifices. When I look back, I always remember Nathan East (Eric Clapton’s bassist) during the ‘Reptile Tour,’ giving me some picks and telling me to practice. I will never forget that moment! And in 2011, during Clapton’s third tour in Brazil, Tim Carmon (who has played, toured with, written for, or produced names like Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, BB King, among others) was the one who recognized those instructions Nathan gave me and pulled me out of the fan position, making me feel like one of them. I remember it as if it were yesterday, 13 years ago, talking with Eric Clapton backstage at one of his shows here in Brazil, alongside my then future producer. It’s unbelievable how things happen, I recall with pride.Recorded in Los Angeles with top-notch musicians, the album features Tim Carmon on piano, Rhodes, and Hammond, Gorden Campbell (Whitney Houston) on drums, Courtney Leonard (Beyoncé) on bass, Charlean Carmon (Stevie Wonder) and Sydne Rose-Myett (Squad Harmonix) on backing vocals, with mixing by Tim Carmon, David Bryce, and Arthur Damásio. Mastered by Lucas Sagaz. Technical direction by Rodrigo Peixoto.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow, this is one of the best questions! I lived in Los Angeles from 2014 to 2016 and have plenty of tips! I’ll list them all here—unmissable!

After living in Los Angeles for 3 years studying at the Musicians Institute, I, Eddie Pimentel, returned to Los Angeles at the invitation from Tim Camron to go to the Crossroads Guitar Festival. During my stay in the city, I had the chance to reconnect not only with old friends but also to revisit my beloved Musicians Institute, as well as my favorite music instrument stores, famous concert venues, my favorite jazz club in the city, renowned music fairs, and even my favorite restaurant in town (a famous musician’s hangout). Below are my recommendations for guitar enthusiasts visiting Los Angeles:

1-Guitar Center Hollywood

Guitar Center Hollywood, besides being the most iconic guitar store in the world, is a very special place for me because it was the first store I visited on my first trip to the city, and it’s just a few blocks from Musicians Institute. I practically lived there during my student days, haha. There, you can find various guitars on display from famous artists, handprints of the greatest guitarists set in cement, and the famous Platinum Room created by Andrew Berlin, featuring amazing vintage instruments,” says Eddie.

2-Musicians Institute
 in Hollywood
A few blocks from Guitar Center, is the famous music school, where I graduated in 2015. The school is a global reference for music students, with an impressive educational structure and some of the most renowned teachers in the industry. “It was truly moving to revisit the place that forever changed my professional life. Seeing the school staff again, reminiscing about that environment, and walking around the campus with my friend and former student Big Joe Manfra was a memorable experience! Fantastic!” says Eddie.

3-Center Staging

Another important place I had the opportunity to revisit was Center Staging, the largest rehearsal complex in Los Angeles. It’s where top solo artists and bands rehearse before heading out on world tours. “Revisiting Center Staging is always amazing; that complex is truly impressive for any studio enthusiast like me. The number of rehearsal rooms and the quality of each one is something to admire! I highly recommend it!” says Eddie.

4 and 5-Greek Theater and Hollywood Bowl

I also want to mention the famous Greek Theater and Hollywood Bowl! I recommend everyone visiting LA to check out the shows happening at these two venues. Besides the main event, the scenery at both places, especially at night with the continuously starry California sky, makes any night there memorable!” says Eddie.

6-Instrument Stores:
Norman’s Rare Guitars, Truetone Music, Imperial Vintage Guitars, and Amp Shop Bass Exchange
In addition to the famous Guitar Center, I also recommend my four favorite boutique instrument stores. “Guitar Center is definitely a must-visit for anyone in the city, but my favorite stores with truly amazing instrument collections are Norman’s Rare Guitars, Truetone Music, Imperial Vintage Guitars, and Amp Shop Bass Exchange. There, you’re sure to find that boutique amp or vintage or modified guitar you’re looking for,” says Eddie.

7-NAMM Show and Amp Show
On this trip, I finally had the chance to attend the Amp Show, an event organized by Leone. I tried to go during the years I lived in LA but never managed to. The event was purely about amplifiers, and now Leone told me that it alternates its focus year by year. This year, it was more about vintage guitars and amplifiers. In another year, it might focus on pedals, and the following year just amps again (not necessarily in that order). Besides the Amp Show, I STRONGLY recommend visiting the NAMM Show, which is literally the largest musical instrument trade show in the world. It’s really hard to describe the scale of NAMM; all the brands are there. It usually takes place in January each year.

8-Capitol Records

Another notable stop is the historic Capitol Records building in Hollywood. Just passing by Capitol Records and feeling the energy of that place, knowing about all the artists who made history there and went through the famous studios in that building, makes you breathe music,.

9-Baked Potato

The Baked Potato is the most minimalist jazz club with enormous audio quality that I know of! It’s super intimate; I don’t think more than 40 people can fit inside. All the shows there are amazing because you get to see your favorite musicians playing right in front of you, up close, with incredible sound quality.

10-Roscoe’s
This restaurant is one of my favorites in LA—Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles! Besides being quite different from what we have here in Brazil, it’s also very popular among the city’s musicians. I recommend the classic Country Boy dish and the famous Eclipse three-stage juice. And don’t miss the place’s soundtrack—R&B all the way! It’s really good!.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow! So many people throughout my entire life… but to start objectively, I’m delighted to begin with my producer, Tim Carmon. It’s impressive how he was able to see so many things I couldn’t back then. He is the real deal and a true “school” type of producer. He encouraged me since I was 22 years old, when I didn’t sing and had no perspective of pursuing a solo career. Words will never be enough to describe my gratitude and affection for this guy, my older brother, and likewise, words will never be enough to recount the countless stories and challenges we’ve overcome together over these 13 years! So much lived and infinite learning! Alongside him, the three most important people in my life are my father Nelson (whom I lost to COVID-19 in 2021), to whom I dedicate my album “One Way Home,” my mother Fernanda, and my brother Guilherme. I don’t think I’ve ever seen people so passionate about music and so supportive.

Website: https://eddiepimentel.com

Instagram: eddiepimentelofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eduardo.pimentel.961

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@eddiepimentel

Other: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/artist/2cEkIovaxtBwSYJHk0e6Ku?si=N_qCSuUITUKESwiAQazVvw

Image Credits
Pedro Yasbek