Photo by Sean Ryan Smith from http://www.yogimusic.com

Genius is a term losing merit in the music industry..it’s overuse has become as generic as the word denim when explaining a pair of blue jeans. However, every now & again it firmly nails itself into a description with dead on accuracy. Such is the case of accolades written time & time again about guitarist, performing artist, producer & songwriter Yogi Lonich. Lead guitarist & backing vocalist for Chris Cornell since 2006, Yogi is no stranger to sharing the stage with musical legends. His stage CV includes names such as Prince, Kid Rock, Melissa Etheridge, Natasha Bedingfield, Bonnie Raitt, Axl Rose & Slash. He’s also known for a little show at the Rock’N Roll Hall of Fame with Jimi Hendrix band members Mitch Mitchell & Billy Cox for the 2008 Hendrix Exhibit.  Yeh, it’s just how Yogi rolls. Oh, did I mention he’s also a former member of The Wallflowers, Buckcherry & Fuel? I was honored to steal some time away from his own legendary schedule. Read on for some Q&A with the rock’n roll music man who’s also quite fond of silence..
Watch Vid of My favorite Yogi Tune Inside You


Photo by Sean Ryan Smith from http://www.yogimusic.com

Quick 5 Stats With Yogi Lonich
1. Native Californians do hippie shit better.
2. Plaid or Argyle? Argyle
3. Best way to Break The Silence?
A jam session with Toss Panos and Tim LeFebvre
4. Best Makeout Song Ever Written? Kid A (the song)
5. If I wasn’t a musician I would surely be a carny.

A very spiritual being, you’ve been known to spend days on end in silent meditation. In fact, I read that Chris Cornell had to wait to get your response to his tour offer until you had broken the silence from a meditative retreat. I would assume that kind of centering is a welcomed escape in the tumultuous world of touring. Do you feel your spirituality is imperative to your success? Does it help to deliver the musical muse when called upon?
My spiritual path is nothing more than a practice to bring equanimity to my life. The practice of yoga and silent retreats will also help me to reach the final goal of full liberation. When one is in communion with dhamma (natural law), it’s rather easy to attain mundane and material goals. Inspiration is derived from “in spirit”, so yes, my inner growth directly correlates with an abundance of musical ideas.


Long Time Coming from your latest solo album Hesitant Poet is such a beautiful & thought provoking song. What is the story behind the song & where is it that Yogi is truly at “home”?   Watch the Video HERE
This song relates to a moment where I found love. It’s not a place or anything literal, just a state of mind where I feel comfortable in my own skin and where I can fully share my life with my partner.



Photo by Robert Knight from http://www.yogimusic.com

When can we expect more music from your band Run Through The Desert?
WATCH VIDEO for “BREAK THE SILENCE”
I’ve recently spoken with drummer, Jason Sutter, and we hope to be playing some shows in the near future. As far as new material goes, I have put together a couple of new projects that are dominating my musical energy, so there are no RTTD recordings on the horizon.

Having spent your summer touring with Melissa Etheridge, what does your fall look like? & Most importantly, where can we hear, see & be more Yogi??
I’m producing a new band called Mindplow which will keep me busy for the next couple months. Also have a new trio of my own which will bring new “Yogimusic”. Headed out with Melissa Etheridge at the end of the month for some shows. Looking forward to that.

Thank you for truth & sincerity in music & for writing stellar songs Yogi.
All the best to you:)
Peace and Blessings ~ Yogi
CheckOut http://www.yogimusic.com