#Matt wasn't born knowing how to make a unique sound. That develops over time you're allowed to just tinker away and tweak.

[sunburnacoustic]

In the world of rock, Queen stands out as a good example of the clash between guitar and piano in songwriting. I think that’s where you stumble across those more unusual arrangements and chord structures.

In my heart I want to do more hard rock music, but at the same time, I’m much more attracted to the piano. I think that automatically causes something unusual to happen.

Also Smashing Pumpkins, even though they’re not piano-based. I always found their arrangements interesting, like on the album, Siamese Dream. In terms of guitar, I also like Rage Against the Machine and Jimi Hendrix.

But in terms of piano, I love Ben Folds, but to me, that’s a very different style of music. I love the low, heavy piano bit in “Jackson Cannery.” It made me realise if you want to get heavy, you have to get down there and hit some large chord.

Matt Bellamy on his influences and making a big sound | "Innocence And Absolution", Keyboard Magazine, June 2005