Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair

Jim Ward shares insights into his musical journey, his collaboration with J. Robbins, and the unique Texas music scene that shaped his sound. Zach and Jim talk about how Jim's Texas roots influence his guitar style, recording approach, and band dynamics. The two also discuss Jim's genre defying career from being a founder of At The Drive-In to fronting SPARTA. The subtext of this episode is that Zach can't seem to stop interviewing Texas guitar players and he's ok with that.

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE.

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Dunlop

THRICE

Zach talks with Teppei Teranishi from Thrice! Teppei shares his journey of building his own guitars, the impact of technology on live performances, and his influences in jazz and rock guitar. Discover how his DIY approach and innovative gear choices shape his sound and creative process.

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

Zach finally gets to talk with J Robbins! J. shares insights into his guitar influences, creative process, and the importance of musical authenticity. Zach and J explore his unique approach to guitar tuning, his admiration for pioneering musicians, and the essence of punk as a broad, inclusive movement. They commiserate on the great Andy Kerr from NoMeansNo, the role of harmonic complexity on guitar and the power of self belief (don't we all need that?).

J. Robbins

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE.

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Dunlop

John and Zach reconnect over their shared musical history, discussing their experiences in the punk scene, the influences that shaped their guitar playing, and the evolution of Congleton's band, The Paper Chase. They explore the unique musical identity that comes from their Texas roots, the importance of artistic merit over gear, and the personal journeys that led them to where they are today. They discuss coming up together in the same scene, hanging out and playing guitar. The discussion highlights the hard work and dedication required in the music industry, as well as the emotional and personal aspects of being a musician. They discuss Johns journey from a touring musician to one of the most prolific, in-demand ,genre-defying producers today.

John Congleton

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE.

Zach talks to Cotter Phinney, the frontman of the band Medium. They explore the origins of Medium, the influences that shaped Cotter's musical journey, and the unique aesthetic of the band, including their theatrical performances. They delve into the lo-fi music scene, the egg punk genre, and the impact of various musical influences, including jazz fusion. Cotter tells us about meeting Chris Poland from Megadeth and how it influenced his guitar playing. Cotter shares his journey of musical discovery and the challenges of finding his unique sound. They get into the importance of gear is in shaping a musician's identity, as well as the excitement surrounding upcoming projects and releases from Cotter's band, Medium, and his record label, Psychic Reader.

MEDIUM

PSYCHIC READER

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE.

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

Zach talks with one of his immediate-circle-besties, Orville Neeley III, as they explore their shared musical history, influences, and the evolution of Orville's career as a multi-instrumentalist. They discuss Orville's journey from Austin's vibrant music scene to joining the band Spiritual Cramp, touching on the dynamics of being in multiple bands and the creative process behind their music. The conversation also delves into gear talk, particularly focusing on Orville's Ovation guitar, and reflections on lost gear and future musical endeavors. They chat about all things OBN3!! From Bad Sports to Radioactivity to OBN3s to A GIANT DOG to Spiritual Cramp to...well you get it, just tune in!! This one is long overdue!

SPIRTUAL CRAMP

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

Zach talks with Brooks Harlan, a talented musician and amp builder, who shares his musical journey from El Paso to Baltimore. Brooks shares his background in music, the inception of Big Crunch Amplifiers and the formation of the band War On Women. He emphasizes the importance of quality sound in music production and his passion for creating custom amplifiers tailored to musicians needs. Zach and Brooks discuss the long-awaited release of this new record and his excitement for the upcoming shows, The two talk about his collaborations with Jay Robins where he shares his journey of joining Jawbox and the challenges and joys of playing with Burning Airlines. The two chat about the unique features of Brooks’ custom guitar and what and dream that experience has been.

Big Crunch Amplifiers

WAR ON WOMEN

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Dunlop

Zach sits down with close friends and fellow Texans, Mark Ryan and Jeff Burke, members of the influential punk band Marked Men. They discuss the band's legacy, their impact on the punk scene, and the vibrant music culture of Denton, Texas. The trio reflects on their musical journeys, collaborations, and the importance of instrumentation in their sound. They also touch on the prolific nature of their creativity and the various side projects that have emerged from their time in Marked Men. They delve into gear, specifically the wonders of Danelectro guitars and how important that instrument has been to them both on cultivating their sounds. influences, current. They share stories about the challenges of live performances, and the evolution of their sound over the years. The three touch on their studio experiences and the unique signature sounds they create, highlighting their passion for music and the camaraderie that comes with it.

The Marked Men

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

Zach sits down with Mike Schleibaum of the mighty DARKEST HOUR. They explore the evolution of metal music, guitar gear, band dynamics, and the philosophy of artistic influence. They share personal stories, technical insights, and reflections on legacy, collaboration, and the future of music. They discuss all things metal from Pantera to Gothenberg. My favorite two pull-quotes: 'PLAY BETTER' and 'FLOYD ROSE IS MY RELIGION'!!

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

Nikki shares her early relationship with music, how it developed her guitar playing and how she is approaching touring the new album Hooligan, from her band IN LIEU. The discussion moves to importance of genuine musical expression over social media trends, highlighting the significance of live performances and personal connections in building a fanbase. Zach and Nikki discuss the profound impact of live music, the significance of personal gear choices, and the journey of creating music. They delve into Nikki's first guitar, her current equipment, and the influences that shape her sound. The two touch on the challenges faced with gear mishaps and the excitement surrounding the release of the new album.

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars