Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord

Emily Wolfe discovered her passion for the guitar at just 6 years old. Then in college, she found the courage to step forward as a vocalist. Equipped with both a microphone and an electric guitar, Emily’s creative potential was unleashed. In this episode we discuss her fantastic new album, Outlier, produced by Michael Shuman of Queens of the Stone Age. Additional topics include the city of Austin’s reputation as the live music capital, NFTs and other potential future trends in the music biz, the joys of touring, and more.

Intro Music by Eat the Wolf

Outro Music by The Vacant Shapes

In this episode we chart Steve Vai’s path from 12-year-old student under the tutelage of Joe Satriani to full-blown rock guitar god. Additional topics include the evolution of guitar playing, the development of Vai’s showmanship (especially while playing with David Lee Roth), the difference between discipline and passion, the story behind his monumental song “For the Love of God,” and more.

On today’s episode we welcome Nick Hexum and Tim Mahoney of 311. Nick and Tim grew up playing in bands together in Omaha, Nebraska. They soon forged the 311 sound and today, over 3 decades later, they’ve released 13 studio albums—ten of which reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200. Topics discussed include being rap-rock pioneers in the early 90s, breaking through to the mainstream in the mid 90s, band chemistry, influences, songwriting, pandemic life, distortion guitar tones, and much more.

Intro music by Eat the Wolf

Outro music by The Vacant Shapes

In today’s episode we speak with Jesse Keeler of Death From Above 1979 about the secrets to his bass sound, the origins of the band, the “Freeze Me” video, and their new album, Is 4 Lovers. Additional topics include Jesse’s musical upbringing, his thoughts on the future of music creation, and of course his affinity for Regular Slinky bass strings.

Freeze Me video: https://youtu.be/sdQqgVzex_w

Intro music by Eat the Wolf

Outro music by The Vacant Shapes

On today’s episode we welcome guitarist Jake Goldstein and bassist Kevin Grimmett of the band HUNNY. We discuss their history and the success of their local scene, which included bands such as the Neighbourhood and Bad Suns. We talk about their influences and pay homage to the Cure. Other topics include signing with Epitaph Records, predicting future trends in music, releasing a steady flow of singles, and more.

Intro music by Eat the Wolf

Outro music by The Vacant Shapes

At just 16 years old, Joe Robinson, equipped with his acoustic guitar, won Australia’s Got Talent. His career has since continued to flourish, releasing solo albums, doing session work, and performing with Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, and many other artists. In this episode we speak with Joe about getting the most out of your guitar practice, embracing mentors, growing up in a tiny Australian town, winning Australia’s Got Talent, and moving to Nashville.

Today we welcome YouTuber, shredder, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Jared Dines to the podcast. Through his intermingling of musical proficiency and comical skits, Jared has amassed millions of subscribers and hundreds of millions of views. In this episode we discuss social media as an outlet for musicians, the viral video experience, internet trash talkers, a day in the life of Jared Dines, Shred Wars, guitar practice, influences, new projects, finding fulfillment, and more.

Intro music by Eat the Wolf

Outro music by The Vacant Shapes

Joey Bradford, guitarist of the Used, knows touring — from all angles. Right out of high school he jumped on the opportunity to sell merch on the Warped Tour for Saosin. Never looking back, Bradford’s talent and tenacity continued to open doors (like the time he was approached at the merch table and asked to fill in on guitar for Thrice!). In this episode we speak with Bradford about making his way in the music biz, trying out for the Used, collaborating with artists such as Mark Hoppus, and creating music with turbocharged producer John Feldmann.

Intro music by Eat the Wolf

Outro music by The Vacant Shapes

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Kid Bloom joins us on the podcast for a wide ranging conversation. We discuss the idiosyncrasies of growing up in Los Angeles, playing strange gigs, writing songs on an instrument vs in a DAW, gaining traction without a label, and creating music that is unencumbered by social pressures.

Intro music: Eat the Wolf

Outro music: The Vacant Shapes

Cliff Williams of AC/DC joins us on the podcast to discuss his musical history prior to joining the band in 1977, his favorite memories of playing with AC/DC through the decades, his reflections on their new album, and his Music Man bass which has accompanied him through thick and thin since 1979. Ernie Ball Music Man has recently recreated Cliff’s bass and is making a very limited run available to the public. Following our interview with Cliff Williams, we speak with engineer Blair Ridings to get a behind-the-scenes look at the process of recreating Cliff’s iconic bass.