Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord

With the bonds of childhood friendship and the musical chemistry to match, The Story So Far caught fire in the pop punk world with their debut album Under Soil and Dirt. Never complacent, the Walnut Creek natives have continued to press the bounds of convention with each successive album. In this episode we speak with Kelen Capener, Kevin Geyer, and Will Levy about high school, songwriting, quarantine, Pure Noise Records, and more.

In this episode we speak with Halestorm guitarist Joe Hottinger about the group’s amazing journey from local bar band to Grammy award-winning artist. Joe discusses his development as a guitar player, his first meeting with Lzzy and Arejay Hale, his life in Nashville, his influences, and much more.

Forged in the Chicago punk scene of the late ‘90s, Rise Against seemed an unlikely candidate for mainstream success. After signing to a major label in 2003, Rise Against went on to release six albums that reached the Billboard 200 — five of which charted in the top ten. In this episode we speak with vocalist/guitarist Tim McIlrath and guitarist Zach Blair about sheltering in place, being political, following your passion, Zach’s tenure in the band Gwar, and much more.

Maddi Schieferstein first crossed paths with John Petrucci in 1998 when Deep Purple was touring with Dream Theater. At the time Maddi was the bass tech for Deep Purple, but as any true gearhead would, he took an interest in Petrucci’s extensive rig. Little did he know that in time he would come to know that rig better than anyone on the planet. In this episode Maddi Schieferstein, guitar tech to John Petrucci, answers questions solicited from fans online. Topics include changing strings and adjusting string height, as well as JP’s guitar collection and pre-show rituals.

Intro Music: Lightning from a Gun by Eat The Wolf

Outro Music: The Vacant Shapes

Not many unsigned bands are asked to play Coachella or tour with Jack White, yet this is the story of Chicano Batman. Today, with the release of their highly anticipated fourth album, Invisible People, Chicano Batman’s ascent continues unabated. In this episode guitarist Carlos Arévalo and bassist Eduardo Arenas discuss the making of their new album, living in Los Angeles, and growing up in a time when Latinos in mainstream rock were few and far between.

Referenced in the episode:

Eduardo's new bass: https://www.music-man.com/instruments/basses/old-smoothie

Carlos' new guitar: https://www.music-man.com/bfr/june-2019

Intro Music: Lightning from a Gun by Eat The Wolf

Outro Music: The Vacant Shapes

Hailing from Albany, New York, Drug Church has carved out a unique niche in the post-hardcore world. As articulated on their Spotify page, “They’re an unabashedly aggressive band that writes hooks you can’t stop humming — too poppy for the heavy crowd, too heavy for the poppy crowd.” And yet Drug Church’s proprietary sound continues to open new doors and attract new fans. In this episode we speak with vocalist Patrick Kindlon and guitarist Cory Galusha about their influences, their name, their thoughts on creating good music, and much more.

Articles referenced in interview:

https://www.revolvermag.com/music/drug-church-big-riffs-weezer-clones-mike-pattons-world-class-trolling

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/xwpwm3/drug-church-patrick-kindlon-cheer-interview

Intro Music: Lightning from a Gun by Eat The Wolf ernieb.al/2kCHJxf

Outro Music: The Vacant Shapes

Goldfinger frontman John “Feldy” Feldmann has one of the most enviable résumés in the music business. With roots in the California punk scene, Feldmann has gone on to produce and co-write with a wide variety of music’s biggest names, including Good Charlotte, Panic! at the Disco, blink-182, and 5 Seconds of Summer. In this episode, we speak with Feldmann about the ups and downs of his early music career, what bands can do to get noticed, the roles and traits of a good producer, and much more.

Intro Music: Lightning from a Gun by Eat The Wolf ernieb.al/2kCHJxf

Outro Music: The Vacant Shapes

In this episode we speak with Mad Caddies guitarist Sascha Lazor about getting signed by NOFX’s Fat Mike, his latest project working with rap artist Doja Cat and Yeti Beats, the unique rewards and challenges of touring the world as a musician, and how his passion for reggae music led him to Jamaica where he quickly found use for his talents making beats and playing guitar in a Kingston studio.

Brought up during California’s Third Wave ska scene, the Mad Caddies’ sound is undeniably multifaceted — with hints of reggae, punk, pop, surf rock, and jazz all trickling onto their records. First emerging in the mid-90s, the Mad Caddies have been crafting and evolving their genre-bending style for more than 20 years.

If you trace back the history of Nirvana and Soundgarden, you'll inevitably run into the Melvins. Bridging heavy metal and punk rock in the midst of the ‘90s grunge scene, the Melvins have crafted a sound that has remained influential and prolific for more than three decades. In this episode, we speak with vocalist and guitarist Buzz Osborne and bass player Steven McDonald about their history in the music industry, their thoughts on the reign of streaming services, upcoming projects, and much more.

Ernie Ball strings: https://ernieb.al/regularslinky

Ernie Ball VPJR Tuner Pedal: https://ernieb.al/VPJRTuner

Intro Music: Lightning from a Gun by Eat The Wolf ernieb.al/2kCHJxf

Outro Music: The Vacant Shapes

Dashboard Confessional singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Carrabba became the poster child for early 2000s emo with his simple acoustic melodies and introspective songwriting. Having grown up in the skate community and punk scene of Southern Florida, Carrabba spent most of his early years playing in post-hardcore outfits, including the Vacant Andys and Further Seems Forever. But yearning to pursue something simpler, Dashboard Confessional was born. The side project eventually turned into a full-fledged band that would find itself sitting comfortably on the Billboard charts throughout the rest of the decade. In this episode, we speak to the Dashboard Confessional frontman about the process of writing impactful lyrics, how to win over tough crowds, the moment he realized his music was really gaining traction, and much more.

Mentioned in this episode:

Ernie Ball strings: https://ernieb.al/regularslinky

Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon Patch Cables: https://ernieb.al/flatribbonpatch

Intro Music: Lightning from a Gun by Eat The Wolf ernieb.al/2kCHJxf

Outro Music: The Vacant Shapes