Inside the Musical Mind

In this weeks episode we talk with veteran rocker Jasmine Cain. Jasmine has spent much of this year touring in support of her recent live album Live at Suck,Bang,Blow.  Now she joins us again to discuss her upcoming new studio record,

Guitar and Mandolin player Andy Wood is a breath of fresh air amongst the throng of guitar virtuosos that crowd the scene. Growing up a mandolin player, Andy was immersed in the bluegrass scene and mastered that before he became more aware of rock and fusion players. Wood quickly came to appreciate and love both worlds of music and incorporated them into his unique catalog. His albums have something for most everyone, scorching rock instrumentals, Western swing flavored grooves, bluegrass, and beautiful blues numbers.

Andy joins us to discuss his development as a player, and just how his mind works when composing his songs. He also gives us some insight into his new music that is coming soon!

This week’s podcast episode is a recap of our interview with guitarist/singer/songwriter Melia Maccarone. Previously available as a video, you can now listen on the go. Check it out!

Grand Funk Railroad are truly one of the icons of rock music. Throughout their long string of massive hits, Mark Farner was the man driving the train. In this podcast episode we talk to Mark about his career, his inspirations, and life in general.

Guitarist Mark Hitt of the legendary band Rat Race Choir joins me for a great conversation on all things music.

Mark with Brian Johnson of AC/DC.

Mark with Robin Zander of Cheap Trick.

20 year old Jacob Cade is a man on a mission. Picking up guitar at the age of just 8, by 12 years old he was dipping his toes in the vocalist pool. Spending his high school years performing and honing his skills,

Listen to our podcast episode with Musician, Producer, Mixer, Engineer, and Composer Nick Brophy of Riverdogs.   http://media.blubrry.com/tenquestions/content.blubrry.com/tenquestions/Nick_Brophy_podcast_completed-9_14_18_3_37_PM.m4a

After the Eruption of 1978, hundreds of guitarists hunkered down in their woodsheds and honed their musical chops to an unprecedented level. One of the most talented of that group is Greg Howe. Since his self titled debut in 1988, Greg has been flabbergasting musicians around the world with his phenomenal skills. Unlike many others of his generation he became an excellent jazz fusion composer, indeed much of his material fits in that genre.

Mr. Howe was nice enough to take some time to converse with us about his music, his gear, his early experiences in the biz, and his creative vision. Mind you, this is a man that has shared the stage with Michael Jackson. You don’t get that gig because you are “pretty good”. If you are a musician, or even just creative by nature I think you will enjoy his insightful answers, I know I did…

From Steeler to Keel to Iron Horse to Metal Cowboy, Ron Keel has never stopped plugging away. Before I met Ron, it was mostly evident from his long career and the over three million albums he has sold. Once I was face to face with him, it became obvious that he isn’t passionate because he has been successful, but that he has been successful because he is passionate. There’s a difference.

Ron and I sat down to discuss his career and his recent and upcoming music. Keel is the walking embodiment of the “can-do” positive attitude. Listen to him here, and when you are done you will find yourself wanting to chase your dreams as well.

A producer is often the unsung hero of the music business. In the industry itself they carry great importance, and if they are good at what they do they can become legendary. Legendary is an apt title for Michael Wagener. While perhaps unknown to many casual listeners, he shaped a huge portion of rock and metal music from the early 1980’s up through the present day.

Being a musician himself, Mr. Wagener has a keen ear not only for tones, but for arrangements. Many bands have had Michael behind the boards helping craft their best known landmark albums. Metallica, Poison, Accept, Skid Row, Motley Crue, Dokken, Stryper, and many other prominent groups have relied on Wagener’s expertise.

I caught up with the veteran producer recently at the second annual RocknPod Expo in Nashville, TN. With a full day of interviews ahead of him, he graciously took a few moments to enlighten me on some of his philosophies. I will note that I was surprised he is not one of the old guard defenders of “analog is best” audio wise. In fact he embraced digital long before it was the norm. So take a moment and soak in some wisdom from one of the best producers of any decade…Michael Wagener.

Michael Wagener and Peter Harris at the RocknPod Expo, Nashville, TN.