What happens when one guitarist refuses to choose between emotion, technique, and imagination — and instead plays them all at once? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Mike Dawes, a musician who has reshaped what a single acoustic guitar can do, and quickly moves past chops into the real stories behind the sound.We talk about Mike’s early journey — from wanting to be Slash and playing Smoke on the Water on one string, to joining his first metal band Shrapnel and eventually going solo. He opens up about writing vs. arranging, creative doubts, moments of depression when there were no gigs, and why the guitar can feel like “the lonely man’s instrument.” There’s also insight into working with Tommy Emmanuel, meeting Justin Hayward, and his thoughts on speed, perfection, and AI music in 2025 🤔The episode is packed with standout moments: live technique demos, best and worst gigs, favorite players, and a 7-minute uninterrupted live performance where Mike breaks down his incredible playing style. Honest, funny, and inspiring — this conversation is for anyone searching for their own musical voice in an attention-hungry world 🎶🚀🎸 Check out Mike’s best selling guitar mastercourse, tour dates and more: http://mikedawes.com