The StageLeft Podcast

This episode of The StageLeft Podcast welcomes Guns N’ Roses guitarist Richard Fortus, one of the true heavyweights of the industry.

For the last sixteen years he has been a member of arguably the biggest, and most iconic band of the last three decades. During a career spent in near constant demand, Richard has played and toured with Thin Lizzy, The Psychedelic Furs, Rhianna, Puff Daddy, and rock supergroup The Dead Daises to name but a few.

Richard takes us through some of the many highlights of playing with G’n’R. The audition, which saw him flying to L.A. immediately after playing the Albert Hall, and then Axl Rose’s reaction when told he couldn’t actually join the band due his touring commitments with Enrique Iglesias. The recording process, including his own writing credit, on Chinese Democracy – one of the most expensive, and eagerly awaited, albums ever recorded.

He discusses Axl’s genius, and what special quality he has that separates him from all others. We hear of the professionalism and dedication of Slash, how working with him is more than just recreating what’s on the records, but how each song is constantly evolving.

‘…We’re always trying to make things better, we’re always trying to make things bigger and more inspiring to play…’

‘…If a Hip Hop artist was working with a producer and they needed a guitar player, then I would get a call…. (and) I ended up doing a lot of that stuff. You know, working with the Wu Tang guys, all Puffy’s stuff…’

In keeping with the ethos of the podcast, Richard discusses why he uses equipment such as a Kemper Profiler or Axe FX when playing with the likes of Rhianna, but sticks to a single channel amp when playing with G’n’R or Thin Lizzy.

Ending the episode, Richard answers questions regarding his fears for the music industry, what ambitions he still has to fulfil, and most importantly.... Are Guns’n’Roses going to be recording any new material soon?

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#GUITAR #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #musicians #musician #gunsnroses #gunsandroses #axlrose #slash #podcast #podcasting #podcasters #podcasts #musicnews

What a privilege it is to have George Vjestica of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds on Episode 30 of The StageLeft Podcast.

George talks us through the working relationship between Nick Cave & Warren Ellis, the recording process behind Skeleton Tree & Push The Sky Away, his thoughts on the new documentary film One More Time With Feeling and ahead of the release of new compilation 'Lovely Creatures', George discusses what makes Nick Cave unique.

We also hear about growing up in Stoke, his awesome new band Bandante and touring and playing live with Stone Roses legend, John Squire.

“He’s making this new music now that’s so creative and forward thinking….He’s a bridge to those amazing artists, he’s very unique, he’s such an individual...... there aren’t many people around like him anymore” - on Nick Cave

They definitely have a certain chemistry….there’s something that clicks with them”- on Nick Cave & Warren Ellis

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#interview #podcast #podcasts #podcasting #music #musicnews #guitar #guitars #guitarist #guitarists #musicians #drums #bass #rock #nickcave #nickcaveandthebadseeds #thebadseeds #kylieminogue #johnsquire #thestoneroses #stoneroses #ianbrown #bandante #groovearmada

This episode of The StageLeft Podcast welcomes Milton McDonald, one of the most sought after session guitarists in the business.

Since 1993 Milton has been a constant touring musician with Take That, and a member of Jeff Lynne’s ELO since 2014. He has also played, toured, and received recording credits with Alice Cooper, Ray Davies, Smokey Robinson, Mick Jagger and Yes to name but a few. From one of the most diverse and skilful musicians, this interview is the epitome of the StageLeft Podcast.

From joining a band through a Melody Maker advert, Milton began a journey that will see him playing at Wembley in the summer.

Going into fabulous detail describing the arc of a session musician from the 80’s to the present, and bursting with insight and anecdotes, Milton gives a behind the scenes look that very few people have been privy to.

A truly unsung hero of the music industry, Milton discusses the common personality traits of successful musicians, the changing requirements and necessity of the session musician, and the pros and many personal cons of playing with in-ears.

From listening to the Kinks as a kid, to playing with Ray Davies for three years, Milton tells us just what can be learnt from Ray uniqueness.

In this episode of The StageLeft Podcast, we talk to the coolest saxophonist on the planet and all round nice guy, John Waugh.

The 1975, who’s second album ‘I Like It When You Sleep…’, beat David Bowie’s Blackstar* to win the 2016 Q award for Best Album, have also received nominations in the Grammy’s and Mercury Prize. This has seen John playing on two No.1 albums, touring the globe, and is set to play Madison Square Gardens later in the year.

Also discussed on the podcast; how he channels nervous energy before gigs, the surrealness of playing to nearly 80,000 at Glastonbury, the making of his second EP via Skype, and the importance of art in today’s political climate.

‘If you're angry, disappointed, find an awesome and creative vice to express it responsibly, art and music has more purpose now’

The interview touches upon rock and roll excess, the pressure of touring, mental health, and the dangers of a social media culture for young musicians.

Informative, amusing, and downright interesting, John Waugh gives a fascinating insight into the journey of a session musician, and how a love of music can get him from Glastonbury to St James Park. Hopefully.

**Not to be outdone, Blackstar beat The 1975’s album ‘I Like it When You Sleep..’ to win Best Album at this year’s Brit Awards.

You can listen to it here for free;

#the1975 #johnwaugh #saxophone #jazz #pop #rock #brits #music #podcast #newmusic #musicians #grammys #

The enigmatic & exquisite Ezra Furman is our guest on Episode 27 of The StageLeft Podcast. Chicago's finest has been recently booked for Coachella Festival and voted in the top 10 festival moments by BBC of 2016.

A reflective and entertaining interview pays tribute to Leonard Cohen, covers Ezra's upbringing, details the challenges when writing The Refugee, tells us how Lousy Connection & Teddy I'm Ready were composed and discusses the impact Donald Trump's Presidency may on future artistic output.

Ezra also talks Arcade Fire, Green Day, White Stripes, and lots more!

"I started to shed a self that was created for an audience.....Liberation don't come easy"

@ezrafurman

"Great questions!" - Steve Cropper