The Tone Tailors Podcast

Check out Eric's Photography: https://ericforberger.com/Listen to REUNION on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3v9EkIBtCNWSaCpqJz9e2K?si=mvettVeJQPCSq7PUSj7u1wEric on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericforberger/---In this episode of the Tone Tailors Podcast, I sit down with Eric Forberger — photographer, musician, and a guy who’s been deep in the Lancaster hardcore and punk scene since the mid-90s. Eric shoots everything from corporate lifestyle work to live band performances, and he’s been playing in bands just as long. Right now he’s in REUNION, a group of old friends who grew up going to shows together and decided to make loud music again. We get into how he built his style, why lighting matters so much, shooting during the pandemic, band photography, DIY venues, surviving social media, and his whole journey from IT guy to running his own photo business full-time. We also talk gear, hardcore nostalgia, MTV memories, GoPro’s downfall, AI tools in photography, local venues, and why Lancaster’s music community is still strong. Eric also breaks down his band’s recording process, the local scene, and how important it is to actually go to shows, meet people, and support local music. And yes — we talk about what he’d buy if he walked into Tone Tailors today. All of Eric’s links are below. Check out his work, listen to REUNION, and support your friends’ bands.Tone Tailors gear, strings, accessories, repairs, and more are available in-store and online 24/7 at tonetailors.com.

This week on the Tone Tailors Podcast, I sat down with Jeremy Ganse and Mitch Gready — the team behind Lancaster MusicFest. We talked about how the festival got started, what it takes to run it each year, and the local causes it supports.Lancaster MusicFest is more than just a concert in the park — it’s a full-day community experience. On September 6, 2025, Buchanan Park will be filled with live music, street performers, local food trucks, craft beer/wine/spirits, kids’ activities, and plenty of space to just hang out with friends.The lineup this year:Noon – 1:00PM: Young Musician Academy1:00PM – 2:00PM: Sarah Fiore2:00PM – 4:00PM: The Ogham Stones4:00PM – 6:00PM: Bailey Run6:00PM – 8:00PM: Kelly Bell BandBut the festival isn’t just about great music and food — it’s also the flagship fundraiser for SmartHub Foundation, benefiting Children’s Miracle Network and Schreiber Pediatric.Schreiber Pediatric serves over 4,000 children each year with occupational, physical, speech-language, and behavioral therapy, plus preschool, childcare, recreation programs, and camps.Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital funds lifesaving equipment, patient programs, and research — and a portion of Lancaster MusicFest proceeds go directly to expanding their Music Therapy program into the Emergency Department.We covered the behind-the-scenes stories, from booking bands to permit approvals, rain-day “oh crap” moments, and why building community impact is at the heart of every decision they make. If you’ve been to the festival, you’ll appreciate hearing the history and logistics that make it happen. If you haven’t — this is your heads-up to grab tickets before the price goes up on show day.🎟 Lancaster MusicFest📍 Buchanan Park – Lancaster, PA📅 September 6, 2025 – Noon to 8 PM🎫 Tickets: lancastermusicfest.com--Music used in this episode: Long Train by Kelly Bell Bandhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoQg6gL_icQStar of the County Down by The Ogham Stones https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-YYMCC4yVoEagle's View by Sarah Fiorehttps://vimeo.com/793824584?fl=pl&fe=ti&pgroup=plv

SEE THE WILD HYMNS LIVE https://www.thewildhymns.com/live---SONGS USED IN THIS EPISODEI Feel You By The Wild Hymnshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4gQm6x8PCk&ab_channel=TheWildHymnsCathedral Bells by The Whild Hymnshttps://music.youtube.com/watch?v=dwmon75C608--In episode four of the Tone Tailors Podcast, I sit down with Megan Woodland and Jeff Hewitt—the married duo behind The Wild Hymns—to get a peek at how they weave their music. We start by unpacking their sound, a blend of folk-pop, dreamy art-rock, and mellow Americana shaped by 11 years together: four indie albums, international tours, and a solid fanbase of dreamers.I ask them to walk me through their creative process. They explain how velvety vocals, emotive lyrics, and layered arrangements come together, and how they balance two voices in one vision. We discuss our meeting in 2008, the band's formation in 2014, and our wedding later that year, highlighting how marriage has deepened our art.Next, we dive into AI. They share honest thoughts on using AI tools in songwriting versus preserving that human spark. They tell me where they draw the line and why authenticity matters in their music.We also cover what’s on the horizon: the string of new singles they plan to release over the next year, a full-length album slated for 2026, and a handful of upcoming shows you won’t want to miss. Tune in as Megan and Jeff reveal the magic behind their songs, their journey as partners in life and music, and why they love sharing art with the world.

In episode three of Tone Tailors Podcast, I catch up with Ben Roth. Ben begins by telling the story behind Kaleidoscope Recording Studio. He and his partners met in music school and wanted a place for creative players in Lancaster. We cover how they found a space, collected gear, and built a vibe that keeps local artists coming back.Then, we dive into the nuts and bolts of running a studio. Ben talks honesty—how he balances recording sessions with invoices, schedules, and those tricky client emails. He explains why relationships matter, how a solid Spotify playlist can lead to referrals, and why he always matches his approach to each artist’s style. Ben also walks me through his favorite gear picks—from old guitar amps to modern digital consoles—and explains why clarity in the mix matters so much. We touch on how home studio setups and software shifts forced them to rethink their process, and why staying flexible keeps them current. He shares how he handles session fees, tips for negotiating fair rates, and his process for mastering tracks and preparing final mixes. Along the way, we debate the pros and cons of analog tape versus digital recording, and why certain songs demand different tools.We shift gears to the tough lessons of COVID. Ben shares the choices he faced when lockdown hit. He explains how they stayed busy, followed safety rules, and leaned on online sessions to keep the studio alive and support artists remotely.Later, we turn up the volume on live sound. Ben breaks down his role at Zoetropolis Cinema & Stillhouse, showing what goes on behind the scenes at film screenings, concerts, and special events. Then he recounts his Monday night mixes at The Village Nightclub—how room acoustics and band styles shape his approach. We finish by talking about his gigs at the Lizard Lounge and why he loves small house shows for their raw energy and close crowd.Finally, Ben gets personal. He tells stories from his time in punk band Kids and his new project, The New Forever. We close with a look at local venues, why boutique spots and DIY house shows both have room in Lancaster’s scene, and what it takes to keep a music community growing.If you record, mix, or run a venue—or if you just want a real look at how the work happens—this episode is for you. Press play to hear straight talk on gear, business, and the craft behind the music.Music Used in This Episode: -Lame Gretzky - Best Year So Farhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMnd9SxpA2I...an alt-rock band from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, formed in 2020 after mutual friends within the music scene reached out to collaborate and write some music to jam to. -The Old Rap Language by Mighty Theodorehttps://mightytheodore.bandcamp.com/album/the-old-rap-languageThe Old Rap Language is a testament to Mighty Theodore's dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling. It's a must-listen for fans of classic Hip Hop who appreciate artists who can truly connect with their audience on a deep level. -New Space by PINKi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O47uV6ev9VsLancaster Habitat for Humanity ReStore is moving on June 22nd! We will have 60% more sales floor space and 127 parking spots. To celebrate, we've enlisted Ian 'PINK i' Sanchez-Herasme to create a new song to celebrate this momentous occasion.-Tone Tailors - Shop in Store & Online!https://tonetailors.com/When they first started the shop, owners John LeClair and JP Painton aimed to create an environment that was unique, inviting, and stocked with resources to help musicians find the right gear for the job. Once Chad Taylor (founding guitarist for the band Live) came aboard to fine-tune a solid business plan, Tone Tailors was born. The whole Tone Tailors team has grown to become a one-stop shop for all things music production and live performing.

Learn More About The Village Night Club: https://thevillagenightclub.com/Learn More About the Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival:https://lancasterrootsandblues.com/--In episode two of the Tone Tailers Podcast, I sit down with my new friend Rich Ruoff, the driving force behind Lancaster’s live-music scene for more than 20 years. You know him as the original owner of the Chameleon Club, the creator of the Lizard Lounge and Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival, and the guy who wears every hat when there’s music in town. We cover it all, from his first spur-of-the-moment idea to open a club in 1985 to the lessons he’s learned running venues today.I start by asking Rich to tell his story: how a bike-racing teenager with no industry experience convinced a restaurant owner to let him turn an empty back room into the Chameleon Club—and why the very first night was a hit. We dive into the club’s heyday, when national labels sent scouts to Lancaster looking for the next big thing. Rich recounts helping launch bands like The Innocence Mission, The Ocean Blue and Public Affection (later known as Live), and even nearly booking Nirvana for $500 before they blew up.We talk industry changes: Rich explains why record-company tour support and major-label advances have all but vanished, how digital streaming reshaped the business, and why today’s bands must master everything from web design to social-media marketing just to get a gig. He shares hard-won advice for artists trying to break into local venues, and weighs in on why smaller, intimate shows—like his Blue Mondays at the Village Nightclub—still pack the best punch.Rich walks me through his festival roots, too: how a one-day blues show at the Chameleon grew into the city-wide Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival, why he’s bringing it back to late winter dates, and how he’s exploring partners to ensure it thrives for decades to come. He even teases plans to stream performances from the Lizard Lounge so fans can tune in from anywhere.Throughout our conversation, you’ll hear the energy that kept Rich booking shows for 17 years, the thrill of nights when everything clicked, and the challenges he faces today balancing budgets, venue upgrades and a shifting audience. If you love the Lancaster music scene or ever wondered what it takes to keep live music alive, this episode is for you.Hit play to hear the full story—every backstage tale, booking tip and festival secret. And if you like what you hear, subscribe to Tone Tailers and follow us on social for updates on upcoming guests and shows.--Shop Online & In Store at Tone Tailors!www.tonetailors.com

I’m thrilled to kick off the Tone Tailors Podcast with Lancaster’s own Tuck Ryan—singer-songwriter, multi-band veteran, and Philly transplant who’s moving back home to Lancaster at the end of the month. In this hour-long conversation, we dive into:-- His obsession with vinyl, albums as journeys, and why production detail matters-- Streaming vs. Bandcamp vs. Band residencies, and the real way musicians earn a living today-- The power of house concerts, DIY shows, and building community five feet from the stage-- His songwriting spark—melodies, dream-born lyrics, and the “sacred” process of recording live takes-- Collaborations in New Orleans, Philly soul sessions, and plans to bring that sound back to LancasterYou’ll hear Tuck’s plans for weekly residencies, big shows at ed Rocks, and secret pop-up house gigs just like we used to before 2020 changed everything. Follow him everywhere at @TuckRyanMusic and catch The Quiet Riders live June 20 at West Riding Motor Club or June 21 at ed Rocks Outdoor Listening Room in Bethlehem, PA. ***** SONG FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE*****Sixes on Straight by The Quiet Ridershttps://thequietriders.bandcamp.com/track/sixes-on-straightMatt Hostetter: Guitar, VocalsTuck Ryan: Keyboards, VocalsCaden Myers: Bass GuitarJosh Kanusky: Drums-Jackson Trout is featured on percussion on "Donny".-Recorded at The Sugartank by Mike Newman & Levi Schlosser -Right Coast Recording by Mike Newman & Bobby Gentilo-Mixed & Mastered by Mike Newman-Artwork by Pseudodudo*****Walgreens by Tuck Ryanhttps://tuckryan.bandcamp.com/track/walgreens-Tuck Ryan: Vocals, Acoustic Piano, Hammond C3, Writing-Ajay Shughart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Percussion, Writing, Engineering-Eoin Murphy: Electric Guitar-Kyon Williams: Drums-Mixed and Mastered by Fortune West*****Shine (Feat. Aime) by Tuck Ryanhttps://tuckryan.bandcamp.com/track/shine-feat-aime-Tuck Ryan: Vocals, Production-Ajay Shughart: Guitar, Vocals, Production, Engineering-Kevin Scott: Bass-Mack Major: Drums, Engineering-Rob Kellner: Rhodes, Synth-Aime: Vocals-Yesseh Furaha-Ali: Saxaphone-Sam Gellerstein: Trombone-Eric Sherman: Trumpet-Fortune West: Mix and Master Q*****Host: Levi McCurdy Levi McCurdy is the irreverent mind behind the “What Are We Doing” and “Recap & Record” podcasts, where he blends razor-sharp satire with a genuine curiosity about the world’s weirdest headlines. By day, he’s a custom-web-design wizard and marketing agency owner who’s probably tinkering with code or dreaming up his next business idea; by night, he’s your tour guide through the absurd, the hilarious, and the downright unexpected. When he’s not behind the mic (or chasing his Frenchie, Lumos), Levi’s on a quest to tailor your tone—whether that’s finding the perfect guitar rig or backyard show, one episode at a time.*****At Tone Tailors, John LeClair and JP Painton set out to build a uniquely inviting space packed with the resources musicians need to find the perfect gear. When founding Live guitarist Chad Taylor came on board to help sharpen the business plan, Tone Tailors truly came to life—and has since grown into your go-to destination for everything from studio essentials and pro-grade pedals to live-performance setups. Drop by our shop and let our passionate team tailor your tone and help you discover the musical fit that’s just right for you!Shop In-Person & Online Today at: https://ToneTailors.com