In this part one of another epic two-parter, Sara J is joined by the RoughGauge June 2025 featured artist, Marc Shapiro. Marc takes us through his influences and how Slash and Appetite for Destruction played a major role. Marc shares his love for digging into his favorite guitar player’s heroes, going down a rabbit hole that includes a dive into how John Frusciante has a lot of Hendrix in his playing. Marc shares the eclecticness of what he listens to, and how watching MTV after school when he was younger did good things for his musical palate. They talk about having the guitar player spirit, the perhaps controversial thought of minimal notes, and how sometimes more is said within the silence. Marc gives a peek into what he’s listening to currently and the music he’s loving that’s coming out of Australia. Marc talks about his passion for following the lineage of a sound, and the evolution of guitar playing and music. The duo gets into music biographies, ones they’ve read, and what’s next on their list. Marc talks about getting his first guitar when he was ten, followed by his first electric a year later, and knowing that being a musician was his dream once he started playing. He relives elementary school, singing and performing ’90s grunge tunes at talent shows and back-to-school night. Marc recalls playing in his older brother’s band, and at his bar mitzvah party, an evening that would include Marc crowd surfing. He shares the experience of throwing a music festival - The Rez Ball with his band The Rez, the year he sprained his ankle right before he was about to play two sets, which also happened to be the same summer he played at Warped Tour. Marc shares how he found himself playing with his current projects, Greasy Hands and Infinite Drift. Lefties unite! Marc elaborates on what it’s like playing left-handed, the advantages and disadvantages, and the joy of finding a leftie guitar out in the wild. He introduces us to his ride or die guitars and the others in his arsenal. And so much more. Buckle up — this one’s a journey you don’t want to miss!