Nate Wood of Stahman Guitars joins Blake to talk about guitars, burnout, mindset, surviving the hustle, and why building your dream job might accidentally turn into a nightmare if you’re not careful. It’s part Lutherie, part therapy, part field guide to doing creative work without losing your mind. They get into everything from learning piano in Utah, to falling in love with Floyd Rose setups, to setting realistic expectations for customers who treat their guitars like holy relics. There’s also honest talk about running a business, pricing your work, letting go of perfectionism, and why sometimes… it’s okay to say “no.” Also: mushroom dust, pin routers, crusty old dudes yelling about tone, and the first ever guest in Tone Mob history to not like pizza. You’ve been warned. Check out Nate on his website HERE https://www.eugeneguitarrepair.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, Line 6's Spider amps, and some of the wildest custom guitars on earth have in common? Rich Renken. In this episode, Rich walks Blake through decades in the gear trenches—starting as a bassist in church bands, engineering records with 90s rock royalty, helping invent products that changed the amp game, and now running the show at James Tyler Guitars. He tells the origin story of the legendary “lead/rhythm” switch, what it was like helping develop Line 6's Spider Valve, M13, and Variax guitars, and how he accidentally dissed Jim Tyler’s headstock to his face. Oh, and did we mention he played a part in shaping the tone on Thriller? From Norm’s Rare Guitars to dodging corporate spam calls mid-interview, Rich’s journey is a masterclass in gear, hustle, and absurd luck. Put your headphones on. This one's basically a time machine for tone nerds. Check out the awesomeness on the James Tyler website HERE: https://www.tylerguitars.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Hoopes is back on the show! Blake and Matt catch up on all things Relient K—from packed DIY shows at Brown’s Diner to opening for Avril Lavigne and Simple Plan. They dive into what it means to be a touring musician as a grown-up, the joys of building a “new boat” for the band, and why some of the most meaningful shows don’t happen on giant festival stages. They also nerd out on pedal design, with Matt revealing the evolution behind 1981 Inventions' DRV and LVL circuits (spoiler: the new stuff is weird in the best way), plus boost pedal obsessions, collabs with Big Ear and EAE, and that legendary Tele Deluxe of his. If you're a fan of Relient K, boutique pedals, or Nashville pizza (yes, that too), this one's for you. 🎧 Topics include: Relient K’s return to touring The magic of Brown’s Diner shows The secret sauce of the LVL pedal Why boost pedals rule Nashville’s best pizza spots CBGBs, The Gorge, and other iconic venues Check out all things 1981 Inventions at Matt's website HERE https://1981inventions.com/ and all things Relient K on their website HERE https://www.relientk.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a guitar wizard stumbles face-first into Hollywood? JD Simo is back, and this time he’s not just laying down licks. He’s coaching movie stars, babysitting vintage synths, and fixing million-dollar screwups the prop department didn’t even notice. He walks us through how a phone call from producer Dave Cobb turned into a full-blown creative rescue mission on two major films: the Elvis biopic and the upcoming Bruce Springsteen flick. Along the way, JD accidentally invents a job, teaches Jeremy Allen White to fingerpick from zero, and nearly loses his mind syncing fake guitar playing with Dolby Atmos perfection. We’re talking full-set nerdery. Telling Oscar winners their mic stands are in the wrong place. Sneaking into “video village” and somehow not getting kicked out. And yes, it all started because this man cares about the details. If you’ve ever screamed at the TV because the guitarist’s amp wasn’t even plugged in, this one’s for you. Check out all things JD on his website HERE https://simo.fm/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Way back in the sepia-toned past of podcasting (circa 2016), I sat down with Joel Korte of Chase Bliss Audio — before the blinking lights took over the world and before I fully understood how microphones work. Can you believe that this episode is almost a decade old? What a wild ride it's been! This episode has it all: – Engineering nerdery – Emotional whiplash – Mild Midwestern awkwardness – And at least one questionable Paul Reed Smith tangent – Strollerblading! Joel shares how a stint at a major guitar company, and one very big life detour somehow led to building some of the most innovative pedals on the planet. And I mostly just try not to say anything too stupid. It’s clunky. It’s charming. It’s full of chaotic origin-story goodness. Basically: if you’ve ever wanted to hear a future pedal wizard in larval form, this is the one. Check out everything Chase Bliss on their website HERE https://www.chasebliss.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Leonard J turned 40 and decided to do everything all at once. Theater? Check. NAMM emcee? Check. Launching a new Yamaha Pacifica? Sure, why not. Recording a full-length album in the middle of a life tornado? Of course. In this episode, Blake catches up with his longtime pal and one of the internet’s finest tone freaks to talk about the wildest year of Jay’s life. It involves getting choked onstage in Cambodian Rock Band, haunted guitars that randomly drop into drop D, wig malfunctions, high-pressure NAMM gigs, surprise birthday parties, and an album born in the middle of absolute chaos. Also covered: Fuzz pedals and spring reverb in musical theater Why robots can’t replace sweaty humans with bad wireless units Sneaky old-school NAMM tactics and “my buddy Scott” espionage Vitamin D megadosing: the unsanctioned NAMM survival strategy Jay’s new album Aw Man and why his kids named it (literally) This one’s equal parts gear talk, therapy session, and backstage musical mayhem. Buckle up. Check out the first single off of Jay's new record Aww Man HERE https://open.spotify.com/album/6piMmwA3qauXbHo70CwhOn?si=hIg10vwtQy60_4lkzy2WsA and make sure to grab the whole thing when it drops on June 20th! Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From anonymous attic guitars to Travis Tritt’s guest room, Dillon Weldon’s story is a country song in the making. Blake sits down with the host of The Drifting Cowboy Podcast to talk about how a kid with no industry connections, a busted Taylor, and a Johnny Paycheck cassette somehow wound up at the heart of Nashville's old-school revival. They cover everything: going viral on TikTok (by accident), how a single prayer led to a million views, and what it’s like when country legends like Gary Gentry, Bobby Braddock, and even Travis Tritt start calling you. This one’s about persistence, storytelling, songwriting, and chasing something real—whether you’re holding a Telecaster or telling stories on TikTok. Also: Nashville hot chicken, and why aging punk rockers inevitably fall in love with country music. Whether you’re a guitar nerd, country fan, or just someone trying to make something happen… this one’s for you. Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Blake sits down with legendary singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier for a deep, honest, and surprisingly gear-heavy chat. Mary didn’t pick up songwriting seriously until her mid-thirties—after years as a Boston-based chef, restaurant owner, and, as she puts it, a total mess. But once she got sober and started hitting open mics, everything changed. They talk about her early love for Taylor guitars, her eventual obsession with the low-end growl of vintage Gibsons, and how she’s more about tone that serves the song than flashy technique. Mary shares the story behind her breakout song “I Drink,” explains why emotion always trumps complexity, and offers a masterclass in the art of getting doors to open in Nashville—even if you have to sneak in through a window. You’ll also hear: The connection between fear and fog (and how to burn both off) What it's like to share a stage with John Prine, Emmylou Harris, and Lucinda Williams Why you should never underestimate the power of a good crust (yes, pizza crust) A crash course in humility, persistence, and the power of being kind This one’s a gem. If you're a songwriter, storyteller, or just trying to figure out your path—hit play. Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Tone Mob, Blake hangs with bassist Zephyr Avalon—a man whose musical journey started with jazz camp and ended up on stadium stages... with a few detours through punk bands, upright bass trauma, and a destroyed childhood guitar along the way. They cover Zephyr’s early years surrounded by classical music, gigging through college, touring with Haley Reinhart, and stumbling into the rocket ship that is Zach Bryan’s rise. There's gear talk (OC-2 forever), rig rundowns, custom basses, and why upright bass and stage monitors are natural enemies. Also: pizza philosophies, Instagram hustle, and why the music industry is a lot like bad sushi—if you’re drowning it in sauce, something’s probably wrong. 🎧 Plug in and prepare to nod, laugh, and maybe question your pedalboard choices. Lets go! Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blake is joined once again by Nick Diener—founder of Oneder Effects and guitarist/vocalist for The Swellers—for a wide-ranging chat that hits everything from vintage SGs and Freebird lore to dad life, Discord burnout, and the existential dread of messy workspaces. Nick shares stories of playing Gary Rossington’s actual guitars, visiting Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, building pedals in cluttered chaos, and trying to stay creative in a post-pandemic industry hit hard by tariffs and uncertainty. They also dive into martial arts, musician mental health, content fatigue, the pros and cons of podcast video, and why dog-related GoFundMes might just bankrupt us all. Whether you're here for the gear, the laughs, or some philosophical dad-core, this episode’s got a little something for everybody—especially disorganized pedal nerds with too many unfinished projects. Check out Nick's work HERE https://www.onedereffects.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Tone Mob Podcast, Blake Wyland is joined by Amico Demuzio—pedal steel guitarist and multi-instrumentalist for Charles Wesley Godwin’s band. They dive into Amico’s unexpected journey from welding school dropout to full-time touring musician, fueled by a love for lap steel, vintage Peavey amps, and weird-sounding pedals. If you’re a gearhead, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into: Boss Slicers, Jerry Garcia tones, Kernum pedals, amp plugins that sound freakishly real, and why the pedal steel might be the most emotionally charged instrument in modern music. They also explore the joys of analog gear, silent stages, DIY tone shaping, and whether or not Peavey amps deserve their crusty-but-beautiful comeback. Plus: cold pizza, mushroom foraging (the sober kind), and a few tips for getting started on pedal steel without throwing your back out—or your wallet. Whether you're into country, indie, Americana, or just love a good underdog story, this episode delivers music talk, gear insights, and laughs in equal measure. Give Amico a follow HERE https://www.instagram.com/amicodemuzio Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Tone Mob Podcast, Blake is joined by Jesse and William of Top House for a conversation that starts with a ghost in the machine and ends somewhere between band mythologies and pizza philosophies. They unpack the chaotic beauty of songwriting, the grimy reality of touring (spoiler: pee when you can), and why having a fake country band called “Cornfield Boys” might just be the secret to creative freedom. The trio riffs on everything from the dark arts of social media algorithms to the metaphysics of string tension, with stops at Nashville pizza joints and an unsolicited tribute to the Boss tuner pedal. It’s part gear talk, part life advice, part fever dream—with enough practical nuggets and absurd detours to keep both your left and right brain happy. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or just someone who appreciates that fine line between genius and nonsense, this episode delivers. Check out the band on their website HERE https://tophousetheband.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on The Tone Mob Podcast, Blake Wyland sits down with Steve Cobucci — guitarist, gear junkie, and founding member of Wolves at the Gate — to talk about the beautiful mess that is making music for a living. Steve kicks things off with the story of his first guitar: a classical hand-me-down from his mom, followed by a hard-earned Gibson Les Paul — because if you're gonna make noise, you might as well do it right. From his beloved B-52 tube amp to his first Tube Screamer, Steve proves that chasing tone starts early and never really stops. Blake and Steve rip into the realities of starting a band in college, the rollercoaster of recording in a real studio, and why having a good drummer is like finding a unicorn. They don’t shy away from the sticky stuff either — managing egos, screwing up communication, and how growing up (just a little) changes everything you thought you knew about music and life. They swap war stories about live shows, argue the merits of production quality, and marvel at how revisiting old albums can hit you harder the second time around. Plus, Steve drops some hard-earned wisdom about why you should find your own sound, keep it loose, and remember: if you’re not having fun, you’re probably doing it wrong. Whether you’re a guitarist, a music nerd, or just someone trying to make a little magic without losing your mind, this episode’s got something for you. Check out the band on their website HERE https://www.wolvesatthegate.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from ⁠Tonemob.com/reverb⁠ ⁠Tonemob.com/sweetwater⁠ or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from ⁠Tonemob.com/stringjoy⁠ Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to ⁠Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Garage Bands to Gibson: Mike Lawson’s Wild Ride Through the Music Industry In this episode of The Tone Mob Podcast, Blake Wyland sits down with Mike Lawson—musician, publisher, gear designer, and all-around music industry lifer. From his early days jamming in Florida to shaping the future of music education and publishing, Mike's career has spanned decades of innovation, reinvention, and pure love for the craft. They dive deep into the golden era of guitar shops, the digital revolution that transformed music production, and Mike’s time working with giants like Quincy Jones, Gibson Guitars, Hal Leonard and a whole lot more! Plus, hear about the creation of his signature guitars with Pearl River, his favorite pedals, and—of course—his go-to pizza toppings. Whether you’re a gear nerd, a publishing pro, or just love a good behind-the-scenes music story, this one’s packed with insight, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs. 🎧 Tap in for stories, riffs, and real talk from a man who’s done it all—and yet still finds more to do! Check out more info on Mike HERE https://mikelawson.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've been working on this for months now, and it is finally here! Introducing my new podcast that I created with my friend, business partner, and Tone Mob Podcast alumni, Scott Marquart. If you like the... odd side of music, you'll enjoy these tales. You can find Tape Spaghetti on the same platforms you get The Tone Mob Podcast as well as video episodes on YouTube. Here is the description for this episode that I copied from the main TS feed: This week on Tape Spaghetti, Blake & Scott unravel one of the eeriest, darkest threads in music history: the twisted tale of Charles Manson and his brush with late-‘60s rock stardom. Before he became a household name for all the wrong reasons, Manson fancied himself the next folk-rock prophet—and actually got closer to achieving his goal than you might think. In this chat the guys dig into his bizarre connections with L.A.’s music elite, from jam sessions at Dennis Wilson’s house to a reworked Manson song making its way onto a Beach Boys record. It’s a wild ride through failed recording deals, cult manipulation, and the uneasy intersection of fame and fanaticism. As the story spirals toward infamy, Blake & Scott reflect on how Manson’s musical dreams bled into his nightmarish legacy. Creepy, compelling, and full of "how the heck did that happen?" moments—this one’s a chilling twirl you won’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast I have my good buddy Joel Korte of Chase Bliss back on the podcast to tell the tale of how he and the legendary AnalogMike came together to create the Brothers AM. We also get into some of the behind the scenes details of how Chase Bliss operates, and the harsh realities Joel & Co have had to navigate. It ain't all sunshine and rainbows, but it is fascinating! Enjoy! Check it out HERE https://www.chasebliss.com/brothers-am Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Spann is a guitarist/musician/frontman for the band low before the breeze. I met Andrew through the podcast itself, and I really, really enjoy the band's output. Plus being a gearhead, he was a natural fit for the show! We discuss Andrew's early experiences with music, the role of gear in his creative process, and the development of his vocal techniques. The conversation also gets into the personal themes present in their music, the collaborative dynamics within the band, and the challenges of addressing personal struggles through art. Check out all of Andrew's stuff below: Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/lowbeforethebreeze/  Album Pre Orders: https://lowbeforethebreeze.bandcamp.com/merch Merch: https://lowbeforethebreeze.bandcamp.com/music National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1G9igjWIvte4q261fJ2D0w?si=XLz8i5KBQ8mr6NaGLt5EuQ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast I experience another one of those "pinch me" moments! Red Fang has been a huge influence on me in both a musical sense and in some of my personal gear choices. Bryan and I discuss a whole bunch of stuff on this slightly condensed episode, including: Soundgarden, and their influence on the band The Sunn Beta Lead Amplifier (of course) Intra-band creative conflict and how to manage it Tuner pedals Weird books and their influence Recording to tape vs digitally A WHOLE LOT MORE! Check out Red Fang wherever you get your music and on their website HERE https://redfang.net/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily Wolfe has returned for another episode! Since I have her by herself this time, I wanted to chat with her about her career since we recorded her last solo episode. There is a ton of "life" talk on this episode as we get caught up, and we cover a ton of ground including: Her new Tone Pack with STL Tones The importance of separation in personal and professional life Creativity can be sparked by discipline, not just inspiration. The challenge of writing "happy" songs Transitioning to being your own boss Some "Dad talk" from me Maintaining multiple streams of income in the music business Check Emily's music and info out on her website HERE https://www.emilywolfemusic.com/ Check out her STL Tones products HERE https://www.stltones.com/products/stl-tonehub-plugin Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bouncing Souls are an iconic melodic punk band from New Jersey. They are a personal favorite of mine and have been for over 20 years. Pete is also the owner of what I consider to be one of the raddest guitars in music history. It is a 1979 White Les Paul Custom that has the most iconic legit playwear that I have ever seen! We talk about that and a lot of other stuff like: The early days of the Bouncing Souls Recording music is a collaborative process that requires understanding the dynamics of the band. Aspiring musicians should focus on DIY methods to build their careers before seeking label support. The music industry has changed drastically, making it easier for artists to promote themselves independently. Finding the right label is crucial; artists should seek those who genuinely support their vision. Touring experiences evolve with age, shifting from wild adventures to more family-oriented approaches. The importance of building relationships and trust in the music industry cannot be overstated. Simple gear setups can often yield the best results in live performances. Nostalgia plays a big role in music culture. Modern touring vs 90s touring "Rock dad" life Punk rock was a significant turning point for many musicians. Punkorama CDs were crucial for discovering new music. Epitaph Records played a vital role in the punk scene. Check out more info on The Bouncing Souls on their website HERE https://www.bouncingsouls.com/ Check out more about Pete on his website HERE https://petesteinkopf.com/ and give him a follow on Instagram HERE https://www.instagram.com/pete_steinkopf Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices