Cliff’s journey from a young choir boy to a dynamic musician is nothing short of inspiring. With his story beginning at just eight years old in a prestigious boys choir, Cliff’s early passion for music saw him transitioning from the cello to the bass guitar, forming bands, and rocking college events by the age of 13. His relentless pursuit of musical growth is evident, and we explore how a simple amplifier upgrade turned his band’s sound from ordinary to extraordinary, propelling them into larger venues and deeper into the world of rock and roll.

Our conversation takes a technical turn as Cliff shares a nostalgic yet challenging amplifier repair adventure, discussing his encounters with industry figures like Billy McWhorter and Sid Markey. These anecdotes blend personal passion with professional trials, shedding light on the evolution of audio equipment from tubes to transistors. Whether it’s discussing the technical intricacies with a former member of The Dynamics or the collaborative efforts to preserve authentic sound quality, Cliff’s technical know-how is both fascinating and enlightening.

The episode also delves into the modern challenges of music production, the impact of AI on music creation, and the shifting landscape of musician compensation. Cliff recounts his journey through the pandemic, from recording an album to learning advanced mixing and mastering techniques. Beyond music, we explore Cliff’s entrepreneurial ventures, including his supplement business and DIY preamp projects, highlighting the importance of resilience and the willingness to take risks. Cliff’s story is a testament to creativity, technical expertise, and the rewards of not being afraid to fail.

You can see the show notes here!

What makes an album stand out as the pinnacle of thrash metal? On this episode of Embrace Your Storm, we take on the Herculean task of ranking Megadeth albums, starting with the legendary “Rust in Peace” as our top contender. From there, we explore the modern brilliance of “The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!” and its reflection of Dave Mustaine’s enduring talent. We move through the consistent quality of “Peace Sells… But Who’s Buying?”, the melodic richness of “Countdown to Extinction,” and the raw aggression of “Killing Is My Business… And Business Is Good!” despite its production flaws. We also analyze the mixed but potent elements of “So Far, So Good… So What!” and highlight “The System Has Failed” and “United Abominations” for their relentless thrash energy.

Join the conversation as we ask for your take on our rankings. Do you agree with our choices, or do you have a completely different perspective on Megadeth’s discography? We encourage you to share your thoughts by visiting embracestormcom and emailing us at hello at embracestormcom. Thank you for tuning in, downloading, and remember to embrace your storm.

You can see ythe show notes here!

Shwe G, a prodigious blues musician hailing from India and a proud Berklee College of Music alum, shares his compelling journey of musical fusion and cultural integration. From his early days playing the sitar and harmonium under his father’s guidance to creating innovative tracks like “21 by 6,” Shwe’s story is one of blending Eastern and Western musical traditions. We unpack the nuances of traditional Indian instruments and their impact on his blues compositions, setting the stage for a unique musical narrative.

Navigating through the cultural landscape of India in the 90s and early 2000s, Shwe recounts the challenges and triumphs of young musicians amidst rising heavy metal and rock scenes. His bold decision to pursue a non-conventional career at Berklee speaks volumes about his passion and dedication. Through humorous anecdotes and insightful reflections, Shwe offers a glimpse into the rigorous process of mastering guitar and music theory, influenced by legends like Pat Metheny and Steve Vai.

The conversation takes a turn towards the technical as we discuss Shway’s gear preferences and recording experiences, transitioning from live performances in New York to forming a blues band in India post-COVID. From visa challenges to reconnecting with family, Shway’s journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Tune in to hear about his current projects, future travel plans, and the evolving landscape of recording technology, all while gaining a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of music. Don’t miss out on this inspiring episode filled with rich musical insights and personal stories.

You can fine Shwe G on Instagram and spotify!

You can see the show notes here!

Grant Malloy-Smith, the celebrated musician and storyteller, joins us on Embrace Your Storm to share his remarkable transformation from a budding artist to a passionate musician. This episode takes you through Grant’s early years, where his love for drawing and painting made an unexpected pivot to music, inspired by a simple yet profound moment in high school. Listen as Grant recounts how a shy classmate’s guitar performance ignited his own musical aspirations, leading him to buy his first guitar and embark on a lifelong journey filled with creativity and sound.

Grant’s eclectic musical influences come alive as he discusses his admiration for classic country and bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley, as well as rock icons including Aerosmith and David Bowie. Hear about his exhilarating experiences in the 80s, opening for legendary acts such as Steppenwolf and Jack Bruce, and how his beloved 1954 Telecaster became a cornerstone of his unique sound. The conversation also touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic shifted his focus toward creating thematic albums, with the “Dust Bowl” project standing out as a poignant example of his dedication to storytelling through music.

Explore the cultural significance of American roots music in today’s world as Grant reflects on the commercial success of his “Dust Bowl” album amidst a resurgence of vinyl records. Gain insights into his upcoming projects, both musical and literary, and the challenges of producing physical copies in a digital age. Throughout our chat, Grant underscores the intrinsic value of creativity, encouraging listeners to pursue their artistic passions for personal fulfillment and community connection. This inspiring episode is a testament to the power of music and creativity in navigating life’s storms.

You can see the show notes here!

Unlock the secrets of Linux and open-source software with “Embrace your Storm”! This episode promises to arm you with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explore the fascinating world of Linux operating systems. Join us as we share our personal journey from former Linux advocates, highlighting the incredible features that make Linux a compelling choice. From trying out a live system without installation to considering a dual boot setup with Windows, we’ve got practical advice for everyone—from tech newbies to seasoned pros. Discover why user-friendly distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint are our top recommendations for beginners and how the supportive Linux community is always ready to assist with troubleshooting.

Get inspired by the powerhouses of Linux—Fedora and OpenSUSE—and learn about their connections to Red Hat Linux and SUSE. Understand the pivotal role Red Hat Linux plays in powering critical infrastructures like the New York Stock Exchange, and its acquisition by IBM. Realize the versatility of Linux, capable of performing nearly everything a Windows computer can, using alternative software like LibreOffice. Uncover how Linux can breathe new life into old hardware and dive into the vibrant, open-source communities that continually evolve based on user feedback. For those eager to explore various Linux distributions, we recommend resources like DistroWatch to guide your journey. Tune in and let your curiosity lead you into the amazing world of Linux!

You can see the show notes here!

Get ready for a thrilling ride, as we connect with Marlene Sharp, the mastermind behind Pink Poodle Productions. Chart Marlene’s astonishing career path that originated in New Orleans, led her to the city of angels and landed her a key role at Sega. Absorb insightful advice as Marlene underlines the impact of networking and shares her experiences about how LinkedIn served as a catalyst in her career. The narrative takes a gripping turn as we draw upon the strength of resilience. Marlene metamorphoses a job loss into a golden opportunity, revamping her consulting projects site into a dynamic production company.

Expanding our horizons, we delve into the intricacies of the pre-production and development process in the film industry. From intellectual property considerations to contracts, we broach various creative challenges that come with this territory. We bring to light the harmonious collaboration between director Sahel Bargava and Marlene on a series of music videos and her association with Brainstorm Productions for a short film. As we journey towards the climax, we introduce an upcoming trilogy, Young Captain Nemo, discussing its potential impact on the industry. Get prepared to be immersed in a story of determination, creativity, and resilience, all wrapped up in one inspiring conversation with Marlene Sharp.

Join me on a personal odyssey through the electrifying world of heavy metal, where I share the tale of how Metallica’s “One” struck a chord in my ten-year-old heart, sparking a lifelong passion for their thrashing beats and intricate melodies. Listen in as I recount the formative moments that led me to explore the band’s iconic early albums like “Kill ‘Em All,” “Ride the Lightning,” and “Master of Puppets,” and how these masterpieces influenced my musical taste, even inspiring a dedicated Metallica tattoo. But it wasn’t just the music; I also reflect on the allure of their dynamic performances, the allure of Kirk Hammett’s guitar solos, and my complex feelings about Lars Ulrich’s drumming, all while juggling my childhood sports and various interests.

In this episode, we also wade into the fierce debate that has divided fans for decades: Metallica versus Megadeth. The controversial split with Dave Mustaine and the resulting rivalry between the two bands pose a question—can fans truly appreciate both? Hear my thoughts on the influence Mustaine may have had on Metallica’s solos and how his departure continues to stir conversations among metal aficionados. If you’re keen to join the discussion, discover how creating a profile on embracestormcom can allow you to share your perspective on this legendary musical feud. Whether you’re Team Metallica, Team Megadeth, or somewhere in between, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

You can see the show notes here!