What happens when you mix a love for dark humor, a passion for guitars, and a knack for storytelling? Meet Josh Tate from the band Helitosis, who brings a unique blend of musical creativity and literary flair to the table. In our latest episode, Josh takes us on a journey through his musical beginnings, from his days as the fiery frontman of The Leftovers to mastering the guitar in his late 20s. You’ll hear about the pivotal moments that fueled his desire to express himself through music, pushing him to evolve as an artist.

Ever thought about pairing a book with an album for a multi-sensory experience? Josh shares his innovative approach to album releases, inspired by his childhood memories of his father enjoying books and music together. We dive into the thematic connections between his songs and stories, creating a richer, more immersive narrative for his fans. It’s a fascinating exploration of how creativity can bridge different forms of art, making each album release an event to look forward to.

But that’s not all—there’s a special segment for guitar enthusiasts as well. Josh talks about his favorite instruments, the sentimental stories behind them, and the gear that helps create Helitosis’ signature sound. From his trusty Dean Flying V to his Marshall JCM amp setup, get ready to geek out on all things guitar. Plus, Josh shares some recording tips that bring out the massive, layered sound his band is known for. Tune in for an episode filled with insights, nostalgia, and plenty of inspiration for both musicians and music lovers.

You can see the show notes here!

Do you think your musical tastes are set in stone? Think again. Join us as we reminisce about the transformative journey from being a hardcore 90s metalhead to discovering and falling in love with Rush, the legendary Canadian rock band. Once upon a time, bands like Pantera and Metallica ruled our playlists, and Rush was dismissed without a second thought. However, thanks to Spotify, we found ourselves immersed in the masterful artistry of Neil Peart, Geddy Lee, and Alex Lifeson. We dive into key albums like “Fly by Night” and “2112,” exploring how they shaped the progressive rock genre and much more.

Our story doesn’t stop there. Ever wondered how despising a band can lead to a deeper appreciation of its influence? Inspired by Dave Mustaine’s advice, we delve into the surprising impact of Kiss on our favorite metal musicians, even though we may not be fans of their music. Whether recounting the profound bass playing of Geddy Lee or sharing insights from his book “My Effin’ Life,” we aim to broaden your musical horizons. If you’re a fan of heavy metal, Rush’s unique sound and influence might just surprise you. So, embrace the storm and tune in to discover a new appreciation for the pioneers of progressive rock.

You can see the show notes here!

Rocking out to Cheap Trick while my mom cleaned the house is one of my fondest childhood memories. It’s moments like these that set the stage for our deep dive into musical influences with Cory Reynolds from CRC Guitars. We start our journey reminiscing about the pivotal moments that defined our musical paths—like being captivated by the Metallica “One” video—and sharing tales of discovering bands like Led Zeppelin and Queen. Cory opens up about his early days playing bass guitar with his brother, highlighting how parental influences, from Metallica to Prince, shaped their eclectic tastes.

My own 23-24 year musical journey intertwines with Cory’s as we discuss the evolution from playing bass in a three-piece band to transitioning to acoustic guitar. The challenges of maintaining creativity while working in construction and a cleaning company underscore the importance of finding creative outlets. We share laughs and lessons learned from building custom guitars, experimenting with wild designs, and the invaluable insights gained from the technical aspects of guitar construction.

Our conversation takes a practical turn as we explore the feasibility of assembling guitars from kits and the nuances of guitar setup. Cory’s wisdom shines through as he offers tips for adjusting budget guitars to improve playability, and we delve into the diverse opportunities in the music industry beyond just playing an instrument. Wrapping up, we reflect on the importance of determination, grit, and having honest friends who provide constructive criticism. With excitement for future collaborations, we encourage our listeners to embrace their creative storms and make the most of their available resources.

You can see the show notes here!

Unlock the secrets of technical death metal mastery with Archspire, the band that redefines the boundaries of musicianship. You’ll discover how the band’s relentless dedication has honed their mind-blowing guitar riffs, brutal vocals, and inhuman drumming. Hear about drummer Spencer’s meticulous drum kit setup designed to maximize performance efficiency, and get a taste of the band’s incredible finesse that makes their music uniquely versatile and heavy.

Our conversation also delves into how modern metal has evolved with the advent of platforms like Napster and Spotify, influencing bands to seamlessly blend genres and push creative boundaries. We discuss the impressive, genre-bending elements Archspire brings to their four studio albums, including unforgettable bass solos and jaw-dropping anecdotes. Whether you’re a die-hard metal fan or new to the genre, prepare for an exhilarating exploration of one of the most formidable bands on the scene today.

You can see the show notes here!

Imagine sitting in a garage, listening to Chris from Benson Amps as he reveals his passion for creating amps that don’t just distort, but harmonize. Discover the intimate relationship between design and sound, and how one man’s determination to craft an amp that stood out from the crowd led to the birth of an iconic brand. Chris takes us through his journey, sharing the role of tubes in achieving a pleasing harmonic distortion and how design trumps components in delivering a unique sound.

Ever thought about the dynamics between musicians and their amplifiers? Chris opens up about the varying responses he receives from musicians who’ve experienced the unique sound of Benson Amps. The emotional connection between a musician and their instrument is powerful, and change can be challenging. Yet, there are those who embrace the refreshing sound, finding new ways to express themselves through their music. Chris also reminisces on his unlikely path into amp building, with past experiences and chance encounters shaping his current career.

The tale takes an exciting turn when we delve into Chris’s collaboration with Robert Keely, the renowned pedal maker. Keely’s interest in Chris’s amps brings a new dimension to the Benson Amps story, as does the unexpected request from musicians of Fugazi to use a bass amp Chris had designed. This wide-ranging conversation explores the concept of serendipity, with Chris attributing many of his successes to the universe’s knack for sending incredible opportunities his way. Chris’s story is a compelling testament to following your passion and embracing the unexpected. Tune in and be inspired.

You can see the show notes here!

What happens when you mix jaw-dropping guitar riffs with punishingly tight drumming? You get the sonic brutality of Dying Fetus, of course! Join us as we pay homage to John Gallagher’s masterful guitar work and vocal prowess that will leave you questioning your own musical biases. We unpack the ferocity of their last three mind-blowing albums—Reign Supreme, Wrong One to Fuck With, and Beg for Death—while celebrating the explosive contributions of drummers like Trey Williams. Plus, we throw it back to their 2000 EP, Grotesque Impalement, to appreciate the drummer’s relentless energy and the EP’s impact on the metal scene.

But it’s not all about Dying Fetus; we also take a trip down memory lane to discuss our complicated relationship with Slipknot and the new metal wave of the early 2000s. We reflect on how Slipknot’s theatrical presence and numerous band members initially turned us off, drawing an unlikely comparison to Kiss. Yet, the undeniable talent of Slipknot’s new drummer, Eloy Casagrande, forces us to acknowledge the diverse ways music resonates with people. Tune in for a candid conversation on the evolution of metal, how different bands have captured or lost our interest over the years, and the universal language of music that connects us all.

You can see the show notes here!

Uncover the intriguing journey of Oliver, the inventive mind behind Death by Audio, as he details his path from curious tinkerer to creator of outlandish audio effects pedals. With no formal training in electrical or mechanical engineering, Oliver’s story is one of tenacity, self-education, and a burning desire to produce something extraordinary for the world of music. Discover how he taught himself soldering, mastered complex concepts through library books, and transformed a hobby into a thriving business.

The tale gets even more riveting as we delve into the evolution of Death by Audio pedals. Hear how a simple need to fund a trip morphed into taking on custom jobs, expanding his knowledge in electrical engineering, and ultimately creating a brand renowned for its unique and experimental audio effects. Oliver opens up about his creative process, the influences that shape his work, and the sheer thrill of crafting something from scratch that empowers musicians worldwide. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that brings you closer to the mind behind the mayhem!

You can see the show notes here!

Is “Scream Bloody Gore” the true origin of death metal? Join us as we tackle this hotly debated topic and delve into the transformative journey of Death, the band that redefined the boundaries of metal music. From the brutal beginnings of “Scream Bloody Gore” to the intricate and thought-provoking “The Sound of Perseverance,” we reflect on how our admiration for Death’s music has evolved over time. We also explore Chuck Schuldiner’s own perspective on his band’s classification, revealing his disdain for the death metal label and his preference for the broader “extreme metal” genre.

In this episode, we dissect the technical brilliance and melodic complexity that set Death apart from their contemporaries. By sharing personal anecdotes and deep musical insights, we aim to bridge the gap between old-school fans and newcomers alike. We also highlight the broader context of death metal, acknowledging the skill and finesse required to master this challenging genre. Tune in for a rich, engaging discussion that pays tribute to one of metal’s most influential bands and their enduring legacy.

You can see the show notes here!

Meet our daredevil guest for this episode, the legendary Kane Hodder. A stuntman and actor of high repute, Kane is best known for his character, Jason Voorhees, from the cult-classic Friday the 13th series. He shares his gripping journey from a young adventurer hanging off balconies to a Hollywood stuntman, unafraid of pushing fear’s boundaries. Despite a near-fatal burn accident, his passion for performing fire stunts remained undeterred, emphasizing the delicate balance between creating a dramatic effect and ensuring safety.

In a heart-to-heart conversation, Kane recalls his time on the sets of films like Dukes of Hazard and some of his most unforgettable stunts. He explains the fascinating realm of motion capture in video games and how it is revolutionizing the horror industry. But what truly tugs at the heartstrings is when he recounts his visits to burn survivor units. As he shares his experiences and provides inspiration, Kane brilliantly uses his platform to connect and uplift patients. Brace yourself for an electrifying tale of resilience and daring feats with the indomitable Kane Hodder.

You can see the show notes here!

Listen in as we tackle the age-old debate among musicians: the importance of music theory. Kicking things off, I want to emphasize that whether you’re versed in music theory or not, it doesn’t define your worth as a musician. We’ll discuss the common arguments for and against music theory, including the anecdotal success of big names who’ve made it without formal theory knowledge. But let’s not forget, those are the outliers. I’ll share my personal journey with music theory, having studied it in both high school and college, and the surprising realization that my high school lessons were on par with college-level education.

Dive into the practical reasons why learning music theory in today’s musical landscape can be beneficial, even if you’re not aiming to be a scholar. I use my own experiences as a blind musician to illustrate how theory can be a powerful tool in a band setting. Imagine being able to immediately jump into a jam session, knowing exactly what’s being played, because you understand the fundamentals of chords and key signatures. This conversation isn’t about convincing you that music theory is the be-all and end-all, but rather, it’s about exploring how even a basic grasp of theory can enhance your musicianship and collaboration with others. Tune in for an engaging discussion that might just change the way you approach your craft.

You can see the show notes hereDebating Music Theory’s Role for Today’s Musicians show notes!

Buckle up for a riveting conversation with our fellow podcaster and comic book aficionado, Ming Chen. Renowned for his Clarks fan website that grabbed the attention of filmmaker Kevin Smith, Ming’s journey into podcasting is nothing short of inspirational. We delve into his story, which carries us through the exciting development of the Tornado Film and Music Festival at Foxwood’s Casino. This episode is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and a geeky love for comic books.

Our chat with Ming highlights the intriguing interplay between creativity and traditional job structures. Taking a leaf out of Christopher Nolan’s book, who famously shot his first film over weekends, we reflect on how creativity can thrive in the most unexpected of circumstances. We also venture into the world of crowdfunding in filmmaking and the democratization it brings to storytellers. The power of AI in the future of creativity is also something we delve into, providing an interesting angle to the narrative. And of course, being the comic book lovers we are, Ming and I discuss the unique, profound stories housed in the world of comics.

Journey back with us to the mid-90s as we follow Ming’s creation of a fan website powered by his love for comic books and technology. We explore the potential of comic books as powerful educational tools, their resurgence through Marvel movies, and how Apple broke into education through strategic upgrades. As we end, we reflect on the massive impact of technology on podcasting, networking, collaboration, and how it kept our weekly shows alive during the pandemic. So tune in for an episode that is truly a geeky treasure trove of inspiration and creativity.

After a lengthy hiatus from the metal scene, I’ve dusted off my battle jacket and plunged back into the fray with Deicide’s latest auditory onslaught, “Banished by Sin.” You’ll hear my unabashed take on this relentless death metal titan; I’m no stranger to Deicide’s early work, having been spellbound by their blasphemous tracks in the 90s, yet I find myself catching up on decades of their evolution. This episode is a pilgrimage through my personal metal reawakening and a testament to the genre’s tenacity.

We crank the amps and break down the elements that make “Banished by Sin” a bone-crushing experience, with particular nods to Glenn Benton’s vicious vocals and Steve’s merciless drumming – proof that these veterans are far from spent forces. The conversation doesn’t shy away from comparisons with genre peers like Cannibal Corpse, as we marvel at the longevity and sheer force of Deicide’s brutal symphony. For diehards and newcomers alike, this raw and unfiltered exploration celebrates the craftsmanship and relentless spirit of a band that continues to define the very core of death metal.

You can see the show notes here!