Emily Wolfe discovered her passion for the guitar at just 6 years old. Then in college, she found the courage to step forward as a vocalist. Equipped with both a microphone and an electric guitar, Emily’s creative potential was unleashed. In this episode we discuss her fantastic new album, Outlier, produced by Michael Shuman of Queens of the Stone …

In this episode we chart Steve Vai’s path from 12-year-old student under the tutelage of Joe Satriani to full-blown rock guitar god. Additional topics include the evolution of guitar playing, the development of Vai’s showmanship (especially while playing with David Lee Roth), the difference between discipline and passion, the story behind his monum…

On today’s episode we welcome Nick Hexum and Tim Mahoney of 311. Nick and Tim grew up playing in bands together in Omaha, Nebraska. They soon forged the 311 sound and today, over 3 decades later, they’ve released 13 studio albums—ten of which reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200. Topics discussed include being rap-rock pioneers in the early 90s,…

In today’s episode we speak with Jesse Keeler of Death From Above 1979 about the secrets to his bass sound, the origins of the band, the “Freeze Me” video, and their new album, Is 4 Lovers. Additional topics include Jesse’s musical upbringing, his thoughts on the future of music creation, and of course his affinity for Regular Slinky bass strings.F…

On today’s episode we welcome guitarist Jake Goldstein and bassist Kevin Grimmett of the band HUNNY. We discuss their history and the success of their local scene, which included bands such as the Neighbourhood and Bad Suns. We talk about their influences and pay homage to the Cure. Other topics include signing with Epitaph Records, predicting futu…

At just 16 years old, Joe Robinson, equipped with his acoustic guitar, won Australia’s Got Talent. His career has since continued to flourish, releasing solo albums, doing session work, and performing with Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, and many other artists. In this episode we speak with Joe about getting the most out of your guitar practice, em…

Today we welcome YouTuber, shredder, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Jared Dines to the podcast. Through his intermingling of musical proficiency and comical skits, Jared has amassed millions of subscribers and hundreds of millions of views. In this episode we discuss social media as an outlet for musicians, the viral video experience, internet…

Joey Bradford, guitarist of the Used, knows touring — from all angles. Right out of high school he jumped on the opportunity to sell merch on the Warped Tour for Saosin. Never looking back, Bradford’s talent and tenacity continued to open doors (like the time he was approached at the merch table and asked to fill in on guitar for Thrice!). In this …

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Kid Bloom joins us on the podcast for a wide ranging conversation. We discuss the idiosyncrasies of growing up in Los Angeles, playing strange gigs, writing songs on an instrument vs in a DAW, gaining traction without a label, and creating music that is unencumbered by social pressures.Intro music: Eat …

Cliff Williams of AC/DC joins us on the podcast to discuss his musical history prior to joining the band in 1977, his favorite memories of playing with AC/DC through the decades, his reflections on their new album, and his Music Man bass which has accompanied him through thick and thin since 1979. Ernie Ball Music Man has recently recreated Cliff’s…

In this episode we speak with Knuckle Puck guitarists Nick Casasanto and Kevin Maida. The Chicago suburbanites tell the story behind their name, describe their first gig, and explain why they all get along so well. Kevin pitches The Sopranos as the greatest show ever created and Nick tells the story of a fan who turned out to be a long lost relativ…

As the son of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons, Zach Irons grew up immersed in music. Zach, not surprisingly, played drums from an early age, but soon discovered an even deeper passion for the guitar. Today Zach is the lead guitarist for both IRONTOM and AWOLNATION. In this episode we speak with Irons about the current state of the guitar s…

In this episode we speak with System Of A Down bassist Shavo Odadjian about moving to the US from Armenia as a kid, the formation and early days of System Of A Down, their unique situation of touring but not recording, and dealing with the public obsession with a new System record. We also discuss Shavo’s new band, North Kingsley, which has been pr…

Growing up in Brazil Rafael Moreira dreamt of ripping guitar solos in front of adoring masses. These dreams turned to determination, leading Moreira to LA where he attended Musicians Institute. Rafael’s skills were soon discovered and put to good use as the guitarist for P!nk, Christina Aguilera, The Voice, and American Idol (to name a few). In thi…

Indie-folk artist Matt Costa grew up skateboarding in Southern California. In the wake of a debilitating accident, Matt discovered a new passion and natural aptitude for songwriting. He soon crossed paths with No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont, whose early mentorship helped put Matt on track for a successful and enduring music career. In this episode, …

In this episode we speak with Stefan Babcock, lead singer and guitarist of the band PUP. Stefan discusses the Canadian music scene and the extent to which the US/Canada border acts as a musical divide. He also discusses lyrical inspiration, band chemistry, the dedication required to make music one’s livelihood, and an experiment PUP ran: what happe…

Seether formed in 1999. Just one year later their demo was charting in their home country of South Africa. The year after that, US label Wind-up Records flew the band out to NYC for a showcase performance, promptly signed them to a deal, and the rest is history. In this episode we speak with singer/guitarist Shaun Morgan and bassist Dale Stewart ab…

In this episode we have a wide-ranging conversation with Dream Theater bassist John Myung. John discusses his experience attending Berklee College of Music with John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy, Dream Theater’s formation and early days, tips for practicing bass, and the story behind his new Ernie Ball Music Man Artist Series six-string bass.Intro mus…

Dee (@musicwithdeewood) and Rajesh (@musicman_raj), founders of The Bombay Jazz Club (@thebombayjazzclub) are the two people I go to whenever I need inspiration, advice, or just chat generally about the music scene and venues. It has been on my bucket list to have them on my podcast. We share many good memories otherwise, but in this episode, it's …

The members of hardcore outfit Code Orange have earned a reputation for their unrelenting drive. Whether writing heavier riffs, intensifying their live shows, or finding creative ways to engage fans during the pandemic, Code Orange is always pushing the envelope. In this episode we speak with guitarists Reba Meyers and Dominic Landolina about the p…

With their self-released debut album 40oz. to Freedom, Sublime quickly established a grassroots following on the California coast. With the release of their self-titled third studio album—two months after the passing of singer Bradley Nowell and the dissolution of the band—Sublime amassed worldwide fame, which persists to this day. In this episode …

With the bonds of childhood friendship and the musical chemistry to match, The Story So Far caught fire in the pop punk world with their debut album Under Soil and Dirt. Never complacent, the Walnut Creek natives have continued to press the bounds of convention with each successive album. In this episode we speak with Kelen Capener, Kevin Geyer, an…

In this episode we speak with Halestorm guitarist Joe Hottinger about the group’s amazing journey from local bar band to Grammy award-winning artist. Joe discusses his development as a guitar player, his first meeting with Lzzy and Arejay Hale, his life in Nashville, his influences, and much more.Di Ernie Ball

Mobeen Ansari (@Mobeenansariphoto) and I talk about common interests in music, movies, arts etc. We share our stories on working on our coffee table book 'Breaking Boundaries', which celebrates artists with no boundaries, his experience on photographing musicians, and the random things we experienced working together. There's also a very cool Junoo…

Forged in the Chicago punk scene of the late ‘90s, Rise Against seemed an unlikely candidate for mainstream success. After signing to a major label in 2003, Rise Against went on to release six albums that reached the Billboard 200 — five of which charted in the top ten. In this episode we speak with vocalist/guitarist Tim McIlrath and guitarist Zac…

Maddi Schieferstein first crossed paths with John Petrucci in 1998 when Deep Purple was touring with Dream Theater. At the time Maddi was the bass tech for Deep Purple, but as any true gearhead would, he took an interest in Petrucci’s extensive rig. Little did he know that in time he would come to know that rig better than anyone on the planet. In …

Not many unsigned bands are asked to play Coachella or tour with Jack White, yet this is the story of Chicano Batman. Today, with the release of their highly anticipated fourth album, Invisible People, Chicano Batman’s ascent continues unabated. In this episode guitarist Carlos Arévalo and bassist Eduardo Arenas discuss the making of their new albu…

Hailing from Albany, New York, Drug Church has carved out a unique niche in the post-hardcore world. As articulated on their Spotify page, “They’re an unabashedly aggressive band that writes hooks you can’t stop humming — too poppy for the heavy crowd, too heavy for the poppy crowd.” And yet Drug Church’s proprietary sound continues to open new doo…

Goldfinger frontman John “Feldy” Feldmann has one of the most enviable résumés in the music business. With roots in the California punk scene, Feldmann has gone on to produce and co-write with a wide variety of music’s biggest names, including Good Charlotte, Panic! at the Disco, blink-182, and 5 Seconds of Summer. In this episode, we speak with Fe…

In this episode we speak with Mad Caddies guitarist Sascha Lazor about getting signed by NOFX’s Fat Mike, his latest project working with rap artist Doja Cat and Yeti Beats, the unique rewards and challenges of touring the world as a musician, and how his passion for reggae music led him to Jamaica where he quickly found use for his talents making …

Di Ernie Ball

It's been over 2 months since Sidharth Sharma (@darth_sids ) and I watched our first @U2 concert together on our home turf. Second concert for me in 15 days, but first in many ways special. From being up and about from 5 am, to hanging in the GA line for an hour, to chilling for 4 hours inside the stadium with old and new friends, we recall the who…

Di Ernie Ball

If you did listen to the first episode, you know what a good fruit salad can be. We had so much to talk about, so we broke it in 2 episodes. We start this one with our common love, George Harrison, and much more. Credits: Host: Arpana Gvalani Theme music: Astrometrics - Fire In The Mountains (edited) Creative Commons License(http://freemusicarchive…

Di Ernie Ball

These guys Yeshi (@mybutterhalf), Suva Suva (I like to call him that) (@lucidillusions.in), and @RahulNanda86 were a big chunk of my life at @Gostana. It was our living room, much like Monica's (Friends). The usual suspects missing on this episode are Bhavin (Master of Ceremonies) (@onechilledbeer) , Aabha (@bahapereyze), Anisha (@billiraani), Shib…

Di Ernie Ball

Di Ernie Ball

Di Ernie Ball

Having grown up together, cousins Arpana (@arpana_gvalani) and Rakhee (@rakheegvalani) have together experienced first crushes, waghera, waghera. Here's their journey from Kumar Gaurav, to Nazia and Zoheb Hassan(@zohebhassan_), to U2 (@u2), with a dash of Manish Malhotra (@manishmalhotra05). Host: Arpana Gvalani Theme music: Astrometrics - Fire In …

Di Ernie Ball

Di Ernie Ball

Di Ernie Ball

From Cusp to being in a nameless band, Saumitra (@saumitramathur) shares his OK Cupid journey to find Shunmuga and the invisible Rohan (@forkedtongue7). Secrets from Turner Road sessions to Powai jams are out in this episode. There was a special chocolate bar consumed before we recorded this episode which was NOT sponsored by BIRA Blonde. Credits: …

Di Ernie Ball

Purely for the @U2 fans who are as mad as us Shubhayan (@tubaiography) and I. We talk and sing some songs and I'm mostly out of tune. BUT U2 ARE COMING TO INDIA. Be warned, we are random. In this episode I have also exposed my bad songwriting skills, but Yeshi (@yeshi.chaudhary), we LOU U. Make a Kiwi lemonade and order some butter chicken for ente…

Di Ernie Ball

In this episode I chat my band AnC @anctheband (I'm the 4th invisible member) about their beginnings, influences, and how they got together. We recorded this episode post midnight, after consuming 75 paani pooris, so be warned. The longest episode so far, but with many surprises, for us too. And yes, we are family....I got all my brothers with me..…

Di Ernie Ball

Di Ernie Ball