On this week's show, we have a candid chat with Seattle indie rock musician-turned-podcaster (Roderick on the Line, Omnibus) John Roderick.
The Long Winters frontman was an early Fretboard Journal subject and guest on our podcast. This time around, we talk about John's break from music-making, the new songs he's been writing, the perils of pedal collecting and so much more.
We also reminisce about the PNW indie rock community of the late '90s when John often shared a bill with Death Cab for Cutie, discuss the challenges of getting the band together when you're all in your 50s, and learn about the hacks that may (or may not) overcome writer's block.
We also talk gear. John is a gearhead and former employee of Emerald City Guitars. He has a unique perspective on guitars, amps, and pedal collecting and has been a friend of the Fretboard Journal since its inception. I think you'll love it.
Follow John here:
http://www.johnroderick.com/
Must-listen: John on Song Exploder talking about "The Commander Thinks Aloud":
https://songexploder.net/the-long-winters
John performing in our 2012 12 Days of Fretboard project: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/twelve-days-fretboard-john-roderick/
Fretboard Summit 2024 Registration:
https://fretboardsummit.org
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
This week's show is sponsored by:
StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link)
Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com
Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%)
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)
Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).
Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal
For the last several years, Los Angeles-based musician Ryan Richter has served as a touring guitarist for Dijon, Ryan Beatty, Lizzy McAlpine and others. Years ago, he was also one of the Fretboard Journal's earliest employees.
Ryan recently released his first solo project - a fascinating one-track, 20-minute long album called "As Good A Place As Any (No Hard Feelings)" - and on this week's podcast, we hear all about it.
Ryan tells us about how this multifaceted composition came to be (with a little help from a rolling capo ad on social media), the gear that he used on it, his touring rig with Ryan Beatty, the LA guitar scene today, working with Mason Stoops, the perils of hot vocal mics, and so much more.
"As Good A Place As Any (No Hard Feelings)" is a beautiful and unique debut project and we hope you'll check it out.
Ryan's album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3K291dCwsQ9OJeCyv0VK4u?si=3e18abbab2ab4d32
Pre-Order the Vinyl:
https://rrmerch.shop/products/ryan-richter-as-good-a-place-as-any-vinyl
Fretboard Summit 2024 Registration:
https://fretboardsummit.org
Watch Ryan walk through his Dijon gear:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azF47JR6R4M
Listen to Ryan host our G. Weller episode from 2023:
https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-406-the-mystery-of-g-weller/
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
This week's show is sponsored by:
StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link)
Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com
Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%)
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)
Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).
Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal
This week, JHS founder Josh Scott joins Jason to talk about guitar media, following your passion, marketing, work/life balance and so much more.
We talk about how JHS was founded, the JHS Show on YouTube (and the work that goes into it), guitar media, printed matter in 2024, events, social media, the enduring power of Facebook (and paper books!), marketing advice, and more.
We also talk about JHS's participation in the Mid South gravel bike festival. (Rumor has it, we'll be teaming up with JHS and Mid South for a fun bike ride at the 2024 Chicago Fretboard Summit 2024. Inquire within.)
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
This week's show is sponsored by:
StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link)
Collings Guitars & Mandolins: https://www.collingsguitars.com
Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com
Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%)
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)
Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).
Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal
Singer-songwriter John Smith joins us this week to talk about his moving new Joe Henry-produced album, 'The Living Kind.'
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
This week's show is sponsored by:
StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link)
Collings Guitars & Mandolins: https://www.collingsguitars.com
Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com
Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%)
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)
Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).
Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal
Scott Ballew is an Austin, Texas-based filmmaker and musician. For years, he’s directed unforgettable videos and documentaries for Yeti and others. In 2020, he decided to take up songwriting and recorded his first album just a year later.
This week, Ballew releases his third album, Rio Bravo. It’s an exceptional work that somehow combines Ballew’s affinity for Townes Van Zandt and other Austin legends with his love for reverb-drenched Ennio Morricone soundtracks. We love it.
During our chat, Scott tells us about his unlikely journey from football star to director to songwriter and about how filmmaking has shaped his music output. We also talk about the making of Rio Bravo, Scott’s growing guitar collection, the time he spent with Townes Van Zandt’s Gibson, and how – thanks to Pearl Jam – he ended up playing football for the University of Washington.
Scott's site: https://www.leisurerodeo.com
Recommended viewing:
Can You Hear Me Smiling: A short doc on Scott Ballew’s songwriting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEkWxtLjD-4&t=1s
My Old Man | No. 4 - Anchor Point: Scott’s Yeti doc featuring JT Van Zandt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KadKx5k6XoY
Leisure Rodeo: A Short Film by Scott Ballew
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65vd-PjEBnY&t=2s
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/
This week's show is sponsored by:
StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link)
Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com
Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%)
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)
Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).
Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a new Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal
Six-time Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer John Leventhal joins us this week to talk about 'Rumble Strip,' his long-awaited debut solo album!
John tells us why, after five decades in the music business, he decided to make a solo album. We chat about his writing process, the home studio he and partner Rosanne Cash have in NYC, the gear that he used on the album, his favorite microphones, and his go-to acoustic tuning (CGDGBE).
Also discussed are the influence of Ry Cooder on his playing, the magic found in old Gibson flattops (and '60s Guilds), and why John tries to ignore industry trends when he's working as a producer. Finally, we talk about a very special feature in the Fretboard Journal's 54th issue on a Martin that belonged to John's father-in-law, Johnny Cash.
'Rumble Strip' can be streamed now in all the usual places or visit https://www.rumblestriprecords.net/
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/
This week's show is sponsored by:
StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link)
Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com
Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%)
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)
Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).
Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a new Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/
This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link)
Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com
Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%)
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)
Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).
This week, guitarist Julian Lage returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk to us all about his new, Joe Henry-produced album, 'Speak to Me' (Blue Note).
We talk about working with Henry, the 'Speak to Me' band (including Levon Henry), Lage’s writing process, his favorite practice hacks, the gear he used, and so much more. We pack a lot into 36 minutes.
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/
This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link)
Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com
Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%)
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).
This week, we share two great interviews: First, we talk to Rasmus Zandvliet, a young (17-year-old!) aspiring luthier from the Netherlands teaching himself how to build acoustic guitars from scratch using YouTube videos for inspiration and a modest array of tools (and a curling iron to bend sides!).
Rasmus is already on to his third guitar and garnered a rave review from Jeremy Sheppard, aka Jeremy the Guitar Hunter (who owns an Alpine spruce/mahogany 000-18 built by Rasmus).
In the second half of this episode, we talk to Jeremy himself about his start as a YouTube content creator, his love for acoustic guitars, and why he began flipping guitars (he estimates he's up to 5,000!). We also talk about why this digital content guru has decided to take a job at an old school brick & mortar guitar store, how he befriended Rasmus, and what he thinks of his 000-18 from the young builder.
Follow Rasmus here:
https://www.instagram.com/rasmus_zandvliet/
Follow Jeremy here:
https://www.jeremytheguitarhunter.com
and on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/JimmySheep
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/
If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.
Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.
Austin's Matt the Electrician joins us this week to talk about his new album, 'The Ocean Knocked Me Down.' He also gives us a mini master class on being a productive songwriter.
We also talk about John Allison Guitars, the Austin music scene today, the weekly songwriting group helmed by Bob Schneider and so much more.
https://matttheelectrician.bandcamp.com
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue featuring Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg, Robbie Basho, and Kate Wolf's guitar: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/
If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.
Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.
It's the fourth and final installment of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!
To celebrate the launch of their book, String Theories, guitarists and educators Ethan Sherman and Adam Levy share some of their favorite music tips and New Year's resolutions with us.
Order the book here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/
This week, Adam and Ethan are joined by guitarists Mike Adams, Creston Lea, Ben Garnett, Leni Stern, Adam Miller, Reuben Cox, Stash Wyslouch, Drew Taubenfeld, & Chris Eldridge!
https://www.instagram.com/puisheen/
https://www.instagram.com/oldstyleguitarshop/
https://www.instagram.com/drewtaubenfeld/
Watch The Fretboard Journal’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fretboardjournal
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/
If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.
Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.
It's the third installment of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!
To celebrate the launch of their book, String Theories, guitarists and educators Ethan Sherman and Adam Levy share some of their favorite music tips and New Year's resolutions with us.
Order the book here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/
This week, Adam and Ethan are joined by guitarists Harrison Whitford, Nathaniel Murphy, Mary Halvorson, Ronan Delisle, Grant Gordy, and Bill Frisell!
https://www.instagram.com/scarrisonwhitford/
https://www.instagram.com/zeppelinbarnatra/
https://ronandelisle.bandcamp.com/album/heavyweights-in-the-ring
Next week, Adam and Ethan join us once more for their final takeover episode.
Watch The Fretboard Journal’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fretboardjournal
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/
If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.
Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.
It's part two of four of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!
Adam Levy and Ethan Sherman, the authors behind the excellent new 'String Theories' book, are guest hosting the Fretboard Journal Podcast for four episodes. This week, they're joined by guitarist Mason Stoops (Ryan Beatty, Marcus Mumford, Jackson Browne) for a lively chat about coffee, Marshall stacks, new habits, and more.
Want your own copy of 'String Theories?' Order it here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/
If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.
Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.
It's a 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!
Adam Levy and Ethan Sherman, the authors behind the excellent new 'String Theories' book, are taking over the Fretboard Journal Podcast for four episodes. We'll hear their personal New Year's resolutions, talk to some of their favorite musicians (Molly Miller, James Valentine, and Gregg BelisleChi!), and glean some life hacks and advice from these two professional guitarists and educators. We hope that these episodes will offer just the right food for thought as we all dive into 2024.
Want your own copy of 'String Theories?' Order it here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/
If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.
Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.
Guitarist and educator Teja Gerken joins us this week to talk about the making of his new solo fingerstyle album, 'Test of Time.' It's an eclectic album of originals, Celtic music, J.S. Bach and even John Coltrane's "Naima"...all played on acoustic guitar.
We chat about Teja's early love for fingerstyle, the gear he employed for this album (a Martin Custom Shop OM, a Lowden, a Taylor 355, and a National Tricone), his work at Peghead Nation and much more.
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/
If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.
Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.
Atlanta-based Jason Mays has a unique perspective on guitars: He's a touring musician; the co-founder of YouTube's Working Class Music; he continues to work sales at Guitar Center; and he's one of the few people of color reviewing guitar gear. (We're also happy to announce that Mays is one of the FJ's newest contributors.)
On this week's podcast, we talk about his music career; the most popular overheard riffs at Guitar Center in 2024; the economic challenges of being a gear reviewer/demo artist on YouTube; and so much more.
https://www.youtube.com/jasontmays
https://www.youtube.com/c/WorkingClassMusic
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/
If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.
Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.