Anti-Heroes: Recent Episodes
Zach Blair
Anti-Heroes is a podcast about guitar players that aren't on the covers of the guitar magazines but our host, Zach Blair thinks they should be. Each episode we'll have discussions with players about their motivations, intentions and, best of all, their gear. We'll talk about their careers and how they express themselves in the constantly changing world of guitar music. Anti-Heroes is hosted by Zach Blair. Zach Blair is lifelong guitar obsessive with a career spanning almost thirty years. From his early days in Hagfish that he started with his brother on to the world renowned shock rock musical theater that is GWAR to currently recording and touring in Chicago's Rise Against for the last 15 years. Zach is still searching when it's comes to guitar playing and always will be. Maybe he'll find some answers right here on Anti-Heroes.
Episode 1 of Season 4 is upon us! John Baizely is the rhythm guitarist and singer for Savannah, Georgia based Baroness. He is also and prolific painter and has contributed works to a wide range of artists (Kylesa, Metallica, Pig Destroyer, Gillian Welch, Flight of the Concords) on posters, t-shirts and record cover design. In this episode the two discuss Johns's musical background and how that has shaped him to be the guitarist, singer and artist he is today. John shares the idea behind self releasing his work and his why he is driven to break the mold of "metal" with alternate approaches to gear and songwriting. They dig into some Les Paul talk and we hear a couple tunes. Baroness John Baizely Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop
This week Zach talks with Josh Newton of Shiner and super group The Dammed Things. Not only is Josh a ripping guitarist, but he’s also a sought-after guitar-tech for the likes of Fall Out Boy, Kings of Leon and Band Of Horses. Zach couldn't be happier to sit down with one of his favorite guitarists from one of his favorite bands. Josh shares his experience as a "lefty", the two discuss the power of EGC guitars and and Josh tells our how he navigates a parallel career guitar teching for some of the biggest names in the business. Josh hares shares the story behind the Shiner reunions, and we hear a couple tunes.
Episode supported by Jim Dunlop and MXR. Visit https://www.jimdunlop.com/ for all your guitar gear needs. Jim Dunlop Shiner
Randy Randall is the guitarist, co-producer and founding member of No Age. In this episode, Randy tells us what it's like to be guitarist that covers both bass and guitar duties. He shares what he's gleaned from non stop touring and his method for band longevity. The two talk about the wonders of the POG pedal, Randys set up and we hear a couple tunes. Episode sponsored by Jim Dunlop and MXR. Visit https://www.jimdunlop.com/ for all your guitar gear needs. Jim DunlopNO AGE
Yvette Young is the singer, guitarist and founding member of the band Covet. On this episode Zach and Yvette discuss her classical piano background, her other life as a visual artist and how originally picking up the guitar was a way to cope with some personal struggles (something that she and Zach have in common). Yvette also shares the evolution of her band Covet, her view on amp modeling and what she needs for an ideal creative space. Covet Episode sponsored by Jim Dunlop and MXR. Visit https://www.jimdunlop.com/ for all your guitar gear needs. Jim Dunlop
Bryan Giles is a guitarist and song-writer for the ultra-heavy Portland based Red Fang. From the crushing riffs to the intricate song structure, Red Fang is a band after Zach's own heart. In this episode, , Zach and Bryan discuss the riffage duties of the two Red Fang guitarists and how that lends to their overall sound. Zach and Bryan share their guitar influences and the significant role that metal plays in their own playing. They do a Bryan rig run down and most importantly they discuss his affinity and acquisition of the weirdest guitar in metal! Episode sponsored by Jim Dunlop and MXR. Visit https://www.jimdunlop.com/ for all your guitar gear needs. Jim Dunlop Red Fang ARROWS ins out now! Red Fang
Jim Fairchild is a guitarist, singer-songwriter and producer. For over 20 years, Jim has been a contributing member of west coast indie-rock luminaries Modest Mouse and Grandaddy . Between touring and recording, Jim has found to time to work with Gary Jarman (The Cribs), Joe Plummer (The Shins, Modest Mouse, CWK), Janet Weiss (Quasi, Sleater Kinney) and Howe Gelb (Giant Sand) on various projects. More recently he has collaborated with Temme Scott under the name Grace Meridian and he continues to release new material under his solo moniker, All Smiles. In this episode, Zach and Jim discuss his journey with Grandaddy and how they've remained a family through dark times. Jim shares his experience playing with Modest Mouse, his favorite guitars over the years and how he celebrates the power of simplicity in song writing. We hear about his newest efforts, his gig as an A&R agent for Dangerbird Records and why working with young bands has been rewarding for him. Episode sponsored by Jim Dunlop and MXR. Visit https://www.jimdunlop.com/ for all your guitar gear needs. Jim Dunlop Grace Meridian
All Smiles
VIOLET MAYUGBA is the guitarist, backing vocalist and a founding member of Destroy Boys, a punk rock band from Sacramento California. In this episode Zach and Violet discuss her punk rock roots, her obsession with the guitar and the catalyst behind forming the Destroy Boys. Violet tells us why she has gone from an "anti-pedal person" to a "pedal person", confesses her love for the Dookie Mod and gives a rundown of her current set up. Violet shares "the one that got way" and we hear a rip roaring Destroy Boys tune. Episode sponsored by Jim Dunlop and MXR. Visit https://www.jimdunlop.com/ for all your guitar gear needs. https://www.destroydestroyboys.com/ https://www.marshallforum.com/threads/marshall-2204-dookie-mod-clone-green-day.128797/
A new Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair podcast is out! Eva Walker of the awesome band The Black Tones.
From Zach: “I love this episode! I was new to The Black Tones and Eva but man, I was blown away with her energy and love for music, life and guitar! Also fun fact--Eva’s brother plays drums in her band, her husband plays bass and her MOM SINGS BACKING VOCALS!!! What?!?? Isn’t that insane?!!! It’s a true family band and I AM HERE FOR IT!! We talk about being from Seattle and the overwhelming influence of Hendrix on a guitar player from there (even influencing her guitar choice), navigating being female and black in a rock guitar band and we also discuss her record, “Cobain and Cornbread” (genius title) and the Sub Pop single The End of Everything.
Thanks to Dunlop for their episode support!
DON’T MISS THIS EPISODE!!!
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" FIRST EPISODE OF SEASON TWO!!!!!!
Thank you all so much for joining me! I couldn't be happier or more thankful to have this opportunity for another amazing season and we're starting it off with a BANG!!
Today I get to sit down with a buddy I met almost thirty years ago!
A little backstory: Chris Shiflett used to play in a punk band called, No Use For A Name in the 90's and I used to play in a punk band called Hagfish (also in the 90's...which is crazy because I'm still 25).
Our paths used to cross all the time because we were on the same label (Fat Wreck Chords) and played shows together all over the place but it wasn't until one night at the famous, Bottom Of The Hill in San Francisco, Chris came out to see us play and him and i just hit it off. We realized we had a lot in common. From heavy metal to our love for the same guitars and gear and even the same players. We also both had older brothers that also played and had showed us both everything we knew. It was like we'd know each other forever and we've been close friends ever since.
I called him immediately after I'd heard the news that he'd joined one of the world's biggest (if not THE biggest) bands. I was so happy for him and proud of him. He's also been a major inspiration for me to always keep pushing and wanting better for myself.
He's just the best and I love the guy.
He deserves everything he has ten-fold.
He's also a hell of a player and we talk about all of that and so so much more.
I could keep going on and on but you'll hear me do a lot of that!
Once again, thank you for tuning into my first episode of my second season of this thing that I love so much. I couldn't do it without you all and I hope you enjoy!" -Zach
https://www.jimdunlop.com/
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Today I get to sit down with a dear friend, ex-bandmate, amazing guitarist and all around great guy, Michael Derks! The man behind, “Balsac, The Jaws Of Death!”
https://www.jimdunlop.com/
John Schmersal (Brainiac, Enon, Caribou): New Friends episode!! I didn’t know John before this interview but I’m glad I do now! We explore his methods, influences and gear and I try to not embarrass myself with my new friend.
https://enon.bandcamp.com/
https://brainiac.bandcamp.com/
https://caribouband.bandcamp.com/
https://touchandgo.bandcamp.com/
https://www.jimdunlop.com/
I get to sit down with the man who is probably the most influential and pivotal to modern punk rock guitar playing as we know it. Listen in as I punish Brian for an hour and consistently remind him of this fact.
https://www.jimdunlop.com/
I didn’t know Jessica or her music going into this one and I love that! I love that this podcast has introduced me to new folks and new music that I probably otherwise wouldn’t have stumbled across on my own. I can say that I’m now a fan of Jessica, her playing and her wonderful band, Deep Sea Diver. In this episode, we talk about her background, her guitar-for-hire experience, her playing style, and of course, her gear. We hear some tunes from the newest Deep Sea Diver record like me, you’ll be a fan of Jessica after hearing this interview.
https://thedeepseadiver.bandcamp.com/
https://www.jimdunlop.com/
Today I met a new friend and talked guitar with Dann Gallucci! We get to talk about what it’s like to write a ubiquitous guitar riff and the process behind it. Not to be missed!
https://www.jimdunlop.com/
What can you say about Buzz Osbourne that hasn’t already been said? I was nervous going into this one but ended up having a great conversation with one of our true modern icons and a true artist in every sense of the word.
https://www.jimdunlop.com/
Today I get to sit down and chat with my idol since I was 14. Stephen is who I wanted to be when I grew up and I’m honored to call him a friend. Listen to me chat with a true punk icon.
Support for the Anti-Heroes Podcast provided by Dunlop/MXR.
https://www.jimdunlop.com/
Anti-Heroes is a podcast about guitar players that aren't on the covers of the guitar magazines but our host, Zach Blair thinks they should be. Each episode we'll have discussions with players about their motivations, intentions and, best of all, their gear. We'll talk about their careers and how they express themselves in the constantly changing world of guitar music.
Anti-Heroes is hosted by Zach Blair. Zach Blair is lifelong guitar obsessive with a career spanning almost thirty years. From his early days in Hagfish that he started with his brother on to the world renowned shock rock musical theater that is GWAR to currently recording and touring in Chicago's Rise Against for the last 15 years. Zach is still searching when it's comes to guitar playing and always will be. Maybe he'll find some answers right here on Anti-Heroes.