Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair

This is a special episode for Zach. He gets to sit down with two of his closest friends, Ian MacDougall and Fadi El-Assad from the Riverboat Gamblers. They been through thick and thin; terrible jobs, health scares, successes, failures and all the ups and downs of a tight, long-time friendship. In this episode, Fadi tells us how dad taught him guitar basics and how finding punk in North Texas changed everything. Ian shares his experience being introduced to counterculture music via his young parents and how a chance encounter with a rock titan led to a job teching for big bands and eventually playing in one of them. The trio commiserate about their shared experience in a small northern Texas town and how their paths eventually cross. Where hear a couple RG tunes and have an all-around love fest.

Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

"ITS ZACH'S BROTHER, Donivan Blair!!! This is both the first "sibling" and the first "bass player" episode of Anti-Heroes. Donivan has played bass for Hagfish, Only Crime and is now the bass player for The Toadies and has toured and recorded extensively for over 25 years. He also holds a first degree black belt in Taekwando. In the episode, the two talk Donivan's tenure with The Toadies and he shares a secret from his audition and how he nailed the gig. They reflect on their old bands, their upbringing and escape from a terrible Texas town and why they wouldn't change a thing. The Brothers Blair also talk about how their father 's great taste in music and guidance that led them to a devoted career in music. Donivan confesses an obsession with the great Rickenbacker bass guitar, and they get into a typical brotherly argument over a guitar that makes for a spicy "one that got away" segment.

The Toadies

Rickenbacker

Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

In Ep 28 of Anti-Heroes Zach chats with his dear friend, Steph Carter. Steph is not only the guitarist for Lyoness and Gallows, but head of education at Marshall Amplifiers. The two discuss early touring days together, particularly a world tour that took them to Australia, Japan and Europe. Steph shares Gallows unexpected instant success and the difficulties navigating it with his sibling, singer and tattoo artist, Frank Carter, which ultimately led to his departure. Steph talks about starting a band with his wife (Lyoness) and the journey that led from the road and band life to working with the legendary amplifier company. Zach and Steph have a proper nerd-athon on Marshal and its incredible legacy, Zach gives a proper Marshall deep inquiry and we hear some rippin tunes.

Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

Gallows

Steph Carter

Marshall

Baroness guitarist series continues this week with Gina Gleason! In addition to Baroness, Gina has toured and performed with Cirque du Soleil, Brendan Smalls ((Dethklock), Jon Anderson (YES), Carlos Santana and Jello Biafra. She is also a founding member of Misstalica and Queen Diamond. Gina shares her amazing and unique background playing guitar in a Cirque Du Soleil production and how she navigated herself from that world into a touring guitarist in one of the world’s most interesting and heavy bands, Baroness. Zach and Gina discuss her calculated choice of using single coil and p-90 pickups for maximum riffage. Gina explains how a chance online purchase of a boutique pedal led her to meeting Baroness mastermind John Baizley, and she tells us about the rewarding and creative partnership it has spawned. The two discuss the virtues of seeing live music and how it still has the power to inspire their playing.

Baroness

Gina Gleason

Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

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/

Pete Chramiec is a guitarist and songwriter living in Olympia, WA. He grew up in the 1980's Rhode Island hardcore scene where he co-founded the now re-united political hardcore progenitors, Verbal Assault. Following the closure of Verbal Assault's chapter one, he shifted his guitar wizardry to the Washington, DC based Rain Like The Sound Of Trains, an earnest and dexterous quartet with a multi-pronged political/counter consumerism mind expanding message. In this episode, Zach explains why being a metal and punk kid from the 80s and 90s one HAD to listen to Verbal Assault and why he was no exception. Pete and Zach discuss the early hardcore days and what "crossover" meant to them and their playing. Pete shares the history of his set up, his prominent influences and what the catalyst was for VA's reunion after over thirty years. Also, the CRAZIEST "one that got away" segment so far!

Episode sponsored by Jim Dunlop and MXR. Visit https://www.jimdunlop.com/ for all your guitar gear needs.

https://verbalassault.com/

https://www.bicyclehomebuilding.com/

"Hello and welcome to SEASON THREE OF THE ANTI-HEROES!!! Thank you all for making this possible! We start the season with a bang. Zach sits down with guitarist Ed Rodriguez from Deerhoof! Amongst his many other projects, Ed has been one half of Deerhoof's guitar wizardry for over 20 years. In this episode, we learn about Ed and Zach's mutual backgrounds, growing up "other" and finding themselves through music. They discuss Deerhoof's varied musical influences and their both intricate and simple approach to song writing. Zach asks Ed about the signature model Deerhoof guitar from Eastwood and we hear a tune from Deerhoofs latest, Miracle Level . Thank you so much for tuning in and making it possible for us to bring you another season!"

Episode sponsored by Jim Dunlop and MXR. Visit https://www.jimdunlop.com/ for all your guitar gear needs.

The latest from Deerhoof here https://deerhoof.bandcamp.com/album/miracle-level

https://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/products/miracle-level?_pos=5&_sid=61a3d972f&_ss=r

Zach talks with Dan Mongrain from the seminal VOIVOD. To say he was excited about this one would be an understatement! Zach shares what Voivod meant to him and how that influence translates to his playing. They also talk about Dan's upbringing and how he went from an avid Voivod fan/obsessive to full time member. Dan explains how getting the call to replace legendary guitarist, Dennis "Piggy" D'Amour, (due to an untimely passing) changed his life. They also discuss Dans devotion to Voivod's innovative music and the importance of bringing it to guitarists all over the world in the form of definitive tab books. NOT TO BE MISSED!!

https://www.voivod.com/

Jon Gonnelli is the guitarist for Rye Coalition and Thin Ears. Though he grew up in the 90's in New Jersey, his influences weren't limited to east coast hardcore. He and his peers pointed their ears west to soak up the aggressive punk sounds of San Diego's Gravity records, the artful and heavy Tough and Go artists and of course the nearby community that centered around Gern Blandston Records. In this episode Jon shares his experience touring with The Foo Fighters, why he looked beyond New Jersey for guitar inspiration he tells us of the virtues of guitars made out of aluminum. Zach and Jon discuss his new project Thin Ears and we learn about Jons guitar set up over the years.

Today we have Blake Ibanez from the crossover thrash band,  POWER TRIP.  We  share our experiences growing up in Texas and how it shaped our perspectives on our musical lives. I finally get to declare  my admiration for him and how proud I am that we come from the same place. We discuss gear, his current set up and his musical influences.  Also, Blake tells us what inspired his new band FUGITIVE and hints at next steps for POWER TRIP. 

https://powertripsl.bandcamp.com/music

https://fugitivetx.bandcamp.com/album/maniac

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 On today’s episode we get to spend time with Cody Votolato. Cody is a singer, songwriter and guitarist living in Los Angeles by way of Seattle. Cody was a founding member of The Blood Brothers and Head Wound City, recording and touring with both from the late 90’s to 2010. He has also performed and recorded with Cold Cave, Telekinesis and Anya Marina. More recently, Cody has released a record under the moniker,  JR Slayer. In this episode, we discuss  his experience playing guitar in a seminal hardcore band, being in a band with Nick Zinner and the catalyst for his solo effort as J.R. Slayer. We hear a couple tunes and of course, discuss gear.

https://jrslayer.bandcamp.com/

https://www.thebloodbrothers.com/

https://headwoundcity.bandcamp.com/album/head-wound-city-ep

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 Today is a great one! We talk to my old friend Kurt Ballou from Converge! Kurt is a guitarist and producer from Salem, Massachusetts.  In this episode we get a glimpse inside the mind of a true multi-hyphenate and polymath. Not only did Kurt invent a new style of hardcore with Converge but he's a luthier and gear designer with his own GodCity Instruments AND a successful and amazingly prolific producer at his own GodCity Studios in Salem. This guy will make you feel lazy no matter how hard you do whatever it is that you do (at least he makes me feel that way). Enjoy!

https://kurtballou.com/

https://godcitystudio.com/

https://www.convergecult.com/

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 I'm so happy to sit down with my old friend Jesse Dayton! Jesse is a guitarist, author,  record producer and songwriter from Austin by way of Beaumont, Texas. In addition to cutting his teeth on punk rock throughout the 80's and 90s,  Jesse had a serious interest in country and rockabilly. Not only a founding member of The Road Kings, Jesse has recorded and toured extensively with Waylon Jennings, Rob Zombie, X and Johnny Cash to name a few.  We get to talk about our shared experience growing up as weird kids in small town Texas and how that informed our outlook and our careers. Jesse also shares his experience backing up some of the most iconic artists in history and embarking on a successful solo career and author. 

https://jesse-dayton.bandcamp.com/music

https://www.jessedayton.com/

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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

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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!”

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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/

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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 Baker for an hour and consistently remind him of this fact.

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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/

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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! 

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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. 

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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/

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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.

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