The Riffhard Podcast

RJ Pasin, a guitarist, composer, producer, and social media influencer joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast.

Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:04:06 - Collab with Tim Hansen

00:11:28 - The Challenges of Making a Career in the Music Industry

00:15:28 - The Power of Content Creation

00:22:54 - Creating and Testing Content on a Budget

00:29:52 - The Effectiveness of Organic Reach vs Paid Ads

00:37:01 - A Different Strategy for Viral Videos

00:47:54 - Working with Bring Me The Horizon

00:55:11 - Dealing with Lost Opportunities

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Jason Richardson joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast for some questions from the Riffhard community.

Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com

Chapters:

00:06:03 - Being in the Right Place at the Right Time

00:11:47 - The Dilemma of Choosing Singles

00:23:09 - Finding the Balance in Technique and Practice

00:29:03 - Reflecting on Old Music and Japan Relationship

00:40:25 - The Influence of Gear on Guitar Tone

00:46:22 - Balancing Workouts and Video Games

00:51:36 - Ergonomics and Hand Fatigue

01:02:29 - Techniques for Palm Muting and String Muting

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Mike Martin and Jason Richardson, guitarists of All The Remains, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast.

Riffhard is the world's best online school for metal guitarists, with hundreds of lessons from Animals As Leaders, Jason Richardson, Archspire, Revocation, Intervals and more. Learn more at https://riffhard.com

Chapters:

00:03:00 - Dealing with Intense Bands and Scheduling Issues

00:08:22 - Devin Townsend: A Crazy, Insane Genius

00:16:05 - The Fluctuating Value of Collectible Gear

00:21:43 - The False Importance of Vintage Gear

00:30:41 - The Mysterious Disappearance of the U87

00:36:54 - Guitar Damage and Tone Wood Debate

00:45:27 - The Importance of Endurance and Down Picking

00:53:54 - Learning and Adapting to Complex Guitar Parts

01:05:14 - The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

01:14:03 - Discussing Transpose Options and Guitar Tuning

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John Matos, guitarist of Abiotic, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast.

Chapters:

00:04:11 - Metal Shows in Miami

00:11:14 - Near-Death Motorcycle Experience

00:15:33 - Living with Risk To Pursue Dreams

00:22:19 - The Importance of Polite Persistence

00:24:35 - Unexpected Success in Social Media and Online Education

00:31:52 - Finding Success on YouTube

00:43:26 - Don't Take Yourself So Seriously

00:54:39 - The Effort of Creating Social Media Videos

00:58:54 - Balancing Content Creation with Other Responsibilities

01:01:06 - Reposting and Testing Content Timing

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Cody Quistad, guitarist of Wage War, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast.

Chapters:

00:03:35 - What Makes Up Wage War's Guitar Tone?

00:08:35 - the Importance of Clean and Concise Records

00:10:11 - Technique for Down Picking and Bending

00:11:42 - Playing 19 Songs in 45 Minutes

00:14:46 - Technical Difficulties at a Live Show

00:19:34 - Using an Octave Pedal for Creativity on Guitar

00:21:00 - the Energy of Different Guitar Tunings

00:25:37 - Embracing 90s and 80s Inspiration in Heavy Music

00:28:44 - Riff Writing and Formulaic Structures

00:33:58 - Leaving a Mark on Heavy Music

00:38:43 - the Role of Programming in Music Production

00:45:05 - Rising Bands and Mutual Support

00:46:44 - the Impact of Sleep Token's Music

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Trev Lukather, guitarist of The Effect, joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast.

Chapters:

00:02:18 - Musical Upbringing

00:10:31 - The Importance of Taking Music Seriously

00:14:52 - The Psychological Impact of Being the Child of Famous Artists

00:23:22 - The Myths and Stories of Record Deals

00:32:18 - The Challenges of Signing a Record Deal

00:44:36 - The Importance of Attention to Detail in Music Production

00:51:20 - Collaboration and Respect in the Recording Process

00:55:54 - The Influence of Trev's Father

00:59:44 - Reflecting on Past Mistakes

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Peter Tägtgren, guitarist of Hypocrisy and Pain, Joins Eyal on the Riffhard podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Love for Hypocrisy

00:05:59 - Balancing Guitar Playing and Other Responsibilities

00:10:11 - Muscle Cramps and Preventing Injuries on Tour

00:14:29 - The Energy and Impact of Rhythmic Music

00:16:32 - The Evolution of Pain and Hypocrisy

00:20:39 - Starting Another Band

00:24:57 - The Power of the Baritone Guitar

00:33:05 - The Disconnect between Theory and Execution

00:43:11 - Creative Process: Fantasy vs Reality

00:49:39 - The dilemma of choosing bonus songs for albums

00:58:06 - The Personal Nature of Music

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Matt Harvey, guitarist of Exhumed, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast.

Chapters:

00:01:29 - A Songwriter's Perspective on Music and Guitar

00:06:08 - Avoiding Traps in Composition

00:07:38 - ACDC Records: Style or Parody?

00:09:10 - The Evolution of Band Branding and the Social Media Age

00:15:04 - The Myth of Creativity

00:21:30 - The Delusion of "I Have Arrived"

00:27:45 - Balancing Act and Emotional Maturity

00:34:09 - The Process of Creating an Album

00:44:57 - Excitement in Writing Music

00:46:29 - Pursuing Opportunities and Maximizing Your Craft

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Finn Mckenty (Punk Rock MBA), Jesse Cannon (Musformation Growth), and Logan Young join Eyal on the Riffhard podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - The Challenges of Releasing Music in the Streaming Era

00:02:03 - Breaking into the Music Industry on a Budget

00:06:15 - The Importance of Consistency and Growth in Content Creation

00:10:30 - The Importance of Small Tweaks for Algorithmic Success

00:18:51 - The Desperation for Attention in the Music Industry

00:22:47 - Embracing Criticism and Ignoring Reddit Hate

00:26:44 - The Importance of Trying and Listening to Feedback

00:28:44 - Fear of Judgment in the Metal Community

00:32:43 - Metallica's Fearlessness and Risk-Taking

00:34:29 - The Revival of Love for Limp Bizkit

00:38:19 - Three Tips for Content Creation Success

00:51:34 - The Impact of Playlist Placement on Music Streams

00:55:47 - The Benefits of Collaborations and Artist Page Marketing

01:02:34 - Making a Name for Yourself

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Grant Truesdell, guitarist for Unleash The Archers, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast.

CHAPTERS:

00:03:09 - Power Metal Influences

00:05:15 - Translating Story and Concept into Emotionally Resonant Music

00:07:02 - The Two Camps of Songwriting

00:15:27 - Writing with Vocals in Mind

00:19:03 - Trust and Reliability in Band Members

00:22:42 - The Myth of the Lone Wolf Artist

00:26:13 - The Importance of Being a Good Person

00:29:31 - Making Guitar Practice a Priority

00:31:21 - Don't Wait, Just Start

00:36:14 - The Power of a Morning Routine

00:44:42 - Techniques and Practice Tips

00:47:49 - Three Approaches to Songwriting

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Jack Owen, guitarist of Six Feet Under, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast.

CHAPTERS:

00:01:59 - Album Release and Band Names

00:04:01 - The Art of Writing Lyrics

00:08:35 - The Importance of Contributions in a Band

00:12:49 - Creating Note Patterns for Guitar Riffs

00:14:59 - Categorizing Riffs with a Numbering System

00:19:31 - Making Music with Limited Resources

00:24:04 - Using Finger Rotation for Faster Playing

00:26:04 - The Importance of Daily Practice

00:30:08 - Exploring Cities While on Tour

00:34:11 - Keeping Bands Together: The Importance of Communication

00:38:30 - Crazy Club Stories

00:42:31 - Finding Inspiration in True Crime and Poetry

00:51:06 - Writing Songs for Different Projects

00:55:23 - The Importance of Individuality in Music Production

00:57:30 - Old School Metal Engineers and Studios

01:01:46 - Friendly Competition Among Bands

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Scottie Simpson, guitarist for Alpha Wolf, joins Eyal on the Riffhard Podcast.

CHAPTERS:

00:01:46 - Ice-T's Love for Metal

00:03:52 - The Importance of Rhythm in Guitar Playing

00:08:08 - Finding Inspiration from Different Genres

00:14:39 - The Importance of Consistency in Songwriting

00:19:03 - The Value of Writing "Shitty" Songs

00:23:01 - The Process of Critiquing

00:26:53 - Letting Go of Ideas

00:31:01 - The Benefits of EverTune Guitars

00:40:43 - Making the Choice to Focus on Production

00:47:12 - The Importance of Trying Different Producers

00:49:31 - Avoiding Complacency and Staying Humble and Vigilant

00:51:38 - Writing Fun Songs and Listening to Our Own Music

00:55:33 - The Delusion of Perfect Work

00:57:19 - The Disconnect Between Hard Work and Audience Reception

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Sean Hynes, guitarist of Ingested, joins the Riffhard podcast.

Chapters:

00:02:15 - Finding Inspiration Through Different Tools

00:04:29 - Learning New Concepts and Taking Lessons

00:06:51 - Choosing The Right Guitar Teacher

00:11:17 - Managing the Low String on an Eight-String Guitar

00:13:48 - Experimenting with Evertune Equipped 8-Strings

00:16:03 - Muting Techniques on an 8-String Guitar

00:18:22 - Dealing with hand pain in guitar playing

00:22:35 - Trusting the Producer's Expertise (Christian Donaldson)

00:31:45 - The Scarcity of Drummers Playing to a Click

00:38:13 - The Challenges of Mixing Monitors

00:42:20 - Committing to a Full-Time Band

00:50:37 - Fighting for Recognition in the UK

00:52:34 - Importance of Rhythm in Lead Playing

00:54:48 - Playing and Singing at the Same Time

00:58:59 - The Hardest Riff on Ingested's New Record

01:03:04 - The Importance of Warming Up

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Nick DePirro, guitarist of Night Verses, joins the Riffhard Podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Nick DePirro and his unique style

00:02:00 - Influences and Genre Blend

00:04:43 - Use of Octave Settings in Guitar Playing

00:07:13 - Creative Use of Pitch Effects

00:11:07 - The Switch to Fractal and the Benefits of Modelers

00:16:50 - Pros and cons of recording experiences

00:19:47 - The Risk of Equipment Failure

00:23:46 - Why Are So Many Metal Bands Boring Live?

00:27:50 - Use of Visual Effects

00:33:12 - The Challenges of Recording Yourself

00:37:30 - The Benefits of Being Recorded by Someone Else

00:41:25 - Tips for Recording and Editing Music

00:43:25 - The Importance of Clean Playing in Metal

00:48:42 - Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places

00:56:39 - The Benefits of Group Collaboration and Starting Points in Songwriting

01:00:39 - The Formula of Song Structure

01:08:04 - Writing Chemistry and New Music

01:09:49 - Releasing Solo Music and Future Plans

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Chapters:

00:02:00 - Imminence's Genre Evolution

00:09:25 - Crafting Arrangements

00:14:45 - Intuitive Songwriting Approaches

00:21:54 - Writing for Authenticity

00:26:33 - Discovering a New Sound

00:40:32 - Embracing Change

00:47:30 - Rhythm's Significance

00:52:38 - Virtuosos and the Essence of Our Songs

00:54:47 - The First Song Harald Learned on Guitar

00:59:17 - First Full US Tour

01:01:17 - Building an American Fanbase

01:08:03 - Rock and Roll Priorities

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We're joined by Ricky Armellino (Ice Nine Kills, Hawk) and Chris Kelly (Ex Ice Nine Kills touring guitarist, Alustrium) to discuss the reality of living your dreams, eating eyeballs, and their brand new band Hillhaven.

Chapters:

00:02:54 - Shifting Focus in the Music Industry

00:09:19 - Overcoming Challenges and Changing Definitions of Success

00:12:36 - Being a Musician and its Impact on Others

00:16:01 - The Metallica Economy and Touring with LAMB of God

00:19:04 - Friendships with Rockstars

00:22:16 - Accidental Party with Metallica

00:27:53 - The Importance of Taking Time for Yourself

00:43:41 - Home Renovation Nightmare

00:46:55 - The Struggles of Balancing Work and Personal Life

00:50:29 - Working Out Late at Night and Sleep Issues

00:56:39 - Discussing Language Barrier Frustrations

01:02:38 - Awkward Encounter in Mexico City

01:08:33 - The Disastrous Metal Show

01:11:35 - The Fun of Having Actors on Stage

01:14:47 - The Importance of Rhythm and Orchestration in Songwriting

01:21:37 - Limiting Choices for Creativity

01:25:15 - The Importance of Having a Template

01:31:43 - Learning the First Song on Guitar

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Jon Deiley of Northlane joins us to talk about why he uses Ableton, his writing process, what guitarists should focus on, programming insane light shows, and more.

Chapters:

00:01:42 - The Cutthroat Mindset in Songwriting

00:03:36 - Unleashing Creativity in Music and Sound

00:07:50 - Nurturing Authenticity in Songwriting

00:11:34 - Enhancing Flow and Cohesion in Songs

00:17:40 - Exploring Creative Possibilities in Ableton

00:29:58 - The Dynamic Energy of Live Shows

00:31:49 - Navigating Audience Reactions

00:33:50 - Shaping the Flow of a Setlist

00:39:54 - Exploring the World of Visuals and Animation

00:41:44 - Juggling Creativity and Time Constraints

00:45:59 - Enhancing Production Through Objective Evaluation

00:52:14 - The Optimal Guitar Configuration

00:54:11 - Diving into Alternative Tunings

00:58:20 - Crafting Music for Rainbow Six

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Alyssa Day returns to the Riffhard Podcast to talk about making her puppy-filled video for "Trundle," how she recovered from a debilitating arm injury, and more.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Exploration of Puppy Love

00:12:50 - Breathing Life Into Instrumental Melodies

00:15:01 - Authentic Artistry in the Music Domain

00:17:02 - Reflecting on Past Missteps

00:19:09 - Navigating the Challenges of Injury and Response Diversity

00:21:13 - Harnessing the Power of Framing and Perspective

00:23:24 - Coping With Tour Absence

00:27:33 - a Struggle Shared Among Metal Guitarists

00:33:51 - Embracing a Slow Recovery and Resuming Guitar Practice

00:35:51 - the Virtue of Patience in Injury Rehabilitation

00:37:59 - Battling Hand Mobility Issues and Musical Pursuits

00:39:57 - Physical and Mental Endeavors in Music Education

00:42:05 - Confronting the Fear of Disappointment

00:46:25 - Defining Success and Fostering Creative Priorities

00:48:47 - Wrestling With Doubts and Risks in Music Video Ventures

00:53:06 - the Journey of Risk-taking and Passion Pursuit

00:57:17 - the Intensity of Pursuing Audacious Goals

01:01:23 - Crafting Musical Magic and Innovation

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Wes Hauch of Alluvial joins Eyal Levi and guest co-host Spiro Dussias.

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Riffhard Podcast with guest Wes Hauch

00:03:14 - Cultivating Consistency in Technique Development

00:07:05 - Mastering the Art of Project Completion

00:10:37 - Navigating the Demand for Continuous Music Releases

00:18:00 - Examining Metallica's Impact on the Musical Landscape

00:25:22 - Insights into James Hetfield's Guitar Collection

00:29:04 - Precision in Metal Mixing and Tone Crafting

00:50:31 - Striking a Balance Between Recording and Guitar Proficiency

00:54:03 - Significance of Choosing a Defined Artistic Path

00:57:44 - Evolution of Home Recording and its Revolution

01:08:30 - Attaining Proficiency in Guitar Mechanics

01:15:30 - Contemplating the Dangers of Neuralink and Artistic Integrity

01:22:33 - The Swift Progression of Technological Advancements

01:33:13 - Unraveling the Enigma of Child Prodigies

01:43:30 - Preparing Meticulously for Live Performances

01:46:58 - Anticipating Exciting EP Releases and Tour Announcements

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Tank The Tech is a popular YouTuber by night and guitar tech/tour manager by day. His YouTube channel has grown very fast because of how much truth he spits about reality in the music industry. Chapters: 00:02:06 - The Importance of Knowing Guitar Set-up Basics 00:06:24 - Stepping Into a Guitar Tech Gig 00:08:21 - The Importance of String Height and Maintenance 00:10:33 - The Art of String Changes 00:14:53 - Manual Vs. Automated String Winders 00:18:53 - The Importance of Regular Maintenance 00:21:06 - Reliance on Tuners in Live Performances 00:23:02 - Trusting Tuners Vs Trusting Ears 00:29:26 - Transitioning to Digital Amplifiers 00:37:18 - The Journey to Full-time Guitar Tech 00:41:21 - Learning on the Fly as a Guitar Tech 00:47:17 - Learning Experiences and Swallowing Pride 00:51:43 - The Role of a Guitar Tech 00:53:45 - Effective Communication in the Music Industry 00:55:41 - The Importance of Reputation in the Music Industry 00:59:36 - Treating People With Respect on Tour SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: http://riffhardpodcast.com http://riffhard.com

Nizar Osmani is a frequent Riffhard collaborator, mastermind guitarist, and ER doctor.

Chapters:

00:11:00 - Getting More Done in Less Time

00:27:34 - the Value of Music and Art Education

00:33:42 - Music Theory and Language Learning

00:41:58 - the Importance of Listening and Interpretation

00:44:03 - Breaking Out of Tendencies With Modal Interchange

00:50:05 - the Creative Process and Musical Influences

00:54:01 - Cover Versions and Licensing Songs

00:58:17 - Recreating Zakk Wylde's Signature Sounds

01:02:20 - Home Recording in Modern Music

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Dave Ellefson (Ex-Megadeth) and Guilherme Miranda (Ex-Entombed A.D.) play guitar and bass for Dieth.

Chapters:

00:03:28 - The Organic Story of Their Band

00:07:36 - The Beginnings of the Collaboration

00:13:18 - The Writing Process and Recording Techniques

00:20:46 - Composing With Vocals in Mind

00:28:25 - Collaboration and Limitations in Drum Programming

00:32:07 - The Power of Simplicity

00:43:49 - Underutilized Aspects of Guitar and Ideas That Don't Make It

00:47:29 - Revisiting Ideas From the Past

00:49:25 - Creating a Masterful Composition

00:51:27 - The Creative Process and Future Plans

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Doc Coyle (Bad Wolves, God Forbid) and Miles Dimitri Baker (Interloper) discuss playing for Ice Nine Kills during their Metallica Stadium Tour.

Chapters:

00:03:42 - Learning Ice Nine Kills Songs Under Pressure

00:07:06 - Burning the Candle at Both Ends

00:13:38 - Overcoming Fear and Taking Opportunities

00:24:28 - The Pressure of Learning Songs for Rehearsals

00:28:12 - Playing With Metallica in Stadiums

00:35:21 - Efficiently Arranging for Three Guitars

00:42:31 - the Importance of Attention to Detail in Music

00:49:58 - Balancing Work and Play

01:00:28 - Adjusting to Life After a Project or Tour

01:11:28 - Giving in to Your Brain's Desires

01:18:33 - the Sacrifices of Pursuing a Career in Music

01:32:30 - the Importance of Being a Team Player

01:40:00 - Navigating the "I Don't Know What I'm Doing" Scenario

01:47:40 - Owning Tough Conversations

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Justin McKinney, guitarist for The Zenith Passage joins us to talk about the the tech death guitar life.

Chapters:

00:02:37 - Communication in music production

00:09:44 - Overcoming Demoitis

00:19:25 - Hot Take: Shorter Albums Are Better

00:21:23 - The Importance of Quality over Quantity

00:28:15 - The Evolution of Cannibal Corpse

00:33:00 - Extreme Music for Extreme People

00:35:23 - We Should All Love Gateway Bands

00:42:36 - The Importance of Artists Who Care

00:49:31 - Efficient Picking Techniques

01:01:28 - The Cost of Pursuing Excellence in Music

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John Nolan is the guitarist and a vocalist for Taking Back Sunday.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - John Nolan's Songwriter's Journey

00:04:36 - Crafting the Perfect Tune

00:07:02 - Overthinking vs. Subconscious Flow

00:13:53 - Writing Without Pressure: Nurturing Creativity

00:20:44 - The Art of Songcraft

00:23:09 - Overcoming Setbacks

00:27:38 - A Vision for Growth

00:29:58 - The Role of Luck in Music

00:39:16 - Thriving on Uncertainty: Adapting with No Plan B

00:44:02 - The Guitar's Role in Songwriting

00:48:43 - The Genesis of Songs

00:51:10 - The Significance of Constructive Critique

00:56:09 - Building Trust in the Recording Process

00:58:22 - Conveying Creative Ideas

01:03:03 - The Vitality of Recording Skills

01:05:21 - A Musical Comfort Zone: Singing and Playing at the same time

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Alyssa Day is a trailblazing guitarist/composer who is in our top 10 guitarists to watch list.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Alyssa Day

00:02:48 - The Drive for Self-Improvement

00:15:31 - The Power of Visualization in Learning a Musical Piece

00:18:39 - Visualizing Rhythms and Melodic Arcs

00:24:44 - The Importance of Broadening Musical Perspective

00:27:56 - The Importance of Funk Playing Techniques for Guitarists

00:33:56 - Prioritizing in a Busy Schedule

00:40:39 - Engineering Your Life to Prioritize Relationships

00:43:55 - Introversion and Social Anxiety

00:53:49 - Analyzing and Modifying Behavior in a Saturated Market for Success

00:57:11 - Transitioning into Video Content

01:04:16 - The Joys and Challenges of Being a Musician

01:11:00 - Balancing Career Opportunities

01:14:15 - Deciding Your Worth and Raising Rates

01:23:52 - The Importance of Accountability

01:33:17 - The Anxiety of Being Self-Employed in the Music Industry

01:36:41 - The Value of Visual and Audio Content in Podcasts

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Acle Kahney is the guitarist, writer, and producer for Tesseract.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:27 - Recording at Middle Farm with Peter Miles

00:04:57 - Working with a Producer

00:09:45 - Mastering and CD Delivery

00:12:04 - Challenges of Mixing Metal Music in Atmos

00:17:02 - Troubleshooting Gear Issues

00:24:01 - Mixing and Recording with AirPods

00:26:42 - The Pursuit of perfection in music production

00:29:04 - Experiment with EverTune

00:36:18 - The Writing Process

00:38:46 - The Pitfalls of Demo-itis

00:41:36 - Adding Flaws to the Recording

00:45:59 - The Process of Writing and Recording

00:50:42 - The Birth of an Idea and Collaborative Jamming

00:53:09 - The Complexity of Song Structures

01:02:37 - Relearning Songs and Guitar Tricks

01:05:06 - Live Sound and MIDI Programming

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Cory Arford and Neal Teimann are the guitarists for Carnifex. Their new album, “Necromanteum” comes out October 6th, 2023.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:36 - The Same Problems at Every Level

00:08:06 - The Importance of Saying Yes

00:16:08 - Your personality matters

00:21:25 - The Flow of the Writing Process

00:24:05 - Using Writing Exercises to Stimulate Creativity

00:29:50 - Knowing When to Stop and Start Again

00:32:43 - Maintaining Momentum

00:43:26 - The Power of Collaborative Songwriting

00:49:25 - Avoiding Burnout and Embracing New Ideas

00:52:23 - Keeping your demos organized

01:03:30 - Incorporating new ideas and rearranging songs

01:06:24 - Knowing when to stand your ground

01:22:11 - Congrats on the Record Release

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Josh Middleton is a guitarist/producer best known for his band Sylosis and former band, Architects.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:25 - Manifestation and Serendipity in Career Paths

00:04:39 - Second Wind for Thrash Bands

00:07:15 - Becoming your own favorite band

00:11:49 - Writing Simple but Impactful Riffs

00:18:25 - Learning Arpeggios on Guitar

00:22:58 - Developing your Muscle Memory

00:25:29 - Strategic Approach to Guitar Practice

00:32:40 - The Importance of Recording Yourself

00:47:55 - The Changing Role of Producers in Music Production

00:50:20 - Maintaining Quality in Guitar Demos

00:52:43 - Layering Guitars and Ethereal Ambiance

00:56:55 - The Art of Improvisation

01:01:43 - Plugins that have a unique sound

01:03:54 - The Journey to Becoming a Professional Music Producer

01:06:43 - Mixing with your Eyes

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Rob Barrett is a guitarist for the legendary Cannibal Corpse.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:02:59 - How Rob writes for Cannibal Corpse

00:06:46 - Burning out from touring

00:08:40 - Explosive creativity during quarantine

00:10:39 - Hitting the Ground Running

00:12:25 - Meeting crazy deadlines

00:14:15 - When to stop writing

00:15:58 - Violence Unimagined

00:17:52 - Rushed Song Endings and Settling for Less

00:19:34 - Misconceptions about mixing

00:22:47 - Dropping grenades

00:24:41 - Why hiring Erik Rutan made all the sense

00:26:31 - Staying true while evolving

00:28:20 - How Cannibal Corpse incorporated modern production

00:30:20 - Optimizing Efficiency in the Studio

00:37:34 - Metal will kill you

00:39:19 - Headbanging is terrible for you

00:44:19 - Why Behemoth are a behemoth

00:46:07 - Positive Energy and Friendship in the Music Industry

00:51:27 - Finding Inspiration Within the Band

00:53:03 - We all need friends

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: http://riffhardpodcast.com http://riffhard.com

Misha Mansoor, Jake Bowen, and Mark Holcomb joined us to discuss why Periphery nuked their own album, how video game addiction is good, and the terror of playing huge shows naked. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:44 - Trust And Respect Among Band Members 00:09:18 - Working with Spencer Sotelo On Vocals 00:13:58 - Overcoming Challenges As A Team 00:18:49 - The Mental Game Of Isolation And Writing 00:24:01 - Writing For Others 00:28:36 - The Benefits Of Loose Writing Sessions 00:33:12 - Breaking Patterns And Trying Something New 00:38:06 - Jake Bowen's Writing Process For Solos 00:47:45 - Misha Mansoor's Experience Of Working With A Producer 00:56:09 - Terrifying Stress Dreams And Nightmares 00:59:44 - Mark Holcomb's Performance Anxiety 01:03:35 - The Addictive Nature Of Video Games 01:20:25 - The Importance Of Talent And Specialization 01:25:05 - How To Make Sure Your Ideas Aren't Terrible 01:39:56 - Streamlining The Writing Process 01:44:40 - Importance Of Good Faith Creative Suggestions 01:49:47 - How To Give And Receive Feedback 01:54:18 - Burning Out On Your Own Album 01:58:46 - Dialing Guitar Tones 02:08:13 - Why You Should Invest In The Best Mix Possible 02:12:48 - The Energy Of Raw Creativity 02:17:20 - Nolly And Matt Halpern's Insane Drum Sounds

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Erik Rutan is a legendary guitarist and producer best known for his work with/in Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, and Hate Eternal. Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Riffhard podcast with Erik Rutan
00:03:14 - Seeking Improvement in Guitar Playing and Life
00:06:40 - Prioritizing and Focusing on Career Goals
00:10:25 - The Ability to Adapt in Music Production
00:13:55 - Reflections on Patience and Character
00:17:08 - The Importance of Patience and Routine in Music
00:20:49 - The Importance of Stretching
00:24:10 - The Power of Mindset and Shutting Out the Noise
00:27:39 - The Importance of Yoga and Guitar Warm-Up
00:30:48 - Finding Inspiration in Music and Writing
00:34:13 - Wailing and Autopilot Playing
00:37:40 - Preparing Mentally for a Performance
00:41:08 - Overcoming Challenges and Finding Relaxation
00:44:15 - The Benefits of Meditation during COVID
00:47:27 - The Benefits of Meditation and Learning a Song
00:51:11 - Trey Azagthoth's importance 
00:54:25 - Learning and Understanding Songs from Specific Bands
01:01:11 - Learning Guitar with Tab
01:04:29 - Finding Motivation for Learning Guitar
01:07:40 - Respecting the Legacy and Adapting to the another band's Sound
01:11:07 - The Legacy of Cannibal Corpse and the Dynamics of the Band
01:14:37 - Diving into Different Amps and Tones
01:18:01 - Capturing the Moment: Trying New Things in Music
01:21:33 - The Flow of Songwriting with Collaborators
01:24:54 - The Creative Process of Songwriting
01:28:15 - Expressing Comfortability Within Oneself
01:31:25 - Achieving Consistent Natural-Looking Kicks
01:34:48 - Tuning and capturing performances
01:38:20 - The Importance of Sound Alignment in Music production
01:41:40 - Be Yourself and Embrace Your Differences SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE: https://spoti.fi/3orTur3 https://apple.co/3BROI9t FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD: https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/ https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/ WEBSITES: http://riffhardpodcast.com http://riffhard.com

Stephen Taranto is an innovative guitar virtuoso from Australia. 

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Stephen Taranto and his Guitar Skills

00:05:01 - Leaning into Your Strengths

00:10:06 - Deciding What to Focus On in Guitar Skills

00:15:02 - The Delusion of Talent and the Importance of Feedback

00:20:29 - Dealing with Risk and Perfectionism

00:25:15 - The Ups and Downs of Progress and Self-Perception

00:30:08 - Capturing Moments of Inspiration

00:35:11 - Allowing the Music to Flow Naturally

00:39:40 - The Challenges of Performing Live

00:44:31 - Embracing Imperfections in Performance

00:49:50 - The Live Experience vs Social Media Posts

00:54:35 - Alternate Picking Techniques and Hand Formation

00:59:10 - Learning Technique through Songs and Improvisation

01:03:39 - Targeting exact tempos and techniques

01:08:49 - The Mindset of a Guitar Player

01:14:02 - The Exciting Future of Music

Want to level up your guitar game? Check out Riffhard.

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