Scott McCloud is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He has been a founding member of Girls Against Boys, New Wet Kojak and Soulside. He continues to tour extensively, performs acoustically, and operates in various projects including Agrio and Paramount Styles. In this episode, Scott shares a story where a simple misunderstanding of gratitude leads to a confusing, riotous, and even violent reaction from the crowd when his band Operator opened for Placebo in Lisbon.   Joe and Scott discuss what this good intention turned bad tells us about humans in large groups, selective communication, crowd tipping points and why Scott still thinks about this show today. Music by Operator. A special thank you to John Schmersal for generously funding this episode. GVSB Paramount Styles Agrio Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Justin R. Cruz Gallego is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer based in Tacoma, WA. His newest record and Sub Pop debut, Grim Iconic…(Sadistic Mantra), is a cohesive, hooky noise odyssey laden with powerful beats, electronic layering and analog warmth. Justin shares his process of building the new songs and ultimately taking to a live setting. He also tells us how hitting a production ceiling was a healthy motivator to co-producing the record with Seth Manchester at Machines With Magnets. We hear how the Latin music he grew up listening to seeped into the songs, Joe and Justin discuss the graduation rate of Berklee College of Music students and we hear a couple tunes. J.R.C.G Subpop Machines with Magnets Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Grasshopper is a multi-instrumentalist, lead guitarist and founding member of Mercury Rev. His other projects include Harmony Rockets and his own band Grasshopper and the Golden Crickets. Mercury Rev’s newest record, Born Horses, is yet another intriguing sonic step in the band’s evolution.  Born Horses is out September 6 via Bella Union.  Grasshopper shares his early relationship with music, how seeing Lou Reed steered the young horn-player to playing guitar and why he wound up focusing less on his guitar playing on the new record. He shares the process of writing Born Horses, how Brechtian Theatre and prose influenced the overall sound and why previous projects informed this process.  Joe and Grasshopper celebrate the “utility musician”, Grasshopper tells us a sweet story about his last memory in his favorite Buffalo bar and we hear a couple new tunes. Mercury Rev  Bella Union Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Harper Simon is a singer, songwriter, producer and journalist. His most recent effort is an album and accompanying art book entitled Meditations on Crime. . The release is a vast and collaborative multimedia project that incorporates  an eclectic collection of contributors including writers, visual artists and of course, musicians . It is indeed a full circle meditation on crime, expressed through song, images and word.  In this episode Joe and Harper discuss the genesis of the project and how his relationship to politics motivated him to choose crime as the subject. Joe and Harper talk about the  process of selecting contributors and the importance of cohesion in something this large. Harper shares his  experience recording with long time friend Hal Willner, his plans to play live and we hear a couple tuneshttps://youtube.com/user/HarperSimonMusic Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Randy Randall is the guitarist, co-producer and founding member of No Age. Their 3rd record on Drag City,  People Helping People,  will be released September 16th  with a full North American tour to follow.   In this episode, Randy shares the head space he and Dean were in at the beginning of the recording and why they were itching to get weird. We hear why they feel they are in a perfect position to do whatever they want and how operating  on the notion that "everything is valid" contributed to the sonic architecture of the record.  Randy also tells us why he felt like Scotty Pippen playing with Bob Mould and he hips us to meaning behind Snares Like A Haircut , We hear a couple tunes and Randy offers up the stems from People Helping People.https://www.dragcity.com/products/people-helping-peoplehttps://noage.bandcamp.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Abraxas is a psych/rock/tropicalia duo of Uruguayan-born/UK-based Carolina Faruolo (ex-Los Bitchos) and Danny Lee Blackwell (Night Beats). They’re releasing their debut LP Monte Carlo on October 28 on Seattle-based label Suicide Squeeze.  In this episode Joe catches up with Danny on the road in France with his band Night Beats and Carolina at her home in Manchester.   Danny and Carolina share the process of making the Monte Carlo,  and how ease and telepathy translated directly to the final recording.  They also discuss how the diverse mixture of influences, the name Abraxas and record title Monte Carlo melded over long distances to make a humid, lush and dreamy listening experience.  We hear how the video functioned as their first gig and we hear a couple brand new tunes. https://abraxasintl.bandcamp.com/album/monte-carlohttps://suicidesqueeze.net/2022/09/abraxas-release-new-single-video-manana/https://suicidesqueeze.net/https://lnk.to/AMC  Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Cody Votolato is a guitarist, singer and founding member of JR SLAYER.  He has spent the better part of his music career touring and writing with bands The Blood Brothers, Jaguar Love, Head Wound City and Telekinesis.  Now,  he has focused and boiled down his artistic output to JR SLAYER, with the new record Not Rotten out September 9 on Memory Music.In this episode, Cody shares his perspective on writing Not Rotten  and the process of recording with Will Yip at Studio 4.  Joe brings up Cody's unique position as someone who has toured since his early teens, how he feels about it now and what may replace it.  The two reminisce on the Built In Sun record and we hear a couple tunes from Not Rotten. https://jrslayer.bandcamp.com/https://www.memory-music.net/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Eva Walker is a founding member, guitarist and singer for Seattle based The Black Tones. With one full length record (Cobain and Cornbread) and a Sub Pop single under their belts, The Black Tones are embarking on their first North American tour this fall.   In this episode, Eva shares her experience working with both Jack Endino and Don Farwell,  the importance of a groove and the role trust plays in their writing and performance.  We learn why Eva and Cedric share a free form of expression and how the root of that free spirit lies in both family and the story of a lifelong educator and a bank robber.  The two Seattleites discuss their experiences as transplants and how they were both psyched to be a part of the Sub Pop family.  Eva hips us to some new bands and we hear a couple tunes.  Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Julia Kugel is the singer/guitarist and founding member of The Coathangers.  She will release her first full length solo record , Derealization  on September 30 with Suicide Squeeze Records under the moniker Julia, Julia.  In this episode Joe and Julia discuss why "giving in" is not "giving up" and how her idea of acceptance shaped the record.  Julia also tells us how she dealt with and recovered from losing her voice, why she wanted to sing quietly, and what the motivation was for truly making a record on her own.  Julia shares her fantastic idea to perform the new record live and she hips us to the coolest festival in Long Beach, Happy  Sundays (August 28th).  We hear a few tunes from the new record and Joe threatens to join with Julia, Julia when she plays Seattle. https://suicidesqueeze.net/2022/07/julia-kugel-of-the-coathangers-announces-debut-solo-lp-derealization-under-new-moniker-julia-julia/https://happysundaysfest.com/https://hearjuliajulia.bandcamp.com/album/derealization Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Sara Lund is a drummer, drum teacher and the innovative percussive force behind the band Unwound.  After a 20+ year break, Unwound is back and already have a string of sold out shows starting in early 2023.  In this episode Sara shares the complicated and tragic story of the band falling apart and the difficult decision to start up again without founding member and friend Vern Rumsey.  She also explains that the reunion is a celebration of Vern and his contribution to the music and why Jarred Warren is helping them get back on their rock n roll feet again.  Joe and Sara discuss how she went from touring musician to drum instructor, her teaching technique and their views on improvisation.  Joe shares a couple stories from his days as Unwound's "Brodie" and we hear a couple tunes.                  THIS EPISODE IS DEDICATED TO THE GREAT VERN RUMSEY Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Pete Chramiec is a founding member and guitarist for the pivotal hardcore band Verbal Assault.  After a 20 year break, Verbal Assault are playing again, with shows booked on both coasts in 2022 and throughout 2023. In this episode, longtime pals Joe and Pete discuss what is was like for Pete to get back rock n roll shape , what spawned the reunion and why the shows are so special to him.  They also talk Joe's 4th favorite subject, "crossover", how VA's lyrics have come home to roost and Pete tells us how Dave Grohl changed the trajectory of his music career with a single phone call.  They play a  few tunes and Pete makes Joe laugh a lot.https://atomicactionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/trialhttps://verbalassault.com/https://www.bicyclehomebuilding.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

This week Joe talks with Shaun Fleming-aka Diane Coffee.  Shaun is a singer, song writer and multi-instrumentalist based in Southern California.  His 4th record, With People (out now on Polyvinyl Records) is a personal reach into the past and a closer, sometimes darker look at the people and experiences that have made him who he is now.  In this episode,  Shaun shares what motivated him to look back, why he sometimes masks painful memories with uplifting melody,  and why this record felt more therapeutic than his previous efforts.  Joe and Shaun discuss the process of making With People  with his former bandmate Jonathan Rado  (Foxygen) and long time collaborator Joe Lefitz and how the power of their shorthand was a key ingredient in the production.  We also learn that there just might be a vaccine for Demoitis and we hear a couple tunes. http://www.dianecoffee.com/https://www.polyvinylrecords.com/artist/diane_coffee Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Carre' Callaway-aka Queen Kwong- is a musician, song-writer and podcaster. Like most musicians in the last couple years, Carre' has had a challenging time maneuvering the sudden change in her vocation, but her situation is different. On top of the touring limitations, Carre' was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and two months later, her husband left her. What did she do?....... Naturally, made a record. The newest Queen Kwong record, Couples Only  isn't your typical "divorce record" of reflective poetry, but rather a fiercely raw and emotional look at a great loss and a future recovered. In this episode, Carre' and Joe discuss how she navigated these waters, she shares the improvisational process she uses to make records and we hear why Couples Only has an unlikely pop song on its track listing. Carre' also tells us a wild story from her days opening for Nine Inch Nails and we here a couple tunes. https://www.queenkwong.com/ https://sonicritualrecordings.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Dustin O’Halloran is an American pianist and composer with six acclaimed solo albums under his own name. He has scored multiple films and TV shows, won an Emmy for the theme to Transparent and has been nominated for an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for his score to Lion, a collaboration with Volker Bertelmann (aka Hauschka). His most recent album, 1 0 0 1, is an instrumental four-movement exploration of the nature of the human mind, implications of artificial intelligence and raises questions of humanity in a world intertwined with technology is out now via Deutsche Grammophon.  Dustin shares how his early relationship with music influenced his trajectory to go from a rock-oriented guitarist and singer to a solo pianist creating instrumental music. He tells us how 1 0 0 1 evolved from a performance dance piece to expansive sonic journey and functioned as a bridge to a new artistic path. Dustin and Joe discuss his process in writing and recording 1 0 0 1, Dustin walks us through the inspiration behind the four movements and he explains why texture drives his creativity. The two celebrate the power of re-amping and we hear two pieces from 1 0 0 1. Dustin O'Halloran Deutsche Grammophon Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Nabil Ayers is a writer, musician and the US President of the Beggars Group. He is also the son of musician Roy Ayers. His search for connection with his biological father is the subject of his new book,  My Life In The Sunshine.  This book is also a biographical journey of Nabil's musical life.     In this episode Nabil recounts what drove him to pursue his extended family and why he wanted to share this experience in a book.  Joe and Nabil discuss the uniqueness of he and his fathers relationship,  how writing replaced drumming and why his move from New York City to Salt Lake City as a kid was a great experience.   We also learn how Nabil's love for and involvement in music throughout his life has proved to be the building blocks for his position at Beggars Group. Nabil shares a tour story that involves A LOT of pot and the power of "knowing a guy" and we hear a tune from his uncle and musical guru,  Alan Braufman, https://www.nabilayers.com/https://alanbraufman.bandcamp.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Jessica Boudreaux is a songwriter, guitarist and producer from Portland, Oregon. Though best known for her band Summer Cannibals, Jessica has recently released a solo EP entitled I Think My Heart Loves To Break that she self produced over the past two years, in which she not only endured an involuntary break in touring, she was also diagnosed with breast cancer.  In this episode, Joe and Jessica discuss her response to her diagnosis, the massive change it brought to her life and how she kept herself from being lost in the illness.   She shares how her perspective on touring has changed,  how making the new record served as a life raft and why making a "pop"  record has always been an interesting challenge to her.  We hear a couple tunes from I Think My Heart Loves To Break, out now.https://jessicaboudreaux.bandcamp.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

We would like to welcome Zach Blair and his newest podcast ANTI-HEROES to the Ruinous Media Network!!!!! 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. 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.Anti-Heros is proudly sponsored by Jim Dunlop and MXR pedals.https://www.jimdunlop.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Jason McGerr is a producer, song-writer and the drummer for Death Cab For Cutie. In this episode drummer pals Joe and Jason discuss Asphalt Meadows, the newest record from DCFC since 2018. Jason shares the extraordinary collective process in making the new record, why it was so satisfying and whats behind the ferocity of Roman Candles, the first single.  Of course Joe and Jason dig into drums,  drum fitness on tour and why Jason is obsessed with making odd times feel straight.  We also learn why his nick name is "CJ" on tour. We hear a couple of Joes favorite DCFC songs. https://www.deathcabforcutie.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Andy Butler is a DJ, producer, songwriter and founding member of Hercules and Love Affair.  After a five year break,  Hercules and Love Affairs new record In Amber  brings long time collaborator and co-producer ANOHNI back into the fold, along with english drummer Budgie and singer Elin Eythordsdottir. In Amber  is a dark, jagged and heavy journey that questions faith,  false narratives assigned by social and religious constructs and ultimately celebrates perseverance and individual strength.  In this episode Andy catches us up on his projects over the last few years, how Black Metal plays a role on In  Amber and he shares the process of making a multi-personnel, multi-genre influenced record.  Joe and Andy discuss the message and sonics extremities on In Amber,  why it's both a rejection of religion and a search for the spiritual, and how it addresses the disconnection to nature.  We also hear how Budgie changed the sonic nature of In Amber  and why Andy is going back to touring with a larger band. We hear two songs from In Amber.https://www.skintentertainment.com/artist/hercules-love-affair/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Laura Veirs is a visual artist, singer and songwriter from Portland, Oregon.  On her newest record Found Light, (out July 8th on Raven Marching Band Records),  she addresses not only the loss of a spouse and working partner to divorce,  but the hardship of breaking away from the intermeshed identity that is the product of a longterm relationship.  In this episode Laura shares her experience of recording alone for the first time, what did and didn't work and why working with a new production partner proved to be a gratifying and liberating step in her career.  Joe and Laura discuss the process of making Found Light, why she's choosing to tour solo and we hear a couple tunes. https://www.lauraveirs.com/https://lauraveirs.bandcamp.com/album/found-light Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Spencer Moody is a poet, visual artist,  songwriter and vocalist for the The Murder City Devils, Triumph Of Lethargy Skinned Alive To Death and more recently,  M.Krebs.  In this episode Spencer catches us up on his new life on The Big Island and how being a stranger in a strange land has influenced his work.  Joe and Spencer discuss the process and inspiration behind both the M.krebs record AND his newest project with Joe Jack Talcum, a split LP on This and That Tapes. We hear a couple tunes from M.Krebs and end with a very special story about Joe and Spencers friend, the late great Sam Jayne. https://mkrebs.bandcamp.com/releaseshttps://thisandthattapes.com/releases/spencer-moody-joe-jack-talcum-splithttp://jacktalcum.com/index.phpSponsored by https://www.izotope.com Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Torquil Campbell is a founding member, singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for the band Stars. He is also an actor, a play-write and podcaster.  Stars are getting ready to hit the road in support of their newest release From Capelton Hill (out May 27th on Last Gang Records/MNRK).  Torquil shares the story behind the title of the record, his historic relationship with North Hatley and why it's his only real sense of home.  Joe and Torquil discuss the sentiment that carries the record and how he and Amy Millan (singer/guitarist) are evolving towards more of a first person perspective in their lyrics.  He also catches us up on the plethora of projects he's been involved in in the last couple of years,  the problems of trying too hard and he shares a golden piece of song writing advice from his father in law.  Of course,  hear a couple tunes from From Capelton Hill .https://starsband.bandcamp.com/https://shop.lastgang.com/blogs/news/stars-share-new-single-capelton-hill-expand-tour-dates Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Charity Rose Thielen is a founding member, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for The Head and the Heart.  Their latest record, Every Shade of Blue  is out now and the band is preparing for an extensive North American tour.  Joe caught up with Charity between rehearsals in Nashville. In this episode, Joe and Charity discuss the multi-producer process of making Every Shade of Blue , what sort of freedoms it provided and how it fell in line with the bands desire to go back to a more internal collaboration.  Charity tells us why she appreciated the universal break most musicians took and how that contributes to her appreciation of touring and performing again.  She also shares her personal songwriting process, the influence of drums in her writing and the reality of living with someone who is both her partner in life and in her band.  We hear a couple songs from Every Shade of Blue. Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Σtella is a painter, singer and songwriter from Athens, Greece. Her Sub Pop debut, Up and Away is a lush, vintage pop odyssey that both adheres to traditional Greek sounds and explores current indie textures. In this episode,  Σtella shares how her relationship with music ultimately helped her overcome shyness and why Greek melody has a grounding effect.  We learn how producer Tom Calvert (aka Redinho) and Σtella teamed up and why their common influences made for an effortless working relationship.  Σtella gives us the story behind the cover art and we hear a couple tunes from Up and Away.https://stellawithasigma.com/https://stellawithasigma.bandcamp.com/album/the-breakhttps://www.subpop.com/artists/stella Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Nick Thorburn is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist residing in Los Angeles. Nick has fronted and co-founded bands such as The Unicorns, Human Highway, Mister Heavenly and Islands. The newest Islands record, What Occurs, is out now an available everywhere.  In this episode, old pals and current bandmates Joe and Nick get cheeky and personal, touching on their first meeting, what bonds them and why they owe Ryan Kattner all the credit for their friendship. Nick shares the germ of inspiration behind What Occurs, how they wrote and recorded the record on an actual island and why live collaboration is so important to him. We learn how Joe and Nick differ on their view of death, how Nick found his singing voice and why a sense of play is so important to his songwriting. The two predict how and why AI will eat itself, they entertain a very special surprise guest, and we hear a couple new Islands songs. Islands Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten are collectively the singers, songwriters and guitarists for Momma. Their new record Household Name  (out July 1st on Polyvinyl Records) is not only a beautifully riff heavy nod to their 90's influences, its a thoughtful, personal and  dynamic listen from start to finish.  In this episode Etta and Allegra discuss their recording  process and why self control is key when you have an unlimited amount of time in the studio.  They share their point of view on 90's music, culture and why femme people playing guitar has transcended to the present.   Joe, Etta and Allegra dig into the production ideas on Household Name ,  what they love about touring and the power of the pre-chorus.  We hear two rockers from Household Name. https://polyvinylrecords.com/product/household_namehttps://www.mommaband.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Lou Barlow is a singer, song-writer and founding member of Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoah  and The Folk Implosion.  Though known for his contribution to the "low fi" scene of the 80's and 90's, Lou has his roots in hardcore, punk and even the folk/country superstar Glen Campbell.     After a  20+ year break, The Folk Implosion (Lou Barlow and John Davis)  have released two new songs that without a doubt retain the pop/experimental beauty the duo achieved consistently in the past. Lou tells us what sparked the reunion.    In this episode Lou also shares why he felt he should be worrying about his worrying, how a  couple of self help books got him through a challenging time and even motivated him to make a handful of holiday specials.  Joe and Lou talk hardcore,  crossover metal and most importantly,  Lou tells us why he's a 7seconds snob.  Joe and Lou share a couple tour stories and we hear the new Folk Implosion tunes. https://thefolkimplosion.bandcamp.com/album/feel-it-if-you-feel-it-2http://www.loobiecore.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Will Brooks (aka MC Dälek) is a founding member, vocalist and producer for the group Dälek.  For close to 20 years Will has been releasing dark, experimental hip-hop records and collaborating with a wide range of like minded artists that include Kid 606, Faust, The Black Heart Procession and Techno Animal.  In this episode Joe and Will discuss the process of making the new Dälek record Precipice (out 4.29 on Ipecac Records), why he abandoned the first version and how Adam Jones from Tool  wound up contributing to a song.  Will tells us how his collection of improvisational recordings known as Meditations got him through the last couple years of not touring and why the outcome surprised both him and his listeners. He also shares his view on music and touring as a vocation and why he's grateful for any visceral reaction to his music, whether it's positive or negative.  Joe and Will remember sharing a stage at the ATP festival and we hear a couple tunes from Precipice. https://deadverse.com/https://www.ipecac.com/artists/dalek Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

This week we salute our partnership with The High Gain Podcast, a podcast that celebrates the guitar. Each week John Kieltyka and Ed Peterson will introduce you to a guitar, share its cultural significance and provide you a slew of questionable (and likely very funny) facts on its origin and history. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll realize that this podcast is not just for guitar enthusiasts, but anyone who enjoys a good time.   Episode 206   The CBS-Fender deal went down in 1965, but the story started well before then. Enjoy! - 1966 Fender Stratocasterhttps://www.thehighgain.com/podcast/66-stratocasterhttps://www.ruinousmedia.com/thehighgain Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Brian Cook is a bass guitarist and song-writer from Seattle. He's an active member of Russian Circles and Sumac, writing, recording and touring extensively.  After a ten year break, his band These Arms Are Snakes with be playing a handful of shows in celebration of the release of Duct Tape and Shivering Crows, a collection of rarities, covers and demos out April 15th on Suicide Squeeze Records. In this episode,  Joe and Brian discuss how a recent break has helped him recognize his autonomy,  why his solo record made him a better band member and the importance of rehearsing chaos as well as the music.  Not only a musician, Brian is a freelance writer, has published one novel (The Second Chair Is Meant For You) and is working on a second.  He shares his view on the difference between writing words verses writing music and how imperfection plays a role in both art forms.  Joe and Brian swop a couple "sleeping in the van" stories and we hear some tunes from Duct Tape and Shivering Crows.https://store.suicidesqueeze.net/https://thesearmsaresnakes.bandcamp.com/album/duct-tape-shivering-crowshttps://russiancirclesband.com/brian-cook Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Gavin McCarthy is a drummer and songwriter from Boston, MA.  He's written, recorded and toured with a multitude of bands and projects over the last two decades, with his main efforts focussed on E and Karate.  After a long period of chasing down the masters, Karate is re-releasing their entire catalog with the Numero Group. In this episode Gavin catches us up on his life during the involuntary break, gives us the low down on the Boston venue scene and tells us how taking a break from music changed his self-identity. He also gives us his thoughts on reunion tours, why he's looking forward to this summers Karate dates and why the concept of a live record is odd.   Joe and Gavin swop a couple stories that celebrate the beauty and chaos of touring in Italy and we hear a couple Karate tunes. https://www.gavinmccarthy.com/https://karateallston.bandcamp.com/https://numerogroup.com/search?q=Karate&options%5Bprefix%5D=last Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

 Joel Jerome is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Los Angeles, CA.  His solo debut, Super Flower Blood Moon  (Dangerbird Records)  hits the streets on May 13th, and promises a dark,  folky trip that celebrates his 90's indie rock influences as much and it pays homage to his latin roots.  In this episode Joel tells us how the pandemic opened his eyes to activism, how that's translated to his work with The Union of  Musicians and Allied Workers  (UMAW) and why unions are important to working musicians.  We hear how his long time pal Jim Fairchild (Modest Mouse, Grandaddy, All Smiles) had a hand in the early stages of Super Flower Blood Moon and why it was different from past records.   Joel also share's his view on   "capturing recordings" verses "producing" and how thats applied in his own studio, Psychedelic Thriftstore.  Joe plays a couple tunes from the new record  and Joel tells us where's he's looking forward to touring in 2022.  https://dangerbirdrecords.com/https://joeljeromemusic.bandcamp.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Mark Watrous is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and a producer. He's recorded and toured extensively with The Shins, Shudder To Think, The Raconteurs and is a founding member of Loudermilk and Earl Burrows.  Before hearing a pair of tour stories involving a reckless tour manager and a meth fueled ill-planned show in Sandpoint, Idaho, Joe and Mark catch up. We hear what Marks been up during the Shins break and he reminds us that WE'RE All waiting for vinyl.  We hear Joe's favorite Earl Burrows tune and..........BONUS!!!!!! the debut of a very special cover of The Fixx's One Thing Leads To Another performed by Mark, Joe and Nate Mendel.https://www.theshins.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Walt Disco is a young stylish band from Glasgow. Over the last two years they wrote, recorded and self produced their debt album, Unlearning  (Out April 1st on Lucky Number Music).  In this episode Joe talks with 2 members of the sextet, singer James and keyboardist/guitarist Finley.   James and Finely share the process of making Unlearning , why they wanted it to sound "scrappy", how that forced them to think differently and why self producing gave them a sense of childlike wonderment.   We learn what drives them to have a strong stylized aesthetic and they share a couple stories from their experience playing the Celine show in Paris.  They also discuss the influence of new wave AND no wave and tell us what they love about touring. We hear a couple tunes from Unlearning.  https://waltdisco.bandcamp.com/musichttps://www.luckynumbermusic.com/releases/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Sam Tallent has earned his PhD in touring as a stand-up comedian, an author and drummer. He's been on the road since his late teens,  has a best selling novel and an ever growing career in comedy to show for it.  Joe and Sam discuss his current reluctance to become a parent, why it was good for him to be something other than a comedian over the involuntary break and what touring feels like now.  Joe gets a lesson on the hierarchy of comedy performance, and not only do they discuss Sams newest novel Running the Light,  but we hear a gorgeous passage read by the author himself.  We also hear a couple numbers from Sam's punk band Big City Drugs.https://www.samtallent.com/https://bigcitydrugs.bandcamp.com/album/human-cargo Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Billy Fuller is a bass player and songwriter from Bristol, England. He has played bass guitar with acts including Massive Attack, Robert Plant and is a founding member of Beak>. Beak’s new record, Beak>>>> (Beak 4), is available now via Invada Records. Billy shares his early experience of learning the bass by listening to his brother’s records and cassettes that he picked up at his local petrol station that is ultimately the root of his sound.  We get his take on the famous “Bristol Sound”, overcoming “old tricks” when recording a new record and the relativity of bass guitar tone, supported by a story about the great Robbie Shakespeare. Billy walks us through the recording of the new record, how the Beak> writing process typically goes and specifically how they put together the current single, The Seal. Billy and Joe finally publicly address their Instagram beef and we hear a few hot numbers. Beak> Invada Records Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Chris is the bass player for Jawbreaker.  After a 20 year hiatus and a 2 year pandemic break, they are back with sold out shows across North America. Chris tells us what he's been up to over the break, why he went the academia route, and why he ultimately abandoned it.  Joe and Chris talk the importance of snappy dressing, the regional rules of bagels and sourdough and Chris shares both his apprehensions and excitement for returning to the road.  To get you pumped on the tour, we hear a tune from Dear You (which they will be playing in entirety) and Joe's favorite song from 24 Hour Revenge Therapy.   Music by Jawbreaker and Joe Plummer Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

This week Joe talks to Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker from the band Low.  They share both the difficult and productive experience they've had at home over the last two years and why the pandemic  effected them more than expected. They discuss the process of making their new Grammy nominated record Hey What (out now on Sub Pop records), how the final sound was established in the writing process and why Alan is taking a new approach to his guitar sound. With several shows booked in Europe and the U.S., Alan and Mimi express their excitement and apprehension of touring  and what they’re most looking forward to.  Joe raves over the videos that accompany Hey What  and we hear a couple tunes. https://lowtheband.bandcamp.com/https://www.subpop.com/artists/lowVisit out sponsor https://www.izotope.com/ for a 10% discount. Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Kassie is a founding member, singer and lyricist for Guerilla Toss.  In this episode Kassie and Joe discuss her life at home during the involuntary touring break, what happens when her "home life" and "rock n roll" life meet and why she's looking forward to getting back on the road and supporting Famously Alive  (out March 25th on Sub Pop Records).   Kassie shares how her close friend and collaborator helped her kick a heroin habit and why that relationship is so important to the new record.   She also explains how the video for the single was born out of a stress nap and why her dog  Watley is built for touring.  We hear the new single,  Cannibal Capitol  and close the episode with Betty Dreams of  Green Men  from GT Ultra. https://www.subpop.com/https://guerillatoss.bandcamp.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

This week Joe has a vibrant conversation with Bonnie  Bloomgarden, singer, songwriter and founding member of Death Valley Girls.  Bonnie and Joe discuss the impact that touring has had on her life, how a recent tour has served as version of exposure therapy. and why the involuntary break has positively changed both her life at home and her perspective of life on the road.   Bonnie tells us how hypnosis plays a role in her song writing and why she feels lucky that her favorite animal is a dog.  We hear a new tune from the Death Valley Girls/Le Butcherettes  split  7” on Suicide Squeeze Records and Bonnie hips us to her new paranormal podcast, Death Valley Girls Podcasthttps://suicidesqueeze.net/https://deathvalleygirls.bandcamp.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Nile Marr is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Manchester, England.  He's been making records and touring for most of his young adult life.   Though he grew up in Manchester,  Nile spent his formable years in Portland Oregon, absorbing the vibes of Modest Mouse, The Shins, The Thermals and other PNW rock n rollers.  When he's not supporting his solo efforts, he's on the road with Hans Zimmerman, filling in for his dad, Johnny Marr. In this episode Nile  shares  a few funny tales from the life of a DIY musician, both at home and the road.  He tells us why trying to convince himself that playing shows is no longer important failed and what motivated him to keep writing over the pandemic. We hear two new tunes from his newest release How We Drift  on Park The Van Records. Music by Nile Marr and Joe Plummer https://www.parkthevan.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BTBLAIeqhUhttps://nilemarr.bandcamp.com/album/how-we-drift Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

This week Joe talks with Maria and Matthew from MAITA. They discuss the process of making their new record I Just Want To Be Wild For You (out February 18th on Kill Rock Stars), life in Portland Oregon over the last couple years and how a space heater contributed to their sanity preservation.  Maria explains why she see's loneliness as luxury and why it's precious to her.  Joe plays Road Song,  a tune which illustrates the circular monotony of touring,  something most musicians are presently longing for.    Matthew and Maria tell us why they feel most "alive" on tour,  share a few tour survival techniques and why the experience of spending time with people you don't know is important. Music by MAITA and Joe Plummerhttps://killrockstars.com/blogs/news/maita-announces-album-releases-single-videohttps://maita.bandcamp.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Janet Weiss is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist and all around stand-up rock n roll human from Portland, Oregon.  In this episode Janet shares her experience making the new Quasi  and why it was important to be in  "touring shape" prior to going into the studio.   Joe and Janet discuss how her recovery from a serious car accident may have prepped her for the involuntary touring break most musicians have endured and how's she's put her "doer" personality into practice in order to feel good, or at the very least, not feel bad.  Naturally, the two drummers talk Get Back, Ringo, Neil Peart, Stella Mazgowa and why too many peacocks in one band is a bad idea.   Another thing that Joe and Janet have in common is their love for cars. You'll hear about a few of Janets favorite cars, what she prefers to tour in and why.  New Segment alert!   Borrowing from Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, Joe and Janet play Drummers In Their Favorite Cars Getting Coffee With Their Favorite Drummers. You'll be surprised by their choices!We hear a  rare recording of Quasi covering New Zealand's The 3D's  and a new song from Janet's band with Drew Grow,  Slang.   Music by Quasi, Slang and Joe Plummerhttps://www.instagram.com/theeslang/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/RealSlang/https://theequasi.bandcamp.com/https://www.instagram.com/thee.quasi/?hl=enhttps://drewgrow.bandcamp.com/album/the-comfort-feel Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

We have recovered the lost Mister Heavenly interview with Carrboro's finest journalist, Tim Dibbins.  As usual, Tim brings the truth to the surface,  stopping at nothing to get to the core of songwriting, inner band relationships and what makes Mister Heavenly tick as a powerful trio. We see sides of Nick, Ryan and Joe that have never been revealed and though at times  uncomfortable, this interview provides us with an insight that has been lazily overlooked by journalist since the bands inception. Let Tim lead you into the  percussive depths of Mister Heavenly's motivation and creative essence.  Bonus: a mini playlist of Mister Heavenly tunes chosen by the band!Music by Joe Plummer and Mister Heavenlyhttps://www.polyvinylrecords.com/https://www.subpop.com/  Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Cedric Noel is a Niger born singer and songwriter living in Montreal, Quebec. His newest release, Hang Time  (out now on Joyful Noise Recordings ) is a lush mixture of melody, looped phrasing and ambient hooks.  In this episode Joe and Cedric discuss the power of interlocking melodies and rhythms, how ambiance plays a role in his songwriting,  the path of musical influence and why he may feel “weird” about some of the songs he’s written.  Cedric also hints at the direction of his next  project and we hear a few tunes from Hang Time.  Music by Cedric Noel and Joe Plummerhttps://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/https://cedricnoelmusic.bandcamp.com/album/hang-timeUse Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

José Medeles is a multi-instrumentalist, a composer, a world renowned business owner (Revival Drum Shop) and a writer.  In this episode and Joe and José talk Marc Ribot, how his shop survived that last 2 years, the benefits of embracing "slowness" and why he may need to do "musical pushups" before certain listening experiences.   They also discuss his new book, A Drummers Ethos,  what gave him the confidence to write it and why the writing process is a fun experience for him.  In addition to his new book,  José has recorded a new John Fahey tribute album,  Railroad Cadences and Melancholic  Anthems  (out spring 2022 on Jealous Butcher Records) .   We  hear a few tunes and talk about the recording process. Music by José Medeles and Joe Plummer.https://josemedeles.com/https://www.jealousbutcher.com/https://www.revivaldrumshop.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Ryan Kattner is a singer, songwriter, and lyricist for Man Man, Mister Heavenly and his solo effort, Honus Honus. The newest Man Man record, Carrot on Strings, is out now and is Man Man’s first full length release on Sub Pop Records.  Old pals Joe and Ryan discuss the long road of Joe finally playing with Man Man, the process of writing the new record and Ryan explains the song Mongolian Spot and how the records art may parallel his life.  The two speculate on why Ryan is living in a “carrot orange” space and the consequences of making this decision at this point in his life. Ryan share’s his experience splitting his head open in a bike accident, we learn the roll that Old Yeller plays on the new record, and we hear a couple tunes. Man Man Sup Pop Records Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Zach Blair is a seasoned guitarist and vocalist from Texas.  For over 20 years, Zach has been touring, writing and recording with various hardcore and punk bands, most notably, GWAR and Rise Against.  In this episode Joe and Zach talk recent touring experiences, the idea of identity loss during the involuntary rock and roll break, what real Texas is like outside the "island of Austin" and of course, the new Beatles documentary, Get Back.   We also hear a few tunes from the newest live Rise Against EP, Nowhere Sessions (Loma Vista Recordings).  And bonus!  Zach gives us a short, but powerful tour story from his days with GWAR. https://www.riseagainst.com/https://www.lomavistarecordings.com/Music by Rise Against and Joe Plummer Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Ken Andrews is a singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer and founding member of Failure.   In this episode Joe and Ken discuss the poison legacy of the Trump administration and the stress that comes with a politicized public health system.  Ken explains the major label debacle that is responsible for Failure's 1997 break up and why the band is a better a functioning unit in the reboot phase.  We hear a couple tunes from Failures forthcoming record Wild Type Droid (out December 3 2021)  and Ken shares how improvisation was influential in the recording process. Music by Failure and Joe Plummerhttps://failureband.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories

Johnny Marr is a guitarist, a singer, a producer and all around wonderful human.  If you've listened to the radio in the last 3 decades, you've heard Johnny.  He co-founded The Smiths,  he was in The Pretenders, The Pet Shop Boys, formed Electronic with Bernard Sumner, was a member of The The,  he was a Crib (The Cribs) , worked with Hans Zimmer on the 2021 James Bond theme, has produced 5 solo records and....closest to home for Joe, was a fellow member of Modest Mouse from 2002-2006.  In this episode, Joe and Johnny talk rock n roll health, his experience as a relapsing studio rat, the importance of real connection with his listeners and how inner feelings are NOT his vehicle for writing lyrics. We hear a couple songs from his new record Fever Dreams Pts 1-4  (out end of February 2022) and  discuss the recording process.  And alas, Johnny shares the experience of his first week with Modest Mouse and how throwing himself into unknown waters has always been an interesting, challenging and shaping part of his life. Music by Johnny Marr,  Joe Plummer and Palm FraudsArt by Zak Sallyhttps://johnnymarr.com/ Use Code Fret10 for a free month of Music Production Suite Pro and a 10% discount on all other software.   visit https://www.izotope.com/en/lp/ruinous.html @thetourstories