Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair

On this episode, Zach speaks with Clark Vogler and Vaden Lewis from the Toadies.  The three discuss band’s origin, their unique sound and they share their experience working with legendary producer Steve Albini. They delve to the band’s overall dynamic and the influence the Deep Elum scene had on them. Clark and Vaden dig into gear preferences and the and how they play a role in their songwriting. They talk guitar modifications, pedal boards, and the importance of hearing protection for musicians. They share insights into their musical legacies, family connections (Zach’s brother Doni is their bassist), and the regrets of lost instruments, emphasizing the significance of their craft and the joy of playing music together. Toadies Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

In this episode, Zach and Dave discuss the evolution of their musical careers, focusing on the reunion of Scared of Chaka, Dave's transition to The Shins, and his various musical projects. Dave and Zack delve into the dynamics of band reunions, the excitement of live performances, and the creative process behind writing new material. The discussion also touches on the unique gear choices that have influenced their sound, highlighting the importance of individuality in punk rock music. They discuss their musical journeys, focusing on the unique guitars they've used, their philosophies on sound, and the superstitions that accompany their performances. They talk specific guitars, the evolution of their sound, and the vibrant guitar scene in Seattle, sharing personal anecdotes and insights along the way. Scared Of Chaka Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Mya Byrne is a celebrated Americana singer-songwriter and firecracker guitarist. On this episode, Zach and Mya discuss their early influences, the evolution of their musical journeys, and the importance of education in shaping their artistic expressions. Mya shares personal anecdotes about her experiences with songwriting, her diverse musical tastes, and the collaborative nature of her work, while Zach emphasizes the significance of recognizing and celebrating lesser-known artists in the music industry. The two discuss their musical influences, experiences with iconic musicians, and the challenges of the music industry. Mya shares her journey of recording new music, her preference for collaboration, and her deep connection to her instruments. They also touch on personal growth, community engagement, and the importance of supporting marginalized voices in the music scene. Mya Byrne Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Mike Baggetta is a songwriter, guitarist, and alongside bassist Mike Watt and drummer Stephen Hodges, a founding member of MSSV. In this conversation, Zach and Mike explore differences in creating vs performing music. They discuss the formation of MSSV and the influences that shaped their musical styles.  Mike shares his experiences of learning and unlearning music, the challenges of transitioning from college to a professional musician, and the significance of stepping back to rediscover his passion for music. The two delve into technical guitar talk including some intricacies of their playing. They discuss the unique qualities of different tremolos, the craftsmanship behind custom guitars, and the significance of using the right amplifier for sound. Mike shares his experience playing with Jim Keltner and how authenticity plays a key role in his expression. Mike Baggetta Episode supported by ⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠Better Help⁠⁠. Visit betterhelp.com/antiheroes for 10% of your first month. We're all better with help. Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Josh Caterer is the singer and guitarist for Smoking Popes.  In this episode, Zach and Josh reminisce about their long-standing friendship and musical journeys. They talk about their punk rock evolution and the influences that shaped their respective bands.  The two discuss importance of brotherhood in music, the origins of Smoking Popes, and the band's hiatus and eventual return to the scene. Their shared experiences and insights that look at the music industry and the connections formed through it.  Josh and Zach discuss the unique chemistry that different band members bring to a group, the challenges and dynamics of lineup changes, and the importance of collaboration in music. They delve into the creative process behind the newest single featuring Scott Lucas, discuss gear and the significance of their musical journey. Smoking Popes Episode supported by ⁠Schecter Guitars⁠ Episode supported by ⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠ Episode supported by ⁠Better Help⁠. Visit betterhelp.com/antiheroes for 10% of your first month. We're all better with help. Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Zach and Frank explore their intersecting musical careers, the challenges of identity and imposter syndrome, and the joy of creating music together. They discuss the formation of L.S. Dunes during the pandemic, the importance of collaboration, and the rediscovery of their passion for music. They focus on the Ernie Ball Stingray, highlighting its impact on their songwriting and performance. Frank discusses his guitar rig setup, thebalance between analog and digital gear, and the importance of personal connection to instruments. He shares insights on his experiences with touring, the evolution of his sound, and the nostalgia tied to past gear. The discussion highlights the creative process and the unique relationship musicians have with their instruments, emphasizing that there are no wrong ways to play music. Frank Iero Episode supported by Schecter Guitars Episode supported by ⁠Distrokid⁠ Episode supported by Better Help. Visit betterhelp.com/antiheroes for 10% of your first month. We're all better with help. Episode supported by ⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Steve Bartek is a film and tv composer, an arranger, an orchestrator and is also known for his work playing guitar in and co-producing the iconic new wave band, Oingo Boingo. Zach and Steve discuss Steve’s diverse musical background and how he put his vast music education to use, resulting in an on-going and long career in the business, often collaborating with longtime friend and colleague, Danny Elfman. Steve share’s his view on the importance of collaboration, why he prefers Fender guitars and Mesa Boogie amps and we get his take on using analog pedals as a favorite source of distortion. We learn why Steve is skeptical of digital amps, what he's up to now and looking forward to in the near future. Steve Bartek Oingo Boingo The Strawberry Alarm Clock Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop Now you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Pete Loeffler is a guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist for Chevelle. Bonded since the pandemic, Zach and Pete discuss their shared experiences of being in a band with a sibling, the challenges of those relationships and what methods they use to navigate complicated band dynamics and touring fatigue. They delve into tuning, how it informs style and why Pete started playing a baritone. The two talk gear, recovering stolen gear and the newest Chevelle record. CHEVELLE Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop Now you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Justin Pearson is a singer, bass player, podcaster (CULT AND CULTURE PODCAST) and operates the record label Three One G. He has recorded, toured with, and founded such bands as The Locust, Dead Cross, Deaf Club and Retox. He latest project, Planet B, is a collaboration with Luke Henshaw that celebrates hip-hop, hardcore and noise, all coated with a danceable sheen of Sci-Fi.  Justin and Zach share their mutual love for the San Diego scene, celebrating San Diego luminaries Rocket from the Crypt, The Locust, and Crash Worship. They talk synths, anonymity in performance, and the importance of creating a reaction from the audience. They discuss their appreciation of unconventional art and their shared love for the Dan Armstrong bass.  Last, two discuss gear and the possibility of future collaborations. Three One G Cult and Culture Deaf Club Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop Now you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Conan Neutron is a singer, guitarist and founding member of Conan Neutron and The Secret Friends. He also hosts his long running podcast, Conan Neutron’s Protonic Reversal. Conan shares the motivation behind his podcast and why providing a platform for musicians to connect is so important to him. Zach and Conan discuss the concept behind Secret Friends, what it’s like to play with Dale Crover and the evolution of the lineup.  Conan also talks about his previous bands, Replicator and Victory and Associates.  The two discuss the Caterwaul Festival, Milwaukee’s Summer Fest, and the mid-west versus the California scene.  They talk gear, aluminum neck guitars, the significance of reliable equipment on the road and story behind the Conan’s love for Electric Guitar Company guitars.  The conversation concludes with a discussion on influences and their favorite riffs. CONAN NEUTRON SECRET FRIENDS PROTONIC REVERSAL Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

Sam Coomes is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of Portland based band Quasi. Since 1983, Sam has recorded, toured and performed with Heatmiser, Elliott Smith, The Donner Party, Jandek and fronts his solo project, Blues Goblins. Sam shares his musical journey, from playing trumpet in school band to becoming a guitarist and keyboardist in Quasi. He discusses his influences, from Robert Fripp to punk rock and how it opened him up to other styles of music. Zach and Sam discuss the importance of collaboration, the challenges of playing as a two piece and why Janet Weiss is instrumental in creating the Quasi sound. We learn why Sam prefers affordable guitars, how he went from playing guitar to keyboards and the two commiserate on being from the same tiny town in North Texas. QUASI SUB POP Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

Jonathan Hischke is bass player with vast and eclectic experience’s touring, recording and as a session musician. He’s played with Hella, The Shins, Cigar, Omar Rodriguez Lopez, Broken Bells and is a founding member of Dot Hacker and Anywhere. The two discuss Jonathan’s diverse career and the challenges of being a session musician. He shares how he got started in music, his decision to focus on bass, and the influence of his musical family. Jonathan talks about the importance of being versatile and adaptable as a musician and the satisfaction he finds in collaborating and creating his own music. Jonathan and Zach discuss the changing landscape of the music industry and the influence of experimental music and the role it plays in pushing the limits of their genres. Jonathan shares his excitement about his first solo record of improvised music, the two talk gear and the importance of finding instruments that inspire creativity. Jonathan Hischke Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

Zach sits down with Gwar’s newest axman, Tommy Meehan, aka Grodius Maximus. Tommy discusses his experience joining Gwar and the impact they had on him as a teenager. Tommy shares his journey as a musician, starting with his early influences and his love for unique and interesting guitars. Zach and Tommy talk about juggling multiple bands and the challenges and rewards that come with it. Tommy reflects on his time working at The Cartoon Network and his transition to focusing on his bands. Zach and Tommy discuss their gear choices and their experiences using Kemper and Quad Cortex for live performances. The two flirt with the idea of someday collaborating, discuss Tommy’s other bands Cancer Christ and Squid Pisser and they reminisce on their first meeting at a Gwar show.   Gwar Squid Pisser Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

Duane Denison is a songwriter, guitarist and founding member of Tomahawk, The Denison/Kimball Trio and most notable, the widely influential, The Jesus Lizard.  In this episode Zach and Duane discuss Duane’s unique style and the influences that shaped it. They talk about the music scene in Texas, the importance of playing new material, and the balance between playing old hits and new songs in live performances. They delve into Duane's gear choices and the sonic decisions he made to create his distinctive sound. The two discuss punk rock and the importance of defining one's own style within it. Duane shares his his musical journey, including his collaborations with Tomahawk, Mike Patton and John Stanier, and the creative process behind their albums. Denison also shares his love for rockabilly and Western swing music and the enjoyment he finds in exploring different musical styles. The Jesus Lizard Ipecac Recordings Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

The season opener of Anti-Heroes starts off with a bang with the great Walter Schreifels ! (Uncle Wally” if you’re nasty). Walter is a guitarist, songwriter, and producer.  He has played with seminal hardcore bands Youth of Today, Gorilla Biscuits and is a founding member of Quicksand, Rival Schools, and Walking Concert. To say that Walter is a massive influence on Zach is an understatement. The two explore Walter's approach to songwriting and his desire to constantly innovate and surprise listeners. Walter shares his thoughts on live performances, the importance of not signaling mistakes on stage, and the challenges of being in a band. Zach and Walter discuss their past collaboration in the band The Vanishing Life, they touch on the evolution of Quicksand’s sound, and we get a current run down of Walters rig and pedals.   Walter Schreifels Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop