Episode 465 - Behind the Riffs: CJ Pierce from Drowning Pool Talks Therapy and Heavy Sound
Description
Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Speaks, the podcast that dives deep into the healing power of music, mental‑health battles, and the stories behind the riffs. In today’s episode we sit down with CJ Pierce, co‑founder and guitarist of Johnny Pool (the band you’ve heard on “Madness,” “Tearaway,” and countless sold‑out arena shows).
CJ shares what life on the road looks like after COVID—a whirlwind UK tour with 13 dates, a new record slated for release by year‑end, and the relentless grind of writing, recording, and performing while juggling a daytime trade in electrical work. He explains the evolution of the track “Tearaway” — how its meaning has shifted for him over 25 years — and gives us the inside scoop on the iconic opening riff (phaser‑flanger mash‑up, Digitech 2101, and a spontaneous jam with Dave Williams).
We also explore how Johnny Pool’s music has become a lifeline for fans facing depression, with songs like “37 Stitches” and “In Memory Of” resonating on a deeply personal level. CJ talks about the band’s charitable side, from Toys‑for‑Tots shows to USO performances, and reveals his favorite gear—from vintage BC Rich guitars and Marshall stacks to the hidden‑treasure signature pedals that stay safely at home.
Whether you’re a metalhead craving a fresh riff, a listener seeking comfort in heavy music, or just curious about the behind‑the‑scenes hustle of a touring act, this episode delivers a candid, electrifying look at how music speaks when words fall short. Grab your headphones, crank the volume, and get ready to feel the pulse of Johnny Pool’s journey.
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