Miles Okazaki: ON DIVORCE & BEING "OF SERVICE"

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Miles Okazaki Interview: Using guitar to overcome shyness, moving from a small town in Washington state to NYC, performing well under pressure and the benefit of working with mentors… working with Stanley Turrentine, John Zorn, Steve Coleman… dealing with divorce and some other low points, cooking, being of service to others, self-care, and why his pastry game is pretty good. Great work ethic, passionate musician Miles Okazaki is a NYC based guitarist whose main focus is on rhythmic concepts for improvisation, composition, and music theory. As a sideman, he’s played with artists like Kenny Barron, John Zorn, Stanley Turrentine, Dan Weiss, Steve Coleman & Five Elements, and others. Miles has also released 5 LPs of original compositions and a 6-LP recording of the complete compositions of Thelonious Monk for solo guitar, called Work. His most recent LP is The Sky Below

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Steve Bell interview, Steve shares his journey from being a musician in clubs to becoming a successful solo artist. He discusses receiving the Order of Canada, the impact of his father's work as a prison chaplain & lessons learned from his experiences in the prison environment and how they shaped his perspective on forgiveness and empathy. He also talks about the pivotal moment when he decided to step out on his own and pursue a career as a solo artist. The importance of being open to the universe and listening to the whispers of God, moving into the “wisdom years,” and realizing every moment is sacred and enchanted. How he and his partner er built Signpost Music… the emotional experience that inspired the song 'Moon Over Birkenau' and the transformative power of spending time in nature. Steve reflects on the magic of flow in musical performances and shares some of his most memorable musical experiences… the importance of humility and gratitude, treating others with kindness and respect, and learning from difficult times. Unexpected turns in his life, the toughest decisions he's had to make, and the importance of setting boundaries in relationships. He shares the best advice he's ever received, which is to make peace with powerlessness, becoming more settled and less anxious, and loads more very cool and sincere wisdom Steve is a Winnipeg-based singer-songwriter who’s released 22 LPs over a 34-year career, with independent sales exceeding 400K units. Add 4 concert videos, 5 songbooks, recorded masterclasses & more than 3,000 live shows, and you have a massive body of work. Steve’s mostly known as a faith-inspired singer-songwriter, who is also an exceptional finger-style guitarist. Steve’s won 2 JUNO awards, numerous Western Canadian Music and Covenant awards, and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2021 he was recognized with the Order of Manitoba, and in 2022 he was inducted into the Order of Canada, which is an prestigious service award given to people whose service helped shaped Canadian society, and whose compassion has united communities. Steve’s most recent LP is an instrumental, called No Words, which came out in 2023. Steve lives with his wife, Nanci, in Winnipeg Manitoba

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Boz Boorer Interview: Stories about playing with Morrissey, Adam Ant, David Bowie, Joan Armatrading, working with Mick Ronson, some great lessons for musicians, fave amps & axes, childhood memories, spreading himself too thin, and more. Super cool guy, incredibly humble Boz Boorer is an English guitarist, multi-instrumentalist & producer most well known for his work as co-writer, guitarist and musical director with Morrissey (since 1992). He’s also a solo artist (5 LPs), founder of The Polecats, and has been a sideman with Adam Ant, David Bowie, Joan Armatrading, Jools Holland, Edwyn Collins & others. He also runs his own label, NV Records, has a successful record store in Camden Lock, and a Studio in Portugal

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Mike Dimkic Interview, Mike talks about growing up with a single mother who worked for Teen Magazine and was exposed to various music genres, and influenced his love for music. He also discusses the impact of divorce on his childhood & his father’s past as a successful UCLA athlete… how he connected with Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols, his early influences and the impact of punk rock, joining Steve Jones' band and the challenges they faced… the significance of life-changing events and how they shape a person… advice to aspiring musicians… how he connected with The Cult, and touring with Metallica… working in a shoe store full-time… feeling stagnant in The Cult and discovering Bad Religion, his audition for Bad Religion & the initial challenges of learning Bad Religion's songs… how growth as a guitar player in Bad Religion and the enjoyment he finds in playing music with the band. Lessons learned from getting older and the importance of appreciating the present moment… changes in his personality over the years and the importance of being less concerned with others' opinions. He emphasizes the value of experiences over material possessions and the joy he finds in playing music Since 2013, Mike’s been the guitarist with one of the biggest selling punk rock bands ever, Bad Religion. Mike started his career playing in California Punk bands. After connecting with Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols, he opened with Steve for The Cult. The Cult then asked Mike to join them as rhythm guitarist in 1993, and he was with them for 20 years. He also played on Suckerpunch’s self-titled LP. Mike’s a competitive cyclist and a former competitive long-distance runner

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this JP Soars Interview: Tons of cool stories about growing up in rural Arkansas in an economically difficult situation, moving to South Florida and developing survival skills along the way… Being a band leader vs. being a side man, how JP put his last LP together from scratch, in 5 days (Let Go Of The Reins, which debuted at #7 on Blues Charts)... feeling overwhelmed and having to handle negative repercussions in a very real and dramatic way self-awareness, humility, The Netherlands & New Orleans, model trains, shark teeth, happiness and joy. 100% Real, cool stories: 1st place winner and Albert King Award for best guitarist of the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, J.P. Soars has toured extensively, releasing 6 LPs. One of them, Southbound I-95, won him a Blues Blast Award for best Blues Rock Album Photo by Marilyn Stringer / mjstringerphoto.com

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Chris Simmons Interview: Chris talks about his career, finding satisfaction in work, taking responsibility for personal growth, recognizing personal control, not trying to control others, giving and receiving grace  Chris, a blues guitarist, shares his journey from growing up in Alabama to playing with the Paul Thorne Band and touring with Leon Russell. He discovered his passion for the guitar at a young age and knew he wanted to play professionally. After playing in cover bands and his own original band, he made the move to Austin and later to LA. The opportunity to audition for Leon Russell changed his life, and he spent five years on the road with him, opening for artists like Elton John. This experience taught him professionalism and songwriting skills. Chris talks about being let go from Leon's band, receiving Freddie King’s guitar as a gift from Leon, joining Paul Thorn's band, and more Chris discusses the power of music and live performances, overcoming dark periods in life, finding gratitude and perspective, the process of creating guitar solos, unforgettable moments in life, personal hobbies, lessons from his parents, finding joy and satisfaction in life, and more Photo by Larry O. Gay  

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com Rik Emmett Interview: How Rik got started in the music business, Triumph’s first gig, a scary record company transaction and why Rik ultimately left Triumph - and a moving story behind why the band members made up, years later… playing the US Festival (250,000 people), playing with George Benson, Steve Morse, Steve Vai… favorite songs he wrote, best decision he ever made, mellowing, and what happens when you get 8 free guitar lessons. Really cool and very sincere guy, first class all the way  Rick was the guitarist, vocalist and primary songwriter for Triumph. While Rik was with the band, Triumph released 7 Platinum and 10 Gold LPs in Canada. In 1988, Rik left Triumph to focus on a solo career and has since released 20 studio & live LPs Gene Steinman Photography

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Jim Wilson Interview, Jim talks about growing up in Delaware and MOVING to Los Angeles to pursue music. Stories about working at Tower Records and his encounters with Michael Jackson… the challenges and successes of forming and growing Mother Superior… putting out their first record independently… working with Henry Rollins, recording over 100 songs with him, and the takeaways from touring with Henry. We took a deep dive into specific songs like 'Illuminations,' 'Wounded Animal,' 'Pain,' & 'Mama,' Jim shares insights into his songwriting process and the inspirations behind his lyrics. Recording with George Clinton, playing in Japan, and working with Sparks and Daniel Lanois. Jim emphasizes the importance of patience and pacing in his career and the influence of his parents on his musical journey, lessons learned from getting older, and more. AWESOME and fun convo, with a very sincere artist Jim Wilson’s a founding member of the hard rock & blues band Mother Superior. The band released 10 LPs between 1993 & 2008. In 1999, Jim and the other members of Mother Superior were asked by Henry Rollins to back him up, and they became the 2nd incarnation of the Rollins Band. From 2000 to 2002, the band released 3 studio & 2 live LPs and one LP filled with Black Flag songs, which was recorded for charity. In 2015, Jim, along with Scott Ian from Anthrax and Scott’s wife, Pearl Aday (Meatloaf’s daughter) started a band called Motor Sister. The band released 2 LPs’, Ride (which had 12 covers of Mother Superior songs) and an LP of all originals called Get Off. Jim’s also been Daniel Lanois’ bassist and vocalist since 2002… in the late 2000’s he toured and recorded with Sparks, and Emmylou Harris. Jim also co-writes and records with Pearl Aday on her 3 solo LPs, and has a solo LP of his own, called Now Playing, which he made with Phil Jones.  Jim’s written songs and played on recordings for artists including Alice Cooper, Meat Loaf, George Clinton, Iggy Pop, and Lemmy. And as if that’s not enough, Jim also hosts 2 online radio shows called The Vinyl Shelf & Radio Rewind. Jim’s an OUTSTANDING talent in all areas - guitar, writing, singing, and arranging  

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com Paul Jackson Jr Interview.: This one’s emotional: Paul’s first recording as a session player was with Lenny White, and the stories only get better from here: Working with George Benson, Patrice Rushen, Wah Wah Watson, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, BB King, Billy Preston, Stan Getz, Aretha Franklin, Joe Williams, Ray Parker Jr., Whitney Houston, Arturo Sandoval… Paul’s top 3 sessions & top 3 live performances, growing up in South Central LA and the incredible support and sacrifices his parents made for him, favorite guitars... dealing with the loss of his mom & others close to him… Disneyland, Richard Pryor, stupidity, and loads more. A TON of fun, love, and interesting stories all wrapped into one awesome conversation Paul Jackson, Jr. has been a first-call LA session guitarist for over 40 years. He’s played on LPs by Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Lenny White, BB King, Sonny Rollins, Billy Preston, Joe Sample, Lamont Dozier, The Jacksons, Jose Feliciano, Stan Getz, Aretha Franklin, Boz Scaggs, Freddie Hubbard, Alphonse Mouzon, Ella Fitzgerald. Michael Jackson (Thriller, Bad), Ray Parker Jr., Larry Graham, Herb Alpert, The Temptations, Ramsey Lewis, Chicago, Michael McDonald, Stanley Clarke, Earl Klugh, Isley Brothers, Quincy Jones, Elton John, Marcus Miller, Ray Charles, Abe Laboriel, George Duke, and literally HUNDREDS of others… and he has 10 solo LPs of his own   

☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 🎧 Discover How to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed in TV, Movies, Video Games & Streaming Services: https://MusicReboot.com On this Russ Ballard interview: An early secret to success Paul McCartney shared with him… why, sometimes you need medication… how he was a different person after he came out of his depression… coming out of his depression and into a blissful life… writing songs with Roger Daltrey… a terrible childhood accident which led him to having 10 operations over 3 years… getting a reading by a faith healer that turned out to be effective… his early musical journey, his experiences writing songs for other artists, and the impact of his songs on the music industry. A terrible story about losing a close friend… Russ shares stories about his time with the band Argent, his approach to songwriting, and the challenges he faced with burnout and depression. He also talks about the importance of discipline in songwriting and the changes he has witnessed in the music industry over the years… maintaining a positive outlook on life and the power of breathing and meditation. Russ discusses various topics, including his commitment to daily activities, the story behind his unique guitar, the impact of childhood experiences, the challenges of health issues, the complexity of love, and the evolution of personality. He also shares funny and embarrassing moments on stage, the importance of humor, the significance of passion and emotional connection in music and the importance of thoughtful questions. TONS of amazing and fun stories, and awesome life journeys. LOADS of fun, and positive vibes. Russ is the best!