Kurt Ballou (Converge)

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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 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