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On this Nir Z Interview: Moving from Israel to NYC and then to Nashville, and the challenges of adjusting to the cultural differences of each… working with Genesis, Chris Cornell, Tom Bukovac, Alana Davis… growing up in Israel, giving 100%, acceptance and being yourself. Great guy, very sincere 

Nir Z is a 2-time winner of the Nashville Music Row drummer of the year award, and a successful lifetime session player in Israel, New York, and Nashville. He’s played or toured with John Mayer, Chris Cornell, Genesis, John Oates, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Jason Mraz, Billy Squier and others

PHOTO BY RICHARD ELLIOTT HOYNES

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On this Sei Nakauchi Pelletier Interview, Sei, a recording artist and music licensing expert, shares his journey in the music industry and his experience in film composing. He discusses the turning point in his career that occurred during a solo trip to Japan, which inspired him to start a new musical project influenced by film. Sei emphasizes the importance of understanding the psychology of working in film composing and offers insights on effective communication in the industry, his approach to composing and storytelling in music, the importance of pacing and editing in his creative process, his perspective on the language of music and film, the challenges of interpreting emotions and cultural nuances in different languages, getting gigs and building relationships… his thoughts on handling rejection and pitching, emphasizing the importance of trust in collaboration, great advice for newbies in music licensing, and loads more cool stuff

Sei is a Montreal-based composer and recording artist also known for his work as a film and television composer, a field in which he’s been working in for the last 15 years. He is also a founding member and the primary songwriter and arranger of the Japanese psychedelic experimental surf & art-rock band TEKE::TEKE. He’s also collaborated with several artists as a producer, arranger, and as a touring musician. Sei is tri-lingual and has scored over two-dozen movies in Japanese, French, and English. I met Sei initially when he was a guest here on Everyone Loves Guitar a while back… and we had a great conversation which you can find on the Everyone Loves Guitar YT Channel or on our audio podcast. Today, I wanted to have him back to specifically discuss his experience in music licensing for both the Everyone Loves Guitar audience and for our Music Licensing Profits YT Channel and podcast, as well

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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