On this week's show, we have a candid chat with Seattle indie rock musician-turned-podcaster (Roderick on the Line, Omnibus) John Roderick.

The Long Winters frontman was an early Fretboard Journal subject and guest on our podcast. This time around, we talk about John's break from music-making, the new songs he's been writing, the perils of pedal collecting and so much more.

We also reminisce about the PNW indie rock community of the late '90s when John often shared a bill with Death Cab for Cutie, discuss the challenges of getting the band together when you're all in your 50s, and learn about the hacks that may (or may not) overcome writer's block. We also talk gear. John is a gearhead and former employee of Emerald City Guitars. He has a unique perspective on guitars, amps, and pedal collecting and has been a friend of the Fretboard Journal since its inception. I think you'll love it. Follow John here: http://www.johnroderick.com/

Must-listen: John on Song Exploder talking about "The Commander Thinks Aloud": https://songexploder.net/the-long-winters John performing in our 2012 12 Days of Fretboard project: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/twelve-days-fretboard-john-roderick/

Fretboard Summit 2024 Registration:  https://fretboardsummit.org

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

For the last several years, Los Angeles-based musician Ryan Richter has served as a touring guitarist for Dijon, Ryan Beatty, Lizzy McAlpine and others. Years ago, he was also one of the Fretboard Journal's earliest employees.  Ryan recently released his first solo project - a fascinating one-track, 20-minute long album called "As Good A Place As Any (No Hard Feelings)" - and on this week's podcast, we hear all about it.

Ryan tells us about how this multifaceted composition came to be (with a little help from a rolling capo ad on social media), the gear that he used on it, his touring rig with Ryan Beatty, the LA guitar scene today, working with Mason Stoops, the perils of hot vocal mics, and so much more.  "As Good A Place As Any (No Hard Feelings)" is a beautiful and unique debut project and we hope you'll check it out.  Ryan's album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3K291dCwsQ9OJeCyv0VK4u?si=3e18abbab2ab4d32

Pre-Order the Vinyl: https://rrmerch.shop/products/ryan-richter-as-good-a-place-as-any-vinyl

Fretboard Summit 2024 Registration:  https://fretboardsummit.org Watch Ryan walk through his Dijon gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azF47JR6R4M

Listen to Ryan host our G. Weller episode from 2023:  https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-406-the-mystery-of-g-weller/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

This week, JHS founder Josh Scott joins Jason to talk about guitar media, following your passion, marketing, work/life balance and so much more.

We talk about how JHS was founded, the JHS Show on YouTube (and the work that goes into it), guitar media, printed matter in 2024, events, social media, the enduring power of Facebook (and paper books!), marketing advice, and more.

We also talk about JHS's participation in the Mid South gravel bike festival. (Rumor has it, we'll be teaming up with JHS and Mid South for a fun bike ride at the 2024 Chicago Fretboard Summit 2024. Inquire within.)

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Collings Guitars & Mandolins: https://www.collingsguitars.com Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

 

Singer-songwriter John Smith joins us this week to talk about his moving new Joe Henry-produced album, 'The Living Kind.'  

We hear about the British folk scene and John's time with John Renbourn and others; his guitar collection (including a rather unusual custom Fylde, his Mule guitars and others); the making of the new album; his thoughts on streaming; his love for pedals and the Quad Cortex and so much more.  John Smith Walks Us Through DADGAD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBahk8LBy58&t=175s John Smith on That Pedal Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATYio-WoCvk PS: Joe Henry will be appearing at our 2024 Fretboard Summit alongside Blake Mills, Valerie June, Colin Hay and dozens of other Fretboard Journal favorites. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Collings Guitars & Mandolins: https://www.collingsguitars.com Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

 

Scott Ballew is an Austin, Texas-based filmmaker and musician. For years, he’s directed unforgettable videos and documentaries for Yeti and others. In 2020, he decided to take up songwriting and recorded his first album just a year later.

This week, Ballew releases his third album, Rio Bravo. It’s an exceptional work that somehow combines Ballew’s affinity for Townes Van Zandt and other Austin legends with his love for reverb-drenched Ennio Morricone soundtracks. We love it. 

During our chat, Scott tells us about his unlikely journey from football star to director to songwriter and about how filmmaking has shaped his music output. We also talk about the making of Rio Bravo, Scott’s growing guitar collection, the time he spent with Townes Van Zandt’s Gibson, and how – thanks to Pearl Jam – he ended up playing football for the University of Washington.  

Scott's site: https://www.leisurerodeo.com

Recommended viewing:

Can You Hear Me Smiling: A short doc on Scott Ballew’s songwriting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEkWxtLjD-4&t=1s

My Old Man | No. 4 - Anchor Point: Scott’s Yeti doc featuring JT Van Zandt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KadKx5k6XoY

Leisure Rodeo: A Short Film by Scott Ballew

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65vd-PjEBnY&t=2s

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/ This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a new Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

 

Six-time Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer John Leventhal joins us this week to talk about 'Rumble Strip,' his long-awaited debut solo album! John tells us why, after five decades in the music business, he decided to make a solo album. We chat about his writing process, the home studio he and partner Rosanne Cash have in NYC, the gear that he used on the album, his favorite microphones, and his go-to acoustic tuning (CGDGBE). Also discussed are the influence of Ry Cooder on his playing, the magic found in old Gibson flattops (and '60s Guilds), and why John tries to ignore industry trends when he's working as a producer. Finally, we talk about a very special feature in the Fretboard Journal's 54th issue on a Martin that belonged to John's father-in-law, Johnny Cash. 'Rumble Strip' can be streamed now in all the usual places or visit  https://www.rumblestriprecords.net/ Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/ This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a new Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

 

Craig Korth is a bluegrass musician, instrument collector, and luthier based in British Columbia.   Over the years, Craig performed at countless festivals, ran a music camp, and amassed a world-class collection of vintage instruments. As he recounted at the end of his appearance on episode 271 of the Fretboard Journal Podcast, he's also struggled with focal dystonia, a neurological condition that can wreak havoc on high-level musicians.    For this week's episode, Craig candidly shares some of the steps he's taken to heal his focal dystonia and play at a high level again. From exercises like taking up the upright bass to emotional support groups and mind-altering psychedelic therapy sessions, it's a journey unlike any we've ever shared.      Some links mentioned:   Hear Craig's music: https://open.spotify.com/album/0lPWoHPQnQZw7uuhcvUeQE?fbclid=IwAR1xV0Mj9saq9S5EsbMvtMc18Mp8hLm9cv-SA6wAW6b8kzk_3vqBINEeJqc     Craig Korth on Fretboard Journal Podcast 271:  https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-271-craig-korth/     Michael Pollan's 'How to Change Your Mind':  https://www.netflix.com/title/80229847     Musicians With Focal Dystonia Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/395945924186868     Author Ruth Chiles:  https://focaldystoniacure.com/   Dr. Joaquin Farias' lecture on focal dystonia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8f_A16OwSo

 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

 

Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/

 

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

 

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

This week, guitarist Julian Lage returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk to us all about his new, Joe Henry-produced album, 'Speak to Me' (Blue Note).

We talk about working with Henry, the 'Speak to Me' band (including Levon Henry), Lage’s writing process, his favorite practice hacks, the gear he used, and so much more. We pack a lot into 36 minutes.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

This week, we share two great interviews: First, we talk to Rasmus Zandvliet, a young (17-year-old!) aspiring luthier from the Netherlands teaching himself how to build acoustic guitars from scratch using YouTube videos for inspiration and a modest array of tools (and a curling iron to bend sides!).

Rasmus is already on to his third guitar and garnered a rave review from Jeremy Sheppard, aka Jeremy the Guitar Hunter (who owns an Alpine spruce/mahogany 000-18 built by Rasmus). In the second half of this episode, we talk to Jeremy himself about his start as a YouTube content creator, his love for acoustic guitars, and why he began flipping guitars (he estimates he's up to 5,000!). We also talk about why this digital content guru has decided to take a job at an old school brick & mortar guitar store, how he befriended Rasmus, and what he thinks of his 000-18 from the young builder.

Follow Rasmus here: https://www.instagram.com/rasmus_zandvliet/

Follow Jeremy here:  https://www.jeremytheguitarhunter.com

and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JimmySheep

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

Austin's Matt the Electrician joins us this week to talk about his new album, 'The Ocean Knocked Me Down.' He also gives us a mini master class on being a productive songwriter. 

We also talk about John Allison Guitars, the Austin music scene today, the weekly songwriting group helmed by Bob Schneider and so much more.

https://matttheelectrician.bandcamp.com

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue featuring Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg, Robbie Basho, and Kate Wolf's guitar:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

It's the fourth and final installment of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

To celebrate the launch of their book, String Theories, guitarists and educators Ethan Sherman and Adam Levy share some of their favorite music tips and New Year's resolutions with us. 

Order the book here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

This week, Adam and Ethan are joined by guitarists Mike Adams, Creston Lea, Ben Garnett, Leni Stern, Adam Miller, Reuben Cox, Stash Wyslouch, Drew Taubenfeld, & Chris Eldridge! 

https://www.instagram.com/puisheen/

https://crestonguitars.com

https://www.bengarnett.net

https://www.lenistern.com

https://www.adammiller.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/oldstyleguitarshop/

http://www.stashwyslouch.com

https://www.instagram.com/drewtaubenfeld/

http://www.chriseldridge.net

Watch The Fretboard Journal’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fretboardjournal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.