Please note: this interview was recorded just a few days before Brent Hinds sadly passed away. I waited a while to publish because of that. 🎸 "If you're writing for the fans, you've already sold out." Bill Kelliher from Mastodon opens up about the band's biggest transformation in 25 years, the painful decision to part ways with their founding guitarist, and how sobriety saved both his life and his creativity.In this raw conversation, Bill reveals:- The REAL reason Mastodon made their lineup change- Why Nick Johnston was the only choice to join the band- How a $100 guitar changed everything at age 15- The hospital visit that forced him to quit drinking- Why punk rock (not metal) taught him how to play guitar- Writing music sober vs. drunk - the brutal truth- What happened at Ozzy's final show before he passed away- The moment his wife said: "What are you going to do with your life?"From basement studios to Grammy wins, from alcoholism to redemption, from underground Atlanta sludge to touring with Metallica - this is the unfiltered story of one of metal's most respected rhythm guitarists.

In this episode, I sit down with Richard Hallebeek - 8-time winner of Best Fusion Jazz Guitarist in the Netherlands and a guitarist who's played alongside legends like Allan Holdsworth, Shawn Lane, Scott Henderson, and Frank Gambale.Richard shares his journey from discovering guitar at age 10 watching Talking Heads on TV, to becoming the youngest student ever admitted to the Amsterdam Conservatory at 17, to studying at GIT in Los Angeles during the golden era of fusion guitar.We dive into:- His morning guitar ritual and the never-ending tone quest- Transcribing 300 Wes Montgomery solos to find his voice- The reality check he got when moving from Holland to LA- Unforgettable stories about Shawn Lane (including the legendary recording session where Shawn fell asleep, then nailed it in one take)- His long friendship with Allan Holdsworth and what he learned from his stubbornness- The philosophy of "feel over flash" and why he prioritizes story over speed- How guitar practice is meditation and the importance of surrendering to the momentWhether you're a guitarist looking to develop your voice, a musician struggling with the balance between technique and feel, or just a fan of fusion guitar history - this conversation is packed with wisdom and incredible stories.

Andy McKee, the fingerstyle guitar legend who went viral before the term even existed, shares his incredible life story in this in-depth podcast. From metalhead to acoustic master, from high school dropout to world star who played with Prince - but refused his iconic 50-foot cape!In this conversation, Andy reveals:-The moment Prince asked him to perform (and why he said NO to the cape)- His journey from Iron Maiden fan to fingerstyle innovator- Why he quit university after just one day- Tour stories with Tommy Emmanuel- The YouTube video that changed his life- His biggest influences: Michael Hedges, Preston Reed, Eric JohnsonAndy's percussive fingerstyle technique and melodic compositions have inspired millions worldwide. His tune "Drifting" was one of the first truly viral guitar videos on YouTube, leading to world tours, collaborations with music legends, and a lasting impact on the modern acoustic guitar world.

Learning jazz can feel like climbing Mount Everest without oxygen. In this episode, I sit down with Danish-born, Netherlands-based guitarist Jens Larsen, who started learning jazz at 22—when many thought he was "too old."

From discovering Charlie Parker in a Danish library to busking on Copenhagen streets, from getting rejected by conservatories to building one of YouTube's most successful jazz guitar channels with over 500,000 subscribers, Jens shares his unconventional path to mastering bebop guitar.

We discuss:

• Starting "too late" and practicing 8 hours a day
• The reality of studying at conservatories
• Teaching yourself vs. finding the right mentor
• Breaking down complex jazz into digestible chunks
• Building a sustainable career as a modern musician

"I wish I had myself as a teacher," Jens reflects, explaining how he transforms overwhelming jazz concepts into approachable lessons. Whether you're a guitarist feeling stuck in your progress or simply curious about the dedication required to master jazz, this conversation offers valuable insights into persistence, learning, and finding your own path in music.

Jens Larsen's YouTube channel has helped thousands of guitarists worldwide understand jazz guitar fundamentals and beyond.

If I were ever banished to a deserted island and could only bring one artist's complete discography, it would be Adrian Belew's. Why? Because then I'd have music from Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Talking Heads, King Crimson, Nine Inch Nails, Paul Simon, and of course, his own incredible solo albums.

For me, Belew is the complete musician: he sings beautifully, plays otherworldly guitar, and writes stunningly beautiful and fascinating songs. He's someone who dares to color outside the lines. Or better yet: someone for whom there are no lines at all.

"You better make sure there's electricity on that island," Belew said right at the start of this candid conversation. It set the perfect tone for a wonderful discussion that I truly treasure, and I hope you'll get as much out of it as I did.

One of Europe's finest guitarists opens up about his musical journey - from singing Renaissance music with his family in Austria to becoming a jazz master in America. Wolfgang shares the moment his teacher Mick Goodrick told him "You sound exactly like Pat Metheny," how he learned to embrace discomfort in music, and why he believes playing fewer notes changed everything.

Featuring stories about Gary Burton, Lionel Loueke, and insights on bridging classical and jazz guitar. Plus, Wolfgang discusses his new album "Etudes & Quietudes" - where technical exercises become concert pieces.

Wolfgang gives authentic perspectives on mastery, collaboration, and finding your own voice.

Episode Highlights:

• The "Unitar" method for learning scales
• Why good comping is the highest art in jazz
• Breaking free from musical heroes
• The power of space and silence
• From Austria to Boston: a musical journey

From the flat lands of Almere to the stages of major Dutch festivals, guitarist Eelco van Zanten has crafted one of the most diverse musical careers in the Netherlands. Eelco's journey reads like a masterclass in creative resilience and musical exploration.

This conversation reveals the man behind albums like "Passion and Software" - a part-time librarian who's managed to work with hip-hop legends, create viral covers of guitar classics, and maintain an incredibly prolific output across genres from fusion to electronic to stoner rock.

We dive deep into pivotal moments: the hand injury that forced him to rethink his entire approach to music, his formative years studying with renowned guitarist Richard Hallebeek, and his unexpected entry into Amsterdam's hip-hop scene working with acts like De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig.

Perhaps most fascinating is Eelco's philosophy that "there are no boundaries" in music - a belief that's led him to create chiptune versions of Joe Satriani songs (which got Satriani's own approval), produce meditation music, score films, and now record a fusion album with some of the Netherlands' top jazz musicians.

This is a story about finding your voice through adversity, the importance of creative community, and why sometimes the most interesting musical journeys happen when you're not trying to make it as a full-time musician.

One of the greatest gifts of discovering Frank Zappa’s music is the network of brilliant artists it leads you to. Mike Keneally is one of those rare musicians—virtuosic, funny, adventurous, and completely in his own lane.

In this episode, I speak with Mike the day after he premiered The Moth with Devin Townsend in Groningen. He shares his musical journey, how Frank Zappa shaped his path, and what it means to stay true to your own artistic voice.

A heartfelt and inspiring conversation filled with stories, insights, and a few goosebump moments. Enjoy listening.