Advertise on podcast: Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair

Why Ricks?- Donivan discusses WHY he plays Rickenbackers, the answer is Why Not? The discussion includes the person who's been there for his entire 4003 obsession , his brother Zach. They argue over the pronunciation of Rickenbackers, Celtic Frost and sometimes agree to discuss the topic at hand. Enjoy! Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of your guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Kingston Union- Your source for the original Wino. Mentioned in this episode: Schecter Guitars Dunlop

In the episode Donivan and Rancid's Matt Freeman delve into Matt's personal collection, the significance of signature basses, and the affordability of instruments for aspiring musicians. The discussion turns to why only badasses were born on April 23rd, they share humorous anecdotes about meeting musical icons and discuss the impact of Kathy Valentine and John Entwistle. Matt talks about the Bass Bunker, Rancid, playing a Rickenbacker in Charger and why you must watch what you say when meeting celebrities. Matt Freeman's Bass Bunker Rancid Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of your guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Kingston Union- Your source for the original Wino Mentioned in this episode: Jim Dunlop Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/ Schecter Guitars Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Jim Ward shares insights into his musical journey, his collaboration with J. Robbins, and the unique Texas music scene that shaped his sound. Zach and Jim talk about how Jim's Texas roots influence his guitar style, recording approach, and band dynamics. The two also discuss Jim's genre defying career from being a founder of At The Drive-In to fronting SPARTA. The subtext of this episode is that Zach can't seem to stop interviewing Texas guitar players and he's ok with that. Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE. Mentioned in this episode: Schecter Guitars Dunlop

THRICE Zach talks with Teppei Teranishi from Thrice! Teppei shares his journey of building his own guitars, the impact of technology on live performances, and his influences in jazz and rock guitar. Discover how his DIY approach and innovative gear choices shape his sound and creative process. Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE. Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

Zach finally gets to talk with J Robbins! J. shares insights into his guitar influences, creative process, and the importance of musical authenticity. Zach and J explore his unique approach to guitar tuning, his admiration for pioneering musicians, and the essence of punk as a broad, inclusive movement. They commiserate on the great Andy Kerr from NoMeansNo, the role of harmonic complexity on guitar and the power of self belief (don't we all need that?). J. Robbins Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE. Mentioned in this episode: Schecter Guitars Dunlop

John and Zach reconnect over their shared musical history, discussing their experiences in the punk scene, the influences that shaped their guitar playing, and the evolution of Congleton's band, The Paper Chase. They explore the unique musical identity that comes from their Texas roots, the importance of artistic merit over gear, and the personal journeys that led them to where they are today. They discuss coming up together in the same scene, hanging out and playing guitar. The discussion highlights the hard work and dedication required in the music industry, as well as the emotional and personal aspects of being a musician. They discuss Johns journey from a touring musician to one of the most prolific, in-demand ,genre-defying producers today. John Congleton Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE.

Zach talks to Cotter Phinney, the frontman of the band Medium. They explore the origins of Medium, the influences that shaped Cotter's musical journey, and the unique aesthetic of the band, including their theatrical performances. They delve into the lo-fi music scene, the egg punk genre, and the impact of various musical influences, including jazz fusion. Cotter tells us about meeting Chris Poland from Megadeth and how it influenced his guitar playing. Cotter shares his journey of musical discovery and the challenges of finding his unique sound. They get into the importance of gear is in shaping a musician's identity, as well as the excitement surrounding upcoming projects and releases from Cotter's band, Medium, and his record label, Psychic Reader. MEDIUM PSYCHIC READER Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars KINGSTON UNION- THEE PLACE FOR "THE WINO". THE ORIGINAL SKATE PUNK SHOE. Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

Zach talks with one of his immediate-circle-besties, Orville Neeley III, as they explore their shared musical history, influences, and the evolution of Orville's career as a multi-instrumentalist. They discuss Orville's journey from Austin's vibrant music scene to joining the band Spiritual Cramp, touching on the dynamics of being in multiple bands and the creative process behind their music. The conversation also delves into gear talk, particularly focusing on Orville's Ovation guitar, and reflections on lost gear and future musical endeavors. They chat about all things OBN3!! From Bad Sports to Radioactivity to OBN3s to A GIANT DOG to Spiritual Cramp to...well you get it, just tune in!! This one is long overdue! SPIRTUAL CRAMP Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

Zach talks with Brooks Harlan, a talented musician and amp builder, who shares his musical journey from El Paso to Baltimore. Brooks shares his background in music, the inception of Big Crunch Amplifiers and the formation of the band War On Women. He emphasizes the importance of quality sound in music production and his passion for creating custom amplifiers tailored to musicians needs. Zach and Brooks discuss the long-awaited release of this new record and his excitement for the upcoming shows, The two talk about his collaborations with Jay Robins where he shares his journey of joining Jawbox and the challenges and joys of playing with Burning Airlines. The two chat about the unique features of Brooks’ custom guitar and what and dream that experience has been. Big Crunch Amplifiers WAR ON WOMEN Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Mentioned in this episode: Schecter Guitars Dunlop

Zach sits down with close friends and fellow Texans, Mark Ryan and Jeff Burke, members of the influential punk band Marked Men. They discuss the band's legacy, their impact on the punk scene, and the vibrant music culture of Denton, Texas. The trio reflects on their musical journeys, collaborations, and the importance of instrumentation in their sound. They also touch on the prolific nature of their creativity and the various side projects that have emerged from their time in Marked Men. They delve into gear, specifically the wonders of Danelectro guitars and how important that instrument has been to them both on cultivating their sounds. influences, current. They share stories about the challenges of live performances, and the evolution of their sound over the years. The three touch on their studio experiences and the unique signature sounds they create, highlighting their passion for music and the camaraderie that comes with it. The Marked Men Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

Zach sits down with Mike Schleibaum of the mighty DARKEST HOUR. They explore the evolution of metal music, guitar gear, band dynamics, and the philosophy of artistic influence. They share personal stories, technical insights, and reflections on legacy, collaboration, and the future of music. They discuss all things metal from Pantera to Gothenberg. My favorite two pull-quotes: 'PLAY BETTER' and 'FLOYD ROSE IS MY RELIGION'!! Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

Nikki shares her early relationship with music, how it developed her guitar playing and how she is approaching touring the new album Hooligan, from her band IN LIEU. The discussion moves to importance of genuine musical expression over social media trends, highlighting the significance of live performances and personal connections in building a fanbase. Zach and Nikki discuss the profound impact of live music, the significance of personal gear choices, and the journey of creating music. They delve into Nikki's first guitar, her current equipment, and the influences that shape her sound. The two touch on the challenges faced with gear mishaps and the excitement surrounding the release of the new album. Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

Today I embark on my first 2nd!! My brother stops by again to chew the fat and update us all on the exciting things happening in his world. We look at his musical journey, his exploration of bass tones, the evolution of the Toadies, and the influence of legendary producer Steve Albini. We discuss the significance of musical identity and the creative process behind the Toadies' new album, highlighting the intricate relationship between musicians and their craft. We also discuss our experiences in the music industry, including navigating band dynamics, recording, and the influence of Paul McCartney. We talk about Doni's new podcast Why Bass which explores the world of bass players and their unique position in rock n roll. He share's insights about his upcoming album and tour and great news.....unlike last time, we do not get into a fight about the age of a vintage bass. Why Bass Podcast Toadies Toadies Live Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop Get you music out there with Distrokid. 30% off here. Distrokid For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Ep sponsored by Kingston Union. Your go to for the original Wino shoe. Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

For my first episode of the season I get the privilege of chatting with the guitar TITAN that is Al Di Meola! I still can't believe I got to meet the man much less interview him. Al reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on musicians, the importance of protest concerts, and his journey as a guitarist and composer. He discusses how the pandemic allowed him to delve deeper into his creative process, the unprecedented fear of not being able to tour again, and the significance of using music as a platform for social issues. Di Meola also shares insights into his evolution as a musician, emphasizing the shift from technical speed to the importance of composition and artistic expression. In this engaging conversation, Al Di Meola reflects on his journey as a musician, sharing insights from his early performances at Carnegie Hall to his evolution in musical style. He discusses the challenges modern guitarists face, the importance of legacy, and how music can serve as a powerful voice for change. Al also navigates personal relationships shaped by differing beliefs and shares his experiences with musical gear, revealing a deep connection to his craft. This episode was an absolute honor. AL Di Meolo Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Ep sponsored by Kingston Union. Your go to for the original Wino shoe. Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars

Welcome to season 8, we have some exciting guests…Al Di MEOLA, John Congleton, Mike Sheinbaum from Darkest Hour and much more. First ep April 23rd! Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars Mentioned in this episode: Dunlop Schecter Guitars