Couch Riffs

I met this episode's guest, Jon Sortland, 16 or 17 years ago, played with him a couple of times (even recorded an original song at one point) and then lost touch. Fast forward all these years later and he's in THE SHINS when we reconnect. To say that he deserves to be there is an understatement. Jon Sortland is one of the most creative and energetic people I've ever met and while I was excited to hear about his career developments during the gap in our contact I wasn't shocked one bit. Be sure to go check out Jon's super rad and creative videos at sortlandic.com and GO CHECK OUT CIGAR.  If you enjoy Couch Riffs please consider being a monthly pledge supporter. The entry point is .99/month and enables the podcast to continue on its amazing path. Thanks for listening and for the support!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/support

My guest Johnny Nails was the singing guitarist/frontman for one of my favorite Seattle bands, The Chasers. I was fortunate enough to get to spend a short while as a member of this band in its final days and it was one of the most inspiring and exciting times playing music that I've ever had. This band was so hyper-talented and when they were firing on all cylinders they were seemingly matchless in their performances. April 1, 2020 their previously released album, Knife, will finally make its debut on all digital platforms for the first time ever. And, 2 other previous unreleased recordings will also be released, making this an absolute banner day. Nails is keeping himself busy these days as a studio man, recording, producing and mixing bands in and around Seattle and beyond. Don't hesitate to contact him about working with your band.  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs podcast and/or video series please, please, please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99/month. That's easy and i

My guest on this episode of Couch Riffs is Kate Reddy, guitarist of NY Hardcore band 108 and Krishna devotee. She also happens to be my neighbor, which is pretty fun. Even still, we did the interview over the phone because of everything that is happening in the world at this time. If you're not familiar with 108 and you are a fan of hardcore or heavy music I strongly urge you to go check it out. And, please enjoy this conversation with an open mind and ear. We largely talk about Kate's spiritual beliefs and history with it and I very much enjoyed the conversation. The Krishna folks that I've met in our small town are awesome folks and I've been waiting for this conversation for a long time.  If you enjoy the Couch Riffs Podcast and/or videos please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99/month. Its easy and painless and your support goes a long way. Also, check out couchriffs.com to find all of our videos, podcasts, and a link to our Etsy store where we have super cozy t-shirts and t

I was stoked to have Ryan Bruce of longtime YouTube fame on the Couch Riffs podcast for this episode. Recently he was out on a national tour with his band Dragged Under as direct support for The Used, however, and he learned a thing or two about the road while he was doing it. Fluff is a wealth of knowledge and, unlike lots of folks, he's a generally open and sharing person when it comes to anything he does whether it be getting tones in the studio, re-amping for folks in the past, or gear recommendations. He was actually very important in the development of the Couch Riffs videos and podcast, in fact. I was glad to get the chance to thank him personally and publicly for that generosity in this episode of Couch Riffs. Look out for more and bigger things from Dragged Under as soon as we are out from under our current situation and if you haven't seen him on YouTube I'm not quite sure what rock you've been under. But, you should come out, air out, and check out Riffs, Beards & Gear!  If you're enjoying the

I hope you're all staying safe and healthy out there. This episode of Couch Riffs features the multitalented and charming sci-fi nerd Todd Kerns of many, many bands but most notably playing with Slash which is how we met during my time playing with Duff (that makes us practically related). During our conversation here we touched on some of what is happening in the world right now as it is pretty unavoidable but really we spent a lot more time talking about Star Wars, comic book and sci-fi movies, and the art of spirit and vibe over prodigy and precision. Todd is an ace human and I was so stoked to get to have this conversation with him.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/support

This episode features a dear friend, John Guffey, who co-operates a music school for kids in Vancouver WA called Hammersmith Rock Institute. John is a stand up guy, a hell of a guitarist, and a hell of a friend. We talk some funny crap in this episode and talk about our mutually white trash upbringings. If your kids want or need lessons during this time of quarantine/shut-in then Hammersmith is a great place to start. John has a long history and much experience in being a patient and knowledgable teacher. Plus, he's got an ace sense of humor.  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast please consider becoming a monthly pledge donor for as little as .99/month. That's nothing! And, it will be incredibly helpful to keeping the podcast alive and healthy. You might also consider getting yourself a stylish and comfortable Couch Riffs t-shirt or one of our fashionable trucker hats in our Etsy Store. Thank you so much for listening and supporting the podcast. Stay safe out there. --- Send in a voice message: https:/

Our guest for this episode of the Couch Riffs Podcast is none other than the publisher of The Fretboard Journal, Jason Verlinde. Now, this man is partially responsible for this podcast being what it is. He's given me tons of encouragement (not to mention inspiration) over the year that I've been doing this and actually suggested that I do it months before I finally dove in to give it a shot. And, I'm glad that I did because this is fun! Anyway, Jason throws down some fun and interesting stuff for me and I was so very happy to get to know him a bit better through this conversation. I hope you feel closer to both of us after listening to this, too!  If you enjoy the Couch Riffs podcast and/or videos be sure to subscribe to them and leave positive reviews and ratings. It helps a lot. If you're really loving Couch Riffs to buy a shirt at our Etsy store. We also have trucker hats and some turntable slip mat covers. All stylish and comfortable as you'd expect from such a classy operation as this.  Don't forget to b

My guest on this episode of the Couch Riffs Podcast is Dave Hillis who transformed from 80s thrash guitarist to engineer and producer on recordings that you have most definitely heard. Albums like Pearl Jam's "Ten", Alice In Chains' "Dirt", Temple of the Dog and The Afghan Whigs' "1965".  His first band, Mace, had quite a reputation around the Northwest (and beyond!) in the 80s. You won't find it on streaming services but YouTube has some stuff that fans of thrash/crossover will certainly enjoy. In the 90s, after engineering some of the biggest albums of the decade, Dave started another band, Sybil Vane, that again made a splash beyond the Northwest landing a slot on the Empire Records Soundtrack album. Dave continues to write, record, produce and engineer in Pittsburgh PA these days.  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99/month. 99 cents! That's nothing! Also, please check out couchriffs.com for links to every video episode, audio

Corey Congilio is a super bad mojo and, as a guest on the Couch Riffs video series, chose the toughest and most ambitious song of any guest we've had so far. What a stud! He nailed it, of course. Corey has tons of stage, tour, studio, and instructor experience under his belt. As a resident of Nashville he has plenty of opportunities to spread his energies and deep talents around, too. Check out his WEBSITE and YouTube channel to go down the Congilio rabbit-hole and you're sure to learn some things you've been wanting to or maybe some things you never even knew you could do!  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99/month! There is some super good looking and comfortable 100% cotton t-shirts to be had as well as trucker hats and turntable slip covers. Find a link to the Couch Riffs Etsy store at couchriffs.com. Thanks for your continued support! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support this podcast: htt

Derek Sheen is probably the person I have the most in common with any Couch Riffs guest to date. And, I can't imagine hosting someone that I have a more similar history with. Please go check out Derek's comedy albums and see him when he performs in your area. He's funny, smart, a survivor and a fine human through and through. He has a 4th comedy album to be released in April 2020 and shows to follow and you can find his previous 3 albums in all the places you'd expect to find them NOW. I'll even include A LINK RIGHT HERE to make it easy for you.  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast and/or Video Series please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter at Anchor.fm/couch-riffs and you can sleep well at night knowing that this is all partially your fault! And, thank you for that! Don't forget to visit couchriffs.com and check out our Etsy Store, as well. Thanks so much for your continued support and for listening. I love doing this and when you listen it all feels that much more worth it.  --- Send in

This episode's guest is Matt Gabs of Ravagers and formerly of Biters. Matt's a great hang and appeared in the Mississippi Queen Couch Riffs video alongside the party of Marvin Guitars and Daredevil Pedals wrecking crew. Nailed it! Gabs currently lives in Brooklyn and Ravagers are working on some new tunes this Spring. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for that new release as well as upcoming shows! If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs podcast and the accompanying video series please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99/month. You can pledge at Anchor.fm/couch-riffs. Also, be sure to visit couchriffs.com, the hub for everything Couch Riffs to include every video, podcast, and a link to our Etsy store where you can vastly improve your attractiveness by adorning 100% cotton Couch Riffs t-shirts, hoodies, and trucker hats! Thanks for listening and for all of your continued support!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/c

By total chance, I met Myrone at NAMM '20 this year, introduced by our mutual buddy, David Von Bader. I must be the last person on Earth to learn about this insane talent because Myrone is one of the most exciting players coming up right now. Based in LA, Myrone has a few solo albums streaming and is currently playing guitar in the Rock of Ages show in Hollywood and has been drawing attention through his producing, playing, and composition for some time. He's a fun and charming person to speak with and I'm over the moon to have had him as a guest on Couch Riffs. I hope you enjoy! Go listen to his music. You won't regret it.  If you're liking this podcast and/or its accompanying video series please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter! Its easy and will set you back as little as .99/month. Click the link below or check out anchor.fm/couch-riffs and also check out couchriffs.com for links to all of the great podcast episodes and videos as well as a link to the Couch Riffs Etsy Store where you can make y

This episode's guest is none other than legendary sideman, Earl Slick. Earl has been a guitarist for David Bowie, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Robert Smith, and is about to head to the UK with Glen Matlock for a handful of dates. You should definitely go check out his work on the 1985 Phantom, Rocker, & Slick album, too. The BBC produced a short documentary called "Rock 'n Roll Guns for Hire: The Story of the Sideman" and Earl narrates this with the same style and swagger he delivers on guitar. Go give it a watch!  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast and/or its sister-series videos please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter at the link below! Also, go visit couchriffs.com to find our Etsy store to pick up stylish 100% cotton tees, hoodies, and trucker hats! Thanks for listening and for your continued and growing support!  http://www.slickguitars.com/index.php/slick-guitars https://www.songkick.com/artists/409615-glen-matlock/calendar --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs

We are happy to host Doug Rappoport in this 52 episode of Couch Riffs Podcast. Doug is the guitarist in the Edgar Winter Band and is a monster player and a great hang. We have met a few times over the years but only really got to hang at NAMM 2020 where we shot a Couch Riffs video for Van Halen's Unchained. I always knew Doug was killer (check out his YouTube or IG) but I'd only ever seen him rehearsing with his AC/DC cover band that he plays in with a bunch of our mutual friends. My man was DRUNK and totally nailed the EVH bits. Pretty stunning, all things considered! I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed rattling it off! If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast and/or videos, please consider becoming a monthly pledge sponsor at the link below! Also, check out couchriffs.com for a link to our Etsy store where you'll find t-shirts, trucker hats, hoodies, patches, and record slip mats.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/c

It was my pleasure to host Mike Byle in episode #51! I struck up a fast friendship with Mike while we were both working for PRS Guitars and bonded over our military pasts and punk rock music. But, we had PLENTY to talk about in this episode. Mike is a fantastic builder and creates incredible guitars and has a knack for intricate and beautiful inlay work. This is an absolute marathon of a conversation and is holding the current endurance/length record. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs podcast go visit our website and check out all of our podcasts and videos there. You'll also find a link to our Etsy Store and a link back to anchor.fm/couch-riffs if you'd like to become a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99/month! All of your listening, watching, and pledge support is much appreciated and helps to propel the podcast and video series every month to bigger and better things. Thank you for ONE YEAR OF PODCASTING!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/

I was so stoked to have Scotti Hill of Skid Row as my 50th podcast guest! What a guy! What a player! I've seen Skid Row a couple of times, once in the early days and once recently and they are still kicking ass and playing their asses off as they always have. Scotti is a genuine human that is on a healthy and positive path and that lifestyle has elevated his entire game. Do go see Skid Row play! Do follow Scotti Hill! If you're enjoying Couch Riffs please visit couchriffs.com and watch all the videos and listen to all of the podcasts! You can also pledge support to Couch Riffs at the link below. All of your support helps in ways that you cannot imagine and I appreciate every dime that helps me pay for the equipment used for the podcasts and videos and for the expenses on the backend. Thank you! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/support

This episode features the amazing Robb Benson of Seattle's Stereo Embers and the band we both spent a good portion of the 90s in, Nevada Bachelors. Robb's current and longest running band, Stereo Embers, has two great albums and a 7" single out on Hockey Talkter, Mike McCready's label. Nevada Bachelors will be reuniting and playing 2 shows at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle on February 7/8 opening up for John Roderick's 90s band, Western State Hurricanes.  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast please visit CouchRiffs.com and navigate to our Etsy store. You'll also find all of our podcast episodes and videos there. And, if you're REALLY loving it, please go to anchor.fm (or follow the link below) to become a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99 per month. Your support is extremely appreciated. Thank you so much for listening!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/support

This episode features guest Danko Jones from Toronto. Danko is a longtime torch carrier for rock music and has expressed his passion for music in many forms, most notably by fronting his own, Danko Jones, band but also by producing a couple of podcasts (The Official Danko Jones Podcast and The Regal Beagle Podcast), publishing a book (I've Got Something To Say) writing articles for a number of publications, hosting a syndicated radio show, and doing spoken word tours. In other words he's a multifaceted thinking rocker and he was an awesome guest. I hope you enjoy!  If you are enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast please consider becoming a pledge supporter at the link below. Also be sure to check out all of the episodes and Couch Riffs videos which feature many of the podcast guests. There is also an Etsy Store where you can purchase some stylish, playful and very comfortable Couch Riffs shirts, hoodies, and trucker hats. Thanks for the support!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message S

This episode features guest Graig Markel of Seattle's Recovery Room Effects and Recovery Room Recording Studio. Graig spent a good portion of the 90s fronting the great New Sweet Breath before beginning to make solo records on his own, performing most or all of the instruments. These albums had a huge impact on me as they were released and I'm a big, big fan. A pedal he created, the Sound Destruction Device, also has made its way on to more of my pedal boards than probably any other pedal I've ever owned (outside of a tuner). I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I loved catching up with Graig!  If you're enjoying this podcast please rate and review it! Its helps more than you know. If you're really enjoying it how about sharing some episodes to your social media platforms? And, if you LOVE this podcast please consider pledging as little as .99/month to help keep the gears greasy around here. We are constantly upgrading and revising our equipment set up to allow a more mobile kit for flexibility.  T

Our guest this episode (and last episode, listen and find out what this means exactly) is Wes Geer of (Hed)Pe, Korn, and most Rock to Recovery. We met about 8 years ago in a festival catering tent and hit it off and hung and talked a lot of times at festivals that summer and the next. We've stayed in touch and it has been really exciting and inspiring to see Wes develop Rock to Recovery since his departure from Korn. Please do go check it out, donate to their organization, and attend their events that help support the work they are doing.  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs podcast please visit couchriffs.com to hear the full catalog of podcasts and videos that have been created. You'll find a link to our Etsy store there, as well, and below this you should see a link to anchor.fm/couch-riffs where you can opt to be a monthly supporter. Any and all of these actions help to reinforce Couch Riffs and propel it into 2020, so thank you, thank you, thank you! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-ri