Everyone Loves Guitar

Craig Garber
Everyone Loves Guitar Podcast

We sit down and talk with celebrity guitar players, musicians and industry insiders, who share their backstory, as well as what makes them tick. If you love guitar, music, personal development & meaningful life lessons, then stick around… you’re in the right place.

  1. 3 AUG

    John Ondrasik (Five For Fighting) Interview: The Day I Died (LAST ELG Interview!)

    ☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support In this John Ondrasik interview: John’s early songwriting was driven by a chip on his shoulder and a desire to be heard. We talked about the autobiographical nature of John's songs, the power of music to impact people's lives, the challenges of the music industry, the importance of speaking out against atrocities, how his ego has helped… and hindered him… and the low points and dark periods in his life. Specifically, being dropped by his record label and had to get a job, and the challenging time he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. John emphasizes the importance of gratitude, taking care of yourself, and making decisions that align with your values John Ondrasik, better known as Five For Fighting, is a platinum selling multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter. To me, his songwriting is along the lines of the classic songwriters of the 60s & 70s like Elton John and Neil Diamond. John’s released 6 studio LPs… has several hundred music licensing placements, many in well-known TV shows and movies… he co-manages his family’s business, Precision Wire Products… and he’s also an in-demand keynote speaker (watch his TedX presentation) Photo by Mike Donahue Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to John Ondrasik 02:02 Early Musical Influences and Songwriting 04:36 The Chip on John Androsik's Shoulder 06:04 Breakthrough Moments in his Career 12:19 Living in the Moment and Appreciating the Little Things 18:04 The Power of Will and Taking Risks 21:46 Positive Affirmations and Mindset 24:21 Reflecting on Mortality and the Meaning of Life 26:53 The Story Behind 'The Day I Died' 29:40 The Autobiographical Nature of John's Songs 30:11 The Power of Music to Impact Lives 36:14 Challenges in the Music Industry 43:25 Speaking Out Against Atrocities 49:10 The Role of Ego in the Music Business 53:52 Dealing with Low Points and Dark Periods in Life 58:41 The Challenges of the Music Industry 01:00:35 Navigating the Pandemic 01:04:23 The Traits that Contribute to Success 01:08:35 Gratitude and Making Decisions 01:11:39 The Power of Music 01:13:13 Speaking Your Mind   Five For Fighting Upcoming Tour FIVE FOR FIGHTING FULL BAND TOUR DATES: Thursday, July 11 Hot Summer Nights Concert Series @ Municipal Lawn in Sherman, TX (Free Show) Saturday, July 27 @ Mystic Lake Casino, Mystic Amphitheater in Prior Lake, MN (Free Show) Tuesday, August 6 @ Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore.PA Thursday, August 8 @ Electric City in Buffalo, NY Friday, August 9, 2024 @ House of Blues, Cambridge Room in Cleveland, OH Saturday, August 10, 2024 @ St. Andrew's Hall in Detroit, MI Sunday, August 11, 2024 @ Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI Tuesday, August 13, 2024 @ Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC Wednesday, August 14, 2024 @ Oceanfront Concerts Series, 24th Street Park in Virginia Beach, VA Friday, August 16, 2024 @ Cabot Theater in Beverly, MA Saturday, August 17, 2024 @ The Wolf Den At Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT (Free Show) Sunday, August 18, 2024 @ Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY   Five For Fighting Quartet Shows  Thurs, September 26 in Homer, NY at Center for the Arts of Homer  Fri, September 27 in Saratoga Springs, NY at Universal Preservation Hall Sat, September 28 in Corning, NY at Corning Museum Of Glass  Sun, September 29 in Bethel, NY at The Event Gallery at Bethel Woods  October 1 in Oneonta, NY at Foothills Performing Arts Center  October 3 in Nashua, NH at Nashua Center for the Arts  October 4 in Laconia, NH at The Colonial Theatre Laconia October 5 in Bethlehem, NY at The Colonial Theatre October 6 in Waterville, ME at Waterville Opera House  October 8 in Newport, RI at The JPT Film & Event Center October 9 in Red Bank, NJ at Count Basie Center for the Arts - The Vogel  October 10 in Port Washington, NY at Landmark on Main Street

    1h 25m
  2. 31 JUL

    Jeff Schroeder (fmr Smashing Pumpkins): IT’S ABOUT LETTING GO / NEW LP METANOIA

    ☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support On this Jeff Schroeder interview, Jeff discusses his new album 'Metanoia' and his decision to leave the Smashing Pumpkins. The album is a departure from his previous work and represents a new era in his musical journey. Jeff reflects on the challenges of leaving a successful band and the process of redefining his identity as a musician, and as a person. He emphasizes the importance of letting go of ego attachments and embracing new opportunities, the importance of being present and enjoying life, the role of passion in your career, the significance of finding your own sound amidst the vast array of gear options available. Jeff shares his interest in mysticism and spirituality, how it has influenced his music and life, the attraction of different cultural philosophies and theologies, the appeal of ambient music, and the process of creating Jeff's new record. Jeff shares his experience of working with friends and the joy of creating something from start to finish, his extensive guitar collection and his approach to production. LOADS of cool stuff here! Jeff’s most well-known as the guitarist for the Smashing Pumpkins. He initially took James Iha’s place and was with the band from 2007 to his amicable departure in October 2023. He recorded five studio albums with the band and after bandleader Billy Corgan, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, Jeff was the third-longest-serving member of the group. Jeff’s got a new album out, called Metanoia… and today we’re going to talk about the new record, and find out why he left the Smashing Pumpkins. As a side note, Jeff’s one of THE most intelligent guests I’ve had on the show - very bright guy who’s incredibly well-read Photo by Vice Cooler

    1h 37m
  3. 22 JUN

    Charlie McCoy Interview: Bob Dylan Created a STAMPEDE in Nashville

    ☕️ Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support   😳 🎶The 3 Biggest Mistakes Musicians, Composers & Songwriters Make When Trying to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed: https://MusicReboot.com In this Charlie McCoy interview: Charlie shares his incredible journey in the music industry, from starting out as a young harmonica player to becoming a versatile utility player in Nashville… his curiosity and open-mindedness led him to countless opportunities. He talks about the importance of appreciating and connecting with the audience, his experiences working with iconic artists like Paul Simon and Bob Dylan, as well as some funny & bizarre stories from his career, including witnessing Leonard Cohen and his friend whipping each other during a recording session. Charlie also shares behind the scenes studio experiences, the reception of music here in the states vs. other countries, his experiences with producers, the importance of staying active, the support of his parents, and lessons he's learned throughout his career and life. AMAZING CONVO Since 1961, Charlie McCoy’s been a valuable member of the Nashville A-team Session players, playing guitar, bass, trumpet, sax, drums, keyboards, percussion & various other stringed instruments. He’s probably the best utility player Nashville’s ever had, but is most well-known in Nashville and all over the world, for his amazing harmonica playing. So please appreciate this is a very abbreviated version of highlights of Charlie’s career: World’s most recorded harmonica session player - in excess of 12,000 country, pop, and rock sessions… Released 42 LPs of his own Music Director and band leader of the Hee Haw band for 18 years… played the National Anthem at over 20 sporting events in a half-dozen sports… Grammy winner, multiple Country Music Assoc awards… in the Country Music HOF, West Virginia HOF, Int’l Musicians HOF, a Member of the Grand Ole Opry. Just a handful of the artists he’s played with include Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Ringo Starr, Al Cooper, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins, Barbara Mandrell, Vince Gill and thousands of others

    44 min
  4. 25 MAY

    Patrick Sweany: EVERY HOUR REALLY IS A DOLLAR GONE

    ☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 😳 🎶The 3 Biggest Mistakes Musicians, Composers & Songwriters Make When Trying to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed: https://MusicReboot.com On this Patrick Sweany Interview: Patrick shares his journey into music and the challenges he faced in breaking through… the importance of being true to yourself and the impact of meeting and learning from blues legends like Robert Junior Lockwood. The value of live performances and the experience gained from playing gigs and open mic nights… his move to Nashville, and the inspiration behind his song 'Them Shoes' from the album 'Every Hour Is A Dollar Gone'. The challenges of trying to make a name for himself in a competitive Nashville music scene and the difficulties he faced in finding work and being accepted by the local musicians. He also opens up about low points and dark periods in his life and how he navigated through them. The conversation ends with a discussion about personal growth and the importance of letting go of anger, and the toughest decision Patrick has had to make, which he struggles to answer. The significance of admitting mistakes and the importance of being open-minded. Patrick reflects on the changes in his personality over the last 10 years, particularly in becoming less confrontational and more open-minded.  Patrick’s an awesome blues guitarist, singer, songwriter & artist originally from Ohio and currently living in Nashville. If you’re a blues fan, especially of the old school guitar approach where the guitar exists to create harmony, soulful fills and solos, with great tube breakup, then you’ll love Patrick. He also uses his voice as an instrument to help create the overall vibe and feeling in the songs, as opposed to just “singing.” He’s kind of like Muddy Waters or Howlin’ Wolf in his approach. I first got turned on to Patrick when I heard his song “Them Shoes” - I think… in either a movie or television show. I immediately downloaded the song and listened to it about 50 times over the next week - it’s awesome. Since 1999, Pat’s released 12 LPs and an EP

    2h 26m
  5. 18 MAY

    Tyler Armstrong: REFUSED TO PLAY WITH CHEAP TRICK!

    ☕️Buy me a coffee: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support 😳 🎶The 3 Biggest Mistakes Musicians, Composers & Songwriters Make When Trying to Get Your Music Licensed & Placed: https://MusicReboot.com On this Tyler Armstrong Interview: His upbringing in Springfield, Illinois and his transitioning from baseball to music… early experiences in sessions and the challenges the band has faced in the music industry, recent success & opening for Blackberry Smoke. Reaching out to bands for opportunities, the importance of authenticity in music, the dynamics of rock music, the meaning behind specific songs, value of authenticity and being true to oneself, the impact of personal experiences on songwriting. Spirituality and how it has influenced his life, including his unique perspective on how he views God and the role of sacrifice in his life. A review of his main guitars, his hobbies outside of music, including fishing and being a fan of Illinois Fighting Illini basketball. He expresses gratitude for the supportive community in his life and offers words of wisdom to live life to the fullest Tyler is the primary songwriter and guitar player for the band FEEL. FEEL is an up and coming band and I can assure you, this band will be making waves very soon, and I wanted to turn all my listeners on to them. If you like old school rock and roll, with a unique style that includes blues, rock, some jazz, great long jams, and lots of break up on tube amps, you will LOVE these guys. FEEL has an EP out called Live in St Petersburg, made right down the road from me at Jannus Live St. Pete, Florida. I was also lucky enough to get a sneak preview of some of the band’s new tracks and all I can say is we’re all in store for great music as they continue releasing new music moving forward.

    2h 14m

About

We sit down and talk with celebrity guitar players, musicians and industry insiders, who share their backstory, as well as what makes them tick. If you love guitar, music, personal development & meaningful life lessons, then stick around… you’re in the right place.

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