Player's Pick Podcast

Chrys Johnson

“Player’s Pick Podcast is a collection of conversations with interesting guitar and bass players across a spectrum of styles” -Chrys Johnson #players #picks #perspective

  1. 12/20/2025

    #126 Player's Pick Podcast - Layne Meylain / Danza

    Layne and Chrys delve into the intricacies of guitar picks, personal preferences in music, and the philosophical perspectives on life and religion. They explore the importance of failure and growth in the music industry, emphasizing the need for heart and passion in artistic endeavors. The discussion also touches on the significance of appreciating moments and keeping an open mind towards different beliefs and experiences. Connect: Layne https://www.instagram.com/tonydanzatapdanceextravaganza/?hl=en Chrys https://www.instagram.com/c333j_/?hl=en PPP https://www.instagram.com/playerspickpodcast/?hl=en Chapters 02:50Collaborating Remotely on New Music 06:00The Energy of In-Person Jamming vs. Remote Collaboration 08:46Nostalgia for the Struggles of Early Music Days 11:55Maintaining Grit in Music as Artists Age 15:06Evolution of Anger and Themes in Music 18:00Unboxing a New Guitar: The Kyber 21:09The Design Process Behind New Guitars 24:05Side Projects and Collaborations in Music 34:05Musical Collaborations and Inspirations 35:59Life Changes and Musical Pursuits 37:15Influences of Legendary Bands 39:17The Essence of Pantera's Sound 40:41The Evolution of Musical Influences 45:13The Importance of Guitar Picks 56:27The Quest for the Perfect Pick 01:06:37Seattle Music Scene and Venues 01:10:03Current Music Influences and Discoveries 01:20:03Philosophical Perspectives on Life and Religion 01:35:30Advice for Aspiring Musicians keywordsmusic collaboration, remote jamming, nostalgia in music, guitar picks, Danza, Kiesel guitars, musical influences, songwriting, Pantera, music evolution, guitar picks, music influences, personal growth, philosophy, religion, failure, creativity, musicianship, music industry, guitarists, the tony danza tapdance extravaganza, ttdte, chrys johnson, layne meylain

    1h 29m
  2. 12/12/2025

    #125 Player's Pick Podcast - Ando San

    In this conversation, Brandon Washington discusses his musical journey, personal milestones, and the evolution of his sound as Andosan. He reflects on his experiences in the music industry, the challenges he faced, and the influences that shaped his work. Brandon shares insights into his creative process, the significance of his recent marriage, and his aspirations for future projects, emphasizing the importance of growth and transformation in his music career. In this conversation, Brandon Washington and Chrys delve into the world of music, discussing recent album releases, the creative process behind songwriting, and the personal struggles that influence their art. They explore the importance of community, self-belief, and the role of therapy in personal growth. The dialogue highlights the challenges artists face, the significance of relationships, and the journey of navigating one's mental health through music. Chapters 04:29 Personal Milestones and Creative Process 09:56 Musical Evolution and Influences 17:01 Navigating the Music Industry 23:46 Viral Success and New Opportunities 33:30 The Evolution of Sound and Identity 39:04 Exploring New Musical Directions 44:05 Influences and Inspirations in Music 50:04 The Current Music Landscape and Discoveries 56:01 The Art of Songwriting and Creative Process 01:04:34 The Vulnerability of Artistic Expression 01:08:10 Navigating Mental Health and Music 01:12:58 The Role of Relationships in Personal Growth 01:18:29 The Journey of Self-Belief and Perseverance 01:36:20 Building a Supportive Community for Success Keywords music, creativity, personal growth, Andosan, hip hop, musical influences, album, journey, industry insights, evolution, music, creativity, personal growth, therapy, self-belief, songwriting, artist recommendations, mindfulness, relationships, hip-hop

    1h 25m
  3. 12/06/2025

    #124 Player's Pick Podcast - BAXTY

    In this engaging conversation, Baxty, a rising star in the guitar world, shares his journey from a shy boy in Chile to a recognized musician. He discusses the importance of living in the moment, the influence of his family on his musical path, and the challenges he has faced along the way. Baxty emphasizes the significance of community, personal expression in music, and the balance between teaching and creating. He reflects on his creative process, the impact of social media, and the importance of patience and action in achieving musical goals. In this conversation, Baxty shares his journey as a guitarist, discussing his early experiences with guitar picks, the challenges he faced while learning, and the importance of finding one's musical identity. He emphasizes the significance of enjoying music, the influence of iconic musicians, and offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians about following their dreams and embracing the journey of music-making. Chapters 02:21 Life as a Rising Star 05:20 The Journey to Guitar Mastery 10:56 The Importance of Relationships 17:14 Creative Process and Songwriting 23:09 Navigating Challenges in the Music Industry 33:01 Navigating Criticism and Embracing Authenticity 35:04 The Importance of Being Prepared for Life's Interruptions 37:46 Teaching as a Journey of Self-Discovery 40:47 The Balance Between Teaching and Creating 43:38 Learning Through Curiosity and Mistakes 46:54 The Evolution of Technique and Personal Growth 49:47 The Role of Exploration in Musical Expression 51:33 The Journey of Finding the Right Gear 56:18 The Fluidity of Technique and Self-Expression 01:00:08 Creating Unique Sounds Through Personal Exploration 01:03:58 The Unique Sound of Animals as Leaders 01:05:39 Collaboration and Musical Aspirations 01:08:00 Influences and Inspirations in Music 01:10:20 The Importance of Authenticity in Music 01:16:38 Fitness and Mental Clarity for Musicians 01:20:02 Creating a Full Band Experience 01:24:57 Advice for Aspiring Musicians Connect BAXTY https://www.instagram.com/b_a_x_t_y/?hl=en Chrys https://www.instagram.com/c333j_/?hl=en PPP https://www.instagram.com/playerspickpodcast/?hl=en ---------------------------------------- Special Thanks to: Jim Dunlop https://www.instagram.com/jimdunlopusa/?hl=en Kiesel Guitars https://www.instagram.com/kieselguitars/?hl=en Roswell Pro Audio https://www.instagram.com/roswellproaudio/?hl=en Sacred Sound Coffee https://www.instagram.com/sacredsoundcoffee/?hl=en Iron Grizzly Creations https://www.instagram.com/irongrizzlycreations/?hl=en Keywords: Baxty, guitar, music, songwriting, teaching, creativity, personal growth, social media, community, technique, guitar, musician journey, learning guitar, musical identity, guitar techniques, inspiration, advice for musicians, overcoming challenges, music collaboration

    1h 21m
  4. #123 Player's Pick Podcast - Alex Coats / Doppelgänger

    11/23/2025

    #123 Player's Pick Podcast - Alex Coats / Doppelgänger

    In this episode of the Player's Pick podcast, Alex and Chrys delve into various themes surrounding music, creativity, and personal growth. They discuss the significance of the Jazz 3 guitar pick, Alex's collaboration with Ludacris, daily routines that inspire creativity, and the importance of consistency and confidence in achieving personal goals. The conversation also touches on the value of relationships and communication in both personal and professional contexts, highlighting how these elements shape our experiences and perceptions. Chapters 02:29 Defining Doppelganger's Sound 05:20 Influences from Jazz and Modern Genres 07:41 The Impact of Music Education 10:23 Viral Success and Its Aftermath 13:07 Philosophical Reflections on Life and Music 22:46 Navigating Belief and Identity 25:12 The Challenge of Closed-Mindedness 26:11 Embracing Uncertainty and Complexity 28:07 The Art of Receiving Feedback 31:34 Songwriting Process and Collaboration 42:09 Gear Talk: Picks and Preferences 43:34 The Evolution of Guitar Picks 50:50 Collaboration with Ludacris 55:20 Finding Daily Inspiration 01:05:08 Advice to My Younger Self 01:07:22 Building Confidence and Consistency 01:09:55 The Importance of Social Skills 01:12:38 Relationships as Our Greatest Asset 01:15:11 The Impact of Time on Our Lives 01:17:04 Music and Community Connections 01:28:34 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations Alex Coats https://www.instagram.com/coats.alex/?hl=en Doppelgänger https://www.instagram.com/doppelgangerqc/?hl=en Chrys https://www.instagram.com/c333j_/?hl=en PPP https://www.instagram.com/playerspickpodcast/?hl=en Keywords Doppelganger, friendship, music evolution, jazz influence, viral success, songwriting process, gear talk, musical philosophy, instrumental metal, genre blending, Jazz 3, Ludacris, music inspiration, consistency, confidence, relationships, communication, guitar picks, daily routine, collaboration

    1h 30m
4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

“Player’s Pick Podcast is a collection of conversations with interesting guitar and bass players across a spectrum of styles” -Chrys Johnson #players #picks #perspective