Couch Riffs

This episode we feature guest and longtime inside-joking friend, Jason Finn known best for drumming in The Presidents of the United States of America. He will be our final guest for the official and not-real Drummer Awareness Month on Couch Riffs. Jason has had a glorious and fun career as a drummer for many bands on many different levels. He's a generally funny fella and this podcast is chalked full of inside jokes that no-one would expect you to get or even find funny if you were in on them. I think that's the sign of a friend, though. Go check out PUSA's debut album on vinyl soon when it finally arrives hot on the heels of their crowdfunding release on this 25th anniversary of its initial release. (25 years?!) Thanks for listening to the Couch Riffs Podcast! If you love what we are doing and have the means, your .99/month pledge donation goes a long way to help support the podcast and make it not only sustainable but also make improvements along the way. Follow THIS LINK or the link below in the episode no

What can I say? Drummer Awareness Month is kicking ass even if it isn't a real thing. On this episode we have yet another amazing drummer in Barrett Martin of Screaming Trees, Mad Season, Barrett Martin Group, Tuatara, Walking Papers, Desert Sessions, and tons more. Barrett is a studied musician and educated in orchestral/classical, jazz, and ethnomusicology and is also well known for producing and performing on many albums as a drummer or percussionist. Don't let the fanciness fool you, though. He's a vicious rock drummer! He's published two books in the last handful of years, 2017's The Singing Earth and 2019's The Way of the Zen Cowboy.  If you're enjoying Couch Riffs Podcast and/or our video series please consider sponsoring the podcast at the link below of HERE. Your .99/month goes a long way to keep the podcast rolling along and improving. Thank you so much for listening and for the support!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/couch

Our guest for this episode is the great NY drummer, Oskar "The Finnisher" Haggdahl (that's not really his nickname, I just made it up). He's performed with a number of artists in NY and around around the world including the Broadway production of Mamma Mia!, Marc Martel, and Hey, Guy. He played a handful of NY shows with The Union Gospel, as well, which was an absolute pleasure and how we met. He's currently available for remote session drumming and is an absolute groove machine. Check his instagram feed for examples of his great work!  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast and/or our video series please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter. You can help keep the blood flowing over here for as little as .99/month and it most certainly goes a long way in making things happen here. The Couch Riffs Etsy store is also active and you can get ready for Summer with our 100% cotton tees and trucker hats printed in Portland, OR by Ink Brigade!  Thank you so much for listening and supporting! --- Send in a

Ronnie Vannucci is the drummer for The Killers, one of the biggest bands to emerge and remain from the early 2000s. These guys have a list of hits nearly as long as my family's felony conviction history. I met Ronnie a few years before he joined The Killers, a story which is briefly chronicled in this podcast, and immediately we were friendly, staying in touch and hanging when he visited Seattle or I was in Vegas. And, if you're familiar with The Killers' music you know that they blew up quick, hard, and they continue to make huge sounding albums filled with hooks and hits. I'm excited to hear what they cook up during this pandemic social distancing time as they continue to work steadily on more new material. I hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as I loved catching up with RV.  If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs Podcast or its accompanying video series please consider becoming a monthly pledge donor for as little as .99/month. You can do that at THIS HYPERLINK or go visit couchriffs.com to

David Bader is a sweet man. I met him when he was pulling coffee at the Rough Trade Records coffee stand in Williamsburg and we hit it off immediately. We even flirted with the idea of starting a band along with former Couch Riffs guest Timo Ellis but it didn't get past a rehearsal/jam session. He has the enviable job of meeting, speaking with, and writing about all kinds of musicians and guitar heroes which is something I always thought would be cool but know I wouldn't be great at. But, David is and that's awesome. As usual, we cover lots of ground here and talk a lot about Florida, music, cars, guitars, and much more. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!  If you enjoy the Couch Riffs podcast and video series please consider becoming a pledge supporter for as little as .99/month. Its easy to do and relatively painless on your pocketbook (if you still use one of those). You'll find a link below or at couchriffs.com where all videos, podcasts, and a link to our Etsy merch store also resides. Thanks for lis

I'm so happy to have gotten the opportunity to get this episode recorded with Scott Kannberg. I've known Scott for many years, meeting after Pavement when he moved to Seattle and had Preston School of Industry operating. We share a great mutual love for Echo and the Bunnymen but Scott is not so much on the Zappa. That's okay, we had plenty to talk about! I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.  If you're enjoying Couch Riffs please consider becoming a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99/month. Its easy and painless and you can do it at anchor.fm/couch-riffs. There is also an Etsy Store that you can reach from couchriffs.com which is also where you will find every single Couch Riffs video and podcast cataloged for your convenience. 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

This episode's guest is the insanely talented and humble Luis Kalil. This young Brazilian shredder has been impressing and dazzling people for years on the internet by way of his YouTube videos and ESP Guitar clinics but has been in LA for the last few years attending Musicians Institute and playing gigs there. If you've not seen and heard him, do yourself a favor and go look him up. And, keep an eye out for him getting snatched up by a bigger act in the future. I'd say it is inevitable! Please consider supporting Couch Riffs by becoming a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99/month. Its easy and you can do that HERE on anchor.fm. Also, check out couchriffs.com to find all of the Couch Riffs podcasts, videos, and a link to the Etsy store all in one central location. Thanks for listening and for your continued support!  Photo by Julio Mendoza --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/support

Our guest in this episode is Alex Auxier who has an interesting job in the musical world, Artist Relations for a renowned amplifier company, Orange Amps. If you've not seen the promotional videos that Orange has been putting out for the last number of years and amp releases you should get a look. They're creative, clever, and usually very funny. Alex is a funny guy and man, we get in to a few good bits in this conversation. I hope you enjoy as much as I did! Also, if anyone out there has an OR50 reissue they'd sell me cheap I'd really love to have another one! (after all this coronavirus BS is over) If you're enjoying the Couch Riffs podcast and videos please help us keep going by becoming a monthly pledge supporter for as little as .99/month! That is easy peezy! Be sure to check out couchriffs.com and visit our Etsy store, as well. We have handsome 100% cotton tees and trucker hats made by the incredible Ink Brigade in Portland OR.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/couch-riffs/message Support t

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