Backstage Journal Podcast with Rhett Shull

Mark Lettieri is one of the most loved guitar players around today, his time spent playing with bands like Snarky Puppy, The Fearless Flyers and other artists like Kirk Franklin have made him and his playing style popular with tons of guitarists today. In this interview I talk to Mark about his upbringing, his education, how he landed his gigs and his new signature PRS Fiore guitar. Check out Mark's new single "Star Catchers" here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKXZh...​ Follow @Mark Lettieri​ on YouTube Mark's New PRS Fiore https://www.prsguitars.com/electrics/...​ Thanks to our editor Kevin Nolan, check him out on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWOk...​ -----My Podcast Recording Rig---- Shure SM7B Mic (affiliate link)   Cloud Lifter In Line Gain Boost (affiliate link)   Universal Audio Apollo Solo (affiliate link)   ——-Subscribe to Backstage Journal on Spotify——-  https://open.spotify.com/show/1q8Rrv42WhyOgk080LZOe2?si=EL1L0Ks_Qx2siD9qO_gT6g   and on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstage-journal-podcast-with-rhett-shull/id1463640779   Follow me on Instagram @rhettshull   www.rhettshull.com   Email the podcast  Backstagejournalpod@gmail.com

David Ryan Harris is a modern day renaissance man, from writing, producing, continuing his solo career and playing guitar with John Mayer he does it all at a very high level. Originally from Atlanta, DRH quickly found his voice on guitar and writing songs, from there he went on to build one of the most successful modern music careers. In this interview we talk about his upbringing, his guitar playing, writing and producing process, touring with John Mayer and some of his favorite gear. @DavidRyanHarris on Instagram and YouTube David's music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3wnsAakCkhyU3yKQYMZmGo?si=KGVx2ijbRjqpoAcAvXbheQ

Charlie Starr and his band Blackberry Smoke are working to keep the Southern Rock sound alive and well. Charlie has a deep understanding of the sounds and traditions that make up the classic guitar sounds of those great bands. In this interview we talk about Charlie's upbringing in Alabama and how he started playing guitar and writing, as well as what it takes to keep a band going in these modern times, his love of single pickup Gibson guitars and how he goes about writing new material. Check out Blackberry Smoke on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/5P1oS9DUTPEqcrmXDmX4p8?si=eV7la1DVTYqRs8L9zD-64w Charlie Starr on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cwgstarr/ Check out my editor, Kevin Nolan @kg_nolan on Instagram Kevin's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWOkO4ixe0SfaG8BvRHDwMA www.backstagejournalpod.com for more episodes. -----My Podcast Recording Rig---- Shure SM7B Mic (affiliate link) https://imp.i114863.net/c/2330848/794166/11319?prodsku=SM7B&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FSM7B--shure-sm7b-cardioid-dynamic-vocal-microphone&intsrc=PUI1_5713 Cloud Lifter In Line Gain Boost (affiliate link) https://imp.i114863.net/c/2330848/794166/11319?prodsku=CL1Cloud&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FCL1Cloud--cloud-microphones-cl-1-cloudlifter-1-channel-mic-activator&intsrc=PUI1_5713 Universal Audio Apollo Solo (affiliate link) https://imp.i114863.net/c/2330848/794166/11319?prodsku=ApolloSUSBCHE&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FApolloSUSBCHE--universal-audio-apollo-solo-heritage-edition-usb-c-audio-interface-with-uad-dsp&intsrc=PUI1_5713 ——-Subscribe to Backstage Journal on Spotify——- https://open.spotify.com/show/1q8Rrv42WhyOgk080LZOe2?si=EL1L0Ks_Qx2siD9qO_gT6g and on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backstage-journal-podcast-with-rhett-shull/id1463640779 Follow me on Instagram @rhettshull www.rhettshull.com

Pete Thorn is a true modern career guitar player, from touring with big names like Chris Cornell and Don Henley (just to name a few) to being one of the first guitarists to adopt YouTube as a way to teach and share his expertise, he has shown younger players a way to make a great living as a guitarist in 2021. In this episode we talk about Pete's upbringing on guitar, how he landed a dream gig and what drew him to YouTube over a decade ago.    Subscribe to Pete's YouTube Channel Pete Thorn on Instagram   -----My Podcast Recording Rig---- Shure SM7B Mic (affiliate link) Cloud Lifter In Line Gain Boost (affiliate link) Universal Audio Apollo Solo (affiliate link)   ——-Subscribe to Backstage Journal on Spotify——-  and on iTunes   Follow me on Instagram @rhettshull   www.rhettshull.com   Email the podcast  Backstagejournalpod@gmail.com    

Ive followed Jared Scharff for the better part of a decade during his time as the house guitar player for Saturday Night Live. After 13 years on the show, he left to explore the next phase of his career as a writer/producer in the pop centered world of LA. 13 years on any gig will teach you a thing or two and Jared has lots to share about lessons learned for other musicians to take note.    Follow Jared on Instagram @scharffishere  Check Out Pearl Lion (Jared's original music) on Spotify  My Links: www.rhettshull.com   Rhett Shull Studio on YouTube   -----My Podcast Recording Rig---- Shure SM7B Mic (affiliate link)   Cloud Lifter In Line Gain Boost (affiliate link)   Rodecaster Pro (affiliate link) Universal Audio Apollo Solo (affiliate link)   ——-Subscribe to Backstage Journal on Spotify——-    and on iTunes     This week's original song submission:

Greg Koch is the textbook definition of a badass musician, his colossal ability on the instrument combined with his lightning fast wit and wisdom gained from decades of real world experience have made him one of my personal guitar heros. I sat with Greg on zoom to pick his brain about his career so far, how he developed such a unique tone, his advice for young players and his love for gear old and new.    Follow Greg on Instagram @gregkochmusic Greg's Website Greg's YouTube Channel   My Links: www.rhettshull.com   Rhett Shull Studio on YouTube   This week's original song submission:    

Tosin Abasi and I are very different musicians, which is exactly why I wanted to start season 3 of the podcast by talking to him. Tosin has managed to do one of the most difficult things as a guitar player which is creating his own unique voice on the instrument, and I wanted to learn more about how he did it.    You can follow Tosin on Instagram @tosinabasi Animals As Leaders Abasi Concepts Guitars Follow me on Instagram @rhettshull www.rhettshull.com Rhett Shull Studio   This week's original song submission: Sugartooth by Levi Henry

Kevin Kadish is a Nashville based songwriter and producer who came up in Baltimore MD and after years of playing in bands found his path as a songwriter, quickly finding success in the writing world he went on to co-create one of the most influential pop hits of the last 10 years, All About That Bass. 

In this episode, we're taking on our backlog of voicemail questions from the listeners, and get deep into what gear is best for church players as well as how your upbringing and generation impact your musical taste. As always thanks to everyone who submitted a question, and dont forget to leave your voicemail question for the next Q&A episode by calling in at (470) 222-5851    

Zeppelin Barnatra aka Nathaniel Murphy is one of the best guitar players on Instagram, his unique playing style and feel have gained him almost 300 thousand followers on instagram, and got him connected with Chicago Music Exchange. In this episode we talk about how he started his guitar playing journey, his move to the united states, his future as a professional guitarist and his gear of choice.    Follow Nathaniel on Instagram @zeppelinbarnatra    

This week, the New York Times posted an article titled "Guitars Are Back, Baby!" in which they state that guitar sales have exploded during the pandemic. This is just a few years after the Washington Post wrote an article claiming that guitar as a whole, was dying. In this episode Tilly and I Rhett discuss their thoughts on what this means for the future of guitar, and whether or not people will actually stick with the instrument long term.    The New York Times Article https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/08/style/guitar-sales-fender-gibson.html

Josh Smith is a living guitar legend, who started his journey at the age of 6. By the time he was 12 years old, he was out playing gigs with adults and soon after fronting his own band touring regionally in Florida. After high school he moved to LA with his new wife and began a career as a touring & session guitarist, as well as continuing to front his own original projects. Josh is hands down one of my favorite guitarists around today, in this episode we talk about how came up as a young guitar player, what its like making a living today and his favorite gear to use on stage.    Follow Josh on Instagram @joshsmithguitarzan   his website http://www.joshsmithguitar.com/    

After a week off from the show we're getting caught up discussing the Backstage Live show from last week, working on new projects and answering your voicemail questions. Also we recap our last visit of Songbirds guitar museum.    

Tom Bukovac has been on of Nashville's top session guitarists for going on 20 years. His unique style and approach to guitar have made him successful as a touring player, helped him play on thousands of records and most recently start a successful YouTube channel. In this episode, Tilly and I talk to Tom about his career in Nashville, his approach to music and how he decides what gear to use on a song.    Find Tom's channel on YouTube @501chorusecho    

Matthew Timmons was Novo guitars first employee, and has been with the company as they have exploded in popularity over the last few years. In this episode we talk about Novo and their place in the industry, as well as the future of the brand and what it takes to run an independent guitar business.    You can find Novo guitars online at https://www.novoguitars.com/ and on their instagram @novoguitars.    

Josh Scott started JHS Pedals not knowing what it would become today, but in the process of building his company he discovered a passion of the history and stories behind a lot of the gear we love as guitar players. In this episode, Tilly and I talk with Josh about his passion for collecting pedals as well as the history behind the guitar gear culture and we get in deep about why we all love cycling so much. 

In this week's bonus episode my wife Tilly and I take a few questions and end up discussing the best ways to talk to your significant other about buying new gear, the best and worst ways to handle a situation like that. Also the importance on spending money on good cables, as well as the pros and cons to attending music school.    Let us know what you think of two episodes per week, on Twitter  @rhettshull @this_tilly    

Joey Landreth has already had an amazing career as a guitarist, singer and songwriter, in this episode Tilly and I talk with him about his hometown, his career thus far and what he thinks his career looks like moving forward post covid.    Follow Joey on Instagram @joeylandreth

After a few months, the BSJ podcast is back! In this episode Tilly and I talk about why the podcast stalled and what we've been working on in the background for the past several months. 

Tom Quayle is without a doubt one of the best guitarists on the internet today, and he was also one of the first people to jump into making guitar based YouTube content in the early days of the platform. In this epsiode, Tom and I discuss his learning process on guitar, why he tunes in such a strange way, why guitar players shouldn't be fearful of music theory and what we both love about modeling amps. Subscribe to Tom's YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/user/tq105   The TONE COURSE is now available for preorder check it out here! https://flatfiv.co/products/the-tone-course   This Episode is sponsored by distrokid, click the URL below for 7% off your first year's membership distrokid.com/vip/rhett

Adam Neely is a musician and youtube creator who has a great perspective on the future of music in social media, the fear and responsibilities of having a large online audience and why we love and hate certain types of music. In this episode I sat down with Adam (via Skype) and we discussed a wide range of topics, making this one of my favorite episodes of the podcast to date.    Follow Adam on instagram @its_adamneely This episode sponsored by DistroKid use the URL DistroKid.com/vip/rhett to save 7% off you first year's membership

The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious issue, and one that I wasn't sure I wanted to talk about publicly, but after seeing how the social distancing is affecting musicians and other professional working creative people I thought we should have a dialogue on what the next few weeks/months could look like for musicians. My wife Tilly and I are discussing the outbreak, and looking at some of the silver linings in this current situation.    This episode is brought to you in part by DistroKid & Sweetwater.  

Tomo Fujita is one of my favorite guitar players to follow on social media, he has an incredible feel for not only playing, but teaching as well. In this interview I learn more about Tomo's history, how he got into teaching and what it was like having a you John Mayer as a guitar student.    Follow Tomo on Instagram @tomojustfunky   This episode is sponsored by DistroKid  

When I first heard from Kenny Greenberg, I was slightly star struck. He's almost exactly the musician I want to be "when I grow up" He does everything from tour the world playing stadiums with the likes of Kenny Chesney & Bonnie Raitt to scoring films and TV shows as well as producing albums for some of Nashville's best. In this episode, we talk about how he got to where he is today, what its like playing for thousands of people, and some of his favorite gear.    

Brett Papa started teaching lessons on YouTube in the very early days of the platform, since then he's gone on to influence millions of players and work with some of the best players in the business. In this episode we talk about the future of Guitar youtube and why we both love Divided By 13 amps. 

Mark Agnesi has been the face of more than one important guitar institution, his time at Norman's Rare Guitars lead him into his new role at Gibson guitars starting this past year. In this episode we talk about Mark's journey to where he is today, as well as the ups and downs of trying to rescue a company from bankruptcy.     

Rod Castro grew up in Los Angeles and his career as a session and touring guitarist has taken him to some pretty amazing places. In this interview, Rod drops some serious knowledge on life as a working musician and what it takes to make it in the world of pop music as a guitarist.    Follow Rod on instagram @iamrodcastro

My wife Tilly and I sit down to wrap up season 1 of the Backstage Journal Podcast by looking back on the last 20 episodes, rambling about random topics and answering a few listener submitted questions.   

I sit down with Rick Beato and discuss the past 6 years working together, how the music industry has changed and how YouTube has changed how we make a living as musicians. We also discuss what it takes to get into music professionally today.     

Dave Onorato is a good friend of mine, and the most knowledgeable person I've ever met when it comes to any and all things guitar related. He has taught me so much over the years and in this episode we talk about how he got into music, why he loves Atlanta and why tube amps may become a thing of the past sooner than you think.   Follow Dave on Instagram @dojoguitarrepair

In this episode we record from the van on the way to a run of 4 shows opening for Dwight Yoakam. We talk about working in a creative relationship with our spouses and each other, as well as what its like being in a band with family...then things go off the rails. 

I get questions about gear all the time, so this week we're doing a Q&A episode answering your gear questions! 

Its been a few weeks since a podcast has gone up, and in that time quite a bit has happened. My YouTube channel hit 100K subscribers and I completed the biggest tour of my career to date. In this week's episode I sit down with my wife Tilly and discuss what all this means.   

This week Im all along and talking about getting ready for the biggest tour I have done so far, I also look back on my experience at Crossroads Guitar Fest with my dad in Dallas TX last week. 

Philip Conrad and I have been playing together since music school almost 10 years ago, during that time he's become one of my most trusted friends and we have seen quite a bit of change together in our time as musicians. In this week's episode we talk about why you might not need to go to music school, how to approach the bass from a guitarists perspective and Philip's new original project "Kudzu Hill"

One of my favorite parts of being a YouTube creator is the friendships this platform has opened up to me. Mary is one of those people who I can chat with at length about all things musical and more, in this week's episode we do just that.

In this week's episode I chat with Ross Campbell about making the move to Nashville from Scotland, as well as what its like making youtube videos while also trying to maintain a career as a working guitarist. 

Zach Broyles started Mythos Pedals after years of working at one of Nashville's best guitar stores, Carter Vintage. We talk all things pedals, amps, les pauls and 3d printers...because we're both nerds. 

Eric Zapata has been playing guitar with Gary Clark Jr since they were in high school together in Austin TX. In this week's episode we talk about life on the road, Zapata's favorite fuzz pedals and how to continue to grow as a guitar player. 

Jessy and I have been playing together for over 3 years, and in this week's episode we dive deep into her history and the struggles of a black female artist making her own way in the music industry today, as well as what its like writing with superstars and playing with some of her favorite musicians. 

In this episode Rhett and Tilly answer questions submitted on Instagram and through voicemail, the conversation is all over the place.

In this week's episode I sit down with Dennis Fano, the man behind some of the best boutique guitars ever made to talk about his story and how he built Novo guitars. We also get into our favorite food and celebrity chefs. 

In this episode I sat down (live from the van) with my band Noah Guthrie & Good Trouble to discuss our best and worst shows, as well as how to find a gig and be a good bandmate, and of course we also talk a little gear. 

RJ Ronquillo is one of the best guitar players Ive ever known, and he's been playing professionally longer than I've even been playing guitar! In this episode we talk music, career advice and gear. 

Jeremy Sheppard is a guitar player and trader who has bought and sold over 3,000 guitars in his time as a player. In this episode we talk about the ups and downs of life in the guitar playing and trading community. 

In this episode, I Talk with Mary Spender about Youtube, songwriting, playing live, and mutual fears. It is always interesting getting to chat with another Youtuber. 

In this week's episode I sit down with my wife Tilly Shull to talk about our relationship and how we've grown, and learned to work together through our totally different lifestyles. 

In this episode of The Backstage Journal Podcast I sit down with LA session guitar legend Tim Pierce to talk about his career as a session guitarist playing on some of the biggest records of the last 30 years, and how he made the switch to YouTube more than 5 years ago.