Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair

Zach talks with Brooks Harlan, a talented musician and amp builder, who shares his musical journey from El Paso to Baltimore. Brooks shares his background in music, the inception of Big Crunch Amplifiers and the formation of the band War On Women. He emphasizes the importance of quality sound in music production and his passion for creating custom amplifiers tailored to musicians needs. Zach and B...

Zach sits down with close friends and fellow Texans, Mark Ryan and Jeff Burke, members of the influential punk band Marked Men. They discuss the band's legacy, their impact on the punk scene, and the vibrant music culture of Denton, Texas. The trio reflects on their musical journeys, collaborations, and the importance of instrumentation in their sound. They also touch on the prolific nature of the...

Zach sits down with Mike Schleibaum of the mighty DARKEST HOUR. They explore the evolution of metal music, guitar gear, band dynamics, and the philosophy of artistic influence. They share personal stories, technical insights, and reflections on legacy, collaboration, and the future of music. They discuss all things metal from Pantera to Gothenberg. My favorite two pull-quotes: 'PLAY BETTER' and 'F...

Nikki shares her early relationship with music, how it developed her guitar playing and how she is approaching touring the new album Hooligan, from her band IN LIEU. The discussion moves to importance of genuine musical expression over social media trends, highlighting the significance of live performances and personal connections in building a fanbase. Zach and Nikki discuss the profound impact o...

Today I embark on my first 2nd!! My brother stops by again to chew the fat and update us all on the exciting things happening in his world. We look at his musical journey, his exploration of bass tones, the evolution of the Toadies, and the influence of legendary producer Steve Albini. We discuss the significance of musical identity and the creative process behind the Toadies' new album, highlight...

For my first episode of the season I get the privilege of chatting with the guitar TITAN that is Al Di Meola! I still can't believe I got to meet the man much less interview him. Al reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on musicians, the importance of protest concerts, and his journey as a guitarist and composer. He discusses how the pandemic allowed him to delve deeper into his creative process, the...

Welcome to season 8, we have some exciting guests…Al Di MEOLA, John Congleton, Mike Sheinbaum from Darkest Hour and much more. First ep April 23rd! Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit. Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop...

Ruinous Media and The Anti-Heroes podcast would like to welcome Why Bass? Why Bass? Is a podcast that shifts the focus from a bass players history and curriculum vitae to that age old question - why would anyone want to play the bass guitar? Donivan Blair asks this question with bassist’s of all styles and ranges on each episode and allows the guest to tell the audience in their own words who insp...

Hello! Zach here with a wrap on season 7. I still can’t believe I’ve been able to sit down with friends, family and strangers and chat about the thing I love most.... guitars, gear and music! Music has benefitted my life in countless ways and you, the listeners, have supported me on this journey. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I also send this season off by re-introducing myself and letti...

Today Zach talks with Dan Phillips, guitarist, and singer of True Widow and previously Slow Ride.  Zach and discuss their shared musical history and the evolution of their respective bands. They talk early influences, the creative process behind their music, and the significance of their collaborative experiences in Dallas. Dan highlights the importance of musical experimentation and the personal...

Today’s guest is Donnie Walsh, bassist and singer of bay area punkers, Grumpster. Zach and Donnie discuss the origin of Grumpster and the musical influences that shaped their sound. They delve into the importance of community in music, share insights about their gear preferences, and reflect on the hard work that goes into being a touring musician. The two discuss the balance between the romantici...

Today is another “family time” episode here at the ol’ Anti-Heroes podcast! My is guest is Joe Principe, bassist of Rise Against and formerly of 88 Fingers Louie. I’ve seen the world with this guy and have had countless adventures and played countless shows and recorded countless songs together! These episodes are always near and dear to me and I think you’ll hear that. I also had to pretend that...

On this episode Zach interviews Mike DeLeon, a guitarist from Texas, known for his work with Phil Anselmo, Flesh Hoarder and Soulfly. Zach and Mike dig into the rich history of Texas metal, the influence of local musicians, and the importance of authenticity in their playing. Mike shares his gear choices, his experiences playing with legendary artists, and the significance of his Texas roots in sh...

On this episode, Zach speaks with Clark Vogler and Vaden Lewis from the Toadies.  The three discuss band’s origin, their unique sound and they share their experience working with legendary producer Steve Albini. They delve to the band’s overall dynamic and the influence the Deep Elum scene had on them. Clark and Vaden dig into gear preferences and the and how they play a role in their songwriting....

In this episode, Zach and Dave discuss the evolution of their musical careers, focusing on the reunion of Scared of Chaka, Dave's transition to The Shins, and his various musical projects. Dave and Zack delve into the dynamics of band reunions, the excitement of live performances, and the creative process behind writing new material. The discussion also touches on the unique gear choices that have...

Mya Byrne is a celebrated Americana singer-songwriter and firecracker guitarist. On this episode, Zach and Mya discuss their early influences, the evolution of their musical journeys, and the importance of education in shaping their artistic expressions. Mya shares personal anecdotes about her experiences with songwriting, her diverse musical tastes, and the collaborative nature of her work, while...

Mike Baggetta is a songwriter, guitarist, and alongside bassist Mike Watt and drummer Stephen Hodges, a founding member of MSSV. In this conversation, Zach and Mike explore differences in creating vs performing music. They discuss the formation of MSSV and the influences that shaped their musical styles.  Mike shares his experiences of learning and unlearning music, the challenges of transitioning...

Josh Caterer is the singer and guitarist for Smoking Popes.  In this episode, Zach and Josh reminisce about their long-standing friendship and musical journeys. They talk about their punk rock evolution and the influences that shaped their respective bands.  The two discuss importance of brotherhood in music, the origins of Smoking Popes, and the band's hiatus and eventual return to the scene. The...

Zach and Frank explore their intersecting musical careers, the challenges of identity and imposter syndrome, and the joy of creating music together. They discuss the formation of L.S. Dunes during the pandemic, the importance of collaboration, and the rediscovery of their passion for music. They focus on the Ernie Ball Stingray, highlighting its impact on their songwriting and performance. Frank d...

Steve Bartek is a film and tv composer, an arranger, an orchestrator and is also known for his work playing guitar in and co-producing the iconic new wave band, Oingo Boingo. Zach and Steve discuss Steve’s diverse musical background and how he put his vast music education to use, resulting in an on-going and long career in the business, often collaborating with longtime friend and colleague, Danny...

Eva Gardner is a bass player from Los Angeles. She is a founding member of The Mars Volta and for 15+ years has recorded and toured extensively with P!NK, Veruca Salt, Tegan and Sara, Cher and Gwen Stefani. Eva shares her experience growing up in LA and how her father, bassist Kim Gardner (The Creation) informed her choices on her musical journey. The two discuss the Eva’s early music aspirations,...

Pete Loeffler is a guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist for Chevelle. Bonded since the pandemic, Zach and Pete discuss their shared experiences of being in a band with a sibling, the challenges of those relationships and what methods they use to navigate complicated band dynamics and touring fatigue. They delve into tuning, how it informs style and why Pete started playing a baritone. The two talk...

Justin Pearson is a singer, bass player, podcaster (CULT AND CULTURE PODCAST) and operates the record label Three One G. He has recorded, toured with, and founded such bands as The Locust, Dead Cross, Deaf Club and Retox. He latest project, Planet B, is a collaboration with Luke Henshaw that celebrates hip-hop, hardcore and noise, all coated with a danceable sheen of Sci-Fi.  Justin and Zach share...

Conan Neutron is a singer, guitarist and founding member of Conan Neutron and The Secret Friends. He also hosts his long running podcast, Conan Neutron’s Protonic Reversal. Conan shares the motivation behind his podcast and why providing a platform for musicians to connect is so important to him. Zach and Conan discuss the concept behind Secret Friends, what it’s like to play with Dale Crover and...

Sam Coomes is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of Portland based band Quasi. Since 1983, Sam has recorded, toured and performed with Heatmiser, Elliott Smith, The Donner Party, Jandek and fronts his solo project, Blues Goblins. Sam shares his musical journey, from playing trumpet in school band to becoming a guitarist and keyboardist in Quasi. He discusses his influences, from Robert...