Podcasts by Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord

Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord

Welcome to Striking A Chord, a podcast presented by Ernie Ball — the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality electric guitar and bass strings. Tune in as host Evan Ball interviews some of music’s most influential artists and trailblazers about their stories, their reflections on musical trends, their advice for aspiring musicians, and more.

Further podcasts by Ernie Ball

Podcast on the topic Musik

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Emily Wolfe from 2021-07-23T10:00:31

Emily Wolfe discovered her passion for the guitar at just 6 years old. Then in college, she found the courage to step forward as a vocalist. Equipped with both a microphone and an electric guitar, ...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Steve Vai from 2021-06-25T08:00:19

In this episode we chart Steve Vai’s path from 12-year-old student under the tutelage of Joe Satriani to full-blown rock guitar god. Additional topics include the evolution of guitar playing, the d...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
311 from 2021-05-28T10:00:23

On today’s episode we welcome Nick Hexum and Tim Mahoney of 311. Nick and Tim grew up playing in bands together in Omaha, Nebraska. They soon forged the 311 sound and today, over 3 decades later, t...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Death From Above 1979 from 2021-04-30T10:00:12

In today’s episode we speak with Jesse Keeler of Death From Above 1979 about the secrets to his bass sound, the origins of the band, the “Freeze Me” video, and their new album, Is 4 Lovers. Additio...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
HUNNY from 2021-04-02T10:00:20

On today’s episode we welcome guitarist Jake Goldstein and bassist Kevin Grimmett of the band HUNNY. We discuss their history and the success of their local scene, which included bands such as the ...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Joe Robinson from 2021-03-05T11:00:32

At just 16 years old, Joe Robinson, equipped with his acoustic guitar, won Australia’s Got Talent. His career has since continued to flourish, releasing solo albums, doing session work, and perform...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Jared Dines from 2021-02-05T11:00:38

Today we welcome YouTuber, shredder, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Jared Dines to the podcast. Through his intermingling of musical proficiency and comical skits, Jared has amassed millions o...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Joey Bradford of The Used from 2021-01-08T12:00:30

Joey Bradford, guitarist of the Used, knows touring — from all angles. Right out of high school he jumped on the opportunity to sell merch on the Warped Tour for Saosin. Never looking back, Bradfor...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Kid Bloom from 2020-12-04T11:00:35

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Kid Bloom joins us on the podcast for a wide ranging conversation. We discuss the idiosyncrasies of growing up in Los Angeles, playing strange gigs, wr...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Cliff Williams of AC/DC from 2020-11-17T11:00:21

Cliff Williams of AC/DC joins us on the podcast to discuss his musical history prior to joining the band in 1977, his favorite memories of playing with AC/DC through the decades, his reflections on...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Knuckle Puck from 2020-11-13T11:00:47

In this episode we speak with Knuckle Puck guitarists Nick Casasanto and Kevin Maida. The Chicago suburbanites tell the story behind their name, describe their first gig, and explain why they all g...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Zach Irons of IRONTOM and AWOLNATION from 2020-10-30T11:00:34

As the son of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons, Zach Irons grew up immersed in music. Zach, not surprisingly, played drums from an early age, but soon discovered an even deeper passion for ...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down and North Kingsley from 2020-10-16T11:00:24

In this episode we speak with System Of A Down bassist Shavo Odadjian about moving to the US from Armenia as a kid, the formation and early days of System Of A Down, their unique situation of touri...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Rafael Moreira from 2020-10-02T12:00:17

Growing up in Brazil Rafael Moreira dreamt of ripping guitar solos in front of adoring masses. These dreams turned to determination, leading Moreira to LA where he attended Musicians Institute. Raf...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Matt Costa from 2020-09-18T12:00:28

Indie-folk artist Matt Costa grew up skateboarding in Southern California. In the wake of a debilitating accident, Matt discovered a new passion and natural aptitude for songwriting. He soon crosse...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Stefan Babcock of PUP from 2020-09-04T11:00:20

In this episode we speak with Stefan Babcock, lead singer and guitarist of the band PUP. Stefan discusses the Canadian music scene and the extent to which the US/Canada border acts as a musical div...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Seether from 2020-08-21T12:00:25

Seether formed in 1999. Just one year later their demo was charting in their home country of South Africa. The year after that, US label Wind-up Records flew the band out to NYC for a showcase perf...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
John Myung of Dream Theater from 2020-08-07T12:00:22

In this episode we have a wide-ranging conversation with Dream Theater bassist John Myung. John discusses his experience attending Berklee College of Music with John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy, Drea...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Code Orange from 2020-07-24T12:00:29

The members of hardcore outfit Code Orange have earned a reputation for their unrelenting drive. Whether writing heavier riffs, intensifying their live shows, or finding creative ways to engage fan...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Eric Wilson of Sublime from 2020-07-10T12:00:24

With their self-released debut album 40oz. to Freedom, Sublime quickly established a grassroots following on the California coast. With the release of their self-titled third studio album—two month...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
The Story So Far from 2020-06-26T12:00:35

With the bonds of childhood friendship and the musical chemistry to match, The Story So Far caught fire in the pop punk world with their debut album Under Soil and Dirt. Never complacent, the Walnu...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Joe Hottinger of Halestorm from 2020-06-12T14:05:31

In this episode we speak with Halestorm guitarist Joe Hottinger about the group’s amazing journey from local bar band to Grammy award-winning artist. Joe discusses his development as a guitar playe...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Rise Against from 2020-05-29T12:00:37

Forged in the Chicago punk scene of the late ‘90s, Rise Against seemed an unlikely candidate for mainstream success. After signing to a major label in 2003, Rise Against went on to release six albu...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Maddi Schieferstein, John Petrucci's Tech from 2020-05-15T12:00:43

Maddi Schieferstein first crossed paths with John Petrucci in 1998 when Deep Purple was touring with Dream Theater. At the time Maddi was the bass tech for Deep Purple, but as any true gearhead wou...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Chicano Batman from 2020-05-01T12:00:38

Not many unsigned bands are asked to play Coachella or tour with Jack White, yet this is the story of Chicano Batman. Today, with the release of their highly anticipated fourth album, Invisible Peo...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Drug Church from 2020-04-17T11:00:23

Hailing from Albany, New York, Drug Church has carved out a unique niche in the post-hardcore world. As articulated on their Spotify page, “They’re an unabashedly aggressive band that writes hooks ...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
John Feldmann from 2020-04-03T12:00:12

Goldfinger frontman John “Feldy” Feldmann has one of the most enviable résumés in the music business. With roots in the California punk scene, Feldmann has gone on to produce and co-write with a wi...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Sascha Lazor from 2020-03-20T14:33

In this episode we speak with Mad Caddies guitarist Sascha Lazor about getting signed by NOFX’s Fat Mike, his latest project working with rap artist Doja Cat and Yeti Beats, the unique rewards and ...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Melvins from 2020-03-06T13:00:10

If you trace back the history of Nirvana and Soundgarden, you'll inevitably run into the Melvins. Bridging heavy metal and punk rock in the midst of the ‘90s grunge scene, the Melvins have crafted ...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional from 2020-02-21T13:00:10

Dashboard Confessional singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Carrabba became the poster child for early 2000s emo with his simple acoustic melodies and introspective songwriting. Having grown up in...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Ayla Tesler-Mabe from 2020-02-07T13:00

In 2015, guitarist Ayla Tesler-Mabe posted her first cover to YouTube soulfully playing John Mayall & the Bluebreakers “Hideaway.” Fast forward four years, the now 18-year-old boasts a following of...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Ilan Rubin from 2020-01-24T13:00:10

While best known for his work on the drums for bands including Nine Inch Nails, Angels & Airwaves, and Paramore, multi-instrumentalist Ilan Rubin can do just about anything musically. Despite being...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
St. Vincent from 2020-01-10T13:00:16

With her literate, emotionally intricate songwriting and inventive guitar playing, Annie Clark — known by her stage moniker St. Vincent — has become an unapologetic force in rock and pop. She intro...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Joe Bonamassa from 2019-12-27T13:00:13

Joe Bonamassa began playing guitar when he was just four years old and hasn’t looked back since. He was featured across local news as the next “guitar prodigy,” and by the age of 12, he was opening...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Gretchen Menn from 2019-12-13T13:00:23

Rapidly gaining praise in the world of instrumental rock and beyond, Gretchen Menn isn’t your average guitar hero on the rise. She once flew regional jets to support her six-string habit and has s...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
James Valentine of Maroon 5 from 2019-11-29T13:00:03

Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, guitarist James Valentine spent most of his early career teaching guitar lessons in his hometown. It wasn’t until a coworker entered him and his band, Square, ...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Best Coast from 2019-11-15T13:00:03

After stepping away from her childhood acting career, vocalist Bethany Cosentino began writing and experimenting with music in her teens. She joined forces with multi-instrumentalist Bobb Bruno in ...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Matt McJunkins from 2019-11-01T12:00:12

Matt McJunkins picked up his first bass at 13 years old and hasn’t looked back since. After attending Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, McJunkins has gone on to contribute to a diverse set of pr...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Synyster Gates of Avenged Sevenfold from 2019-10-18T12:00:22

Forming in their senior year of high school, Avenged Sevenfold went from teenage garage band to one of the most successful American heavy metal outfits at the turn of the century. Selling an estima...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Steve Morse from 2019-10-04T12:00:24

Known for his intricate compositions, innovative techniques, and versatility across musical genres, Steve Morse is widely known as the "guitarists' guitarist." Morse has provided his technical prow...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Jason Richardson from 2019-09-20T14:30:28

Multi-instrumentalist and composer Jason Richardson is known for his near-supersonic, highly technical playing style. Richardson established his reputation with his tenure in bands All Shall Perish...

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Ernie Ball: Striking A Chord
Justin Chancellor of Tool from 2019-08-31T17:11:28

In this episode, bassist Justin Chancellor of Tool joins us to talk about the release of their brand new and long-awaited album, Fear Inoculum. Justin discusses the band’s unique songwriting proces...

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