touringmusician

This is part two of our interview with world-renowned guitarist Steve Vai, whose new record, Inviolate, was released on January 28, 2022. In this episode, we dive deep into Steve's creative process, where his ideas come from, and how they transform into music. He also talks about his years with Frank Zappa, his work as an in-demand sideman, and his orchestral compositions. To hear all about the record, and Steve's three-neck guitar, the Hydra, check out his part one interview.

Joe & Mike talk with Blues Traveler bassist Tad Kinchla

Topics include: touring in a supergroup never gets old, how Blues Traveler writes and records their records, writing the next single just after joining the band, touring with “6 types of chips” in the contract, fun road stories, their new record deal, recording the new record in Nashville during COVID! + More!

"From The West Barn" is a weekly podcast hosted by Joe West & Mike Shimshack shot at The West Barn in Nashville, TN. It's available anywhere podcasts are available.

West/Shimshack are both music industry veterans that have seen the peaks and valleys of the business over the past 30 years. Their careers have been punctuated with Grammy wins, hit songs, platinum records, tens of millions of units sold and more than their share of failure. 

Tune into "From The West Barn" for their take on the lifestyle and engaging conversations with some of the industries most interesting people! Nothing is off the table ~ FTWB

FROM THE WEST BARN --}

Website: http://fromthewestbarn.com

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-west-barn-with-joe-west-mike-shimshack/id1505829573

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1POtkbPLqZGL3U85nrRaue?si=sJHpJbzYT7a9hmc9-AjsyQ 

TAD KINCHLA ---} 

Website: https://bluestraveler.com/

MIKE SHIMSHACK ---} 

Instagram: @shackjonz 

JOE WEST ---} 

Website: https://joe-west.com 

School: https://www.apprenticeacademy.net 

Instagram: @west_joe 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/westjoe 

SPONSORS ---} 

HERCULES STANDS: 

http://herculesstands.com/us/ 

SLINGSTUDIO: 

https://www.myslingstudio.com/ 

APPRENTICE ACADEMY: 

http://www.apprenticeacademy.net 

FROM THE WEST BARN copyright 2020

Born in 1980, Marco Sfogli is credited as one of the most influential and followed progressive rock and metal guitar players of the last few years. he’s worked with artists such as James LaBrie, Jordan Rudess, Mike Mangini, Bryan Beller, Guthrie Govan, Kiko Loureiro, Stu Hamm, Virgil Donati and many others. Many know him as the guitarist for the James LaBrie solo band. He has several charting solo records himself which are favored among prog fans. He regularly tours and releases music worldwide.

For over five decades Piano Girl Podcast host Robin Goldsby has lost and gained the same five pounds about four times a year. Road trips, evil catering, unidentifiable bar food, vending machine Twix bars, buffalo wings, airplane pretzels, stale ham sandwiches, chocolate donuts, and, yes, those community bowls of goldfish crackers—as a musician Goldsby has survived most of these things. For better or worse, here are some of her favorite diet phases, many of them career-related.  

Today's episode is for the introverts out there: you're not alone (even if you want to be). Touring can be extra tough for us so be sure to pay attention and work on some new habits before you hit the road!

Resources:

My favorite earplugs for sleeping: Mack's Ultrasoft -32db ear plugs
My favorite eye mask: Bedtime Bliss
Meditation app: Headspace
Book: Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

It's tough touring and maintaining a strong relationship. Time away from each other in different time zones, stress, and mistrust can deteriorate even the best of relationships. Today, I share some advice on how to have healthy, happy relationships while traveling in a way that doesn't annoy your fellow band members.