Fret Buzz The Podcast

Break Time Ep073

It's break time. More to follow...

Nov 21, 2019•11 min•Ep. 73

Wampler Pedals (with Brian Wampler) Ep072

Brian Wampler is the founder and CEO of Wampler Pedals. Brian joins Aaron Sefchick, Joe McMurray, and Miles Harshman to discuss the world’s largest pedalboard, his favorite guitar effects pedals, how he spends his work-days and approaches design, and guitar amplifiers. Recently, Brian participated in breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest guitar pedalboard (with Rob Scallon and several other effects pedals companies). He tells the guys about his experience and about meeting Alex Life...

Nov 14, 2019•58 min•Ep. 72

Jazz Guitar and Online Success Part 2 of 2 (with Jens Larsen) Ep071

Jens Larsen is a Danish jazz guitarist who has become an internet celebrity for his YouTube lessons. Aside from his incredible jazz guitar chops, he has posted over 700 YouTube videos, has acquired almost 150,000 YouTube subscribers, and recently released two books. Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick sit down with Jens to talk about his journey, how to approach jazz as a player and as a teacher, musical gear, online success, practicing, composition, and recording. Jens has become famous through his...

Nov 07, 2019•53 min•Ep. 71

Jazz Guitar and Online Success Part 1 of 2 (with Jens Larsen) Ep070

Jens Larsen is a Danish jazz guitarist who has become an internet celebrity for his YouTube lessons. Aside from his incredible jazz guitar chops, he has posted over 700 YouTube videos, has acquired almost 150,000 YouTube subscribers, and recently released two books. Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick sit down with Jens to talk about his journey, how to approach jazz as a player and as a teacher, musical gear, online success, practicing, composition, and recording. In Part 1 of 2, Jens tells of his ...

Oct 31, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 70

Songwriting and Composition Part 2 of 2 (with Paul Barsom) Ep069

In this episode, Aaron sits down with composer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Barsom of The Weed Garden to discuss his project’s latest release, Boy Interrupted. Paul’s career as a composer and teacher of musical composition spans over 30 years and has influenced numbers of composition students and musical educators, including Fret Buzz The Podcast alumnus Tony Scaltz. As a result, Tony makes a guest return to the show to join Aaron and Paul on the mic and discuss the genesis and recording of Bo...

Oct 24, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 69

Songwriting and Composition Part 1 of 2 (with Paul Barsom) Ep068

In this episode, Aaron sits down with composer and multi-instrumentalist Paul Barsom of The Weed Garden to discuss his project’s latest release, Boy Interrupted. Paul’s career as a composer and teacher of musical composition spans over 30 years and has influenced numbers of composition students and musical educators, including Fret Buzz The Podcast alumnus Tony Scaltz. As a result, Tony makes a guest return to the show to join Aaron and Paul on the mic and discuss the genesis and recording of Bo...

Oct 17, 2019•58 min•Ep. 68

Amp Modeling (with Ryan Brown) Ep067

Ryan Brown of "The Great Noise" joins Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray to talk about amp modeling (the Line 6 Helix), improving live shows with technology, and social media marketing. Ryan and his band decided to make the jump from tube amps and analogue effects pedals to all digital equipment run direct into the PA system. He uses the Line 6 Helix Guitar Multi-effects Floor Processor, which gives him nearly infinite tonal options in one unit. Ryan explains how the Helix uses impulse response to ...

Oct 10, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 67

Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar part 2 of 2 (with Don Ross) Ep066

Canadian guitarist Don Ross is a legend in the acoustic fingerstyle world. With decades of experience, he employs modern techniques, altered tunings, and a strong melodic sense to write memorable songs. Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray have a fun and informative conversation with Don about a wide range of topics including his musical journey, his guitars, acoustic guitar pickups, traveling with guitars, songwriting, recording, his most memorable shows (good and bad), and much more. Part 2 of 2 be...

Oct 03, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 66

Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar part 1 of 2 (with Don Ross) Ep065

Canadian guitarist Don Ross is a legend in the acoustic fingerstyle world. With decades of experience, he employs modern techniques, altered tunings, and a strong melodic sense to write memorable songs. Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray have a fun and informative conversation with Don about a wide range of topics including his musical journey, his guitars, acoustic guitar pickups, traveling with guitars, songwriting, recording, his most memorable shows (good and bad), and much more. In part 1 of 2...

Sep 26, 2019•52 min•Ep. 65

Jazz Vocals, Music School, Vocal Technique Part 2 of 2 (with Darden Purcell) Ep064

Dr. Darden Purcell is a jazz vocalist and the Director of Jazz Studies at George Mason University. Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick have a wonderful time talking with Darden about her musical journey, her duties as a "Director of Jazz Studies," how to transition to singing jazz music, and specifics on vocal technique and practice. Part 2 of 2 is packed with useful information and tips regarding vocal technique and practice (applicable to all styles of music!). Darden tells the guys about vocal ha...

Sep 19, 2019•56 min•Ep. 64

Jazz Vocals, Music School, Vocal Technique Part 1 of 2 (with Darden Purcell) Ep063

Dr. Darden Purcell is a jazz vocalist and the Director of Jazz Studies at George Mason University. Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick have a wonderful time talking with Darden about her musical journey, her duties as a "Director of Jazz Studies," how to transition to singing jazz music, and specifics on vocal technique and practice. In part 1 of 1, Darden tells the guys about how she started singing jazz music, her experiences singing in the U.S. Air Force Band, her time working and performing in N...

Sep 12, 2019•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 63

Backing Tracks, LA Music Scene part 2 of 2 (with Quist) Ep062

Quist has built an enormous online presence through his jam-backing tracks, and he recently performed as the lead guitarist for Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music). This Danish guitarist has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Coachella, Glastonbury, and Abbey Road Studios, and has established himself in the Los Angeles music scene. Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray enjoy an awesome conversation with Quist, diving into his musical journey, his jam-backing tracks, the LA music scene, and b...

Sep 05, 2019•57 min•Ep. 62

Backing Tracks, LA Music Scene part 1 of 2 (with Quist) Ep061

Quist has built an enormous online presence through his jam-backing tracks, and he recently performed as the lead guitarist for Bryan Ferry (Roxy Music). This Danish guitarist has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, Coachella, Glastonbury, and Abbey Road Studios, and has established himself in the Los Angeles music scene. Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray enjoy an awesome conversation with Quist, diving into his musical journey, his jam-backing tracks, the LA music scene, and b...

Aug 29, 2019•54 min•Ep. 61

Jazz Flute, Piano and Voice (with Jennifer Gammill) Ep060

Jennifer Gammill is a jazz vocalist and flautist who won the 2018 VEER award for "Jazz Album of the Year" in southeastern Virginia. She also performs with co-host Joe McMurray in a jazz duo called "Blue Orpheus." Aaron Sefchick and Joe talk with Jennifer about her background in worship music, jazz flute, teaching music to large groups, songwriting, jazz conferences, and online presence/social media marketing. Find out more about Jennifer Gammill at: Website: www.jennifergammill.com Instagram: ht...

Aug 22, 2019•58 min•Ep. 60

Papadosio, Synthesizers Part 2 of 2 (with Billy Brouse) Ep059

Billy Brouse is a founding member of Papadosio, a band that has enjoyed tremendous success playing a unique blend of electronic jam band music at major festivals and concert venues, including a recent performance at Red Rocks. Billy plays keys/synthesizers for the band, and he joins Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick on the show to talk about Papadosio, music festivals, the band's use of Ableton Live for both songwriting and live performance, other bands on the scene, and synthesizers. Billy tells ...

Aug 15, 2019•54 min•Ep. 59

Papadosio, Synthesizers Part 1 of 2 (with Billy Brouse) Ep058

Billy Brouse is a founding member of Papadosio, a band that has enjoyed tremendous success playing a unique blend of electronic jam band music at major festivals and concert venues, including a recent performance at Red Rocks. Billy plays keys/synthesizers for the band, and he joins Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick on the show to talk about Papadosio, music festivals, the band's use of Ableton Live for both songwriting and live performance, other bands on the scene, and synthesizers. Billy tells ...

Aug 08, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 58

Fingerstyle Guitar, Acoustic Pickups part 2 of 2 (with Matt Thomas) Ep057

Matt Thomas has won several international fingerstyle guitar competitions (twice in "contemporary thumbpicking" and once in "open style"), is an avid harp-guitar player, and has played with some of the biggest names in the acoustic guitar world (Tommy Emmanuel, Stephen Bennet, and many more). Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray talk to Matt about his personal journey, fingerstyle techniques, acoustic pickup systems, recording, and gigging. In part 2 of 2, Matt continues telling the guys about acoust...

Aug 01, 2019•58 min•Ep. 57

Fingerstyle Guitar, Acoustic Pickups Part 1 of 2 (with Matt Thomas) Ep056

Matt Thomas has won several international fingerstyle guitar competitions (twice in "contemporary thumbpicking" and once in "open style"), is an avid harp-guitar player, and has played with some of the biggest names in the acoustic guitar world (Tommy Emmanuel, Stephen Bennet, and many more). Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray talk to Matt about his personal journey, fingerstyle techniques, acoustic pickup systems, recording, and gigging. In part 1 of 2, Matt tells the guys about meeting Tommy Emma...

Jul 25, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 56

Fingerstyle Guitar, Online Success Part 2 of 2 (with Adam Rafferty) Ep055

Adam Rafferty is a jazz guitarist-turned fingerstyle guitarist who has found huge success through YouTube, as an online guitar-coach, and as a touring performer. Check out his awesome fingerstyle arrangements of tunes by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, as well as jazz standards. Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick have the opportunity to talk with Adam about his journey, his internet success, his method of arranging for fingerstyle guitar, his gear, and his experiences with copyright law. In part 2 ...

Jul 18, 2019•56 min•Ep. 55

Fingerstyle Guitar, Online Success Part 1 of 2 (with Adam Rafferty) Ep054

Adam Rafferty is a jazz guitarist-turned fingerstyle guitarist who has found huge success through YouTube, as an online guitar-coach, and as a touring performer. Check out his awesome fingerstyle arrangements of tunes by Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, as well as jazz standards. Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick have the opportunity to talk with Adam about his journey, his internet success, his method of arranging for fingerstyle guitar, his gear, and his experiences with copyright law. In part 1 ...

Jul 11, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 54

Carbon Leaf’s Guitarist part 2 of 2 (with Carter Gravatt) Ep053

As the lead guitarist of Carbon Leaf, Carter Gravatt has successfully toured and recorded since 1992, crossing paths with huge names in the music business (Dave Matthews, Blues Traveler, the Avett Brothers, and many more). What's especially fascinating about Carter is that he performs not only on electric and acoustic guitars, but also on an incredible number of other instruments including mandolin, banjo, violin, cello, lap steel, pedal steel, bouzouki, hurdy gurdy, dobro, and probably more! In...

Jul 04, 2019•1 hr•Ep. 53

Carbon Leaf’s Guitarist part 1 of 2 (with Carter Gravatt) Ep052

As the lead guitarist of Carbon Leaf, Carter Gravatt has successfully toured and recorded since 1992, crossing paths with huge names in the music business (Dave Matthews, Blues Traveler, the Avett Brothers, and many more). What's especially fascinating about Carter is that he performs not only on electric and acoustic guitars, but also on an incredible number of other instruments including mandolin, banjo, violin, cello, lap steel, pedal steel, bouzouki, hurdy gurdy, dobro, and probably more! In...

Jun 27, 2019•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 52

Trademark Law for Musicians (with Marcella Dominguez) Ep051

Musicians are often confused about what a trademark is or if they really need to register their trademark. Marcella Dominguez, a trademark lawyer, joins Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray to discuss the benefits and costs of registering a trademark for your band or music business. As an example, because Metallica trademarked their logo, nobody else can use something that looks or sounds like "Metallica." This protects them against impersonators hoping to profit from their success - nobody else can ...

Jun 20, 2019•51 min•Ep. 51

Mastering (with Chris Graham) Ep050

Are you confused about what mastering really is? Are you tempted to skip this important step in the process of preparing your music for distribution? Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray bring in the esteemed Chris Graham of Chris Graham Mastering and the Six Figure Home Studio Podcast to talk about the final polish in the process of preparing your music for release. According to Chris, mastering is "optimizing a music track for goosebumps for the most people on the maximum number of listening device...

Jun 13, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 50

Guitar Gear (with Blake Wyland of The Tone Mob) Ep049

What is your guitar-gear nirvana? Is it a trip to your local guitar shop, a trip to NAMM, or perusing the internet for video demonstrations? Maybe for your gear curiosities you should also be looking to podcasts, as there are a few that do a great job of exploring this ever-growing industry. On episode 49 of Fret Buzz the Podcast, Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray bring in Blake Wyland, the host of the Tone Mob podcast and a co-host of the Chasing Tone podcast (alongside Brian Wampler of Wampler P...

Jun 06, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 49

Building Acoustic Guitars 2 of 2 (with Marc Beneteau) Ep048

Marc Beneteau has been building custom acoustic guitars out of his workshop in Canada for 43 years. He builds such high quality instruments that many modern virtuosic acoustic fingerstyle players (including Don Ross, Tony McManus, and Dustin Furlow - our Fret Buzz Episode 28 and 29 guest) choose to play Beneteau guitars. If you play or simply appreciate acoustic guitars, you won't want to miss this conversation between Marc and Fret Buzz co-hosts Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray. The guys talk ab...

May 30, 2019•46 min•Ep. 48

Building Acoustic Guitars 1 of 2 (with Marc Beneteau) Ep047

Marc Beneteau has been building custom acoustic guitars out of his workshop in Canada for 43 years. He builds such high quality instruments that many modern virtuosic acoustic fingerstyle players (including Don Ross, Tony McManus, and Dustin Furlow - our Fret Buzz Episode 28 and 29 guest) choose to play Beneteau guitars. If you play or simply appreciate acoustic guitars, you won't want to miss this conversation between Marc and Fret Buzz co-hosts Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray. Marc's fascinati...

May 23, 2019•49 min•Ep. 47

Carbon Leaf, Touring, Making It Big, Part 2 of 2 (with Barry Privett) Ep046

As the frontman of Carbon Leaf, Barry Privett has successfully toured and recorded with the same band since 1992, crossing paths with huge names in the music business (Dave Matthews, Blues Traveler, Avett Brothers, and many more). Over the course of their continuous 27 year career, he has learned many things about music itself, the music business, record labels, touring, and strategies for keeping the peace among band members. Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick enjoy the opportunity to dive deep in...

May 16, 2019•58 min•Ep. 46

Carbon Leaf, Touring, Making It Big, Part 1 of 2 (with Barry Privett) Ep045

As the frontman of Carbon Leaf, Barry Privett has successfully toured and recorded with the same band since 1992, crossing paths with huge names in the music business (Dave Matthews, Blues Traveler, Avett Brothers, and many more). Over the course of their continuous 27 year career, he has learned many things about music itself, the music business, record labels, touring, and strategies for keeping the peace among band members. Joe McMurray and Aaron Sefchick enjoy the opportunity to dive deep in...

May 09, 2019•1 hr•Ep. 45

Drums, NYC Music Scene (with Graham Doby) Ep044

Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray bring in drummer Graham Doby to discuss drums and the music scene in New York City. Graham tells the guys about his musical journey, including playing jazz in high school and studying jazz drumming at George Mason University before moving to NYC to work as a full-time musician. Graham remembers playing at different venues in Washington, DC while he was in music school, and Joe and Graham reminisce about ear-training classes at George Mason with Dr. Anthony Maiello...

May 02, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 44

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