

The Riffhard Podcast
Riffhard
The Riffhard Podcast, Eyal Levi goes in depth with the best guitarists in metal. These are the conversations you always wished you could hear with your guitar heroes.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 10, 2024 • 1h
Jon Deiley - Northlane (The Best DAW, Writing For Video Games, and 7 String Guitars)
Jon Deiley of Northlane joins us to talk about why he uses Ableton, his writing process, what guitarists should focus on, programming insane light shows, and more.
Chapters:
00:01:42 - The Cutthroat Mindset in Songwriting
00:03:36 - Unleashing Creativity in Music and Sound
00:07:50 - Nurturing Authenticity in Songwriting
00:11:34 - Enhancing Flow and Cohesion in Songs
00:17:40 - Exploring Creative Possibilities in Ableton
00:29:58 - The Dynamic Energy of Live Shows
00:31:49 - Navigating Audience Reactions
00:33:50 - Shaping the Flow of a Setlist
00:39:54 - Exploring the World of Visuals and Animation
00:41:44 - Juggling Creativity and Time Constraints
00:45:59 - Enhancing Production Through Objective Evaluation
00:52:14 - The Optimal Guitar Configuration
00:54:11 - Diving into Alternative Tunings
00:58:20 - Crafting Music for Rainbow Six
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
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LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
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https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com

Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 5min
ALYSSA DAY (Puppies, Injury Recovery, and Risking It All)
Alyssa Day returns to the Riffhard Podcast to talk about making her puppy-filled video for "Trundle," how she recovered from a debilitating arm injury, and more.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Exploration of Puppy Love
00:12:50 - Breathing Life Into Instrumental Melodies
00:15:01 - Authentic Artistry in the Music Domain
00:17:02 - Reflecting on Past Missteps
00:19:09 - Navigating the Challenges of Injury and Response Diversity
00:21:13 - Harnessing the Power of Framing and Perspective
00:23:24 - Coping With Tour Absence
00:27:33 - a Struggle Shared Among Metal Guitarists
00:33:51 - Embracing a Slow Recovery and Resuming Guitar Practice
00:35:51 - the Virtue of Patience in Injury Rehabilitation
00:37:59 - Battling Hand Mobility Issues and Musical Pursuits
00:39:57 - Physical and Mental Endeavors in Music Education
00:42:05 - Confronting the Fear of Disappointment
00:46:25 - Defining Success and Fostering Creative Priorities
00:48:47 - Wrestling With Doubts and Risks in Music Video Ventures
00:53:06 - the Journey of Risk-taking and Passion Pursuit
00:57:17 - the Intensity of Pursuing Audacious Goals
01:01:23 - Crafting Musical Magic and Innovation
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
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LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/
https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com

Feb 1, 2024 • 1h 48min
WES HAUCH | ALLUVIAL (The Church Of Guitar, Metallica, and Neuralink) w/ Spiro Dussias
Wes Hauch of Alluvial joins Eyal Levi and guest co-host Spiro Dussias.
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Riffhard Podcast with guest Wes Hauch
00:03:14 - Cultivating Consistency in Technique Development
00:07:05 - Mastering the Art of Project Completion
00:10:37 - Navigating the Demand for Continuous Music Releases
00:18:00 - Examining Metallica's Impact on the Musical Landscape
00:25:22 - Insights into James Hetfield's Guitar Collection
00:29:04 - Precision in Metal Mixing and Tone Crafting
00:50:31 - Striking a Balance Between Recording and Guitar Proficiency
00:54:03 - Significance of Choosing a Defined Artistic Path
00:57:44 - Evolution of Home Recording and its Revolution
01:08:30 - Attaining Proficiency in Guitar Mechanics
01:15:30 - Contemplating the Dangers of Neuralink and Artistic Integrity
01:22:33 - The Swift Progression of Technological Advancements
01:33:13 - Unraveling the Enigma of Child Prodigies
01:43:30 - Preparing Meticulously for Live Performances
01:46:58 - Anticipating Exciting EP Releases and Tour Announcements
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/
https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com

Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 2min
TANK THE TECH (Reputation Killers, Guitar Tech 101, 7 Min Or Less String Changes, Making $ In Music)
Tank The Tech is a popular YouTuber by night and guitar tech/tour manager by day. His YouTube channel has grown very fast because of how much truth he spits about reality in the music industry.
Chapters:
00:02:06 - The Importance of Knowing Guitar Set-up Basics
00:06:24 - Stepping Into a Guitar Tech Gig
00:08:21 - The Importance of String Height and Maintenance
00:10:33 - The Art of String Changes
00:14:53 - Manual Vs. Automated String Winders
00:18:53 - The Importance of Regular Maintenance
00:21:06 - Reliance on Tuners in Live Performances
00:23:02 - Trusting Tuners Vs Trusting Ears
00:29:26 - Transitioning to Digital Amplifiers
00:37:18 - The Journey to Full-time Guitar Tech
00:41:21 - Learning on the Fly as a Guitar Tech
00:47:17 - Learning Experiences and Swallowing Pride
00:51:43 - The Role of a Guitar Tech
00:53:45 - Effective Communication in the Music Industry
00:55:41 - The Importance of Reputation in the Music Industry
00:59:36 - Treating People With Respect on Tour
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/
https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 3min
NIZAR OSMANI (Passing The Zakk Wylde Test, Insane Time Management, Desterilizing Music Theory)
Nizar Osmani is a frequent Riffhard collaborator, mastermind guitarist, and ER doctor.
Chapters:
00:11:00 - Getting More Done in Less Time
00:27:34 - the Value of Music and Art Education
00:33:42 - Music Theory and Language Learning
00:41:58 - the Importance of Listening and Interpretation
00:44:03 - Breaking Out of Tendencies With Modal Interchange
00:50:05 - the Creative Process and Musical Influences
00:54:01 - Cover Versions and Licensing Songs
00:58:17 - Recreating Zakk Wylde's Signature Sounds
01:02:20 - Home Recording in Modern Music
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/
https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com

Dec 6, 2023 • 57min
DAVE ELLEFSON & GUILHERME MIRANDA
Dave Ellefson (Ex-Megadeth) and Guilherme Miranda (Ex-Entombed A.D.) play guitar and bass for Dieth.
Chapters:
00:03:28 - The Organic Story of Their Band
00:07:36 - The Beginnings of the Collaboration
00:13:18 - The Writing Process and Recording Techniques
00:20:46 - Composing With Vocals in Mind
00:28:25 - Collaboration and Limitations in Drum Programming
00:32:07 - The Power of Simplicity
00:43:49 - Underutilized Aspects of Guitar and Ideas That Don't Make It
00:47:29 - Revisiting Ideas From the Past
00:49:25 - Creating a Masterful Composition
00:51:27 - The Creative Process and Future Plans
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
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LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/
https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com

Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 48min
DOC COYLE & MILES DIMITRI BAKER (Metallica Tour, Fake It Till You Make It, Playing w Ice Nine Kills)
Doc Coyle (Bad Wolves, God Forbid) and Miles Dimitri Baker (Interloper) discuss playing for Ice Nine Kills during their Metallica Stadium Tour.
Chapters:
00:03:42 - Learning Ice Nine Kills Songs Under Pressure
00:07:06 - Burning the Candle at Both Ends
00:13:38 - Overcoming Fear and Taking Opportunities
00:24:28 - The Pressure of Learning Songs for Rehearsals
00:28:12 - Playing With Metallica in Stadiums
00:35:21 - Efficiently Arranging for Three Guitars
00:42:31 - the Importance of Attention to Detail in Music
00:49:58 - Balancing Work and Play
01:00:28 - Adjusting to Life After a Project or Tour
01:11:28 - Giving in to Your Brain's Desires
01:18:33 - the Sacrifices of Pursuing a Career in Music
01:32:30 - the Importance of Being a Team Player
01:40:00 - Navigating the "I Don't Know What I'm Doing" Scenario
01:47:40 - Owning Tough Conversations
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/
https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com

Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 12min
JUSTIN MCKINNEY | The Zenith Passage (Atomic Picking Habits, Cannibal Corpse, Bleeding For Your Art)
Justin McKinney, guitarist for The Zenith Passage joins us to talk about the the tech death guitar life.
Chapters:
00:02:37 - Communication in music production
00:09:44 - Overcoming Demoitis
00:19:25 - Hot Take: Shorter Albums Are Better
00:21:23 - The Importance of Quality over Quantity
00:28:15 - The Evolution of Cannibal Corpse
00:33:00 - Extreme Music for Extreme People
00:35:23 - We Should All Love Gateway Bands
00:42:36 - The Importance of Artists Who Care
00:49:31 - Efficient Picking Techniques
01:01:28 - The Cost of Pursuing Excellence in Music
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/
https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com

Oct 25, 2023 • 1h 10min
EP 138 | TAKING BACK SUNDAY (Surviving In Music, Songwriting Tips, How To Keep A Band Together) John Nolan
John Nolan is the guitarist and a vocalist for Taking Back Sunday.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - John Nolan's Songwriter's Journey
00:04:36 - Crafting the Perfect Tune
00:07:02 - Overthinking vs. Subconscious Flow
00:13:53 - Writing Without Pressure: Nurturing Creativity
00:20:44 - The Art of Songcraft
00:23:09 - Overcoming Setbacks
00:27:38 - A Vision for Growth
00:29:58 - The Role of Luck in Music
00:39:16 - Thriving on Uncertainty: Adapting with No Plan B
00:44:02 - The Guitar's Role in Songwriting
00:48:43 - The Genesis of Songs
00:51:10 - The Significance of Constructive Critique
00:56:09 - Building Trust in the Recording Process
00:58:22 - Conveying Creative Ideas
01:03:03 - The Vitality of Recording Skills
01:05:21 - A Musical Comfort Zone: Singing and Playing at the same time
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/
https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com

Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 38min
EP 137 | ALYSSA DAY: Mental Illness, Social Anxiety, and How To Get Paid For Playing Guitar
Alyssa Day is a trailblazing guitarist/composer who is in our top 10 guitarists to watch list.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Alyssa Day
00:02:48 - The Drive for Self-Improvement
00:15:31 - The Power of Visualization in Learning a Musical Piece
00:18:39 - Visualizing Rhythms and Melodic Arcs
00:24:44 - The Importance of Broadening Musical Perspective
00:27:56 - The Importance of Funk Playing Techniques for Guitarists
00:33:56 - Prioritizing in a Busy Schedule
00:40:39 - Engineering Your Life to Prioritize Relationships
00:43:55 - Introversion and Social Anxiety
00:53:49 - Analyzing and Modifying Behavior in a Saturated Market for Success
00:57:11 - Transitioning into Video Content
01:04:16 - The Joys and Challenges of Being a Musician
01:11:00 - Balancing Career Opportunities
01:14:15 - Deciding Your Worth and Raising Rates
01:23:52 - The Importance of Accountability
01:33:17 - The Anxiety of Being Self-Employed in the Music Industry
01:36:41 - The Value of Visual and Audio Content in Podcasts
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE:
https://bit.ly/RIFFHARDPODCAST
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY AND APPLE:
https://spoti.fi/3orTur3
https://apple.co/3BROI9t
FOLLOW EYAL & RIFFHARD:
https://www.instagram.com/eyalleviurmaudio/
https://www.instagram.com/weriffhard/
WEBSITES:
http://riffhardpodcast.com
http://riffhard.com


