Anti-Heroes with Zach Blair

Latest Episodes:

CLARK VOGLER, VADEN LEWIS-TOADIES Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

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. They talk guitar modifications, pedal boards, and the importance of hearing protection for musicians. They share insights into their musical legacies, family connections (Zach’s brother Doni is their bassist), and the regrets of lost instruments, emphasizing the significance of their craft and the joy of playing music together.

Toadies

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Dunlop

DAVE HERNANDEZ-SCARED OF CHAKA-THE SHINS Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

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 influenced their sound, highlighting the importance of individuality in punk rock music. They discuss their musical journeys, focusing on the unique guitars they've used, their philosophies on sound, and the superstitions that accompany their performances. They talk specific guitars, the evolution of their sound, and the vibrant guitar scene in Seattle, sharing personal anecdotes and insights along the way.

Scared Of Chaka

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

MYA BYRNE Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

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 Zach emphasizes the significance of recognizing and celebrating lesser-known artists in the music industry. The two discuss their musical influences, experiences with iconic musicians, and the challenges of the music industry. Mya shares her journey of recording new music, her preference for collaboration, and her deep connection to her instruments. They also touch on personal growth, community engagement, and the importance of supporting marginalized voices in the music scene.

Mya Byrne

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

MIKE BAGGETTA-MSSV May 29, 2025

Show notes

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 from college to a professional musician, and the significance of stepping back to rediscover his passion for music. The two delve into technical guitar talk including some intricacies of their playing. They discuss the unique qualities of different tremolos, the craftsmanship behind custom guitars, and the significance of using the right amplifier for sound. Mike shares his experience playing with Jim Keltner and how authenticity plays a key role in his expression.

Mike Baggetta

Episode supported by ⁠⁠Schecter Guitars⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠Better Help⁠⁠. Visit betterhelp.com/antiheroes for 10% of your first month. We're all better with help.

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

JOSH CATERER-SMOKING POPES May 15, 2025

Show notes

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. Their shared experiences and insights that look at the music industry and the connections formed through it. Josh and Zach discuss the unique chemistry that different band members bring to a group, the challenges and dynamics of lineup changes, and the importance of collaboration in music. They delve into the creative process behind the newest single featuring Scott Lucas, discuss gear and the significance of their musical journey.

Smoking Popes

Episode supported by ⁠Schecter Guitars⁠

Episode supported by ⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠

Episode supported by ⁠Better Help⁠. Visit betterhelp.com/antiheroes for 10% of your first month. We're all better with help.

Episode supported by ⁠⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

FRANK IERO-MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE-L.S. DUNES-LEATHERMOUTH May 01, 2025

Show notes

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 discusses his guitar rig setup, thebalance between analog and digital gear, and the importance of personal connection to instruments. He shares insights on his experiences with touring, the evolution of his sound, and the nostalgia tied to past gear. The discussion highlights the creative process and the unique relationship musicians have with their instruments, emphasizing that there are no wrong ways to play music.

Frank Iero

Episode supported by Schecter Guitars

Episode supported by ⁠Distrokid⁠

Episode supported by Better Help. Visit betterhelp.com/antiheroes for 10% of your first month. We're all better with help.

Episode supported by ⁠⁠Jim Dunlop⁠⁠

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Dunlop

STEVE BARTEK-OINGO BOINGO-THE STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

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 Elfman. Steve share’s his view on the importance of collaboration, why he prefers Fender guitars and Mesa Boogie amps and we get his take on using analog pedals as a favorite source of distortion. We learn why Steve is skeptical of digital amps, what he's up to now and looking forward to in the near future.

Steve Bartek

Oingo Boingo

The Strawberry Alarm Clock

Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

Now you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Dunlop

EVA GARDNER-THE MARS VOLTA-P!NK-VERUCA SALT-GWEN STEFANI Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

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, how that led to her joining up with The Mars Volta and how she sees common music industry challenges as opportunities for growth. Eva tells us why she values collaboration, exploring new styles and how being a session musician has reinforced this perspective. Eva shares us how her first bass, a gift from her father, remains a significant, why a balance of touring and personal projects is important to her and of course, Zach and Eva talk gear.

EVA GARDNER

Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

Now you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

PETE-LOEFFLER-CHEVELLE Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

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 gear, recovering stolen gear and the newest Chevelle record.

CHEVELLE

Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

Now you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

JUSTIN PEARSON-DEAF CLUB-THE LOCUST-DEAD CROSS-PLANET B-CULT AND CULTURE PODCAST Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

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 their mutual love for the San Diego scene, celebrating San Diego luminaries Rocket from the Crypt, The Locust, and Crash Worship. They talk synths, anonymity in performance, and the importance of creating a reaction from the audience. They discuss their appreciation of unconventional art and their shared love for the Dan Armstrong bass. Last, two discuss gear and the possibility of future collaborations.

Three One G

Cult and Culture

Deaf Club

Episode support by Distrokid and Jim Dunlop

Now you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Dunlop

Schecter Guitars