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Buzz Knight
Taking a Walk welcome to Taking a Walk. I'm Buzz Knight. My guests today are two of the most celebrated guitarists in rock history, and for the first time ever, they've made it official. Joe Satriani and Steve Vai are Satch vi and they're bringing their Surfing with the Hydra tour across America this spring. Their new single Dancing is out now and a full album is on the way, and Joe and Steve are next on Taking a Walk.
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Joe Satriani
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Joe Satriani
Taking a walk.
Buzz Knight
Well, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, you guys have been orbiting each other for decades. You've been collaborators, fellow travelers. What finally made this the right moment? We hoped as fans this right moment would come some time ago. But what made it the right moment to make satchv an actual band?
Steve Vai
Ah, go for it Joe.
Joe Satriani
You know Steve.
Steve Vai
Yeah, well, the stars aligned.
Joe Satriani
Yeah, it was really quite accidental. Although, you know, I think Steve would confirm we always wanted to do it and we knew it would happen. We just couldn't figure out when we were know we're in so many similar ways. We are just driven to pursue our artistic goals and that's kind of worked against us opening up this period of, of, you know, exploring, doing a record together. But all of a sudden, you know, something happened. A little comment from my son Z was talking about making a documentary and how cool it would be if the G3 started again because that's as a four year old. That's when he started to tour with us, my wife and I. And he kind of grew up around Steve and all the other band members that joined us from 96 and just traveled with us all the time. And so he was making beginning to make this documentary about that his life growing up with the strangest bunch of dudes ever. Right? And then he mentioned like it'd be great if you guys got together again and did like a concert. And then that turned into wouldn't it be great if you did a tour and wouldn't it be great if you know, you kept the tour Going and wouldn't it be great if you had a track and somebody said, why don't you guys do an album? We were like, oh, I guess that moment has arrived. Yeah. And, you know, and, and it did. And even though the crazy thing is, is that it was the worst time because we both took on these outside gigs that were going to drive us crazy, make us happy, but drive us crazy with, you know, our schedules. And somehow we just expanded the time element so that we would have double the amount of time to work. I. I don't know how we did it, to tell you the truth. I think that's we. Steve and I have been thinking about that last couple of days as we finished the record, wondering, like, how did we get this done?
Steve Vai
Yeah, it's like, don't blink, you know, I think Joe's right on it. But it was always something at the back of our minds. And we've had a lot of great experiences together on stage and recording, you know, live stuff. I think it was just inevitable. And then the cooperative components just came right together. It was easy peasy. There wasn't anything in the way. It felt simple enough and organic and it moved quick and it quick but slow because, you know, when you usually, when you make a record conventionally, you get a bunch of guys together, you work out the songs, you go in the studio, you lay tracks or however, but you know, this day and age. And as Joe was mentioning, we were both kind of first navigating our solo records because we both had released records and you have to go out and tour that. So we were both out doing our solo world tours. And then right into that was the G3 and then a Joe Satriani Steve Vai tour with two bands. And then as Joe mentioned, things just started. The pieces just started falling together. And for Joe and I was just easy, you know, because it just happened and we're very happy. And it was funny because we just finished mastering the record and making the record. When you're making a record, you know, you're in it and you're being, you know, you're very forensic and critical and it's hard to get a, you know, as they say, a 30,000 foot view until you can't do anything anymore because it's done and you've gone through 17 songs and whittled it down to 10. I mean, I know for me, I kind of feel it might have been the same for Joe. You can only act in the minute with what's in front of you. And then before you Know it. You've done that so many times, you've completed something and you're like, wow, there it is. And that's kind of how I feel about this record.
Joe Satriani
Yeah.
Buzz Knight
Congratulations on it. Dancing is loose and playful. It's wonderful. Is that intentional? Is that a different musical headspace that you guys found? Did that come out of the environment of the studio? Talk about that.
Joe Satriani
Yeah. Steve, you should tell them how we got to that song.
Steve Vai
Well, you know, Joe and I, we have particular similarities. You know, if you're an unknown, you're watching us play guitar, so, you know, they kind of are in the same playground, you know, but our solo music, you know, you could hear things that are representative of similarities, but our musical ears are different. You know, Joe usually very solid, you know, very more. A little more simplistic than the kinds of things I do. I'm. I'm very quirky, and sometimes I reach for odd, complex things. I don't know why. It's just, you know, my.
Joe Satriani
To say the least.
Steve Vai
To say the least, yeah. Every night when I walk up to the Hydra, I'd say, why are you
Joe Satriani
like the way you are?
Steve Vai
But I heard this song, and it was a Palo Konte song, and for some silly reason, it just stuck with me. And I carried it around since the 80s because I, for some reason heard it in the back of my mind as a guitar duo because it's so unexpected, and I like unexpected. So I carried it around. And when the opportunity came up to start writing with Joe, we were submitting stuff and I had it and I thought, wow, give it a shot. See what he says, you know, and. But I knew it was a stretch, you know, but Joe wrote back a really funny email that said, I have no idea what I'm gonna play on this, but I trust your insanity. So we, you know, kind of built the track, and I love the way it came out. It's. It's different, you know, and we actually have another song. It's called Mayhem. And it's really a great straight ahead hype. High energy, beautiful power rock guitar instrumental piece with a totally inspired melody. And you'd think, well, let's go with that. And we had released two singles, the Sea of Emotion, which is very accessible, very. It has. It has a little bit of quirk in it, you know, but very accessible. Accessible. And then I want to play my guitar, which is like as really straight ahead as you can get. So we, Joe and I weren't really sure, you know, what. What we should release for the next single. Because, you know, there was options. So you, we brought in the professionals, you know, the label and we said, well, here they are, you know, what do you think? And you know, they do that all day. They know what is, you know, they can help if you got good, if you got a good label with inspired AR people, you know, they have good instincts and they suggested we go with dancing.
Buzz Knight
Awesome. Great story, Great behind the scenes story. So Kenny Aronoff, Marco Mendoza, Pete Thorne, pretty serious lineup. How did those pieces come together and what does that chemistry feel like on stage?
Joe Satriani
Oh, fantastic. I mean, I've been playing with Kenny for quite a while, so. And I'm, I'm still playing with him this week in another band.
Buzz Knight
Right.
Joe Satriani
Kenny brings an enormous amount of positive driving energy that it's like, it's. I met. Even though I don't surf, I imagine if I was a surfer and the perfect wave came along, I'd say, man, all I have to do is get up on my board and let this thing carry me right to the shore. And that's kind of like what it's like. As soon as he counts it off, I know I'm in these incredible hands that the drive, the timing, the finessing, the groove, all of it is just gonna be great. And all I have to do is sort of ride that wave with him. And he does that for every song in such a unique way. And then of course there's offstage where he is just the greatest human being and one of the funniest guys he'd ever want to travel with. So, you know, pro, top to bottom, working with Kenny is really amazing. We started putting together the idea for the album band and the touring bands kind of independently, I think. Steve and I had a conversation where we thought, well, we've got these two live bands, but when we go to do the record, how are we going to choose which band to use? And then we thought, well, let's not. Let's just bring in different drummers and bass players, keyboard players if we need them, and just make the record full of really interesting players who we think are going to enhance the songs. And it's an eclectic album, as Steve was pointing out. It goes for my, I want to play my guitar to dancing. And there's even weirder stuff on the album. So there's no point trying to make one rhythm section go through all those changes when you can invite people with special talents. Also had to make a decision about who that other person was going to be that was going to have to handle all the Guitar parts that Steve and I can't play when we're busy doing melodies and solos? And can they either. Are they either keyboard players who play a little guitar or emulate guitar, or are they going to be guitar players who handle all our crazy parts, especially Steve's, and then also simulate keyboard parts? And I don't know why, but we just sort of thought, let's get a guitar player that'll be more fun. And in my mind, Pete was. He just popped into my head right away. I just thought, I don't know anybody more professional and relaxed to handle something like this. And I'd seen him play all kinds of stuff and never lose that just perfect feel for modern music. And so it just turned out great. And then there was Marco, which actually, Marco was recommended to me by Alan Rosen, who owns the Bananas at large music stores that I hang out in way too much up in Northern California. And then it was one of those recommendations where you go, oh, of course. We need a singing bass player who's got a pedigree, who understands how to perform this kind of stuff. And it just so happened he had these other talents that made him perfect for tracks like dancing, which other rock bass players would have been scratching their heads, like, what do I do? You know? But he knew exactly what to do because it was part of his wheelhouse.
Buzz Knight
You know, this isn't a setup to a joke, but two guitarists walk into a music store. Their names are Steve Vai and Joe Satriani. Do they walk out with something every time?
Steve Vai
No, they just walk in and look at all the other guitar players and go, I can do that.
Joe Satriani
I can do that. Or, that's interesting. I better steal that. I better steal that. Yeah.
Steve Vai
I don't know. Do you buy stuff? Do you go. Occasionally, but not. Not often.
Joe Satriani
I do. I. Back and forth and back and forth. I have the syndrome gear acquisition syndrome. But I also get rid of my gear. Probably just to the same degree. To the same percentage. But full disclosure, I bought a pedal last night online. I don't know why I'm not even going to be home to test it out for three months. But, yeah, I thought, I bet if when I get home in three months, I plug that in, I'll write a couple of songs. So that's the way my mind thinks.
Buzz Knight
But you recycle stuff, too.
Joe Satriani
You.
Buzz Knight
You take stuff out of rotation and get rid of it.
Joe Satriani
Yeah. And. And Alan at Bananas, he's really great at that. There's a lot of my stuff that, you know, you have to Be sort of. I mean, Steve and I don't want to get rid of anything, but at some point, the people that we live with say, really, like six more guitars. There's 10 more pedals. You really need those stacks of amps. And you, okay, so you, you. You know, it's like triage, and you go, okay, I'll get rid of that. That, that. And yeah, I recently put up for sale a 71 Marshall 100 watt Plexi. And that was gut wrenching. You know, I hadn't used it in, like, seven years, and. And the last time I used it, we used it for, like a bridge of a song. And it was just like, why am I holding onto this thing when someone really wants it and they want to play it every night? And so, yeah, it was. It was sad. I think when I walk away from dropping off gear at Alan's place, I'm, you know, tear in my eye, like, I'll never see that.
Buzz Knight
You go through the same thing, Steve. That same emotion, that same. Oh, my God, it's gone. I had to do it.
Steve Vai
Well, I go through phases, you know, where I don't want anything. I just want space. I don't use any of this stuff. Let's get rid of it. You know, call reverb, whatever. And then I go through the feeling of I shouldn't get rid of anything because there's always that moment where I'll be looking for a sound or something. And it just happened the other day where I have these old Mutrons. I bought them ages and ages ago, and they. And they're very, you know, valuable these days. And they've sat in the closet, sat in the closet. And I'd look at them and go, oh, I own a neutron, you know. And then I was like, I got to get rid of all this stuff. I don't want any. I had a big auction and everything, but I didn't get rid of those. And sure enough, I've been. I use them on our record. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So I. It's a. It's a weird kind of thing because clearing clutter for clarity is, you know, that works very nicely. But then there's, you know, the. The. What did I do that for?
Joe Satriani
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Buzz Knight
Me, I have to worry about my wife saying, you haven't worn that jacket for 15 years. And I go get rid of it. I'm gonna lose this battle. But that. That has to be nothing like the intensity of giving away, you know, one of your pieces, if you will.
Joe Satriani
Right, yeah. Well, let me just add Steve. If you're thinking of getting rid of something, call me first.
Steve Vai
We will trade. But yeah, that's cheating.
Buzz Knight
I love that.
Joe Satriani
We'll be right back with more of the Taking a Walk podcast Eczema is
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Epglis Detailed Info Voice
Hempglis Lebricizumab LBKZ a 250mg 2ml injection is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 88 pounds or 40 kilograms with moderate to severe eczema, also called atopic dermatitis that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin or topicals or who cannot use topical therapies. EBGLIS can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. Don't use if you're allergic to ebglis. Allergic reactions can occur that can be severe. Eye problems can occur. Tell your doctor if you have New Orleans or worsening eye problems. You should not receive a live vaccine when treated with ebglis. Before starting ebglis, tell your doctor if you have a parasitic infection.
Epglis Advertisement Voice
Ask your doctor about ebgliss and visit ebglis.lily.com or call 1-800-lilyrx or 1-800-545-5979.
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Joe Satriani
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Joe Satriani
Welcome back to the Taking a Walk podcast.
Buzz Knight
What was the first moment in terms of a live concert experience that you guys can talk about that had such an imprint on you to this to this day? Steve, do you recall the first one?
Steve Vai
Well, yeah. I was a young boy and a huge Led Zeppelin fan, and the idea of, you know, going into the city to see Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden was just a fantasy. First of all, it sold out in one second. And oddly enough, in my town, this guy pulled into a gas station that was part of the crew, and he said, hey, I got these two tickets. I don't want them. I don't need them. You want them to, my friend. And I'm like, what? And we went. So that was my first, my very first. Well, my first concert was Return to Forever at the Hofstra Playhouse, but the next one was Led Zeppelin, but they both had quite an impact.
Buzz Knight
Oh, man, those are great ones. Joe, how about you? Ooh.
Joe Satriani
There was a bunch of concerts. I went to a small amount. I mean, it's funny. Steve mentions Zeppelin at the Garden. Crazy concert. It was packed and the stage collapsed at the end. The front stage.
Steve Vai
That was the year before, but you had gone to that one.
Joe Satriani
Yeah, and it was insane because it was such a magical concert. And just, you know, is when you're a kid and you're at an event, the event is just as important as, you know, what the people are doing on stage, because you're kind of with your tribe. And when you're, you know, 14, 15 years old, it's very important that you get to gather with your tribe, you know, and so the whole experience was just mesmerizing. And then because of all the people trying to climb on the stage to the front of the stage just goes. And this big V starts to open up, pointing towards the audience and the PA columns. The voice of the theater side fills start to fall in. And it's just sort of craziness going on. And then hearing Robert Plant scream in that high pitched voice. We never forgot that. We just thought that was the funniest thing, you know, but. And the band all backed up, they left the stage and they turned all the lights on, which was really weird. I don't think we'd ever. You know, it's sort of like you wake up from a dream, you know, and all of a sudden you realize, wow, we're just a bunch of crazy kids at Madison Square Garden. It looks more like a. Like you've gone to see a hockey game or something, you know, with all the lights on. And they secured the stage and then the band came back out and they played thank you with all the lights on. And that was amazing because we. We got to see what they really look like without all the magic. It was just these guys, these young guys from the magical kingdom of England who. Who had blessed us with their presence. And it was. Yeah, I never forgot that. And the. As we were leaving, we got the idea that we should get a souvenir. And we went up to the stage and we started seeing. We could pull a piece of wood, the plywood stuff. And the New York City cop came up with his club and he went, let me do that for you. And he re. Yanked a big piece for me, and I got to take it home. Oh, my God.
Steve Vai
I remember seeing it. You showed it to me.
Joe Satriani
Yeah. I don't know what happened to it. Somehow, you know, through adolescence, I don't know, maybe my parents said, why are you keeping this piece of wood?
Buzz Knight
Amazing stories, my God. You're going to be blending new Satch 5 material with catalog classics and covers. How do you curate a set list that. That honors both your histories without it feeling, you know, like it's some greatest
Joe Satriani
hits package that's hard.
Steve Vai
Well, in some sense, it is a greatest hits package because the show's diverse and very integrated in that there's times when Joe. Joe and I are actually playing our songs that we wrote together and that's very integrated, that it's not like just jamming. And then there's spots where I'll come out and play a couple of my songs, and then Joe will come out and we'll merge something together, you know, and then he'll take over sort of like tag team. So there's quite a lot of stage movement and diversity and putting a set list together for that. You know, it kind of tells you what it should be. And when you're picking your songs, I. I have, you know, there's a couple of. Most artists have a couple of songs that their fans know the best that they're probably going to want to hear, and at least one song that if you don't play, you're going to get in real trouble by the fans, you know, so you. You kind of. And I guess you would say those are quasi greatest hits. So I like to pull some of those, but also leave a little room for a little indulgence or something from a new record. So I chose some two or three songs from my new record. And then we have our songs that we play together, so it really kind of works out itself. And then we always feel that at the end it should be a big shebang, you know, with jamming and something classic that people just, you know, they don't have to think about. They just know and they just immediately feel good when they hear it.
Buzz Knight
Joe, the dancing video was. Was directed by. By your son, ZZ that experience, having him involved, obviously he's been part of the road with you for so long, so that must have been a fun full circle moment.
Joe Satriani
Yeah, we started, I'd say, when he was about 10 or so, when he was really getting serious about making skateboard films. And we'd be on tour, South America, Europe, Asia. And, you know, he'd be working on a move for two hours and he'd be telling me, hold the camera like this, dad. And this is how you make sure you go like this. So I got used to taking direction from my son, you know, decades ago. We did a documentary together beyond the Supernova. And he's done a lot of music videos for us. And so this is the third one he's done for us. As a matter of fact, the second one he did the day before he did the thank you video for Sammy Hagar and the rest of us. So it's really great to work with him because he knows exactly what he wants, but he can improvise and think on his feet as well. So the environment's fun, it's high energy, and all you have to do is just do what he says. And that's what I learned back when he was a little kid is just do what he says and it turns out great. And don't think about, you know, vanity or anything like that because he's got, you know, he's got the vision of the end result in his mind, and it's crystal clear and it's better just to let him go with it. And so we, we had a great time. And especially in the. The dancing video, you know, Steve and I got to watch a whole day of these incredible dancers from every walk of life use their bodies in ways that we're never going to be able to do. And it was just fascinating to see them, one after another, just like respond to the music with bodily movement in such a different style. And it was, you know, it was really great that that happened. And of course, the following day we shot the beginning with Brendan, which was hysterical, you know, and I'm no actor, so it was really hard for me to keep a straight face and not just burst out laughing every time Brendan would improvise something hilarious. You know, we had a great time.
Buzz Knight
For two guys who are so committed to your craft, is there still things that you want to learn about the guitar and how to play it and how to get more out of it?
Steve Vai
Yeah, I don't think that ever ends for anybody that's truly interested in something. And I think when Joe and I started, we were very naive in the sense that we didn't know how hard life is supposed to be. And we just very innocently just did what we loved. And when a person does that, I think it's rare that the gas runs out. So I know for me, especially these days when the development of guitar technique from the underground players is just really off the charts, I could watch them and although I can't do what they do, I can be inspired by them. And as you know, I know for me, like an athlete, you know, an elite athlete, there's a window of your peak bodily functioning, you know, And I think it's the same for virtuoso type musicians, although for regular musicians that are songwriters, just players solo here and there, you know, there's. There can be a longevity in the playing with the virtuoso. You have to adjust and move on at times as the apparatus starts to slow down a bit. But in an odd way, it's actually a blessing for me. I used to play fast a lot of the time and you just get bored of it and you really start searching. The search for meaningful note after note notes and phrasing and quirky little touches to the note. It's endless and it's interesting. So I don't think that never goes away. And you don't really need to be a virtuoso to manipulate the notes into something meaningful.
Joe Satriani
Yeah, your question reminds me of something that happened backstage the other night. We were just in the tuning room where we just mess around and get ready for the show. And for some reason I started creeping by Stevie Wonder and Greg picked up on it and he knew the song. We started talking about it and Kenny was like, oh, I love that song. And I relayed the story to Greg that when I heard, first time I heard that song and the chorus came, that it kind of changed my life because I thought you can do that, like in the first two chords of a chorus, you can create that weird movement. Because it went against everything that Steve and I were learning from Bill Westcott at Car Place High School about music theory and no parallel fifths and all this kind of stuff. And all of a sudden there's Stevie Wonder, just beautiful, beautiful song, and he's doing the exact wrong thing. And it sounds magical. And it kind of reminded me of those moments where you're not expecting to get this beautiful eye opening moment when you're just casually listening to some music. And back then it was just Stevie Wonder was one of those artists that, you know, my siblings and my parents would listen to. It was one of those few artists that everybody in the house would listen to. And, and these days, as Steve was saying, you can watch on social media, just amazing players from around the world in every style. And at one point you're going to go, wow, you mean you can do that with a guitar? And it's inspiring and you may not be able to do it, but it may be just a stepping stone to something that maybe they didn't think of, but they, they, they play a part in inspiring you to take it a step further, maybe in a slightly different direction, you know, so in closing, since
Buzz Knight
we call this podcast Taking a Walk, I have to ask you the signature question, which is, if you could take a walk with someone, living or dead, who would you take a walk with and where would you take that walk? And more than one answer is, is allowed if you'd like. But who wants to dive into that lovely question.
Joe Satriani
I think I'll do that. I mean, I think this is kind of bizarre, but I was just thinking it would be great. You could walk with Stephen Hawking and he could walk, which would just be a joy to see him free of his bodily problems and, and perhaps on the surface of the moon where we can somehow breathe and not float away and just talk about, as we look back at the planet Earth, we could talk about what it's all about.
Steve Vai
Oh, that's great. Well, you know, there's been a lot of talk of what Jesus Christ used to say, so I would be interested in actually hearing what he actually said,
Buzz Knight
you know, get the straight scoop.
Steve Vai
Yeah, it'd be very, very interesting, you know. So yeah, I'd love to have a little walk with Jesus and who knows, maybe would. I will someday know anything.
Buzz Knight
What an incredible honor to talk to you. Two lessons in inspiration and creativity and in collaboration and the joy of music. Thatch VI Hittin the Road, the new album coming out later in 2026. It's an honor having you guys on and thank you for being on Taking a Walk.
Steve Vai
Right on. Thanks Buzz.
Joe Satriani
Yeah, thank you.
Buzz Knight
I'm Buzz Knight. And thanks for listening to the Taking a Walk podcast. Now please check out our companion podcasts produced by Buzz Night Media Productions with your host Lynn Hoffman. Music Save Me Showcasing the healing power of music and comedy. Save Me Shining a light on how laughter is the best medicine. All shows are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and are part of the I Heart Podcast Network.
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Joe Satriani
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Joe Satriani
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In this special episode of Takin' A Walk, Buzz Knight sits down with guitar legends Joe Satriani and Steve Vai—now officially collaborating as “Satch Vai”—to discuss their decades-long relationship, their new musical project, the creative process behind their upcoming album, and their experiences as lifelong musicians. The conversation is filled with anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories about their record “Surfing with the Hydra,” the chemistry of their new touring band, and heartfelt reflections on music, inspiration, and creativity.
Timestamps: 03:26 – 08:21
Serendipity and Timing:
The collaboration happened organically, sparked in part by Satriani’s son's documentary idea and nostalgia for the earlier G3 days.
“All of a sudden, you know, something happened. A little comment from my son Z was talking about making a documentary and how cool it would be if the G3 started again ... if you guys got together again ... did a tour ... wouldn't it be great if you had a track ... why don’t you guys do an album? We were like, oh, I guess that moment has arrived.” (05:06)
“It was always something at the back of our minds ... it was just inevitable. And then the cooperative components just came right together. It was easy peasy... and it moved quick but slow because ... we were both doing our solo world tours...” (06:02)
Creative Scheduling:
Despite both artists being busy with their solo careers and tours, they found a way to make time for the joint album.
Timestamps: 08:21 – 11:44
Contrasting Styles Breed Creativity:
Vai explains their differences and how it enriched their collaboration.
“Joe usually very solid, you know, very more. A little more simplistic than the kinds of things I do. I’m very quirky, and sometimes I reach for odd, complex things. I don’t know why. It’s just, you know, my…” (09:01)
Story Behind “Dancing”:
A cover of a Palo Konte song, picked for its unique, unexpected quality. Vai carried it since the '80s, envisioning it for a guitar duo.
“For some silly reason, it just stuck with me ... I had it and I thought, wow, give it a shot. ... Joe wrote back a really funny email that said, ‘I have no idea what I'm gonna play on this, but I trust your insanity.’” (10:09)
Choosing Singles:
Discussion about how the label helped select “Dancing” as the single after they were undecided.
Timestamps: 11:44 – 15:43
Band Member Insights:
Kenny Aronoff (drums), Marco Mendoza (bass), and Pete Thorne (guitar) join for the album/tour.
“Kenny brings an enormous amount of positive driving energy … it’s like, as soon as he counts it off, I know I’m in these incredible hands ... and offstage … one of the funniest guys you’d ever want to travel with.” (12:09)
Why Multiple Players:
They intentionally brought in different musicians for studio/tour to fit the album’s eclectic nature and complexity.
Timestamps: 15:43 – 19:19
Guitar Shopping Humor:
“No, they just walk in and look at all the other guitar players and go, I can do that.” (15:58)
“I have the syndrome gear acquisition syndrome. But I also get rid of my gear … full disclosure, I bought a pedal last night online. I'm not even going to be home to test it out for three months.” (16:14)
Letting Go of Gear:
Both express the bittersweet feelings of selling gear and the nostalgia attached to instruments and effects.
“Clearing clutter for clarity … that works very nicely. But then there’s, you know, the what did I do that for?” (18:07)
Timestamps: 22:31 – 26:18
“The event is just as important as ... what the people are doing on stage, because you’re ... with your tribe ... as we were leaving, we got the idea that we should get a souvenir ... and the New York City cop came up with his club and ... yanked a big piece for me, and I got to take it home.” (24:13–25:55)
Timestamps: 26:18 – 28:43
“There’s times when Joe and I are actually playing our songs that we wrote together ... and then there’s spots where I’ll come out and play a couple of my songs, and then Joe will come out and we’ll merge something together ... it works out itself.” (27:00)
Timestamps: 28:27 – 30:52
Family Collaboration:
Joe reflects on the joy of working with his son, who directed their music video.
“It’s really great to work with him because he knows exactly what he wants, but he can improvise and think on his feet as well … I got used to taking direction from my son, you know, decades ago.” (28:43)
Observing Dancers:
Joe and Steve describe the fun and inspiration of spending a day watching skilled dancers bring their music to life for the video.
Timestamps: 30:52 – 35:24
The Search Never Ends:
Both musicians express that the journey for new ways of playing the guitar is endless.
“I don’t think that ever ends for anybody that’s truly interested in something … when a person does that, I think it’s rare that the gas runs out.” (31:05)
“It may be just a stepping stone to something that maybe they didn’t think of, but they play a part in inspiring you to take it a step further, maybe in a slightly different direction…” (34:53)
Anecdote:
Joe shares how hearing Stevie Wonder’s “Creepin’” for the first time opened up new musical ideas, defying conventional music theory.
Timestamps: 35:24 – 36:58
On Collaboration:
On Gear and Letting Go:
On Inspiration:
On Youthful Ignorance and Creative Drive:
On Artistic Influence:
On Treasured Memories:
The episode is casual, candid, and humorous, with Steve and Joe trading friendly jabs, sharing heartfelt stories, and offering honest insight into the realities of being creative professionals over decades. There’s a strong sense of mutual respect and camaraderie, balanced with humility and a passion for continual growth.
If you haven’t listened, this episode captures two of the most inventive guitarists alive reflecting on what brought them together at last as a band, how they continue to push boundaries, and why the journey of exploration—musically and personally—never truly ends. Their stories are warm, funny, and inspiring, making this episode an essential listen for any music lover or aspiring artist.