A Rochester NY Guitar Slinger in Nashville w/Michael Staertow :: Ep 206 the Rich Redmond Show
Release Date: 01/24/2025
The Rich Redmond Show
Rich and Jim sit down with Andy Peak for an epic conversation exploring Nashville's music scene, featuring insights into drumming, producing, and Peak's solo albums. Highlights include: [0:05] Music City Drum Show Preview [0:20] Peak's musical background and Nashville journey [0:37] Discussion of first Nashville gigs with Nicolette Larson [1:10] Peak's solo albums "Mood Swings" and "Pocket Change" [1:25] Insights into Nashville's music industry [1:40] AI and music technology discussion [1:50] Peak's daughter Emlyn's music career [2:05] Advice for young musicians breaking into Nashville Special...
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Join Rich and Jim as they dive deep with drummer, engineer, and studio owner Elton Charles. From his immigrant parents' success story to navigating the Nashville music scene, Elton shares insights into his musical journey. Timed Highlights: [0:10] - Elton's backstory and move to Nashville [0:25] - Discussion of Berkeley College of Music and career beginnings [0:45] - Owning Studio 2300 Nashville and recording with top artists [1:10] - Drumming techniques and musical influences [1:30] - Family background and the immigrant entrepreneurial spirit [1:45] - Challenges of running a...
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In this throwback episode from the early days of the Rich Redmond Show, Rich and Jim dive deep into the world of all things Chris McHugh! Chris's incredible career spans contemporary Christian music, country, and beyond. From Nashville's early days to modern recording techniques, this episode offers an intimate look at a legendary session drummer's life, challenges, and evolution. Timed Highlights: [0:00-15:00] Nashville's Musical Roots: Chris discusses arriving in Nashville in 1985 and his early days with WhiteHeart [15:00-30:00] Session Musician Life: Insights into recording...
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Rich and Jim dive deep with multi-talented Rob Ricotta in this high-energy episode. Highlights include: [0:15] Rob's journey from church band drummer to touring with John Morgan [22:30] Behind-the-scenes of voiceover work and character creation [35:45] Balancing multiple creative careers in music and acting [48:20] Hilarious voice-over challenges and impersonation battles Rob's inspirations and future goals in drumming and entertainment From drumming with country artists to voicing video game trailers, Rob shares candid stories about his creative path, the importance of mentorship, and...
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Rich and Jim chat with rock legend Stan Lynch, founding drummer of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Highlights include: - Early drumming influences and learning to play with restraint - The magic of recording Damn the Torpedoes - Working with Don Henley and transitioning from drummer to producer - Reflections on modern music and staying creative - Introducing his new band, Speaker Wars, and upcoming album release Stan shares candid stories about his musical journey, the importance of serving the song, and his philosophy of making music with friends. A must-listen for...
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Join Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy as they dive deep with Dango Cellan, a versatile drummer who's played with Scott Stapp, Amber Pacific, and Hawthorne Heights. Discover the secrets of surviving and thriving in the music industry, balancing multiple gigs, and maintaining passion through decades of drumming. Timed Highlights: [0:05] - Dango's Impressive Musical Journey [0:15] - Nashville's Drumming Hustle Culture [0:30] - Broadway Gigs and Musical Flexibility [0:45] - Teaching Philosophy and Mentoring Young Musicians [1:00] - Punk Rock Roots and Evolving Drumming Style [1:15] - Gear Talk:...
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Rich and Jim dive deep with Nashville drummer, songwriter, and storyteller Vince Santoro. From his early days playing drums in Washington D.C. to becoming a staple in Nashville's music scene, Vince shares his incredible journey through music, including his work with Felix Cavalieri, Rodney Crowell, and his upcoming solo record "Exposed". Timed Highlights: [0:05] - Vince's early musical influences: Beatles, Kinks, Stones, and Hendrix [0:15] - Nashville's evolving music and food scene [0:25] - Vince's journey from D.C. to becoming a Nashville musician [0:35] - His role as Secretary Treasurer of...
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Christopher Williams is the powerhouse drummer for the legendary metal band Accept. Join Rich and Jim as they explore Williams' incredible musical journey from small-town South Carolina to sharing stages with rock icons like Gene Simmons and Ace Frehley. Hear hilarious tour stories, learn about his woodworking side hustle, and discover the dedication behind becoming a world-class drummer. From heavy metal to Nashville's rock scene, this episode is a must-listen for music lovers and aspiring musicians. Timed Highlights: - Christopher Williams moves to Nashville in 2008, getting...
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"Bass, Bands, and Backstage Stories: Brian Arsenault's 25-Year Musical Journey" Join Rich Redmond and Brian Arsenault as they dive deep into the life of a professional bass player, exploring his incredible journey from Canadian country bars to touring with Gary Allen for 25 years. Highlights include: [0:10] Early Touring Days: Brian's wild first experiences in a Winnebago with a fighting band [0:25] Nashville Arrival: How a truck driver and a chance encounter brought Brian to Music City [0:40] Pam Tillis Years: Behind-the-scenes stories from life on the road [0:55] Gary Allen Band: The...
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Join Rich Redmond as he sits down with Parker McCollum's drummer Jonathan Bostwick for an epic conversation covering his musical evolution. Highlights include: [0:15] - From Ohio to Nashville: Jonathan's musical roots [0:30] - Uber driving days and early musician struggles [22:00] - Breaking into the country music scene with Parker McCollum [45:00] - Performing at massive venues like George Strait's record-breaking Kyle Field show 1:05:00 - Exploring drumming techniques and musical influences 1:20:00 - Side hustles: Jonathan's emerging passion for music production 1:30:00 - Personal stories...
info_outlineFormer guitarist for Canadian Music Hall of Fame recording artist “The Guess Who” (2021-2024) - Michael’s pedigree also includes many years as lead guitarist and musical director with original Foreigner vocalist and solo artist Lou Gramm, guitarist with multi-platinum artist Mark Slaughter, as well as both RockStar counselor and Music Director of the prestigious Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp organization.
In addition to playing venues around the world with these icons, he has performed with many industry greats, most notably Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne, Dio, Whitesnake), Paul Stanley (KISS), Gene Cornish (The Rascals), Buddy Guy, Carmine and Vinny Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Black Sabbath), Nancy Wilson (Heart), Rich Redmond (Jason Aldean) and original Foreigner drummer Dennis Elliott. He also shared the stage with legendary Bad Company vocalist Paul Rodgers and former Heart guitarist Howard Leese at the “Pandora Unforgettable Moments on Ice” show, which was broadcast worldwide on ABC-TV and On Demand.
Michael has also been the focus of articles in Guitar World, Guitar One and Vintage Guitar Magazine, as well as a featured guest on several podcasts including Guitar Player Magazine‘s “No Guitar Is Safe” hosted by GP’s Jude Gold.
With The Guess Who, he has recorded and released their latest full length album “Plein D’Amour” with eight music videos (one for each track) to coincide!
In late 2024 Michael was invited back to the “Lou Gramm All Stars” to complete this year’s tour, after Lou’s long overdue induction to the prestigious Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Foreigner.
Michael is also a member of Rizz & The Believerz which includes current and former members of Tesla (Troy Luccketta), Whitesnake (Michael Devin), and Lynyrd Skynyrd (Peter Keys). Rizz has released the 2024 EP “Everyday People” which Michael played guitar on and has appeared live with as well as WSMV’s “Today In Nashville” showcase.
Some Things That Came Up:
-3:30 Michael and Rich met at The Saban Theater in 2016
-4:20 Michael moves his family to Nashville in July of 2020
-5:00 Rochester, NY…home of Steve Gadd, Lou Gramm, Chuck Mangione…and…Chicken French!
-6:00 Rich still owes Michael Tupperware
-8:45 Keith Urban playing at the Nashville airport?
-12:45 Conspiratorial Minded? Alex Jones? Drones? Flat Earth? Did we land on the moon?
-16:45 The masks
-17:45 The Masons
-18:45 Playing music with Lou Gramm. Michael also backed up Paul Rodgers when Lou Gramm was direct support for Bad Company
-21:45 Lou Gramm played drums in the band Black Sheep, before Foreigner
-23:00 Seeing Foreigner with Denny Carmassi on drums.
-23:41 Lou’s brain tumor diagnosis in the 90’s
-25:30 The love of Edward Van Halen
-26:00 Finishing Rick Rubin’s book
-30:00 Grease Soundtrack, Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack…then…Van Halen 1 was the life changer
-31:00 Michael started on drums, and then violin and saxophone. Guitar was the last instrument.
-32:00 Neal Schon is #1
-37:50 Counselors at The Rock N’ Roll Fantasy Camp and then rocking with School of Rock at The Ryman
-40:00 The satisfaction of running into ex-students and the discipline we pass on
-45:40 Rizz and the Believers project
-49:00 The love of Troy Luccketta
-52:00 Michael’s tribute band choice is Journey and KISS
-53:00 Resurrection’s Jim Handley
-58:00 Jon England and the Western Swingers
-1:00:00 Michael is a Carrie Underwood fan!
-1:07:20 Homogenization of Music and the cannibalization of radio talent
-1:09:00 The Fave 5
The Rich Redmond Show is about all things music, motivation and success. Candid conversations with musicians, actors, comedians, authors and thought leaders about their lives and the stories that shaped them. Rich Redmond is the longtime drummer with Jason Aldean and many other veteran musicians and artists. Rich is also an actor, speaker, author, producer and educator. Rich has been heard on thousands of songs, over 30 of which have been #1 hits!
Follow Rich:
@richredmond
Jim McCarthy is the quintessential Blue Collar Voice Guy. Honing his craft since 1996 with radio stations in Illinois, South Carolina, Connecticut, New York, Las Vegas and Nashville, Jim has voiced well over 10,000 pieces since and garnered an ear for audio production which he now uses for various podcasts, commercials and promos. Jim is also an accomplished video producer, content creator, writer and overall entrepreneur.
www.itsyourshow.co