Chewing the Gristle with Greg Koch

A wide-ranging conversation with guitarist and composer Mike Seal on the making of his newest album, the craft of touring, and why human connection still matters for music. We swap road stories, gear notes, and honest takes on streaming, AI, and what it takes to last.

Go pick up Mike’s new record, Danger Ranger, at MikeSealmusic.com

Tracii Guns of LA Guns joins Greg Koch for a refreshingly honest exploration of what makes rock and roll endure through decades of industry upheaval. Their conversation weaves through Tracii's musical awakening at age five—hearing Led Zeppelin's theremin breakdown in "Whole Lotta Love" from the backseat of a car—to building and maintaining LA Guns through countless lineup changes and industry shifts.
With remarkable candor, Tracii takes us behind the scenes of his evolution as a guitarist, from his early days playing "Scorpion-style heavy metal with a little Jimmy Page thrown in" to his current approach. Guitar aficionados will delight in their deep dive into equipment - Tracii's journey from traditional JCM 800 Marshalls to embracing digital technology while maintaining his signature sound. "You keep changing stuff but you keep getting the same sound," his tech once observed.
The pair unpack the mystique of legendary guitarists like Jimmy Page, revealing that greatness often comes from simplicity rather than complexity. "For all the magic that he is, he bought his main guitar for 500 bucks from Joe Walsh," Tracii notes, suggesting that true mastery comes from dedication to playing, not gear acquisition.
Perhaps most valuable is Tracii's hard-earned wisdom about music industry survival: "You don't need a million people, you just need enough people to support you. You get 10,000 people buying everything you do, you're done." In an age of algorithm-chasing and viral fame, Tracii and Greg remind us that authentic connection through live performance remains the beating heart of rock and roll.
Want to see these two legends join forces? Catch Tracii Guns and Greg Koch performing together at the Basement East on August 27th—a rare opportunity to witness their musical chemistry in person.

Greg Koch sits down with guitar virtuoso Dweezil Zappa for a fascinating deep dive into musical authenticity, technical mastery, and the challenge of preserving a legendary legacy. Their conversation reveals the extraordinary dedication required to perform Frank Zappa's intricate compositions, with Dweezil candidly sharing his 14-year journey to truly internalize his father's musical vocabulary.

What begins as a discussion about guitar techniques evolves into profound insights about musical connection. Dweezil explains why, despite growing up as Frank Zappa's son, he initially gravitated toward more guitar-centric players, such as Eddie Van Halen, before tackling his father's complex work. He compares performing Frank's arrangements to an "orchestral mindset" where precision and teamwork are paramount, revealing that despite years of touring, he must essentially relearn most pieces before each performance.

The conversation takes unexpected turns through musical philosophy, modern guitar culture, and the realities of today's music industry. Dweezil offers a valuable perspective for independent musicians, suggesting that cultivating meaningful relationships with a dedicated fanbase is far more sustainable than chasing mainstream success: "Instead of trying to get a dollar from a million people, what if you cultivated a relationship with 10,000 people who want to spend a hundred dollars every year?" Throughout their exchange, both guitarists reflect on finding balance between technical skill and emotional connection, agreeing that the ability to move an audience often transcends pure virtuosity.

There's something uniquely captivating about listening to two master musicians simply talk shop. When Nashville session legend Tom Bukovac (affectionately known as "Uncle Larry") sits down with Greg Koch for this episode of Chewing the Gristle, their conversation unfolds like a masterclass.

Bukovac pulls back the curtain on the Nashville session scene with refreshing candor. "It doesn't matter if you're playing for a barely signed new artist or Paul McCartney," he explains. "A sideman gig is a sideman gig. The only thing that changes is the dough and the prestige." This hard-earned wisdom comes from decades navigating an industry that demands technical perfection, psychological resilience, and emotional intelligence.

The episode weaves through fascinating territory – from Bukovac's journey giving himself just one year to make it in Nashville (spoiler: he was on a tour bus within months), to the psychological challenges of session work. "I've been on sessions when people hated everything I played," he admits. "I remember coming home from sessions crying because I felt like such a failure." Yet this vulnerability transformed into strength, creating an iron-clad professional who now plays alongside artists like Vince Gill.

Guitar enthusiasts will appreciate their deep dive into vintage instruments, including Bukovac's prized 1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior. Their shared language of influences – from Hendrix to Albert King to Jerry Reed – reveals how deeply personal guitar playing remains despite its technical dimensions.

Perhaps most illuminating is Bukovac's perspective on what truly matters in music: "These are people's dreams you're working on. This is not just a session." That blend of technical mastery and emotional intelligence perfectly captures why some musicians remain eternally in demand.

Whether you're a working musician or simply love peeking behind the curtain of the music industry, this conversation delivers honest insights you won't find in guitar magazines or music documentaries. Subscribe now for more unfiltered conversations from the heart of American music.

Tyler Bryant's musical journey embodies the purest essence of artistic dedication. From the moment he left his tiny Texas town of 1,700 people at age 17, armed with nothing but talent and determination, his singular focus has been creating authentic music that resonates. That unwavering commitment has evolved into a Grammy-winning career spanning performance, songwriting, and production.

What strikes you immediately about Bryant is his refreshing perspective on success. Where once it meant packed venues and non-stop touring, he's found deeper fulfillment in creating meaningful music while maintaining balance. His current rhythm of 50-70 shows yearly complemented by studio work represents not a compromise but an evolution—one allowing him to truly savor each creative moment.

Bryant's production philosophy is equally enlightening. Rather than imposing his vision, he describes himself as "a professional appreciator" who helps artists recognize their most magical moments. "Hold on, do you realize when you do this, that's super badass? I have goosebumps," he explains. This approach has led to collaborations with artists ranging from Ruthie Foster to Rodney Crowell, culminating in Grammy recognition that Bryant humbly downplays, insisting "the work is the reward."

The conversation reveals a musician who's grown not just in skill but wisdom. From building a professional studio from scratch to recovering his beloved pink Stratocaster five years after it was stolen, Bryant approaches each experience with both passion and perspective. Now preparing for fatherhood with a baby due in August, he's entering yet another creative chapter—one where music and family harmonize completely. As he puts it, success today means "getting to make cool music as much as I possibly can and provide for my family." For anyone navigating their own creative path, Tyler Bryant offers the perfect reminder that authentic art happens when you follow what truly moves you.