Matthew Caws has been the frontman and guitarist of Nada Surf for more than three decades, during which time he and his group transcended their status as an alternative rock “one hit wonder” to become one of indie rock’s most respected and resilient bands. As a guitarist, he draws as much from Crosby, Stills and Nash as Echo and Bunnymen and has developed an instantly recognizable right-hand approach and chordal vocabulary all his own. Caws joined us in the studio to discuss the making of Nada Surf’s excellent new album, Moon Mirror, Telecasters versus Les Pauls, Martin versus Gibson flattops, buying seats for your guitars on airplanes, and much more. Full disclosure: He is also Tom’s oldest friend, was the best man at his wedding, and is probably to blame for his lifelong guitar addiction.
53:31
Unraveling Mary Timony's Guitar Sorcery: Tunings, Tone, and an Unexpected Obsession
Feb 7, 2025 at 10:36 a.m. CST
53:31
AL-MaryTimmony-EP-2025-2-7-16:36:51
Feb 7, 2025 at 10:36 a.m. CST
52:55
Kerry King's Wall of Sound: Riffs, Rigs, and Mayhem
Jan 24, 2025 at 10:16 a.m. CST
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Episode 10: The Wicked World of Vintage Guitars with Joe Bonamassa
Jan 10, 2025 at 10:18 a.m. CST
55:01
Gristletime Unleashed: Greg Koch Talks Van Halen, Vintage Teles, and Blues Mastery
Dec 20, 2024 at 12:33 p.m. CST
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Episode 8: Chris Shiflett on Punk, Glam, and the Quest for Sound
Dec 5, 2024 at 3:53 p.m. CST
1:00:04
Steve Brown Talks 80s Rock Glory, Push Ups, and How to Flip a Guitar
Nov 21, 2024 at 10:22 a.m. CST
1:06:09
Axe Lords Episode 5: The Untamed Sound of Kid Congo Powers
Nov 7, 2024 at 10:56 a.m. CST
42:27
Axe Lords Episode 4: Gear Talk with Mike Hickey
Oct 31, 2024 at 12:37 p.m. CDT
59:04
Axe Lords Episode 3: Karina Rykman Bass, Grit, and Groove
Oct 24, 2024 at 12:55 p.m. CDT
1:11:25
Axe Lords Episode 2: Steve Vai on Creativity, Collaboration, and Pushing Boundaries
Oct 17, 2024 at 3:21 p.m. CDT
1:09:34
Axe Lords Episode 1: From Thrash to Jazz and Back: Alex Skolnick
Oct 10, 2024 at 11:22 a.m. CDT