Scars and Guitars

Andrew McKaysmith

About

Andrew McKaysmith is a Bond University-trained journalist with a lifelong interest in music. Since 2017, he has been the host of the musician-themed Scars and Guitars podcast. He has amassed well over 600 interviews that have achieved a worldwide audience.

The value in Scars and Guitars is the sense that, as a listener, you are now a part of the conversation. Andrew has a knack for allowing the person he is talking to feel at ease, which is how he obtains deep insight into their thoughts and feelings. You'll feel as though you were there, an observer at the time of the conversation.

The secret to Andrew's technique is that he is an expert at helping an interview subject feel like they are no longer in an interview. His goal is to quickly move from an interview into a conversation, a so-called 'safe space' where no topic is off-limits. Andrew personally invites you to share the experience. 

The podcast is registered with Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society Limited via an Online Mini Licence to play music (Invoice No: OL-2229). The most recent license was issued on 03/02/2022 and is valid for 12 months.

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664 episodes

To listen to Scars and Guitars, please subscribe to Spotify or Apple podcasts... Whooshkaa is dead

* Hi there, the podcast host I have been using for the past five years is gone... Whooshkaa is closing. I had to move the show to Anchor, but you can listen via https://scarsandguitars.com/, Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/04RZwxAhrCcXTYE3jIDgjp?si=e600d34049bc4fe5) or Apple podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/scars-and-guitars/id1239312499 . The broadcast from Whooshkaa will cease on September 1. All episodes are intact at Spotify etc.

2m
Aug 29, 2022
Pedro Espada (Voodoo Moonshine)

* Florida/Georgia-based hard rockin' blues outfit VOODOO MOONSHINE are back with a new single and video from their latest album, 'Bottom of the Barrel, "Give It to Me". The release is the catalyst for a chat with the band's vocalist Pedro Espada, which follows the conversation released earlier in 2022 with guitarist Jeff Losawyer. Pedro shares his thoughts on the album, band life and the state of hard rock and metal.

30m
Jul 28, 2022
Tim Gauci (Primitive)

* Tim discusses PRIMITIVE's new offering, the EP, which will be released independently on August 12, 2022. Some interesting banter about Metallica as well! * * About the band: PRIMITIVE incorporates their abrasive yet memorable riffs, solos, grooves and hooks - sounding something reminiscent of the wave of early 2000s American heavy metal & metalcore styles, so if you're a fan of Trivium and Lamb of God, you'll enjoy PRIMITIVE.

1h 37m
Jul 28, 2022
New music show- July 2022

* Hot off the press, the July 2022 new music show brings you brand new cuts from Soilwork, Massacre, Carnifex AMON AMARTH, ROB ZOMBIE, Anthrax Soulfly, THE HELLACOPTERS, BAD WOLVES, SKID ROW, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, Bring Me The Horizon, Miss May I, Venues, OF VIRTUE, BLEEDING THROUGH, Nth Rd, OCEAN SLEEPER, FIRE FROM THE GODS, Silent Planet, POLYPHIA, OCTOBER ENDS, ELECTRIC CALLBOY, Conquer Divide, THRESHOLD, AMARANTHE, Abrams, Ian Blurton's Future Now, White Hills, 156/SILENCE, Stick to Your Guns, Polar, DAN MARAZITA, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, Our Mirage 96, BITTER BEINGS, BROADSIDE, NOTHING MORE, Psycroptic, Remains, FALLUJAH, CONJURER, Hissing, MORIBUND DAWN, SVALBARD, HORIZON IGNITED, Reeking Aura, Patronoian, Sigh, HEILUNG, APOCALYPTICA, The Hu, Sarattma, Sea Witch * * 🎶 ALMOST ***FOUR HOURS*** OF KILLER NEW MUSIC!!!!!! Check out this diverse and eclectic collection; there's something in there for everyone who loves hard rock, heavy metal, extreme metal, experimental music and some surprises 🎶 * * ♠️ PLEASE LIKE & SHARE ///// SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MUSIC AND PODCASTS! ♠️ Give the show a listen and tell everyone what you think! * * #heavymetal #extrememetal #deathmetal #blackmetal #newmusic #scarsandguitars

3h 51m
Jul 26, 2022
Joe Haley (Psycroptic)

* Guitarist extraordinaire Joe Haley is the guest on this episode of the show. Joe discusses the killer new album from PSYCROPTIC titled . Other topics include his thoughts on appearing in Guitar World, touring North America with Scott Carstairs and FALLUJAH in September and October, and the piece of advice he would give himself if he could go back in time when you were starting as a musician.

1h 3m
Jul 25, 2022
Bastian Thusgaard (Soilwork)

* Bastian is a session percussionist and drummer for SOILWORK; the catalyst for our chat is the launch of , the new album for 2022 from SOILWORK. Throughout the conversation, Bastian covers the album and his role as a drum educator, notably with his academy, Blastable Drumming, and many other topics.

34m
Jul 18, 2022
Niclas Engelin (The Halo Effect/ In Flames)

* THE HALO EFFECT'S debut album, is available now, and it captures the essence of old-school IN FLAMES; given most of the band are or were in IN FLAMES, that's hardly a surprise. Throughout the conversation, Niclas discusses the album, the health and well-being of former IN FLAMES guitarist Jesper Strömblad, and whether he plans to reignite . As former MEGADETH guitarist Chris Broderick has been part of the IN FLAMES touring lineup since 2019, it was intriguing to hear Niclas' response to the question of his ongoing membership of the group. You will have to tune in and hear what he has to say.

36m
Jul 15, 2022
Was Sarginson (ex- Cradle of Filth/ ex- Extreme Noise Terror)

* This conversation is another cracking entry into the chronicles of filth. If you are unfamiliar, Was Sarginson is CRADLE OF FILTH'S second-ever drummer and their fourth, as he returned to record most of the cuts on the 1999 EP release, . * * As regular listeners have come to expect, there is plenty of deep insight into the machinations of CRADLE OF FILTH, and Was delivered throughout this chat. It's all on the table, and I'm appreciative that Was was willing to share his experience and observations from his time and lengthy association with the band. In addition to CRADLE OF FILTH, Was was part of Extreme Noise Terror, so he also talks about his tenure in the band. *

1h 28m
Jul 15, 2022
Conor Marshall (Conjurer/ Sylosis)

* CONJURER will release , their album for 2022, on July 1, which is why it is an excellent opportunity to talk to bassist Conor Marshall. He talks about comparisons to GORGUTS'and by IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT, the group's recent experience playing festivals Roadburn, Hellfest and Dark Mofo, and his take on why so much killer heavy metal has evolved from the British Midlands.

42m
Jun 29, 2022
Tony Foresta (Municipal Waste)

* MUNICIPAL WASTE is launching a new album on July 1, 2022; it's called Tony Foresta was available for a chat, he shared his thoughts on the album and his association with the world of wrestling, and addressed the perception that the band aren't serious about crafting gnarly thrash metal.

30m
Jun 29, 2022
New music show- June 2022

* Hot off the press, the June 2022 new music show brings you fresh cuts from Lamb of God, In Flames, BELPHEGOR, THE HALO EFFECT, SOULFLY, MASSACRE, BILLY HOWERDEL, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, ELUVEITIE, MISS MAY I, DEAD LAKES, FIRE FROM THE GODS, NICOLAS CAGE FIGHTER, Patronian, ORIGIN, OCEANS, Kardashev, Healing Magic, KORPIKLAANI, AFTER FOREVER, EPICA, Anthrax, Leviathan Project, Skull Fuckers Incorporated, BLEED FROM WITHIN, HEART OF GOLD, Downset, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, Seether, RXPTRS, JOURNEY, STRATOVARIUS, Stonetrip, Blues Pills, Kym Redmond (Band of Missfits), CLASSLESS ACT, PATRIARCHS IN BLACK, DIRTY PAGANS, Bodyrot, Anticreation, Artificial Brain, Enchantment, Laces Out, Potion * * 🎶 ALMOST ***FOUR HOURS*** OF NEW MUSIC!!!!!! Check out this diverse and eclectic collection; there's something in there for everyone who loves hard rock, heavy metal, extreme metal, experimental music and some surprises 🎶 * * ♠️ PLEASE LIKE & SHARE ///// SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MUSIC AND PODCASTS! ♠️ Give the show a listen and tell everyone what you think! * * #heavymetal #extrememetal #deathmetal #blackmetal #newmusic #scarsandguitars

3h 21m
Jun 18, 2022
Rogelio Lozano (Downset)

* This is a great example of why the Scars and Guitars podcast exists because Rogelio covers a heap of territory other shows will never explore. He discusses the group's new album, , which is the catalyst for the chat, but it's his comments on many of the social issues affecting the United States such as race and identity, the band's influence on Fred Durst and Limp Bizkit; and Rogelio’s crucial role in bringing heavy metal to the rap and hip hop audience which make this conversation one of the finest conversations broadcast on the show.

1h 24m
Jun 18, 2022
Laurie Luke

* LAURIE LUKE is a Perth-based musician with an extraordinary story to tell. Laurie posted a confronting image to social media in July 2021, which explained a lot, but not everything; which is why I thought it would be a great idea to reconnect, and if Laurie was up for it, to share what happened. It’s a tale of misfortune and calamity, but also extraordinary courage and bravery. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, from life-altering events to plenty of topics relating to our favourite subject; music. Laurie also has a new song out, “Long Way Home”, which in its own way, commemorates his momentous journey back from the brink.

54m
Jun 17, 2022
Peter Wiwczarek (Vader)

* This is a chat with one of the most critically revered figures in death metal. The catalyst for the conversation is the recent announcement that VADER is performing across Scandinavia and parts of Eastern Europe in September, then in Australia and Asia in October 2022. This conversation covers a lot of ground; Peter discusses how the band exceeded through the pandemic; the re-release of one of the essential metal albums ever, , the group's second album, which over the years has become a touchstone for death metal connoisseurs. Peter also shares his perspective on how the band keeps on keeping on.

1h 26m
Jun 17, 2022
Einar Selvik (Wardruna)

* The catalyst for the conversation with Einar is the launch of a live album from WARDRUNA called . Throughout the conversion, we discuss the album's many merits and what makes Einar tick. Einar is a supreme talent; in addition to WARDRUNA, he creates music for the Assasins Creed video games and has written the score for the streaming series Vikings. *

35m
Jun 10, 2022
Simon McBride (Deep Purple- live)

* It's a busy time for Simon McBride, who is currently on the road with DEEP PURPLE filling in for Steve Morse in addition to releasing a new solo album, In this far-reaching conversation, Simon talks about the new album, the experience of being in a band with some of rock music's all time great musicians and life on the road and in the studio.

46m
Jun 09, 2022
Mille Petrozza (Kreator)

* KREATOR's new album is out on June 10, 2022, via Nuclear Blast, which is a golden opportunity to chat with Mille Petrozza. We discuss the album and geopolitical forces in this expansive conversation.

37m
Jun 08, 2022
Peter Iwers and Daniel Svensson (The Halo Effect/ ex- In Flames)

* The Halo Effect release their debut album, on Nuclear Blast on August 12, 2022. Peter Iwers bass, (ex- IN FLAMES) and Daniel Svensson drums (ex- IN FLAMES) were available to chat and discussed the album, and dived into topics regarding IN FLAMES, particularly the group's epic fourth album, , which is a landmark recording.

48m
Jun 07, 2022
Matt Wilcock (Werewolves/ Shotgun Mistress/ The Antichrist Imperium/ The Berzerker/ ex-Akercocke/ Abramelin)

* WEREWOLVES are launching their cracking album for 2022 on June 24 titled, which is a great opportunity to catch up with Matt and discuss the album, his stellar guitar performance and other interesting topics.

1h 4m
Jun 07, 2022
Sotiris Anunnaki V (Septic Flesh)

* 2022 – 31 years after the release of their debut EP “”, SEPTICFLESH are set to deliver their latest long-player, titled Throughout this chat, we discuss the album, songcraft, and a very interesting deep dive into Greek philosophy.

53m
May 27, 2022
John Corabi (ex- Motley Crue)

* Ahead of the June 2022 Australian tour, John was available to chat which was another great opportunity to discuss episodes from throughout his illustrious career. John discusses his former bandmate David Lowy (THE DEAD DAISIES), and offers insight into UNION, ESP, and yes, MOTLEY CRUE. There is a heap of deep reveals in the chat so enjoy!

1h 0m
May 27, 2022
Tom Englund (Evergrey)

* Gothenburg’s finest export of darkness, EVERGREY, enters a new chapter in the band’s history with their thirteenth studio album and Napalm Records debut, , released on May 20, 2022. In this conversation we discuss the album, working with AVATARIUM's guitar titan and fellow Swede Marcus Jidell, as well as Tom's daily battle to play the guitar due to an injury.

39m
May 27, 2022
Matt Nardo (Leviathan Project)

* Matt from the extraordinary LEVIATHAN PROJECT is the guest on the show. His musical co-conspirator, Tommy Krash, has featured twice on the podcast so it was time to get to the bottom of things with Matt. LEVIATHAN PROJECT was number 1 in the Scars and Guitars year-end best of 2021 top 10, their music revolutionises the standard thrash/ heavy metal template by turning a tried and tested approach to metal into something new and exciting. In this conversation, we cover all things Leviathan Project including Matt’s thoughts on ex-Judas Priest frontman Ripper Owen’s vocal performance and the magical soling of Death alumni, Bobby Koeble amongst other worthy topics.

59m
May 21, 2022
New music show- May 2022

* Hot off the press, the May 2022 new music show brings you fresh cuts from Werewolves, MUNICIPAL WASTE, Soilwork, IBARAKI, Behemoth, Psycroptic, Soulfly, Kreator, Venom Inc., Watain, BELPHEGOR, Decapitated, BLEED FROM WITHIN, FALLUJAH, BLACK VOID, Static Abyss, Apostasy, Assumption, Terror, LOST SOCIETY, Interloper, 156/SILENCE, WE CAME AS ROMANS and BRAND OF SACRIFICE, Hellacopters, JOHNNY THUNDERS, GAUPA, Don Broco, BILLY HOWERDEL, Downset, Anvil, KING’S VENGEANCE, FOUR YEAR STRONG, TOBIAS SAMMET'S AVANTASIA, THERION, Cabal, AFTER FOREVER, The Hu, -​(​16​)​- * * 🎶 ALMOST THREE HOURS OF NEW MUSIC!!!!!! Check out this diverse and eclectic collection; there's something in there for everyone who loves hard rock, heavy metal, extreme metal, experimental music and some surprises 🎶 * * ♠️ PLEASE LIKE & SHARE ///// SUPPORT INDEPENDENT MUSIC AND PODCASTS! ♠️ Give the show a listen and tell everyone what you think! * * #heavymetal #extrememetal #deathmetal #blackmetal #newmusic #scarsandguitars

2h 50m
May 20, 2022
Waclaw 'Vogg' Kieltyka (Decapitated)

* DECAPITATED has a stirring new album out in late May 2022, titled, . This chat with Vogg covers a heap of ground, from the new album, the episode in which Vogg almost joined MORBID ANGEL, and the allegations and incarceration following rape and kidnapping accusations. This is one of those conversations that lift the lid off convention and discuss matters far beyond the reach of most podcasts.

44m
May 06, 2022
Kurt Deimer

* * Kurt Deimer has come a long way in less than six months. After joining forces with BON JOVI guitarist Phil X and recording his debut EP with Grammy-award winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge, he opened for Geoff Tate on the former QUEENSRYCHE frontman’s U.S. tour. His next big occasion is touring with YNGWIE MALMSTEEN. It was great to catch up with Kurt, he's lived an amazing life and has plenty of stories to share.

54m
Apr 29, 2022
Udo Dirkschneider (Accept, UDO)

* Initially becoming world-famous as a founding member of ACCEPT, he continues to steadily expand upon his international successes with his U.D.O. and DIRKSCHNEIDER outfits. Remaining faithful to himself over the years in a way few musicians could, Dirkschneider consistently bucks music industry trends in favour of following his heart. His most personal and extraordinary album was released on April 22nd, 2022: , which was an excellent opportunity to chat with the man himself! We discussed the album, his thoughts on ACCEPT and that time he almost met current ACCEPT singer, Mark Tornillo.

37m
Apr 29, 2022
Mark Ritchie, Mick Malusa, Sebastian Barahona, Jason King (Stonetrip)

* STONETRIP is an outfit from Melbourne that can write grooving, crunching and anthemic hard rock. The lads released their self titled EP in December 2021, so we discuss the EP, plans for the future and the dynamic between the musicians in the group.

48m
Apr 29, 2022
Richie Cavalera (Incite)

* INCITE's new album is titled and frontman Richie Cavalera is on hand to tell us all about it. The conversation also features Richies talking about his parents, Max and Gloria Cavalera; all household names to the heavy and extreme metal aficionado!

32m
Apr 15, 2022
Erik Danielsson (Watain)

* The leader of the Swedish black metal horde WATAIN is on hand to discuss the new album from WATAIN for 2022, . It's always a treat to chat with Erik; beyond a lousy internet connection and far too short a time frame to chat with him, we manage to cover some essential points regarding the album, the move to Nuclear Blast and other interesting subjects.

36m
Apr 12, 2022