Bill Lonero on The Defiant Machine, History, Music Licensing, Songwriting, and Sleeping 8 Hours

His band’s latest album The Defiant Machine was recently recognized by Guitar Player Magazine as one of the most noteworthy albums of the last 50 years. I’m talking about my new friend Bill Lonero. His band LoNero has also become known for creating the genre Guitar Core, which is a special brand of instrumental music that has a metal edge. Bill is also the founder of Straptight, a company that has innovated the concept of strap locks for guitar players.

Our discussion traverses several topics, including but not limited to, Bill’s views on history, roots and influences, how bread-ties became the basis for a new business idea, music licensing, fan appreciation, where the music industry and many musicians “get it wrong,” songwriting, getting ripped off, getting 8 hours of sleep every night, the politics of music, and fun stories about Joe Satriani and Michael Burry, both of whom are among Bill’s friends.

Bill has amassed a wealth of experience during challenging times in the music business, and he shares his valuable insights in this episode. I took some great notes, and hope you will too.

SHOW NOTES

• The Defiant Machine
• USS Hornet
• Jeff Beck
• John Petrucci
• Jimmy Page
• Eddie Van Halen
• Steve Vai
• Joe Satriani
• Marty Freedman
• Lee Oskar in episode 15 of this podcast
• Straptight
• The G4 Guitar Experience Camp
• The Rat Pack
• LoNero website
• LoNero on Facebook

RESOURCES FOR MUSICIANS

• The Unstarving Musician’s Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo
• Bandzoogle– The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music
• The Musician’s Profit Path: The 5-Stage Blueprint To Create Massive Growth In Your Fan Base and Sustainable Income For Your Music Career, by Bree Noble
• No Booker, No Bouncer, No Bartender: How I Made $25K On A 2-Month House Concert Tour, by Shannon Curtis

More resources for musicians