Sixty Scales and the Truth

Per Nilsson

What happens when a guitar obsessed teenager practicing 10 hours a day suddenly can't play for over four years?In this honest conversation, Swedish guitar virtuoso Per Nilsson talks about the injuries that nearly ended his career, the dark period of depression that followed, and the unexpected discovery that transformed his playing forever.From filling in for Fredrik Thordendal in Meshuggah to building Scar Symmetry from his home studio, Per shares the untold story behind his unconventional path and why, at 51, he's never been happier.Whether you're battling your own playing injuries, questioning your musical identity, or simply curious about what drives one of metal's most underrated shredders, this episode will change how you think about practice, patience, and purpose.🎸 Recorded live at Guitar Summit 2025

Aaron Marshall (Intervals)

What does it really take to build a modern instrumental band—without labels, without shortcuts, and without burning out?In this episode of Sixty ......Intervals and the Truth, Intervals guitarist Aaron Marshall opens up about independence, touring economics, creative burnout, health scares, and why balance—not speed—is the real long game.#AaronMarshall #Intervals #GuitarPodcast #IndependentArtist #MusicBusiness #TourLife #ProgressiveMetal #InstrumentalMusic #GuitaristLife #CreativeBalance

Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation)

I’ve known Ruud Jolie since the short time I spent at the conservatory in Tilburg. I still clearly remember his graduation show, where he closed his exam by absolutely nailing Steve Vai’s Tender Surrender. Years later we reconnected, and since then Ruud has released his book In Spotlight and Shadow, in which he openly shares his journey in the music industry as guitarist for @wtofficial. He also speaks candidly about living with a functional tremor — a constant challenge for any guitarist — and the mindset that helps him keep moving forward. In this conversation, we catch up and dive into music, resilience, and turning obstacles into fuel.

Joey Landreth

Only about a minute or so after Joey and I met, we were sharing photos of our kids. Hey, that's what us proud dads do. No airs and graces for this talented Canadian. Joey said a lot of things during this episode that hit close to home. He shared openly about his role as a father besides being a musician. Conversations like this make this series worthwhile for me. Just as Joey would be making music regardless, I'm making this series regardless. In fact, damn, I'm only losing money making it. But I'm winning too. True connections, albeit brief—about 42 minutes in this case. Thanks so much, Joey, for sharing your story. And folks out there: thanks a lot for watching and listening. It means a lot!

Bill Kelliher (Mastodon)

Please note: this interview was recorded just a few days before Brent Hinds sadly passed away. I waited a while to publish because of that. 🎸 "If you're writing for the fans, you've already sold out." Bill Kelliher from Mastodon opens up about the band's biggest transformation in 25 years, the painful decision to part ways with their founding guitarist, and how sobriety saved both his life and his creativity.In this raw conversation, Bill reveals:- The REAL reason Mastodon made their lineup change- Why Nick Johnston was the only choice to join the band- How a $100 guitar changed everything at age 15- The hospital visit that forced him to quit drinking- Why punk rock (not metal) taught him how to play guitar- Writing music sober vs. drunk - the brutal truth- What happened at Ozzy's final show before he passed away- The moment his wife said: "What are you going to do with your life?"From basement studios to Grammy wins, from alcoholism to redemption, from underground Atlanta sludge to touring with Metallica - this is the unfiltered story of one of metal's most respected rhythm guitarists.