Guitarist Jeff Fielder On Being the Forrest Gump of Rock and Roll

DreamPath Podcast

Guitarist, songwriter, and producer Jeff Fielder has worked with notable artists such as Mark Lanegan (Screaming Trees and Queens of the Stone Age), Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam), Duff McKagan (Guns N Roses), Sera Cahoone, and most recently landed a touring gig with the Indigo Girls. He also writes and creates music with his wife, Tekla Waterfield. Their most recent album, released this year, is Trouble in Time.

What you will learn:

• Jeff reflects fondly on growing up in Alaska, his early musical influences, learning to play guitar as a kid, and looking up to Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne. [0:00-11:36]
• How the freedom and support Jeff felt from his parents during childhood influenced his musical trajectory, and how he endured the jarring cultural change in culture moving from Alaska to Washington state. Jeff’s thoughts on the necessity (or lack thereof) of sight reading music. [11:36-18:25]
• Why Jeff eventually let his passion for drawing go and fully embraced his passion for music, inspired by new artists like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. How Jeff worked to get his foot in the door and began playing with the artists he admired. Why Jeff at a recent gig in Seattle referred to himself as the Forrest Gump of Rock and Roll. [18:25-29:11]
• Why Jeff focuses on artists who bring deep emotion into their work. The logistics of touring with another artist, what Jeff feels the most passion for in his impressively versatile career, and how he began collaborating with Amy Ray and the Indigo Girls. [29:11-40:27]
• The impact southern musicians have had in music. How Jeff’s collaboration with Duff McKagan began, which developed into an organic bond formed over time. The importance of pushing past fears and discomfort in music. [40:27-49:27]
• Jeff talks about his early songwriting and solo career and how his focus shifted over time. What it’s like collaborating with his wife and creating music again, and why he felt it was important to achieve an introspective, easygoing vibe on their most recent album. [49:27-1:00:15]
• How Jeff booked a recent gig with fellow Seattle musician Alain Johannes and what he envisions in the future for his career. The story behind how Jeff ended up contributing to the musical score the film Hickock, starring Kris Kristofferson. [1:00:15-1:06:37]
• Jeff discusses the main challenges facing musicians, and aspiring musicians. Talking guitars, Jeff shares his go-to electric and acoustic favorites. [1:06:37-1:17:33]

Resources:

• Jeff Fiedler’s: Website, Facebook, IMDb, Instagram