Pedals and Effects Welcomes: Spencer Seim of Hella

A long time ago, in what seems like another lifetime, I was fortunate to have met and toured a few weeks with Spencer Seim who was the guitarist and co-founder of the legendary Sacramento band, Hella. Spencer and the ripping Zach Hill on drums were one of the fiercest guitar/drum duos ever created. The duo had just turned their band from a two piece into a four piece and were opening a tour I was a part of, that was headlined by System Of A Down and Mars Volta.
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[@CORDUROY00]

Fanboy Nick seems to know more about Hella than Spencer. haha

[@brandonvu5429]

Probably got a lot of info from Zach too

[@WOAHTHERE.]

You obviously need to get Brian Gibson of Lightning Bolt on the show now.

[@gettingcomfy]

YES

[@totalignoranceinc]

I think he just uses a bunch of dl4s 2 boss super overdrive and a whammy

[@3roundsmedia542]

YYYYYYEEEEESSSSSSS!

[@kailiw.8462]

@@totalignoranceinc he also uses some kind of octave pedal

[@ma_cosa_ne_so9176]

@@kailiw.8462 Boss OC2

[@moderatelyfamous69]

Spencer is one of the most Unsung guitar players of all time. This was long overdue.

[@unk4140]

Fuckin amen

[@nostealthebucket9009]

Never clicked so fast in my fucking life. Seriously underrated guitar player.

[@nostealthebucket9009]

@Cesar Mohammad nah dude

[@knell-zh7do]

@Cesar Mohammad Are you following me, I just saw this exact comment under a Mike Patton interview

[@alextoli2486]

He pulled out. There was a victory here

[@Xiuhtocatl]

Please please please please get Carson McWhirter on here

[@Blocks62]

metztlitochtli yeah!

[@geto9suguru]

YESSSS

[@WeirdLikeMe123]

I wish this video existed 10 years ago

[@adriansullivan4433]

The way Spencer wrote down his tunings perfectly demonstrates how differently this man’s brain works

[@joserico5992]

Nick nerds out on Spencer the exact same way I nerd out on Nick, amazing.

[@PepisMusicmx]

Jose Rico thought about posting the exact same comment

[@charizardoystersauce]

Some rock n roll history right here

[@TheZooropaBaby]

I have talked to Nick after Tera Melos show, I was kinda losing my mind

[@Blocks62]

Get zach too

[@ibaldosid]

too busy making records with the shrek guy now

[@charizardoystersauce]

And mouth glass guy

[@qFlux888]

Death Grips Pedals and Effects 2018 EP confirmed

[@TheZooropaBaby]

But it would be amazing if Juan could play some intricate and technical bass lines. I know Nick already worked with DG

[@Ryan-xq3kl]

PLEASE, I WOULD BUY THAT EPISODE IF I REALLY HAD TO

[@Tylermackenzie]

Hella rules. Saw them do a half two piece/half four piece set opening for Claypool when I was maybe 16 and it blew my mind. Great interview.

[@3roundsmedia542]

saw that tour in philly but their philly show 2+ years b4 that was electric. also saw zach hill with members of sun ra on a hella tour where spencer left 2 days b4 for family issues and zach never cancelled the tour. was kinda bumbed but looking back, ive got too see them as a duo...

[@noteethmotif]

Listening from a weird neighbourhood in Australia.

[@versnellingspookie]

NO.TEETH.MOTIF All of Australia is a weird neighbourhood

[@TheZooropaBaby]

I’m listenig to these guys from a weird neighborhood in Japan m8

[@sammadden5540]

same

[@versnellingspookie]

@@TheZooropaBaby all of Japan is an even weirder neighbourhood

[@HNWRobertPaulsonHNW]

same

[@joshtepper8533]

As someone who grew up seeing these guys play small venues over Nor Cal, these guys inspired a ton of musicians in the greater nothern california area and beyond.

[@m0d01]

This is an awesome reflection on a special time in underground rock. Saw Hella at the Che cafe in 2001 when I was playing keyboard for Upsilon Acrux, who also played that show. Just like Nick, this show was pivotal for me and my musical path. To this day, Hella are real OG’s and undeniable masters of this style of brutal prog/experimental rock. I have never gotten tired of them, and this music is pretty timeless. Can’t wait for the re-issue of HYHI.

[@rickdick2683]

I love this. Juan, bassist of my favorite band in high school, behind the camera shooting the shit with the guitar player of my favorite band post high school, hella, interviewed by nick who I admittedly don’t know as much about but that bygones record is killer.

[@mansredfire]

Seeing the “666” five-piece lineup in Austin back in 2007 was one of the best experiences of my life.

[@filmbuff4]

Austin was cool back then

[@DannyBoatright]

Nick is the ideal person to interview spencer. This was awesome

[@darincoelhospring8578]

I was at that show in 2001!

[@joshuajhoyt]

In hangtown?

[@uriahfiiya]

RELEASE THE PORTALS SOUNDBOARD SET!!!!

[@SergioDuFont]

I am legit watching this from some weird suburb in Australia

[@sammadden5540]

Start a band with me

[@filipe5226]

Hahahaha me too

[@randomsomeguy156]

Anyone in Adelaide?

[@ibaldosid]

Hey guys, can somebody help me out? I couldn't get this from just watching the video, but do you know whether Nick likes Spencer or not?

[@DS-rx7nz]

Cool American Guitar Men In Hats

[@Chandler17447]

my two most influential guitar players

[@vvvvaaaacccc]

i would love to hear that Portals soundboard recording of the 4-piece hella.

[@kevinkosmatka7923]

I get why nick is freaking out about spencer but god damn he has legendary bassist Juan right behind the camera hahaha and Juan toured arenas and played bass with fucking Omar Rodriguez Lopez for years.

[@brandonburroughs7128]

This video is amazing. Thank you guys for this. Lots of awesome background info and it’s fun being able to nerd out and hear people discuss Hella in such detail.

[@0satanisboring0]

Two guitar gods! Thanks for carrying the torch Nick.

[@astrogallotron]

Loved this, I'm a huge The Advantage and Hella fan. I can't wait to hear what he is creating nowadays.

[@boohaaa]

I really appreciate this video. Hella shaped how I thought about music and it's great to hear some insight from Spencer Seim. Thanks y'all!

[@scott__french]

I feel pretty stoked and thankful to have been a fan of these guys since we were all around 16. I was a huge Legs on Earth fan and tried to go to every show. Hella blew my mind as well. Super talented guys, super nice guys. Good memories!

[@nogangcolors]

100% would love to see him back for the gear talk mentioned at the end.

[@chaffgrenade_x3]

OH maaan, I'm so excited for the day new Spencer tunes are released.

[@maxwellzinser8272]

I am thankful for Pedals And Effects for two reasons. One, this channel is responsible for getting me to pick up my bass again after 3 years of not playing. Two, I am learning about this whole new universe of bands and artists who I never knew existed before I started watching these videos. This is priceless info and I am super blessed by all of it. Thank you guys so much.

[@sun6moon9]

This guy rocks! Glad to see him here. Hella, Amaranth/Solos are amazing!

[@bigflipthemassive]

OOOOOOOHHH THIS IS SOO LOVELY!!!! IM SOO STOKED THIS IS ONLINE!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE FROM NEW ZEALAND

[@Macaco_Laser]

Damn this video makes me so insanely happy

[@spontaneous4026]

YES! Awesome!

[@Njjusjsj]

Thank you for make this video sir❤

[@masonvankraayenburg]

Ive stumbled upon the magical region of youtube. Hella were one of my spiritual guides as a youngen. Got to see em in 05 I think during the Chirpin Hard/Church Gone Wild era. Loved that Sbach album too.

[@rcanderson4328]

Saw Hella with Volta in Portland back in the day. I still talk about John Theodore’s performance to this day, that guy is an AMAZING drummer.

[@bottlemanic]

What a line up

[@livingcurrency1294]

one of the greats

[@davem8456]

Stoked Spencer is making music; look forward to hearing it. Nick shoulda asked if another hella record is a posssibility

[@IvanHeenan]

"Weird neighbourhood in Australia" i tripped the fuck out when he said as i sit in a weird neighbourhood in Australia.

[@michaellangman2474]

What is Carson McWhirter doing nowadays?

[@LuisSidd]

They should invite him to the show, he is amazing.

[@TheArchradish]

He plays bass in Modern Man: modernman916.bandcamp.com/releases

[@kazisamagicaldolphin]

I am so glad somebody asked this. Where the hell is that guy? That one video with Zach Hill was dope.

[@kazisamagicaldolphin]

I was not disappointed when I googled that. That dude is still shredding hard. Thanks for the tip.

[@3roundsmedia542]

didn't he do MELT w/ brian chippendale *lightning bolt/black pus" like 2/3 years ago?

[@danieloux]

Yes I love hella !

[@0satanisboring0]

Im a 2 years younger than Nick, but got into Hella at the same time, and as a guitar player Spencer totally fucked my shit up. Nick your asking all the right questions, Id be gushing too.

[@garrettandrewlang12]

it's cool how down to earth spencer is, considering he seems like he just got out of a mental institution in hella/sBACH

[@matthewcurtiss7557]

Cool!!

[@mariorossipuzza]

awesome! will there be a part 2 with that insane 10 outputs wahwah you posted on facebook (and maybe his flower and scott french guitars)?

[@oldindianchief9403]

Drill n Bass is pretty dope and inspiring.

[@ex-flesh]

Nick and Spencer in the seem Place . I wish be there ❤️😭

[@spiritspouse2028]

Aww yeah!

[@scandalousbeans2591]

It is a honor to be a friend of spencer

[@chrisknight3734]

I met Nick and played a show with him but never Spencer :/

[@Windpuppy123]

I thought that double hella record was rad when it came out. Spencer's disc is super stand out. haven't listened to Zach's half in awhile but I remember it's not an easy listen.

[@gabriest]

Epic...

[@christophernoia5197]

I grew up in Roseville too, Nick!

[@TheBrettSiler]

Where can I find the audio to Portals? I need it in my life.

[@jahmark9336]

Nick please can I be on your guest list when you play Bristol, England on Wednesday 21? That would be so cool peace and love

[@flagainst3]

YYEEESSSS!

[@jamiesmith8257]

Currently watching this video from some weird neighbourhood in Australia 👌

[@devildoggo6012]

I wonder if any footage of Hellas first show exists?

[@Kainthepunkmonk]

Maybe interview Devin Ocampo?! Would be so awesome! Love the video BTW, Spencer is wild.

[@BoomShiva9]

Nick, let the man talk!

[@ipluvs]

Came here to say this. Dude talks like 70% of the interview.

[@shoegazecity]

Three ridiculously dope musicians in one ridiculously dope studio. HELLA TERA VOLTA? HTV for short?

[@anirshadchowdhury9653]

Does anyone know if Spencer's strings were setup at high or low action? I would imagine high action to avoid buzz because his playing in Hella was fast and hard..

[@anjru64]

Holy shit!

[@ericmsandoval]

Beat Mega Man 5 before this interview ended. Great listen.

[@Bongo_Fury]

Sacramento used to have a killer music scene. I used to live out here in 2010 and just moved back. What’s going on out here now?

[@AcidRainPedalworks]

sooooo is there gonna be a second video? this was all chit chat and no equipment talk at all.... and no crazy expression pedal!

[@ma_cosa_ne_so9176]

im dying to know what the crazy expression pedal does.

[@youngbugs]

I think it might be a breakout box for his crazy guitar? scottfrench.com/s/Gallery/Finished%20Customs/Spencer%20Seim's%20SF0SS%20Guitar/ "Donor Dunlop Bass Wah Shell turned into custom breakout box"

[@brandonvu5429]

russell clavelo Spencer isn't really know for his equipment, I'm more than satisfied to see him come out and do something like this after so long.

[@brandonburroughs7128]

Juan, did you see Coil at All Tomorrow's Parties?

[@ryushiroogushi]

See you in a week!!

[@joshuajhoyt]

Whoa placerville ! Fucking show in hangtown that's crazy small town , hard to imagine

[@cruedevil71]

Holy shit Placerville I used ti live there

[@remedyzskate]

What the hell is "Portals" ?? Nick mentioned it a few times. Sounded like a tour video maybe?

[@dlsNi]

a tour doc from a couple shows they played with TMV and SOAD in 2005. it's about 40 mins, on youtube and v fun to watch

[@conky7819]

Fucking great watch, very highly recommended.

[@atiostefony3760]

Oro

[@sammadden5540]

Hahahaha YES AN HOUR OD PEDALS AND EFFECTS

[@threeinitiates8260]

i want that orange hat

[@diosgengar]

Grove, a weird neighbourhood in Australia. thats me!!

[@3roundsmedia542]

OMFG, hella AND lightning bolt, 1st show too? WHAT! ive been previlged 2 see hella 3 times, 1nce as a 2 piece, a full band (w/ les claypol & some project?) and the 3rd was just zach playing with members of sun ra as spencer had family issues on tour in 04/05? all philly shows soo twice with hella technically. AND saw lightning bolt 3 times, twice in 05 as they played philly twice & the next year in philly. theyve both been 2 of my favorites since 03... dream collabs are spencer & brian chippendale & brian gibson & zach...

[@adeadcrab]

! ! ! !

[@CrimsonSmil3]

holy shit

[@blockthenoisenz]

!!!!!!!

[@brandonburroughs7128]

Brooooooooo

[@Spectralhyena]

Fuck man Tera melos is untouchable. When I saw the krimson double trio I thought of melos the enitre time.

[@jacobreveles7222]

THE Nick Reinhart of Tera Melos!?

[@lstlvls2521]

fuck yeah hella

[@hedgesm8]

It's cool that you're obviously a big fan but maybe in the future let the guest do the talking

[@ahmetcangokceer]

oh just enjoy the excitement

[@bbeaup]

I mean yeah, but spencer is pretty introverted and not really detailed in his responses so i more see it as nick trying to pick him brain to get more detail/reaction

[@SpawnoftheEd]

The Advantage should play MAGfest. please do it.

[@simonf3503]

Watching from Taiwan via a wierd neighbourhood in Australia

[@jimbarx7088]

Teringie,Adelaide Hills,South Australia,5072 isn't weird.

[@coffinperson]

Hella and Numbers @ the Che Cafe. San Diego, CA 03.12.05: www.flickr.com/photos/coffinperson/albums/72157594580831807

[@johnhell1453]

Fucking awesome guitarist. Shoutout bitches ain’t shit but good people

[@eriktrickey3871]

"from fucken, some weird neighbourhood in Australia" -oath Nick, coincidentally Mount Waverley, Melbourne, Victoria where Flea is from

[@HerenciaMadre]

22:50

[@walraptor9451]

Tripper was written and recorded in 1 day?!?!?!??! WHAAAAATTTTTT

[@chrisknight3734]

Each song in the same day, not all songs

[@Ryan-xq3kl]

YES! AHGHGHGHGHAGHGHAGHG YES

[@drippinglass]

Did you guys demo the Lipa fuzz. It does authentic Dua queefs.

[@DivKid]

"oh shit" :)

[@joshuapocalypse]

The 2 piece was the best

[@joshuapocalypse]

Hitske rules though!

[@hideyojimmies4840]

when he mentioned a "john" was he talking about john theodore???? if so, you know zach hills good when even john theodore says "whoa"

[@sirwojenheimthethird2268]

Hide yo Jimmies Yes. Definitely John Theodore. You do realize that the camera man is Juan, bass player from TMV... not just two greats in the room, but three.

[@ourladyoflourdes4068]

so hard