TOM BUKOVAC Podcast - You can only be you

Today's guest is Tom Bukovac. If you're unaware of this man, strap in. Yes, he's played on everything. Yes, he's toured with Joe Walsh, Faith Hill, Ann Wilson, and more. And yes, he's handsome.
Most importantly however, he cares for the craft on a level that is truly awe-inspiring. Prepare for some wisdom, laughs, and tales from one the self proclaimed "soon-be-legends."
But he's already a legend in our minds.
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[@leftye.guitar1295]

I rarely write comments, but this podcast is one of the best I've heard in a long time. This podcast contains wisdom and advice not just for musicians, but for anyone in any profession. No matter how old you are - listen to this podcast and you will learn more than you would in a university course.😎

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@leslieperry3001]

Tom Bukovac is one of the most interesting musicians on KZbin . His insights are fascinating .

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

Is the most interesting musician on Earth, it's impossible not to like him immensely, unless you are dead.

[@Taylor.Martin.Guitar]

Uncle Larry has the heart and soul we musicians love. Hes a craftsman that knows his role and can pull it off, no matter what it is. Great guy too, a good hang

[@2dazetake]

Where ever Tom goes, he steals the show, our favorite story teller, a walking encyclopedia of the music industry and everything guitar, thanks for having him, you get an automatic sub, great show.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Glad you enjoyed it! Stoked to have you in our community!

[@Sammywhat]

Tom was no accident. We'll have to tell his Mom when we get to heaven!

[@RollieFingers59]

Just left this mornings Homeskoolin’ class and this popped up. Let’s go!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Love to hear that!

[@gusblacksmith9]

Wish I could move to Nashville to be Uncle Larry's intern.

[@vistaitsystems659]

It is so inspiring to hear stories in the struggle of life. Being an old timer now, I feel the joy of the successes, and defeat of failure Uncle touches on. Wisdom has it's price and it's rewards. We should all pass the wisdom we have paid for along. Larry really does pass it on. I need to buy Larry a beer before I move on from this place.

[@niguel4438]

So right Tom. It’s not difficult to shine in this ever complacent world. I tell my grand children this all the time. Smile and ask what can I do for you. Turn up early. Don’t leave early. Show initiative. It’s not hard to stand out.

[@morganyoungisplayingdrums]

This interview completely explains why Uncle Larry's musicial vocabulary and breadth of musical taste is so immense - he grew up in the lion's den as a youth and that is something that school will not teach you. Then again, maybe since we have had very, very similar upbringings I'm partially bias on this notion. But lets face it, music schooling is a con that really offers so little once you find yourself in the trenches. Thanks for digging in the dirt on this one Miles.

[@JS-uh1ly]

Not in the music industry but I feel there are so many pearls of wisdom for any sort of work here.

[@pauldaniels6158]

Thank you, guys. Great conversation.

[@kpuliatch]

Thanks for sharing this slice of reality, the important notes between the notes. Hope to see more .

[@jcblebowski]

Been playing for 30 years, and I’m starting lessons for the first time. I want to start giving lessons, and help one of my kids get into recording. Moved to Nashville 17 years ago in a band, and of course school and work got in the way. Hoping to get back to it later in life.

[@rokobacic8404]

So much wisdom in such a short time!

[@ryanjohnson985]

Love this! Great interview and conversation between two Nashville legends.

[@jamesmaxwell5415]

Yes! Thank You!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for watching James!

[@charliejohnson7703]

I loved this! Such a fantastic conversation, thank you guys!!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ResponseAudio]

Thanks! Great episode.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for watching!

[@leonjoullie9027]

this is amazing! thank u so much for having all these interviews with all these insane musicians!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thank you for watching!

[@tbluesboye]

That was way cool! Can't wait for the next episode!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for watching! We appreciate the support! If you haven't heard our previous episodes, the whole show is available at studiomusicianacademy.com

[@NatePieper]

Not only was the conversation interesting, but the flow of this was so natural. You've got my sub man.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the kind words Nate! Glad to have you here!

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

Thought the same. It's interesting to read differing opinions on the conversation here. I really enjoyed it.

[@gtr1952]

Very interesting, and insightful, as usual w/Uncle Larry! At 71, the important thing that I've learned is when not to play. A small fill/string part, or non at all, can be just as important, and contribute as much as filling every single sonic space available. IMHO, some of the newer stuff is over-played on. Again, JMHO. Peace --gary

[@andersestes]

This is awesome. Love the convo. Tom has reached legend status.

[@climbtibet]

Amen 🙏

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the support!

[@robertscherer8860]

That was a lot of fun!

[@bobbysbackingtracks]

" It's so easy to shine". Now that's a line/hook.

[@stratmagic6893]

Absolutely loved this conversation. Great insights into what the creative players deal with.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@mitchellpierce1816]

Thanks gentlemen

[@samcomfort6564]

this has to be the most helpful podcast I've ever listened to

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thank you Sam! Glad to hear that!

[@mitchellpierce1816]

Tom is a gem

[@jackstow8411]

I teach a high school automotive program and this is going to be part of my orientation piece this year. Such great insight into how putting in the work can get you where you want to be. Thanks guys!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

That’s incredible! Love hearing that the ideas can relate across occupations! Thanks Jack!

[@kindnick58]

This is TREMENDOUS Let's go 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Mush appreciated! Thanks for watching!

[@a.m.phaneuf6164]

Great interview

[@h.sinclair]

incredible conversation enjoyed every millisecond Uncle Larry thanks for all the stories and for SMAcademy for doing this ❤❤❤

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for watching!

[@zenmaestro04]

Tom saying it doesn't matter if they're good or bad as long they care = integrity

[@davidh8928]

Thank you for this upload. I love listening to the inner workings of what you guys do for a living. I love playing music for people in a live setting but I don't record or do studio work. I'm glad this format is less "interview" and more of a conversation amongst piers. Your collaborative insights and observations mixed with wisdom of experience is exactly what I am into. Thanks for this! I've been a Homeskooler for a little over a year and I've now subscribed to this channel. I'm here to support!!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the feedback David! We’re excited to hear our format struck a chord with you! Hope to keep in touch!

[@brianolson_music]

This was awesome! Love it

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@bobgertz2705]

That was so good......Couldnt stop watching........

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks Bob! Glad to hear your enjoyed it! Hope you have a chance to check out the rest of the series!

[@johnmossey]

Love his definition of getting away from music is… opening a music store. Uncle Larry is an American treasure. 🇺🇸 🎸 🎵 🎙

[@rollittakeit]

Best advice ever, for any creative professional who works in collaborative environments. At 56 I still try to bring that youthful energy and “can do” spirit to every gig. I try to mentor young up & comers as well.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for watching! Glad to hear you're taking the time to share your experiences also!

[@RedMercuryBluesBand]

GREAT discussion.....thanks

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for watching!

[@danthegeetarman]

Love the insider tips and pet peeves and stuff. This is the stuff where you normally have to learn the hard way so these are some 💎💎💎

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Mister_Samsonite]

Man, what an amazing education! I always thought it was enough to just "serve the song" and not overplay. I had no idea about the nuances of everything you could do right or wrong. Thank you gentlemen!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ronbrunton1205]

Man... Just listened to the entire episode. I fucking loved it! Just excellent. So much insight and extremely valuable experience shared. Don't know that I'll ever make it the short distance from my city to a Nashville session. But these are important lessons for any session I'm playing here in town. Thank you both for this video.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for sharing! Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@phantasmagram9795]

Awesome discussion! Learned a lot and enjoyed it!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Great to hear! Thank you for watching!

[@mpw621]

You never know the demo take might become close to the master. Tom is a true artist he has dedication to make the track the best possible track.

[@ianlearningcom]

Great talk!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thank you!

[@jeremyhickersonsalem]

this was absolutely great, guys, deep, profound stuff!!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joemorris4424]

Aaron is John Mayers drummer. He knows what he’s talking about. Loved the POD, Uncle Larry is my new guitar hero

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing Joe!

[@CargoShorts7]

Really interesting conversation! I've only played in studios with my own bands and in those situations, I feel like it's okay to express excitement when things are going well, but I've never considered the idea of showing restraint, while also being confident in what you're playing, WHILE ALSO being open minded enough to change what you're doing to better fit the vibe. Really interesting perspective. And Tom is such a gem. He's quickly become one of my favorite players and humans over the last couple years. Thanks for sharing man, cheers!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for sharing! We appreciate your feedback!

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Agreed. With bandmates, I se the tone up front. We’re going to have fun, but every decision we make is solely based on what’s best for the song. No critique is personal. Letting go of ego is essential. I was in a situation last month where a pianist was overplaying…and I just said, “What are you hearing from the guitar?” He said, “Try playing off the vocal melody…”. This, in turn, had him become more vested in the guitar and he backed off the piano to make room.

[@mwrable]

Nice interview! May want to rethink the shorts next time. 😂

[@martinriepma5009]

Tom is super cool and thoughtful.

[@gitarmats]

Wonderful!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thank you!

[@johnmcelhaney8490]

You must be the coolest guy I have never met. Thanks for sharing your story! awesome

[@telecasteroil]

All this knowledge is,GOLD….

[@markmcnamara4322]

my favorite handsome uncle, little tommy, standing out as a wonderful human man. YEAH!

[@davidharpersongs]

Damn. This is like life at my kitchen table in Nashville. Love this. Demos are a source of aggravation here. The "mowing over of good songs at demo sessions" is a painful but necessary topic.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

Reminds me of hitting my first professional home run. Played it off cool. Then hit #2 in the same inning…and admired it a bit too long. Both were special to me, but only the second was special to the team so we could all have a bit of fun with it. Act like you’ve been there, and you’ll know when the room thinks you’ve all hit on something special.

[@bobrobinson369]

Great Interview

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks Bob! We appreciate the support!

[@gwbuilder5779]

Awesome conversation fellas.🤙

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thank you!

[@CNCTEMATIC]

Dude I love what you guys are doing here! Only 886 subscribers?? Well I'm glad I got in on the ground floor!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the love! We'd be grateful for your support in spreading the good word and helping us continue to grow!

[@ampgent]

This is pure gold

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thank you!

[@salcasabianca]

As a songwriter I go into with 90 % done. The rest is magic.

[@anthonyjones6086]

My eyes drawn back and forth: Orange-Mesa Boogie. Awesome stuff as usual from uncle Larry🤘🏼

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Ha ha - me too. That cab as well.

[@waynecristaudo7220]

Great conversation - I think in every profession there is a danger that the love and magic have just evaporated and routine professional moves compensate and hide the lack of spirit. The danger of being good is that one takes stuff for granted because it will always be ok but Tom is the kind of guy who knows every day is another trial - even if you handle it with total cool.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for sharing Wayne!

[@MrStropparo]

Love you Thanks for havin me Hope this mic works Classic

[@RussShirley1]

I just wish there had been this type of learning the inside when I was younger and figuring it all out by hard knocks and street smarts. Great info guys, thanks, well done 👏👏👏

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

We do to, that was our inspiration in creating this series. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

[@gtrjames1]

Great guy…great player

[@MarcusFilipeAndrade]

Maaaaaan, this podcast was the darkest of my nightmares and the sweetest of my dreams at the freaking same time! Thx for that!

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks Marcus! Hopefully we’re supporting more dreams than nightmares. Haha!

[@MarcusFilipeAndrade]

@@studiomusicianacademy6607 haha it's all about the contrast, man! Hahaha quite a talk with Uncle Larry! ♥️

[@dennisdrummond4099]

That was really interesting . You can have no ego to do that work .

[@kennylynch9317]

High pitched tone through out video tuffed it out for Tom but Jesus

[@brianwood7237]

Just got done with #236, then this popped up...fanfkntastic! 👊 I can, and do, listen to stuff like this, ALL DAY😅

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Glad you found us Brian! Thanks for sharing!

[@Stereostupid]

Love the session man!uncle Larry

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the love!

[@DieselWeazel]

This was philosophical

[@iused2BAfireman]

Excellent conversation. Naysay to the naysayers. Thanks for priceless insight.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for listening! We appreciate the support!

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Terrific, subbed. A great and funny conversation.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for watching! Glad to have you here!

[@mikedr1549]

"we've made people cry" - oh my!

[@salcasabianca]

A song is a song. No one will ever know if it's any good. Until someone says it is. Don't fall for it. Music is chemistry and magic.

[@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912]

There is nothing a child will learn faster than a song.

[@bogmon]

and it's not really ever finished... but you have to finish.

[@toploadtele]

5-Stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thank you!

[@fivepiece]

I wish this wealth of info had been this easily accessible when I was a young man first picking up a guitar.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Great to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelschmidt6548]

The grey area Tom touched on was summed up with an Isbell lyric Time between the glory days and the golden years

[@phildohogne1970]

My brother was a lot older than me. He was an ironworker and muscle for the mafia guy down the street. The mafia guy co-signed for my first fender.

[@nikolaibarbarich7887]

Hello Class !

[@alexervin4321]

to the guy slouching in the chair, u had Tom intro himself,,, qualify urself pls.

[@THEItchybruddah]

My kids hear me talking about this ALL time. The mantra I try the hardest to instill boils down to: “Show up. Don’t be a dick”. I realize there’s more nuance that can goes with that. So….… I can’t play this in my class…. But I can sure share it with the ones that will “get it”! THANK you for this priceless interrogation of our beloved Uncle. Thanks for this.

[@tomcoryell]

What up Itchy?

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Love it! Thanks for sharing!

[@bogmon]

"Play it like you're falling off a log". Wisdom!

[@uncleremus64]

42:16 "I'm starting to get really excited about being wrong" is brilliant. Deep fucking genius thought.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

That’s a powerful statement for sure! Thanks for sharing!

[@Sadowsky46]

Great interview - more like a dialogue, and you were in sync! 👍

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thank you! Love it!

[@sonnybb1]

❤

[@phillippurdy5893]

All the best to both of you. Hope to see you in the next life.

[@501chorusecho]

have you decided to end it all tonite?

[@phillippurdy5893]

@@501chorusecho Jimmy Evans at Tipping Point points out that a lot of us will be departing by the end of the third quarter 2028. After all Vladimir and Xi have itchy trigger fingers.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Man. I have so many thoughts and so many questions! Get ready for several comments. For now, midway through the show, I’ll just say this is great and I wish it was longer.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thanks for the support! Glad to hear your enjoying!

[@216Numbskull]

Buk rockin' the Chuck T's. Niiccee...

[@matthewwillis4892]

Great topic, "The Mediocrity Of Today" as a man of the trades I see so much slackery these days it's become stratus quo in all facets of life, no one seems to have pride in anything they do. Sometimes it is frustrating and even sad to witness.

[@b_tang]

Ths is great

[@romansson4005]

The first minute of this interview reminds me of a recent interaction with Joey Landreth. A few years ago, he and I exchanged a couple of pedals. Our discussion before the trade was via text; it was informative and entertaining. Fast forward a year: Joey’s band plays in my city and I go to see him. After the show, he appears out of nowhere, next to me, smiling. I’m taken aback and I stammer out a greeting. My wife, who is standing next to me, smiles and says: “Awww…how sweet! A grown man with a school girl crush!” That’s my roundabout way of saying stick with it; the first minute is not representative of the rest of this discussion.

[@laylasatticstudio172]

those mics make there voices sound awesome nice chat fellas

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Thank you!

[@jonaskarlstrom4152]

I jam every week with 10 year older great players. I have played for 4 years, the other guys for 40 years, Iam learning a lot and fast. It is the best thing that exists, pure magic. They have the patience and i try my very best always, every lick every chord. Just try to make it sound the best at your level.

[@CanadianDivergent]

you will go far with a great mindset like that 🙂✌

[@tomcoryell]

Rock on Jonas!

[@hammill444]

I must say, it seems like the hardest part of being a session player is never the actual playing. The playing sounds like the easy part. The hard part? It sounds like a huge psychological minefield of subtle interpersonal, touchy interactions-- most of which, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant, can cause huge rifts, problems or consequential negative ripple effects. A tough gig to be sure. Fascinating discussion.

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

Great takeaway! Thanks for watching!

[@RagggedTrouseredPhilanthropist]

Pretty sure you just described going to work in most jobs.

[@phatbass5815]

Is there a Part 2? Tom’s toe underscoring the Marshal logo is the cherry on top. 🍒

[@studiomusicianacademy6607]

There’s not a part 2 yet… but we have plenty more episodes with other players!

[@Fender5621]

Love the VID but I had to extract and take some lows out of Tom's voice. His speaking range is unique and is him. Cool!!!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

The secret in plain sight is the number of takes the average 'classic recording' involved, you might think they roll out smooth, beautifully placed music easily, but you don't realize just how many 'takes' this requires, like dozens, and dozens - sometimes spliced together and parts taken from 20 takes, this is one of those truths. Uncle Larry is the authentic article.