Episode 139: Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters)

Episode 139 of The JamBase Podcast, a partner of the Osiris Media Network, features an interview with guitarist Chris Shiflett, who is a member of Foo Fighters. JamBase’s Andy Kahn spoke to Shiflett about his solo work, which includes a newly released single, “Long Long Year,” and much more.

Following last episode’s interview with Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, Shiflett’s appearance makes it back-to-back episodes featuring Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame members as guests on The JamBase Podcast. The interview with Shiflett mostly focused on his solo work, particularly his new single, “Long Long Year.” The track was produced by Vance Powell, who mixed and engineered Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio’s Ghosts Of The Forest solo album and mixed, engineered and co-produced Phish’s 2020 studio album, Sigma Oasis.

Shiflett explained entrusting Powell – who also worked with Chris Stapleton, Jack White and many others – with putting together the group of musicians that were part of the recording sessions for “Long Long Year.” Joining Shiflett were ace players mandolinist/vocalist Sierra Hull, bassist Jack Lawrence (The Raconteurs, Jack White), drummer Julian Doro (Eagles of Death Metal, The Whigs), steel guitarist Luke Schneider (Margo Price, Orville Peck) and keyboardist Mike Webb (Will Hoge, Brandy Clark).

The sessions were held at Powell’s studio in Nashville, and Shiflett described how Nashville influenced the record. He detailed some of his country-leaning influences, from legends like Waylon Jennings to his current contemporary collaborator HARDY.

Shiflett discussed writing the single in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while not wanting to write a COVID song specifically. He talked about how the lockdown forced him, like many of his fellow musicians, to become better at recording himself but also how the “Long Long Year” demo differed pretty drastically from its final arrangement.

Out of respect for Shiflett and his bandmates’ privacy, a brief sharing of condolences was the only mention of Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. Shiflett will be performing with Foo Fighters on Saturday in London at an all-star tribute concert for Taylor Hawkins, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

The interview also touched on Shiflett’s plans to issue a follow-up single, “Born & Raised” as well as a solo album recorded with different musicians, the status of his podcast Walking the Floor and more.

This episode is sponsored by Psychedelic Art Exchange. Psychedelic Art Exchange is the premier source to buy, sell, and learn about vintage concert posters. Explore decades’ worth of exciting collectible concert art from the 1960s to the modern day featuring the Grateful Dead, Phish, and many more of your favorite bands and artists. Be on the lookout for JamBase’s four-part series documenting the history of concert posters. Visit www.concertpostergallery.com to explore their expanding online store or to bid on vintage rarities in one of their twice-monthly auctions. Happy collecting!

Stream Episode 139 of The JamBase Podcast via all major podcast services including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Google Podcast.