K Pop Guitarslayer: Faith and Feedback | Justin "Guitarslayer" Lyons

Mike Rhyner and co-host Rob Ervin sit down with guitarist Justin Lyons—and from here on out, he’s simply Guitarslayer. From a Toys “R” Us starter axe to 80,000-seat domes, he walks us through church pews, K-Pop stadiums, MGK mayhem, and a Mavericks playoff anthem that rattled the rafters. There’s faith, tone-chasing, Nile Rodgers worship, and some honest talk about keeping your head right when the business gets loud. It’s Oak Cliff grit with world-tour mileage—equal parts groove, gratitude, and guitar nerd joy. Pull up a chair, tune to “funky,” and let Guitarslayer explain why rhythm is the glue, tone is the truth, and arenas feel like sanctuaries when the pocket is deep. Chapters 0:00 – Welcome to the Riff Den Mike and Rob set the table; lightning outside, guitars inside, vibes everywhere. 2:35 – Meet Justin Lyons (a.k.a. Guitarslayer) Oak Cliff roots, gospel lanes, dad’s blues, mom’s melodies—day one DNA. 7:10 – First Axe, First Tracks Toys “R” Us guitar, church training wheels, and learning by ear (and prayer). 8:37 – The Mavs Got Loud How Eminence Front got supercharged; from Dallas Stars anthem to Mavericks playoff blast—with a custom PRS to match. 12:15 – K-Pop Called, Passport Stamped Big Bang to BLACKPINK: the faith leap that rewired a career and packed domes across Asia. 16:40 – The Tweet That Changed Everything “Looking for an African-American guitarist overseas”—Guitarslayer says yes before the ink is dry. 18:42 – Sit Down Before I Sit You Down A hard reset: stepping away for a year, then coming back with purpose. 22:21 – Dallas, But Bigger House-band days at Sankofa, building a sound, and why staying “spoiled” can stunt your growth. 31:31 – Tone Talk, Turn It Up PRS loyalties, Fender Tone Master obsession, and the eternal hunt for the sound that makes you practice longer. 34:42 – When Videos Ruled Nostalgia for The Box, regional hits, and why music videos used to feel like movies. 42:23 – Rhythm Is the Religion Why the pocket is king, Nile Rodgers is the blueprint, and the “in-betweens” move a crowd. 45:23 – 50,000 Hearts, One Downbeat Onstage adrenaline—from intimate rooms to seas of light sticks where in-ears can’t save you. 38:03 & 48:10 – Collabs & Cosigns MGK, Lil Wayne, Travis Barker, Fallon, The Roots—plus the dream list (Gary Clark Jr., Lenny Kravitz, Raphael Saadiq). 52:36 – Faith, Discipline, Longevity Gym habits, clean fuel, family, church—and treating musicianship like an athlete’s grind. 56:00 – Slushies & Sign-Offs CBD slushie chatter, reviews help, pants allegedly optional. Thanks to our monthly supporters Matthew Kamper W hammons B Smith Robert Stoolfire Thaddeus D. Matula Rachel W Scott Lewis cody SIMS John Gilbert Robert Saunders Kiffer Sidney Long Pattie Rhyner Davidson David Ashlea Bullington James Corona Gordy John C Caffey Joe Lindsey Cam Jillian Wright David Moore Becca Moore Mike Rhyner Your Dark Companion ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★