Matt Muehling is the guitarist for ‘Kill Tony’ in the ‘The Kill Tony Band.’ Kill Tony is the #1 live podcast in the world and the #2 podcast on YouTube, second only to the ‘The Joe Rogan Experience.’ He also performs live for Rob Schneider as a member of comedian’s live band. Matt is a founding member of both bands ‘Progger’ and ‘Open 2.o.’ He also plays for ‘Sir Woman,’ ‘WeDaHomies,’ ‘Grooveline Horns,’ Daniel Fears, and Grace Sorensen.

Nick Tello sat with Matt Muehling, where Matt shared insights on how he became prominent in this distinctive skill set, highlighting the dynamic of the Kill Tony band. Matt emphasized the importance of having Jon Deas as the music director, who "calls the chords" during the unpredictable nature of the live impromptu comedy podcast and Carlos Sosa as the horns leader. Matt offered a glimpse into what the band discusses amongst themselves inside their talkback mics during live shows. Matt provided an insider perspective, sharing raw details that typical audience members would not be aware of. We explored D-Madness' impressive live music performance skills, noting his remarkable abilities despite being blind. Matt shared his insider take on collaborating with Zac Brown during Episode #738 of 'Kill Tony.' Matt shares how he overcame the difficulties of studying Jazz Guitar Performance to graduate from University of North Texas, starting from remedial courses. Matt includes why he never attended a UNT football game. Nick and Matt share their favorite comedians and reflect on the challenges of writing and delivering a successful comedy joke. Matt reveals how he joined the Kill Tony band.

Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos

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Raul Ayala is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His rock band, ‘ra!,’ was started around the time this episode was recorded.

Nick Tello recently had the opportunity to sit down with Raul Ayala, an artist whose random live performance on 6th Street in Austin, Texas left a crazy impression on him. Nick shares with Raul how Raul’s energy and creativity stand out, robbing the audience’s attention from start to finish; whether he plays guitar from an audience member’s shoulders or crowd surfing mid-performance. During the interview, Raul describes the unique atmosphere of playing first-floor apartment shows as well as his vision for hosting “no-phone” concerts. Raul explains how he learned to play guitar by connecting a real guitar to his XBOX. Raul’s new band, ‘ra!,’ may be new but it’s already making waves in the Austin music scene.

Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos

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You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Thomas Alvarez is the bassist and clean vocalist for ‘Upon A Burning Body.’ Thomas is also the founder and vocalist of ‘Coldcasket,’ formerly called ‘Buried Under Texas.’

Nick Tello had the privilege of sharing this fun, yet serious episode with Thomas Alvarez. Thomas describes what it’s like to play in ‘Upon A Burning Body’ alongside his two brothers; vocalist Danny Leal and guitarist Ruben Alvarez. He offered personal insights into how their family bond influences their music and live performances. Thomas also shared his experience as a fill-in bassist for the band ‘In This Moment.’ The discussion ventured into his personal interests, including his white belt in Jiu Jitsu and some of his favorite UFC fighters. At the time of this episode, ‘Upon A Burning Body’ is set to release their seventh studio album, “Blood of The Bull,” on Friday, December 5th, 2025. This album will be released independently through the band’s own label. Thomas and his brothers are also anticipating a Texas tour shortly following the album drop.

Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos

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You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Sab is the lead vocalist for ‘Kill Lonely,’ a heavy band signed with Ghost Killer Entertainment. He is also a proud father, family man, and incredible friend to many.

Nick Tello had the opportunity to sit down with Sab, who shares his experience with the band becoming signed to Ghost Killer Entertainment. Sab dives into his musical journey beginning at the age of 12, from playing drums to transitioning into the role of vocalist. Sab reveals where the band name "Kill Lonely" came from. He also shares the joys and endeavors of being a proud father, helping us see the bridge between his deep bond with his family and his creative work. Sab is gearing up for an exciting show on December 5th, where Kill Lonely will once again share the stage with Eyes Set to Kill at Vibes Event Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos

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You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Luis Lopez is the vocalist for hardcore and thrash metal band, ‘Life Cycles.’ Luis is also recognized for his impressive skills on guitar, known for his work with the metalcore band ‘Coldcasket,’ which is former ‘Buried Under Texas.’ He also plays guitar with the precise System of a Down cover band, 'System of a Brown.’

Nick Tello had the opportunity to sit down for the first time with Luis Lopez, where Luis shares his experience on transitioning from guitarist to vocalist for ‘Life Cycles.’ During their conversation, Luis shared the story of how Matt Heafy of heavy metal band ‘Trivium’ became the band’s most prominent and vocal supporter. They also discussed the growing excitement surrounding ‘Life Cycles’’ upcoming UK tour with the British heavy metal band, Sylosis.

Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos

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You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Steve Rico Jr. was the vocalist for hardcore band, Fortunes TX, at the time of this video.

Steve sat down with Nick Tello to share his experience with the band, which is currently signed to Upstate Records. Steve also admits that his musical tastes are diverse—his favorite dish is Pad Thai, and his second favorite genre is pop-punk. Steve reminisced about enjoying house parties with Texas metal band 'Upon A Burning Body' in his younger days. Steve revealed that his first concert was Mudvayne at 15 years old. The discussion extended beyond music to include AND1 streetball and how he and his friends would try to mimic the moves from AND1 growing up. We addressed more serious topics, such as the recent in-prison murder of the ‘Lostprophets’ frontman, Ian Watkins. Additionally, Steve offered his insights into the pros and cons of the upcoming ballot in San Antonio, Texas to take place on November 4th, 2025. The city will vote on several propositions but we highlight props A & B, which will essentially determine whether the Spurs, the five-time NBA champions, will remain in San Antonio.

Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos

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You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

JeremyXBackWoodz is a prominent drummer whose reputation continues to grow. He has shared the stage with BigXthaPlug and That Mexican OT. At the time of this episode, Jeremy was drumming for 'Fortunes TX' and 'Without a Heaven.'

Jeremy shares his time with Nick Tello to discuss his experience collaborating with 'Clejan' AKA 'thetrapviolinist' and opening for 'Upon A Burning Body.' Amongst all his dedication, he still finds time to relax and play Fortnite.

Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos

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You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Joe Dragich is the lead guitarist for metalcore band 'Semper Acerbus' and bassist/backup vocals for Christian hard rock and nu-metal band, 'Relent.' He is contributes to online projects, 'Threadbear' and 'SATELLITES.'

Joe Dragich took time to sit and chat with Nick Tello to create this episode. He shares how his previous band, 'Shaping The Legacy' acutally shaped his legacy. He also shares his personal thoughts on 'Semper Acerbus' recently becoming a signed band to Eclipse Records. During this conversation, Joe provides valuable insights into the role of a modern record label and how it operates in today’s music industry. He also discusses the impact of AI on music, debating whether AI-generated music will be a fleeting trend or if it might eventually replace human musicians.

Video is available on https://www.youtube.com/@nicktelloguitar/videos

Follow The Riff Lounge on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/riffloungepod

You can listen to the audio version of this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & anywhere you listen to podcasts.