In this episode, host Tom Compton talks with Eric Ambel, who truly embodies the word versatile in his work as a musician, producer, and even venue owner at one point. Eric says his many musical roles enhance each other. With a career spanning decades, Eric Ambel was a founding member of iconic bands like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, The Del Lords and the Yayhoos. 25 years ago, Eric co-founded Cowboy Technical Services, a recording studio which has flourished, finding him to be highly sought after for his production skills. In this episode, we delve into his deep insights as a wearer of many hats. We'll discuss the creative process behind songs like Judas Kiss, his current work with Sarah Borges, and much, much more.
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Find out more about Eric Ambel:
https://www.ericambel.com
https://www.cowboytechnicalservices.com
https://www.instagram.com/the_ericambel
https://www.facebook.com/roscoenyc
https://www.youtube.com/@roscoenyc
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00:02:27 - Intro: Tom Compton welcomes Eric Ambel to Pursuing the Muse.
00:03:01 - Early Musical Journey & Late Songwriting Realization
00:05:00 - The Synergy of Musical Roles
00:06:23 - Midwest Rock Scene in the 70s
00:07:48 - From Small Town to Musical Path
00:08:49 - Pioneering Cowpunk in Wyoming
00:09:57 - From Laramie to Los Angeles
00:11:31 - Band Name Evolution
00:12:07 - Hollywood Club Circuit
00:12:48 - Joining Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
00:16:41 - Post-Jett Transition & Move to NYC
00:19:23 - The Genesis of The Del-Lords
00:21:28 - The Del Lords' Four-Frontman Vision
00:23:13 - Songwriting Dynamics & Credits
00:24:54 - Personal Songwriting & Home Recording
00:25:00 - Producing Career & Cowboy Technical Services
00:27:16 - The Evolution of "Judas Kiss"
00:30:10 - The Del Lords' Initial Split
00:31:33 - Joining Steve Earle's Dukes
00:38:38 - Steve Earle's Unique Songwriting & Recording Approach
00:35:50 - Songwriting Insights from Steve Earle
00:39:47 - The Formation of The Yayhoos
00:43:05 - Recording "Fear Not the Obvious" & Vinyl Release
00:45:20 - "Baby, I Love You" & "Slither" Placement
00:49:37 - Producer's Niche & Collaborations
00:50:52 - Songwriting with Sarah Borges
00:54:57 - Sarah Borges' Fearless Songwriting
00:57:50 - "Here Come My Love" from the Lakeside Album
00:59:59 - The Del Lords Reunion & Producing "Elvis Club"
01:03:39 - The Unfinished Del Lords Record
01:05:01 - Upcoming Production Projects
01:06:46 - Audio Movers & Remote Mixing Innovation
01:10:55 - "Song Guys" & Production Philosophy
01:13:54 - Where to Connect with Eric Ambel: Eric can be found at ericambel.com, Cowboy Technical's website (cowboytechnicalservices.com), and on Instagram (@the_ericambel) for updates, including "cat pictures and food pictures and, guitar pictures".
01:15:14 - Nostalgic Return to Fontana & Lake Geneva
01:16:23 - Fond Memories of Fontana
01:16:52 - Closing Remarks
Pursuing the Muse theme song "Neon Rails" by Joel Corelitz
