Take 5 with Joey Z
“Playing to 60,000 people doesn’t get less terrifying — you just get better at hiding it.”
Years Playing
15+
Greatest Influences
Eddie Van Halen, Prince, John Mayer
First Guitar
Squier Stratocaster
Proudest Musical Achievement
Playing Coachella with Rod Wave
Non-Guitar Obsession
Building Lego Star Wars kits
Joey Z is a seasoned session guitarist who’s toured globally with artists like Rod Wave, Aloe Blacc, and Nik West — playing to packed arenas and stadium crowds of 60,000 strong.
When he’s not on stage, he’s in the studio or hopping between tour buses (with some stories we probably can’t print here).
In this short back-and-forth, we talk gear obsessions, arena nerves, Floyd Rose loyalty, and the mindset it takes to stay ready for the next big gig.
Interview Highlights
“I learned early on that the gear doesn’t make you — but it sure helps!”
“Tour buses aren’t as glamorous as you think — but the music makes it all worth it.”
“My Floyd Rose trem isn’t just a tool — it’s part of my voice.”
Gear Talk
Current Guitar?
Chapman ML3 — it’s versatile, reliable, and my go-to on tour.
Amp or digital?
I’m old school — tube amps all the way, but I use digital effects for flexibility.
Drive or fuzz?
Drive — for that classic crunch, but I pull out fuzz for special moments.
Favorite pedal?
Keeley Compressor — it shapes my dynamics perfectly.
Guitar pick preference?
Jazz III, small but precise.