# 236 - CONVERGE | Kurt Ballou: Metalcore Riffs, Guitar Rundown & Making of Jane Doe

An episode of [Garza Podcast](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1551076579), 8 Jun 2026, 2 h 01 min.

Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/APO8722251017.mp3

Garza sits down in-person with Kurt Ballou. Guitar player from Massachusetts metalcore band CONVERGE. Also known for his recording & production work at GodCity Studios. Their TWO new albums “Love Is Not Enough” & “Hum of Hurt” out now! https://instagram.com/converge CHUG MERCH: https://garzapodcast.myshopify.com 00:00 - High-Pass Filter Explained 04:07 - Recording Hi-Hats 07:43 - Using AI for Music Production 11:29 - Are Studios Important? 13:05 - Steve Albini 17:00 - Jane Doe 20:38 - Learning How to Record Music 23:36 - Recording on Tape 29:47 - Jane Doe Guitar Tones 32:23 - Mesa Racktifier // Helix Stadium 36:13 - Guitar Pedal Talk 40:28 - Amp Talk 43:01 - Hum of Hurt 46:46 - Short Albums 48:51 - Nails’ Guitar Tone 54:52 - Helix Stadium vs Gear Snobs 1:06:53 - Amps & Helix Cloning 1:11:40 - Tone Rundown 1:15:10 - Overcomplicating Riffs 1:17:08 - Riff: Axe to Fall // Open Slayer Tuning 1:19:14 - Wacky Tuning 1:21:00 - Riff: Concubine 1:28:58 - Riff: Hell to Pay 1:35:22 - Mixing Guitars 1:36:49 - God City Instruments 1:44:44 - Guitar Rundown 1:47:13 - Garza Plays the Craftsman 1:49:38 - Brian “Head” Welch 1:52:55 - 3 Albums to Check Out 1:57:01 - NYHC Hardcore Spectrum

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