Fortin Amps

Steven Ward’s journey in guitar content creation

In the vast landscape of online content creation, few realms are as dynamic and captivating as the world of guitar content. From tutorials to performances, reviews, to behind-the-scenes glimpses, guitar enthusiasts flock to platforms like YouTube for their daily dose of musical inspiration. In this engaging podcast episode, Mel Torres sits down with Steven Ward, a prolific guitar content creator, to uncover the secrets of his success and glean invaluable insights into the art of digital storytelling in the realm of music.

Mel and Steven met in URM Summit in 2018, setting the stage for a friendship grounded in a shared passion for music and digital media. Steven reflects on this serendipitous meeting, acknowledging the pivotal role it played in shaping his journey. "It's funny how life can lead you to unexpected places," he muses, encapsulating the essence of their chance encounter.

At the heart of Steven's content philosophy lies authenticity – a guiding principle that infuses every aspect of his creative process. "Authenticity is key," he asserts, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and real stories. In a digital landscape often saturated with polished facades, Steven's commitment to authenticity sets him apart, fostering a deep sense of connection with his audience.

Delving into the intricacies of content creation, Steven offers a glimpse into his creative process, rooted in a keen observation of everyday moments. "I find inspiration in everyday moments," he shares. "It's about capturing those sparks and turning them into something meaningful." This disciplined approach ensures a steady stream of engaging content that resonates with his audience.

Yet, Steven's journey has not been without its challenges. Embracing imperfection, he views setbacks as opportunities for growth and innovation. "Mistakes are just opportunities in disguise," he reflects. "They push us to evolve and innovate." This resilience in the face of adversity underscores Steven's unwavering commitment to his craft.

Central to Steven's success is his unwavering dedication to staying true to his vision. In a world of fleeting trends and external pressures, he advocates for artistic integrity and staying true to oneself. "Your authenticity is your greatest asset," he affirms, urging creators to remain steadfast in their artistic vision.

Beyond individual creativity, Steven acknowledges the power of community in fostering growth and collaboration. "Community is everything," he declares. "Together, we inspire, encourage, and uplift each other." Through collaborative projects and an inclusive online environment, Steven cultivates a vibrant community of like-minded individuals united by their passion for music.

Steven's journey reminds us of the enduring power of authenticity, resilience, and community in our creative endeavors.

2 and 4 cable method for Zuul

Dependent on your rig, there are multiple ways to wire up your Zuul pedal to get the very best from it.

The older model of the Zuul, and the Mini Zuul, only have the one jack for both Key in and Key Out. In order to get the most our of your Zuul you would either need to have a splitter cable or a splitter pedal to utilize this epic control mechanism. Obviously, we recommend either the Fortin Roach or Spliff pedals to achieve this - as, you know, splitter cables can be unreliable.

4 Cable Method - with FX loop

4CM for Zuul with FX loop

Guitar to Splitter pedal input. From the splitter you go to the Key In of Zuul, and also to your gain/boost/wah/compressor pedals that exist before your main dirt (which could be amp gain, or gain within the pedal chain listed);
From the the initial chain you go into the front of your amp;
FX LOOP SEND - into the input of your Zuul;
Zuul out to your time based effects (delays, reverbs, some modulations)
FX LOOP RETURN.

4 cable method - no FX loop

Guitar to Splitter pedal input. From the splitter you go to the Key In of Zuul, and also to your gain/boost/wah/compressor pedals that exist before your main dirt (which could be amp gain, or gain within the pedal chain listed);
Zuul input;
Zuul out to your time based effects (delays, reverbs, some modulations);
Front of amp.