A Guitar Tone Conversation with Thom Daugherty of The Elms

I have been a fan of the Elms since I first watched the music video for their song Speaking in Tongues on Yahoo Music back in 2006. However, I never got a chance to see them live, and then they disbanded in 2010. When they announced their anniversary shows to be held 2 nights back-to-back in Indianapolis, I knew that I had to be there for both.

Thom and I had connected a long time ago on Facebook, and we just stayed in touch via mutual groups. He’s now a [fill in current job here]. On day 2 before the show, he was generous enough to sit down with me over some Mexican food to do a deep dive into the history of The Elms and their recording process, as well as how he has been able to recreate his “purist” tone using modern technology.

InterviewsDavid LeongMarch 27, 2026Fractal, Axe-FX, guitarComment

DISCOURSE: December - David Leøng

David Leøng is a photographer and musician based in San Francisco. He can usually be found exploring the outdoors and taking photos with friends, or trying out different guitar/pedal combinations at home. This month, I sat down with David to discuss creative inspiration, life goals, gentrification, and GAS. Read on to find out more.

Interviews, BlogDavid LeongDecember 30, 2016discourse, blog, interview, instagram, norway, guitar, music, creativity, ignant, cereal magazine Comments

DISCOURSE: November - Theresa Lee

Theresa Lee is the owner and co-founder of Future Glory Co., a boutique specializing in handmade leather bags and purses, all designed and made right here in San Francisco, CA. I first met her at a bar through a mutual friend the last time the Giants were in the World Series (2014, in case anyone forgot), and we've been friends ever since. During one of our rainy days earlier this month, I got to chat with and shoot Theresa at Future Glory Co.'s brand new workspace.

InterviewsDavid LeongNovember 30, 2016discourse, interview, future glory co, pdr, industrial, boutique, artisan, san francisco, dogpatch, fujifilm, fujinon, sewing, leatherComment

DISCOURSE: October - Sterling Montes

This month I got to sit down chat with my friend Sterling Montes, who recently came back from a five-month long backpacking trip from the Mexican border up the West Coast of the United States into Canada, on a historic route called the Pacific Crest Trail.

InterviewsDavid LeongOctober 31, 2016hiking, backpacking, pacific crest trail, oakland, california, west coast, discourseComment

DISCOURSE: September - Lyndsey Elm

Lyndsey Elm is a friend of mine from my Cal Poly days. I've always known her to be an incredible singer and a super nice person, and I secretly wished that I was as good of a musician as she is. Shortly after graduation, something happened that thrust her into the national spotlight. This month, I got to spend a warm San Francisco evening in Lower Haight with Lyndsey doing a fun shoot as well as chatting over some delicious bacon-wrapped dates.

DISCOURSE: July - Ryan Devens

Ryan Devens is, without a doubt, the most consistently well-dressed and dapper man I know. I was honored to sit and chat with him about the clothing industry, his tailoring business, music, and definitions of success in San Francisco.

InterviewsDavid LeongJuly 31, 2016interview, tailor's keep, custom suiting, music, nashville, san francisco, discourseComment