Inside the Squeaky Helmet: My Playlist for Riding, Focus and Full-Throttle Freedom

A playlist for the open road, fueled by distortion, drive, and a love for volume.

Music has always been a big part of my life. Before the adventures, before the caves, even before I threw a leg over a motorcycle, there was music.

I started playing guitar when I was a kid — sat through lessons, fumbled my way through chords, learned how to make noise (and sometimes even music). Over the years, I played in a bunch of different bands. Mostly loud, some fast and some melodic, all meaningful or fun in their own way. We played tiny gigs in half-empty bars and had chaotic jam sessions that left ears ringing and hearts racing.

I don’t play anymore. About seven years ago, during a rough period in my life, the spark simply faded. I packed my guitar in its case — and honestly, it’s barely seen daylight since.

But I never stopped listening.

Music is still with me — in my headphones when I work, in my helmet when I ride. It helps me focus, sharpens my thoughts, drowns out noise (both literal and mental). Especially the hard stuff. Fast riffs and pounding drums somehow make everything feel more alive, more here. That’s what this playlist is made of.

"Inside the Squeaky Helmet" is a collection of what usually blasts in my ears while I'm tearing through the forest roads or twisting along mountain passes. It’s loud, it’s fast, it’s metal — and it keeps me dialed in.

And maybe the coolest part? My son picked up the guitar about a year and a half ago. And already, he’s a better guitarist than I ever was. He’s started his own band now — and watching him fall in love with music the way I once did is a wild, humbling thing. Who knows — one day one of his songs might end up on this playlist too.

👇 Listen here: