Dreamlike, grandiose, cinematic, disarming. Each term could describe the emotionally arresting instrumental music of Explosions in the Sky, the post-rock poster boys from Austin, Texas. Each could also describe Explosions’ ongoing success story since the release of their 2007 album, All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone.

One of the most important things I can explain to people who want to become session players is how they need to take a good long look at those who have gone before. In this photo gallery is a list of some of MY faves -- and a brief description of each player.

I thought we could kill two birds with one stone if we focused on recalling our earliest musical influences. This way, I can give you a feeling of where I’m coming from and will encourage you to dig into your own early musical influences and possibly have a clearer idea of where your musical voice was first formed.

As I walked around the Uniondale, New York, stop of this year’s Warped Tour, the only thing I could think was, “When did the Warped Tour become the best, most progressive showcase for metal?”