Greg “Fisch” Fischer sits at his recording station where he films reaction videos for his YouTube Channels. A YouTube Play Button plaque hangs on the wall above, marking his milestone of 100,000 subscribers, which he has since surpassed.

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Greg “Fisch” Fischer is a big fish not only in a small town but also in the YouTube reaction community.

Fischer’s journey from recording skateboarding and prank videos to becoming a professional videographer and musician with multiple YouTube channels is a story of ambition and hard work turning dreams into reality.

Fischer hails from Richvale and, as a youth, dreamed of a future in film or as a rock star. Despite those who encouraged him to be more realistic about his goals, Fischer now finds himself both a rock star and the man behind, and in front of, the camera.

Fischer said he has always had a passion for music and picked up his first guitar in high school. His natural ear helped him learn the instrument quickly, and he returned to Northern California in 2008, where he formed the band Amahjra. 

Amahjra’s popularity grew, and Fischer and his bandmates enjoyed success on the music scene.

Fisch jams a bit on an acoustic guitar in his studio, keeping his creativity flowing and his talents fresh. “Each one has a unique sound,” says Fisch of the guitars.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down but acted as a catalyst for Fischer. Refocusing his energy toward film, he began recording interviews, documentaries and amateur videos again.

Fischer recalled a pivotal moment while returning home from Chico one evening. While driving, he heard Reba McEntire’s song “Fancy,” sung by Kelly Clarkson. The song struck him emotionally and stirred strong sentimental feelings.

“I literally went home that night, set up my camera, set up my light and just recorded myself watching that video, uploaded it to YouTube and then it just blew up,” Fischer said.

Fischer said he knew at that moment he wanted to focus on filming reactions to music videos as his niche.

Fischer officially started his YouTube channel, Fischtank Productions, in January 2022. Since then, he has moved from a modest setup in his home garage to a full studio in Gridley and has recorded thousands of videos.

Fischer currently boasts about 176,000 followers on the video-sharing site with Fischtank Productions. His reaction videos deconstruct songs from popular and up-and-coming artists, sharing his thoughts, impressions and emotional experiences while engaging with followers online.

Fischer’s success has caught the attention of artists he has reacted to, including Kelly Clarkson, Bayker Blankenship and Zach Bryan.

After filming multiple reactions to Kelly Clarkson videos and posting his content to YouTube, Fischer was contacted by Clarkson’s music director and invited to appear on her show. Fischer performed Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” just 10 months after starting Fischtank Productions.

Fisch holds his very first guitar, gifted to him by his mother, a priceless memento of his start and a reminder where he came from. Although he says it was just an inexpensive starter guitar, Fisch lovingly stores it alongside autographed and high-end models.

A few years later, Fischer reacted to Zach Bryan’s song “Something in the Orange.”

“That song wrecked me,” Fischer said. “It is a powerful song.”

After uploading the reaction, Fischer said he received thousands of likes.

“I think I got 10,000 subscribers overnight,” Fischer said. “Just giving me recommendations for more reactions.”

After seeing his reactions on Fischtank Productions, Fischer was invited to perform onstage with Zach Bryan, this time at a concert in Las Vegas. Fischer played an impromptu guitar solo for about 30,000 people at Bryan’s suggestion.

“It’s hard to fathom, but I’m an entertainer,” Fischer said when asked if he was nervous about performing for such a large audience. “I just went for it, and it all worked out.”

As Fischtank Productions has expanded, Fischer has branched out and begun recording live music sessions with artists, some established and others emerging.

“When I got my studio, I wanted to do another YouTube channel where I showcased live music,” Fischer said. “I started out doing local talent, which I still do, because I want to help local talent have a platform.”

Fischer has featured local musicians such as Deryk Von Bissel and McKenna Swanson, as well as larger-name acts such as the band Ole 60, on Fischtank Sessions. Fischer happened to catch an organic jam session one evening, recording Ole 60 as they covered Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” in the Fischtank studio. The video currently has about 1.2 million views.

Fischer’s laid-back style, friendly nature and passion for music help him move easily between the amateur and professional music worlds. At the heart of his work, he strives to encourage and mentor artists as they find their voice.

The responses he has received from the public and other YouTubers have reinforced his determination.

“I am doing what I should be doing,” Fischer said. “The impact that I’m having on other people’s lives is what drives me to keep going.”

Fischtank Productions and Fischtank Sessions can be found on YouTube.