It's our 100th episode! and we're joined by NYC-based songwriter Nikita Lev. We discuss Nikita's brand new EP, Suspend, her upbringing in Manhattan, music influences, and the culture and music scene New York City.

Suspend reflects the city that shaped her. Born and raised in a household steeped in music – from chamber ensembles to 90s alt-rock – Nikita began writing songs at ten years old. After a brief stint in LA, she returned to New York with a sharper edge and deeper sense of artistic identity. That energy drives every part of Suspend, a collection that fuses delicate songwriting with raw emotion, full of moments that are both bruised and luminous.

The latest single “⁠No One Is Gonna⁠” a warm, emotionally rich reflection on love and presence – on what it means to feel fully connected to someone, even if only for a fleeting moment.

Nikita shares insights into her songwriting process with her guitarist/producer and we delve into the challenges of navigating political discourse within the arts, the impact of AI on music creation, and the importance of authenticity in artistic expression. The conversation also touches on the role of cover songs and tribute bands in the music industry, as well as her future projects and artistic collaborations.

Momentum continues to build for Nikita, from the dreamlike unease of “Kill Her Mind” to the quiet certainty of “No One Is Gonna,” Nikita continues to establish herself as one of indie-pop’s most emotionally resonant new voices. With each release, she invites listeners deeper into her world – a place where introspection, contradiction, and beauty coexist in delicate tension. 

Website | Apple Music | Spotify | Instagram | X | YouTube

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**SUPPORT ORIGINAL MUSIC CREATED BY HUMANS!**

Oklahoma-based husband and wife duo, Shane Henry and Maggie McClure, join us to talk about ⁠The Imaginaries⁠ brand new album, Fever. Released Today!

The 12-track collection , recored at the legendary Muscle Shoals, showcases the full spectrum of the duo's talents. Maggie’s intimate lyricism and piano-led storytelling are perfectly paired with Shane’s tastefully impressive guitar work and blues-rooted swagger. The highly anticipated sophomore album also features collaborations with iconic guitarists Vince Gill, Joe Bonamassa, and Ariel Posen.

Blending the cinematic soul of its birthplace with the emotional power and songwriting of artists like Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and Bonnie Raitt, the record stands as both a roots-rock statement and a deeply personal milestone. With Fever (watch the video), The Imaginaries have created their most personal and dynamic work to date - an album that marks the other side of struggle and celebrates breakthrough.

From the driving rock n' roll power of the title track⁠⁠⁠⁠ to an intimate song that encapsulates the couple’s shared journey as life partners and musical collaborators in “Little By Little”, Fever features a powerful, hopeful range of sonic stories; a soul-stirring album filled with gritty blues-rock riffs, shimmering pop-Americana melodies, and a spirit of defiant hope. “Little by little and inch by inch / We’re never giving up, gonna ride the wave / You and me baby gonna get there someday.”

The Imaginaries journey began when Maggie opened for Shane at a show in Oklahoma and the two began a musical relationship that blossomed into partnership in both music and marriage. They moved to LA sharing a tiny apartment and a big dream, and as they struggled in pursuit of their passion the band name came to Shane in a dream, a beacon of creative ambition in the midst of hard times.

Early singles and their debut self-titled album set a standard that The Imaginaries maintain when recording at famed Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama with The Swampers, a group of musicians with resumes spanning Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Paul Simon, Gregg Allman, Jason Isbell, among others.

The Imaginaries have built an impressive, independent career: from solo projects to scoring feature films and landing over 75 sync placements across Netflix, Hallmark, and more. The band has and shared stages with Judy Collins, Sixpence None the Richer, John Waite, and more. Maggie also works as a music supervisor, and Shane co-founded the boutique pedal company Westerlund Audio.

Catch The Imaginaries ON TOUR NOW! spanning across Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, California, Colorado with appearances at Texas Music Revolution, deadCenter Film Festival, and Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor.

Their offical album release shows are August 22nd at Hotel Café in Hollywood and September 5th at Beam Live in OKC. More 2025 US dates TBA and a European tour set for 2026. Fore more on The Imaginaries: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Thanks for listening!

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**SUPPORT ORIGINAL MUSIC CREATED BY HUMANS!**

On this episode Skunk, along with co-host Vic, interviews longtime friend and musical colleague, Sukunya. A talented musician from a young age, Sukunya (aka Suki) was forced to leave behind her teenage success in Thailand when her family relocated to San Antonio, TX. Sukunya knew very little English at the time and had to learn the language while attending music classes at San Antonio College. It was at this time she met San Antonio native Chris Wright (now better know as Skunk Manhattan).

Sukunya tells us about her journey from Thailand to San Antonio to Los Angeles California, where she now resides. She moved there after a few years in SA to attend the prestigious Musician's Institute. After studying at GIT and performing at a variety of venues including residency's at Thai bars and restaurants Suki gravitated towards film. Over the last two decades she has worked as a producer, director, composer, editor, and actress, often taking on multiple roles in a single project.

Though busy with film and video projects, music has remained a passion close to Suki's heart. In recent years she returned to her roots, not only as therapeutic and rewarding self endeavor, but as a tribute to her son. Her debut EP 'Tiger Heart' (though she has released singles and music videos in the past) came out October 2024 with the title track as a tribute to her half Thai half American son, Indy. The two traveled, along with Suki's father to Thailand to star in the video, which was produced and directed by Sukunya. The song and video depicts the generational evolution of the family and pays homage to the roots, traditions and values of their heritage. As a whole, the 4 song EP is incredibly touching as Suki writes and sings about her most personal triumphs and tragedies. The latest single, a particularly moving song, is "December". Suki has already performed at major Thai festivals promoting the release and can be seen opening for the Thai pop band Cocktail on January 23rd at the Vermont Hollywood.

We discuss the emotional authenticity of Sukunya's music, the challenges of perfectionism in production, and the healing power of storytelling through her documentary work in 'Cooking With Love'. The film was produced by Sukunya and shot entirely on location in Thailand. She wrote, directed and produced the film with the help of her supporting husband, who also works in the TV and film industry. The documentary focuses on the daily lives of women in Thailand who cook for their families and often their humble villages. The authentic content further emphasizes Sukunya's value of family and traditions as well as human bonding, regardless of background and culture. The film is an homage to tradition, the importance of home-cooked meals and family time, the creative outlets found during motherhood, and a connection between food and music as universal experiences.

For more on Sukunya check out the links below. And be sure to follow us for more amazing guests!

Sukunya: ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Spotify | ⁠⁠Apple Music⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | IMDb

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⁠ESP Playlist | Sukunya's Playlist

Today we talk with Zoë Espinoza, a multi-talented friend and former guitar student of Skunk's.  

Zoë talks about Rush and being a renaissance metal head who doesn’t like Megadeth!  We also talk about the vast array of talents and endeavors (BJJ, lock picking, guitar, video games etc...) Zoë has taken on while also being blind, and then we delve into Zoë’s journey with gender identity.Support this podcast:

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Superhero Origin Story, but with more Geddy Lee.  

Today we talk with Skunk’s longtime friend, Dave - aka: Fruit Loop, aka: Corndog, aka: Dave-the-nickname-guy. They discuss how Metallica was a knock off version of the Crüe, and what to look fo, or not look for in a recording studio when you’re starting out.  "Here's twenty bucks".

Support this podcast:

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Yuri Diogenes is a technologist with a focus in cyber security.  We talk about fitness, mindset, setting goals and of course... Iron Maiden.  Up the Irons!Support this podcast:

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Skunk and Vic introduce themselves and ramble on about getting old, current events, South Park, Ted 2 & music.

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On this episode, Ruthie Craft, a talented musician and singer-songwriter, joins us to discuss her journey in music, from her early influences and experiences on American Idol to her recent EP, Sound of Blue.

Ruthie shares her struggles with Tourette's syndrome and how singing initially became a source of comfort and expression. Her passion led her to pursue a career in music, and after a turbulent marriage at a young age Ruthie relocated to Austin, TX to realize her dream. She talks about her move from Washington to the live music capital of the world, the dynamics between her bandmates, and her unexpected success in acting and commercials.

Ruthie discusses the cultural insights gained from her travels, the impact of online comments on artists, and her future plans in music, including further collaborations with artists and producers who have inspired her. This conversation is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and a genuine passion for music and connection.

Ruthie Craft: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Spotify⁠ | ⁠Apple Music⁠ | ⁠YouTube⁠ I ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | TikTok

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ESP Playlist | Ruthie's Playlist

This episode features Omar Jahwar II, drummer of the EDM meets jam band 2Lot. We discuss the band's formation during a time of personal loss and social change, their unique sound that blends electronic music with improvisational elements, and their mission to inspire and activate change via music. The conversation delves into the challenges of addiction, the importance of community support, and the hard work required to succeed in the music industry as Omar shares personal stories that highlight the power of music as a unifying force and the band's commitment to social advocacy. Omar discusses the freshly released debut album entitled Entropy and upcoming tour plans for the band.

The band's name, '2Lot', symbolizes overcoming life's challenges and the emotional journey conveyed through their music, particularly in the title track 'Entropy'. The connection between jam music and EDM is explored, emphasizing the significance of live performances in creating memorable experiences for audiences. Omar also talks about what resonated musically during his teenage years and the musical influences that shaped his career in conjunction with the profound impact of music on personal empowerment and the importance of authenticity in artistic expression.

Omar, Vic & Skunk also curate a playlist that reflects Omar's personal musical journey as they discuss influential albums and artists, share memorable performances, and delve into the impact of 90s hip-hop and grunge.

In this engaging conversation, Vic and Skunk Manhattan sit down with Kevin Keller, a renowned composer in the ambient and neoclassical music scene. They explore the essence of ambient music, its atmospheric qualities, and how it can transport listeners to new places.

Kevin shares his musical journey, from his early influences in rock and classical music to his experiences in film scoring and contemporary dance. The discussion delves into the role of technology in music production, the importance of live musicians, and Kevin's upcoming projects, including a ballet inspired by his latest album, 'Evensong.'

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the impact of influential composers and the evolving landscape of music composition. In this engaging conversation, Kevin Keller discusses the profound influence of ambient music, particularly the works of Harold Budd, and how it shapes his own compositions. He delves into the creative process behind his latest album, 'Evensong,' which incorporates ancient melodies from Hildegard of Bingen, and reflects on the evolution of musical modes throughout history. Keller shares his eclectic musical tastes, highlighting modern influences and the impact of music in film, particularly in the context of Hans Zimmer's work on 'Dune.'

The discussion culminates in Keller's insights on creating meaningful music through collaboration and experimentation.

In this episode, Skunk Manhattan and Tim Driscoll welcome ZZ Ward, a talented recording artist known for her unique blend of blues, pop, and hip-hop. They discuss her musical journey, influences, and the recent release of her EP 'Mother,' which marks her return to her blues roots and personal experiences as a mother. ZZ shares insights on balancing her career and family life, her collaborations with notable artists, and her upcoming tour plans. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity in music and the challenges of navigating fame while staying true to oneself.

Playlist: https://tinyurl.com/ykfsckxn

In this episode of the Eclectic Soundtracks podcast, Vic and Skunk Manhattan discuss the vibrant music scene in Austin, Texas, and the evolution of Skunkfest. They reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on live music events, the upcoming anniversary of the Lifeblood album, and the importance of community in music. The conversation also touches on Vic's journey in acting and voiceover work, as well as his involvement in Jiu-Jitsu, and the intersection of music and martial arts. They reflect on past performances, the influence of blues in recent festivals, and the exciting lineup for Skunkfest 2024. The duo also shares insights into their podcast's revamp, emphasizing the creation of playlists to enhance listener experience and promote featured artists.

Episode Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7p5y5uvurPV8wMNrDV4XpN?si=cmKJKPjjQs6qO8d5EQ6Kkg

We're on location in the scenic hill country just outside of Austin, TX, with luthier Walker Doubleday, founder of Doubleday Guitars. We talk humble beginnings and his time as a luthier with Collings to his decision to start his own boutique guitar company. Walker also gives us a tour of his shop where we see first-hand the traditional and custom tools used to construct each instrument and get an overview into the complex building process. We also sample some guitars via an impromptu jam in the showroom of Walker's shop.

Doubleday Guitars offer the utmost quality in every instrument. Each guitar is hand-crafted with careful precision. From the choice of woods to the shape of the body, carve of the neck, threading of the truss rod, and hand wound pickups, every Doubleday guitar comprises the finest materials and hardware available. Finished with an ultra-thin all nitrocellulose lacquer and buffed to a mirror finish, these guitars are built strong, and set up to perfection.

Walker attended the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in 2014, becoming a Certified Luthier. There, he was taught how to craft quality acoustic and electric guitars, as well as make high quality hand scatter wound pickups. For nearly a decade, Walker built custom high end acoustic guitars in Austin, Texas before embarking on his own company a few years ago. Visit Doubleday Guitars at:

| Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Reverb |

For more info/to order: walker.doubleday@gmail.com

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Robert Dean is a journalist, raconteur, and self-proclaimed "enlightened dumbass". His work has been featured in places like MIC, Eater, Fatherly, Yahoo, Austin American-Statesman, Consequence of Sound, Ozy, USA Today, to name a few. He’s appeared on CNN and NPR and has served as a features writer for Hussy Magazine, Culture Clash, Pepper Magazine, as well as acting as editor in chief for Big Laugh Comedy, Texas’ premier comedy production company. He currently resides in Austin, TX.

This podcast is from March 2023, at the onset of Robert's book, Existential Thirst Trap. We discuss the book, music, politics, New Orleans, pitfalls, art and more. Robert tells us about his experience as a writer, moving from Chicago to New Orleans and eventually to Austin.

Robert is a skilled raconteur with plenty of juicy anecdotes throughout his book. He craft-fully draws in the reader with grimy stories from his days just off Bourbon Street in the dark corners of New Orleans' French Quarter, but then invites one in to a far more personal side of himself and the human experience. You'll not only learn about the author, but will possibly find yourself on a journey of self-analysis. Existential Thirst Trap is a quick read, broken down into short essays. It's amusing and often hilarious, but also enlightening, engaging and powerful.

Buy Robert's book HERE

For more on Robert Dean:

⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠

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Dave Tucker, 5 Iron Woodworks founder and head honcho, is our guest on this episode. The first person to appear multiple times on our podcast, Dave joins us to discuss his recently thriving carpentry business.

Way back on episode 3 we chatted with this renaissance man about the origins of his long-running friendship with Skunk, the duo’s high school escapades and musical aspirations, early jamming and recording experiences, and a female version of Geddy Lee. The episode was filled with reminiscing laughter and hilarity. Once again we inevitably ventured into unavoidable topics that ensue when two long time friends giggle through decades of side splitting nostalgia, but this time there was an overall specific topic… 

During the onset of the recent pandemic Dave began a professional journey into his lifelong passion of wood working, and in the few short years since its inception 5 Iron Woodworks has become a full time job, gaining sponsorships and partnering with companies such as Hamilton Lee Supply,  Spec Ops, Milescrafts, Base Camp Masks, The business has grown exponentially as Dave has constructed everything from custom bottle openers and cutting boards to furniture, decks and community playgrounds. He even built a portable folding stage for the Austin-based music festival Skunkfest and will soon be starting up a 5 Iron Stage & Soundworks specifically for musician's needs. As a musician himself, Dave has been experimenting with everything from speaker cabinets to custom Frankenstein guitars since he was a teen.

As well as being a brilliant carpenter, this sawdust creator possesses a quick-witted sense of humor and an extensive knowledge of music (particularly in the rock genre) which makes his brand unique. These elements are often a common thread in 5 Iron’s social media posts. Also a family man, Tucker has fun with his equally hilarious kids, involving them in his signature idiosyncratic advertising approach. 

Of course, nobody is perfect, and Dave, for some unknown reason, harbors an unwarranted disdain for Ellen Ripley. Sit back and enjoy as we delve into this psychologically perplexing topic along with Dave and Vic’s top ten favorite iconic rock albums of 1991 and other entertaining anecdotes. And next time you’d like something that's made out of wood, support this privately owned and operated business, where nothing is mass produced and every single item that comes out of the shop is 100% handcrafted.

Dave Tucker is one of the hardest working, honest, and hilarious people you will ever meet. We highly recommend 5 Iron Woodworks for any of your carpentry needs. Remember, “The eyebrow means quality”.

5 Iron Woodworks: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

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We kick off season 3 with Jeff Azar, aka Demi the Daredevil. 

Initially a drummer, Jeff morphed into a one-man show following the untimely passing of singer, Jovan Ortiz. In 2017, the debut album Secret Schizoid was released and Jeff Azar officially became "Demi the Daredevil". Inspired by music ranging from pop punk & classic rock to classical & Broadway, Demi's sound and image has emerged both theatrical and genuine. Combining meaningful lyrics with catchy alternative pop sensibilities, Jeff has managed to tap into deep, relatable material which appeals both to a mainstream audience and those who fall outside of the "norm." "With the character Demi, you’ve found your safe creepy place," Jeff states. An immediate clue to the accuracy of this statement is the off-color aesthetic displayed by the artist himself.

A fearless, often unorthodox eccentric, Demi the Daredevil still emerges radio friendly, even if the music is relatable to a less conformist culture. Whether a goth kid, theater geek, or punk rock anarchist, angsty hook-laden anthems like Not Havin' a Blast & America Anonymous from the 2019 Magic + Accidents EP, and Paranoia on Main Street punctuate the artist's catalogue. 

Demi signed with Waldman Management in 2021 and released Purgatorium via Adventure Cat Records the following year. The infectious 5 song EP features such alternative rock meets EDM numbers as The Martyr's Crown and Withering Heights, both with accompanying music videos. He has been featured on iVote, Warped Tour, Buffering the Web Series, Digital Tour Bus, Pop Song Professor, Don’t Bore Us and even gained the quote “A haunting sonic experience”  from Erin Coulehan of Rolling Stone. With over six million Spotify streams and thousands of pieces of fan art already in existence, Demi the Daredevil has only just begun.

Demi the Daredevil: Website | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube I Instagram | Facebook

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: YouTube | Instagram | Facebook

Check out our artist PLAYLIST

ESP pays tribute to the Prince of Darkness, inviting friends to to reflect on Ozzy Osbourne's life and discuss the impact his music has had over the past six decades.

Skunk Manhattan is joined by A Good Rogering bandmates Tim Driscoll (Runescarred) and Blaine Matte (Astasis), as well as long time friend and music connoisseur, Dave Tucker (5 Iron Woodworks) . Austin-based musician Tony Park (Three33) also joins and shares stories and insights of what it was like touring with the Ozzman himself, when Tony's band Pushmonkey toured with Ozzfest in 1999.

Thanks for listening. God Bless You All!

Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠| ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠ESP Playlist⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Sukunya Personal Playlist

On this episode we chat with Sicard Hollow, a four-piece progressive bluegrass band with a passion for pushing the boundaries of the genre. 

Formed via mutual connections in the Nashville music scene, these psychedelic punk-grass rockers found themselves tired of existing institutions telling them who to be and what to sound like, and before they met in 2018 none of the members even considered playing bluegrass. Matt Rennick (violinist) was working on electronic music while Will Herrin (mandolin/vocals) was playing guitar in rock bands. Meanwhile singer/guitarist Alex King had spent years as an artist without an art-form, searching for a home by pouring his sweat and heart into whatever project he was a part of. As they were individually navigating a fickle industry they collectively stumbled across something that felt genuine, bluegrass. Heavily influenced by the Grateful Dead and New Grass Revival, these young pickers bring fresh vitality to a timeless style and approach it with a combination of fearless improvisation and instrumental prowess.

Their debut album, Secret of the Breeze, was produced by Dan Davis at Zac Brown and Oliver Wood's Southern Ground Nashville studio. The goal was to capture the spontaneity, passion, and energy of live shows, and the result was a perfect encapsulation of the band's genre-kicking tenacity. As fate would have it however, the band's emergence coincided with the shutdown of live music due to pandemic fears, and they were forced to cancel their entire release tour supporting their debut studio record. Aside from a live performance at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, the band turned inward to reflect on their identity and work on new material with a desire to create songs that could add their generation’s voice to a classic genre of music. With the help of producer John Mailander (Billy Strings, Bruce Hornsby) and recording/mixing engineer Dan Davis, the band further honed their identity. The result was an explosive combination of pop-punk melodies, psychedelic instrumental breaks, and existential song-writing all packaged as a bluegrass quartet dressed in tattoos and tie-dyes. 

Since their inception, Sicard Hollow has been on a journey of self discovery, challenging themselves to put a unique stamp on bluegrass music while touring extensively and growing their sound with every performance. The new album, Brightest of Days, is a perfect example of how the group can pay homage to their bluegrass roots, while blowing the door open on the expectations of the traditional style. A positive skepticism toward the mainstream permeates the entire record, with songs like “Forecast of Life” and “Where I’m At” impressing a new-American-Zen that dances through the chaos.

Sicard Hollow:

Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube |

ESP:

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On this episode we chat with Texas guitar legend Chris Duarte. Born in San Antonio, the young Duarte became interested in music after seeing "Fiddler on the Roof" on TV. He initially wanted to play violin and then clarinet, but circumstances led him to playing his brother's guitar where he discovered an innate talent to pick up tunes by ear. At age 14 Chris obtained his first guitar, a Supro, and became further immersed in music. He began exploring different genres and learning jazz standards (in the once "illegal" Real Book) by musical idols such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis. In 1979, he moved to Austin and purchased a 1963 Fender Stratocaster. Soon after, he found himself gravitating towards the blues stylings of players like Howlin' Wolf and Stevie Ray Vaughn. 

Durate continued to develop his chops and gained a reputation as a road dog as he constantly played, both with his own band and as a sideman, widening his touring circuit throughout Texas and the south. As the Chris Duarte Group's popularity continued to grow, Chris found himself in a bidding war between labels, but ultimately CDG's first record, 1994's Texas Sugar Strat Magik featuring John Jordan on bass and Brannen Temple on drums, was released via Silvertone Records and became a highly acclaimed success among fans and critics alike. Chris quickly gained national recognition and won"Best New Talent" in Guitar Player's 1995 Reader's Poll. He finished fourth in the magazine's "Best Blues Guitarist" category behind some of his biggest blues influences: Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King. 

His second album, Tailspin Headwhack (1997) followed with the hit Cleopatra, but that would be the last record with Silvertone. Since then Chris has recorded a wide variety of albums with various producers including the legendary Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records. He has traveled the U.S. and the world many times over playing everything from small clubs to headlining major music festivals and nearly everything in between. 

After moving to Atlanta, GA for several years, Chris Duarte has returned Austin where he plays with girlfriend Beth Lee (and the Breakups) as well as consistently touring with his trio. The current incarnation of CDG primarily features Dustin Sargent on bass and John McKnight on drums, and the band has a new album release ready, recored with producer Dennis Herring of their TSSM days. 

Although genuinely humble and somewhat soft spoken, Duarte's stage performance and guitar playing are mesmerizing and out of this world. He has remained recognizable in his sound even though he has crossed many genres, and he gives every record and performance 100%. In many interviews, he has stated “music must evolve.” With such a vast catalog of recordings, there are no two shows alike.  Every set list is different, and each song may be offered distinctly based on the feel of a show and the audience. We are thrilled he is playing ESP's Skunk Manhattan's Austin-based festival Skunkfest for 2022 and looking forward to seeing what he might pull from the vault. 

RIP Frosty (drummer)

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On this episode we chat with Danceland, an Americana Jam band based out of Toronto, Canada. The group recently released their debut album ‘Pink Lem’. Rooted in the timeless psychedelic Americana tradition, complete with storyteller song-craft; sunny harmonies; lonesome pedal steel; stratospheric lead guitar passages; and a touch of Eastern mysticism. The 7-track album was mixed by Grammy award-winning engineer Gregg Rubin (The Avett Brothers, Harry Connick, Ben Folds). Additional PRESS

‘Pink Lem’ is the culmination of a long, strange trip for the group. The band’s founding guitarist and singer-songwriter, Joe Ferland, came up as a musician in the 1990s New York City music scene, playing in a variety of rock and pop-punk contexts, and earning a few record deals along the way. Eventually, the music biz hustle burned him out, but music came back into his life during the passing of his mother when he and his wife—his co-writer and co-vocalist Jale—found their way to Danceland. Comprised of the core trio of Joe, Jale, and drummer Brad Park, the band operates with an open door policy in terms of keyboard players and bassists. Initially Danceland was conceived as Cherry Garcia Band, a project performing imaginative versions of Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band tunes, but has evolved to be much more. 

For more Danceland:

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It's been a minute but on our latest podcast we chat with members of the San Antonio-based rock band, All Stories End. 

AES music is a culmination of their diverse influences explosive with high energy guitar and drums, but also an impressive vocal range and command from singer, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher Chris Purcell. After only a short time from their inception in 2017, the band released their debut album, 'The Architecture of Sound' in 2018 which included their first single, Let the Devil Play. Minus an obvious unfortunate global setback, they've been performing consistently since that time. After a steady stream of singles including their most recent song, Taurus, the band did a 2022 Texas tour.

This podcast took us back to our origins (a distant two years ago)... it's full of laughs, ranting, and overly opinionated views on other bands etc. (some good, some not so much), but we had a blast talking with some seriously cool guys who are all about creating music and having fun on stage. All Stories End are a current staple of the San Antonio rock and metal scene, carrying on a that tradition in the country's most metal city \m/

For more All Stories End: 

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Our guest on this episode is the passionately "purple" pop artist Anastasia Elliot. Drawing inspiration from early exposure to opera and ballet, this Houston native relocated to Nashville at age sixteen to further explore her musical passion. In the years since, Anastasia has written over 300 songs alongside several renowned songwriters and producers as she continues to navigate the ever changing tides of the modern music industry. 

A visionary in every aspect, this classically trained pianist and vocalist approaches each project with a big picture in mind. She aims to immerse her listeners in a symphonic pop-rock musical universe mixed harmoniously with mind-bending visuals, and her impressive string of videos from the forthcoming LP “La Petite Mort” brilliantly demonstrate Anastasia's innate artistic prowess and meticulous attention to detail. Anastasia’s vocal range captures an array of emotions to comprise the very concept of the phrase “la petite mort,” which roughly translates to “the brief loss or weakening of consciousness,” “the little death,” and “orgasm.” Songs like The Boy Who Cried Love and Cigarettes and Gasoline each take the listener on different journeys, as do the stunning visuals implemented in her music videos. Further impressive is the fact that every visual element from the props, set design, and costuming are painstakingly created by Anastasia!  

With influences ranging from Rachmaninoff and Chopin to 80s' power pop females and even the lesser known Dope Lemon and The Black Angels, the eclectic nature of Anastasia's personal catalogue comes as no surprise. From the deeply personal Crash Landing, which ironically coincided with Anastasia experiencing the horror of actual plane crash, to "Elfastasia's" fun cover of George Michael's Last Christmas, we do a one by one run down of each single and related music video, including awesome cover's of No Doubt's Hella Good and Soft Cell's Tainted Love. We also discuss the ups and downs of our modern technological landscape, the necessity of social media, importance of marketing, the NAMM show, Godin Guitars, shower singing, TikTok and the viral "sigh guy", "vanity metrics" and her senior Pomeranian's demand 3am chicken patties.

In a relatively short time Elliot has accumulated over a million views on YouTube and over half a million streams. She has toured, performed on television, and hosted her own panel at NAMM on the future of technology for independent musicians. Also very active in public speaking, Anastasia has given seminars at high schools, colleges, and corporations focusing on healing trauma and mental illness. She partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness for high schoolers during Covid and also headlined a benefit show with The Great Khalid Foundation for families of the victims of the Walmart massacre in El Paso, Texas. This ever-changing artist constantly seeks outlets that allow her to stay open and inspired, that prevent. “I will never paint you a picture with a scene of obvious fixtures.” Check out Anastasia Elliot's latest singles London and Masquerade, as well as her podcast The Purple Sessions.

After a "false start" due to technical problems, we gain insight into various world music, musicians, and instrumentation via Joshua Thomson (alto Saxophone, Flute) and Josh Peters (Oud, Lavta), the core members of Austin's Atlas Maior. Since their inception more than a decade ago, this evolving ensemble of eclectic musicians have been steadily creating original compositions combining elements of progressive jazz with Middle Eastern, Latin American, traditional Indian, and other worldly musical styles. “Riptide combines the fire and excitement of eastern musical culture with probing, Coltrane-like solos from Joshua Thomson on sax.” - The Jazz Journal

To date the acclaimed group has released 5 albums and several singles, each pushing boundaries and exploring new harmonic and rhythmic territory. Incorporating an array of ethnic musical systems (such as the Middle Eastern maqamat modes) and instrumentation into something uniquely their own, Atlas Maior has received many accolades in their tenure, including the City of Austin's Proclamation of March 27th as "Atlas Maior Day". They have toured both on their native soil as well as through France, Spain, and Turkey and have opened internationally for such praised artists as Kaki King, Vieux Farka Toure and Tal National. Atlas Maior has also performed at prestigious music festivals such as SXSW, Pueblos Blancos, Wobeonfest, and the City of Austin's F1 Fanfest, and have collaborated with a plethora of talented musicians across the world including Lou Lou Ghelichkani of Thievery Corporation, Raquy Danziger, Ali Pervez Mehdi, Fared Shafinury, Indajit Banerjee, and Alan Chehab Quartet

We talk about projects past and present, the Austin of yore, the two Josh's early influences and musical backgrounds in both Michigan and Texas, and the importance of consistent practice, performance and professionalism. If you are a fan of world music, jazz, musical improvisation, and unique instrumentation, Atlas Maior is a band you want to check out!

Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | 

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On this episode we chat with lead singer and songwriter A.L.X. from the NYC-based rock band, Love Crushed Velvet. LVC's music, like New York City, is diverse, edgy and enticing. Carefully crafted songs combine elements of alternative, glam, post punk, new wave, modern & classic rock, and the roster of producers and musicians A.L.X. has worked with is impressive to say the least.

After collaborating with drummer Thommy Price (Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Blue Öyster Cult) and acquiring lead guitarist Jimi Bones (Joan Jett, Blondie) and bassist Enzo Penizzotto (Joan Jett), Love Crushed Velvet recorded their debut album at Shabby Road Studios, Kingsland Recording in Brooklyn, NY, and at Brian McGee's NY studio. Mixed by veteran producer and engineer Dave Bascombe, the album was released in 2011.

In 2015 the band released both the EP 'Delusions' and the album 'Firefly'. The next few years saw the singles "Other Places", a re-release of "Rise Up" and "It's a Holiday, Come Over" a Christmas song accompanied by a fun animated video. Now, after teasing with singles and cutting-edge videos for the past few years, Love Crushed Velvet has released their latest full-length album, Souls and the Barren Heart.

We chat about A.L.X.'s background growing up around NYC, his songwriting process, Nashville, collaborations, the new music and the impressive Virtual Reality videos such as The Light Inside and The Future that have accompanied recent singles. The latest, Saddened Eyes, was just released to coincide with the new album. 

The band's lineup has varied for live performances but some veteran players include keyboardist Linda Leseman, bassists Drew Mortali & Darren Korb, drummers Aaron A. Brooks & Massimo "Max" Majorana and guitarist and long-time songwriting partner, Jay Stone. A.L.X. has been performing shows in Italy and has toured around Europe as well as the U.S. The band even did a sponsored tour of Australia.

Find Love Crushed Velvet on

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On this episode we chat with New York City native, Chris Mardini. At only 20 years old, he has released an impressive string of singles along with his self-titled debut album. Hailing from Greenwich Village, an epicenter of New York's 1960s counterculture movement, it's no surprise Chris inherently possesses an eclectic pallet of influences which come through in his music. 

Mardini began playing guitar and drums at age 10 and cut his teeth as a teen playing in bands around the New York tristate area at venues like The Bitter End and Rockwood Music Hall but ultimately decided to embark on a solo career as a songwriter. His first endeavor at songwriting, I'll Try, is a fantastic example of Mardini's intuition and maturity as a young songwriter; the song masterfully weaves through genres while maintaining a sound all his own, and the chorus will have you eagerly setting this track to repeat. SPIN Magazine stated “We’re keeping a close eye on him, you might want to do the same.”

Each new release coincides with an equally interesting music video, and we discuss the concepts of each of Mardini's videos along with related topics such as films, directors, actors, and production. His latest single, Pockets, combines modern hybrid musical stylings juxtaposed visually against a simplistic vintage backdrop, but the two collectively express the timeless feelings of agitated youth, angst and unrest. From the aesthetically clean Sleepless directed by Shantie Midnight, to the abstract Herd created by Nick Wolf of Howl Peak Productions, to the animation of Gabriela Sibilska on Skin Tight, each visual representation elevates Chris's songs and further engages his audience. 

Though the overall content of his songs often tap into a more serious and visceral realm, they are undeniably residing in a pop neighborhood. Punk, indie, classic rock, grunge, and hip hop all mesh into a style that is Chris Mardini. Unafraid to venture into uncharted waters, express vulnerability and take chances both in the audio and visual mediums, Chris has left an immediate unapologetic mark as an artist. “I feel like I owe it to myself and to the people listening to be as genuine as possible in my music. Being cheap with the lyrics or writing something that’s just filler is taking the easy way out, so I make sure to put real meaning into every line and melody.”

Currently Chris splits his time between college in St. Louis and his home in Manhattan, as he continues to produce new content. Even through the pandemic some notable shows took place, including a live-streamed concert at the prestigious Brooklyn Bowl, and an opening performance for DJ Zedd in St. Louis. Keep an eye out for Chris's new single coming soon...

Follow Chris Mardini on

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Instagram | 

Greek-Canadian singer and songwriter, Katerine Duska, joins us from her home in Montreal and sheds some light on her impressive music career.  

A "late bloomer", and initially a self-trained singer, Katerine began her music career after exploring various academic options including law school. Her debut album "Embodiment" was released in 2015 and quickly gained prominence when her songs "One in a Million" and Arctic Monkeys' cover "Do I Wanna Know" reached over 2 million views on Youtube. The viral success helped facilitate a deal with Minos EMI, a Universal Music Company, and in 2018 her single 'Fire Away' was selected for the official "Nescafe Canada" television & radio ad campaign. 

Duska gained further international recognition when she represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. The competition, held in Tel Aviv, Israel, featured artists from 41 countries and was "like a master class on performing arts". The theme of the contest was Dare to Dream with a focus on unity, diversity, inclusion, and confidence. Katerine performed her 2019 single "Better Love" and placed 21st in the grand final. She states, “Love has nothing to do with gender, it’s a very pro-human song”. Cowritten by Leon of Athens and David Sneddon and produced with Phil Cook, the song received extensive international airplay, charting in over 40 countries and making the Global Viral Top 50 chart on Spotify and topping Greece's iTunes Charts. The same year she was a coach & mentor on the Greek hit talent show "The Final Four" and released "ANEMOS" featuring friend and musical colleague, Leon of Athens. The song reached the top 3 of Greece’s Viral Top 50 chart on Spotify. 

Throughout the pandemic Katerine released several singles including "Sanctuary", "Athenian Skies", "Of Time", and "Muse" which culminated into a five song EP. Call Me Nyx was released in 2022 and was followed by a string of shows in the United States including several performances at the prestigious Austin-based festival, SXSW.

Katerine talks about some of her influences ranging from rock artists Gwen Stefani and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to soulful jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone. She also cites R&B influences like Lauren Hill and a plethora of Greek music. Her musical and vocal style blends the powerful and pensive with the uplifting and empowering, and Duska's trademark soulful rasp has earned her comparisons to such vocal titans as Adele and Amy Winehouse. 

The trilingual vocalist, who splits her time between Athens, Montreal and London, believes in seeking beauty in her surroundings and experiences and strives to incorporate a positive message in her music. We highly recommend exploring her audio and video catalogue! 

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | FB | IG |

Thanks for listening!

On this episode we chat with Rom and Diana of the instrumental progressive metal band, Static Limit. The south Texas-based group was formed in 2003 by Rom Garza (guitars & synth) along with Jay Juarez (bass) and Mario Rivera (drums). After cutting their teeth playing regional shows around "The Valley" and cultivating a sound incorporating elements of metal, thrash, progressive rock and cinematic scores, the band eventually recorded their debut album and released A Thing About Machines in 2014.

In 2016 Juan Garza was added as an additional guitarist & keyboardist for live shows and Justin Garcia replaced Mario Rivera on drums. Shortly after, Diana De Hoyos, a long time fan and musical colleague, auditioned and took over on bass guitar after the departure of Jay Juarez. After a few teaser singles, the band's long-awaited 2nd album, Existentia, was released in late 2021. The album, mixed at Widowmaker Studios, showcases a variety of instrumentation, techniques, and styles ranging from crunchy riffing guitars and soaring solos to progressive rhythmic juxtapositions and unique synth soundscapes. Check out the play-though video of "Veil of Illusion".

Rom, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and producer, grew up in the small Texas town of San Juan in the Rio Grande Valley and began playing guitar at age 13 after being inspired by thrash and death metal bands. He cites influences such as guitar virtuosos Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, John Petrucci and Chuck Schuldiner but also pulls from a vast list of Sci-Fi, action and horror film scores. Rom attended The University Of Texas Pan American where he earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering. He is also the guitarist and founding member of the TV/Film/Video Game Tribute band Sonic Boom.   

Born to musician parents in McAllen, Texas, Diana grew up in Weslaco, TX and was immersed in music from a young age. She played percussion and guitar before moving to bass to perform in her family's band. After graduating from high school she enrolled at the University Of Texas Pan American where she earned a Bachelors in Political Science and Philosophy. Recently she has been focused on getting her Masters with a focus on Special Education. Diana has an eclectic pallet of influences ranging from Dolly Parton to Rush and describes her playing style as one that feeds off of her band mates.

Rom and Diana talk about their musical origins, the creative process, gear, writing, drum programming and production, and we talk The Matrix, Star Wars, Aliens, Nick Cage, fine dining, favorite Megadeth albums, and of course, Bermuda Triangle bands.

Skunk met Static Limit when Runescarred shared a bill at The Hop Shop in Harlingen, TX.

Static Limit Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Instagram 

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Emerging pop artist Terra Renae joins us on the podcast fresh on the heels of a European tour opening for Macy Gray. Terra's debut album, All I Have, was released earlier this year under the guidance of the R&B icon.

Raised in Louisville, KY by her Filipino mother after the tragic loss of her father at age seven, Terra’s path has been one of reinvention and perseverance. She was encouraged from an early age to pursue her musical dreams, and time spent in choirs, school plays, and competitive auditions laid the foundation for what later would become a music career.

More adversity stuck when a vocal injury forced her to step away from music, and Renea decided to pursue modeling and academic studies. This ultimately led to a doctoral degree, but little did she know her dream of becoming an artist would be reignited in a dramatic way.

As fate would have it, a short trip to Los Angeles led to a lifetime opportunity when a chance meeting with Macy Gray changed everything. Recognizing her raw talent and unique energy, Macy offered mentorship and executive produced Terra’s debut album. 'All I Have' quickly amassed over half a million streams earning Terra spotlights with Live Nation’s Ones to Watch and Music Connection’s Hot 100 Unsigned Artists. Collaborating with top-tier producers like Grammy-winner Mikal Blue, Terra’s sound came to life. The music, grounded in raw emotion and soulful pop melodies, is now a reflection of Terra's journey and personal empowerment.

Terra's latest single, Best Revenge, is a confident, emotionally charged track that reframes heartbreak as an opportunity for joy, growth, and living well. The single gives fans a taste of what to expect from her upcoming U.S. performances and solidifies her voice as one rooted in self-empowerment and emotional resilience. “Best Revenge” adds to Renae’s growing catalog of self-affirming anthems. Manifest I and Ignite Me are songs that explore transformation, self-worth, and emotional clarity.

Terra is currently working on her sophomore album with collaborators Epic Mazur, Lauren Christy, and Sam Short. A U.S. tour  supporting Macy Gray launches July 25th in St. Louis, and Terra will be performing August 4th at the Mercury Ballroom in hometown of Louisville.

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On this episode we chat with Zarate Zaalo (aka Squiggly Finesse), keyboardist, vocalist and mastermind of the Bourgeois Mystics. This fantastically eclectic group of intergalactic eccentrics currently reside at their 38 acre Austin-based commune (definitely not a cult) and make outer worldly music to inspire (or conquer?) us mere mortals here on Earth. With names like Countess Von Boopenstein, Tonto Luigi, Oochie Galluccio, and Mathilda Bilderberg, you can expect the unexpected from this Zappa-esque orchestra that ranges from a 5 to 12 piece ensemble. But here's the kicker, be ready to dance! For as progressive as the band gets, they always keep your feet moving. 

Founded in 2014, the Bourgeois Mystics released their debut, self-produced album Eureka! in 2017. Their cover of Bollywood classic, “Jaan Pehechan Ho” won the Keepin’ It Weird Award at the 2018 Austin Music Video Fest and best music video at the Austin Music Video Festival. They have since released a string of singles including "The Most Spiritual" and "Biomimicry" along with music videos and are currently in post production on a new full-length album. 

Zaalo (a name that will be endlessly mispronounced throughout the podcast) tells us about the core band members and their unique names and roles at the commune (definitely not a cult). He discusses his love of dance and hip-hop and cites some lyrical and phonetic influences like MF Doom. However, the band incorporates just about every genre under the sun. Picture Eminem hiring Mr. Bungle as a backing band and that's a start. From Prog-Rock, Hip-Hop, Surf, Afro-Beat, Dance, Disco, Funk, Fusion and everything in between, the Mystics leave practically no sonic stone unturned. Well, maybe Pop Punk and Bro Country. Their idiosyncratic sound and local popularity has lead to national tours where the band performed over 150 shows sharing bills with a wide variety of underground bands (Zaalo cites Trap Rabbit as personal favorite) as well as musical giants like George Clinton.

This podcast was particularly fun (and juvenile), ridden with dick jokes, tentacle porn talk, and a bizarre strip show. We learned of an adult site called Fuck for Forests (yet to google) and what life is like in a commune (definitely not a cult). We talk veganism and the art of herbivorious over-indulgence, Skunk's under-indulgent poverty stricken Vegas trip, Zaalo's reasons for moving to Austin, a biomimetic chicken labor force, investments in Oat Milk, guns, Sacha Baran Cohen, Curb Your Enthusiasm, nerdy Sci-fi shows and God forbid, Nickelback. This podcast may not be for the faint of heart or easily offended, but if you want to have a laugh along with some musicians embracing their eternal adolescence, then it just might be for you. And seriously, do yourself a favor and check out the Bourgeois Mystics! They are "a genre-defying dance party waiting to explode" and a band who "display the tongue-in-cheek humor of a psychedelic Monty Python and an absurdist splatter of funk-rock, hip-hop, and jazz."

Thanks for listening!

For more on the Bourgeois Mystics:

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram 

On this episode we're joined by Nathan Ruyle from his new post sound facility in Burbank, CA. Nathan is a sound designer, supervising sound editor, re-recording mixer and founder of the independent post-production sound company, This is Sound Design. He has created original sound for more than 150 projects, including feature films, indie pictures, television shows, documentaries and more, in a career spanning over 20 years. Many of Nathan's works have premiered at major film festivals around the world and have even received awards via of Sundance, Cannes and SXSW. The television series, Every Act of Life was nominated for an Emmy in 2020 and most recently the films I love My Dad, a dramatic comedy starring Patton Oswalt, and Crows are White, a world-spanning documentary that starts as a vérité examination of a secretive sect of Buddhist monks, premiered at SXSW 2022. 

After attaining his undergraduate degree at the Southern Illinois University, Nathan received an MFA in Sound Design and Integrated Media from the California Institute of the Arts in 2008. He then taught for 7 years as a member of the CalArts film and animation faculty while building his clientele and has become a frequent lecturer at the American Film Institute. TiSD continues to build relationships with filmmakers and digital media creators via design-centric audio post-production.

We learned a lot on this episode about the origins, history, and evolution of "sound design". This non-silent, unsung hero plays an integral and vital role in film, TV, etc. and Nathan's state-of-the-art studios in both New York and Los Angeles offer cutting edge technologies in this field. His new Burbank facility includes 3 mix stages, emulating different rooms and listening environments, as well as ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and Foley recording studios. Nathan discusses influences and sheds light on some sound design pioneers who have been integral to the success of ground-breaking films and the evolution of the motion picture in general. Nathan has several published articles and interviews where he discusses the importance of this "invisible art".

Thanks for listening!

For more on Nathan visit:

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On this episode we chat with up-and-coming pop/rock artist, Luke Revyn. Luke began his musical endeavors at a young age by playing in punk rock bands and recording demos with friends at his home in Hawaii. He simultaneously participated in school theatre and choir with early aspirations of becoming a professional entertainer, but a general sense of isolation and disconnect led to self-destructive behaviors which left Luke feeling further frustrated and detached. After struggling with school, substance abuse, and depression throughout his teens Luke decided to get clean and fully immerse himself in music, and on new years eve of 2021 the twenty year old songwriter boarded a plane headed for Los Angeles to fulfill a childhood dream. Originally from New Jersey, the now LA-based artist hopes to reach the masses and provide catharsis and comfort for youth struggling with addiction and feelings of alienation. 

“The purpose of my music is to share my stories and life experiences to make a positive impact. I want to connect with as many listeners as I can, empower others to better their lives, and inspire those that need help to get it. I worked through a lot of inner struggles, and I’m passionate about mental health.”

We discuss Luke's broad array of influences, the impact his parents had cultivating his love of music, and his early desires to be a famous rockstar. Both his image and songs reflect his eclecticism and Reyvn's knowledge of bands is impressive. Right off the bat we were talking about his heavily patched denim jacket; he literally wears influences on his sleeve, and of course we dove right into talking about iconic classic rock titans like Pink Floyd, Guns N' Roses and his all time favorite band, Led Zeppelin. Although clearly well versed and capable of churning out rock n' roll, Luke's eclectic palette spans beyond just the rock medium. We talk hip-hop and pop idols as well, and elements of these genres along with EDM & alternative stylings are apparent in his growing catalogue. 

Very much a hands-on arranger, Luke is not afraid to follow his innate talent and experiment with a wide variety of recording techniques. Gritty distorted guitars and punk rock angst blend brilliantly with catchy pop melodies, slamming beats, modern production techniques, and a harmonious blend of meaningful and infectious hook-laden lyrics. 2021 saw a steady stream of catchy, viscerally emotive singles crafted by Luke along with powerhouse producers. Check out the immediately infectious Goodbye, Sweet Revenge & Kiss Me Girl and you'll get a sense of the multi-dimensional aspects of the music. Luke cites influences like Post Malone and Ed Sheeran, "artists who aren’t afraid to make big personal statements without being boxed in by labels or genres." 

We're thrilled to release this podcast the same day as Luke's latest single, Another Day, which is accompanied by a brand new music video.

Follow Luke at:

LukeReyvn.com | Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | YouTube

Thanks for listening!

On this episode we're joined by John Mendez (JB) and Jasmine Jew of the Austin-based heavy alternative rock band, Tarantula Mountain. The band recently released their debut full-length album, Virgo Sunday, recorded locally at Antimatter Studios. 
 

The two originally met in their hometown of Brownsville, TX, and later decided to relocate to Austin. A long time music teacher, guitar tech and songwriter, JB was working at Strait music and performing under the name Tombstone Union before he and Jasmine began performing together. After a successful audition (Jasmine first took up the bass with a mere six weeks to learn the instrument before her first gig), the couple-turned-band found their footing playing shows in ATX. Eventually Jasmine took up vocal duties as well, and the band took on the moniker Tarantula Mountain. The duo met their drummer, Marc Coronado (known from his band The Crowned and his videography work) at Austin School of Music. JB and Marc are both instructors for the long running music school, and Jasmine is the director of operations.

We talk about the impressive wall of leather bound books (a new concept to Skunk) behind JB, the origins of the band and their evolution over the past few years, guitar hero and grunge rock influences, the art of teaching and transcribing music, boxing and martial arts, the band's songwriting process and general approach to music, and both Jasmine's and JB visual art. Check out John's original art at http://postdreamism.com. And of course there's Netflix, food preferences, and Bermuda Triangle bands. 

We had some six degrees discoveries on this episode: JB played in a band with long time musical colleague of Skunk, Blaine Matte, and Jasmine is kin to John Jew of Penny Rock Productions, who works with our former guests Budro Partida and Adam Salinas. Penny Rock has done a couple of Tarantula Mountain's music videos.

For more on Tarantula Mountain visit:

Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | 

Thanks for listening!

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On this episode we chat with Austin-based singer and songwriter, Emily Shirley, and gain some insight into her musical career and creative process, along with discussing our usual topics of influences, cuisine and Bermuda triangle bands. 

Emily has a rapidly increasing catalogue of fantastic songs. She has released a plethora of singles in recent years reflecting a variety of issues and current events we have come to know, some via the inspiration and timelines of Austin's prestigious 11:59 Songwriting group. Though her topics vary from thanking first responders for their bravery and service (Everyday Heroes) to surviving a Texas winter storm (Survivors), Emily's brand of thoughtful pop/rock is consistently as finely tuned and polished as her freelance graphic design projects. Her latest single, "The Last Time" taps into our mortality and the fleeting nature of relationships and life.

A Connecticut native, Emily was steeped in church choir, musical theater, and Debbie Gibson at a young age. Classically trained on piano and a seasoned singer in acapella choirs, she found her place as a vocalist and writer when she joined the Boston-based soulful pop and electronica band, Amun Ra. The band released 2 full length albums and toured the Northeastern U.S. in her 6 years with them.

In 2006, Emily moved to Austin, Texas and realigned her musical existence. Now a mother working at starting her own business Emily "had to carve out solo space and find a way to let music work with my lifestyle,” She rediscovered a love for piano and began writing, gigging and even teaching for a stint at Red Lead School of Music. Her EP Tiny Truths was released in 2010, produced by Daniel Barrett. 

In 2013 Emily joined Austin pop favorites The Belle Sounds on piano, synth, and vocals. The band has toured Texas and the West Coast as well as performing at iconic venues like the ACL Moody Theater in Austin and The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. In 2017 Shirley also joined The Big Fix, a harmony driven indie rock band founded by Nathan Harlan.

Over the next few years Emily released a series of singles that culminated in the releases of two EPs, Duotone (2015) and Courage Up (2018, produced by Mark Hallman and engineered by Andre Moran at The Congress House Studio in Austin). Whether she is performing solo, with her full band, the Belle Sounds or her latest project, a cover trio entitled Sister Golden Hair, Emily has definitely established herself as a vibrant and talented force in the Austin music scene. Shirley tells life stories through song, revealing interesting characters and settings in a way that the listener still finds relatable. Emily Shirley’s artistic point of view and skillful sonic experimentation make for a varied and stirring repertoire. “My formative years are still happening,” she jokes when describing her musical life, the honest response of a musician and creator always on the lookout for the next spark.

A few personal picks from us: Eyes In The Dark | Ghost Ranch

For more on Emily Shirley check out emilyshirley.com

On this episode of the podcast we talk with Adoo and Oskee of the psychedelic, reggae, and hip-hop genre bending duo, Space Kamp. These Pennsylvania-based musicians (one now in Florida), cannabis advocates, and psychonauts, are currently working on their new album, Butterfly Effect, a collection of songs focused on the bright side, inner growth and pushing forward through setbacks and self doubt. Space Kamp were recently asked to perform at PA dispensary Beyond/Hello openings and are also regulars at New Jersey Cannabis Festival and Penncannafest, among others. They are due to release a collaborative product with Best Damn Buds, a THC-O cartridge line with band-centric artwork and collector cards.

With production from the multiple Juno and Much Music Award winning producer Rob the Viking, Space Kamp has created a fresh sound with hypnotic grooves, fantastic samples and instrumentation, and meaningful lyrics. With their 2020 album Electric Lemonade charting #7 on Google Play and #15 on iTunes Reggae, they have created something original and honest. Their vibe has been described as "a mixed cocktail of Merry Pranksters and Hunter S.Thompson with the sonics of The Grateful Dead and Bob Marley, stirred in a pot with Redman, Method Man, and Tego Calderon".

We discuss the origins of their music, touring and festivals, political topics and more. As advocates for prison reform and federal legalization of cannabis, psilocybin, and home grow, a percent of every BE album presale will go to the non profit Freedom Grow Forever who help inmates incarcerated for cannabis receive commissary. Additionally, they host an annual Toy and Coat Drive and fundraiser for the Leigh Valley Children’s Hospital. 

Special thanks to Press Junkie PR and Top Shelf Music for putting us in touch!

Follow and listen to Space Kamp on:

Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube |

Thanks for listening!

Bobby "Bobo the Sequel" Roses, lead singer and bassist from the Vallejo, CA based band, Skunk Funk joins us on this episode of the podcast.

Funky, Punky and Intergalactic, Skunk Funk has an eclectic "west coast" type of sound and vibe that is ever expanding. Their sole mission to bring every crowd they woo an animated, yet uplifting and off the wall experience, and a spellbinding fusion of Punk/Funk/Ska is their medium of choice in their battle against degradation and lameness. 

They've pulled from an array of influences ranging from funk to ska to punk to metal and their energetic live shows have earned them chances to perform at iconic venues in the bay area and around the west coast. They’ve performed at numerous festivals such as Bottle Rock Napa Valley, Chalice Festival, Hemp Con, Heart and Soulstice Festival, Reggae in the Trees (OR), Sacramento Hemp Fest, Napa Porchfest, and have shared the stage with such notable acts as The Black Keys, Zac Brown Band, Primus, Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Cake, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Train, Michael Franti, Bad Religion, The Black Crowes, The Flaming Lips,  Mystic Roots, Paul Wall and more.

Off to a prolific start, the band has independently released an EP entitled Too Fresh to Function and a full-length album entitled Possession 4 Sale. Their 2018 EP, Cirque Du Skank, was accompanied by a music video, and a new full-length album, Skunk Soup, was served up 1/23/2021. They plan on recording and performing live again in 2022, when it is safe to do so.

Down to earth and humble, Bobby was a great guest to wrap 2021. We got some insight into his band and talked about the ESP usuals; influences, gigs (and when they'll finally be back to stay), recording (and leaning to do it remote in the midst of a pandemic), cuisine, the Bermuda triangle of shitty bands and something group called "boy island"?? Whatever it was, it was crap and we all laughed at it.

Thanks for listening!

For more on Skunk Funk:

Website | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Our guest for this episode is David Teague (aka Teague Bass). Touted as one of the most talented bassists in Asia, this “bassist” for hire,  is a versatile musician whose vast repertoire spans across blues, rock, R&B, jazz, hip hop, house, reggae, ska, and pop. A dynamic and energetic performer, Teague’s onstage performance and showmanship are legendary in Singapore and throughout the region. Born and raised in Michigan, Teauge now resided in Asia. He fell in love with the music scene and culture after initially touring the region 25 years ago and decided to make it his home.

With a career spanning over three decades, Teauge has opened for legendary acts such as Metallica and performed and toured worldwide with music legends like Alexander O’Neal, Cherell, Vesta Williams, Cynthia Johnson, Michael Bland, and Rocky Robins. Since the 80's, he has toured USA, Canada, the Caribbean, Japan, Taiwan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and Germany.

Currently Teague performs with the Luke Buirski Project (LBP), Adjazent, and JS Funk and his original project, Dirty Perfect. He is also an ambassador and artist for the up and coming social network, Yay+. The platform supports independent artists and connects them to others around the globe. As a member of Yay+ this is how Skunk connected with Teague, and it was an absolute delight to speak with from his home in Malaysia. We talk about his career, the surrounding area and culture, cuisine, influences, Yay+ and more. He even showed us a stellar view of Singapore from his apartment (available on our youtube channel).

Teague truly has the right attitude when it comes to his career as a musician and life in general. He always plays with passion and loves to perform and share the joy of his craft and the universal language of music. 

"When I'm onstage, nothing else matters except my bass, the audience and creating magic"

- Teague 

Find Teague on Spotify | Yay+ | Facebook | Instagram | 

On this podcast, we're joined by Mike Norris, host of 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris', a podcast about the most acclaimed and loved albums of all time where Mike dedicates each episode to one classic album and looks at the history of the album and its impact in the years following its release.

We discuss his personal album pick, background on his podcast, and his approach to landing esteemed guests. Mike has hosted such renowned musicians as Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Dizzy Reed (Guns N' Roses), Phil Collin (Def Leppard), and Tim King (SOiL) among others to discuss each artists' favorite and most influential albums. 

Whether the album of discussion is a classic rock icon of 1960's, a progressive concept masterpiece of the 70s, a glam or thrash titan from the 80s, a grunge game changer from the early 90s, or a modern staple of the new millennium, Mike Norris gives a detailed track by track breakdown as he dissects each iconic record. 

We had a blast discussing Mike's album pick, Queen's Sheer Heart Attack. Though it may have been derailed with random thoughts, questions, rants and laughs, we managed to discuss every track. It was no surprise that Mike knew about everything you'd expect from the host of a show called "My Classic Album'. The history from that one Queen album alone was fascinating, and every episode of MCA is full of insight and information about the timeless albums so many know and love. 

We highly recommend checking out My Classic Album on Spotify Apple Music

On this episode we chat with virtuoso violinist, composer, producer, songwriter, arranger, and conductor, James Desautels. From concert halls and music festivals to small clubs and intimate recording studios, “Jamie” has performed in 37 countries across 5 continents over a career spanning more than 20 years.

Born in Calgary, Canada, Jamie began studying classical violin at age 5 and within two years was also studying fiddle, country and bluegrass music. As a teenager he toured playing classical and fiddle music, and after achieving a Music Performance Diploma from Mount Royal University Conservatory at age 19 and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Calgary at age 21, Jamie moved to the United States to attend the University of Arizona where he received his Masters. Soon after he relocated to obtain a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Texas. He resided in Austin for 17 years while working and touring as a professional musician.

Jamie first gained international attention when he was invited to tour as a violinist with David Byrne and Tosca Strings. Since then he has worked with Arcade Fire, Austin Pops Orchestra, Marcia Ball, Garth Brooks, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Natalie Cole, Elvis Costello, Christopher Cross, Diana Krall, Ray LaMontagne, Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, Don McLean, Willie Nelson, Jeffrey Osborne, Luciano Pavarotti, Pearl Jam, Itzhak Perlman, Ray Price, Bruce Robison, San Antonio Symphony, Doc Severinsen, Frank Sinatra Jr., the Temptations, Vast, and countless other artists. He is the solo violinist on the soundtrack to the Hollywood movie 'Badland’, the first violinist on the soundtrack for the series finale episode of 'The Office', and a violinist on the soundtrack for Terence Malick's film 'To the Wonder'. Jamie has taught master classes in Jinan, China and Xian and China as well as recording music for Audium/Koch, Blue Rock, Disney, Microsoft, Nonesuch, Virgin Classics, Vitamin, and Warner Music Group.

Currently residing in Canada, Jamie has shifted his focus to politics in recent years and even decided to run for mayor in his hometown of Calgary in 2021.

For more on James Desautles visit: Website | Facebook | Discogs | Linkedin

We had a blast chatting with David Kochberg and Vanessa Vakharia of the Canadian alt-rock band, Goodnight Sunrise. Formed in Toronto, Canada, the band is characterized by their energetic live show, dual male-female lead vocals, eclectic musical influences, and don't forget the keytar! Their latest release GET A LIFE, is a master class in pop-punk rock. It marries honest, to the point lyrics with well-written catchy hooks and no fluff music.

Formed in 2011 by David and Vanessa after the two had played together in The Big Deal, Goodnight Sunrise recorded their debut EP, Fragments with bassist Andrew Charters. Drummer Paul Weaver joined in February 2012 and the now four member group began playing live including performances at Canadian Music Week and North by Northeast. Create/Destroy/Create was released in March 2013. Co-produced by Kochberg and engineer Chris Sampson, the 9 song pseudo-concept album demonstrated the band's eclectic influences and drew upon cyclical themes of introspection, self-destruction, and redemption.

In December 2013 the first in a series of split-singles was released. Deaf Ears was recorded in at Swamp Songs Studios and mastered by Noah Mintz. This was followed by Bridgeburner in July 2014, recorded with new bassist Thor Thunders after the amicable departure of Charters. In September 2015 the band completed a 20-date tour of  Canada and the following September the Falling Awake album release was supported by a 17-date tour across Ontario, the UK, and a final show in Amsterdam.

In May 2018, Goodnight, Sunrise was selected by Q107 to be the opening act for Bon Jovi at the Air Canada Centre on May 12. Weaver rejoined for this momentous final show together. From this point forward the band was led by Vakharia and Kochberg and supported by a rotating cast of touring members, starting with a cross-Canada summer tour supporting their new single "Runaways" with performances at Evolve Festival, Riverfest Elora, and Dawson City Music Festival in Dawson City, Yukon.

2019 brought their first show in the US, performing at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA, as well as a 30-date Western Canada summer tour behind the singles "WVV" and "Don't Want It To End".

The band spent 2020-2021 writing and recording a new album with producer Brian Moncarz and featuring bassist Duncan Coutts and drummer Jason Pierce of Our Lady Peace, releasing the Against All Odds album in 2022.

Goodnight Sunrise: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok |

Spotify | Apple Music | Wikipedia

Thanks for listening. Be sure to follow and subscribe for more great guests!

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On this episode we chat with The Dodies, a two piece garage rock duo from the southern desert of Israel. Yoni Avittan fronts the band as lead vocalist and guitarist, while Ran Aronson sings backing vocals while simultaneously playing bass lines on keyboard with one hand and playing the entire drum kit with the other. Their songs dive head-first into depression, alienation and rage, contrasted by hooky riffs and catchy melodies. 

In 2016 The Dodies self-recorded and independently released their first album, but soon after began working with renowned producers Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (guitarist for Asia, Sons Of Apollo, ex-Guns N’ Roses) and Matt Novesky (owner of Orb Studios in Austin, TX and former bassist of Blue October) The band has since performed shows in New York City, Los Angeles and Austin, TX. It's One Hell of a Ride was released in 2020.

The first single, "Boiling Point", was accompanied by a quirky and fun music video (produced by Monster Filmmakers) that shows a lighter side of the band. The animated video for "Alien" (filmed and edited by Eden Zemer with original artwork by Jenny Vasiutin and Yoni Avittan) followed a few months after.

For more of The Dodies

Spotify YouTube Facebook  Instagram Website

We're back with a new episode, and we're excited to announce our new partnership with Top Shelf Music!

On today's podcast we are joined by Rob Hammersmith, drummer for multi-platinum selling rock band Skid Row. Rob's musical journey began at an early age after a family trip to see Roy Orbison. Soon after that concert he got his first drum kit and crafted a makeshift "drum cage" out of PVC pipe. He was immediately hooked, and before long Rob was playing in cover bands in upstate New York. He quickly developed an appreciation for a solid back beat and playing for the song, an approach to drumming that he still considers the foundation for his style today. His early influences, and still some of his favorites to date, were drumming greats John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Phil Rudd of ACDC. Rob also sites Mickey Curry as a major influence. 

Originally from the small town of Olean, NY, Rob later settled in Atlanta, GA, and quickly gained attention in the rock underground. After several years of touring and recording with the Atlanta rock band 'Rockets to Ruin' and touring with 'Gunfire 76' (featuring Murderdolls frontman Wednesday 13), Rob was offered the drum position in Skid Row in April of 2010. The band has since toured several times nationally and internationally and has recorded two EPs of a three part trilogy, United World Rebellion - Chapter 1 and Rise of the Damnation Army - Chapter 2. A full-length album, third installment of the trilogy is currently being recorded. This year the band celebrated the 30th anniversary of their iconic hard rock masterpiece, Slave to the Grind by playing a handful of shows performing the album in its entirety. 

We find out what Rob's been up to as of late and talk about when touring will start up again, his influences, and the new album in the works. We also talk about food (Sushi), motorcycles, and Skunk asks a very important question.

Rob endorses Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Vater Drumsticks, Kaces Cases, Reunion Blues Gig Bags 

Skid Row Spotify Page

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Top Shelf Music

On this podcast, we talk with the crew from Pennyrock Productions to talk about their new documentary "Bloody & Bruised: The untold story of the Back Room".  While most people took a break during the pandemic, Budro, Adam, producer John Jew, and the Pennyrock crew used the time to sit down with multiple artists and crew to get their first hand accounts of playing and partying at this historic Austin venue.  

J. Budro Partida is an Emmy award-winning video producer and award-winning filmmaker from Austin, Texas. He has worked professionally in television and media production for nearly 25 years.

His spectrum of work includes client commercial production, short films, various music videos, online promotional materials and multiple television series, including "Professor Griffin's Midnight Theatre" and the Emmy award-winning late night TV series, "Austin After Hours".

He is a 10-time Telly Award winner (including a Silver Telly), and has garnered multiple industry awards throughout his career. A life-long film student and cinephile, he is extremely passionate about filmmaking. His micro-short, "Devastated" won the Platinum Award (beating 375+ other short films) and named Season 6 Winner of the 15 Second Horror Film Challenge Competition in 2020. His 2019 werewolf short, "Bewere", won "Best Horror Film" at the 2020 Austin Indie Fest, "Best Picture" at the 2020 Demonic Brilliance Film Festival and won "Best Horror Short" at the 2019 San Antonio Horrific Film Fest. The film has also gained multiple awards, nominations and has been selected in various other film festivals throughout 2020. His short horror film, "Hi, Penny" (2018), received five nominations and won "Best Horror Short" at the 2018 San Antonio Horrific Film Fest. He is currently serving as Director and Producer on the feature-length documentary in-production titled "Bloody & Bruised: The Untold Story of The Back Room".

Adam was born and raised in Austin, Texas in and around the local artist and music scene that attracts many people to Austin. He has been heavily involved with the local and major touring music scene since the late 90s. \m/ He has written, produced and directed two short films of his own and collaborated on other student productions as well. He was involved with Third Coast Casting, where he honed his film skills on set as an extra, a stand-in, security, set design, lighting and production assistant. An avid film buff, Adam has worked at The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema since December 2003. He has an associate degree in radio, television and film and a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in mass communication. He interned at The Austin Music Network as well as Time Warner while pursuing his education. Adam is serving as Associate Producer for the full length documentary "Bloody & Bruised: The Untold Story of The Back Room" currently in-production from PennyRock Productions.

Documentary Trailer

Pennyrock Productions

Tim Smolens is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, recording engineer and producer that is/was a pivotal member of bands such as Estradasphere, I.S.S. (Ideal Social Situation), High Castle Teleorkestra and Don Salsa. Tim has also recorded and toured with various acts such as Secret Chiefs 3 and Amanda Palmer (of the Dresden Dolls). Tim is known for his elaborate, multi-layered recording productions/compositions and his keen insight into the advanced chord progressions that serve as the foundation for all sophisticated western music. Largely self taught, Tim has obsessively studied the harmonic progressions and unique production style of Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) and successfully employed them as a distinct element in his own sound.

In 2015 Tim moved from Los Angeles to Denver, Colorado with his wife and 2 kids (Prisca and Cruz) and works as an Emergency department nurse at a local trauma center. After a long hiatus (10 years) from recording music, Tim finally released the long-awaited follow up to the 2002 debut, by ISS, "Forget About the Girl." 2018's sophomore release by ISS, entitled "She's a Girl," may be Tim's best work in 50s/60s pop yet.

In 2019 Tim began a collaboration with a fan that he met online, guitarist Chris Bogen. The duo released a painstaking version of Steely Dan's lost masterpiece "The Second Arrangement." They enjoyed their first collaboration so much  that they decided to form a new remote band, High Castle Teleorkestra.

High Castle Teleorkestra (HCT) is a remote music ensemble whose members have played in various ground-breaking bands such as Estradasphere,  Mr. Bungle, Farmer's Market, Umlaut, Probosci, I.S.S., Don Salsa, Secret Chiefs 3 and more. Comprised of middle-aged collaborators scattered about the globe, HCT focuses on superbly-produced, pluridimensional, enigmatic recordings. 

HCT's music is not unlike what might be expected from a group with such a diverse collective musical résumé, yet is somehow fresh, vibrant, and dare we say mature in its eclectic cadence. The musical terrain traversed by this largely instrumental group includes long forgotten European waltz's with untimely bursts of "Vaudeville Grindcore", Italian cinema erotica, Romanian gypsy metal, 50's sci-fi-surf instrumentals, various unorthodox uses of metal (including Stravinsky adaptations), songs in the 47/64 meter, non-standard tuning systems, a variety of special guests, and much more. There are densely layered productions enriched by obsessive attention to detail, starkly unrelated genre superimposition, unclassifiable styles, ultra-refined chord progressions, sonic timbres that Joe Meek would've been proud of, inscrutable metric modulations and more. Despite the wide array of styles, the recordings are surprisingly cohesive. There is an odd mixture of hi-fi and lo-fi components that converge to make aesthetically pleasing recordings that sound as if they were produced on a 1970's 2-inch tape machine. Despite the convenient aid of modern machinery in our productions, HCT cuts no corners, and even runs their final mixes to JH110B ¼ inch analog tape to round out their warm sound. HCT has released to deluxe double singles available on their website and is currently working on their first full length release, tentatively slated for Fall 2021 release.

Transit Method is a dynamic rock trio from Austin, TX that brings together the complexities of progressive rock with the unrefined grit of grunge and heavy metal. Consisting of brothers Matt and Mike LoCoco (guitars/vocals and drums, respectively) and Danny Borja (bass), the band has been writing, recording and performing together since 2014. That same year they self-released their Celebrate Mutations EP and followed it up with their Roach EP in 2016 on Basement Avatar Records drawing comparisons to the likes of Soundgarden, Rush, The Mars Volta, and Motorhead.

In 2017, the band signed with Brutal Panda Records and released their first full length album "We Won't Get Out Of Here Alive". Sounding like Geddy Lee fronting a grunge band, the album was revered as “really fucking rad” (MetalSucks).

They’ve also been described as “a powerfully epic combination of punk, metal, and dynamic vocals calling to mind some of the more truly epic moments of Jane's Addiction's 'Ritual de lo Habitual'" (PunkNews). The Austin Chronicle ranked it in their Top 10 albums of 2017, and the single "Snake Wine" was rated the #1 song on Australia’s “You Heard This?” podcast. They’ve performed across the United States in over 25 cities, including events such as the F1 Festival, and have shared the stage with the likes of The Sword, Consider The Source, Boogarins, Adelita’s Way, Flaw, Rishloo and Hikes.

A multi-faceted Rock Band based in San Francisco Cold Shoulder is making music that is high energy, hard hitting and most importantly fun!

Meeting through a humble Craigslist ad Jacob Baptista (drums), Joe Faria (guitar), Jason Kinney (Bass) and Marcus Dylan (Vocals) formed what would become Cold Shoulder.

Heavily influenced by their love of various era's of rock, Cold Shoulder draws inspiration from Alice in Chains, Nickelback, Badflower and more. Their overreaching ambition is to bring a fresh new sound that is gritty, while not taking itself too seriously.

Cold Shoulder has 5 Singles in their repertoire namely Don't Call Me, Know Your Enemy, Faithless, Be Patient and Can You. The band released their much-anticipated self-titled debut EP on June 11th, 2021. The band is showing no signs of slowing down and has multiple future releases planned.

Keep an eye out for their next single, debuting August 27th.

Adrian rides out 2020 pandemic life with a new EP (and new full length vinyl ) HISS KISS HISS:  Calling out power structures with sarcasm, humor but also flipping the coin inward to a look at self empowerment through the choice of love and forgiveness.

“….heartbreaking spring ditty "Butterfly.” says  Raoul Hernandez of the Austin Chronicle

“Super Human” is a platinum nuclear feminist anthem ready to implode - Vents Magazine

No stranger to playing guitar on the actual bar, Adrian and her band will demand your attention and win your heart. Adrian's musical journey renovates some pages of punk, rock, thrash and alternative histories. Some of which are co-written with Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go’s which won Adrian a Best of Austin Music Award in 2011 under the Adrian & the Sickness moniker.

Her 20+  year music career includes fronting the crazy awesome all-female AC/DC tribute Hell's Belles as the Angus Young. Parallel to Hell’s Belles and just as unrelenting, her solo work is consistent and prolific. 2019 Adrian delivered a parody music video of Ozzy Osbourne’s Bark at the Moon. 2020’s Hiss Kiss Hiss & 2018’s SpazKitty EP expands to a new level of producing. Dabbling in mixing electronic music with guitar rock.  And since 2016 she’s produced twelve of her own music videos for her various musical  projects.

“Exciting, rambunctious and kinda scary” says Guitar Player Magazine about her playing on Adrian for President by Adrian & the Sickness.

With her band’s versatility, you may stumble upon them in the local acoustic listening room hearing her sweet voice and pop rock proclivities. Or you may find them blowing up the stage at summer rock festivals and  biker rallies like Montana’s Rockin’ The River Festival, Austin’s ROT Rally or Kerrville’s Rev Fest. Adrian Conner has scored opening sets for a range of acts that have included Concrete Blonde, Brody Dalle, the Texas Tornados, Girl in a Coma, Patrice Pike, Uncle Lucious, Peterson Brothers, Sister 7, Cinderella and Kix.

Aaron Wall from Red Beard Wall joins us on the podcast.

Red Beard Wall was born in 2016 on the dry, wind swept plains of West Texas, out of a desire to channel his angst and frustration with the insane reality that surrounds us. With a hyper focus on heavy, hooky and to the point songs, Red Beard Wall delivers riffs with devastatingly heavy tones, vocals melodies that soar, alongside blistering screams of disillusionment. Red Beard Wall would compose a demo and release it on 29 February 2016, followed by the band's earliest shows in the Texas area.

In February 2017 it would be announced that Red Beard Wall had signed with Argonauta Records, with their eponymous debut album following on 15 May 2017.[1][2] From that point the band would begin to share the stage with the likes of Rozamov, Torche, Black Tar Prophet and The Nixons among others in various shows throughout 2017. With a blistering momentum and more material lined up, Red Beard Wall would participate in 2018 edition of Stoner Daze in Austin,[3] share the stage with whores. and close out the year on a three-day jaunt with Backwoods Payback. On 16 October 2018, Argonauta Records would announce that Red Beard Wall would announce their second album in The Fight Needs Us All, set for a 22 February 2019 release.[4] A teaser single for The Warming would be released on 29 November 2018.

Following the band's second album attaining critical praise and mostly selling out on various platforms, Red Beard Wall would announce a North American tour supporting The Fight Needs Us All on 4 September 2019, alongside blackened doom outfit Thunderchief.[5] On 29 April 2021 it would be announced that Red Beard Wall had signed with Desert Records to release 3 on 2 July 2021.[6]

Wellborn Road, established in 2005, has been playing the Texas circuit regularly building their fanbase, called the Brew Crew, with a fevered passion for a Southern Metal sound that blends influences ranging from Pantera, Alice in Chains and Black Label Society to the roots of Rock N Roll itself in Led Zepplin. The quartet has shared the stage with such acts as Drowning Pool, Buckcherry, Pop Evil, Taproot, Dangerous Toys, Powerman 5000, Kill Devil Hill, Broken Teeth, Dimitri's Rail, Snake Skin Prison, Hounds of Jezebel, and countless other local acts.

After being awarded a position in the Texas All State Jazz Band in high school, Steven Vague moved to Austin and performed in the University of Texas Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra while attending school there. Since then, Steven has played and recorded in the Austin area with various bands including David Glassco’s eleven-piece Steely Dan styled group, Blue Millennium. Steven has played with Delbert McClinton, Muddy Waters’ harmonica player Paul Oscher, and Rob Roy Parnell. He has been featured in bands led by drummers Brannen Temple, Ernie Durawa, and Henry Brun, as well as guitarists Mitch Watkins, Russell Scanlon, Clay Moore, and Mike Barnes. For several years, Steven performed with the nationally acclaimed Creative Opportunities Orchestra, led by Tina Marsh. Currently, he is featured in the funk band, Extreme Heat; and jazz groups, the Waller Creek Vipers, Los Jazz Vatos, and the Curtis Calderon Quartet. Steven plays with the Tony Harrison Western Swing Band, and occasionally with Alex Dormont’s Hot Texas Swing Band. He has also worked with Austin’s own Groove Labs Band, and Rotel and the Hot Tomatoes.

On this episode we welcome back our very first guest, Yuri Diogenes! Yuri has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Intelligence and has written over 30 books on this and released subjects. He met ESP co-host Victor Ramos while working at Dell, but has been with Microsoft since 2006.

A personification of the American Dream, Yuri migrated to the United States from Brazil with very little. Through hard work and perseverance he has become highly respected as an author and consultant in his field of expertise as well as a competitive athlete.

In his thirties, after years of sitting in an office and falling into the dietary pitfalls of a fast-paced corporate world, he decided to make a life change and began working out and eating healthy. This led to competitive body building. Additionally, in his free time, Yuri plays drums and practices martial arts with members of his family. 

Shorty after appearing on our podcast in 2020, Yuri suffered a severe ankle injury while competing in a Jiu Jitsu tournament. This left him far less mobile, often in severe pain, and unable to maintain certain routines. As depression set in, Yuri decided to find other outlets to put his energy. He started his own podcast entitled ‘Overcome’ and began writing about his experience and whirlwind of emotions. This led to lyrics for a proposed song to Skunk Manhattan (ESP co-host). A demo was produced but remained unfinished until now.

This year the song was finished along with co-writer Tim Driscoll and recorded at Evil Snail Studios in Austin, TX. The song is currently only available on A Good Rogering's Bandcamp site, but will be available for digital streaming later this month. A video is in the works as well. 

It was great catching up with Yuri, talking about the origins of the song, and about the discipline he maintains to balance, work, fitness, and family. Yuri currently resides in the DFW area with his wife and two daughters. 

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