Lipps Service with Scott Lipps – Details, episodes & analysis

On today’s episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with four members of the contemporary New York City music scene: manager Ryan Gentles, singer-songwriter Bec Lauder of Bec Lauder & The Noise, and frontman Zane Acord and guitarist Jack Bradley of The Thing. The first conversation is with Ryan, who explores his time managing The Strokes and several other bands of the “indie sleaze” era. Ryan talks about securing The Strokes’ record deal and helping craft the band’s image. He also discusses the current state of the music business and the role played by social media in discovering new bands. Next, Scott talks with Bec about her career beginnings, favorite spots in NYC, and her top 5 NYC artists of the 2000s. Finally, Scott is joined by Zane and Jack of The Thing, an up-and-coming four-piece rock band, who talk about their musical influences, the modern touring industry, and how radio continues to play a role in bringing artists widespread exposure. Go check out part two of our NYC music scene episode with frontman Jackson Hamm of Telescreens and frontman Sid Simons of Sid Simons & The Darlings. 

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind! They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code LIPPS at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/lipps

CREDITS (Instagram handles) 

Host @ScottLipps 

Edited by @toastycakes 

Music by @Robby_hoff 

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NY

Ryan Gentles

0:03:00 – Managing the Strokes

0:05:40 – The Strokes’ image 

0:09:40 – The Strokes’ rise in popularity 

0:11:50 – 2000s NYC scene 

0:14:00 – The Strokes’ popularity in London

0:15:10 – The Strokes first record deal

0:16:50 – Other record deals for NYC bands 

0:18:16 – Indie sleaze

0:20:10 – The role of social media in discovering bands 

0:22:20 – Being in a band now versus back then 

0:27:45 – Other artists Ryan is managing

0:29:25 – Top 5 current NYC bands

Bec Lauder

0:32:38 – Start

0:33:39 – Bec’s career beginnings

0:35:10 – Current NYC scene

0:38:50 – Favorite NYC spots 

0:42:45 – Top 5 2000s NYC artists

Zane Acord and Jack Bradley of The Thing

0:45:50 – Start

0:47:30 – Career beginnings

0:48:20 – The Strokes’ influence

0:51:30 – The role of radio

0:53:00 – Current NYC scene

0:55:30 – Modern touring industry

0:57:00 – Upcoming shows and projects

0:58:05 – Top 5 2000s NYC bands 

1:00:10 – Top 5 current NYC bands

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with Live frontman Ed Kowalczyk. The two begin the conversation by discussing Ed’s childhood, including his early musical influences and the formation of Live. Next, they dive into the band’s early success, from its first performances at CBGB, to its eventual record deal and debut album. Throughout the interview, Ed also discusses some of his fondest musical memories, including connecting with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads, hearing Nirvana for the first time, and meeting Metallica. Ed also shares his opinions on the current state of rock music and discusses Live’s upcoming tour. Finally, the interview concludes with some of Ed’s top 5’s, including his top 5 sushi restaurants, top 5 most underrated bands of the ‘90s, and top 5 most influential songs of the ‘90s.

This episode is sponsored by Magic Mind! They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code LIPPS at checkout. You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/lipps

CREDITS (Instagram handles) 

Host @ScottLipps 

Edited by @toastycakes 

Music by @Robby_hoff 

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NY

00:25 – Meeting Jerry Harrison

01:32 – Growing up

04:30 – Early influences 

09:32 – Ed’s first job

10:02 – Getting a record deal 

14:42 – Selling junk bonds 

15:40 – Debut album

17:23 – Hearing Nirvana for the first time

18:03 – Band name origins

19:42 – Connecting with Jerry Harrison

20:27 – Writing iconic songs

24:50 – Seeing Nirvana at a festival

26:58 – Getting a role in Fight Club

31:30 – Playing Woodstock ‘94 and ‘99

32:59 – 1994 in music/the state of rock music today

35:37 – Stories behind Live’s biggest hits

39:20 – Meeting Metallica

41:00 – Touring memories

42:30 – “The mac ‘n cheese incident” 

45:40 – Upcoming tour

46:40 – Top 5 sushi restaurants 

49:45 – Top 5 most underrated ‘90s bands

53:56 – Top 5 most influential songs of the ‘90s

On this episode, Scott is joined by Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale! The longtime friends begin the episode with a discussion about Bush’s recent Empire State Building performance, and their first collection of greatest hits. They also talk about the stories behind songs like “Glycerine,” life on the road, and Bush’s relationship with their fanbase. Throughout the conversation, Gavin provides insight into his songwriting routine, and reflects on Bush’s storied career and legacy. He also touches on his recent personal projects, such as an upcoming cooking show. And, of course, the episode closes with some of Gavin’s Top 5s, including his top 5 L.A. restaurants and top 5 rock frontmen. Tune in for an insightful and fun discussion with Gavin Rossdale!  
 

During a pandemic, anything can happen and it does! Scott and Tommy Hilfiger sit down again (via Zoom) for the second try to discuss Tommy's incredible life, journey, and career.

They begin with Tommy's humble beginnings working in a gas station at age 17 and saving money for his first store People's Place, up until current day: 35 years later, and thousands of stories and success in Tommy's brand. They talk about Tommy's deep love of music and how he got started, emulating the look of rock stars and the movement that was happening around him. Along the way, they discuss his first success and hiccups on the road to building a massive brand. He shares about how he met his partners, how he started designing his first iconic ad campaign, and his many collaborations with people like Gigi Hadid. They share amazing stories about the likes of David Bowie and Axl Rose, and touch on all things Tommy Hilfiger.

Scott catches up with the lead singer of Papa Roach - Jacoby Shaddix - and discuss the band’s journey from high school friends to almost 30 years as a band and 20 million albums sold.

They start with a dive deep into Jacoby’s upbringing, influences, and the great music that shaped him along the way. Jacoby shares about his highs and lows, personally and as a band, and how things started to kick off for Papa Roach - from their first record deal to starting their journey on the Warped Tour on the small stage to headlining the main stage. They talk about the touching story behind their massive hit “Last Resort” and how it helped thousands of people to find the light from the darkness. Scott and Jacoby chat about mental health, Covid, new music, and upcoming plans – tune in!

To wrap up 2020, Scott gives us his top picks in TV, film, music, podcasts, and YouTube content for the year.

First, he does a deep dive into his favorite streaming shows on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon, then shares some of the shows, films, and documentaries that inspired him this year- including favorites like The Undoing, Your Honor, and The Good Lord Bird. Afterwards, Scott delves into some of the best music made this year, as well as podcasts and YouTube shows worth checking out.

This bonus episode will bring some insight into the plethora of content out and available during this crazy time – enjoy!

Scott lands an exclusive first this week with the iconic and legendary front man of one of the biggest bands in the world – Paul Stanley from Kiss – joining in with his wildly talented son, Evan Stanley.

First, Scott talks to Evan about his love of music and how he first got introduced to music through his dad. Then, Scott dives in with Paul about all things Kiss, their upcoming New Year’s Eve show in Dubai, and some Kiss history. They talk about the mysticism in music from bands years ago, the first time Paul saw Led Zeppelin, Paul’s upbring, and his influence on Evan and his music. They also chat about Paul’s work ethic, the early days with Kenny Kerner and Bill Aucoin, and Evan’s path into music. Evan breaks down some of the new music that’s dropping now, with he and Paul each naming their favorite tracks.

Will Kiss continue on one day without Gene and Paul? Does the band still have any spinal tap moments? Find out in this Lipps Service discussion!

Scott catches up with an old friend - the recently Grammy-nominated producer of the year - Andrew Watt!

After a battle with coronavirus earlier this year, Andrew is back and busier than ever. The songwriter/producer/guitarist extraordinaire and Scott reminisce about old times and how they met. They dive into Andrew's journey - from his humble beginnings jamming with The Roots to touring with Cody Simpson and Justin Bieber. Andrew recalls moving to LA, pursuing a solo career, and joining California Breed, and he shares about his time working with acts like Post Malone, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Lana Del Ray, and Camilla Cabello. Andrew discusses writing, producing, and playing on the new Ozzy Osbourne record, Ordinary Man, and he tells a great story about how the “Ordinary Man” single with Elton John came to be. Finally, Scott and Andrew touch base on his new solo record and his desire to work with Paul McCartney.

In this kick off to season 4, Scott does his first in-person interview since the quarantine started. With the current season of Fargo on Fx/Hulu comes to an end, Scott sits with long time friend British actor Jack Huston to discuss his journey - covering topics like life in the pandemic, Jack's family history in entertainment, his upbringing, his beginnings as a child actor and landing some small roles. They dive deep into his first major role in Boardwalk Empire and his many films and projects leading up to this season's current role opposite Chris Rock and Jason Schwartzman in Fargo. They also talk about the show, getting the role, and even touch base on advice Jack would give to would-be actors in Hollywood. Last but not least, Scott and Jack reminisce about the glory days of NYC nightlife and life in the last decade since they have been friends.

Scott’s friends Luke Spiller of The Struts and Albert Hammond Jr. of The Stokes talk about their collaboration on their new single, “Another Hit of Showmanship.” Luke sits down with Scott first to chat about how productive the band has been while in quarantine and “Strange Days’ – the band’s latest release with Robbie Williams. They go through the writing process and how the band has pivoted in these times, even including a few drive-in concerts. About halfway through, the iconic Albert Hammond Jr. joins in to speak about how he and Luke first met, this new single, and their relationship. They share stories about meeting on the road and discuss their experience collaborating together. Tune in for a fun time with good friends and rock’s forces of nature!