Explore every episode of the podcast Rock 'n' Roll Grad School

Do you like hard rock and metal? You'll love Night Laser. The Hamburg-based band is just about to release their 5th full-length record. For more information, you can check out the band's website.

Plus, we have a special announcement about a big event we're doing!

Legs McNeil is a writer who was there for many great moments in the history of music. Now, the co-author of "Please Kill Me," is telling his own story with "Resident Punk." It's a blast.

For more information, check out Legs' substack.

Vered Benhorin writes songs for families and her latest album is a collaboration with her son. "Adorable You" is a unique collaboration and children's music for people who don't like children's music.

For more information, check out her website.

Joyous Wolf is rock and roll. Their debut record just came out and it is a blast. We talked with their guitarist Blake Allard. For more information, check out their website.

To listen to a Kamelot record is to go on a journey. And their new record, "Dark Asylum," is a new approach to the storytelling that fans have come to love. We sat down with founding member Thomas Youngblood.

For more information and to get your copy of "Dark Asylum," check out the band's website.

First, there's the name. It's great. Let's get that out of the way. And then there's the new record from this band called Audrey Horne. It's great too.

For more information, follow them on Facebook.

Mike Vos is a photographer and musician. His first album "A Thin Wall of Vellum" is coming out next month. We talked with Mike about his music and his photography and where the two intersect. For more information and to order his record, check out his website. 

This week we sit down with Primus drummer John Hoffman. Hoffer got the job after being selected among thousands of applicants for the job and going through the band's interstellar drum derby.

For more information about the European tour, or the new EP "The Ol' Grizz," check out the band's website.

Musician Hannah Wicklund is truly coming into her own with her new record, "War on Women," out next month. We talked with her about the fight to control her music and the power she has found from the people all around her.

For more information and to order the record, check out her website.

Richie Unterberger has written maybe the definitive biography of the Velvet Underground. Clearly, we're fans. We talked with Richie about the writing of the book and the vast amounts of research he did to put it all together. For more information, you can check out Richie's website.

They first hit with an appearance on the "Swingers" soundtrack. Now, they're releasing their newest record and proving that they still have things to say. We talked with Jonathan and Ben from Love Jones. Their new album, "The Greatest Show on Earth" is available now.

For more information, check out their website.

This week we sit down again with guitarist to talk about the upcoming Outlaw Country Festival dates he's playing as a member of Don Was' Pan Detroit Ensemble. Plus, we talk about Wayne's new music project, Big Tent. For more information, you can also follow Wayne on Instagram.

Jerry Martini has had a fascinating career. He helped put together Sly and the Family Stone. He's played with Prince. He's still touring with the Family Stone Band. For more information and tour dates, check out their website.

This week we sit down with Tesla guitarist Dave Rude to talk about the new album, "Homage" and the summer tour with Motley Crue and Extreme. The record is out on July 17th, coincidentally, the same date the tour kicks off.

For more information, check out the band's website and if you want to see what faces Dave makes on his thumbnail photos, check out his YouTube page.

The Question are LA power pop royalty. After being unavailable on-line, their three EPs are now streaming and available to purchase on BandCamp. (And in even better news, there's more music coming soon!)

For more information, check out their website.

Robert Margouleff has some amazing stories to tell. From his early days pushing the limits of synthesizers and what sounds you could create, to working with Stevie Wonder to create some of the best music, not only of his career, but of all time. Oh, and he also worked with Devo.

Robert has written a memoir called "Shaping Sound," it is out now and you should get it. For more information, check out Robert's website.

Big D and the Kids Table have been turning out their brand of ska for sometime now. And their newest record The Good Ole American Saturday Night is coming out June 12th. We sat down with lead singer David McWane to talk about the record, touring, name dropping and various locations in Allston, Massachusetts.

For more information, check out the band's website, or follow them on Facebook.

The hardcore punk/ska band from southern California Mad Tab has new music coming out after a hiatus. We sit down with the band to discuss the long hard journey to a new record.

The 80s were a pivotal time for music with the emergence of hip hop and it crossing over to rock radio before eventually becoming something much bigger. Steven Blush has written about era in his new book "When Rock Met Hip Hop," available now.

You know how we feel about Redd Kross. "Born Innocent," the documentary about their career is now available to stream, or to buy on Blu-Ray and DVD. We sat down with director Andrew Reich to talk about the process and the hows and whys of making the documentary.

For more information, and to order your copy, check out their website.

n0trixx is an artist who is telling her story through her music. She draws on her personal experiences to create a unique blend of music. Her debut album, "A Catalogue of Madness and Melancholia," is available right now on her website.

You may not recognize Bob Berryhill's voice, but you'll definitely recognize his guitar. Bob plays on the iconic "Wipeout" by the Surfaris. And Bob is still out there, playing music and catching waves.

For more information on the Surfaris, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.

Martin Popoff has a new book out. If that hasn't got your putting on your coat and heading out to your nearest bookstore, you clearly don't know Martin's work. But, if you don't, the new book is about Kiss in 1976- an important year in the band's history.  "Kiss 76" is available right now from Motor Books. 

The book isn't your typical "coffee table" book. It's a feast for your senses. Martin takes readers on a journey through time to track not only the band during the iconic year, but also a whole lot of everything else that made 50 years ago one for the ages. 

Our chat with Martin is always filled with interesting information for diehard and casual music fans alike. It's like being seated at a great dinner party.

You may ask, "Does the world really need another KISS book?" The answer is unequivocally, "Yes, it needed this one."

With photos rarely seen anywhere else and chock full of great facts, you won't be disappointed. Luke and Heidi have been talking about it for weeks. 

To get a copy for yourself, visit your local bookstore or order one wherever you buy your books. 

This week we share part two of our conversation with musician and music professor Alan Williams about his new record, Floating on the Dreamline, available digitally March 6th. For more information, check out his website.

Alan's record is full of great music that spans genres. We dive into what inspires him and how he put the album together. 

We also go deep on a lot of music as a whole, including where some of the legends rank with new generations of music students. Our conversation was really interesting and went into so much depth, we had to make two episodes. 

Both Luke and Alan were battling illness when we chatted. The opening minutes may sound a bit strained, but we promise everyone's voice gets stronger as the conversation gets going! 

If you like metal, you'll love Axel Rudi Pell. The guitarist, who shares a name with his band, has a new record out on March 20th. "Ghost Town" is his 35th (?) 36th (?) album. 

For more information or to order your copy of "Ghost Town," check out their website.

Adam, Larry, Edge and Bono... We're gathered here to discuss your new EP and where we think you might have gone off the track a little bit. In this episode, we discuss the ways and things we think U2 needs to do to come back and be the best versions of themselves, including all that they can't leave behind.

As huge fans of the band, Luke and Heidi are passionate about their thoughts on the new EP, Days of Ash.  Who doesn't remember how many times Heidi has brought up how that last show at The Sphere changed her life? (She's never going to shut up about it.) With that in mind, they share their thoughts on the new songs, their recommendations for what's next and are a bit impassioned, to say the least. 

Some may disagree and we want to hear those thoughts too. We know the world needs U2 right now, and there are some things only Bono can say to make us feel better. 

Have a listen, share your thoughts whether you agree or not. We know everyone is trying to dismantle an atomic bomb in their own ways these days. Ultimately we all have the same goal, Elevation. 

This week we talk with musician and music professor Alan Williams about his new record, Floating on the Dreamline, available digitally March 6th. For more information, check out his website.

Alan's record is full of great music that spans genres. We dive into what inspires him and how he put the album together. 

We also go deep on a lot of music as a whole, including where some of the legends rank with new generations of music students. Our conversation was really interesting and went into so much depth, we had to make two episodes. 

Both Luke and Alan were battling illness when we chatted. The opening minutes may sound a bit strained, but we promise everyone's voice gets stronger as the conversation gets going! 

Enjoy getting to know Alan in part 1 of our conversation. Part 2 coming soon. 

Sure music is all well and good, but what's the point if you can't afford to live? That's where a wealth advisor like Rick Morse comes in. He helps people manage their wealth to set them up for success in the coming years.

How does one become a wealth manager to musicians? We find out more on what drew Rick to this niche and what it's like to manage money for an industry as erratic as music. 

His tips and advice are applicable to many of us, especially those who work in commission based careers and entrepreneurs or creatives of all types. 

It may not seem like a typical interview for our show, but there's definitely some interesting stories in here as well as some things we can all keep in mind and try to apply for longevity financially. 

Have a listen! 

For more information, you can find Rick on the Merril Lynch website.

This week we talk with pianist Kimball Gallagher about his upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall and his work with the 88 International Music program. For more information, check out Kimball's website, or check out 88 International Music's website.

Kimball's work is literally changing lives and the narrative surrounding music and philanthropy. The 88 International Music program brings a simple concept to the masses that comes to life through incredible performances worldwide. 

From what sparked the idea, when he was a musician in need of a piano, to the world class performance stages around the globe that this program has reached, Kimball's story and the stories of the musicians that have participated in the program, are ones for the ages. 

This is something that the world can get on board with and truly make a difference through music. 

Del Roscoe's website describes them as a "Gothic indie Americana band." That's the best definition we've heard. We talked with singer/songwriter Robert Lee.

For more information, or to get a copy of their record, check out their website.

Tim Durling is a music fan and writer and with his book Red on Black, he looks at the music of Sammy Hagar throughout his whole career. We sat down with Tim to talk about cats, Van Halen and, of course, the Red Rocker himself.

Plus, we say goodbye to Bob Weir.

This week we get to visit again with legendary folk songwriters and musicians John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton about their second album together from their standing weekly songwriting collaboration. Together Again is available January 9, 2026 wherever you get your music and features a slew of delicious tunes and fantastic stories that will make you laugh and some that may even make you shed a tear. Have no fear though, our conversation is nothing but great times, good laughs, and amazing memories from these two friends who have helped shaped the fabric of great music for many decades. We touch on some familiar friends including Pete Seeger and get the scoop on some of the backstories of a few of the tracks on the latest album. It's always a delight talking to these two and to hear their music. 

If you leave with nothing else, you will realize the importance of having a standing date with a good friend and collaborator that nothing can interrupt at least one day per week is the true key to happiness and success! 

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If you like hard rock and heavy metal, you love Bullet. The band's newest album, Kickstarter is available January 9th, wherever you get your records. For more information, check out the band's website.

Pearl Jam has built a reputation as a world-class live act and, a new book by Selena Fragassi explores the band's life on the road. 

Pearl Jam Live! is available right now from Epic Ink.

Brian Wilson was a musical genius. And a new re-issue highlights his brilliance in live performance. And if there's anyone who can talk about Wilson's work it's David Leaf. He's literally written the book (well, 2, actually) as well as made the movie about Brian. Brian Wilson- Live at The Roxy Theater is available right now wherever you get your music.

Plus, we discuss a few other books that came out this year that are worth your time and attention.

You only need to hear the music of Leanne Binder to fall in love with her voice. With her new EP, Leanne is making a splash. I Got Something to Say is available right now wherever you get your music.

For more information, you can check out her website, or you can follow her on Facebook.

Guitar legend Steve Cropper passed away yesterday at age 84. In tribute, we listen back to our 2021 interview with him, promoting his most recent solo album.

Ben Arnold's new record, XI came about by the best of situations... it just happened. What started as a plan to record a few songs turned into a full album. XI is available right now wherever you get records. For more information, check out Ben's website and you can follow him on Facebook.

Gregory McLoughlin has made a career of sharing his music. Whether it's on his regular Monday night YouTube show, or a clubs and venues around New Jersey and New York, Gregory is always sharing. And now his self-titled full length album is coming out December 12th to share with the rest of the world.

For more information, check out his website.

Seth Neblett's book Mothership Connected is a fascinating, first-hand look inside the mothership that was Parliament Funkadelic. (As well as the side projects The Parlets, The Brides of Funkenstein and many more.) Seth tells the stories of the women who were part of this one-of-a-kind group and allows them to explain their role. It's a fascinating read and easily one of the best music books of the year.

Mothership Connected is available right now from University of Texas press.

1990's rock was an exciting time. Nevermind (no pun intended) Nirvana, what about Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, The Meat Puppets, Primus and Smashing Pumpkins?

In his new book, Greg Prato gets the full story of the era from the folks who lived it. Alternative for the Masses by Greg Prato is available right now wherever you get your books.

Nikita Lev is a singer/songrwriter who has a unique voice and style that's developing with each song and EP. Her newest EP, Suspend is available now. For more information, check out her website.

Maia Sharp is a talented singer-songwriter who just released Tomboy, her 10th album. The record is a lovely study of identity and understanding oneself. Tomboy is available now.

For more information, you can check out her website or follow her on Facebook.

The power thrash/metal band Them has a new record out that continues the story they started 5 albums ago. Where do things go from here?

For more information, you can follow the band on Facebook.

We always enjoy talking with John McCutcheon about his music and his work in helping preserve the music from the past. His new album, A Long Journey Home looks back at the 1927 Mountain City Fiddlers Convention and, looks at how music (and society) has changed 100 years ago. It's a fascinating album and a fascinating conversation.

For more information, check out John's website.

With Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl out, we thought it a good time to explore what has come before with two experts- Kase Wickman and Moira McAvoy, co-authors (with Joanna Weiss), authors of Taylor Swift: Album by Album, available from Motorbooks wherever you get your books on October 10th.

Two great voices have teamed up for a fun new cover. Steelheart's Mili & Jeff from Tesla have combined their forces to tackle the classic "I Just Want to Make Love to You." We try our best to pin these two down and talk about positivity and the joy of music. 

"I Just Want to Make Love to You" is available to stream everywhere, Friday, October 3rd. For more information, check out Steelheart's website.

Wayne Gerard has spent a lifetime following his musical sensibilities and that has led him to playing as a member of Don Was' Pan Detroit Ensemble, a fascinating mixture of jazz and rock. Their debut album, Groove in the Face of Adversity is available October 10th.

For more information and for tour dates, check out Don's website. (You can also follow Wayne on Instagram.)

Frank Hannon is best known as the guitarist and co-founder of the band Tesla. But he's also a solo artist and his newest record, Reflections is available right now. We talk to Frank about writing, guitar and we get a little concert too! 

For more information or to order your copy of the record, check out Frank's website.

It's hard to easily sum up the work of writer, performer, entrepreneur Lanz Pierce. (And we should note, that is an incomplete list.) Her latest single, "Get It," is out now, with an EP to follow. For more information you can find her on Instagram.