(Don't) Quit Your Day Job

In this episode, we talk to writer/producer/director John Ryan Sugimoto about the importance of environment on creativity, NYC versus LA, deriving motivations from movies when a youngster, being an inspiration to others, and defining success with happiness. Plus, forming ideas, a love for dumb people, making people feel good, and the struggle to spell his name.

You can check out Jon's work at the following locations:

In this episode, we talk to Matt and Doug from the rad Ohio band Jacknife Powerbombs about their new album Mors Certa Vita Incerta, the greater Cleveland music scene, being happy with the process of being a band and creating music, difficulties with describing the sound of the band, and getting music in front of people. Plus, gatekeeping, the fusion of band members styles, mixed band bills, and the luxury of being able to record yourself.

You can check out Jacknife Powerbombs at the following locations:

In this episode, our pal Steve Cee of RATH & the Wise Guys is back on the show to talk about actually quitting his day job (woah!), making video games and using other avenues of artistic expression to stand out, and structuring time to be as productive as possible. Plus, touring strategies, the importance of physical media, and the difficulty in seeing long term plans for success.

You can check out RATH & the Wise Guys at the following locations:

In this episode, the legend that is John Grove (Coffee With Lions) talks about the York PA scene, how to branch out into other scenes and regions, releasing A Single Second, recording new music, and figuring out the best way to release music. Plus, the official John Grove uniform, how to figure out the right number of shows to play, the requirements of social media, and the difficulty of wearing glasses during performance.

You can check out Coffee With Lions here:

In this episode, old friend Mark Tremalgia (Little Caesar, The Cruzados) talks about faking different styles of music based on the licks you can play, when does it make sense for a band to retire, the value of new music from legacy bands, and having fun no matter what. Plus, the different joys of playing in the studio vs live, the idea that a good guitar track can save a bad song, and is John Mayer worth defending?

In this episode, Aki McCullough of Dreamwell talks about the uniqueness of being a band from the music scene in Rhode Island, what it meant for the band to sign with Prosthetic Records, the impact of being on a label, and being meticulous in the studio. Plus, van death, the nuts and bolts of touring, the importance of groove, and evolving on from being a screamo band to something more unique.

You can check out Dreamwell here:

In this episode, the members of the rad and unforgettable band Hans Gruber And The Die Hards talk about the tribulations of being a hard working independent band that works day jobs and tours frequently, the positives of ska, being able to explore different sounds and genres, and managing expectations while on tour. Plus, the necessary evil of social media, using atlas obscura, playing poker for a living, and wardrobe malfunctions.

You can check out Hans Gruber And The Die Hards here:

In this special episode, our pal Mark Tremalgia (Little Caesar, The Cruzados) talks about late eighties LA, guitar playing in the Hollywood scene and defends the songs associated with Hair Metal.

In this special episode, Chuck Veri of iNCO FIdO defends the origins of ska, the many different ska subgenres, the truth of whether reggae or ska came first and the idea that ska did not start as a silly style of music. Plus, we play Housewife's Choice by Derrick Morgan

You can check out Chuck and iNCO FIdO here:

In this episode, we talk to our pal Mark Tremalgia aka Marky T (Little Caesar, The Cruzados) about coming back from The Cruzados European tour, the strike in Hollywood, jamming with actor Tim Russ (Star Trek, Crossroads), and the Richard Fortus versus Nuno media war. Plus, watching GnR rehearsals, the importance of a look for musicians, and a visit from Charlie Thornton.

In this episode Dave Simonich (Signs of the Swarm) talks about the evolution of the sound of the band, the importance of growth, acknowledging feedback from the fans, the importance of giving back to the scene/community, and the impact of signing with Century Media. Plus, the resurgence of deathcore, the importance of the message in a song, the impact of Spotify numbers, dealing with the terrible behavior of former members, and reminiscing about shows at 222 Ormsby.

You can check out Signs of the Swarm at these places:

In this episode Chris Urriola (Hollis Brown) talks about his love of bass guitar, his debut EP Illustrator, his day job as an expeditor following school in music management at Berklee, hustling in gig culture/economy, and being a stickler but still being open to ideas. Plus, the art of creating songs and fleshing out ideas with friends in the studio, being patient with developing a career in music, the realities of self managing and touring, and being the nephew of Dave Gahan. You can check out Chris at these places:

In this episode Thomas Andrew Doyle (TAD) talks about being on the vanguard of the Seattle/grunge scene in the 90's, signing to Sub Pop Records, early influences including music study at university, and subverting listener expectation. Plus, what does the artist owe the listener, the importance of listener interpretation, embracing new things, and running a small record label and recording studio.

You can check out TAD at these places:

In this episode, comedian Neil Rubenstein talks about the day to day realities of being a comedian, being on the road, the importance of trying new things, developing material, and what, if any, jokes are off limits. Plus, physical media, social media, day jobs, and performing at punk rock shows versus comedy clubs.

You can check out Neil at these places:

In this special episode, our old friend Charlie Thornton (Radar) attempts to convince us that LOCAL H is a good band and not a one hit wonder. We play the song John The Baptist Blues and discuss.

In this episode, Jason Bieler (Saigon Kick, The Baron Von Bielski Orchestra) talks about getting a nickname from Maya Rudolph's father, the old Saigon Kick days, having a hit song via fluke or accident, the freedom to move between musical genres, and becoming better as a songwriter by writing songs. Plus, not listening back to releases, writing and releasing tracks within 24 hours as an exercise, singers and shredders, release strategies for albums versus songs, physical copy, and social media.

You can check out Jason at these places:

In this episode, Drummer Matt Morris from the very rad Fire Sale talks about what constitutes a super group, imposter syndrome and fitting into the band identity, the importance of having fun in a band, release strategies in putting out new music, and modern production approaches to making music. Plus, how to break through the market noise, the importance of professional product, focusing on the details, touring vs festival shows and making a very funny video.

You can check out Fire Sale at these places: