Chris DeMakes A Podcast

In this episode, Voodoo Glow Skulls bassist Jorge Casillas offers a look into the making of their beloved 1995 track "Shoot The Moon". Known for its explosive energy and eerily prophetic lyrics about societal stagnation, Jorge discusses the band's early songwriting instincts and their attitude of not knowing or caring about formulaic approaches. He highlights producer Garth Richardson's pivotal role in allowing them to fully embrace their unique identity, drawing parallels with his work on Rage Against The Machine's debut album. Tune into this conversation for an inside perspective on a timeless fan favorite that continues to resonate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Ace Enders sits in to discuss the creation of The Early November's fan-favorite single, "Decoration." Hailing from their ambitious 2006 triple disc concept album, The Mother, The Mechanic, And The Path, "Decoration" captures a raw, vintage essence that resonates with listeners. Ace shares insights into the writing and recording process, shedding light on how the song's poignant narrative addresses the anguish of feeling exploited by someone solely focused on financial gain. Despite its simple, one-word chorus, Ace masterfully evokes profound emotion, making "Decoration" a timeless anthem. This deep dive into one of The Early November's most beloved tracks is not to be missed. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick sits in this week to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 2013 single from Fitz and The Tantrums, "Out of My League." In this episode, Fitz opens up about his long road to success in the music industry, a journey initially met with substantial rejection. He du=ives into how he carved his own path, honing his production and songwriting skills along the way, before finding the right bandmates and style that finally clicked. Fitz also explores how "Out of My League" and the entire More Than Just a Dream album marked a shift towards a more 80s new wave sound, a departure from their previous material that had critics almost dismissively labeling them as throwback soul. Tune in to hear an inspiring story of resilience and creativity from a true music industry veteran. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Chris DeMakes sits down with John Kastner to dive into the writing and recording of the 1993 Doughboys single "Shine". As Chris’s favorite band, this conversation is a true delight for him and listeners alike. Kastner reveals the surprising inspiration behind the song, while reflecting on how Doughboys crafted a sound that was ahead of its time—a quality that truly shines through on this track. Tune in for an in-depth look at the creative process behind a song that continues to resonate decades later. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, listeners are invited to join Greg Camp, the musical maestro behind Smash Mouth's iconic 1999 hit single "All Star," as he takes them on a journey back to the song’s origins. As the episode unfolds, Greg shares exclusive insights into the writing and recording process of the beloved anthem, treating fans to the never-before-heard demo of "All Star." Going deep into the song's lyrical content, Greg unveils hidden layers of meaning and personal inspiration, making this episode an inspiring testament to resilience and individuality, particularly resonant for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The After Party, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they create the ultimate summer playlist. Each Chris picks a standout song from every summer of the 1980s, with DeMakes choosing hard rock anthems and Fafalios selecting soft rock classics. Tune in to hear their dynamic discussion as they cover everything from the electrifying riffs of AC/DC to the smooth melodies of Peter Cetera. Whether you're a fan of rock or just love great music, this episode is sure to hit all the right notes! Sign up for the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast to get HUNDREDS of episodes like this one (and a new one every week) at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Check out the playlist on Spotify and Apple Music! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1iouiUL3zRkV8mr43yWrTw?si=De8MLcckTyuJGqCAZ6KeJQ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/80s-hard-soft-summer-rock-playlist-from-the-chris/pl.u-38oWMyEtP6e1MN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford sit in to shed light on the creative process behind joan’s infectious 2021 single “want u back”. The indie-pop duo out of Little Rock provide insight into the crafting of the uptempo anthem that resonates with audiences worldwide. By fearlessly incorporating any musical element that lends itself to the song, joan’s approach to songwriting is as inspiring as their music is catchy. Tune in to discover the behind-the-scenes magic of creating an irresistible, fan-favorite hit. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join host Chris DeMakes and co-host/producer Chris Fafalios as they embark on a musical exploration of Andrew Gold's iconic 1978 single "Thank You for Being a Friend" in this week's episode. While most listeners may recognize it as the beloved theme song from The Golden Girls, DeMakes and Fafalios dive into the rich layers of this timeless track, uncovering its sentimental and tongue-in-cheek charm. As they dissect Gold's impressive musical legacy, they reveal how this song is not only uplifting but also a heartfelt tribute to friendship. Tune in as they pay homage to an extraordinary songwriter and musician whose work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Alkaline Trio guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba takes listeners behind the scenes of the band's fan favorite 2005 single, "Time to Waste". Matt opens up about the writing and recording process, shedding light on the band's bold approach to incorporating big production elements, exemplified by the haunting piano intro that sets the tone. He pays homage to the late Jerry Finn, emphasizing Finn's significant contributions to the song's creation. Furthermore, Matt shares the inspiration behind the lyrics, including the surprising, never-before-told backstory behind the infamous "hide the cutlery" line. Join in for an intimate exploration of the creative process and untold stories behind this iconic track, straight from the artist's perspective. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you want to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval sat in for this episode in which listeners are invited to explore the creation of their iconic 2001 hit single, "Youth of the Nation." Against the backdrop of tragedies like Columbine and other shootings that shook the nation, Sandoval shares how the band was inspired to craft a powerful and inspiring anthem that resonated with a generation in turmoil. With the guidance of producer Howard Benson, P.O.D. entrusted their vision to explore new sonic territories, resulting in a timeless track that remains as relevant today as it was over two decades ago. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn of Local Natives unveil the behind-the-scenes journey of crafting their 2019 single, "When Am I Gonna Lose You." They reveal that the song underwent a staggering 57 different versions, each a labor of love to achieve perfection. From Taylor's raw personal inspiration to Ryan's lyrical contributions and producer Shawn Everett's innovative techniques, they showcase the magic that brought this hauntingly beautiful track to life. The emotional resonance of the composition mirrors the ride up California's coastline described in the song, offering an intimate glimpse into the artistry that defines this modern masterpiece. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Past guests of Chris DeMakes A Podcast include John Feldmann of Goldfinger, Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soup, Roger Lima of Less Than Jake, Bill Stevenson of Descendants, Anthony Raneri of Bayside, Jen Razavi of The Bombpops, Tim McIlrath of Rise Against, Howard Benson, Angelo Moore of Fishbone, Ryan Key of Yellowcard, Aaron Barrett of Reel Big Fish, Cyrus Bolooki of New Found Glory, Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Brian Baker of Bad Religion and Dag Nasty, Sierra Sellers, Trever Keith of Face To Face, Laura Jane Grace of Against Me!, Mike Herrera of MxPx, Mark Hoppus of blink-182, Robin Wilson of Gin Blossoms, Jeff Rosenstock, Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional, Matt Pryor of The Get Up Kids, Steve Soboslai of Punchline, A Jay and Jeremy Popoff of Lit, Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, Joe Escalante of The Vandals, Deryck Whibley of Sum 41, K.Flay, Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music, Donnie Vie of Enuff Z’Nuff, Shane Told of Silverstein, Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low, Fat Mike of NOFX, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Kevin Bivona and Aimee Interrupter of The Interrupters, Karine Deniké of Dance Hall Crashers, Dicky Barrett and Joe Gittleman of The Mighty Mighty Boston’s, Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World, Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio, Elizabeth Stokes of The Beths, Jim Lindberg of Pennywise, Frank Turner, Blake Schwarzenbach of Jawbreaker, Jenn Fiorentino, Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory, Matt Embree of Rx Bandits, Joey Cape of Lagwagon, Rosie Frater-Taylor, Derek Sanders of Mayday Parade, Max Collins of Eve 6, Butch Walker of Marvelous 3, John O’Callaghan of The Maine, Ken Block of Sister Hazel, VÉRITÉ, Chrissy Costanza of Against The Current, Mike Park of Skankin’ Pickle, Brendan Kelly of The Lawrence Arms, Brett Detar of The Juliana Theory, J. Navarro of The Suicide Machines, Josh Todd of Buckcherry, Dan Marsala of Story Of The Year, Ty Tabor of King’s X, Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan, Kevin Martin of Candlebox, Brendan B. Brown of Wheat’s, Max Rainer of Wilderado, Bill Manspeaker of Green Jellÿ, Mummy Cass of Here Come The Mummies, Donald and John Tardy of Obituary, Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills, Christian “MC Bat Commander” Jacobs of The Aquabats, Kip Winger of Winger, Michael Sweet of Stryper, Chris Conley of Saves The Day, Des Rocs, Shaun Morgan of Seether, Shawn Harris of The Matches, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Tom Higgerson of Plain White T’s, and many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Embark on a journey of musical innovation with Craig Wedren as he unravels the mysteries behind Shudder To Think's iconic 1994 single, "X-French Tee Shirt.” From the band's relentless pursuit of originality to the song's jarring yet hypnotic structure, Craig takes listeners deep into the creative process, offering unparalleled insights into its unconventional brilliance. As a mastermind behind scores for film and television, including cult classics like Wet Hot American Summer, School of Rock, and Yellow Jackets, Craig's expertise adds an extra layer of intrigue to this must-listen episode. Tune in and discover the secrets behind one of music's most daring compositions. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices