Detroit Songwriter Dispatch - podcast cover

Detroit Songwriter Dispatch

Scott Kraus, Dave Toennies, Brion Riborndetroitsongwriterdispatch.com
Interviewing the world class songwriters of Detroit
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Tyler Chernoff: Braving the Darkness, Finding the Groove

Edison Hollow’s frontman Tyler Chernoff joins us to talk heartbreak, hope, and hard rock. From open mic revelations to five-year-old superfans, Tyler shares how writing, recovery, and community helped shape his most personal song yet. Plus, he plays us an exclusive live version of “Darkness”—a breakup anthem with a time shift and a shimmer of […]

Jul 11, 20251 hr 43 min0

Izak and the Art of Honest Noise

Brion and Chris sit down with Izak for a deeply personal and often hilarious conversation about songwriting, community, chronic pain, pandemic chaos, and why it’s okay to skank to a sad song.

Jul 02, 20251 hr 19 min0

SG Bleviano and Beautiful Garbage

In this episode, we lock into the weird and wonderful world of SG Bleviano—punk-hearted, bath-singing, art-slinging Detroit songwriter on a mission to drop 12 singles in 12 months. We talk beautiful garbage, DIY recording hacks, cartoon ghosts with Gretschs, and a guitar named Dolly that carries a heavy heart.

Jun 19, 20251 hr0

Jeff Jablonski, The Haunt Of Hamtramck

Jeff Jablonski joins the Dispatch to talk rhythm, regret, and 90 unreleased songs. We explore his roots, his writing philosophy, and why he’s more interested in live performance than recording. Along the way, he shares stories of lost compasses, poetic graffiti, and the quiet power of musical restraint. Features an exclusive deep cut: Tula.

May 08, 20251 hr 5 min0

Mike Leslie, Goodbye Forever

For those who read episode descriptions… It doesn’t seem we are losing Mike. Instead, he joins us to talk about his journey as a songwriter, his time with Candlebox, his solo work, and his approach to art in all forms—music, painting, even tattooing. He shares stories from the road, performs live, and gives us a […]

Mar 16, 20251 hr 14 min0

A Checker History

Brion Riborn is joined by none other than Chris Rose to interview Checker

Jan 21, 20251 hr 19 min0

Chris Bathgate Looks Forward To Peach Season

This week on the Detroit Songwriter Dispatch, Chris Bathgate joins the podcast to discuss his new album, Significance of Peaches. Bathgate talks about the inspiration for the album, the unique pump organ that he uses in his music, and the (then) upcoming show at Alpino in Detroit, where he will be performing with special peach-themed […]

Jan 07, 20251 hr 29 min0

Brizzl Has Layers

This summer 2024, Brion and Scott sat down with Brizzl before he left Detroit to talk about his experience coming up in Detroit music. Brizzl’s links: Instagram Soundcloud Spotify

Nov 24, 20241 hr 19 minEp. 64

Aidan Pope Will Field Your Complaints

We’re back! Again! Aidan Pope joins Scott and Brion Riborn in the all new Detroit Songwriter Dispatch to discuss his album, Fast Love, available on Bandcamp. His work is available everywhere you stream, unless you’re a mega hipster with some weird streaming service. Follow him on Instagram for updates on where to catch his music […]

Sep 02, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 63

The Stratton Dispatch

Lori Stratton from The Stratton Setlist comes by and talks about covering music, interviewing musicians, and looking forward to shows. WebsiteYouTube

Jun 10, 20211 hr 5 minEp. 62

Travis Albright: The Process Is Just Doing It

The Dispatch is back! Again! Travis Albright joined us for an episode back in July and we had a great time talking about his process. Check out his music at travisjalbright.bandcamp.com

Oct 22, 20201 hr 30 minEp. 59

The Border Patrol Episode

Dave Toennies and Cody Howard join Scott and guest cohost Allye Gaietto to talk about The Worst Excuses, Dave’s latest album! Listen and BUY IT Here

May 25, 20201 hr 30 minEp. 57

Allye Gaietto Guides The Dispatch Through Her Song, “Normal Stuff”

What an incredibly fun episode! We got together when that was still ok and Allye brought her piano as well as some demo recordings. Dave balks as Scott attempts a turf war with other podcasts. Check Allye out here: Bandcamp Twitter Facebook Spotify

May 11, 20202 hr 32 minEp. 56

The Root of Kate Hinote

Kate Hinote Trio plays three songs and Kate Hinote sits down for an amazing discussion on songwriting, promotion, and some accidentally prescient talk on the gig economy. Go to https://katehinote.tumblr.com/ for all the details you could wish for. Matthew Parmenter on violin David Johnson on guitar

Mar 25, 20202 hr 20 minEp. 53

Jackamo And The Sunbird That Started It All

Jackamo plays us songs and talks about how their bare bones style allows them to craft their stunningly arranged music. They are one whacky neighbor away from a sitcom.

Feb 13, 202058 minEp. 51

Emma Guzman (Not Emma Guzmán)

From her Tidal Unplugged bio: Singer-songwriter Emma Guzman, known cat enthusiast, rumored star child and compelled by unknown forces, has always felt the need to express herself through music. Choosing to spend her time humming melodies and frantically scribbling lyrics in various notebooks and on random scraps of paper, she has quietly amassed a substantial […]

Jan 30, 202058 minEp. 50

Mike and Angie Ward On Supporting Detroit Music

Mike and Angie Ward join Scott and Dave in kicking off Season Two of the Dispatch! *train whistle noise*Being a landmark 50th episode, we get pretty meta in this one.

Nov 15, 20191 hr 12 minEp. 48

The Chaos of Vern from Spoo Willoughby and His Strange Attractors

One of my favorite Detroit songwriters and people, Vern! He is absolutely unmistakable and this podcast is no different. Hear how Vern developed his indelible stage presence and how a schoolyard crime ring led him to playing Piedmont blues.

Oct 10, 20191 hr 4 minEp. 46

An Adieu To Willa Rae Adamo

Willa Rae Adamo reflects on playing music in Detroit before moving to New York.

Sep 17, 20191 hr 15 minEp. 45

Tino and Rolando Ybarra of Pancho Villa’s Skull

Pancho Villa’s Skull is a mariachi punk band from Pontiac headed by brothers Tino and Rolando Ybarra. Bandcamp Facebook From their bio: What do you get when you cross traditional Mariachi music with Punk rock snarl and attitude? The answer: Pancho Villa’s Skull. Pancho Villa’s Skull was started by Tino Ybarra in 2011. While growing […]

Aug 12, 20191 hr 47 minEp. 44

Dan Minard On Being Back In Detroit

Dan Minard recently moved back to Detroit. Here we reflect on the difference between Nashville and Detroit music, taking care of yourself, speaking out, and much more. Check out http://thatdandyclassicmusichour.com/ for more Dan, and look for him around town!

Aug 05, 20191 hr 52 minEp. 43

Jack Oats Is Into The Details

This week, Jack Oats comes by and talks with Dave and Scott about his stage persona, van camaraderie, and a bit about gear. Bandcamp Facebook “Jack Oats (Justin Erion) writes indie americana folk rock with its own set of twists. Solo acoustic, one man band style looping to a full band set up. Jack Oats […]

Jul 29, 20191 hr 2 minEp. 42

John Freeman Talks Inspiration for Writing Lyrics and More

John Freeman plays with The Codgers and writes poetry. He joined the Dispatch and we discussed what ‘arrogate’ means, the natural wisdom of Doop, and Dillaha’s probable protest against what we think ‘arrogate’ means.

Jul 22, 20191 hr 14 minEp. 41

Bunky Hunt & Whistlepig Records with Ryan Dillaha and Lonnie Stump

Bunky Hunt of Whistlepig Records invited the Dispatch to his studio to chat about all things Whistlepig! Joining Bunky and Scott are songwriters Lonnie Stump and Ryan Dillaha. Bunky Hunt Bunky Hunt is a songwriter, recording engineer, and producer from Detroit, Michigan. “Raised during the 70’s, and inspired by bands such as the Rolling Stones, […]

Jul 15, 20191 hr 14 minEp. 40

Paco Higdon, Tom Phillips, and “A Real Good Riddle”

Paco Higdon and Tom Phillips join the Dispatch and talk about their time playing music on a cruise ship, pet pigs, arranging music for stage and studio. Paco and Tom are currently working on opening a recording studio in Roseville. https://www.tuxedoavestudios.com/ PACO HIGDON TALENTED MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST, PRODUCER, ARRANGER, AND ARTIST BORN AND RAISED IN THE DETROIT […]

Jul 01, 20192 hr 15 minEp. 39

Darren Shelton Does The Dishes

Darren Shelton is the proprietor of the Ghost Light and Executive Director of Planet Ant. He joins us this week to talk about the talent in Detroit and how to manage a chaotic lifestyle when you love certainty.

Jun 24, 20192 hr 16 minEp. 38

River Rouge Cast with Don Duprie, Alison Lewis, & Way More

An incredible night at Doop’s table in River Rouge. We talked music, but mostly the value of being good to each other. The night ends with passing a guitar around. Guests Don Duprie Alison Lewis Darren Shelton Jim Diamond Wally Kravens Kelly ‘The Assassin’ Corrigan Pat Vadnais

Jun 17, 20191 hr 42 minEp. 37

The Legacy of Anthony Retka

Anthony comes on the pod and talks about why he makes music, the role TV plays in it all, and what he wants to leave the world with.

Jun 10, 20191 hr 5 minEp. 36
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android