Less Than Jake frontman Chris Demakes sits down with Kyle Meredtih to talk about the band’s new album, Silver Linings , and the need to bring positivity and fun in the current era. The ska-punk legend also discusses being a legacy band, co-founder Vinnie Fiorello leaving in 2018, writing songs about their friends, and having Matt Yonkers behind the drum kit. DeMakes also hits on Losing Streak ’s 25th anniversary, the band’s upcoming 30th anniversary plans, Chris DeMakes A Podcast , writing jingl...
Jan 18, 2021•35 min•Ep. 421
Grandson jumps on the line with Kyle Meredith to talk about his first full-length, Death of An Optimist . Jordan Benjamin discusses using his voice to make a difference, activism in the post-Trump era, and if his songs change for him going into the Biden presidency. Benjamin also dives into his generation’s desire for instant gratification, making change through his XXResistance Fund, being a multi-genre rocker, and teaming up with Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda and Blink 182’s Travis Barker. Follow...
Jan 15, 2021•33 min•Ep. 420
Tesla bassist Brian Wheat talks with Kyle Meredith about his new autobiography, Son of a Milkman . Together, they discuss how the book is a source of therapy, particularly for the darker moments of battling bulimia, anxiety, and depression during the band’s height of success. On the brighter side, Wheat tells us about why Paul McCartney is his biggest influence, meeting him in England, and what he thinks of the just-released McCartney III . Bonus: We've also included a 2017 interview surrounding...
Jan 13, 2021•21 min•Ep. 419
Kenny Wayne Shepherd talks with Kyle Meredith about his new live album and DVD, Straight To You . Shepherd discusses the TV appearance that the recording comes from, how sharing vocals affects what he plays, and how he relates to his most notable song, "Blue On Black". The blues guitarist also relays stories about hanging out with Neil Young and Stephen Stills , touring with Van Halen , and the lasting impression of Eddie Van Halen . We've also included a bonus 2017 interview with Shepherd. Foll...
Jan 11, 2021•24 min•Ep. 418
Toto singer Joseph Williams talks with Kyle Meredith about his new solo album, Denizen Tenant . Williams, the son of composer John Williams, tells us about covering Peter Gabriel and the influences that make their way on to the new LP. We also get the backstory on the new CWF album that showcases his voice alongside Chicago’s Bill Champlin and what to expect from next year’s Dogz of Oz tour with Toto. The legendary rock band recently announced a new lineup and plan to dive into deep cuts and sol...
Jan 08, 2021•14 min•Ep. 417
Uriah Heep lead man Mick Box jumps on the line with Kyle Meredith to discuss the 50 Years In Rock box set, which includes 23 CDs and four compilations of curated favorites from individual members. Box tells us about the early days of the band when they transitioned from Spice to Uriah Heep through eventually making a breakthrough with their masterpiece, Look At Yourself . The hard rock legend also talks about using fantasy lyrics, creating new artwork for the Magician's Birthday , finding a rese...
Jan 06, 2021•24 min•Ep. 416
Pablo Cruise have returned with their first new song in nearly 40 years with "Breathe". David Jenkins hopped on the line with Kyle Meredith to discuss what prompted writing again after being primarily a live band for the past couple decades and their love of a positive message. We also turn the clocks back to their final album, 1984’s Out of Our Hands , to hear what it was like having the '70s pop band adjust to an '80s new wave scene, writing with Huey Lewis, and the possibility of more new mus...
Jan 04, 2021•13 min•Ep. 415
For all of December, Kyle Meredith is looking back on his favorite moments in 2020. This week, we revisit Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Cinnamon discussing his aversion to pop-stardom, Avi Kaplan telling us why he left Pentatonix to rekindle his folk roots, and Sheryl Crow diving into the politics of 2020 that shaped her new singles. From there, Zac Brown talks about writing against stereotypes, Jimmy Buffett shares his love of Bob Marley, and Jefferson Starship co-founder David Frieberg brea...
Dec 30, 2020•23 min•Ep. 414
For all of December, Kyle Meredith is looking back on his favorite moments in 2020. This week, we revisit Jim James discussing the murder of Breona Taylor, Julien Baker dissecting the lies sold through religion, Paul Weller chewing on systematic change, Laura Marling studying psychoanalysis, Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil explaining why he’ll never do a solo record, and actor/novelist/musician David Duchovny wrestling with an environment of perpetual politics. Follow on Facebook | Podchaser | ...
Dec 23, 2020•27 min•Ep. 413
For all of December, Kyle Meredith is looking back on his favorite moments in 2020. This week, we revisit talking with Amy Lee of Evanescence as she was deciding the future sound of her band, Jxdn dialing back to his strict Southern upbringing, Avril Lavigne sharing her survivor's story, Paul Stanley of KISS radiating with positivity, LP discussing her large Russian fanbase, and Johnny 3 Tears from Hollywood Undead weighing in on the art of and current state of metal music. Follow on Facebook | ...
Dec 16, 2020•32 min•Ep. 412
For all of December, Kyle Meredith is looking back on his favorite moments in 2020. This week, we revisit talking with Stephen Malkmus as he geeks out about Led Zeppelin, Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien balancing the darkness of the world with an optimistic light that he carries, Interpol’s Paul Banks finding his own new light within the band Muzz, King Krule discovering The Beatles, Sparks being masters at cussing, and Buzz Osborne who gets playful about the importance of music. Follow on Facebook | Pod...
Dec 09, 2020•33 min•Ep. 411
Kiss legend Paul Stanley and Landmarks Live creator Dan Catullo sit down with Kyle Meredith to discuss the band’s upcoming New Year’s Eve show, which is said to be their biggest show ever. Catullo tells us of safely producing a show of this magnitude during a pandemic and doing it live from Dubi to a virtual audience around the world. Meanwhile, Stanley details the importance of bringing people together and how he makes a show that people will watch online compelling for them at home. The frontm...
Dec 04, 2020•33 min•Ep. 410
The Jerky Boys mastermind Johnny Brennan talks with Kyle Meredith about the infamous prank caller’s first album in over 20 years. Brennan, who also voices Mort Goldman in Family Guy , goes deep on what made the fictional characters resonate so much during their '90s peak, getting Seth McFarlane’s seal of approval on the newest collection, and being an influence throughout National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation . The man behind Sol Rosenberg and Frank Rizzo also discusses knowing how to work his c...
Dec 02, 2020•36 min•Ep. 409
Julien Baker hangs out with Kyle Meredith to talk about Little Oblivions and its themes of self examination and survival. Baker speaks about the illusions that we build for ourselves to make us feel comfortable, a life of being told lies, and how she took the news that the Easter Bunny wasn’t real. The Boygenius member also discusses her Big Libra Energy, adding drums into her songwriting, and covering Blink 182’s "Anthem Pt. 2". Follow on Facebook | Podchaser | Twitter --- This episode is spons...
Nov 30, 2020•19 min•Ep. 408
The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger gives Kyle Meredith a call to talk about the 50th anniversary of Morrison Hotel . Krieger tells us about coming up with the solo to "Peace Frog" and how Lonnie Mac came out of retirement to play bass on "Roadhouse Blues". Then we pull into the present as Krieger discusses his new album, The Ritual Begins At Sundown . The LP has a blues connection to Morrison Hotel in the song "The Hitch" as well as a very strong Frank Zappa connection. Hear about all of that as ...
Nov 27, 2020•12 min•Ep. 407
Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard and singer-songwriter Mason Jennings have teamed up as Painted Shield and sit down with Kyle Meredith to talk about their self-titled debut album. Together, they discuss how they teamed up and recruited Matt Chamberlain, Brittany Davis, and John Congletan. Gossard tells us of opening his vault of demos for the music while Jennings describes working in a band for the first time and writing lyrics about time as escapism. Gossard’s Loosegroove Records was also resu...
Nov 25, 2020•54 min•Ep. 406
Tommy Lee sits down with Kyle Meredith to talk about Andro , a record that finds him collaborating with folks like Mickey Avalon, Lukas Rossi, Shotty Horroh, and Brooke Candy. The Mötley Crüe co-founder also dives into relating to rap as a drummer, how this was originally was to have been a Methods of Mayhem album, splitting the male and female artists up, and covering Prince. Lee then discusses having Tyla Yaweh and Post Malone name a song after him, what it's like to be a pop culture icon, and...
Nov 23, 2020•24 min•Ep. 405
Leslie Odom Jr. jumps on the line with Kyle Meredith to talk about The Christmas Album , his second venture into holiday music. Odom tells us about the challenge of writing original Christmas songs, adding his own mark to classics, covering Sara Bareilles, and re-recording his song "Cold" with Sia. The Hamilton star also discusses what life’s been like since the Broadway juggernaut landed on Disney + and gives us the scoop on his upcoming movie One Night In Miami . Directed by Regina King, the f...
Nov 20, 2020•39 min•Ep. 404
James Mercer sits down with Kyle Meredith to talk about The Shins ’ new single, "The Great Divide". The singer-songwriter explains how it musically conjures both nostalgia and futurism, and how he’s slowly been closing the musical gap between The Shins and Broken Bells . Mercer also discusses a potential 20th anniversary edition of Oh Inverted World , whether we'll see a new Shins album anytime soon, the nearly finished LP from Broken Bells, and his recent work with Bruce Hornsby . Follow on Fac...
Nov 18, 2020•47 min•Ep. 403
Arcade Fire multi-instrumentalist Will Butler speaks with Kyle Meredith about his sophomore solo album, Generations , and its look at his place in the world, politics, and American history. Butler traces his family back to its colonial days through his grandfather Alvino Rey’s work as one of the first electric guitarists, and finally into the present where he and his wife have spent time working with local politics around the country. Butler goes on to talk about his penchant for theatrical writ...
Nov 16, 2020•56 min•Ep. 402
This Is The Kit returns with a new album, Off Off On , and Kate Stables catches up with Kyle Meredith to talk about finding new sounds and playing against the folk genre. Stables also discusses the themes of empathy and the human condition, the power of youth leading the movements around the world, and borrowing from the Earth from future generations. Currently residing in Paris, the singer-songwriter also dishes on her need for solitude, love of pinhole photography, and the special edition car ...
Nov 13, 2020•20 min•Ep. 401
Romy Madley Croft , one-third of The xx, joins Kyle Meredith to discuss her debut solo single, "Lifetime", and preview her upcoming solo album. The English artist tells us how working with pop songwriters set a direction for the music she’s making now, going from the heartbreak songs of The xx to the dance-driven positivity that we hear on this lead single. Later, Romy discusses how the pandemic has lead her to write about seeking connection, co-writing Dua Lipa’s “Electricity", working with Kal...
Nov 11, 2020•15 min•Ep. 400
David Duchovny joins Kyle Meredith to discuss his new single, "Layin’ On the Tracks", and his forthcoming third album, Gestureland . The X-Files legend talks about being inspired by Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind , how daily politics have been a new part of his life, and how he’s finding his voice as a songwriter. The New York Times best-selling author also previews his upcoming fourth novel, Truly Like Lightning , which follows a desert-dwelling Mormon family and their resistance to the ...
Nov 09, 2020•34 min•Ep. 399
Ricky Byrd, formerly of Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, returns with Sobering Times , his latest in a series of records that reflect on addiction recovery. Byrd spoke with Kyle Meredith about playing to recovery music groups and how the conversation and stigma has changed since becoming sober in the late '80s. The singer-songwriter also discusses making a fun record with a message, his penchant for rough & tumble music, and the possibility of continuing the theme on future albums. Follow on F...
Nov 06, 2020•14 min•Ep. 398
Sonic Youth co-founder Thurston Moore sits down with Kyle Meredith to discuss By The Fire , his latest solo album and one that finds him taking inspiration from The Rolling Stones and The Replacements. Moore talks about working with producer Paul Epworth, the record’s classic rock moments, messing with traditional sounds, and playing to his past. The No Wave godfather also tells us about the themes of enlightenment, how all art is political, and voting for a candidate who will give progressive v...
Nov 04, 2020•39 min•Ep. 397
Gang of Four co-founder Jon King speaks with Kyle Meredith about the band’s new box set, ‘77-’81. The post-punk legend discusses being rejected by numerous record labels, their bleak '70s British life, dealing with Nazis who attended their shows, and how their songs still speak to all of the same issues today. King also tells us about being influenced by Jimi Hendrix and funk music, touring with Public Enemy, being sampled by Run the Jewels, and having their music used in film and television, na...
Nov 02, 2020•29 min•Ep. 396
Legendary drummer Cindy Blackman Santana speaks with Kyle Meredith about Give the Drummer Some , an album that finds her singing lead for the first time. Together, they discuss the ways to make fun music with a message, tapping Metallica’s Kirk Hammet and Living Colour’s Vernon Reid to guest, and working with producer Narada Michael Walden. The former Lenny Kravitz drummer and now Santana member also weighs in on the freedom of making a record with the drums front and center in the mix, paying t...
Oct 30, 2020•13 min•Ep. 395
Bully singer-songwriter Alicia Bagnano joins Kyle Meredith in support of her third studio album, Sugaregg . Together, they discuss her journey of personal growth, being inspired by Lucinda Williams, covering Nirvana and Orville Peck, and writing songs for last year's critically acclaimed indie hit film Her Smell . Outside of music, we also hear about designing her own pair of Vans. Follow on Facebook | Podchaser | Twitter --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podca...
Oct 28, 2020•37 min•Ep. 394
The Cars guitarist Elliot Easton speaks with Kyle Meredith about his new album with The Empty Hearts, the supergroup that also features Blondie’s Clem Burke and The Romantics' Wally Palmar. Easton discusses the influence of '60s music, working with Ringo Starr, and how the New Wave generation were naturally nostalgic even as they blazed a futuristic sound. He also celebrates the 40th anniversary of The Cars' Panorama and shares the band's plans for another record prior to the death of Ric Ocasek...
Oct 26, 2020•38 min•Ep. 393
Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger jumps on the line with Kyle Meredith to discuss the 15th anniversary of All The Right Reasons . Together, they discuss what made it a heavier and more lush album, Chad Kroeger’s autobiographical lyrics, the absurdity of celebrity, and the story of their childhoods within the smash hit “Photograph”. Kroeger also discusses the accompanying live album from their show at the 2006 Sturgis Bike Rally and plans for a new 2021 LP as they hit their own 25th anniversary. Fo...
Oct 23, 2020•13 min•Ep. 392
