Robert De Leo catches up with Kyle Meredith to talk about his debut solo album, Lessons Learned , and how it ended up as an acoustic album with multiple vocalists. The Stone Temple Pilots bassist and main songwriter discusses the influence of 70s artists like Paul Simon, John Denver, and Gordon Lightfoot (who he’ll be covering on a pair of singles to be released soon), the way songs change with different styles (“'Interstate Love Song' started as a bossa nova”), and having Gary Wright sing backu...
Nov 11, 2022•37 min•Ep. 684
Sammy Hagar catches up with Kyle Meredith to talk about Crazy Times , the new album that finds the former Van Halen frontman teaming up with producer Dave Cobb. The Red Rocker talks about Cobb pushing him to be more Montrose and Van Halen with his vocals, making a concept album that spotlights a darker personality than he’s known for, and wanting feedback from Elvis Costello regarding his "Pump It Up" cover. Hagar also reminisces on a lost Van Halen track that’s tied to the movie Twister and how...
Nov 09, 2022•31 min•Ep. 683
Actor Mark Rylance and director/activist Trudie Styler sit down with Kyle Meredith to talk about Spark Hunter. The new audio drama is about the world’s most advanced AI having dinner with her maker over a philosophical discussion to determine if she represents a new hope for the world or its destruction. The two discuss how the Dalai Lama brought them together; what it means to have standing inside the laws of nature; and the points of othering, racism, empathy, and evolution that the spy-drama ...
Nov 07, 2022•16 min•Ep. 682
The Lone Bellow sits down with Kyle Meredith to talk about Love Songs for Losers . The trio discusses the small town American opioid crisis that plays into the single “Gold,” which also takes some inspiration from John Mellencamp’s “Jack & Diane” as well as Bruce Springsteen. The band's Zach Williams, Kanene Donehey Pipkin, and Brian Elmquist also tell us about self-producing the record in Roy Orbison’s former house and the spirits that inhabit the space, writing about family, and how the so...
Nov 04, 2022•39 min•Ep. 681
Ian Astbury calls in to talk with Kyle Meredith about Under the Midnight Sun . The Cult frontman talks about coming up as a crooner during the post punk era, journalists mistakenly lumping them in with hair metal, and living through the optics of nostalgia. Astbury also talks about some of the big influences on The Cult's new album, including Brian Jones, William S. Burroughs, and Jack Kerouac. He also dives deep into the ecological and environmental moments that arrive throughout; his takes on ...
Nov 02, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 680
Alphaville ’s Marian Gold chats with Kyle Meredith about the band’s new symphonic album, Eternally Yours . Gold explains how the classical radio of his youth led him to synthesizers in the '80s, and details the process of turning the band's pop songs into dreamy, orchestrated pieces. The frontman also dives into his lifelong love of space exploration, how drugs influence literature and music, and writing “Around the Universe” about his WWII pilot father. Gold also talks about leaning on Shakespe...
Oct 31, 2022•34 min•Ep. 679
Julian Lennon sits down with Kyle Meredith to talk about Jude , a coming-of-age-album consisting of finally-finished songs from throughout his life. The singer-songwriter tells us about why he thought he was done making albums; watching his father, John Lennon, in the Get Back docuseries with his brother Sean and how that led to Jude ; and legally swapping his names around. Lennon also discusses the environmental concerns heard within his lyrics, covering Snarky Puppy’s Bill Lawrence, and his pl...
Oct 28, 2022•18 min•Ep. 678
Bryan Adams calls up Kyle Meredith to talk about the four albums that he’s released this year, including the latest, So Happy It Hurts ; his own recordings for the songs from Pretty Woman: The Musical ; and re-recordings his hits with Classics I and II . The multi-platinum songwriter discusses how making the music to Pretty Woman: The Musical affected his songwriting for this new album, getting John Cleese to make a cameo on the record, and why he took inspiration from Taylor Swift to reclaim hi...
Oct 26, 2022•18 min•Ep. 677
Serj Tankian catches up with Kyle Meredith to talk about Perplex Cities , his second EP in as many years. The System of a Down singer tells us about using his car to mix his songs and the 95 tracks found in his vault, mixing humor with serious issues, and trying to change minds in order to save the world. In fact, it’s with that that Serj discusses the current atrocities in Armenia, how the song “I Spoke Up” touches on those topics, and musically mixing cultures. Tankian also talks about the int...
Oct 24, 2022•25 min•Ep. 676
Kenzie Ziegler joins Kyle Meredith to dish on her latest single, "100 Degrees," her musical progression since her 2015 debut, and the album on which she’s currently working. The former Dance Moms star tells us about predominantly working with only women and how that’s changed her writing process, finding a new musical voice in indie pop and singer-songwriter, and recently collaborating with NOTD. Ziegler also discusses her new clothing line with Francesca’s Boutique and what it’s been like to gr...
Oct 21, 2022•18 min•Ep. 675
Cavetown joins Kyle Meredith to talk their new album, Worm Food . The English singer-songwriter, a.k.a. Robin Skinner, tells us about making the video for “Frog,” having total creative control, the benefits of announcing the record before it was finished, and the album title’s relation to the cycle of life. Skinner also talks about working with Beabadoobee and Orla Gartland for two versions of the same song, their continuing partnership with Chloe Moriondo, and covering "Teenage Dirtbag" before ...
Oct 19, 2022•23 min•Ep. 674
Rita Wilson joins Kyle Meredith to talk about Now & Forever: Duets , an album that finds her collaborating with Elvis Costello , Smokey Robinson, Willie Nelson , Leslie Odom Jr., and many more on a playlist of some of her favorite songs of the '70s. The actress/musician tells us about what drew her to put the spotlight on the decade; flipping classics like "Slip Slidin’ Away," "Fire," "Songbird," and "I’ll Be There" into conversations between two people; and what it was like to be opposite t...
Oct 17, 2022•19 min•Ep. 673
The 1975 ’s Matt Healy talks with Kyle Meredith about Being Funny in a Foreign Language . The frontman discusses his knack for being self-aware in his lyrics, writing songs that don’t have choruses, plans to produce more projects for other artists, and how they’ve avoided being bored of the process. Healy also tells us about the album’s closing track, “When We Are Together"; the pitfalls of over-analyzing art; the influence that Depeche Mode and Joy Division have had on them; and working with Sa...
Oct 14, 2022•17 min•Ep. 672
Jack McBrayer talks with Kyle Meredith about the second season of his preschool-aimed Apple TV+ series Hello Jack, The Kindness Show . The actor tells us about how the show was inspired by his perception of world news and social happenings, how it’s helped him deal with dark events, and how he uses his comedic background within the show. McBrayer also fans-out about having OK Go as the show’s house band ; growing up as an R.E.M. fan; having guest stars like Gillian Jacobs, Christin Shaw, Tony Ha...
Oct 12, 2022•17 min•Ep. 671
Oliver Sykes and Matt Nicholls of Bring Me the Horizon join Kyle Meredith backstage at the Louder Than Life festival in Louisville, Kentucky to talk about the upcoming second chapter of their Post Human series . Sykes analyzes the choice to do a long album run in what can seem like a singles-based world, as well as directing this latest set toward a more emo and post-hardcore sound, while Nicholls talks about having to learn different drum styles with each new release. Sykes also discusses the b...
Oct 10, 2022•13 min•Ep. 670
Bush ’s Gavin Rossdale joins Kyle Meredith to talk about The Art of Survival and explain how it ended up being one of the band's heaviest albums. The songwriter talks Coldplay, The Mars Volta, and Leonard Cohen, as well as his love of religious iconography in his lyrics. Rossdale also reveals his hopes of being in the just-announced Constantine 2 and why he says that Nicholas Cage is “the best actor in the world.” Listen to Bush's Gavin Rossdale talk The Art of Survival and more on the Kyle Mere...
Oct 07, 2022•26 min•Ep. 669
Oliver Sim speaks with Kyle Meredith about his debut solo album, Hideous Bastard , an LP that triumphs over fear and shame. The xx member discusses talking about living with HIV in the opening track, wearing several "masks" throughout the set, and literally wearing a monster mask in the accompanying short film. That leads Sim to talk about his love of horror, appreciation of Sara Michelle’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer , and having Graham Norton and Placebo as heroes while growing up. We also hear a...
Oct 05, 2022•23 min•Ep. 668
Guitarist/producer and Pat Benatar ’s husband and songwriting partner Neil Giraldo talks with Kyle Meredith about being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Beneta. Giraldo also shares his thoughts on the rest of the Rock Hall's Class of ‘22 and the background players that should also get their due. He goes on to talk about assumptions and judgments we make towards artists, giving back to the musical community, and his advice to younger musicians. He also discusses the new musi...
Oct 03, 2022•21 min•Ep. 667
Pink Floyd ’s Nick Mason joins Kyle Meredith to talk about his latest tour with Saucerful of Secrets , the all-star band that brings Floyd’s pre- Darkside catalog back to life. (Get tickets here !) The drummer discusses how the songs have changed over the years, how the legendary band went against the R&B trends during their '60s startup, hearing David Bowie cover "See Emily Play" for his Pinups record, and misremembering his own influence by Chico Hamilton. Mason also digs into the transiti...
Sep 30, 2022•21 min•Ep. 666
Metric ’s Emily Haines and James Shaw join Kyle Meredith to talk Formentera , the band’s eighth studio album. The pair discuss how they used a travel book as a way to escape during lockdown, inevitably influencing the journey within the songs. They also touch on learning that they’re not in total control of and finding the ways of letting go, as well as creating the epic “Doomscroller." James goes on to tell us about taking inspiration from Johnny Marr, while Emily recounts their time with compo...
Sep 28, 2022•21 min•Ep. 665
LAUV joins Kyle Meredith to talk about his latest album, All 4 Nothing , as well as his recent tour. The alt-pop musician tells us about the existential crisis that led to the record, using inner child therapy and meditation, and being able to talk to his younger self through the songs. He also discusses how he approached writing about his drug use, in addition to LAUV’s Meditation Club, a hotline that fans can call to get guided meditations from him regularly. Listen to LAUV on the Kyle Meredit...
Sep 26, 2022•16 min•Ep. 664
Santigold gives Kyle Meredith a call to discuss Spirituals , her first new album in six years. The genre-blending artist says the album that found a lot of influence in the big events of the past few years. She tells us about how the record was a lifeline for her, the moments that speak of Black women in survival mode, and how women are constantly being told they’re not of value. Santigold also talks about her upcoming tour (tickets for which can be found here ), as well as the tea she created t...
Sep 23, 2022•24 min•Ep. 663
YUNGBLUD joins Kyle Meredith to talk about his new self-titled LP. Dominic Harrison talks about the joy of midnight album releases, why he chose to self-title the record, the criticism one gets when getting more famous, and how those moments found their way into songs like "The Funeral." The British musician/actor discusses the conversational style of lyrics he wanted to do for this round, sampling The Cure , channeling Radiohead and The Jam, and coming up alongside artists like Billie Eilish, L...
Sep 21, 2022•22 min•Ep. 662
Halestorm ’s Lzzy Hale joins Kyle Meredith to talk about the band’s latest album, Back from the Dead , and how it unintentionally became a heavier record due to the anxiety and struggles with mental health she faced during the pandemic. The lead singer also tells us about the fun the band has with other musician friends at festivals, her work anxiety nightmares, and Halestorm's recent Adele and Dolly Parton covers -- and what it could mean for a studio covers release. She also touches on their u...
Sep 19, 2022•28 min•Ep. 661
LeAnn Rimes joins Kyle Meredith to talk about her new album, god's work , how it was influenced by her 2020 chant record, and sonically digging into world and ancient rhythms. The musician/actress tells us about the many guests that help out, including Ziggy Marley, Sheila E, Ben Harper, and Stephan Lessard from Dave Matthews Band. She then touches on what the word "god" represents within this work and the fractured existence that women face. Rimes also recounts how she's been texting in Rage Ag...
Sep 16, 2022•25 min•Ep. 660
Flogging Molly ’s Dave King joins Kyle Meredith to discuss Anthem , the Celtic punks' new album that finds them re-teaming with Steve Albini, who mixed their debut album back in 2000. The frontman talks about using history and connecting to his childhood in his work, writing about the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland, and watching history repeat with Ukraine (something addressed in the track "A Song of Liberty" ). King also shares his thoughts on America seemingly going in reverse while Ireland pro...
Sep 14, 2022•25 min•Ep. 659
Blondie ’s Clem Burke checks in with Kyle Meredith to talk about the band’s first authorized archival box set, Against the Odds 1974-1982 , and their upcoming album. The drummer dives into what influenced the new collection before heading back in time to talk about the creative progression of songs like "Heart of Glass." He then touches on being a multi-genre band from the start and the enormous impact David Bowie had on the group. Burke also discusses how the next record will feature Johnny Mar...
Sep 12, 2022•19 min•Ep. 658
Josh Gad joins Kyle Meredith to talk about Season Three of Apple TV+’s Central Park , which Gad co-created with Loren Bouchard ( Bob’s Burgers ) and Nora Smith. The actor tells us about the new showrunners, changes, and opportunities with this latest season, as well as having Kristen Bell return in a new character and creating the interim mayor role especially for Sam Richardson. Gad also discusses the Meat Loaf-style power ballad that Mike Viola wrote for his character, having Regina Spektor an...
Sep 09, 2022•13 min•Ep. 657
Greg Dulli phones in to talk with Kyle Meredith about The Afghan Whigs ’ latest album, How Do You Burn? . The frontman discusses how the record found a brighter tone than their last couple LPs, having Blind Melon’s Christopher Thorn on guitar, and the saints and sinners that populate the collection. Dulli also talks about once again duetting with Marcy Mays, his long term friendship with the late Mark Lanegan , and plans for the songs that didn’t make the album. Listen to Greg Dulli discuss The ...
Sep 07, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 656
Greta Van Fleet ’s Sam Kiszka sits down with Kyle Meredith to talk about the band’s latest album, The Battle at Garden’s Gate , and current tour (tickets for which are available here ). The bass guitar and keyboardist tells us how the band came up with their stage visuals and the Lord of the Rings type of world they’ve created. He then touches on his disappointment with the lack of substance on pop radio and teaming up with environmental organizations. Kiszka also gives us a peek into GVF's next...
Sep 06, 2022•17 min•Ep. 655
