Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast (ESP)

We're on location in the scenic hill country just outside of Austin, TX, with luthier Walker Doubleday, founder of Doubleday Guitars. We talk humble beginnings and his time as a luthier with Collings to his decision to start his own boutique guitar company. Walker also gives us a tour of his shop where we see first-hand the traditional and custom tools used to construct each instrument and get an overview into the complex building process. We also sample some guitars via an impromptu jam in the showroom of Walker's shop.

Doubleday Guitars offer the utmost quality in every instrument. Each guitar is hand-crafted with careful precision. From the choice of woods to the shape of the body, carve of the neck, threading of the truss rod, and hand wound pickups, every Doubleday guitar comprises the finest materials and hardware available. Finished with an ultra-thin all nitrocellulose lacquer and buffed to a mirror finish, these guitars are built strong, and set up to perfection.

Walker attended the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery in 2014, becoming a Certified Luthier. There, he was taught how to craft quality acoustic and electric guitars, as well as make high quality hand scatter wound pickups. For nearly a decade, Walker built custom high end acoustic guitars in Austin, Texas before embarking on his own company a few years ago. Visit Doubleday Guitars at:

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For more info/to order: walker.doubleday@gmail.com

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Robert Dean is a journalist, raconteur, and self-proclaimed "enlightened dumbass". His work has been featured in places like MIC, Eater, Fatherly, Yahoo, Austin American-Statesman, Consequence of Sound, Ozy, USA Today, to name a few. He’s appeared on CNN and NPR and has served as a features writer for Hussy Magazine, Culture Clash, Pepper Magazine, as well as acting as editor in chief for Big Laugh Comedy, Texas’ premier comedy production company. He currently resides in Austin, TX.

This podcast is from March 2023, at the onset of Robert's book, Existential Thirst Trap. We discuss the book, music, politics, New Orleans, pitfalls, art and more. Robert tells us about his experience as a writer, moving from Chicago to New Orleans and eventually to Austin.

Robert is a skilled raconteur with plenty of juicy anecdotes throughout his book. He craft-fully draws in the reader with grimy stories from his days just off Bourbon Street in the dark corners of New Orleans' French Quarter, but then invites one in to a far more personal side of himself and the human experience. You'll not only learn about the author, but will possibly find yourself on a journey of self-analysis. Existential Thirst Trap is a quick read, broken down into short essays. It's amusing and often hilarious, but also enlightening, engaging and powerful.

Buy Robert's book HERE

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Dave Tucker, 5 Iron Woodworks founder and head honcho, is our guest on this episode. The first person to appear multiple times on our podcast, Dave joins us to discuss his recently thriving carpentry business.

Way back on episode 3 we chatted with this renaissance man about the origins of his long-running friendship with Skunk, the duo’s high school escapades and musical aspirations, early jamming and recording experiences, and a female version of Geddy Lee. The episode was filled with reminiscing laughter and hilarity. Once again we inevitably ventured into unavoidable topics that ensue when two long time friends giggle through decades of side splitting nostalgia, but this time there was an overall specific topic… 

During the onset of the recent pandemic Dave began a professional journey into his lifelong passion of wood working, and in the few short years since its inception 5 Iron Woodworks has become a full time job, gaining sponsorships and partnering with companies such as Hamilton Lee Supply,  Spec Ops, Milescrafts, Base Camp Masks, The business has grown exponentially as Dave has constructed everything from custom bottle openers and cutting boards to furniture, decks and community playgrounds. He even built a portable folding stage for the Austin-based music festival Skunkfest and will soon be starting up a 5 Iron Stage & Soundworks specifically for musician's needs. As a musician himself, Dave has been experimenting with everything from speaker cabinets to custom Frankenstein guitars since he was a teen.

As well as being a brilliant carpenter, this sawdust creator possesses a quick-witted sense of humor and an extensive knowledge of music (particularly in the rock genre) which makes his brand unique. These elements are often a common thread in 5 Iron’s social media posts. Also a family man, Tucker has fun with his equally hilarious kids, involving them in his signature idiosyncratic advertising approach. 

Of course, nobody is perfect, and Dave, for some unknown reason, harbors an unwarranted disdain for Ellen Ripley. Sit back and enjoy as we delve into this psychologically perplexing topic along with Dave and Vic’s top ten favorite iconic rock albums of 1991 and other entertaining anecdotes. And next time you’d like something that's made out of wood, support this privately owned and operated business, where nothing is mass produced and every single item that comes out of the shop is 100% handcrafted.

Dave Tucker is one of the hardest working, honest, and hilarious people you will ever meet. We highly recommend 5 Iron Woodworks for any of your carpentry needs. Remember, “The eyebrow means quality”.

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We kick off season 3 with Jeff Azar, aka Demi the Daredevil. 

Initially a drummer, Jeff morphed into a one-man show following the untimely passing of singer, Jovan Ortiz. In 2017, the debut album Secret Schizoid was released and Jeff Azar officially became "Demi the Daredevil". Inspired by music ranging from pop punk & classic rock to classical & Broadway, Demi's sound and image has emerged both theatrical and genuine. Combining meaningful lyrics with catchy alternative pop sensibilities, Jeff has managed to tap into deep, relatable material which appeals both to a mainstream audience and those who fall outside of the "norm." "With the character Demi, you’ve found your safe creepy place," Jeff states. An immediate clue to the accuracy of this statement is the off-color aesthetic displayed by the artist himself.

A fearless, often unorthodox eccentric, Demi the Daredevil still emerges radio friendly, even if the music is relatable to a less conformist culture. Whether a goth kid, theater geek, or punk rock anarchist, angsty hook-laden anthems like Not Havin' a Blast & America Anonymous from the 2019 Magic + Accidents EP, and Paranoia on Main Street punctuate the artist's catalogue. 

Demi signed with Waldman Management in 2021 and released Purgatorium via Adventure Cat Records the following year. The infectious 5 song EP features such alternative rock meets EDM numbers as The Martyr's Crown and Withering Heights, both with accompanying music videos. He has been featured on iVote, Warped Tour, Buffering the Web Series, Digital Tour Bus, Pop Song Professor, Don’t Bore Us and even gained the quote “A haunting sonic experience”  from Erin Coulehan of Rolling Stone. With over six million Spotify streams and thousands of pieces of fan art already in existence, Demi the Daredevil has only just begun.

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On this episode we chat with Sicard Hollow, a four-piece progressive bluegrass band with a passion for pushing the boundaries of the genre. 

Formed via mutual connections in the Nashville music scene, these psychedelic punk-grass rockers found themselves tired of existing institutions telling them who to be and what to sound like, and before they met in 2018 none of the members even considered playing bluegrass. Matt Rennick (violinist) was working on electronic music while Will Herrin (mandolin/vocals) was playing guitar in rock bands. Meanwhile singer/guitarist Alex King had spent years as an artist without an art-form, searching for a home by pouring his sweat and heart into whatever project he was a part of. As they were individually navigating a fickle industry they collectively stumbled across something that felt genuine, bluegrass. Heavily influenced by the Grateful Dead and New Grass Revival, these young pickers bring fresh vitality to a timeless style and approach it with a combination of fearless improvisation and instrumental prowess.

Their debut album, Secret of the Breeze, was produced by Dan Davis at Zac Brown and Oliver Wood's Southern Ground Nashville studio. The goal was to capture the spontaneity, passion, and energy of live shows, and the result was a perfect encapsulation of the band's genre-kicking tenacity. As fate would have it however, the band's emergence coincided with the shutdown of live music due to pandemic fears, and they were forced to cancel their entire release tour supporting their debut studio record. Aside from a live performance at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville, the band turned inward to reflect on their identity and work on new material with a desire to create songs that could add their generation’s voice to a classic genre of music. With the help of producer John Mailander (Billy Strings, Bruce Hornsby) and recording/mixing engineer Dan Davis, the band further honed their identity. The result was an explosive combination of pop-punk melodies, psychedelic instrumental breaks, and existential song-writing all packaged as a bluegrass quartet dressed in tattoos and tie-dyes. 

Since their inception, Sicard Hollow has been on a journey of self discovery, challenging themselves to put a unique stamp on bluegrass music while touring extensively and growing their sound with every performance. The new album, Brightest of Days, is a perfect example of how the group can pay homage to their bluegrass roots, while blowing the door open on the expectations of the traditional style. A positive skepticism toward the mainstream permeates the entire record, with songs like “Forecast of Life” and “Where I’m At” impressing a new-American-Zen that dances through the chaos.

Sicard Hollow:

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On this episode we chat with Texas guitar legend Chris Duarte. Born in San Antonio, the young Duarte became interested in music after seeing "Fiddler on the Roof" on TV. He initially wanted to play violin and then clarinet, but circumstances led him to playing his brother's guitar where he discovered an innate talent to pick up tunes by ear. At age 14 Chris obtained his first guitar, a Supro, and became further immersed in music. He began exploring different genres and learning jazz standards (in the once "illegal" Real Book) by musical idols such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis. In 1979, he moved to Austin and purchased a 1963 Fender Stratocaster. Soon after, he found himself gravitating towards the blues stylings of players like Howlin' Wolf and Stevie Ray Vaughn. 

Durate continued to develop his chops and gained a reputation as a road dog as he constantly played, both with his own band and as a sideman, widening his touring circuit throughout Texas and the south. As the Chris Duarte Group's popularity continued to grow, Chris found himself in a bidding war between labels, but ultimately CDG's first record, 1994's Texas Sugar Strat Magik featuring John Jordan on bass and Brannen Temple on drums, was released via Silvertone Records and became a highly acclaimed success among fans and critics alike. Chris quickly gained national recognition and won"Best New Talent" in Guitar Player's 1995 Reader's Poll. He finished fourth in the magazine's "Best Blues Guitarist" category behind some of his biggest blues influences: Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King. 

His second album, Tailspin Headwhack (1997) followed with the hit Cleopatra, but that would be the last record with Silvertone. Since then Chris has recorded a wide variety of albums with various producers including the legendary Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records. He has traveled the U.S. and the world many times over playing everything from small clubs to headlining major music festivals and nearly everything in between. 

After moving to Atlanta, GA for several years, Chris Duarte has returned Austin where he plays with girlfriend Beth Lee (and the Breakups) as well as consistently touring with his trio. The current incarnation of CDG primarily features Dustin Sargent on bass and John McKnight on drums, and the band has a new album release ready, recored with producer Dennis Herring of their TSSM days. 

Although genuinely humble and somewhat soft spoken, Duarte's stage performance and guitar playing are mesmerizing and out of this world. He has remained recognizable in his sound even though he has crossed many genres, and he gives every record and performance 100%. In many interviews, he has stated “music must evolve.” With such a vast catalog of recordings, there are no two shows alike.  Every set list is different, and each song may be offered distinctly based on the feel of a show and the audience. We are thrilled he is playing ESP's Skunk Manhattan's Austin-based festival Skunkfest for 2022 and looking forward to seeing what he might pull from the vault. 

RIP Frosty (drummer)

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On this episode we chat with Danceland, an Americana Jam band based out of Toronto, Canada. The group recently released their debut album ‘Pink Lem’. Rooted in the timeless psychedelic Americana tradition, complete with storyteller song-craft; sunny harmonies; lonesome pedal steel; stratospheric lead guitar passages; and a touch of Eastern mysticism. The 7-track album was mixed by Grammy award-winning engineer Gregg Rubin (The Avett Brothers, Harry Connick, Ben Folds). Additional PRESS

‘Pink Lem’ is the culmination of a long, strange trip for the group. The band’s founding guitarist and singer-songwriter, Joe Ferland, came up as a musician in the 1990s New York City music scene, playing in a variety of rock and pop-punk contexts, and earning a few record deals along the way. Eventually, the music biz hustle burned him out, but music came back into his life during the passing of his mother when he and his wife—his co-writer and co-vocalist Jale—found their way to Danceland. Comprised of the core trio of Joe, Jale, and drummer Brad Park, the band operates with an open door policy in terms of keyboard players and bassists. Initially Danceland was conceived as Cherry Garcia Band, a project performing imaginative versions of Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band tunes, but has evolved to be much more. 

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It's been a minute but on our latest podcast we chat with members of the San Antonio-based rock band, All Stories End. 

AES music is a culmination of their diverse influences explosive with high energy guitar and drums, but also an impressive vocal range and command from singer, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher Chris Purcell. After only a short time from their inception in 2017, the band released their debut album, 'The Architecture of Sound' in 2018 which included their first single, Let the Devil Play. Minus an obvious unfortunate global setback, they've been performing consistently since that time. After a steady stream of singles including their most recent song, Taurus, the band did a 2022 Texas tour.

This podcast took us back to our origins (a distant two years ago)... it's full of laughs, ranting, and overly opinionated views on other bands etc. (some good, some not so much), but we had a blast talking with some seriously cool guys who are all about creating music and having fun on stage. All Stories End are a current staple of the San Antonio rock and metal scene, carrying on a that tradition in the country's most metal city \m/

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Our guest on this episode is the passionately "purple" pop artist Anastasia Elliot. Drawing inspiration from early exposure to opera and ballet, this Houston native relocated to Nashville at age sixteen to further explore her musical passion. In the years since, Anastasia has written over 300 songs alongside several renowned songwriters and producers as she continues to navigate the ever changing tides of the modern music industry. 

A visionary in every aspect, this classically trained pianist and vocalist approaches each project with a big picture in mind. She aims to immerse her listeners in a symphonic pop-rock musical universe mixed harmoniously with mind-bending visuals, and her impressive string of videos from the forthcoming LP “La Petite Mort” brilliantly demonstrate Anastasia's innate artistic prowess and meticulous attention to detail. Anastasia’s vocal range captures an array of emotions to comprise the very concept of the phrase “la petite mort,” which roughly translates to “the brief loss or weakening of consciousness,” “the little death,” and “orgasm.” Songs like The Boy Who Cried Love and Cigarettes and Gasoline each take the listener on different journeys, as do the stunning visuals implemented in her music videos. Further impressive is the fact that every visual element from the props, set design, and costuming are painstakingly created by Anastasia!  

With influences ranging from Rachmaninoff and Chopin to 80s' power pop females and even the lesser known Dope Lemon and The Black Angels, the eclectic nature of Anastasia's personal catalogue comes as no surprise. From the deeply personal Crash Landing, which ironically coincided with Anastasia experiencing the horror of actual plane crash, to "Elfastasia's" fun cover of George Michael's Last Christmas, we do a one by one run down of each single and related music video, including awesome cover's of No Doubt's Hella Good and Soft Cell's Tainted Love. We also discuss the ups and downs of our modern technological landscape, the necessity of social media, importance of marketing, the NAMM show, Godin Guitars, shower singing, TikTok and the viral "sigh guy", "vanity metrics" and her senior Pomeranian's demand 3am chicken patties.

In a relatively short time Elliot has accumulated over a million views on YouTube and over half a million streams. She has toured, performed on television, and hosted her own panel at NAMM on the future of technology for independent musicians. Also very active in public speaking, Anastasia has given seminars at high schools, colleges, and corporations focusing on healing trauma and mental illness. She partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness for high schoolers during Covid and also headlined a benefit show with The Great Khalid Foundation for families of the victims of the Walmart massacre in El Paso, Texas. This ever-changing artist constantly seeks outlets that allow her to stay open and inspired, that prevent. “I will never paint you a picture with a scene of obvious fixtures.” Check out Anastasia Elliot's latest singles London and Masquerade, as well as her podcast The Purple Sessions.

After a "false start" due to technical problems, we gain insight into various world music, musicians, and instrumentation via Joshua Thomson (alto Saxophone, Flute) and Josh Peters (Oud, Lavta), the core members of Austin's Atlas Maior. Since their inception more than a decade ago, this evolving ensemble of eclectic musicians have been steadily creating original compositions combining elements of progressive jazz with Middle Eastern, Latin American, traditional Indian, and other worldly musical styles. “Riptide combines the fire and excitement of eastern musical culture with probing, Coltrane-like solos from Joshua Thomson on sax.” - The Jazz Journal

To date the acclaimed group has released 5 albums and several singles, each pushing boundaries and exploring new harmonic and rhythmic territory. Incorporating an array of ethnic musical systems (such as the Middle Eastern maqamat modes) and instrumentation into something uniquely their own, Atlas Maior has received many accolades in their tenure, including the City of Austin's Proclamation of March 27th as "Atlas Maior Day". They have toured both on their native soil as well as through France, Spain, and Turkey and have opened internationally for such praised artists as Kaki King, Vieux Farka Toure and Tal National. Atlas Maior has also performed at prestigious music festivals such as SXSW, Pueblos Blancos, Wobeonfest, and the City of Austin's F1 Fanfest, and have collaborated with a plethora of talented musicians across the world including Lou Lou Ghelichkani of Thievery Corporation, Raquy Danziger, Ali Pervez Mehdi, Fared Shafinury, Indajit Banerjee, and Alan Chehab Quartet

We talk about projects past and present, the Austin of yore, the two Josh's early influences and musical backgrounds in both Michigan and Texas, and the importance of consistent practice, performance and professionalism. If you are a fan of world music, jazz, musical improvisation, and unique instrumentation, Atlas Maior is a band you want to check out!

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On this episode we chat with lead singer and songwriter A.L.X. from the NYC-based rock band, Love Crushed Velvet. LVC's music, like New York City, is diverse, edgy and enticing. Carefully crafted songs combine elements of alternative, glam, post punk, new wave, modern & classic rock, and the roster of producers and musicians A.L.X. has worked with is impressive to say the least.

After collaborating with drummer Thommy Price (Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Blue Öyster Cult) and acquiring lead guitarist Jimi Bones (Joan Jett, Blondie) and bassist Enzo Penizzotto (Joan Jett), Love Crushed Velvet recorded their debut album at Shabby Road Studios, Kingsland Recording in Brooklyn, NY, and at Brian McGee's NY studio. Mixed by veteran producer and engineer Dave Bascombe, the album was released in 2011.

In 2015 the band released both the EP 'Delusions' and the album 'Firefly'. The next few years saw the singles "Other Places", a re-release of "Rise Up" and "It's a Holiday, Come Over" a Christmas song accompanied by a fun animated video. Now, after teasing with singles and cutting-edge videos for the past few years, Love Crushed Velvet has released their latest full-length album, Souls and the Barren Heart.

We chat about A.L.X.'s background growing up around NYC, his songwriting process, Nashville, collaborations, the new music and the impressive Virtual Reality videos such as The Light Inside and The Future that have accompanied recent singles. The latest, Saddened Eyes, was just released to coincide with the new album. 

The band's lineup has varied for live performances but some veteran players include keyboardist Linda Leseman, bassists Drew Mortali & Darren Korb, drummers Aaron A. Brooks & Massimo "Max" Majorana and guitarist and long-time songwriting partner, Jay Stone. A.L.X. has been performing shows in Italy and has toured around Europe as well as the U.S. The band even did a sponsored tour of Australia.

Find Love Crushed Velvet on

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On this episode we chat with New York City native, Chris Mardini. At only 20 years old, he has released an impressive string of singles along with his self-titled debut album. Hailing from Greenwich Village, an epicenter of New York's 1960s counterculture movement, it's no surprise Chris inherently possesses an eclectic pallet of influences which come through in his music. 

Mardini began playing guitar and drums at age 10 and cut his teeth as a teen playing in bands around the New York tristate area at venues like The Bitter End and Rockwood Music Hall but ultimately decided to embark on a solo career as a songwriter. His first endeavor at songwriting, I'll Try, is a fantastic example of Mardini's intuition and maturity as a young songwriter; the song masterfully weaves through genres while maintaining a sound all his own, and the chorus will have you eagerly setting this track to repeat. SPIN Magazine stated “We’re keeping a close eye on him, you might want to do the same.”

Each new release coincides with an equally interesting music video, and we discuss the concepts of each of Mardini's videos along with related topics such as films, directors, actors, and production. His latest single, Pockets, combines modern hybrid musical stylings juxtaposed visually against a simplistic vintage backdrop, but the two collectively express the timeless feelings of agitated youth, angst and unrest. From the aesthetically clean Sleepless directed by Shantie Midnight, to the abstract Herd created by Nick Wolf of Howl Peak Productions, to the animation of Gabriela Sibilska on Skin Tight, each visual representation elevates Chris's songs and further engages his audience. 

Though the overall content of his songs often tap into a more serious and visceral realm, they are undeniably residing in a pop neighborhood. Punk, indie, classic rock, grunge, and hip hop all mesh into a style that is Chris Mardini. Unafraid to venture into uncharted waters, express vulnerability and take chances both in the audio and visual mediums, Chris has left an immediate unapologetic mark as an artist. “I feel like I owe it to myself and to the people listening to be as genuine as possible in my music. Being cheap with the lyrics or writing something that’s just filler is taking the easy way out, so I make sure to put real meaning into every line and melody.”

Currently Chris splits his time between college in St. Louis and his home in Manhattan, as he continues to produce new content. Even through the pandemic some notable shows took place, including a live-streamed concert at the prestigious Brooklyn Bowl, and an opening performance for DJ Zedd in St. Louis. Keep an eye out for Chris's new single coming soon...

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Greek-Canadian singer and songwriter, Katerine Duska, joins us from her home in Montreal and sheds some light on her impressive music career.  

A "late bloomer", and initially a self-trained singer, Katerine began her music career after exploring various academic options including law school. Her debut album "Embodiment" was released in 2015 and quickly gained prominence when her songs "One in a Million" and Arctic Monkeys' cover "Do I Wanna Know" reached over 2 million views on Youtube. The viral success helped facilitate a deal with Minos EMI, a Universal Music Company, and in 2018 her single 'Fire Away' was selected for the official "Nescafe Canada" television & radio ad campaign. 

Duska gained further international recognition when she represented Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019. The competition, held in Tel Aviv, Israel, featured artists from 41 countries and was "like a master class on performing arts". The theme of the contest was Dare to Dream with a focus on unity, diversity, inclusion, and confidence. Katerine performed her 2019 single "Better Love" and placed 21st in the grand final. She states, “Love has nothing to do with gender, it’s a very pro-human song”. Cowritten by Leon of Athens and David Sneddon and produced with Phil Cook, the song received extensive international airplay, charting in over 40 countries and making the Global Viral Top 50 chart on Spotify and topping Greece's iTunes Charts. The same year she was a coach & mentor on the Greek hit talent show "The Final Four" and released "ANEMOS" featuring friend and musical colleague, Leon of Athens. The song reached the top 3 of Greece’s Viral Top 50 chart on Spotify. 

Throughout the pandemic Katerine released several singles including "Sanctuary", "Athenian Skies", "Of Time", and "Muse" which culminated into a five song EP. Call Me Nyx was released in 2022 and was followed by a string of shows in the United States including several performances at the prestigious Austin-based festival, SXSW.

Katerine talks about some of her influences ranging from rock artists Gwen Stefani and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to soulful jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone. She also cites R&B influences like Lauren Hill and a plethora of Greek music. Her musical and vocal style blends the powerful and pensive with the uplifting and empowering, and Duska's trademark soulful rasp has earned her comparisons to such vocal titans as Adele and Amy Winehouse. 

The trilingual vocalist, who splits her time between Athens, Montreal and London, believes in seeking beauty in her surroundings and experiences and strives to incorporate a positive message in her music. We highly recommend exploring her audio and video catalogue! 

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On this episode we chat with Rom and Diana of the instrumental progressive metal band, Static Limit. The south Texas-based group was formed in 2003 by Rom Garza (guitars & synth) along with Jay Juarez (bass) and Mario Rivera (drums). After cutting their teeth playing regional shows around "The Valley" and cultivating a sound incorporating elements of metal, thrash, progressive rock and cinematic scores, the band eventually recorded their debut album and released A Thing About Machines in 2014.

In 2016 Juan Garza was added as an additional guitarist & keyboardist for live shows and Justin Garcia replaced Mario Rivera on drums. Shortly after, Diana De Hoyos, a long time fan and musical colleague, auditioned and took over on bass guitar after the departure of Jay Juarez. After a few teaser singles, the band's long-awaited 2nd album, Existentia, was released in late 2021. The album, mixed at Widowmaker Studios, showcases a variety of instrumentation, techniques, and styles ranging from crunchy riffing guitars and soaring solos to progressive rhythmic juxtapositions and unique synth soundscapes. Check out the play-though video of "Veil of Illusion".

Rom, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and producer, grew up in the small Texas town of San Juan in the Rio Grande Valley and began playing guitar at age 13 after being inspired by thrash and death metal bands. He cites influences such as guitar virtuosos Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, John Petrucci and Chuck Schuldiner but also pulls from a vast list of Sci-Fi, action and horror film scores. Rom attended The University Of Texas Pan American where he earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering. He is also the guitarist and founding member of the TV/Film/Video Game Tribute band Sonic Boom.   

Born to musician parents in McAllen, Texas, Diana grew up in Weslaco, TX and was immersed in music from a young age. She played percussion and guitar before moving to bass to perform in her family's band. After graduating from high school she enrolled at the University Of Texas Pan American where she earned a Bachelors in Political Science and Philosophy. Recently she has been focused on getting her Masters with a focus on Special Education. Diana has an eclectic pallet of influences ranging from Dolly Parton to Rush and describes her playing style as one that feeds off of her band mates.

Rom and Diana talk about their musical origins, the creative process, gear, writing, drum programming and production, and we talk The Matrix, Star Wars, Aliens, Nick Cage, fine dining, favorite Megadeth albums, and of course, Bermuda Triangle bands.

Skunk met Static Limit when Runescarred shared a bill at The Hop Shop in Harlingen, TX.

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On this episode we chat with Zarate Zaalo (aka Squiggly Finesse), keyboardist, vocalist and mastermind of the Bourgeois Mystics. This fantastically eclectic group of intergalactic eccentrics currently reside at their 38 acre Austin-based commune (definitely not a cult) and make outer worldly music to inspire (or conquer?) us mere mortals here on Earth. With names like Countess Von Boopenstein, Tonto Luigi, Oochie Galluccio, and Mathilda Bilderberg, you can expect the unexpected from this Zappa-esque orchestra that ranges from a 5 to 12 piece ensemble. But here's the kicker, be ready to dance! For as progressive as the band gets, they always keep your feet moving. 

Founded in 2014, the Bourgeois Mystics released their debut, self-produced album Eureka! in 2017. Their cover of Bollywood classic, “Jaan Pehechan Ho” won the Keepin’ It Weird Award at the 2018 Austin Music Video Fest and best music video at the Austin Music Video Festival. They have since released a string of singles including "The Most Spiritual" and "Biomimicry" along with music videos and are currently in post production on a new full-length album. 

Zaalo (a name that will be endlessly mispronounced throughout the podcast) tells us about the core band members and their unique names and roles at the commune (definitely not a cult). He discusses his love of dance and hip-hop and cites some lyrical and phonetic influences like MF Doom. However, the band incorporates just about every genre under the sun. Picture Eminem hiring Mr. Bungle as a backing band and that's a start. From Prog-Rock, Hip-Hop, Surf, Afro-Beat, Dance, Disco, Funk, Fusion and everything in between, the Mystics leave practically no sonic stone unturned. Well, maybe Pop Punk and Bro Country. Their idiosyncratic sound and local popularity has lead to national tours where the band performed over 150 shows sharing bills with a wide variety of underground bands (Zaalo cites Trap Rabbit as personal favorite) as well as musical giants like George Clinton.

This podcast was particularly fun (and juvenile), ridden with dick jokes, tentacle porn talk, and a bizarre strip show. We learned of an adult site called Fuck for Forests (yet to google) and what life is like in a commune (definitely not a cult). We talk veganism and the art of herbivorious over-indulgence, Skunk's under-indulgent poverty stricken Vegas trip, Zaalo's reasons for moving to Austin, a biomimetic chicken labor force, investments in Oat Milk, guns, Sacha Baran Cohen, Curb Your Enthusiasm, nerdy Sci-fi shows and God forbid, Nickelback. This podcast may not be for the faint of heart or easily offended, but if you want to have a laugh along with some musicians embracing their eternal adolescence, then it just might be for you. And seriously, do yourself a favor and check out the Bourgeois Mystics! They are "a genre-defying dance party waiting to explode" and a band who "display the tongue-in-cheek humor of a psychedelic Monty Python and an absurdist splatter of funk-rock, hip-hop, and jazz."

Thanks for listening!

For more on the Bourgeois Mystics:

Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram 

On this episode we're joined by Nathan Ruyle from his new post sound facility in Burbank, CA. Nathan is a sound designer, supervising sound editor, re-recording mixer and founder of the independent post-production sound company, This is Sound Design. He has created original sound for more than 150 projects, including feature films, indie pictures, television shows, documentaries and more, in a career spanning over 20 years. Many of Nathan's works have premiered at major film festivals around the world and have even received awards via of Sundance, Cannes and SXSW. The television series, Every Act of Life was nominated for an Emmy in 2020 and most recently the films I love My Dad, a dramatic comedy starring Patton Oswalt, and Crows are White, a world-spanning documentary that starts as a vérité examination of a secretive sect of Buddhist monks, premiered at SXSW 2022. 

After attaining his undergraduate degree at the Southern Illinois University, Nathan received an MFA in Sound Design and Integrated Media from the California Institute of the Arts in 2008. He then taught for 7 years as a member of the CalArts film and animation faculty while building his clientele and has become a frequent lecturer at the American Film Institute. TiSD continues to build relationships with filmmakers and digital media creators via design-centric audio post-production.

We learned a lot on this episode about the origins, history, and evolution of "sound design". This non-silent, unsung hero plays an integral and vital role in film, TV, etc. and Nathan's state-of-the-art studios in both New York and Los Angeles offer cutting edge technologies in this field. His new Burbank facility includes 3 mix stages, emulating different rooms and listening environments, as well as ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) and Foley recording studios. Nathan discusses influences and sheds light on some sound design pioneers who have been integral to the success of ground-breaking films and the evolution of the motion picture in general. Nathan has several published articles and interviews where he discusses the importance of this "invisible art".

Thanks for listening!

For more on Nathan visit:

TiSD | IMDb | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin |

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On this episode we chat with up-and-coming pop/rock artist, Luke Revyn. Luke began his musical endeavors at a young age by playing in punk rock bands and recording demos with friends at his home in Hawaii. He simultaneously participated in school theatre and choir with early aspirations of becoming a professional entertainer, but a general sense of isolation and disconnect led to self-destructive behaviors which left Luke feeling further frustrated and detached. After struggling with school, substance abuse, and depression throughout his teens Luke decided to get clean and fully immerse himself in music, and on new years eve of 2021 the twenty year old songwriter boarded a plane headed for Los Angeles to fulfill a childhood dream. Originally from New Jersey, the now LA-based artist hopes to reach the masses and provide catharsis and comfort for youth struggling with addiction and feelings of alienation. 

“The purpose of my music is to share my stories and life experiences to make a positive impact. I want to connect with as many listeners as I can, empower others to better their lives, and inspire those that need help to get it. I worked through a lot of inner struggles, and I’m passionate about mental health.”

We discuss Luke's broad array of influences, the impact his parents had cultivating his love of music, and his early desires to be a famous rockstar. Both his image and songs reflect his eclecticism and Reyvn's knowledge of bands is impressive. Right off the bat we were talking about his heavily patched denim jacket; he literally wears influences on his sleeve, and of course we dove right into talking about iconic classic rock titans like Pink Floyd, Guns N' Roses and his all time favorite band, Led Zeppelin. Although clearly well versed and capable of churning out rock n' roll, Luke's eclectic palette spans beyond just the rock medium. We talk hip-hop and pop idols as well, and elements of these genres along with EDM & alternative stylings are apparent in his growing catalogue. 

Very much a hands-on arranger, Luke is not afraid to follow his innate talent and experiment with a wide variety of recording techniques. Gritty distorted guitars and punk rock angst blend brilliantly with catchy pop melodies, slamming beats, modern production techniques, and a harmonious blend of meaningful and infectious hook-laden lyrics. 2021 saw a steady stream of catchy, viscerally emotive singles crafted by Luke along with powerhouse producers. Check out the immediately infectious Goodbye, Sweet Revenge & Kiss Me Girl and you'll get a sense of the multi-dimensional aspects of the music. Luke cites influences like Post Malone and Ed Sheeran, "artists who aren’t afraid to make big personal statements without being boxed in by labels or genres." 

We're thrilled to release this podcast the same day as Luke's latest single, Another Day, which is accompanied by a brand new music video.

Follow Luke at:

LukeReyvn.com | Spotify | Apple Music | Instagram | YouTube

Thanks for listening!

On this episode we're joined by John Mendez (JB) and Jasmine Jew of the Austin-based heavy alternative rock band, Tarantula Mountain. The band recently released their debut full-length album, Virgo Sunday, recorded locally at Antimatter Studios. 
 

The two originally met in their hometown of Brownsville, TX, and later decided to relocate to Austin. A long time music teacher, guitar tech and songwriter, JB was working at Strait music and performing under the name Tombstone Union before he and Jasmine began performing together. After a successful audition (Jasmine first took up the bass with a mere six weeks to learn the instrument before her first gig), the couple-turned-band found their footing playing shows in ATX. Eventually Jasmine took up vocal duties as well, and the band took on the moniker Tarantula Mountain. The duo met their drummer, Marc Coronado (known from his band The Crowned and his videography work) at Austin School of Music. JB and Marc are both instructors for the long running music school, and Jasmine is the director of operations.

We talk about the impressive wall of leather bound books (a new concept to Skunk) behind JB, the origins of the band and their evolution over the past few years, guitar hero and grunge rock influences, the art of teaching and transcribing music, boxing and martial arts, the band's songwriting process and general approach to music, and both Jasmine's and JB visual art. Check out John's original art at http://postdreamism.com. And of course there's Netflix, food preferences, and Bermuda Triangle bands. 

We had some six degrees discoveries on this episode: JB played in a band with long time musical colleague of Skunk, Blaine Matte, and Jasmine is kin to John Jew of Penny Rock Productions, who works with our former guests Budro Partida and Adam Salinas. Penny Rock has done a couple of Tarantula Mountain's music videos.

For more on Tarantula Mountain visit:

Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | 

Thanks for listening!

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Top Shelf Music | Yay+ | 5 Iron Woodworks | Tregan Guitars | Godin Guitars | Ernie Ball |

On this episode we chat with Austin-based singer and songwriter, Emily Shirley, and gain some insight into her musical career and creative process, along with discussing our usual topics of influences, cuisine and Bermuda triangle bands. 

Emily has a rapidly increasing catalogue of fantastic songs. She has released a plethora of singles in recent years reflecting a variety of issues and current events we have come to know, some via the inspiration and timelines of Austin's prestigious 11:59 Songwriting group. Though her topics vary from thanking first responders for their bravery and service (Everyday Heroes) to surviving a Texas winter storm (Survivors), Emily's brand of thoughtful pop/rock is consistently as finely tuned and polished as her freelance graphic design projects. Her latest single, "The Last Time" taps into our mortality and the fleeting nature of relationships and life.

A Connecticut native, Emily was steeped in church choir, musical theater, and Debbie Gibson at a young age. Classically trained on piano and a seasoned singer in acapella choirs, she found her place as a vocalist and writer when she joined the Boston-based soulful pop and electronica band, Amun Ra. The band released 2 full length albums and toured the Northeastern U.S. in her 6 years with them.

In 2006, Emily moved to Austin, Texas and realigned her musical existence. Now a mother working at starting her own business Emily "had to carve out solo space and find a way to let music work with my lifestyle,” She rediscovered a love for piano and began writing, gigging and even teaching for a stint at Red Lead School of Music. Her EP Tiny Truths was released in 2010, produced by Daniel Barrett. 

In 2013 Emily joined Austin pop favorites The Belle Sounds on piano, synth, and vocals. The band has toured Texas and the West Coast as well as performing at iconic venues like the ACL Moody Theater in Austin and The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. In 2017 Shirley also joined The Big Fix, a harmony driven indie rock band founded by Nathan Harlan.

Over the next few years Emily released a series of singles that culminated in the releases of two EPs, Duotone (2015) and Courage Up (2018, produced by Mark Hallman and engineered by Andre Moran at The Congress House Studio in Austin). Whether she is performing solo, with her full band, the Belle Sounds or her latest project, a cover trio entitled Sister Golden Hair, Emily has definitely established herself as a vibrant and talented force in the Austin music scene. Shirley tells life stories through song, revealing interesting characters and settings in a way that the listener still finds relatable. Emily Shirley’s artistic point of view and skillful sonic experimentation make for a varied and stirring repertoire. “My formative years are still happening,” she jokes when describing her musical life, the honest response of a musician and creator always on the lookout for the next spark.

A few personal picks from us: Eyes In The Dark | Ghost Ranch

For more on Emily Shirley check out emilyshirley.com

On this episode of the podcast we talk with Adoo and Oskee of the psychedelic, reggae, and hip-hop genre bending duo, Space Kamp. These Pennsylvania-based musicians (one now in Florida), cannabis advocates, and psychonauts, are currently working on their new album, Butterfly Effect, a collection of songs focused on the bright side, inner growth and pushing forward through setbacks and self doubt. Space Kamp were recently asked to perform at PA dispensary Beyond/Hello openings and are also regulars at New Jersey Cannabis Festival and Penncannafest, among others. They are due to release a collaborative product with Best Damn Buds, a THC-O cartridge line with band-centric artwork and collector cards.

With production from the multiple Juno and Much Music Award winning producer Rob the Viking, Space Kamp has created a fresh sound with hypnotic grooves, fantastic samples and instrumentation, and meaningful lyrics. With their 2020 album Electric Lemonade charting #7 on Google Play and #15 on iTunes Reggae, they have created something original and honest. Their vibe has been described as "a mixed cocktail of Merry Pranksters and Hunter S.Thompson with the sonics of The Grateful Dead and Bob Marley, stirred in a pot with Redman, Method Man, and Tego Calderon".

We discuss the origins of their music, touring and festivals, political topics and more. As advocates for prison reform and federal legalization of cannabis, psilocybin, and home grow, a percent of every BE album presale will go to the non profit Freedom Grow Forever who help inmates incarcerated for cannabis receive commissary. Additionally, they host an annual Toy and Coat Drive and fundraiser for the Leigh Valley Children’s Hospital. 

Special thanks to Press Junkie PR and Top Shelf Music for putting us in touch!

Follow and listen to Space Kamp on:

Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube |

Thanks for listening!

Bobby "Bobo the Sequel" Roses, lead singer and bassist from the Vallejo, CA based band, Skunk Funk joins us on this episode of the podcast.

Funky, Punky and Intergalactic, Skunk Funk has an eclectic "west coast" type of sound and vibe that is ever expanding. Their sole mission to bring every crowd they woo an animated, yet uplifting and off the wall experience, and a spellbinding fusion of Punk/Funk/Ska is their medium of choice in their battle against degradation and lameness. 

They've pulled from an array of influences ranging from funk to ska to punk to metal and their energetic live shows have earned them chances to perform at iconic venues in the bay area and around the west coast. They’ve performed at numerous festivals such as Bottle Rock Napa Valley, Chalice Festival, Hemp Con, Heart and Soulstice Festival, Reggae in the Trees (OR), Sacramento Hemp Fest, Napa Porchfest, and have shared the stage with such notable acts as The Black Keys, Zac Brown Band, Primus, Violent Femmes, Joan Jett, Cake, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Train, Michael Franti, Bad Religion, The Black Crowes, The Flaming Lips,  Mystic Roots, Paul Wall and more.

Off to a prolific start, the band has independently released an EP entitled Too Fresh to Function and a full-length album entitled Possession 4 Sale. Their 2018 EP, Cirque Du Skank, was accompanied by a music video, and a new full-length album, Skunk Soup, was served up 1/23/2021. They plan on recording and performing live again in 2022, when it is safe to do so.

Down to earth and humble, Bobby was a great guest to wrap 2021. We got some insight into his band and talked about the ESP usuals; influences, gigs (and when they'll finally be back to stay), recording (and leaning to do it remote in the midst of a pandemic), cuisine, the Bermuda triangle of shitty bands and something group called "boy island"?? Whatever it was, it was crap and we all laughed at it.

Thanks for listening!

For more on Skunk Funk:

Website | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Our guest for this episode is David Teague (aka Teague Bass). Touted as one of the most talented bassists in Asia, this “bassist” for hire,  is a versatile musician whose vast repertoire spans across blues, rock, R&B, jazz, hip hop, house, reggae, ska, and pop. A dynamic and energetic performer, Teague’s onstage performance and showmanship are legendary in Singapore and throughout the region. Born and raised in Michigan, Teauge now resided in Asia. He fell in love with the music scene and culture after initially touring the region 25 years ago and decided to make it his home.

With a career spanning over three decades, Teauge has opened for legendary acts such as Metallica and performed and toured worldwide with music legends like Alexander O’Neal, Cherell, Vesta Williams, Cynthia Johnson, Michael Bland, and Rocky Robins. Since the 80's, he has toured USA, Canada, the Caribbean, Japan, Taiwan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and Germany.

Currently Teague performs with the Luke Buirski Project (LBP), Adjazent, and JS Funk and his original project, Dirty Perfect. He is also an ambassador and artist for the up and coming social network, Yay+. The platform supports independent artists and connects them to others around the globe. As a member of Yay+ this is how Skunk connected with Teague, and it was an absolute delight to speak with from his home in Malaysia. We talk about his career, the surrounding area and culture, cuisine, influences, Yay+ and more. He even showed us a stellar view of Singapore from his apartment (available on our youtube channel).

Teague truly has the right attitude when it comes to his career as a musician and life in general. He always plays with passion and loves to perform and share the joy of his craft and the universal language of music. 

"When I'm onstage, nothing else matters except my bass, the audience and creating magic"

- Teague 

Find Teague on Spotify | Yay+ | Facebook | Instagram | 

On this podcast, we're joined by Mike Norris, host of 'My Classic Album with Mike Norris', a podcast about the most acclaimed and loved albums of all time where Mike dedicates each episode to one classic album and looks at the history of the album and its impact in the years following its release.

We discuss his personal album pick, background on his podcast, and his approach to landing esteemed guests. Mike has hosted such renowned musicians as Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Dizzy Reed (Guns N' Roses), Phil Collin (Def Leppard), and Tim King (SOiL) among others to discuss each artists' favorite and most influential albums. 

Whether the album of discussion is a classic rock icon of 1960's, a progressive concept masterpiece of the 70s, a glam or thrash titan from the 80s, a grunge game changer from the early 90s, or a modern staple of the new millennium, Mike Norris gives a detailed track by track breakdown as he dissects each iconic record. 

We had a blast discussing Mike's album pick, Queen's Sheer Heart Attack. Though it may have been derailed with random thoughts, questions, rants and laughs, we managed to discuss every track. It was no surprise that Mike knew about everything you'd expect from the host of a show called "My Classic Album'. The history from that one Queen album alone was fascinating, and every episode of MCA is full of insight and information about the timeless albums so many know and love. 

We highly recommend checking out My Classic Album on Spotify Apple Music

For more on James Desautles visit: Website | Facebook | Discogs | Linkedin

On this episode we chat with The Dodies, a two piece garage rock duo from the southern desert of Israel. Yoni Avittan fronts the band as lead vocalist and guitarist, while Ran Aronson sings backing vocals while simultaneously playing bass lines on keyboard with one hand and playing the entire drum kit with the other. Their songs dive head-first into depression, alienation and rage, contrasted by hooky riffs and catchy melodies. 

In 2016 The Dodies self-recorded and independently released their first album, but soon after began working with renowned producers Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (guitarist for Asia, Sons Of Apollo, ex-Guns N’ Roses) and Matt Novesky (owner of Orb Studios in Austin, TX and former bassist of Blue October) The band has since performed shows in New York City, Los Angeles and Austin, TX. It's One Hell of a Ride was released in 2020.

The first single, "Boiling Point", was accompanied by a quirky and fun music video (produced by Monster Filmmakers) that shows a lighter side of the band. The animated video for "Alien" (filmed and edited by Eden Zemer with original artwork by Jenny Vasiutin and Yoni Avittan) followed a few months after.

For more of The Dodies

Spotify YouTube Facebook  Instagram Website

We're back with a new episode, and we're excited to announce our new partnership with Top Shelf Music!

On today's podcast we are joined by Rob Hammersmith, drummer for multi-platinum selling rock band Skid Row. Rob's musical journey began at an early age after a family trip to see Roy Orbison. Soon after that concert he got his first drum kit and crafted a makeshift "drum cage" out of PVC pipe. He was immediately hooked, and before long Rob was playing in cover bands in upstate New York. He quickly developed an appreciation for a solid back beat and playing for the song, an approach to drumming that he still considers the foundation for his style today. His early influences, and still some of his favorites to date, were drumming greats John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Phil Rudd of ACDC. Rob also sites Mickey Curry as a major influence. 

Originally from the small town of Olean, NY, Rob later settled in Atlanta, GA, and quickly gained attention in the rock underground. After several years of touring and recording with the Atlanta rock band 'Rockets to Ruin' and touring with 'Gunfire 76' (featuring Murderdolls frontman Wednesday 13), Rob was offered the drum position in Skid Row in April of 2010. The band has since toured several times nationally and internationally and has recorded two EPs of a three part trilogy, United World Rebellion - Chapter 1 and Rise of the Damnation Army - Chapter 2. A full-length album, third installment of the trilogy is currently being recorded. This year the band celebrated the 30th anniversary of their iconic hard rock masterpiece, Slave to the Grind by playing a handful of shows performing the album in its entirety. 

We find out what Rob's been up to as of late and talk about when touring will start up again, his influences, and the new album in the works. We also talk about food (Sushi), motorcycles, and Skunk asks a very important question.

Rob endorses Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drumheads, Vater Drumsticks, Kaces Cases, Reunion Blues Gig Bags 

Skid Row Spotify Page

Skid Row YT Channel

Eclectic Soundtrax Facebook Page

Eclectic Soundtrax IG Page

Eclectic Soundtrax YT Channel

Top Shelf Music

He is a 10-time Telly Award winner (including a Silver Telly), and has garnered multiple industry awards throughout his career. A life-long film student and cinephile, he is extremely passionate about filmmaking. His micro-short, "Devastated" won the Platinum Award (beating 375+ other short films) and named Season 6 Winner of the 15 Second Horror Film Challenge Competition in 2020. His 2019 werewolf short, "Bewere", won "Best Horror Film" at the 2020 Austin Indie Fest, "Best Picture" at the 2020 Demonic Brilliance Film Festival and won "Best Horror Short" at the 2019 San Antonio Horrific Film Fest. The film has also gained multiple awards, nominations and has been selected in various other film festivals throughout 2020. His short horror film, "Hi, Penny" (2018), received five nominations and won "Best Horror Short" at the 2018 San Antonio Horrific Film Fest. He is currently serving as Director and Producer on the feature-length documentary in-production titled "Bloody & Bruised: The Untold Story of The Back Room".

Adam was born and raised in Austin, Texas in and around the local artist and music scene that attracts many people to Austin. He has been heavily involved with the local and major touring music scene since the late 90s. \m/ He has written, produced and directed two short films of his own and collaborated on other student productions as well. He was involved with Third Coast Casting, where he honed his film skills on set as an extra, a stand-in, security, set design, lighting and production assistant. An avid film buff, Adam has worked at The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema since December 2003. He has an associate degree in radio, television and film and a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in mass communication. He interned at The Austin Music Network as well as Time Warner while pursuing his education. Adam is serving as Associate Producer for the full length documentary "Bloody & Bruised: The Untold Story of The Back Room" currently in-production from PennyRock Productions.

Documentary Trailer

Pennyrock Productions

In February 2017 it would be announced that Red Beard Wall had signed with Argonauta Records, with their eponymous debut album following on 15 May 2017.[1][2] From that point the band would begin to share the stage with the likes of Rozamov, Torche, Black Tar Prophet and The Nixons among others in various shows throughout 2017. With a blistering momentum and more material lined up, Red Beard Wall would participate in 2018 edition of Stoner Daze in Austin,[3] share the stage with whores. and close out the year on a three-day jaunt with Backwoods Payback. On 16 October 2018, Argonauta Records would announce that Red Beard Wall would announce their second album in The Fight Needs Us All, set for a 22 February 2019 release.[4] A teaser single for The Warming would be released on 29 November 2018.

Following the band's second album attaining critical praise and mostly selling out on various platforms, Red Beard Wall would announce a North American tour supporting The Fight Needs Us All on 4 September 2019, alongside blackened doom outfit Thunderchief.[5] On 29 April 2021 it would be announced that Red Beard Wall had signed with Desert Records to release 3 on 2 July 2021.[6]

On this episode we chat with vocalist and front "ghoul" of None More Negative, Xero Silver. This self-proclaimed "Wold's Worst Tribute to Type O Negative" do the legendary cult band justice both live and with videos such as All Hallow's Eve directed by Mike Sloat and their latest, Creepy Green Light. NON clearly understands the balance of sorrow and satire that launched the Slow, Deep and Hard grooves and infectious melodies of TON into the limelight. 

A long time fan of goth, industrial, and horror, Xero became involved with None More Negative after discovering Type O Negative and auditioning as a backup vocalist for the bay area tribute band. As fate would have it, their singer went MIA and Xero became the lead singer. And, oddly enough, she fits the role perfectly! We think the surviving members of Type O would highly approve; in fact Xero has met a few of them but is yet to meet her idol, the band's keyboardist and engineer/producer, Josh Silver (last name not a coincidence). Did Xero go so far as traveling to Brooklyn in the hopes she'd get injured and EMT Josh would come to her rescue? Well, duh. This is part of the Type O Negative mastermind we're talking about, not a vanilla helping of Maroon 5.  

Along with fronting None More Negative, Xero has been featured in music videos directed by Eric Livingston for Ipecac Recording artists Dead Cross and Mike Patton & Jean Claude Vannier, and starred in the recent bizarre short film 'Vampire Mermaid from Outer Space' Bizarre? Yeah. The entire cast and crew shot the film on mushrooms. We get some backstory into this and Xero's other artistic endeavors as well as the usual chitchat about bands we love and, on this episode in particular, we dig into some we "hate". Xero was a cooperative ghoul and did not let us down with her disgust of those acts she does not approve. However, we all have excellent taste and therefore discuss our love of Seattle grunge bands and even try to name favorite albums (which provers difficult!). Other topics include food (green beans), movies and the basic usual chitchat. Enjoy!

RIP Peter Steele. 

Intro Music: Bionic as Hell by Skunk Manhattan

Outro Music: Creepy Green Light by Type O Negative as performed by None More Negative

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Thanks for listening!

On this episode we chat with artist Gina Skwoz aka Mow Skwoz. Originally from Perth, Australia, Gina relocated to Los Angeles after meeting her husband, musician Kevin Rutmanis (Hepa.titus, Tomakawk, Melvins, Cows). Gina's art is typically abstract and macabre nature and aligns perfectly with her husband's musical creative endeavors. Along with running merch for her husband's projects and such legendary bands as the Melvins, Gina has created both artwork and music videos for Kevin's most recent project, Hepa.titus. The two have also joined forces in a musical collaboration entitled Lords and Ladies Kevin. 

In recent years Gina has painted primarily using watercolors but has worked in a variety of mediums. She shows us some of her art (viewable via the youtube episode... you might also see Gina's dog and cat) and gives us some backstory into her love of the less traditional arts. In fact her moniker, Mow Skwoz, was actually taken from a song by the eclectic, experimental rock band, Mr. Bungle. We also discuss the deadly creatures of her homeland and the strange noises that piss smelling koala's make. LA bands, touring, Influences, nerding out music, Australia's fine cuisine including vegemite; we cover all this and more. Enjoy!

Intro Music: Bionic as Hell by Skunk Manhattan

Outro Music: Joyboy by Lords and Ladies Kevin

For more great guests SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, FOLLOW

Thanks for listening!

On this episode we chat with the multi-talented Crow Jane. Known for her work with LA-based bands Egrets on Ergot, Prissy Whip, and her part in the long-running punk act The Deadbeats, Crow Jane is a makeup artist by day and seasoned rockstar by night. She has worked on major motion pictures and several TV shows such as the Mayans MC and has been recording and performing with bands for most of her adult life. In addition to singing and/or playing guitar in several noise or punk rock bands, Crow Jane recently released a solo record via Kitten Robot Records. Check out her latest single 'Delusion' from her Master Dolorosa album. 

For more about Crow Jane: Website YouTube Spotify

Intro Music: Bionic as Hell by Skunk Manhattan

Outro Music: Delusion by Crow Jane

For more great guests SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, FOLLOW

Thanks for listening!

We had a fun and almost PG conversation with singer, songwriter, and host of 20@10 with Nat, Natalie Price.

Natalie attended the University of Texas Dallas to study graphic design and soon after landed a job in Austin, but graphic design and photography gave way to open mics, and Natalie began to hone her songwriting and performing skills with a commitment to the craft of music. She was ready when paths crossed with musician and producer, Brian Douglas Phillips, which led to recording her first batch of songs at his studio, Rattletrap Audio. Her 2019 debut EP, Through the Fog, is a culmination of her musical upbringing in church, a love for singing, and the discovery of a passion to write songs and "express truth through music".

In 2020 she released a "pandeMe" single and began a livestream interview series featuring live music along with conversation with her guests. She has now streamed nearly 200 episodes of 20@10 with Nat, and is busy writing and preparing to record her first full-length album. Natalie is also member of the prestigious 11:59 songwriting group along with such prolific and respected Austin-based musicians as our former guest, Ray Prim. 

Initial inspiration from church hymns later resonated with an eclectic mix of pop and rock. Muse, 'Butterflies and Hurricanes', and Radiohead, 'OK Computer', are cited as two highly influential "mind blowing" albums in particular. From Pedro the Lion to Nickelback, Isreal Nash to Taylor Swift, we discuss several bands and band names along with influences, current listening. Presidents, Garfield, favorite wars, religion, flying cockroaches, fragile minds of youth, and the horrors of frat boys explaining organisms to innocent college girls in the hopes of whisking them away to a land of "spring break country"are some other topics of discussion. Also, Mexican sunburn (or lack thereof), and Mexican food... the real deal stuff like Panchos. Raise the flag!

The conversation of universal mathematics, music and subjectivity re-emerges and Natalie proposed the question "is love mathematical?" In regards to music "it's not mathematical the way it makes you feel" and "beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the ear of the listener."

For more about Natalie Price: Website YouTube Spotify

Intro Music: Bionic as Hell by Skunk Manhattan

Outro Music: Heavy by Natalie Price

For more great guests SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, FOLLOW

Thanks for listening!

On this one-shot episode, we take our podcast on the road to Come and Take It Live in East Austin where we sit down and chat with the members of Snake Skin Prison before their 'King Snake' release show.  To our dismay, fans of Nickelback, Limp Bizkit, & Dave Matthews will enjoy this one as we discuss SSP's new EP, Yuengling beer, and taking a ride on the Bermuda Triangle Cruise to Nowhere.  

SSP kicked off in 2008 and quickly became a staple of the Austin and Texas hard rock/metal scenes. They released their full-length debut '9 Kinds of Bad' in 2010 and have put out 4 EPs over the last decade. This 100 proof southern-fried metal metal band are not shy with having a good time and it's quite impressive to see frontman and guitarist Matt Ballengee command a crowd, play lead guitar, AND somehow remember his own lyrics and unique brand of poetic interludes considering the amount of alcohol the band consumes at any given show. Yes, they have some questionable influences, but at least drummer Gary Hansen knows good beer and and the band consumes Black Label Society and Metallica as often as a bottle of Tito's Vodka. In fact, bassist and sometime vocalist Keith "Keef" Ploeger, fronts Slaterica... the world's only Slayer (a band we found out Matt hates), Pantera and Metallica tribute band.

If you love rock 'n roll and having a good time, go see Snake Skin Prison! Just don't expect to stay sober.

Thanks to our friends at: Godin Guitars, Tregan Guitars, Ernie Ball, 5 Iron Woodworks

Outro Music: King Snake by Snake Skin Prison

For more great guests SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, FOLLOW

Thanks for listening!

On this brief episode we chat with Steinway & Songs artist, Esteban Alvarez. A native of Costa Rica, Esteban joins us from a massive fruit market in San Jose, and we have an “organic” conversation about music, its depth, and its current place in the world. 

Now residing in Austin, TX, with a Bachelors Degree in Classical Piano Performance and a Masters in Jazz Performance, Esteban is the founding member and Executive Director of Chorus Austin (a non-profit created to assist in humanitarian causes via music), and is an active world music concert pianist who has recorded and performed across the globe. For the past year he has been extensively traveling to record with an eclectic array of highly celebrated Latin American musicians in their respective native countries. After visiting Bolivia, Mexico, Cuba, Nicaragua, Brazil, Peru and Argentina, Esteban is currently tracking the final piano parts in Costa Rica. The upcoming album, 'Roots of the World', will most certainly offer an authentic and culturally rich listening experience. Esteban has three diverse prior albums, Tico Groove, Austin for Peach and Piano meets Mariachi (Spotify YouTube).

Skunk met Esteban in 2013 at a Steinway showing and began a series of inspirational piano lessons. We got the same honesty and passion on the podcast that Esteban brings to his students, music and social justice endeavors. He talks about the deep fundamentals of Gregorian chant to the astonishing improvisation and harmony of Bach; the symmetry of classical giants such as Hayden and Mozart; the passion and drama of Beethoven and romantics like Chopin; and the expansive complexities by modern composers such as Debussy. We also touch on various jazz styles, analyze both the parallels and differences between the two broad genres, and iterate the vital relevance of the history and chronology of the “western” musical language. Esteban sites modern virtuosos such as Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and John Petrucci who have tirelessly studied this language and all reside at the highest level, regardless of genre they choose to play.

In a related topic, we discuss the quality of organic food verses processed fast food created for quick, cheap consumption. Esteban asks the question “Have we become desensitized to good things? We question the subjectivity of music, food, art, photography etc. and the relevance not only of various opinions, but the source of those opinions. Esteban argues, one has subjective credibility on a given subject based on one's education on that subject, and elaborates with fundamental neurological and mathematical principles. Despite the unfortunate onslaught of fast food "art" across the spectrum, Esteban notes there are still markets for those wishing to seek authentic artists and is hopeful for a mainstream return to a desire for artistic endeavors rooted in merit rather than ego. 

Intro music: A Lazy Night In San Francisco by Skunk Manhattan

Outro music: Has Amado A Una Mujer De Veras  arranged and performed by Esteban Alvarez with Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlan

Written by Adams, Kamen, Lange

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We had a blast chatting with Adam Donovan and CARRIE Stephens of Cara Van Thorn on this episode of ESP. We discuss the band's origins and current lineup, what's coming post pandemic, Voodoo Doughnuts, musical backgrounds, hometowns, oil fiends, audio engineering, endorsement deals, books, movies, comedy, sci-fi nerd stuff, and... diaper porn?

This Austin-based band (originally Caravan) got their name by combining the names of the two founders: Portland native Carrie (Vocals), who came to Austin with a background in musical theatre and show tunes, and well-rounded musician and renaissance man Mr. Donovan (Bass/Guitar), an escapee of Odessa, TX. After a few years of operating under the original moniker the band changed their title to 'Cara Van Thorn' after a suggestion at a listening party among friends. This name personifies the music and overall brand perfectly; CVT exhibits a combination of neo-barrelhouse with elements of more modern goth, rock, and jazz. A great quote from KUTX's Jack Anderson gives provides a good summation:

"The members of Cara Van Thorn have carved a niche for themselves over the past half decade with an eccentric cocktail of ’30s jazz, ’70s pop rock, ’80s goth, and ’90s alternative for a timeless onstage experience, ripe with bleak lyricism, dreamy brass, stabbing piano chords, and infectious harmonies and melodies."

Initially Carrie and Adam met via the band Donkey Island but departed to form CVT. They began writing and have assembled an eclectic roster of fantastic musicians over the past few years including Ryan Henderson (Drums), Cesar Reyes Velasquez/Tyler Olfers (Keys), Austin Johanning (Trumpet), and Jerome Chwalek (Trombone). Cara Van Thorn is a perfect example of the tight knit Austin music community... Adam was introduced to the TRCOA recording program via Ryan Henderson prior to CVT's formation, and the same relationship led to Adam's involvement in Austin electronic-rock band, Seek Irony. Adam also plays bass in Jerome's band rock band, Inch of Dark and programs lights for both.

The band does many things in-house including recording their own music at Adam's home studio and Horned Lizard Studios in ATX, and the creation of their own album artwork and logo. Adam Donovan endorses Kiesel Basses and Guitars

Thanks to our friends at: Godin Guitars, Tregan Guitars, Ernie Ball, 5 Iron Woodworks

Intro Music: Bionic as Hell by Skunk Manhattan

Outro Music: Party in the Living Room by Cara Van Thorn

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On this episode we chat with guitarist Travis Larson and bassist Jennifer Young of the Travis Larson Band. This show was a beautiful disaster of false starts, potty breaks and audio malfunctions, but we had a blast! And from what we learned about DIY touring, the messiness somehow seems fitting. Ever sit in a van driving cross country surrounded by music gear while the milk-addicted driver chomps copious amounts of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and the dude in the back haphazardly eats a bowl of rice? Well, Jennifer Young has. 

Travis, Jennifer and drummer Dale Moon have had a fascinating career spanning three decades. Our two guests met as teenagers in San Luis Obispo, CA and later met Dale (the new guy... of 23 years) from Eureka further up the west coast. These days the three all live within biking distance of their musical office, Treehouse Studios. They also record "the loud stuff" at Avalon Studios with audio engineer and touring sound-man, Kip Stork. The two initially played different instruments in their younger years but transitioned to guitar and bass around the time they met. Both shared a love for progressive rock and fusion bands and began to share mix tapes of influences such as Rush, ELP, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Steve Morse. Dale entered a few years later in the midst of a hiatus due to a torn rotator cuff, and the band built a studio to record their first album as Dale rehabilitated. Their debut record came out in 1998. 

As they began to write and perform, the duo worked at a video store. Jennifer's dedication to the band was such that she traded her beloved, hard-earned Camaro for the band's first tour van. TLB then cut their teeth by regionally touring, and as their reputation grew they began getting offers for endorsement deals from companies such as San Luis Obispo based, Ernie Ball/MusicMan. This led to unique opportunities to do guitar clinics across the country and the band began to expand their fanbase and musical network beyond the west coast. TLB has also been a staple performing at NAMM shows for over two decades. 

We discuss the band's origins, their inspiring trajectory of success, the recording process, live and studio gear, innovative tour vans, and then somehow get into Travis's obsession with milk. We also hear about their long-running relationship with fusion rock trio The Aristocrats, and find out bassist Bryan Bellar has insanely great hair and loves spreadsheets.

With seven 7 albums and 3 full-length performance DVDs, the Travis Larson Band is firmly rooted as one of instrumental music’s premiere acts, having worked on record with Steve Lukather, Victor Wooten, Dave LaRue (Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Dixie Dregs), Vinx (Sting, Herbie Hancock). They have toured and/or shared the stage with such notable acts as Ted Nugent, UFO, Steve Morse, and The Aristocrats.

TLB Endorses MusicMan, Electro-Voice, Markbass, DV Mark, Gtretsch, Sabian

Skunk Endorses Godin Guitars, Tregan Guitars, Ernie Ball, 5 Iron Woodworks

Intro Music: Bionic as Hell by Skunk Manhattan

Outro Music: Golconda by Travis Larson Band.

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On this titanic episode we chat with Austin-based musician and songwriter, Brian Wolff. Brian began his musical career in his hometown of Binghamton, NY, but after a few years of playing regionally he decided to move to Austin, TX where he became the frontman for for the indie rock powerhouse, Fair City Fire. FCF is an explosive live band with several U.S. tours under their belt. On hiatus since the pandemic hit, the band has a catalogue of two full-length albums as well as a few singles. A favorite of the podcast, the band performed at Skunkfest 2019, and we hope to see a return at some point.

As of 2020, Wolff has focused most of his artistic energy on revisiting his roots as an acoustic singer/songwriter. He began releasing weekly cover and original videos on his social media pages every Friday morning, and has also started a podcast, Greetings from Wherever, about artistic inspiration and the creative process. Guests include songwriters, comedians, painters, photographers, authors and so many more. In the coming months be on the lookout for new releases, a website launch and Brain's new Patreon. 

This episode was off the hook, full of laughs and shit talk. Unbeknownst to Brian, he would be forced to hate on bands along with Skunk who was hell bent on sinking the episode. However we did get some insight into some of his big influences like Bruce Springsteen, and in the end we all agreed that Alice In Chains is eternally awesome and that Smashmouth is eternally not. DMB gets the donkey treatment again and Oasis... well yuck. Bottom line: laughing at music one deems "bad" is fun. Fortunately Brian Wolff's music is badass so we laughed with him and not at him. 

Thanks to our friends at: Godin Guitars, Tregan Guitars, Ernie Ball, 5 Iron Woodworks

Intro Music: Bionic as Hell by Skunk Manhattan

Outro Music: Simple Stupid by Fair City Fire

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We chat with bassist Menno Verbaten. Originally hailing from the quaint town of Utrecht, Netherlands, Menno was inspired by bass icons like Cliff Burton, Steve Harris and Lemmy but was initially forced to play classical guitar as a first instrument. After saving for a year he was able to buy a bass guitar and his true musical journey began. Menno moved from Holland to Los Angeles, CA to attend Musicians Institute in the late 90s and then taught at the school for 18 years. He has played bass and sung with several bands including The Caurterized, Cryptic Slaughter, and most recently the progressive doom band Behold! The Monolith. He's also played the prestigious Monsters of Rock Cruise and can no longer listen to Tesla. Now it gets strange... Steve Harris and Nuno Bettencourt saw him play but don't know it, and Menno never looks at his fingers (because he can't).

This is definitely a podcast for metal-heads... Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Maiden, Sabbath... we cover them all. We learn some shocking "truths" from Menno as he enlightens us to some of the not so romantic stories of certain rockstars. Did Guns N' Roses actually play on Appetite for Destruction? Does Metallica play to a click? Can Lars even do that? Why is Rudy Sarzo playing an F# in D minor? Why does Sharon Osbourne hate Bob Daisley so much 'For Facts Sake'? The court trials and tribulations of the Osbourne's reveal those dirty rockstar secrets but Menno can't reveal his. Buckle up because this episode gets real.

We also get some input from Menno's crotchety old cat, Miss Crinkles; he confesses his hatred for Motley Crue and admits how it sent him home alone to do the rattlesnake shake; the mention of a "short Geddy Lee" once again steps into the limelight; we discuss war movies and the uncanny accuracy of Michael Bay films; Vic gives us some insight into the Marine Core; and we reflect upon the ugly, stinky geniuses of the 18th and 19th century. Although a metal guy at heart, Menno enjoys and has played a wide variety of music throughout his career. Most recently, inspired by a series of books, he began to explore and arrange classical pieces by Mozart, Bach etc. for bass! You can hear these and other tunes on Spotify.

CAUTION: Tijuana comes up in this podcast. "Hee Haw" - DMB

Menno Plays: Fender Jazz Bass, ESP LTD Bass, Markbass Amps, Ampeg Cabinets

Thanks to our friends at: Godin Guitars, Tregan Guitars, Ernie Ball, 5 Iron Woodworks

Intro Music: Mr. Peanut by A Good Rogering

Outro Music: The Celebrated Minuet by Luigi Boccherini (Arranged & Performed by Menno Verbaten) 

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For our 40th episode we chat with Austin-based guitarist, singer and songwriter, Jelly Ellington. Originally from Asheville, NC, Jelly took an early interest in music after being exposed to the Los Angeles guitar quartet. He began playing classical guitar at age seven and eventually gravitated to electric guitar after hearing Led Zeppelin as a teen. Jelly has been a staple of the Austin music scene since relocating in 2011, he has shared the stage and recorded with Grammy Award-winning artists, and was voted Top 10 Best Guitarist by the Austin Music Awards for both 2018 and 2019.

We talk about the plethora of amazing artists Austin's scene has to offer, the recent snowpocalypse, the effects the pandemic has had on venues, some iconic spots in the city, and get a little backstory on Jelly's gorgeous meaty blue Les Paul. Other topics include Netflix shows, standup comics, influences and gear, Boogie Nights and Glory (go watch it), and Tiger Woods' peculiar facial expressions. Skunk insults "artists" he doesn't approve of (as usual), and Jelly confesses to a dirty little bro country secret and "dumps" a zinger of story on us. 

Jelly currently records and performs both original music and plays with the Zeppelin tribute band Dancing Days. He also recently collaborated and recorded with Sam Houston Black Odyssey at 512 Studios here in Austin. Since its inception in 2012, Jelly's Monthly Guitar Jam has featured a variety of stellar Texas guitarists and raised nearly 5K for local non-profits such as the SIMS Foundation. Check out the latest EP Butterfly on Spotify or any major streaming platform, and look out for the new 12 song double vinyl album slated for release fall 2021.

Intro Music: Bionic as Hell by Skunk Manhattan

Outro Music:  Crosstown by Jelly Ellington

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On this episode we chat with Luke Bellet from Austin-based Indie Pop band, Luke And The Lonely. Originally form Singapore (we think), Luke's family moved to Nashville and he discovered a passion for music, soon taking up guitar and piano. During college Luke flirted with performing as a musician, but it was a move to Austin that really immersed him in music. In 2017 Luke joined The Odbodys as a keyboardist where he met drummer Nick Tozzo. When the band dissolved the two decided to start a new project. Sara Louise was asked to join as a singer, and Luke and The Lonely was born. Their hooky fun style integrates elements of rock, gospel, R&B, jazz and country. "The Age of Enlightenment" was released in May 2019 with a few singles to follow and a full-length album is in the works

We had a blast getting nearly all of this information incorrect on the podcast, and it became clear Skunk had no idea where Singapore actually is, or anything geographically for that matter. It was also assumed Luke was of French and Mexican decent, his father created a debatably more comfortable version of "the vaccine", and everyone who disagrees with anyone else is literally Hitler. Suffice to say, this was a fun podcast.

Intro Music: by Skunk Manhattan

Outro Music: My Baby Loves Heavy Metal by Luke And The Lonely

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We chat with 7-time Grammy nominated and 3-time Grammy Award winning engineer, producer, mixer, sound designer, and front of house engineer, Marc Urselli. Born in Switzerland and raised in Italy, Marc began his musical education at age 12 and opened a commercial recording facility at 17. He later moved to New York City and interned at the legendary recording studio EastSide Sound, where he now works as Chief House Engineer. Marc was kind enough to conduct the interview from the studio and he gives us a tour around the historic facility and gives us insight into some of his favorite recording gear and techniques (visuals available on our youtube channel).

As a freelance producer and engineer Marc records and mixes in first rate studios worldwide, including Abbey Road (London), Capitol Sound (LA), EastWest (LA), Sunset Sound (LA), Sear Sound (NY), Flux (NY), Grouse Lodge (Dublin) and many others. With over 25 years experience in the business, Marc has worked with a vast roster of artists from all around the world including U2, Elton John, Foo Fighters, Nick Cave, Lou Reed, Sting, Keith Richards, Kesha, Jeff Beck, Les Paul, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Luther Vandross, Børns, The Black Crowes, Joss Stone, Mike Patton, John Zorn, and scores of artists in just about every genre imaginable. Marc also composes music for film and television, creates sound design for commercials, and mixes audio for film and television. When not in the studio, Marc's interests include traveling, kite-surfing, guitars, art, web design and writing. For a complete complete client list and more info visit marcurselli.com.

Keep a look out for Marc's upcoming doom metal/throat singing collaboration, the new album from Jim Jarmusch and Lee Ranaldo, and a new video series where he highlights audio recording gear.  Marc pays homage to the late Hal Willner with fellow music industry colleagues Here. 

Intro Music: This Is Death Metal by A Good Rogering (mixed by Marc Urselli)

Outro Music: Tablasity by Past The Mark

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On this episode we chat with Nashville based guitarist, engineer, producer and owner of Hit Garage Records, Mark Thomas. Originally from Beaumont, TX, Mark was influenced by such Texas guitar greats as Dimebag Darrell and Stevie Ray Vaughn. After a stint in College Station, TX he  moved to Hollywood, CA to attend Musicians Institute and pursue a serious career in music. An aspiring producer as well as guitarist, Mark shifted to an MI recording program after completing GIT, further honing his protools skills and learning to work on professional consoles. Upon graduation, he began working first as a janitor and then in various administrative capacities at the school as he further honed his craft working around LA.

After over a decade working at the school Mark and wife/fellow MI alumni, Char Nicols relocated to Nashville, TN. Here Mark's duties have been split between recording and producing bands and touring as a guitarist, backing vocalist and band leader with several artists including Two Way Crossing, Jason Crabb, Tracy Lawrence, Manny Cabo and Angie Johnson from The Voice, and many more. He has shared the stage with such country legends as Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Travis Tritt as well as rock icons like Zakk Wylde. For a more concise list visit Hit Garage Records. 

Intro Music: American Party by A Good Rogering

Outro Music: You Can Try by Char Nicols

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On this episode we chat with virtuoso guitarist and long time friend of Skunk, Guy Laverick. Guy was an accomplished painter at a young age and initially studied art in his hometown of Sunderland , a city in northwestern England, but as guitar also became a passion he ventured to to Los Angeles to attend Musician's Institute. After returning to England Guy began recording original music and was soon sought after by regional acts. In 2006 he joined the legendary heavy metal band Blitzkrieg, played a number of European tours and festivals including Wacken Air, and recorded the Theatre of the Damned album in 2007. A few years later the band Chaos Asylum was formed with singer Martin McManus and the two musicians also collectively began performing in a Judas Priest tribute band. Guy gives some back story into his bands, the recording process and the reason no band should ever consider touring with WASP. 

This episode is filled with reminiscing and laughs about the days of music school in Hollywood, Skunk's visits to England in the winter and Guy's reciprocating vacations to a scorching hot Texas in summer. Yes, we talk guitars and even get to see a few, but make no mistake, when two blokes have known each other this long there are going to be stories... awful, unbelievable, hilarious stories. For Guy is not only a prodigy with acrylic paints and a heavy metal virtuoso capable of playing the guitar faster than an average metronome can count (literally), he also tells tales as legendary and horrifying as the Lambton worm.  

Currently Guy plays with the band Sin Theta who released their debut EP in 2019. 

Intro Music: American Party by A Good Rogering

Outro Music: Kill Or Be Killed by Chaos Asylum 

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