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PODCAST

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

You may know Chris DeMakes as a founding member of the band Less Than Jake, but what you may NOT know is that he"s a true music historian. On Chris DeMakes A Podcast, he welcomes accomplished songwriters to sit in and discuss the writing and recording of beloved songs from their back catalogs.

music music commentary

All Episodes

61:42

A Band Called Punchline Ep. 1: The Early Years

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/09/18

This week for Throwback Thursday, we’re doing something a little bit different. Between the new album Somewhere To Land just being released and Chris Fafalios being the guest on the show this past Monday, it’s a big week in the land of Punchline. To celebrate, we’re dropping the first episode of the A Band Called Punchline podcast here in the Chris DeMakes A Podcast feed. This is a documentary style look at a hard-working punk band that can be enjoyed regardless of your relationship (or lack

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65:21

Ep. 275: Chris Fafalios discusses Punchline’s “Focus...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/09/15

On this episode, Punchline’s Chris Fafalios (who also happens to produce Chris DeMakes A Podcast) sits in for the first time as the GUEST to talk about the writing and recording of “Focus On Yourself,” the closing track from the band’s 2025 album Somewhere To Land. Chris details the song’s initial inspiration, its lyrical themes of self-care, and the way multiple vocal layers and orchestral textures shape its powerful sound. He reflects on the collaborative spirit behind the track, the personal

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82:23

Throwback Thursday: Fletcher Dragge discusses...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/09/11

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 130, originally released on November 21st, 2022, featuring Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge. Known for his no-holds-barred attitude, Fletcher dives into the creation of the band’s explosive 2001 single “F**k Authority”—a rebellious punk anthem that struck a nerve with fans around the world. From its raw writing process to its lasting impact, this conversation captures the spirit of defiance that has fueled Pennywise for decades.Chris

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41:55

Ep. 274: Legends Amplified: Roy Thomas Baker

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/09/08

In this episode, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios take a deep dive into the extraordinary career of legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker. From starting out at Decca Records at just 14 to producing era-defining tracks for Queen, The Cars, and beyond, Baker left an undeniable mark on the sound of rock music. They explore his fearless experimentation, his ability to capture each band's unique essence, and how his larger-than-life productions like "Bohemian Rhapsody" redefined what was possible in the

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79:08

Throwback Thursday: Stephen Egerton discusses...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/09/04

Originally released as Episode 125 on October 17th, 2022, this Throwback Thursday episode features punk rock legend Stephen Egerton of Descendents and ALL. While he’d already cemented his place as an iconic guitarist by the mid-80s, it wasn’t until 1996’s Everything Sucks that he made his debut as a songwriter. Stephen takes listeners behind the scenes of the album’s hard-hitting title track — the first full song he ever wrote — sharing how it came together during a pivotal moment for the band after

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59:14

Ep. 273: Eddie Spaghetti discusses Supersuckers...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/09/01

This week, Eddie Spaghetti sits in to talk about the writing and recording of the 2003 Supersuckers fan favorite “Pretty Fucked Up.” In a laid-back and candid chat, Eddie shares the unexpected story behind the song—written in just ten minutes after a shocking phone call from his mom. The conversation covers what he calls the band’s “fourth death,” the decision to self-produce, and how their albums have basically become ads for the chaos and joy of their live shows. From stories of resilience to the

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72:42

Throwback Thursday: Bill Stevenson discusses...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/08/28

This week’s Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 161, featuring drummer, producer, and songwriter Bill Stevenson in a conversation that originally aired on June 26th, 2023. He dives into the story behind the Descendents' 1987 track “Clean Sheets,” from the dream that inspired it to the emotionally charged lyrics and recording process during the making of All. It's a raw and thoughtful look at a song that remains a fan favorite decades later.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid,

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62:20

Ep. 272: Luke Bentham discusses The Dirty Nil’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/08/25

This week, Luke Bentham of The Dirty Nil sits in to break down the writing and recording of their 2018 single "That's What Heaven Feels Like," a punchy, riff-driven anthem from the album Master Volume. Luke shares the clear memory of writing the song and talks about drawing inspiration from classic rock icons like Queen and Joan Jett, while also staying true to the band’s raw, high-energy identity. He discusses working with producer John Goodmanson to refine the arrangement without compromising the

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74:49

Throwback Thursday: Andrew Dost discusses Fun.’s “We...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/08/21

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode takes a walk back in time to exactly two years ago today, when Andrew Dost sat in to discuss the writing, recording, release, and massive success of Fun.’s smash hit 2012 single “We Are Young.” The song went on to become one of the biggest songs of the 2010s after an astounding eight-week run at #1 on the Hot 100, and in this conversation, Andrew details the unique songwriting process that resulted in this timeless classic. As an added treat, he even shares

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61:05

Ep. 271: Jesse Leach discusses Killswitch Engage’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/08/18

On this episode, Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage opens up about the writing and recording of the band's powerful 2013 single "In Due Time," marking his return to the group after a decade-long absence. Jesse and Chris explore how personal growth, emotional honesty, and a deep musical chemistry—especially with guitarist and producer Adam Dutkiewicz—shaped the song and the album Disarm the Descent. From the track’s uplifting message of patience and resilience to the technical choices behind its

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63:02

Throwback Thursday: John Oates discusses Daryl Hall &...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/08/14

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, the spotlight returns to Episode 156 (originally released on May 22nd, 2023) for a standout conversation with John Oates, one half of the most successful musical duo in pop history. With 29 charting hits and six #1 singles, Hall & Oates left an unforgettable mark on the music world, and their 1982 smash “Maneater” spent four weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. In this episode, Oates dives into the writing, recording, release, and legacy of the song, while also

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66:14

Ep. 270: Mike Tramp discusses White Lion’s “Wait”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/08/11

In this week's episode, Mike Tramp of White Lion reflects on the writing and recording of the band’s 1987 hit “Wait,” a song that helped catapult them into the mainstream after years of grinding it out in clubs. He shares the story behind the track’s evolution, from early edits to its polished final version, and offers insight into his unique, ego-free songwriting partnership with guitarist Vito Bratta. Tramp also discusses working with producer Michael Wagener, the emotional power he hoped to

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70:02

Throwback Thursday: Darryl “DMC” McDaniels discusses...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/08/07

Darryl “DMC” McDaniels joins Chris DeMakes in this Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast to unpack the story behind Run‑DMC’s classic 1987 single, “It’s Tricky.” DMC dives deep into the song’s creation—recounting the writing sessions with Joseph “Run” Simmons and producer Rick Rubin, the fusion of hip‑hop and rock elements (including the famous “My Sharona” sample), and the recording process that helped shape its signature sound. He discusses the track’s release, its impact on both

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69:02

Ep. 269: Bella Peadon discusses her song “Ms Montana”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/08/04

On this episode, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Bella Peadon opens up about the inspiration and creative process behind her 2025 single “Ms Montana.” Written during a pivotal transition in her life, the song captures Bella’s leap of faith as she left behind expectations and followed her instincts to Montana—a move that deeply shaped both her sound and perspective. She shares how her background in environmental science weaves into her lyricism, the crucial role of collaboration in crafting the

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53:17

Throwback Thursday: A discussion on Tony Sly and No...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/07/31

It’s July 31st, and fans around the world are observing Tony Sly Day in remembrance of the late Tony Sly, beloved frontman of No Use for a Name, who passed away in 2012. This year marks the first official Tony Sly Day, and to honor the occasion, this Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 144, originally released on August 1st, 2022, which takes a deep dive into every aspect of “International You Day,” Sly’s standout track from the 2002 album Hard Rock Bottom. The episode explores the song’s

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85:59

Ep. 268: Jason McMaster discusses Dangerous Toys...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/07/28

On this episode, Jason McMaster of Dangerous Toys takes us behind the scenes of the band’s 1989 hit “Scared,” a track born from fear, adrenaline, and a deep love for theatrical rock. Inspired by Alice Cooper and crafted in a quirky home studio setting, “Scared” blends personal storytelling with pounding percussion and a structure that wastes no time getting to the hook. Jason shares how the lyrics were shaped by real-life anxieties, how spontaneous moments and misheard lines sometimes added

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86:36

Throwback Thursday: Josh Caterer discusses Smoking...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/07/24

On this Throwback Thursday episode, originally released as Episode 150 on April 10th, 2023, Josh Caterer of Smoking Popes joins the show to discuss “Megan,” a fan-favorite deep cut from the band’s 1997 major label debut Destination Failure. Though tucked near the end of the album, the song found a lasting connection with listeners thanks to its tender melody and emotionally elusive lyrics. Josh shares the story behind writing “Megan,” dives into its ambiguous narrative, and reflects on how a

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104:25

Ep. 267: Nick Wheeler discusses The All-American...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/07/21

In this week’s episode, Nick Wheeler of The All-American Rejects joins Chris to unpack the wild and rewarding process behind their 2008 chart-topper “Gives You Hell.” From its uncertain beginnings to becoming the band’s biggest hit, Nick shares how quirky chords, a tongue-in-cheek lyrical edge, and a shift from punk roots to pop polish shaped the track’s identity. He reflects on recording to tape at Skywalker Ranch, the calculated choices that made the song stick, and the unforgettable, booze-fueled

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76:45

Throwback Thursday: Brett Gurewitz discusses Bad...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/07/17

This week, Chris DeMakes A Podcast is throwing it back to Episode 104 from May 23rd, 2022, when Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion joined the show to talk about the writing, recording, and legacy of their 1994 single "Stranger Than Fiction." Taken from the album of the same name, the song showcases Brett’s sharp lyrical voice and knack for melody, and in this conversation, he opens up about everything from the first line to the final mix. It's an honest, insightful, and sometimes funny look into one of

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65:21

Ep. 266: Fred LeBlanc discusses Cowboy Mouth’s “Jenny...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/07/14

In this episode, Chris is joined by Fred LeBlanc, the high-energy frontman and drummer of Cowboy Mouth, to break down the story behind their signature song “Jenny Says.” Originally written during Fred’s stint in Dash Rip Rock, the song went through several incarnations before becoming a crowd-commanding anthem and a staple of Cowboy Mouth’s famously explosive live shows. Fred shares how the track evolved over time, why emotional honesty matters more than perfection, and how a great hook can outlast

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477 results

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