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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

74:47

Ep. 257: JR Wasilewski discusses Less Than Jake’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/05/12

This week, Chris is joined by his Less Than Jake bandmate JR Wasilewski to break down the writing and recording of "Walking Pipebomb" from the band's Uncharted EP. JR shares how a Dance Hall Crashers song sparked the initial idea, how his signature guitar style shaped the sound, and why the demo remained nearly identical to the final version. The conversation explores the band's collaborative songwriting process, the balance of musical tension and release, and how impactful lyrics can elevate a

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80:36

Throwback Thursday: Bert McCracken discusses The...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/05/08

In this Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, originally released on May 1, 2023, Bert McCracken of The Used sits down with Chris to unpack the writing and recording of the band’s breakout single, “The Taste of Ink.” McCracken takes listeners back to the early 2000s, when the song—written in a basement in Provo, Utah—captured the restless energy and emotional urgency that would come to define The Used’s sound. He shares how a crucial studio session with producer John Feldmann

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85:57

Ep. 256: Stacy Jones discusses American Hi-Fi’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/05/05

This week, Stacy Jones sits in to share the story behind American Hi-Fi’s 2001 breakout hit, “Flavor of the Weak.” From his early days as Veruca Salt’s touring drummer to stepping into the spotlight as a frontman, Stacy discusses the evolution of his career, the challenges of reinvention, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He reflects on the spontaneous songwriting process that led to the band’s signature track, the impact of working with producer Bob Rock, and the raw energy captured in

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67:52

Ep. 255: A discussion on Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/04/28

This week, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios take a deep dive into Coolio’s massive 1995 hit “Gangsta’s Paradise,” unpacking the song’s gripping themes, powerful lyrics, and lasting cultural impact. From the Stevie Wonder sample that gave it its foundation to the haunting choir that set its tone, they break down the song’s composition and the intense storytelling that made it resonate across generations. They also discuss Coolio’s journey from Monessen, Pennsylvania, to Compton, his struggles and

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38:11

SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “April 24th: The...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/04/24

Originally released to Patreon supporters on April 24th, 2023, this episode of The After Party—titled "April 24th: The Most Historic of Days"—is now available as a special sneak preview on the main feed! In this entertaining and unpredictable deep dive, Chris and Chris explore a wide range of fascinating events that all took place on April 24th, including a bizarre conspiracy to rig the lottery, major moments in pop culture, and other strange historical happenings. If this kind of offbeat,

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80:58

Ep. 254: Michael Imperioli discusses ZOPA’s “A Still...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/04/21

Many know Michael Imperioli for his unforgettable roles in The Sopranos and The White Lotus, but his artistic reach extends far beyond the screen. In this episode, Michael opens up about the writing and recording of "A Still Life," the 2025 single from ZOPA’s album Diamond Vehicle. He shares how his musical influences—from The Beatles to an array of 90s alternative bands—shaped the song, and how working with producer John Agnello helped bring the band’s vision to life. Michael reflects on the

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82:35

Ep. 253: Dani Filth discusses Cradle of Filth’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/04/14

In this episode, Dani Filth, the iconic frontman of Cradle of Filth, opens up about the creation of their 2004 fan-favorite single, "Nymphetamine Fix." He discusses the atmospheric recording sessions with producer Rob Caggiano, which captured the band's signature dark and gothic sound. Dani also explores the song's lyrical themes of yearning and loss, reflecting on its portrayal of a destructive relationship akin to a drug addiction. Additionally, he touches upon the collaboration with guest

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69:36

Ep. 252: Anty Horgan discusses The Bennies “Party...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/04/07

This week, Anty Horgan of The Bennies sits in to break down the spontaneous creation of the band’s 2016 fan-favorite single, "Party Machine." From their early days performing under the name Madonna to their signature blend of psychedelic reggae and ska punk, Anty shares how the band's anything-goes attitude fueled the song’s infectious energy. He and Chris dig into the wild recording process, the unexpected success of the track, and how Anty quite literally missed the moment it took off

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88:50

Ep. 251: Martin Fry discusses ABC's "The Look of Love"

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/03/31

In this episode, Martin Fry gives a look behind the scenes of ABC’s dazzling 1982 hit, “The Look of Love.” With Trevor Horn at the helm, the song’s lush, high-gloss production helped ABC stand out in the new wave explosion, pushing sonic boundaries with cutting-edge techniques. Martin shares how the band approached the track like a stage production, weaving in drama and grandeur to make every moment feel larger than life. And as if the recording process wasn’t magical enough, a chance run-in with

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72:47

Ep. 250: Josh Goldman discusses The Raging Nathans...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/03/24

This week, Josh Goldman of The Raging Nathans joins the pod to discuss the writing and recording of their 2025 single "The Grudge." Josh shares how the song evolved from a casual idea into a powerful track, shaped by thoughtful arrangement choices, layered harmonies, and even some intentional literary references. He also reflects on the recording process for the band's new album Room for One More, highlighting the impact of working with Matt Yonker and the collaborative spirit that drives the band

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66:41

Ep. 249: Legends Amplified: Ric Ocasek

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/03/17

In the first episode of Legends Amplified, Chris DeMakes is joined by co-host and producer Chris Fafalios for an in-depth exploration of Ric Ocasek, the legendary frontman of The Cars. The duo explores Ocasek's early life, the formation of The Cars, and the band's meteoric rise to fame, fueled by their innovative sound and the massive impact of MTV. From their groundbreaking debut album to the chart-topping success of Heartbeat City, they discuss the evolution of The Cars’ music, Ocasek’s unique

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81:41

Throwback Thursday: Dave King discusses Flogging...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/03/13

This week’s Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 146, originally aired on March 13th, 2023, with special guest Dave King of Flogging Molly. Renowned for their unique blend of punk rock energy and traditional Irish folk music, Flogging Molly captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their 2002 anthem “Drunken Lullabies.” In this episode, Dave shares the inspiration behind the song, its breakneck tempo, and its unforgettable anthemic chorus, while reflecting on the recording process and the enduring

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85:07

Ep. 248: Brendan B. Brown discusses Wheatus "Lemonade"

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/03/10

This week, Brendan B. Brown of Wheatus sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the band's 2003 single "Lemonade," a fan-favorite song that blends raw emotion with undeniable hooks. He and Chris explore the song’s evolution, from its themes of jealousy and heartbreak to the production choices that gave it its signature sound—including why Brendan spent an outrageous amount of time and effort perfecting the bell sounds. He also shares the story of how he sat on Eve 6’s tour bus, working on the

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71:49

Ep. 247: Danbert Nobacon discusses Chumbawamba’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/03/03

This week, Danbert Nobacon of Chumbawamba sits in to break down the writing and recording of the band's massive 1997 hit, "Tubthumping." He and Chris explore the song’s punk-influenced origins, its anthemic structure, and how its themes of resilience and working-class pub culture resonated worldwide. Danbert shares insights into the band's approach to songwriting, the unexpected mainstream success of the track, and how Chumbawamba balanced their political ethos with commercial visibility. The

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82:14

Throwback Thursday: John Parr discusses his song "St....

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/02/27

This Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast revisits Episode 143, originally released on February 20, 2023, featuring John Parr discussing the creation of his iconic 1985 hit, “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion).” While widely recognized from the St. Elmo’s Fire film soundtrack, the song was actually inspired by the remarkable journey of Paralympian Rick Hansen and his Man in Motion tour for spinal cord research. Parr breaks down the writing process, the star-studded recording sessions,

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76:23

Ep. 246: Tahlena Chikami discusses Bite Me Bambi’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/02/24

Tahlena Chikami of Bite Me Bambi sits in this week to break down the writing and recording of their 2024 single "Bad Boyfriend," a song inspired by friends' relationship woes and brought to life with the help of producer Cameron Webb. She and Chris discuss the evolution of ska, the challenge of keeping songs fresh in an era of short attention spans, and the importance of specificity in lyrics to create a relatable story. Tahlena also shares insights on maintaining a live feel in recordings, the role

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85:12

Ep. 245: Angelo Moore discusses Fishbone's "Party At...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/02/17

In this episode, Angelo Moore of Fishbone stops by to talk all about the writing, recording, release, and legacy of their iconic ska punk anthem “Party At Ground Zero.” Angelo shares how the song came together in a bedroom, blending the band’s wide range of influences—blues, rockabilly, ska, and jazz—to create something totally unique. He and Chris dig into the song’s dynamic structure, from its urgent riffs and catchy horn hooks to the powerful shifts that keep it exciting. Angelo also opens up

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76:44

Throwback Thursday: Brian Fallon discusses The...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/02/13

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, and this week we’re revisiting Episode 91 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, originally released on February 21st, 2022, featuring Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem. Representing New Jersey with their signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and rock 'n' roll grit, the band reached new heights with their 2012 album Handwritten, debuting at #3 on the Billboard charts. In this episode, Brian shares the story behind the album’s standout single, “45,” a song filled with

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80:57

Ep. 244: Eric Cannata discusses Young the Giant's...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/02/10

In this episode, Eric Cannata of Young the Giant dives into the writing and recording of their 2014 hit single "Mind Over Matter," a pivotal track that showcased the band’s evolving sound and emotional depth. Eric reflects on the surreal experience of achieving success, the collaborative nature of the band's songwriting, and the challenges of creating a sophomore album that balanced innovation with emotional resonance. Produced by the legendary Justin Meldal-Johnsen—known for his work with Beck,

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67:27

Throwback Thursday: Jon Foreman discusses...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/02/06

For this Throwback Thursday episode, we revisit Episode 95 from March of 2022, when Jon Foreman of Switchfoot joined the podcast to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s 2003 breakout hit, “Meant to Live.” Exploring themes of existential longing and the search for meaning, the song became an anthem that resonated deeply with fans and propelled Switchfoot into the mainstream. Jon shared fascinating insights into the creative process, the song’s inspiration, and the band’s journey during a

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477 results

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