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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.

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All Episodes

63:47

Throwback Thursday: JR Wasilewski discusses Less Than...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/06/04

Originally released as Episode 257 on May 12th, 2025, this week’s Throwback Thursday episode features Chris’s Less Than Jake bandmate JR Wasilweski discussing the writing and recording of “Walking Pipebomb” from the band’s Uncharted EP. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an

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113:28

Ep. 306: Dee Snider discusses Twisted Sister’s “I...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/06/01

Despite his recent retirement from the touring circuit, Dee Snider most definitely still rocks! This week, he makes his return appearance to the show to discuss the writing, recording, and legacy of Twisted Sister’s classic 1984 single “I Wanna Rock.” The spirit of the music still burns in Dee now, just as it did when he was recording song ideas into a cassette recorder as a young frontman. Tune in to both laugh and be inspired as Chris and Dee turn back the clock to the creation of this iconic rock

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60:00

THE THUNDRED: The 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/05/28

Over on One Hit Thunder (sister podcast of Chris DeMakes A Podcast), Matt and Chris compiled the Top 10 lists of listeners to arrive at the list of the 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time. You can hear ALL of the episodes over on the One Hit Thunder feed, but to give you a taste, this is #100 through #81 of the countdown.You can subscribe to One Hit Thunder wherever you get your pods, but here are a few links… One Hit Thunder on Apple One Hit Thunder on Spotify Chris DeMakes A

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71:28

Ep. 305: Geoff Downes discusses Asia’s “Heat of the...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/05/25

This week, Chris is joined by legendary keyboardist Geoff Downes to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 1982 single from Asia, “Heat of the Moment.” Considering that the band was a supergroup of progressive musicians, the song showcased a bit of tasteful restraint during its creation, which ultimately paid off with its massive mainstream success. Geoff not only brought his signature, cutting-edge synth contributions to the band, but he also served as the most pop-oriented writer in the

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75:28

Throwback Thursday: Duncan Redmonds discusses Snuff’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/05/21

Originally released on November 13th, 2023, as Episode 181 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, this episode features Snuff drummer and vocalist Duncan Redmonds discussing the writing and recording of the fan favorite 1996 single “Nick Northern.” This song may have been a gateway into Snuff for many listeners, as it was featured on the iconic Fat Wreck Chords compilation Survival of the Fattest. In this conversation, Duncan opens up about the creation of this track, from the heartbreak hat inspired it to the

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71:09

Ep. 304: Steve Soboslai discusses Punchline’s “Heart...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/05/18

After a QUICK five years since his last appearance on the show, Punchline’s Steve Soboslai sits in this week to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s fan favorite 2004 single “Heart Transplant.” Written from a real place of young heartbreak, the song has remained a live set constant decades after it was penned on the band’s first full US tour. Produced by Sean O’Keefe, the recording has stood the test of time, capturing an energy and enthusiasm of a band feeling the moment. Tune in for a

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69:13

Throwback Thursday: Geoff Rickly discusses Thursday’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/05/14

Originally released as Episode 192 on February 5th, 2024, this episode features Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly discussing the writing and recording of the band’s 2003 single “Signals Over the Air.” Taken from the band’s third album War All the Time, the song is a dynamic amalgamation of melody and aggression, and it’s much rawer than the polished productions that most people would expect from a major label release. In this episode, Geoff dives deep into the inspiration and creation of this landmark

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75:11

Ep. 303: Josh Fiedler discusses The Juliana Theory’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/05/11

In this week’s episode, guitarist Josh Fiedler sits in to discuss the writing and recording of The Juliana Theory’s 2003 single “Do You Believe Me?” Taken from the band’s major label debut album Love, the song is a powerful and driving rock song that sounds just as good today as it did upon its release, thanks in part to the production of producer Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads fame. During this conversation, Josh unpacks the songs unique structure and many nuances that make it both stand out and

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58:30

Throwback Thursday: A discussion on Biz Markie’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/05/07

Originally released as Episode 117 on August 22nd, 2022, this episode is a look back on the late Biz Markie and his hit single “Just A Friend.” The unique vocal delivery and hilarious lyrics of the song launched it into the Top 10 of the Billboard charts in 1990. Since then, the infectious chorus has remained lodged in the public consciousness, even after his untimely passing in July of 2021. In this episode, Chris and Chris take a deep dive into the song that no one should feel shy to sing along

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55:59

Ep. 302: Linus Dotson discusses Linus of Hollywood’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/05/04

This week, LA-based singer, songwriter, and producer Linus Dotson sits in to discuss the writing and recording of his fan favorite 2001 single, “Thank You for Making Me Feel…Better.” Inspired by the likes of Brian Wilson, Linus recorded the song using no traditional instruments, opting instead for melodies and percussion created using the song’s lyrical subject matter: beer bottles. The result was a one-of-a-kind track that has become a staple of Linus’s sets still today, and one HELL of a fun

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32:49

Throwback Thursday: Songs That Changed The World

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/04/30

After a Chris DeMakes A Podcast episode all about Sister Hazel’s “Change Your Mind”, Chris and Chris discuss a group of songs throughout history that changed many minds and hearts. This episode was originally released to Patreon members a few days ago. If you enjoy The After Party and you want to support the show, head to ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up! Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first

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81:46

Ep. 301: Ken Block discusses Sister Hazel’s “Change...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/04/27

This week, Ken Block returns to the show to discuss the writing and recording of Sister Hazel’s fan favorite 2000 single “Change Your Mind.” Though the song didn’t hit the Billboard peaks of “All For You”, its heartfelt lyrics, soaring harmonies, and undeniable hooks have made this song an absolute classic amongst the band’s legions of fans. In this episode, Ken details the love and care that went into the creation of this track that has stood the test of time and still sounds as good today as it

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73:39

Throwback Thursday: Jacoby Shaddix discusses Papa...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/04/23

Originally released as Episode 205 on May 6th, 2024, this episode features Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix sharing the story behind the creation of the band’s enduring 2000 hit single, “Last Resort.” Drawing from a deeply personal experience where a friend faced a crisis, Jacoby discusses the song’s emotional origins and its lasting resonance with listeners.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your

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74:38

Ep. 300: Chris Ballew discusses The Presidents of The...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/04/20

Every hundred episodes, Chris Ballew sits in to discuss the writing and recording of a classic song from The Presidents of the United States of America, and Episode 300 is no exception. This week, he joins Chris DeMakes to talk about all things “Kitty,” the first single from the band’s 1995 self-titled debut album. Inspired by his own experiences with cats, the song is a fun, energetic, and unforgettable sonic time capsule that captures where the band was at the time. They were creating music that

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65:10

Throwback Thursday: Fee Waybill discusses The Tubes...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/04/16

Originally released as Episode 106 on June 6th, 2022, this episode features Fee Waybill of The Tubes discussing the writing and recording of their hit 1983 single “She’s a Beauty.” Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes,

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64:27

Ep. 299: Will Gold discusses Lovejoy’s “Scoundrels”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/04/13

This week, Will Gold of Lovejoy opens up about the writing and recording of the band’s 2025 song “Scoundrels.” Working alongside producer Ali Chant, the band set out to craft an organic sound that is sometimes sparse but always powerful and distinct. Inspired lyrically by the design flaws of today’s social media landscape, the song’s arrangement and Will’s unconventional vocal delivery build a palpable tension that hits hard. Surprisingly, the track even draws subtle influence from the world of

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76:46

Throwback Thursday: Sondre Lerche discusses his song...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/04/09

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 99 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast on April 18th, 2022. In this episode, Norwegian singer, songwriter, and guitarist Sondre Lerche tells the story behind his 2014 single “Bad Law”, an indie-pop gem that’s equal parts danceable and chaotic. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at

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84:07

Ep. 298: Rachel Bolan discusses Skid Row’s “I...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/04/06

In this episode, Skid Row bassist and songwriter Rachel Bolan tells the story behind the band’s 1989 smash hit, “I Remember You.” He traces the song back to its humble beginnings, written in the “Green Room” at his parents’ house, and talks about channeling young love, late-night drives, and summer nostalgia into lyrics that still hit decades later. Produced by the legendary Michael Wagener, the song keeps listeners engaged throughout its five-plus-minute runtime, so much so that a radio edit never

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37:45

Throwback Thursday: Exchanging Weird Songs

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/04/02

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released on March 24th, 2025, as an episode of The After Party. In this very fun edition of the show, Chris and Chris each give each other five strange songs to check out, and then they have a short discussion about each one. From Björk to Ween to Celtic Frost to Sexyy Red, the guys explore some unique (and sometimes hilarious) songs. If you enjoy this episode, head over to ChrisDeMakes.com to get instant access to hundreds of episodes of The

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44:41

Defeat DeMakes Episode 12

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/03/30

As a month of Defeat DeMakes episodes comes to a close, Chris DeMakes tries to improve to above .500 against friend of the show Johnny Yetsconish. In a music trivia battle that spans questions from the mid 1970s until modern day, Chris vs. Johnny serves as the perfect clash to end a fun run of episodes.If YOU’D like to be a future contestant on Defeat DeMakes, be sure to sign up for the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Patreon at ChrisDeMakes.com! Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid,

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