x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes A Podcast, hosted by Chris DeMakes of the legendary punk rock band Less Than Jake, features guests who have written iconic songs, exploring their backstory, creation, inspiration, and significance. Each episode offers an in-depth exploration into a specific track from renowned artists, with guests providing untold stories and fascinating details. From chart-toppers to hidden gems across various genres and eras, the podcast offers a rich listening experience. Chris"s passion for music

music music commentary

All Episodes

130:22

A Band Called Punchline Ep. 4: Action

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/02/26

In the summer of 2003, Punchline headed to Chicago to record their Fueled By Ramen debut full-length Action with up-and-coming producer Sean O’Keefe. These 12 heartfelt and energetic songs would expose the band to a bigger audience than ever before, both through rigorous touring and widespread distribution. While a growing fanbase and a huge hometown release show for the record brought a lot of momentum, the constant self-comparisons to successful peers added crazy amounts of pressure. Coupled with

en

73:21

Ep. 297: Chris DeMakes discusses Less Than Jake’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/02/23

Back when Less Than Jake released their landmark album Hello Rockview in 1998, they chose “History of a Boring Town” and “All My Best Friends Are Metalheads” as the record’s singles. Tucked away at track 13 was “Scott Farcas Takes It On The Chin,” a song that had been previously released by the band and became something of an afterthought during the recording sessions. Decades later, it has endured as a fan favorite, thanks to its heartfelt lyrics and raw energy. This week, Chris DeMakes A Podcast

en

64:32

Throwback Thursday: Jonathan Higgs discusses...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/02/19

This episode was originally released on February 26th, 2024, as Episode 195 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and it features Jonathan Higgs discussing the writing and recording of Everything Everything’s 2023 single “Cold Reactor.” 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

en

55:37

Ep. 296: Pete Steinkopf discusses The Bouncing Souls...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/02/16

This week, Bouncing Souls guitarist Pete Steinkopf sits in to unpack the writing and recording of the band’s fan favorite 2009 single, “Ghosts on the Boardwalk,” a song steeped in the spirit of their hometown of Asbury Park, New Jersey. What started as a quiet sleeper has since become a full-on set list staple, and Pete explains how his eerie EBow lines helped shape the song’s emotional pull while sharing the behind-the-scenes story of how it all came together.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought

en

70:09

Throwback Thursday: Holly Knight discusses Pat...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/02/12

This week’s Throwback Thursday, which was originally released as Episode 94 on March 14th, 2022, features acclaimed songwriter Holly Knight discussing the writing of Pat Benatar’s hit 1983 single, “Love Is A Battlefield.” Holly is a Grammy Award winning member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame who has written for everyone from Aerosmith to Tina Turner, and this episode is a fascinating look into her mind and process. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for

en

72:25

Ep. 295: Christian “MC Bat Commander” Jacobs...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/02/09

In this episode, Christian “MC Bat Commander” Jacobs of The Aquabats! dives into the writing and recording of “Fashion Zombies!”, the fan-favorite single from the band’s 2005 album Charge!! that marked a sharp turn in their sound. The conversation traces the group’s early struggles, the collaborative and experimental approach that shaped the song, and how blending solid musicianship with absurd humor became their secret weapon. Christian breaks down the song’s playful but pointed commentary on

en

75:18

Throwback Thursday: KT Tunstall discusses her song...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/02/05

This week’s Throwback Thursday was originally released as Episode 141 on February 6th, 2023, and it features KT Tunstall discussing the writing and recording of her hit 2004 single “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.” 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

en

73:58

Ep. 294: Tom McFaull discusses The Bar Stool...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/02/02

In the first of four episodes leading up to the Less Than Jake UK Winter Circus Tour, vocalist Tom McFaull discusses the writing and recording of the brand new 2026 single from The Bar Stool Preachers, “Pick a Side.” He and Chris talk about how a moment of personal disappointment turned into one of the band’s most lyrically direct songs yet, unpacking its heavy real-world themes and the challenge of separating the art from the artist. They also get deep into the choices made during recording that

en

73:50

Throwback Thursday: Dan Estrin discusses Hoobastank’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/29

This week’s Throwback Thursday, which was originally released on February 28th, 2022, as Episode 92 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, features Hoobastank guitarist Dan Estrin discussing the writing and recording of the band’s hit 2002 single “Crawing In The Dark.” 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

en

64:08

Ep. 293: Mike Harder discusses Pulley’s “Insects...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/26

In this episode, guitarist Mike Harder discusses the writing and recording of “Insects Destroy,” Pulley’s 2004 single born from a combination of frustration and observation. Mike breaks down how his time working in the corporate world shaped the song’s lyrical perspective, as well as a real-life run-in with insects in his home. He also opens up about how producer Matt Hyde helped refine Pulley’s sound and the many lessons the band took away from their experience working with him. Tune in for a

en

66:04

Throwback Thursday: Ace Enders discusses The Early...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/22

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released on July 15th, 2024, and features Ace Enders of The Early November discussing the writing and recording of the fan-favorite single “Decoration,” from the band’s ambitious 2006 triple album The Mother, The Mechanic, And The Path, which is an album the band will be touring in celebration of this February and March 2026 alongside Hellogoodbye and Punchline. Hailing from that sprawling concept record, “Decoration” captures a raw, vintage

en

62:38

Ep. 292: The 68th Grammy Awards Song of the Year...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/19

In what has become tradition on the show, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios explore the eight nominees for Song of the Year at the upcoming 68th Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 1st, 2026. After a discussion about each song, they share which song they WANT to win, as well as which song they think WILL win. The nominees this year include: Lady Gaga “Abracadabra” Doechii “Anxiety” ROSÉ & Bruno Mars “APT.” Bad Bunny “DtMF” Kendrick Lamar & SZA “luther” HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, &

en

75:22

A Band Called Punchline Ep. 3: The Rewind EP

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/17

By 2002, things had kicked into high gear for Punchline. They had decided to pursue music full-time, and relentless touring soon followed. Grassroots promotion and a DIY outlook had helped them gain a strong following, especially in their hometown of Pittsburgh, and a follow-up to 2001’s Major Motion Picture album was the next step. The 4 musically ambitious tracks on The Rewind EP would help propel Punchline to the next level, and they soon signed to a growing independent record label. The

en

62:33

Throwback Thursday: Reese Roper discusses Five Iron...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/15

This week's Throwback Thursday was originally released on May 30th, 2022, as Episode 105 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and it features a conversation with Reese Roper of Five Iron Frenzy about the song “Zen and the Art of Xenophobia.” Chris and Reese unpack how the song came together, why humor and sarcasm were essential tools for tackling heavier themes like faith, hypocrisy, and cultural frustration, and what was happening creatively for the band at the time. It’s an interesting look at the mindset

en

75:25

Ep. 291: Ryan Key discusses Yellowcard’s “Better Days”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/12

In this episode, Chris sits down with Ryan Key of Yellowcard to explore the band’s surreal return after what had once been a definitive breakup. Ryan reflects on the emotional and creative spark that led to their comeback single “Better Days” and explains how collaborating with Travis Barker brought a fresh perspective to the studio. He shares how an open and experimental approach shaped the songwriting, why vulnerability fueled some of his strongest vocal work to date, and how kindness within the

en

65:30

Throwback Thursday: Chad Price discusses All’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/08

This week’s Throwback Thursday rewinds to Episode 107 from June 13th, 2022, when Chad Price stopped by to unpack All’s rip-roaring opener “Original Me,” the song that kicked off 1993’s Breaking Things and ushered in his era as the band’s new vocalist, even if his memory of the finer details was a little fuzzy. 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

en

70:31

Ep. 290: Nick Thompson discusses Hit the Lights...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/05

This week, Hit the Lights vocalist Nick Thompson joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s beloved 2006 single “Bodybag.” With tongue-in-cheek lyrics paying tribute to the beatdown hardcore bands that inspired Nick and his bandmates during their formative years in the Ohio suburbs, the song captures the spirit of that era perfectly. Combined with its catchy melodies, memorable guitar riffs, and slick Matt Squire production, “Bodybag” has stood the test of time and continues

en

72:51

Throwback Thursday: Ben Lee discusses his song “Catch...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/01/01

This week’s throwback is to Episode 144, first released February 27, 2023, when Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee sat in to unpack “Catch My Disease,” the irresistible 2005 single that earned Song of the Year at the APRA Awards and picked up a whole new audience after landing on Grey’s Anatomy. In this episode, Ben breaks down how the song came together, the ideas behind its feel-good energy, and why it became such a defining moment in his career.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by

en

70:54

The 2025 Year-End Wrap

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/12/29

Chris and Chris are once again joined by One Hit Thunder’s Matt Kelly to reflect on all the songs that were featured on the show in the past year. Together, they crown the Chris DeMakes A Podcast SONG OF THE YEAR, an honor that went to “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America in the 2024 Wrap. 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

en

55:05

Ep. 289: A discussion on Elton John’s “Step Into...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2025/12/22

In the final episode of their four-part December series, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios wrap things up with Elton John’s festive classic “Step Into Christmas.” They talk about the song’s spontaneous feel, the lighthearted lyrics, and the unmistakable style shaped by Elton’s longtime collaborators Gus Dudgeon and Bernie Taupin. The conversation touches on the Phil Spector-inspired wall of sound production, the standout bass line, and that gloriously chaotic outro that perfectly captures the energy

en

428 results

Similar Podcasts

Pasquale Maassen Soundcloud

Pasquale Maassen

Marian Klose

Marian Klose

sevenism

sevenism

Dean Delray"s LET THERE BE TALK

Cactus Radio Network

Word In Your Ear

Mark Ellen, David Hepworth and Alex Gold