Chris DeMakes A Podcast

52:37

Ep. 322: A discussion on Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/10/05

Dolly Parton was known far and wide as the Queen of Country Music, which is a title that was well-earned when you look back at her prolific career that spanned six decades. It was in 1980 that she made the leap onto the silver screen, starring alongside fellow female icons Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda in 9 to 5, a comedy that dealt with the very real struggles of the modern woman in the workplace. Dolly also penned the movie’s theme song, which went on to become a #1 crossover smash, as well as one of

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42:34

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

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/10/01

Over on the One Hit Thunder podcast, Chris and Matt compiled the Top 10 lists of listeners to arrive at the 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time. In this episode, they discuss some of the songs that did NOT make the list.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

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65:39

Ep. 321: Chris Cresswell discusses The Flatliners...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/09/28

Chris Cresswell makes his return to Chris DeMakes A Podcast, this time to discuss the writing and recording of the 2026 single from The Flatliners, “Good, You?” Lyrically, this hard-hitting, 90s-influenced song is built around a familiar scenario: someone asks how you’re doing, and despite the countless things that might be flying around in your head, the answer is almost always the title phrase of this track. Whether it’s trying to “be a man” or just not wanting to burden others, the ensuing

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77:19

Throwback Thursday: Craig Wedren discusses Shudder to...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/09/24

Originally released as Episode 206 on May 13th, 2024, this edition of Chris DeMakes A Podcast features Shudder to Think’s Craig Wedren discussing the creative process that led to the band’s fan favorite 1994 single, “X-French Tee Shirt.” Craig has long been a mastermind behind scores for film and television, including cult classics like Wet Hot American Summer, School of Rock, and Yellow Jackets, and in this episode, he offers a glimpse into the way he goes about writing that leads to his

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60:00

Ep. 320: Patty Walters discusses As It Is “Live,...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/09/21

Even though he has lived in the UK from a very young age, a part of As It Is vocalist Patty Walters’ heart still remains in the United States. The band’s 2026 single “Live, Laugh, Love, Los Angeles” marries ultra-catchy, Springsteen-inspiredpop with deeply reflective lyrics about the current state of the US, resulting in an undeniable song that’s taken to an even higher level by the contribution of saxophonist Justin Klunk. In this episode, Patty opens up about the creation of the song, from its

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68:28

Throwback Thursday: Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/09/17

This week’s Throwback Thursday was originally released as Episode 214 on July 8th, 2024. In this episode, Michael "Fitz" Fitzpatrick sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 2013 single from Fitz and The Tantrums, "Out of My League." Fitz opens up about his long road to success in the music industry, a journey initially met with substantial rejection. He dives into how he carved his own path, honing his production and songwriting skills along the way, before finding the right

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88:18

Ep. 319: John Corabi discusses Mötley Crüe’s...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/09/14

When John Corabi stepped in as the new singer of Mötley Crüe in the early 90s, the band was at a true crossroads. As if replacing a lead singer isn’t already an uphill battle for any band, they also had to contend with radio and MTV’s move away from the hard rock and metal of the 80s. Despite the adversity they faced, Mötley Crüe entered the studio with acclaimed producer Bob Rock to create their self-titled 1994 album. In this episode, John shares the story behind the writing and recording of the

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78:24

Throwback Thursday: Nick Thomas discusses The Spill...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/09/10

This episode was originally released as Episode 231 on November 4th, 2024, and it features Nick Thomas of The Spill Canvas discussing the writing and recording of the band’s fan favorite 2007 single, “All Over You.” From the Neal Avron-produced album No Really, I’m Fine, the song explores the themes of infatuation, longing, and unrequited love, complete with an unforgettable chorus and Nick’s powerful vocal delivery.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for

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65:10

Ep. 318: David McWane discusses Big D and the Kids...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/09/07

“Opportunity” is a laid back, feel-good track off of the new Big D and the Kids Table album The Good Ole American Saturday Night. Though this reggae-infused song doesn’t necessarily stick to a typical pop structure, it’s an uplifting piece of music that truly shows how this long-running band can get together in a room and create the ultimate mood for anything from a house party to a festival. In this episode, vocalist David McWane opens up about the creation of “Opportunity,” from its somewhat

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75:52

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

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/09/03

Compiled from the Top 10 lists of listeners of the One Hit Thunder podcast, this is the final installment of the Thundred series counting down the 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time! Be sure to subscribe to One Hit Thunder wherever you get your pods so that you can contribute a Top 10 list for whatever the next Thundred happens to be.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

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57:39

Ep. 317: Gerry Beckley discusses America’s “Sister...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/08/31

This week, the very prolific Gerry Beckley sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the 1975 #1 hit single from America, “Sister Golden Hair.” Despite the song’s upbeat feel, the lyrics present a slightly sadder and more reflective theme, and this magic combination has helped the song stand the test of time over 50 years later. In this episode, Gerry shares the story behind the creation of this classic track, from his original four-track demo to his experience in the studio with legendary

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64:30

Throwback Thursday: Rou Reynolds discusses Enter...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/08/27

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 177 on October 16th, 2023. In this episode, Enter Shikari vocalist Rou Reynolds takes center stage as he unravels the compelling story behind the writing, recording, and release of their 2023 hit single "(pls) set me on fire," hailing from the chart-topping album A Kiss for the Whole World. As both the album's producer and visionary artist, Rou dives into the intricacies of their groundbreaking sound, shedding light on the

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64:34

Ep. 316: A discussion on Paul Simon’s “You Can Call...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/08/24

To celebrate the 40 year anniversary of Paul Simon’s beloved 1986 album Graceland, Chris DeMakes is joined by producer and co-host Chris Fafalios to explore every aspect of the record’s most well-known track, “You Can Call Me Al.” In what has to be the most joyous song ever written about a midlife crisis, Paul enlisted the help of a wide array of South African musicians to create one of the most unique pop gems of the 80s. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive into every lyric and musical choice,

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78:45

Throwback Thursday: Anthony Raneri discusses...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/08/20

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 227 on October 7th, 2024. In this conversation, Bayside guitarist and vocalist Anthony Raneri discusses the writing and recording of the fan favorite 2011 single "Sick, Sick, Sick." Together, they dive into the band's signing with Wind-up Records, working with legendary producer Gil Norton, and the inspiration behind the song's lyrics. Tune in for a deep dive into the production and songwriting process behind one of Bayside's

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64:05

Ep. 315: Garrett Klahn discusses Texas Is The...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/08/17

It only took one album for Texas Is The Reason to leave a highly influential mark on the world of indie rock for decades to come. Produced by J. Robbins, Do You Know Who You Are? was nine tracks of heavy guitars, intense drums, and emotional vocals that resonated with listeners across an assortment of genres. In this episode, guitarist and vocalist Garrett Klahn discusses the writing and recording of “Back And To the Left”, a standout track that is still pulling on heartstrings 30 years

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80:26

Throwback Thursday: Trevor Reilly discusses A Wilhelm...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/08/13

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 221 on August 26th, 2024. In this conversation, A Wilhelm Scream guitarist Trevor Reilly discusses the creation of their fan-favorite 2013 single, “Boat Builders.” Trevor dives into the song’s seamless blend of metal, punk rock, and thrash, revealing how its diverse influences come together to create a powerful and unique sound. He also shares the personal connection behind the track, which serves as a love letter to their

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80:26

Ep. 314: Howi Spangler discusses Ballyhoo!’s “Bad...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/08/10

When it was time to record a new album, Ballyhoo! knew that they needed to shake things up. When the opportunity to work with acclaimed producer John Feldmann was presented, the band jumped on it, and the results were undeniable. The title track “Bad Summer” is an over-the-top, catchy-as-hell pop masterpiece, simultaneously capturing the vibes of summer and the feeling of relationship anxiety. In this week’s episode, vocalist and guitarist Howi Spangler sits in to discuss the creation of the song

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65:50

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

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/08/06

Chris DeMakes A Podcast producer Chris Fafalios also co-hosts One Hit Thunder, which is the sister podcast to this show. Every year on One Hit Thunder, they roll out their beloved Thundred series, in which listeners of the show submit their Top 10 lists of a certain subject, and then those results are compiled into an ultimate Thundred list. This year, they very fittingly gathered together data to create the list of the 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time. This is the fourth installment,

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71:59

Ep. 313: Aaron Barrett and Scott Klopfenstein discuss...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/08/03

In October of 1998, Reel Big Fish released their third full-length album Why Do They Rock So Hard?, which captured the band at a time of peak musical exploration. One of the standout tracks from the album was “The Set Up (You Need This)”, and although the song didn’t necessarily fit into the mold of classic ska-punk, the catchiness and signature style of the band was undeniable. From the energetic intro (featuring the first riff that Aaron ever wrote on guitar) to the falsetto hooks of the chorus,

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51:41

Throwback Thursday: A discussion on The Outfield's...

Chris DeMakes A Podcast ·

2026/07/30

This week’s Throwback Thursday was first released as Episode 218 on August 5th, 2024. In this episode, host Chris DeMakes and producer Chris Fafalios reminisce about The Outfield's unforgettable 1986 hit single, "Your Love" , paying tribute to guitarist and backing vocalist John Spinks and lead singer and bassist Tony Lewis. They dive deep into the anatomy of the song, examining its musical composition and lyrical nuances, inviting listeners to rediscover the magic of The Outfield and their timeless

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