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What does it take to maintain a career in music? We track down members of bands that we love and find out what their lives are like now.
Episodes
26 minutes ago
26 minutes ago
Author Selena Fragassi joins us this week to discuss her new book Alanis: Thirty Years of Jagged Little Pill. Can you believe that album is 30 years old now? The book discusses the making of the album and what Alanis managed to tap into that made it the juggernaut it was and our conversation covers the highlights as well. Check it out!
www.quarto.com/books/9780760395677/alanis
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
3 days ago
3 days ago
One of the brightest lights of the Britpop splash of the 90s were Kula Shaker. They successfully merged guitar-driven rock with psychedelia with strong Indian themes so seamlessly there was no one else like them. After two successful albums and huge singles like "Tattva", "Govinda" and "Hey Dude", and with frontman Crispian Mills on the verge of a nervous breakdown, the band took a break for a few years before storming back in 2007 and releasing great albums since. Last year saw their latest album Natural Magick and more new albums are promised for 2025 and '26. Crispian joins us this week to discuss it all including the Indian influences, coming from a "royal" family, and everything else. It's a good time to be a Kula Shaker fan!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Bands like Seven Mary Three couldn't have existed any other time but in the 90s. Grunge was king, guitars were heavy, and bands were full of angst. This formula served them well when "Cumbersome" landed at #1 on the rock charts, but the label didn't get behind much else and despite the band carrying on for a decade playing to a rabid fan base, they never had another hit (or much respect). Lead singer Jason Ross joins us this week to discuss the journey, including his ongoing career in the business side of music and why the band aren't likely to get back together. The good news is their independently released debut album Churn from '94 has just been remastered and re-released on vinyl for the first time. I think you'll be surprised by what a fun, music-loving guy Jason is. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
The mind of Tim DeLaughter must be an interesting place to spend some time. In the 90s he fronted the esoteric rock band Tripping Daisy that saw a lot of success with their second album I Am an Elastic Firecracker and the hit "I Got a Girl" in 1995. After their guitarist died of an accidental drug overdose, Tim masterminded the wholly unique Polyphonic Spree - the collective of 25 or so musicians clad in robes creating quasi-spiritual chamber pop. It was a circus you couldn't wait to join. Tim joins us this week to explain himself - where have these grand ideas come from, what is the state of the Spree these days, being mentored by David Bowie, and the 30th anniversary tour for Firecracker that kicks off this week. He's one of a kind! Enjoy.
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Sunday Jun 22, 2025
Steve Barton returns to the show this week to fill us in on a couple of new goodies from his world. First of all, a live Translator album called Beyond Today: Live at the Farm San Francisco 1986 was just released and it's a treat for longtime fans. It's a live document of what was meant to be their last show from the original run. Of course, they've since reunited for shows over the years, but this album shows a band letting it all hang out one more time. Then we get into his most recent solo album, Time Hard Won, that shows him at the top of his game. Enjoy!
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
What can you say about the Beach Boys that hasn't already been said? Especially now with the recent passing of leader Brian Wilson, the band is back to the forefront where they deserve to be. Former member Al Jardine recently released a new EP called Islands in the Sun and he and I talked about it two days before Brian died. That fact gives a unique spirit to this interview as it will likely go down as one of the last Al gave that was about him and his music solely. I was especially curious about the band's 80s period since it's less talked about as well as the upcoming tour Al has planned, his approach to his solo music and more. It was already extremely fortunate to have Al on the show. With Brian now being gone, it's a moment I'm grateful that we captured forever.
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
Wednesday Jun 11, 2025
If all you've heard from Nada Surf is their novelty hit "Popular" from '95, you'd be forgiven for not knowing they morphed into one of best bands in the world over the last 25 years. Starting with 2002's Let Go, the guys have released a constant stream of nearly perfect records and continue to mature in a beautiful way as evidenced by last year's Moon Mirror. This week front man Matthew Caws joins us to talk about their incredible transition, dealing with ADHD, balancing the band with his other projects, and why he always wears the same shirt. Nada Surf might be the best band of the 21st century. See for yourself!
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
We don't throw the word :"icon" around here too often, but when you're a founding member of two of the biggest Goth Rock and Alternative Rock bands ever, the label is deserving. David J is partly responsible for shaping an entire culture, not many can say that. This week sees the release of two new ambitious projects - one a book of poetry called Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer, as well as a new album of some of those poems put to music called The Mother Tree. A US tour also kicks off this week to support it. David tells us all about his musical career including the current state of both of his bands, how royalties are distributed, how the success of "So Alive" changed his life, and one of the best Bowie stories we've ever heard. It's pretty fun hearing from an "icon" like David. Enjoy!
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
David Lowery has cracked the code for having it all. In the 80s he fronted the beloved Camper Van Beethoven who rose to (indie) fame with "Take the Skinheads Bowling" and "Pictures of Matchstick Men" and sounding like no one else at the time. Then, when they broke up in the early 90s, he started Cracker which was even more successful commercially with huge hits like "Low" and "Get Off This". Eventually, he found a way to merge the two into a single touring unit which is completely unique to them. Along the way, David has released a solo album or two, including his latest magnum opus - Fathers, Sons and Brothers - a 28-track audio autobiography of sorts. Oh, and he teaches at the University of Georgia. Who does this? No one. David joins us this week to discuss it all.
Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
Writer Gary Graff returns to discuss the release of the 501 Essential Albums of the 80s. When he was on a few months ago to discuss the 90s version, we explored the process for creating the list, who contributed, and how they decided what made it and what didn't. This time we go straight to the fun stuff - what was missing! It makes for a friendly, but impassioned debate, which is exactly the point of books like this. Enjoy!
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Australia has been blessed with some of the greatest songwriters of all time. On their Mount Rushmore has to be Robert Forster and Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens. What started out as spiky post-punk, eventually morphed into some of the most lush and perfect pop music ever made. If you don't believe me, listen to 1988's immaculate 16 Lovers Lane for proof. Not feeling they'd gained a big enough audience, the guys parted ways for a while until reforming in 2000 and keeping it going until Grant's death in 2006. Robert's solo work is also excellent and he's releasing a great new album, Strawberries, this week. We discuss how he writes such amazing story songs, his influences, the unique story behind the new album and a ton more. He's one of the best there's ever been and we're lucky to have him.
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
When a musician as legendary as drummer Stan Lynch invests his time and efforts into a new project, I want to know what it is. His new band is called The Speaker Wars and they make the exact kind of American rock and roll you'd expect with Stan's pedigree. The new self-titled album will be out this month. Stan and I also discuss his time with Tom Petty, his relationship with the other guys, what gets him excited about making new music, and some of his collaborations like Eddie Money, Henry Lee Summer and Del Shannon. Stan's a super easy going guy who doesn't seem to have a care in the world. I'm jealous!
Sunday May 11, 2025
Sunday May 11, 2025
We were happy to hear from Midge Ure again to discuss his upcoming appearance at the popular Cruel World festival. Piggybacking on that is a short tour of some U.S. cities with fellow 80s synth luminaries Blancmange. We get into these, his upcoming Catalog tour where he'll bring out many of the less obvious singles from his long career and tons more. He's a true gentleman and one of rock's greatest treasures. Enjoy!
Tuesday May 06, 2025
Tuesday May 06, 2025
This week we're celebrating 10 eventful years with the lovable Limahl! The guy has maintained a career in the public eye thanks to two gigantic hits and a relatively small catalog - just one album with Kajagoogoo and three on his own. That's not much, but the legendary look and sound still carries a lot of weight and nostalgia. He just released his cover of "A Horse With No Name" which you wouldn't think would make sense and yet it's fantastic. He talks openly about how he's stayed relevant all these years, his coming out journey, his relationship with his former bandmates, the "Stranger Things" effect, and more. You'll come away loving him even more. Enjoy!
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
Tuesday Apr 29, 2025
We've said it before, but the 90s were the peak time for "chick"-fronted alternative rock bands. There were so many good ones and among them was that dog. fronted by this week's guest, Anna Waronker. They only managed three albums, but they made a great impression. Anna put out a couple solo albums, but she also pivoted to making music for TV which she's done successfully for a while. She currently does the music for Yellowjackets with musical partner Craig Wedren of fellow 90s survivors Shudder to Think. We discuss her whole career, her legendary dad Lenny (who was just accepted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame), her famous friends like Maya Rudolph and Jack Black, her husband Steve McDonald of the band Redd Kross (she did the music for the recent documentary on the band which is now available to rent at the link below), and a ton more. She's the best!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
Tuesday Apr 22, 2025
With as "out there" as Geggy Tah's music was, and as clever as their biggest hit "Whoever You Are" was, it would be easy to not take them seriously. The thing is, they were serious about being as creative as possible and seeing what music could be without any borders. The duo of Tommy Jordan and Greg Kurstin produced three albums in the mid 90s that explored songs as if they were found art projects, mixing in whatever instrument or genre worked. After the band ended, Greg went on to form The Bird and the Bee and then became one of the biggest producers in the world while Tommy continued to do his own thing. Here's the story of one of the most delightfully weird bands of the decade!
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
The Old 97's have been keeping the fire of alt-country lit for over 30 years and have never lost their vibrant spirit. A lot of that is thanks to jubilant front man Rhett Miller. Whether with the band or on his equally excellent solo outings, Rhett has set himself apart as one of the most engaging artists and songwriters around. That spirit is on display in a new Old 97s record called American Primitive, a 2022 solo album called The Misfit, and even his fun podcast called Wheels Off. He joins us this week to talk about all of it and more. He's truly one of the nicest guys around. Enjoy!
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Ben Folds Five cut a swathe in the 90s like no one else. This boisterous three-piece with a lead piano instead of a guitar sounded like no other and had three successful albums to show for it. Eventually the band broke up and Ben went on to be a celebrity in his own right while drummer Darren Jessee and bassist Rob Sledge were less visible. Darren joins us this week to discuss what his career looks like. In addition to working with bands like The War On Drugs and Hiss Golden Messenger, he's also put out a few solo albums that sound very different from his old band (check out 2023's Central Bridge for proof). We discuss both sides of his career and much more. Enjoy!
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Ricky Byrd got clean 37 years ago and has devoted those years to helping others do the same. In fact, he's put out some fantastic solo albums meant to help those people get clean. But, right now he wants to rock. Ricky's new album NYC Made is a classic rock and soul album in the spirit of Southside Johnny and his old band, the Blackhearts. It's one of the best of the year so far. Ricky talks about his life with Joan, his solo journey since getting clean, working with Little Steven, the Yankees, and a bunch more. Fascinating guy and a force for good!
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
This week is the great guitarist Paul Pesco! What hasn't Paul done? Even he loses track of it all. He was an "unofficial" member of the System, the Breakfast Club, and C+C Music Factory (he also played on their big songs). He's toured with Madonna, Steve Winwood, Atlantic Starr and many others. He's contributed to everyone from U2 to James Ingram to Mariah Carey. He was in the Hall and Oates stable for a while (and discusses why he left Live From Daryl's House) and he's in several all-star bands currently like Sonic Boom Squad and Supersonic Tortoise. The guy doesn't sit still! He shared all the great stories including how he was almost a Chili Pepper. Enjoy!
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Our guest this week is guitar virtuoso Dean Parks! Dean was one of the first call session guys in the 70s and 80s that helped make great artists even better. He worked for Motown with legends like Stevie and Marvin, took his turn with Steely Dan and played the iconic solo in "Haitian Divorce" and can be heard on classics like "Laughter in the Rain", "Rhinestone Cowboy" and "Here You Come Again". There are also stories with MJ and the Jacksons, Billy Joel, David Lee Roth, Seal and tons more! Dean is an extremely mild mannered guy, but is still in high demand with a full dance card. Enjoy!
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Author Jeff Apter joins us again to discuss his excellent new book, Carl Perkins: The King of Rockabilly. In the annals of rock history, Carl often gets overlooked as colleagues like Elvis, Jerry Lee, and Johnny take center stage. He'd probably be fine with that. But his story is fascinating. Writing "Blue Suede Shoes" and being a key influence on the Beatles kept him viable his entire life. Jeff tells a beautiful story of a wonderful man with a fascinating history that many of us may not know that much about. Enjoy!
www.jeffapter.com.au
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
REO Speedwagon have been one of the most reliable American rock bands for over 50 years. Certain members may come and go, but that name, that quality, and the excellent songs of lead singer Kevin Cronin have been a constant for decades. Unfortunately, that recently came to an end with the departure of founding member Bruce Hall. Plus, Bruce took the name with him. The good news is that most of the same players are playing most of the same songs you've grown to love and rely on, they're just called the Kevin Cronin Band now. Kevin joins us this week to explain the new reality before he goes out on tour with Styx and Don Felder where he'll play the entire Hi-Infidelity album as well as the hits. We also discuss his relationship with original guitarist Gary Richrath, the stories behind songs and albums, how they became known for ballads, and much more. Kevin is a genuinely nice man and he's working hard to continue to deliver the goods (and set the record straight). We're lucky he's still at it.
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Paul Young has carried on a deceptively diverse solo career since he first broke out in 1983. He's had many big hits - especially the #1 "Everytime You Go Away - but his work has never fit nicely in one box. Whether it's his work with Pino Palladino or his TexMex band, he does what he wants and his talent carries him through. He's about to embark on a UK tour singing and telling stories about his first two albums. And this summer he's touring the US with Rick Springfield. And he put out a new album in 2023. He's been busy! He joins us this week to discuss all of it including his recent marriage, Band-Aid, his early punk days and a ton more. He's a total pro and one of the great soul singers of the era. Enjoy!
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025
The Moody Blues have been an institution in our lives for 60 years. 60! Not many other bands can say that. Though the remaining members Justin Heyward and John Lodge are doing their own things now, it hasn't stopped them from bringing the goods. Bassist and songwriter John Lodge joins us this week with two major projects he's excited about - his brand new EP Love Will Conquer All and his current tour that finds him playing hits and their classic album, Days of Future Passed, in its entirety. Did I mention the man is 81 years old! We get into this current spark of creativity, the band's history, especially their 80s period that kept them relevant when many others weren't, and stories behind many of the songs. He's a legend, and a Rock n Roll Hall of Famer. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Host Pod Eubanks (aka Eric Miller) hosts three couples (Brad Page and Sarah Linnen, Brian Linnen and Alex Alt, and Andy Schaal and Jon Lamoreaux) as they answer questions about each other for prizes and bragging rights. We had a blast!
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025
Director Nigel Dick is behind some of the most iconic videos (and images) in rock history. Whether it's Britney Spears, Guns n Roses, Oasis, Tears for Fears, Cher, Def Leppard, or hundreds of others, his visuals are what shapes our impressions of these artists. In this incredibly entertaining conversation, we dive into all the best stories from his nearly 45 years of directing including his time making Hollywood features, how videos are made from the top down, working with temperamental artists, and filming the recording of Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas." Chalk this up to an instant classic! Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
The Saints were a very important band in the history of Australian rock. Their mixture of melodic but greasy garage rock with a punk spirit was unlike anything else in the 70s. It produced the song they're still best known for, "(I'm) Stranded", one of the greatest punk anthems ever. That debut album of the same name from 1977 was recently given the deluxe treatment - 4 albums of remastered versions, b-sides, live shows, and more. Guitarist Ed Kuepper joins us to discuss his own, and the band's history including how they made that killer debut, why he left the band after three albums for a solo career, the loss of Saints frontman Chris Bailey, and a ton more. Enjoy!
www.feelpresents.com/fp_tour/the-saints-73-78/
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Australian producer Charles Fisher's resume is all over the place. Two of his earliest producing jobs were with Australian punk legends Radio Birdman followed by Air Supply! That kind of diversity continued for decades working with everyone from Olivia Newton-John to Divinyls to Jimmy Barnes to Hoodoo Gurus to Deep Blue Something (as well as more Australian artists like Moving Pictures and Ol' 55). In the 90s he hit the jackpot when he did Savage Garden's debut album that went on to sell over 15 million copies. We often discuss the effect financial success has on an artist's desire to create, but here we hear it from the producer's perspective which is a fascinating story. Enjoy!
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Thanks mostly to his magical work with John Mellencamp, Don Gehman was one of the biggest producers of the 80s. He was by John's side from the Cougar days through his whole peak period ending with The Lonesome Jubilee. Along the way he also produced REM's best album, Life's Rich Pageant, Bruce Hornsby's A Night on the Town, and many more, but the success started to wane. Then, he took on the job of producing this new band with a funny name called Hootie and the Blowfish and we know how that ended. Don doesn't do a lot of interviews so we're lucky to hear him discuss all of this as well as Chicago, Brian Setzer, Jimmy Barnes, Pat Benatar and a bunch of others. Don figured out what the sound of Heartland rock in the 80s should sound like, and we're all better off for it.
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Robin Millar doesn't let anything hold him back. The man is blind, and yet he became one of the most successful producers in the UK in the 80s. His biggest claim to fame is shepherding a young Sade to two world-beating albums (her first two). Working together to find her unique sound made him the go-to guy for "sophistopop" and brought him a ton of success. He did the first few Everything But the Girl albums, the Fine Young Cannibals' debut, the first Colin Hay album and even scratched his rock itch by doing the third Big Country album. Oh, and he discovered Phoebe Bridgers and Cigarettes After Sex. And he was appointed CBE. And knighted. And, again, he's blind. You won't believe this one!
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Irish chef Rory O'Connell has become a True North for Jon. His cooking shows have become appointment viewing in the Lamoreaux house. Funny enough, it isn't about the food. It's his calming demeanor and relaxing spirit that makes you feel everything will be ok. In this unexpected conversation, we get into his cooking school in Ireland, how he got on television, his favorite foods, his passion for the planet, and much more. It may not be music, but this one means a lot! Enjoy.
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
When David Bowie wanted to update his sound in the 90s to the drum-n-bass that was popular on the streets, he picked producer/musician Mark Plati to get him there. Mark had come up under the mentorship of the great Arthur Baker and was venturing out on his own. He thinks it was producing Babylon Zoo's "Spaceman" that sealed the deal with Bowie. Mark stuck around for a decade producing albums like Earthling, Hours, and Reality. In addition there's work with the Cure, Duncan Sheik, Prince and many others. Mark's still at it producing and performing. Enjoy!
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
The way producer Niko Bolas tells it, he's never worked a day in his life. He went into a studio about 45 years ago and just never came out. Along the way he's worked with many of the greats like Toto, Kiss, Steve Perry, Keith Richards, Linda Ronstradt, the Jacksons and tons more. One of his strongest bonds has been with Neil Young who he partnered with in the 80s and has never left. They continue to work together on Neil's exhaustive remastering project of his entire archive. "Neeks" tells us about all of this and tons more. Enjoy!
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Stereo MC's are coming back to the states this month for the first time in 24 years. It's a short trip - three shows on the east coast in three nights - but it's a start. Frontman Rob Birch joins us this week to discuss the band's history. They broke big with "Connected" off their third album (that song still sounds just as fresh and groovy today), but they took 9 years to issue a follow up and momentum stalled. They may not be prolific, but the quality has always been there. We also get into the influence of rap and hip-hop on their sound, coming back to the US in May to play Cruel World, touring with Jane's Addiction and Happy Mondays, and much more. These guys have never lost their golden touch. Enjoy!
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
By the late 70s, drummer Dony Wynn thought his music career might be over. Nothing was really happening and he wasn't holding down gigs. Then the great Robert Palmer heard him and everything changed. Dony joined the fray around the Secrets album in 1979 and stuck around for the next 15 years or so. Dony joins us this week to tell us what it's like working for Robert during his peak (and post peak) period, why they had that magic and his times working with Robert Plant, Steve Winwood, Wang Chung, Dr. John, Josie Cotton and more. These days, Dony is more focused on writing and photography, but he can sure tell a good story! Enjoy!
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
This is epic. XTC guitarist Dave Gregory returns to the podcast to give us all the scoop on the creation of XTC's 1986 masterpiece Skylarking. The album almost can't be listened to without an understanding of the behind the scenes stories - the animosity between Andy Partridge and producer Todd Rundgren chief among them. This essential album was recently given the Steven Wilson Dolby Atmos treatment enhancing it even more. Joining us for this conversation is our friend Brad Page of the I'm In Love With That Song podcast for an even richer experience. Dave was extremely gracious with his time, you won't want to miss this.
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Whether you know it or not, you've been listening to Fonzi Thornton for almost 50 years. As teenagers he and Luther Vandross formed a lifelong friendship and devoting their lives to music pays off for both - Luther becomes a giant among giants and Fonzi becomes one of the most sought after backup singers ever. Starting in Listen My Brother with Luther and friends Carlos Alomar and Robin Clark turns into a stint singing with Chic and then a lifelong partnership with Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry. Along the way there's been Bowie, Aretha, Scritti Politti, Candi Staton and tons more. Don't forget to watch him in the excellent new documentary Luther: Never Too Much that will be premiering on CNN on New Year's Day. Enjoy!
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Monday Dec 16, 2024
Who doesn't love a good list! Music nerds especially will spend hours debating one topic or another. Author Gary Graff returns to the show to discuss his new book - 501 Essential Albums of the 90s. Gary discusses the process for compiling the book, the writers involved, covering various genres and, most importantly, what was and wasn't included! Be sure to tell us what you would have made your list!
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Dec 11, 2024
WARNING: EXTREMELY SENSITIVE CONTENT
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Like it or not, this is the year of Redd Kross! This underappreciated power pop band is coming at you with an assault of good stuff in 2024. They have an incredible new self-titled album, a memoir called Now You're One of Us, and a fantastic new documentary called Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story. Jeff and Steven McDonald started out as pre-teens in the hardcore scene in Southern California, but matured into one of the great, if unsung, bands of the 80s and 90s with albums like 1990's Third Eye and 1993's epic Phaseshifter. As is so often the case, mainstream success never came knocking, but the band has carried on for decades consistently releasing great music. Steven joins us this week with the film's director Andrew Reich to discuss the whole career, being kidnapped at 12 (crazy story), how to deal with success not happening, and tons more. If you don't know Redd Kross, now's the time to get involved!
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
This week is synth pioneer Peter Godwin! In the 70s he was a part of the very arty and European band Metro who are best known for being the originators of the song "Criminal World" that was covered by Bowie for the Let's Dance album. Peter went solo and recorded the worldwide hit "Images of Heaven" that still lives on today as well as an album and some EPs, but the rest of his career has been sort of mysterious. Recently, Cherry Red released a 2-disc set of this fruitful period called The Polydor Years that includes all the songs and remixes you could want. We also discuss other artists he's worked with like Steve Winwood, his songs being placed in TV shows, and how living in France energizes him. Enjoy!
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
The Blue Nile would never be accused of being overly prolific. In 20 years of activity, they only managed four albums, two of which, 1984's A Walk Across the Rooftops and 1989's Hats, are absolute masterpieces. Ask Taylor Swift if you don't believe me. The hallmarks of their unique sound is part Paul Buchanen's soulful voice and part PJ Moore's wholly unique synth work. In 2023 PJ Moore and Co. finally released his first solo album, When a Good Day Comes, that is just what you would want from someone of his caliber. He joins us this week to explain the working habits of the Blue Nile, how technology affected their creativity and where he goes from here. If you don't know them, you're in for a treat. Your life will never be the same.
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
We all miss Prince. It's a hole that will never be filled. Imagine what it would have been like to be a part of the Revolution during his peak 80s period. He can play every instrument better than his band members, but he's reliant on them to put on incredible concerts and keep his musical instincts in check. It's not an accident that he made his best music when he had them as collaborators "Dr." Matt Fink was at Prince's side playing keyboards for over a decade. Who can forget the cool guy in scrubs and shades in all the videos! Matt joins us this week to discuss his time with Prince - how the songwriting worked, life at Paisley Park, the craziness of Purple Rain, where the band members fit in with the overall sound, and more. Enjoy!
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Author Graeme Thomson returns this week to discuss the updated release of his 2012 book, Under the Ivy: The Life & Music of Kate Bush. He had no idea when he finished that book 12 years ago how Kate's profile would change in the next few years. From induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, to the rediscovery of "Running Up That Hill" by millions of new fans, to her Before the Dawn concert residency at a time you assumed she'd never perform again, it's as if her story was just beginning. We discuss why her career seems almost "critic-proof", why she remains so elusive, and what the music she makes now says about her place in life. She's definitely one of the most interesting artists ever and Under The Ivy captures our fascination incredibly well.
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Ivy-Music-Omnibus-Remastered/dp/1915841356
https://www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Music writer Chris Charlesworth joins us to discuss his new book, Just Backdated, which depicts his years writing for Melody Maker in the seventies. Every music lover would kill for a job like this and Chris was the lucky guy that had it. He befriends his favorite band (the Who), sleeps with groupies, parties with everyone, lives the high life in NYC, goes to concerts every night, and hangs out with all the rock stars of the decade. The book is so fun you won't believe it or put it down. Enjoy!
https://www.amazon.com/Just-Backdated-Melody-Maker-Seventies/dp/1915858259
https://www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
We've got a unique twofer for you this week. First up is Mr. Big frontman Eric Martin! Eric had been at it for a decade before Mr. Big happened. He fronted bands in the Bay Area and recorded a solo albums that were as poppy as it gets. Luckily, Mr. Big worked out and they just completed their "last" tour and released the live album, The Big Finish as a memento. They've been extra busy beecause they also released a new album earlier this year. He didn't have much time, but we get into his early days, the post "To Be With You" period, and what his plans are now. Then we hear from Bossa Nova royalty Bebel Gilberto! Her dad was the legendary Joao and her step mom was Astrid, but she's built her own incredible career taking her native music into the future. She chats with us for a bit while making lunch about it all. Enjoy!
Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
The wonderful Carlos Alomar returns to discuss the new Luther Vandross documentary, Luther: Never Too Much. Carlos and his wife Robin Clark have been friends with Luther since high school and that friendship extends from their first group together, Listen My Brother, to them all being introduced to David Bowie for the Young Americans album and beyond. The film shows his launch as one of the greatest male r&b vocalists in history, his many talents as a writer and arranger, his battles with weight, his untimely death, and his complicated personal life. You only have to hear Luther's voice to recognize he's one of the best there's ever been. This incredible film allows us to get to know the man who was as beautiful as his voice and Carlos fleshes it all out for us.
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Ska Week concludes with author Daniel Rachel and our discussion on his fantastic new book, Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story. This essential document tells the story of one of the most revolutionary record labels created to release some of the most revolutionary music ever made. Created by Jerry Dammers in the late 70s, 2 Tone was meant to be a safe place for interracial bands like the Specials and the Selecter to release the hottest ska music happening at the time. Eventually, the label launched other legends like Madness and the English Beat as well, but only lasted a few years. This discussion gets deep on the issues of race and class and how they play a part in the story. The book is as incredible as the movement and music itself. Enjoy!