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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
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
It's a classic rock twofer this week! First up is Don Barnes of 38 Special. Next year the band will be celebrating 50 years and they're still as strong as ever. Their peak 80s period rivals anyone's with a bunch of hits that are still beloved. Don discusses the stories behind the songs, touring today, his lost solo album and much more. Then we get to hear from original Foghat drummer Roger Earl. Roger's the last man standing, but is also performing a bunch of shows every year. The band also has a brand new album called Sonic Mojo that keeps the fire going. Roger shares stories from his almost 60 years in rock. This one's a blast.
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
The pioneering story of the Veldt is a one of one. Twin black brothers from North Carolina in the 80s embrace the alternative rock coming from the UK and record their debut album in 1989 with Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins producing! The album was shelved, but they did get a couple great albums out in the 90s (Afrodisiac is especially excellent) but it never really takes off mainly because labels don't know what to do with black guys making alternative rock. They've soldiered on over the years releasing consistently great music and touring, converting skeptical audiences along the way. Today they are celebrating that Guthrie album, Illuminated 1989, finally being released. Guitarist Danny Chavis joins us to tell his fascinating story that is literally unlike anyone else's in history. Enjoy!
www.theveldtmusic.bandcamp.com
www.patreon.com/thehustlepod
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
This week we welcome back two of our favorites - Maia Sharp and Garrison Starr. The girls (who are also friends) return to catch us up on what they're doing these days. Maia is producing Sarah & Shannon while Garrison has paired up again with Sean McConnell for their second release as My Sister, My Brother. They also get into the music industry's handling of lesbian artists, writing lyrics, and how they approach their career in the modern era. They're so great at what they do and we're big fans around here!
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Wednesday Dec 13, 2023
Isn't the race for best alternative rock bass player in history neck and neck between Derek Forbes and Peter Hook? Those two showed what making great music with a bass as practically the lead instrument could do. Anyone who has listened to those early Simple Minds albums knows that what makes them so special is Derek's incredible bass work. Unfortunately, he was sacked from the band in '84 and has never returned for any real length of time. Many believe the band hasn't been the same since then. Derek joins us this week to discuss his whole career, including playing in Propaganda, Big Country and everything else he's done. His new book, A Very Simple Mind: On Tour is a must for any fan. We've wanted to have Derek on here for years, so it's a huge honor!
Monday Dec 11, 2023
Monday Dec 11, 2023
We welcome back for a rarefied air third time, the excellent author, Martin Popoff, to discuss his Kiss at 50 book.
Kiss are a perfect band to discuss, and we enjoyed Martin's insights, and hope you do too!
www.patreon.com/thehustlepod
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Wednesday Dec 06, 2023
Manchester is known for all kinds of legendary bands emerging from the area. The Smiths, New Order, The Stone Roses, Oasis, Buzzcocks and tons more. The best of the 2000s has to be Doves. Beginning as the dance group Sub Sub, Doves went on to be one of the biggest and best bands the UK has brought the world, as five consistently great albums prove. They've been less busy the last decade or so (although 2020's Universal Want is a creative peak), as Jimi Goodwin works on his mental health, but there are rumblings that more could be on the horizon. Guitarist Jez Williams joins us to discuss all things Doves - every album, the Sub Sub days, side projects, key tracks and more. They are seriously so so good. Enjoy!
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
This week we welcome back our friend Kevin Armstrong to discuss his new memoir, Absolute Beginner. This wonderful book details how his unique career took flight, from forming great bands that never go anywhere, to joining forces with David Bowie and performing with him at Live Aid, and rocking alongside Iggy Pop for a decade. There are also stops with Thomas Dolby and Propaganda as well as amazing McCartney and Eno stories. The book is a blast and we love Kevin around here so be sure to add this to your Christmas list. Enjoy!
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
Wednesday Nov 29, 2023
The real story of Sly & the Family Stone needs to be told. Sly himself recently released a reportedly underwhelming memoir and there have been others over the years, but the true story of this revolutionary group is eroding too quickly. This week we welcome their legendary drummer (and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer) Greg Errico. Greg recounts just how special those early days were and how sad it was when it all ended. Greg has had tons of success elsewhere including with Santana, Weather Report, Billy Wyman, David Bowie, Lee Oskar and Betty Davis of all people! And check out his new project Stick People on YouTube. You won't want to miss this!
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Nov 22, 2023
This week we give thanks for another twofer with a couple of legends. First up is my brief chat with jazz icon Les McCann. This weekend Les is releasing a special box set for Record Store Day, Never a Dull Moment - Live From Coast to Coast 66-67. This gorgeous collection showcases his mastery of the piano in the Trio setting and is an incredible piece of history. We're SO lucky to get a few minutes of his time. Then we hear from original Guess Who drummer Garry Peterson. The band has been without Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings for decades now, but the younger and hungrier group is still making great music today. This year they released the album Plein D'Amour which, I'm not kidding, sounds just like something Jellyfish would have released in the 90s. Garry describes the band dynamic now, his relationship with his old bandmates, and where this new sound came from. Enjoy!
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
Wednesday Nov 15, 2023
The Darling Buds were another one of those excellent British alternative bands of the late 80s/early 90s that was sadly short lived. Three strong albums in four years and then nothing for a long time. People listening to college radio or scouring records stores around that time would know them well. Thankfully, the band is back with an incredible box set, Killing For Love, Albums, Singles, Rarities, Unreleased 1987-2017, just released by Cherry Red Records (they're so good at this stuff). Andrea Lewis and Matt Gray join us to share stories for the journey like the impact of having John Peel as a fan, doing Top of the Pops, moving to the US, and more. It's good to say this great band is getting what they deserve.
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Former guests Robert LaRoche of the Sighs and John Douglas of the Trashcan Sinatras return to discuss their brand new solo albums. Robert's new one Forevermore continues his perfect brand of "country-tinged power pop". And John's self-titled release shows his take on acoustic stripped-down versions of original songs as well as some Trashcan covers. They're both great at what they do and we like supporting artists we believe in. Enjoy!
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
We have another excellent twofer up this week with two decorated artists. First is Andrew Roachford! In the US, he's primarily remembered for his 1989 hit "Cuddly Toy" which still slaps today, but did you know he's an MBE back in England and one of their biggest selling artists? Over the years, whether fronting his band Roachford, or singing with Mike + the Mechanics, or doing his own solo work, he's gone from strength to strength. Next month he goes on a UK Tour celebrating his entire body of work, including his latest album Twice in a Lifetime, as well as performing Christmas classics. Then we hear from celebrated singer/songwriter/producer Teddy Geiger. After being labeled the next big thing in the mid-2000s and having success with hits like "For You I Will", Teddy mostly retreated to the comfort of the studio. Eventually she came out as trans in 2017 which is also around the time her career exploded thanks to award winning collaborations with artists like Shawn Mendes and 5 Seconds of Summer. She just released her latest solo album, Teresa, which is very much a studio creation and shows what she's into these days. We discussed the whole amazing journey. Enjoy!
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
Wednesday Nov 01, 2023
It's another great twofer for you this week! First is Glen Mercer of the Feelies. If there's an American version of post-punk, the Feelies are the best example. They released one of the greatest debuts ever, 1980's Crazy Rhythms, but have only recorded sporadically as a unit over 45 years. The band's been quiet since 2017, and original member Anton Fier died in 2022, but they have a new live album of Velvet Underground songs called Some Kinda Love out now. Then we hear from the ever-charming Andy McCluskey of OMD. Since kicking off the band's second chapter in 2010 OMD have been consistently excellent. They too have a brand new album called Bauhaus Staircase that keeps the streak alive. Andy's just the best. Enjoy!
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
Wednesday Oct 25, 2023
It's a Jam Band adjacent twofer this week! First up is Blues Traveler guitarist and founding member Chan Kinchla. BT just released an excellent covers album called Traveler's Soul that includes their versions of songs by Dee-Lite, Stevie Wonder, TLC and more. It's a great companion to their last album Traveler's Blues. Chan discusses the making of the album, picking the songs, their live shows and much more. He's just about the nicest guy there is! Then we do something different. We talk to Dolphus Ramseur who is the manager for the excellent Avett Brothers. Dolph fills us in on what a manager does, how you take a band from nothing to stardom, the financial side and more, not to mention his love of music. Totally fascinating! Enjoy.
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
The Cranberries are no more, sadly. After the tragic death of Dolores O'Riordan, the rest of the band decided they would not carry on and to leave the legacy as is. Drummer Fergal Lawler joins us this week to discuss the newly released 3-disc Deluxe Edition of the band's 3rd album To The Faithful Departed. This expanded collection includes outtakes and b-sides as well as a killer live show. Fergal talks where they were when they made this album, his early life as a breakdancer (!), his new career scoring films, completing the last band album In The End after she'd passed, and more.
Sunday Oct 15, 2023
Sunday Oct 15, 2023
Genya Ravan's two seminal, and self-produced, solo albums, 1978's Urban Desire and 1979's ..And I Mean It!, have recently been re-released in all their glam rock mixed with Phil Spector and his girl group's glory. Seriously, if you aren't familiar with these two classics, you'll wonder how you've made it this long without them. Genya returns to the podcast to deep dive Urban Desires with us, go track by track, and talk about the making of the album in her inimitable way. She's rock and roll to her bones, you'll love it!
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
This week we catch up with a couple ol' timers. First up is 80s heartland rocker Henry Lee Summer. In the late 80s, Henry scored a couple big hits with "Wish I Had a Girl" and "Hey Baby" and cut a memorable image with his giant mullet and tight jeans. Times got tough for Henry there for a while - drug addiction, arrests, bankruptcy, divorce etc - but he's working his way back with a new album. Then we hear from Melanie of Woodstock and "Brand New Key" fame. Melanie's still at it and tours frequently (but doesn't make any money off "Key" which is shocking) and has a new album called The Magic Bus which is a radio station visit she made back in 1972. She tells the complete story of Woodstock and more. Enjoy!
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Australia's Little River Band had an uncanny knack for nailing the beautiful Southern California soft rock sound of the 70s and early 80s despite being on the other side of the world. Guitarist Graeham Goble, along with core members Beeb Birtles and Glenn Shorrock were the primary songwriters behind many of the hits like "Reminiscing", "Lonesome Loser", "Cool Change" and dozens of others. Be warned: the current version of LRB that tours and releases albums does NOT contain any original members. Graeham joins us to discuss this, as well as two recent compilations including all the hits and the should-have-been hits that any fan will want to get their hands on, the stories behind the songs, his spiritual life and a ton more. Music doesn't get much more pleasurable than classic LRB!
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
The wonderful "Artists at" series continues with our guest this week. Author Daniel Bukzpan recently released Ozzy@75 detailing the entire Prince of Darknesses career, Black Sabbath and first wives, to reality TV stardom and Ozzfest. The book is packed with goodies, including Daniel's dry humour that's fitting for a book about Ozzy. We have a copy to give away too! Enjoy!
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Last year, Lush lead singer Miki Berenyi released one of the greatest memoirs ever written by a rock star, of which there are many. She grew up in the UK with a Hungarian dad and a Japanese mom who soon divorced with her mom becoming an actress and moving to Hollywood, while her dad remained a freelance writer living in relative squalor. Miki found her tribe in the local music scene which led to her and Emma Anderson forming Lush. After three solid albums and the tragic suicide of drummer Chris Acland, the band called it quits. Miki retells all of this in amazing detail in Fingers Crossed in 2022 as well as touring with Lollapalooza, working with Robin Guthrie, her new band Piroshka, and the inherent drama (sex, drugs and rock and roll) that come with being in a band. I can't recommend this book highly enough and this conversation is a revelation. Enjoy!
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Multiple Grammy and Emmy winning producer, mixer and engineer Elliot Scheiner is behind some of the most pristine pop music ever made. Mentored by the great Phil Ramone, Elliot has produced luminaries like Van Morrison, Steely Dan, Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Hornsby, Ashford and Simpson, the Eagles, George Benson, John Denver, Bobby McFerrin, Chaka Khan, Phish and tons more. Success like this has also translated into car audio where he's partnered with Acura and Panasonic to improve the stereo quality in new cars. And he's the go-to guy for remixing classic albums into Atmos 5.1. We get into all of this and much more. Enjoy!
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
It's been stated that Jon's favorite soundtrack ever is for the John Hughes film Some Kind of Wonderful from 1987. We've heard from artists featured on it, including the music supervisor Tarquin Gotch, but this time we're hearing from some of the lesser known bands. We start with Alison Marr of Lick the Tins whose cover of "I Can't Help Falling in Love With You" plays over the closing credits. Next up is David Joyner and Linda Hall of Blue Room who had "Cry Like This" in the film, but also had "I'm Afraid" in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and a cover of "Every Time You Go Away" in Planes Trains & Automobiles. And lastly we hear from Tom Ashton and Rosie Garland of the March Violets who not only had two songs in the film ("Turn to the Sky" and "Amanda Jones"), but also appeared in the club scene in the movie! Each one has their own unique story in and out of the movie. Enjoy!
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
The multi-talented Stephen Duffy could have a fine rock doc made about all the different facets of his music career. Being a founding member of Duran Duran. Being a synthpop pioneer. The folk-pop beauty of the Lilac Time. His excellent 90s power pop period. His soundtrack work with John Hughes. His hits writien with Robbie Williams. See what I mean? For the last few years, the Lilac Time has been the main focus and they just released a fantastic new album called Dance Till All the Stars Come Down. Stephen joins us to discuss all of these themes and more. He's one of the most talented songwriters the UK has ever had. We're lucky to have him.
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Wednesday Sep 06, 2023
Among the many bands bringing excellent power pop/punk to the mainstream in the 90s, floating slightly above the rest were Chicago's Smoking Popes. Probably best known for their song "Need You Around" featured on the Clueless soundtrack, the band released some excellent albums there for a while that stood out thanks to the power of the riffs and the unmistakable croon of Josh Caterer. Once Josh converted to Christianity, he felt he couldn't continue in the same way, so the band went from top priority to secondary. They continue to put out strong material, just on their own schedule. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut, Get Fired was just released on vinyl for the first time with a couple bonus tracks, including a surprising cover. Josh and I get into all of it. Enjoy!
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
Tuesday Sep 05, 2023
They just don't make 'em like John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band anymore, but luckily they're still out there doing what they do best. John returns this week to discuss their 1985 album Tough All Over, which featured the hits "C-I-T-Y" and the title track. It was their first album not tied to Eddie and the Cruisers. Plus, they said it would never happen, but the band has released three new singles this year in preparation for their first album in about 35 years. Listen to a true "Voice of America's Sons" this week!
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Perseverance could be Richard Patrick's mantra. Navigating his band Filter for 30 years, through the ups and downs, fads, cultural moments, and tastes, can't be easy, but he's done it by staying true to himself. They just released their 8th album, The Algorithm last week and it's one of their strongest yet. Richard gets intensely personal here discussing his appearance in the popular Hired Gun documentary, leaving Nine Inch Nails to go out on his own but eventually reuniting with Trent Reznor, the current state of the country and some of his fan's views of his politics, parenting teenagers, his current Freaks on Parade tour, and a ton more. You'll be pleasantly surprised by how great this is. Enjoy!
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Big life changes often make for the best art. That's certainly true with the wonderful singer/songwriter Maia Sharp. After 30 years in the indie trenches, a divorce and a move to Nashville has changed her perspective and made for some of the richest material of her career. Her latest album, Reckless Thoughts, details where she is now, amidst the changes and opening up to what comes next. We talk about writing songs for legends like Art Garfunkel, Cher, Paul Carrack and, Bonnie Raitt. We also discuss collaborating with other fantastic females like Garrison Starr, Mindy Smith and Lizz Wright, being discovered by Miles Copeland, coming out at 23 and much more. If you aren't familiar with Maia's work, get ready to fall in love.
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Is there a better punk rock name than Rat Scabies? When drummer Chris Millar picked that pseudonym and took up with the legendary Damned, he solidified his legacy in rock royalty. Along with his decades with the Damned, Rat has also always had several side projects going on. These days, one of his main focuses is The Sinclairs, his collaboration with guitarist Billy Shinbone. The sound is a beautiful blend of surf rock and hazy blues and psychedelia. They just released their second album, The Long Slow Death of a Cigarette. Here, Rat and I discuss how he manages his time with his many side-projects, the legacy of the Damned, including his thoughts on their excellent documentary, Don't You Wish That We Were Dead, their evolution of sound, and much more. Enjoy!
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Where would we be without Stiff Records? Founded by Dave Robinson and Jake Riviera in 1976, this is the label that introduced the world to artists like Elvis Costello, Madness, Ian Dury, Graham Parker, the Damned, the Pogues, Nick Lowe and many more. This week Dave Robinson showers us with numerous stories about these and many other artists, including his former roommates Van Morrison and Jimi Hendrix! He also tells us about the hot young band that brought him back to management, Hardwicke Circus. The man's a legend. Enjoy every second!
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Bassist Ricky Phillips is a glue guy, which is saying something when you figure the bands he's been in and big personalities he's worked with. He joined the Babys near the end of their time and weathered the storms well enough to get the call to join Bad English with some of the same guys. Then, when that band began to implode he joined a couple more legends named Coverdale/Page. Finally, the call came to join Styx where he's been happily employed for about 20 years. He shares the story of this journey with us, all the twists and turns and more. Crowded House and Tina Turner even make an appearance. Enjoy!
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Brit Pop! A term used for good and bad to describe a bunch of excellent bands coming out of the UK in the 90s. As usual, they were leading the charge in sounds and style making the rest of the world observers. Echobelly, with their killer sound ("Great Things", "King of the Kerb", "Insomniac" and more) and beautiful lead singer looked and sounded different and made a dent because of it. Unfortunately, when Brit Pop moved on, so did the spotlight leaving bands like Echobelly in its wake. This week we hear from lead singer Sonya Madan and guitarist Glenn Johansson about it all, how they picked themselves back up, the music they make now, how they get by and more. If you don't know them, you'll fall in love.
Saturday Jul 22, 2023
Saturday Jul 22, 2023
Our Book Club guest this week is writer John Robb. John wears many hats - he runs the popular music website Louder Than War, he's a popular talking head and commentator of music and culture, he's written several books, and he's been in a couple punk bands. His latest is the massive endeavor, The Art of Darkness: The History of Goth which manages to explain the origins of the scene (Edgar Allen Poe, Marquis de Sade, Dionysus) and how that lead to the excellent music we all love (Adam Ant, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, etc). We debate what is and what isn't goth, why people gravitate to it, its morality and sexuality, and more. It's a great book and an incredible undertaking. Check it out.
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Paul Kelly has been labeled "the Australian Bob Dylan" for decades and as much as that's a huge compliment, it undercuts that Paul is legend in his own rite. The talents he shares with the greats are a never ending ear for melody, a bag of hooks that never empties, and a knack for storytelling envied by many. After almost 50 years, Paul is currently curating his vast catalog in a new way. The last couple years has seen him release several "Mix-Tape Compilations" of his songs based on themes like Poetry, People, Drinking, and Time. In many cases the songs on these comps have been reimagined in fresh new ways. Paul discusses how he approaches his history, how "How to Make Gravy" has taken on a life of its own, how he keeps things fresh, and much more. He is absolutely one of the finest artisans to ever write a song. We're lucky to have him.
Monday Jul 17, 2023
Monday Jul 17, 2023
Jon and Jan recap Q2, with some excellent gigs in the bag!
We hear about Jan's sabbatical, and more!
A huge debt of gratitude to those who filled in. We couldn't have managed it without you.
We hit a million downloads, so have some goodies to give away, which Jon will tell the Patreon folks about, in the next few days.
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Friday Jul 07, 2023
Mark and Tony of the mighty Big Country are back to discuss Cherry Red's amazing deluxe reissue of their 1999 album, Driving to Damascus. In the late 90s, Big Country were finally starting to find their footing again after some years of reinvention and Damascus shows a ton of promise of where they might be headed. Sadly, it ended up being their last album with the core four guys. Mark and Tony are upfront about all of it. This reissue collects the original album as well as demos, the "Nashville Sessions", alternate mixes, and more. It's one of the band's strongest works. Here's the story.
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
Tuesday Jul 04, 2023
It's always a good feeling when artists you haven't heard from in a while come back with some of their strongest work. California's Rain Parade were one of the key bands of the Paisley Underground, the name given to indie bands like the Bangles and the Dream Syndicate who were focusing on melody and steeped in Big Star and the Byrds. Their '83 debut is still a masterwork of any genre. After switching to a major label, the usual challenges ensued and the band ceased, though the members all went on to other projects. This summer sees the release of the first Rain Parade album in 38 years, Last Rays of a Dying Sun, and it might be their strongest yet. Matt and Steven join us to discuss what motivated the new album, their collaboration process, the passing of Steven's brother and original member David Roback who went on to form Mazzy Star, and much more. It'll be hard to knock this album off my best of the year list. Enjoy!
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Only the late 80s/early 90s Britain could have produced a band like Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine. With sarcasm and attitude to spare, Jim Bob and Fruitbat pilloried modern British culture in a way no one else could. That talent got them a number one album and a headlining spot at Glastonbury in 1992. Eventually the band went their separate ways and Jim Bob has been on a roll ever since releasing album after album of wry cultural criticism packed with hard won wisdom. His latest, Thanks For Reaching Out, comments on the world today in a way we can all relate to (and laugh about). He tells us about all of it and more. Enjoy!
Monday Jun 26, 2023
Monday Jun 26, 2023
ZZ Top producer Terry Manning returns this week to tell us about the making of the band's massive comeback album Eliminator. Billy Gibbons is lucky his risky bet that merging blues with new wave would be successful paid off because all signs point that it wouldn't. The album spawned four huge hits like "Legs", "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Gimme All Your Lovin'" and went on to sell about 20 million copies, not to mention confirming their legendary status. Terry discusses helping Billy fulfill his vision and the challenges involved. Enjoy!
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
This week is another fun twofer! We kick it off with Collective Soul guitarist Dean Roland! Dean talks about hitting the road this summer playing various festivals, and the plans next year for a big 25th anniversary celebration. Plus, we hear the stories behind several songs and collaborations. Then, we welcome accomplished songwriter Brock Walsh! Brock is probably best known for writing "Automatic", which the Pointer Sisters turned into a big hit. Brock's career hits many fun pop culture touchstones including writing for Cop Rock, being the voice of Mac Tonight, working with Quincy Jones and Sidney Poitier, writing for Bruce Willis, James Ingram, Earth Wind and Fire, movie soundtracks, ad jingles and much more. It's a total blast!
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
Tuesday Jun 13, 2023
The 90s were the best time in music history for women that rocked. When punk went pop the alternative underground was full of killer rock bands fronted and driven by women, including Veruca Salt. Co-founders Louise Post and Nina Gordon made a big splash with hits like "Seether" and "Volcano Girls" and even after Nina left, Louise kept the band going for two more equally, if not harder edged, albums. Louise recently released her first solo album, Sleepwalker, which shows a lot of maturity and vulnerability but loses none of the songcraft. Louise talks about how the pandemic, marriage, children, and time brought out some of those vulnerabilities and a lot more. She's an inspiration. Enjoy!
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Tuesday Jun 06, 2023
Drummer Simon Kirke has been at the forefront of what most people consider real, authentic rock and roll to be. Beginning with the amazing Free and then joining Paul Rodgers in Bad Company, Simon has played on some of the greatest rock songs ever and seen just about everything along the way. In our conversation we talk about the state of the band now, the Brian Howe years, his solo career, his family's take over of Hollywood, the RnR Hall of Fame, and everything in between. The guy has contributed a lot. We're lucky to hear from him.
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Monday Jun 05, 2023
Jon and Andy record their memories of the first quarter of 2023 (better late than never). The guests, the state of the pod, concerts and whatever else came up. This was recorded live and unedited.
www.patreon.com/thehustlepod
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Pere Ubu mastermind David Thomas has never found a dark, unchartered corner of music he didn't want to explore. More punk in spirit than sound, David has guided the band for almost 50 years leading with his rants and raves and sounds uniquely his own. Last week, the band released their umpteenth album, Trouble on Big Beat Street, and it's as full of ideas as anything else they've done. Here David and I discuss his approach to "pop" music, working with Stephen Hague in the 80s, how he plans out (or doesn't) his music and much more. He's a notoriously irascible character, but he's also one in a million.
www.patreon.com/thehustlepod
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Tuesday May 23, 2023
Chapterhouse were one of the premiere bands to come out of that shoegaze scene of the early 90s in the UK. They were experts at mixing shimmery, psychedelic guitars with acid-house drum samples taking listeners on deep mental and emotional journeys. Guitarist Stephen Patman joins us this week to discuss the new 6-disc box set Chronology coming out this week! We also get into the history of the band, why it only lasted two albums, (Whirlpool and Blood Music, both excellent) and what those wild days were like. Get ready to fall in love with Chapterhouse!
www.patreon.com/thehustlepod
Tuesday May 16, 2023
Tuesday May 16, 2023
If "influencer" had been a thing back in the 70s, Don Letts would have been the master. He's one of the most important figures in British music and culture, but it's not just because of him being in Big Audio Dynamtie (which he was) or because he's a revolutionary film director (which he is) or because he's a successful DJ (which he is). It's because in the late 70s, he was in the nexus of music, fashion, punk rock and culture and brought the sounds of underground dub and reggae to creatives like the Clash who would go on and change the world. So many stories from that period begin with "I was at a party at Don Letts's house when...". Don has recently completed his first solo album, Outta Sync which will be out in September. Don discusses all of it, the videos he directed, the times hanging out with Bob Marley, joining B.A.D. and all the rest. Enjoy!
www.patreon.com/thehustlepod
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Toronto's Crash Test Dummies are one of the quirkier acts to ever achieve world-wide fame. Thanks to the 1993 smash "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" off their second album, the world became aware of this band of creative misfits doing their own thing. While more smash hits were not to be, their audience have remained loyal over the years, no matter what style seems to be tickling head Dummy Brad Roberts at the moment. Here Brad and I discuss what inspires him creatively, his feelings about his unique singing voice, plans for the future, and the band's new single "Sacred Alphabet" which is lovely and, no surprise, totally unique. Enjoy!
www.crashtestdummies.com
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Author Shane Robitaille joins us for Book Club this week to discuss his recent book, Rockit Crew. This wonderful little novel depicts the (mostly) personal story of close friends growing up in the 80s, dealing with being outcasts, bullied, uncool, working class, and broken homes all while also falling in love with Hip-Hop. It's a beautiful coming of age story of teenage boys finding each other at a crucial time in life and forming bonds and memories that last a lifetime. We've all been there. Enjoy!
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
The Hustle turns 8 years old this week and we celebrate by bringing on the excellent singer/songwriter Robbie Nevil! When most of us think about Robbie we remember those late 80s hits like "C'est La Vie" and "Dominoes" and then probably wonder where he went. Robbie actually had a successful career as a writer for others before and after his solo career took over. Among the people he wrote for that we talk about are Sheena Easton, Al Jarrreau, Earth Wind and Fire, David Lee Roth, the Pointer Sisters, Melissa Manchester, Rockwell, El Debarge and many others. For a couple decades now he's made a living writing songs for placement in movies and TV shows and has excelled at that too. Robbie's been one of our dream guests since "Day 1" (get it?), so we're lucky to hear from him. Enjoy!