Ep. 149: Russ Rankin discusses Good Riddance's "Darkest Days"

Ep. 207: Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn discusses Local Natives "When Am I Gonna Lose You": In this episode, Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn of Local Natives unveil the behind-the-scenes journey of crafting their 2019 single, "When Am I Gonna Lose You." They reveal that the song underwent a staggering 57 different versions, each a labor of love to achieve perfection. From Taylor's raw personal inspiration to Ryan's lyrical contributions and producer Shawn Everett's innovative techniques, they showcase the magic that brought this hauntingly beautiful track to life. The emotional resonance of the composition mirrors the ride up California's coastline described in the song, offering an intimate glimpse into the artistry that defines this modern masterpiece. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

68 min listen

Ep. 206: Craig Wedren discusses Shudder to Think's "X-French Tee Shirt": Embark on a journey of musical innovation with Craig Wedren as he unravels the mysteries behind Shudder To Think's iconic 1994 single, "X-French Tee Shirt.” From the band's relentless pursuit of originality to the song's jarring yet hypnotic structure, Craig takes listeners deep into the creative process, offering unparalleled insights into its unconventional brilliance. As a mastermind behind scores for film and television, including cult classics like Wet Hot American Summer, School of Rock, and Yellow Jackets, Craig's expertise adds an extra layer of intrigue to this must-listen episode. Tune in and discover the secrets behind one of music's most daring compositions. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

78 min listen

Ep. 205: Jacoby Shaddix discusses Papa Roach's "Last Resort": In this episode, Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix shares insights into the inspiration, creation, and recording of the band's enduring 2000 hit single, "Last Resort." Drawing from a deeply personal experience where a friend faced a crisis, Jacoby discusses the song's emotional origins and its lasting resonance with listeners. With humility, he reflects on the song's journey and the lives it has touched, emphasizing its role as a source of hope and strength. Through Jacoby's genuine and uplifting perspective, this episode offers a meaningful exploration of music's capacity to inspire and connect. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

72 min listen

Ep. 204: Joshua Fleming discusses Vandoliers "Every Saturday Night": In this episode, Vandoliers vocalist and guitarist Joshua Fleming takes listeners behind the scenes of the band's 2021 single "Every Saturday Night." Written during the height of the pandemic as a means to uplift his friends, Joshua shares the heartfelt story of its creation. With fans' support, the band secured a day in the studio to record the song, leaving no room for second-guessing amidst limited time. The result? Pure magic. Joshua reveals how the song's spontaneous recording captured its genuine emotions and uplifting essence, making it a true anthem of resilience and joy. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

58 min listen

Ep. 203: Zac Barnett discusses American Authors "Best Day of My Life": In this episode, American Authors vocalist and guitarist Zac Barnett invites listeners behind the curtain of their 2013 smash hit single "Best Day of My Life." He shares stories about the song's creation and recording process, offering insights into its enduring popularity over the past decade. Despite its lasting presence in commercials and its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Zac surprisingly reflects back on aspects he would approach differently in the recording today. This episode captures the infectious joy of the song itself, making it a must-listen for music enthusiasts everywhere. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

71 min listen

Ep. 202: Page Hamilton discusses Helmet's "Unsung": Helmet frontman Page Hamilton sits in this week to share the writing and recording process behind the band’s iconic 1992 single “Unsung.” He vividly recounts the genesis of the track, even recalling the exact desk where he crafted its unforgettable riffs. Page also unravels the often abstract lyrics that have sparked intrigue and interpretations for decades, shedding light on their true meaning. Tune in for a deep exploration of one of the most influential hard rock songs of the early 90s. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

83 min listen

Ep. 201: A discussion on Kurt Cobain and Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box": In honor of the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's passing, this week's episode pays homage to the legendary songwriter by dissecting Nirvana's monumental hit single "Heart-Shaped Box”. Joining as co-host is Chris Fafalios, the producer of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, who brings his unique perspective to unravel the unconventional brilliance of the song. "Heart-Shaped Box" stands as another testament to Nirvana's defiance of conformity, with its dark and enigmatic lyrics perfectly complementing the raw intensity of the music. Together, the hosts explore the intricacies of Cobain's songwriting and reflect on the enduring impact of Nirvana's legacy. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

54 min listen

Too Much Effing Perspective: Less Than Jake's Chris DeMakes - Winning the Rock 'n' Roll Lottery: Chris DeMakes was recently the guest on Too Much Effing Perspective, another great podcast on the Evergreen Podcasts network. The show is hosted by Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann, and together they dive deep into their guests' harrowing, humbling, and hilarious Spinal Tap moments on the road. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe to Too Much Effing Perspective wherever you get your podcasts! by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

41 min listen

Ep. 200: Chris Ballew discusses The Presidents of the United States of America's "Peaches": To celebrate 200 episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, Chris Ballew makes his triumphant return, this time to discuss the writing and recording of The Presidents of the United States of America’s 1996 hit “Peaches”. He recalls the fascinating journey behind this iconic track, from the spark of inspiration while tripping under a peach tree in the early 90s to a chance encounter with a muttering man in the street years later. As is always the case with the creative force that is Chris Ballew, the memories and anecdotes are just as fun and unique as the songs themselves, making this episode a must-listen for songwriters and music fans alike. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

71 min listen

Ep. 199: Chuck Ragan discusses Hot Water Music's "Drag My Body": In this week's episode, Chuck Ragan unveils the writing and recording process behind Hot Water Music's 2012 single "Drag My Body." The track showcases Chuck's iconic vocals, a defining element of the band's sound, which play a central role in driving its emotional depth. Additionally, Chuck emphasizes the collective musical prowess of the band, highlighting their skilled execution throughout. Recorded at The Blasting Room with Bill Stevenson, Chuck reflects on the transformative power of being immersed in such a creative environment and how "Drag My Body" emerged from the experience as a powerful anthem of resilience, resonating with audiences through its universal theme of overcoming adversity. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

67 min listen

Ep. 198: Ray Carlisle discusses Teenage Bottlerocket's "Everything to Me": In this episode, Teenage Bottlerocket's Ray Carlisle provides an insightful look into the creation process of the band's 2019 single, "Everything To Me". With heartfelt candor, Ray shares the personal inspiration behind the song—the deep love for his son Milo. From quirky lyrics detailing creative methods to encourage teeth-brushing to poignant reflections on how his son saved his life, this song encapsulates the essence of parental love within an unexpected punk rock medium. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

55 min listen

Ep. 197: Colin Clive discusses Mustard Plug's "Beer (Song)": In this episode, Mustard Plug guitarist Colin Clive discusses the creative process behind the band's iconic ska-punk anthem "Beer (Song)." Having been released years prior to its inclusion on the Evildoers Beware! album, the track underwent a transformation that made it hit even harder and become more memorable. Colin dives into the evolution of the song through years of live performances, as well as the recording experience with Bill Stevenson and Stephen Egerton at The Blasting Room. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

64 min listen

Ep. 196: Tony Lovato discusses Mest's "Rooftops": Mest frontman Tony Lovato sits in this week to share the story behind the band’s 2003 single “Rooftops”. From reminiscing about listening to music with friends to contemplating the future, Tony opens up about the song’s heartfelt origins. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

64 min listen

SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party "Leap Year, Leap Day, Leaplings, and Toast" episode: The After Party is a weekly bonus episode for members of the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast (which is basically just like Patreon). Head to ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up! You'll get a giant back catalog of episodes, and a new episode each week. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

29 min listen

Ep. 195: Jonathan Higgs discusses Everything Everything's "Cold Reactor": In this episode, Jonathan Higgs of Everything Everything shares the story behind the writing and recording of "Cold Reactor," the lead single from the band’s 2024 album Mountainhead. The narrative behind the song is intricately woven into the album’s overarching concept, offering a look into Jonathan’s vision of a strange dystopian world. All aspects of both the song and the band’s overall sound are explored, including Jonathan’s signature use of falsetto vocals. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

63 min listen

Ep. 194: Jonathan Anastas discusses D.Y.S. "Wolfpack": Sitting in this week is Jonathan Anastas, bassist of the influential Boston straight edge hardcore band D.Y.S. Jonathan recounts the writing and recording process of their seminal track "Wolfpack" from the 1983 album Brotherhood, which was recorded when he was just 15 years old. He shares anecdotes about the youthful energy and passion that fueled the music of D.Y.S. as he offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the band’s most iconic songs, as well as an exploration of the lasting impact of their contribution to the hardcore punk scene. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

58 min listen

Ep. 193: Rob "Bucket" Hingley discusses The Toasters "2-Tone Army": Rob "Bucket" Hingley is not only the founding member of The Toasters but also the visionary behind Moon Ska Records, which played a crucial part in cultivating and promoting ska music in the US and beyond. In this episode, he shares insights into the creative process behind the writing and recording of the classic 1996 fan favorite song from The Toasters, "2-Tone Army." What started as an idea for a cartoon theme song became a beloved ska anthem, and in this episode, Rob opens up about every aspect of this upbeat single with a positive message. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

55 min listen

Ep. 192: Geoff Rickly discusses Thursday's "Signals Over the Air": This week, Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s 2003 single “Signals Over the Air”. Taken from the band’s third album War All the Time, the song is a dynamic amalgamation of melody and aggression, and it’s much rawer than the polished productions that most people would expect from a major label release. In this episode, Geoff dives deep into the inspiration and creation of this landmark single. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

67 min listen

Ep. 191: Jonah Matranga discusses Far's "Mother Mary": Far's 1998 album Water & Solutions is considered an influential record by a number of beloved bands. Filled to the brim with haunting melodies, powerful guitar hooks, and thought-provoking lyrics, this album is a significant piece of music history. In this episode, vocalist Jonah Matranga discusses the writing and recording of the band's most well-known single, "Mother Mary" – a moody rocker that packs a huge punch for a relatively short song. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

64 min listen

Ep. 190: Keith Buckley discusses Many Eyes "Revelation": Keith Buckley returns to the show, this time to discuss the writing and recording of Many Eyes' 2023 single, "Revelation." Deeply personal lyrics delivered with a mix of ferocity and melody over heavy grooves make this song a memorable debut. In this episode, Keith breaks down every aspect of its inception. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

71 min listen

Ep. 189: Andy Jackson discusses Hot Rod Circuit's "The Pharmacist": Hot Rod Circuit guitarist and vocalist Andy Jackson sits in this week to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s 2002 single “The Pharmacist”. While it may seem that the song is detailing a story of love gone wrong, the actual story behind the lyrics is as unexpected as it is heartbreaking. Andy also opens up about the organic recording experience that led to a sound that remains powerful and timeless. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

60 min listen

Ep. 188: Mitchy Collins discusses lovelytheband's "broken": lovelytheband took the music world by storm in 2018 with their breakout single "broken," which went on to become one of the most successful singles ever on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. In this episode, vocalist and guitarist Mitchy Collins discusses the origins of the song, which was born out of a personal low point but went on to meteoric heights. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

61 min listen

Ep. 187: Mark Tremonti discusses Creed's "Higher": In this week's episode, guitarist and vocalist Mark Tremonti discusses the writing and recording of Creed’s iconic 1999 single, "Higher." This rock anthem soared to the top of the charts, solidifying the band as one of the era’s defining acts. Having already achieved success with their debut album, the astronomical rise of "Higher" from their sophomore effort, Human Clay, made Creed a household name. In this episode, Mark tells the story behind the creation of this timeless modern rock classic. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

61 min listen

End of 2023 Recap: Chris and Chris take a look back at the amazing guests that sat in for episodes of the show in 2023. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

67 min listen

Ep. 186: Jaret Reddick discusses Bowling For Soup's "Girl All The Bad Guys Want": In this episode, Jaret Reddick takes a look back at the creation of Bowling For Soup's Grammy-nominated 2002 hit, "Girl All The Bad Guys Want.” The song was his first ever co-write, a collaborative effort with the talented Butch Walker, who was also at the production helm for their acclaimed album Drunk Enough To Dance. The episode dives into the magic that unfolded during the writing and recording process, showcasing how the success of "Girl All The Bad Guys Want" became a pivotal moment propelling both the band and Butch Walker's careers to new heights. As a timeless fan favorite, Jaret reflects on its significance, acknowledging the profound impact it continues to have on Bowling For Soup's journey and the gratitude he holds for its enduring importance in the hearts of fans today. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

81 min listen

Ep. 185: Eric Bazilian discusses Joan Osborne's "One Of Us": Eric Bazilian makes his triumphant return to the show, this time to dive into the fascinating backstory of his iconic song “One Of Us,” made famous by Joan Osborne in 1995. Eric recounts the spontaneous genesis of the track, revealing that he composed it in a single night after his then-girlfriend expressed interest in his recording process. Despite some controversy about the song from a few dimwits of the era, it has endured and continues to resonate today. To add a special touch, Eric even breaks out the very acoustic guitar used in the song’s recording, offering an extra layer of authenticity to this can’t-miss episode. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

70 min listen

Throwback Thursday: Joe Escalante discusses The Vandals "Oi to the World!": This week's Throwback Thursday episode is from all the way back on December 14th of 2020, when Joe Escalante sat in for Episode 29 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast to discuss the writing and recording of the holiday classic from The Vandals, "Oi to the World!" by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

50 min listen

Ep. 184: Ryan Cabrera discusses his song "On The Way Down": In this week's episode, singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera takes a trip down memory lane, diving into the fascinating story behind his 2004 hit single “On The Way Down”. Ryan reveals the ins and outs of the song's writing, recording, and release, shedding light on his collaboration with producer Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls fame. He reflects on the whirlwind of his youth, recounting the surreal experience of moving to LA and playing his songs acoustically for record label executives while wearing flip-flops — a vivid snapshot of a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of a timeless hit and the stories that accompanied its rise to fame. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

71 min listen

Ep. 183: Karl Alvarez discusses Descendents "I'm The One": Descendents bassist Karl Alvarez takes center stage in this episode, focusing on the band's 1996 single, "I'm The One." An enduring fan favorite, the song is driven by its raw and relatable lyrics that navigate the complexities of unrequited love. Drawing from real-life tales of romantic struggles shared by friends at the time, he unveils the personal inspiration behind the track. As the last member of the band to sit in for Chris DeMakes A Podcast, Karl provides a unique perspective on the unparalleled songwriting and musicianship that defines the Descendents' legacy. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

64 min listen

Ep. 182: Greg Hetson discusses Circle Jerks "Back Against the Wall": In this episode, Circle Jerks guitarist and all-around punk rock icon Greg Hetson discusses the writing, recording, release, and legacy of the 1980 Circle Jerks song "Back Against the Wall." Recorded essentially for free during the studio's after-hours, Group Sex became a classic album that launched the band's career, with this particular song serving as their very first composition. by Chris DeMakes A Podcast

55 min listen

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Ep. 149: Russ Rankin discusses Good Riddance's "Darkest Days"

Ep. 149: Russ Rankin discusses Good Riddance's "Darkest Days"

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