Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Tre Russo. Tre is the bass player and front man for the new band out of San Diego, Soundivision. Tre is also the son of pop punk legend Scott Russo; but we really focus on Tre and his new band. In this episode, we chat about his getting into music, and what made him and his friends decide to put a band together. Then we talk about their writing & producing style, and some of the previous incarnations of the band before they settled on this lineup. Of course, Tre shares stories of growing up around his dad and Unwritten Law, and the impact that environment and the array of musicians that were always around. Soundivision consists of Tre Russo, Kerek Martinson, and DJ Hernandez. Soundivision’s debut album “Invincible” is available everywhere, and Tre even lets le play my favorite track from the record. We go all over the place in this one, and Tre gives some peeks behind the curtain of what it is like to not only grow up with musical inspiration and support, but how that support manifests itself even into his adult years. Follow Soundivision on Instagram and catch one of their live shows if you have the chance.
Brian Bonsall Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Brian Bonsall. When Brian was very young, he joined the cast of the hit television show Family Ties, where he played Andy for over 80 episodes. Brian was also on several other shows including Star Trek: The Next Generation; before jumping onto the big screen with films like: ‘Mikey’, ‘Father and Scout’, and my personal favorite ‘Blank Check’. About the age of 14 or so, Brian moved on from acting. He went to school, moved across the country, and discovered punk & pop punk music. He fell in love instantly with the genre. In this episode, we chat about some of those acting projects, and how he came to be in the industry in the first place. We talk about why he left the industry, and what he found in music. Brian discusses some of the bands he has been part of including Bootjack & Bons, Sunset Silhouette, and his newest endeavor Lights In The Sky. He also shares fun stories about some of the musical opportunities that have come his way; including playing with The Ataris, and even getting to play in Las Vegas at the When We Were Young Tour, the largest audience he has ever played in front of. Along the way, we deep dive into several different aspects of his storied career. From child actor and star to redemption story, to husband, father, and family man. Brian graciously allows me to play a couple of songs from two of his bands, I love them, and I think you will too! Lastly, Brian openly discusses the amazing Courtney, his wife. He fills us in on some recent health scares with her, and how she is doing these days. She is his ROCK. It was an absolute delight to speak with this remarkable and resilient dude. I can’t wait to have him back on the show.
Jeff Smith Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jeff Smith. Jeff is an icon in the local south Texas music scene. I caught up with Jeff in San Antonio, at his multi-use arts facility called The Corn Pound. In this episode, we get to know Jeff, and how he got into music. From his brother’s involvement with The Krayolas, to his friendship with filmmaker Richard Linklater, we go everywhere in this episode. Jeff tells me about: Flagship Records, the Jett Bass Studio, High Voltage Music Program, Tex Pop In Exile Music Archive, and SausTex Records… all housed at The Corn Pound. We discuss some of the musical acts Jeff has worked with at SausTex including Pinata Protest, and DiNOLA. Then we get into how Jeff came to be part of Richard Linklater’s Woodshock documentary short film, and why Jeff’s scenes were cut from Linklater’s early film Slacker. Jeff and I chat about how streaming services like Spotify have essentially gutted the already small income streams for the smaller, independent artists. Plus we talk about a recent collaboration between SausTex Records and Cacophony Clan Records on a super cool album to support some charities. Naturally Jeff and I talk about his band Hickoids, which has been around for decades, and he even lets me play one of their more recent songs! If you are even in or around San Antonio, you MUST check out The Corn Pound… and tell ’em you heard about them on Fascination Street Podcast. Special thanks to Peter Illing at Cacophony Clan Records for putting this together.
Nils Rasmussen Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Canadian punk artist Nils Rasmussen. Nils is better known in some circles as the founder and singer for the band Uncle Outrage. In this episode, we chat about growing up in Canada, and what kinds of music influenced his musical tastes. Next we take a small detour and get into some of his science fiction writing, and why he does it. Naturally we discuss when he started Uncle Outrage, and why he felt compelled to do so. He shares some stories about some fans who have tattooed his lyrics or logo onto themselves, some fans who have named pets after him, and what its like to have his music covered by bands on the other side of the planet. Nils graciously lets me play what is arguably his most adored song Stay Magical, and we discuss the impact that song has had on some of his listeners. Finally we dive into his new record. Greatest Shit is the name of Uncle Outrage’s new album (Cacophony Clan Records) This album marks the band’s first ever vinyl offering, and is comprised of 19 of their greatest tracks. Two of the songs are new; but have found a place to nestle among these other favorites. Of course I asked him if I could play my favorite song from the album, and he lets me! While Nils is not really on social media, he does give his personal email address in the show, so reach out and let him know you heard him on Fascination Street!
Jake Brennan Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jake Brennan. You probably know Jake as the creator and host of the immensley popular Disgraceland podcast; but you are about to learn a bit more about him! In this episode, we chat about Jake growing up in Clinton, Mass. in the burgeoning punk / hardcore scene. We talk about his early musician days with Cast Iron Hike, and Bodega Girls, and what led him in the direction of music in the first place. One of Jake’s bands even opened up for The Mighty Mighty Bosstones at a Hometown Throwdown! We talk about Victory Records, Island Records, Def Jam Records, and even how George H.W. Bush and the C.I.A. are connected to Bob Marley. We touch on Helter Skelter and Chaos by Tom O’Neill, and how those two stories helped inspire Disgraceland. I get Jake to explain exactly what the hell a MELLOTRON is, and why he decided to rely on it for the opening of his music-based true crime podcast. Then we get into his years with Bodega Girls, and how that came about; before he lets me play my favorite song of theirs (Surf’s Up America). Jake explains the origin story of Disgraceland, and we touch on some of my favorite episodes, featuring: Jerry Lee Lewis, Jim Morrison, Bob Marley, and John Denver. I pry into how Double Elvis Media unfolded, and we talk about a few of the podcasts under that banner. Obviously, I have to know all about the April Fool’s Day fiasco, and when we can look forward to another one. Super big thanks to Jake for sitting down with me and sharing the details on some of the things that work, and some that don’t; when trying to capture the attention of new listeners, plus, what one can expect by being an ALL ACCESS supporter. Be sure to check out Disgraceland, and some of the other Double Elvis pods, including Badlands, Blood on the Tracks, and The 27 Club.
Dicky Barrett Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Richard Michael Barrett. Better know as Dicky; he is also called The Godfather of Skacore. Dicky is former frontman and founding member of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and current frontman and founder of the new super group The Defiant. In this episode, we chat about how he came to be the bow-tied plaid leader of The Bosstones, and some of the cool things he got to do along the way. He tells the story of getting to open for The Misfits while he was still in high school, as well as getting to play Fenway Park many years later. Dicky shares stories of meeting and befriending Adam Carolla and Jimmy Kimmel when they were just getting started; and some of the fun things he got to do as a result of these friendships. Adam uses Bosstones’ songs in the intro and outro of his Adam Carolla Show podcast; and Dicky was the announcer for Jimmy Kimmel Live for nearly 20 years. Of course, I ask Dicky if I can play my all time favorite MMB song… and he says yes! Obviously we discuss how MMB ended up in the cult classic iconic film Clueless, and what made them decide to do it. Next, Dicky explains what happened between him and the other Bosstones, as well as his relationship with the Jimmy Kimmel Live late night show. Finally, we discuss his new band The Defiant. This super group features former members of: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Offspring, Smash Mouth, Street Dogs, and The Briggs. The Defiant is: Pete Parada, Greg Camp, Johnny Rioux, Joey LaRocca, and Dicky Barrett. Their debut album “If We’re Being Honest” was released in late October 2023. Naturally I ask him if I can play my favorite song from this new album…. and Dicky said yes again! I had such a blast talking with Dicky, I think we are best friends now! Don’t be surprised if you hear more from Dicky on Fascination Street Podcast. This dude is rad as balls. Thanks Dicky! And thanks Mike Dawson, you know what you did.
Emily Whitehurst Take a walk with me down Fascination Street, as I get to know Emily Whitehurst. Emily first gained recognition in the pop punk bands Generic Asphalt, and Plinky; before gaining world wide acclaim as the front woman for Tsunami Bomb, and later The Action Design. In this episode, we chat about her getting into music at a very young age, how she came to be involved in each of those bands, and some stories from the road. She also explains what it was like to play a ridiculous number of Van’s Warped Tour shows. We also touch on why she moved to San Antonio, Texas, and how that opened the door for her to have her very first Christmas tree as an adult! Then we get into her newest band, Survival Guide, and her new album Death Dreams. I love this album; so we talk about a good bit of it. She explains why she used some household items as instruments on some songs, which songs are actually about death dreams, and she lets me play my favorite track from the album. Plus, she talks about teaming up with a San Antonio country band, to play some shows, and release a song together! Check out Death Dreams, available everywhere, and follow her to see where she tours next!
Chris DeMakes Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Chris DeMakes. Chris is the lead singer and guitar player for the ska-punk band Less Than Jake. In this episode we chat about how the band started, why they chose that style of music, and some of the cool things they were able to do as a result of the band’s success. Less Than Jake has played more Van’s Warped Tour shows than any other artist, and I ask Chris tons of questions about it. We discuss what exactly it means to be a “sell out”, & how they managed to keep vinyl rights for every album no matter the record label. Chris put together a book during covid called Blast From The Past, so l ask him about that. Then we dive right into Chris’ songwriting and how he has turned that into a full blown business. Finally, I grill him about his podcast “Chris DeMakes A Podcast” where he & a songwriting guest break down one of that guest’s biggest hit songs. From the lyrics, to the melody, to the strange instruments used on the track; they really get into these songs. Check out Chris’ podcast everywhere you find podcasts, and if YOU need a song written by Chris, he gives that contact email toward the end of the episode.
Chris Kidwell Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Chris Kidwell. Chris is the singer / songwriter for the new Thrash Metal band out of El Paso, Texas called TEXAS TALIBAN. In this episode Chris and I chat about where he grew up and how he got into music. Next we discuss the importance of widening your horizons and seeing (and hearing) things from outside of your town; which is why he joined the US Army and got to see and experience the world. We discuss how Texas Taliban was formed and some of the bands the members are also in. He lets me play my favorite track off of their debut EP called Tu Rey Muerto. And finally Chris has a message for all fans of all musicians. Follow Chris and Texas Taliban on social media: Twit: @2Krunked / @Texas_Taliban Insta: @Kidwell03 / @Texas_Taliban FB: Christo Cydwell / Texas Tali3an
Scott Russo. Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know singer / songwriter Scott Russo; from the punk band Unwritten Law. In this episode, Scott and I chat about: his pre music professional career, how he got into music and Unwritten Law, the song that put them on the map, and some of the other things he is working on currently. It was an honor to speak with Scott, who doesn’t really do very many interviews. So thanks Scott!
Follow Scott on social media: Insta: @ScottRusso FB: Scott Russo www.unwrittenlawofficial.com
