Bobby Amaru Take a walk with me as I get to know Bobby Amaru. In this episode, I sit down with the talented Bobby Amaru from the rock band Saliva. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the band’s new music as Bobby shares insights into the band’s latest album, Revelation. We discuss their SNAFU tour, and how they’ve navigated the ever-changing landscape of the record business. Discover the inspiring journey of Bobby writing music sober, and the creative process that has led to some of Saliva’s most powerful and meaningful new tracks. We also talk about why he got sober, and the secret to Saliva’s staying power. Tune in to this episode for a captivating conversation that offers a unique perspective on the music industry and the personal stories that drive it.
Stuart Chaseman Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Stuart Chaseman. Stuart is a singer / songwriter in the Chicago area, as well as a cast member from the recent Netflix reality series: Jewish Matchmaking. In this episode, Stuart and I chat about his music. We discuss his previous album: Next Exit Brigadoon, and then dive into what made him want to become a songwriter in the first place. We talk about his newest record: Secrets, lies, & Alibis; and discuss the creative freedom that songwriters enjoy. We take an odd detour to talk about a recent news story where Stuart somehow caught the attention (and ire) of Ben Shapiro; and Stuart shares his thoughts on the matter. Finally, Stuart and I chat about his experience on the Netflix reality series: Jewish Matchmaking. I have tons of questions about his time on the show, and he is open and honest with all of his answers; including why he decided to be on the show, what he hoped to get out of it, and how he thinks he came off. Stuart does let me play a song off the new record, and I highly encourage everyone to check out the full album.
Makenzie Phipps Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know County Music singer / songwriter, Makenzie Phipps. In this episode, we chat about how she started singing and playing the piano at a very young age, and the woman who pushed her and inspired her to become a singer, and a songwriter. With a minor focus on hymns, and gospel songs; Makenzie also writes and performs Christmas songs and country songs; including ‘Amazing Grace’, “Drag”, and “A Little of Both’, Makenzie was also recently awarded the ‘Songwriter Achievement Award’ in 2022 from The Josie Music Awards; for the unreleased song: ‘Life’s Game’. The woman that inspired Makenzie and this award-winning song was her Maw Maw; so we talk a bit about Maw Maw and her debilitating disease of Alzheimer’s. Makenzie shares her feelings on how this disease affects the entire family, and she picks up a guitar and plays ‘Life’s Game’ LIVE! Look for this song to be released with some sort of fanfare in the near future; and follow Makenzie on all of the social medias!
Joey Canyon & Kelly Kantz Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Joey Canyon and Kelly Kantz. Joey is a singer songwriter who began his country music career in the mid 1970’s. Having made a name for himself throughout the decades, he was even inducted into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame in 2021. Kelly is a serial television executive; having helped launch several networks including: RFDTV, BizTalk Radio, BizTv, and U2 America. In this episode, we get to know a little of the back story of these two pro’s, and then we get into why they decided to team up to launch an all-new streaming service called Canyon Star TV. We discuss the need for a family friendly streaming service where you don’t have to be nervous about what might appear on the screen in front of your small children. Joey & Kelly explain the styles of programming that are available on Canyon Star TV, such as: documentaries, classic films, classic TV, sports, cooking, and even music videos and concerts. Joey & Kelly also put out the call for MORE programming. So, if YOU have a project that you would like to be added to their growing list of programming; they explain just how to submit for consideration. Canyon TV is a FREE app that is available on every device with a screen. You can download the app on the Apple App Store, Google Play, Roku, Chrome, and more.
Brad Roberts Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know the singer, songwriter, and founder of the multi-platinum Canadian Rock band Crash Test Dummies. In this episode, we chat about how the band formed, and the rapid rise and fall of their debut single Superman’s Song on the Canadian charts. Brad tells us about the fickle nature of Canadian love for their artists, and how eye-opening an experience it was for him. We discuss the legendary Clive Davis’s involvement, and the chart climbing success of the band’s second album; God Shuffled His Feet, and how much I love it personally. 2023 is the 30-year anniversary of that album, and for some reason, I spend an inordinate amount of time explaining to Brad what this album has meant to me throughout the years. Crash Test Dummies are on a national tour of the United States and have released a brand-new song 3 days ago called: Sacred Alphabet. This is their first new release in over a decade and is available everywhere now. Make sure you catch Crash Test Dummies on tour. Maybe they will play some of their biggest hits, Brad is gracious enough to let me play my personal favorite of their songs toward the end of the episode. Thanks Brad!
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.
Jay Brown Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know singer-songwriter Jay Brown. In this episode we chat about how growing up in Pittsburgh made him move to warmer areas as an adult, and how working in asbestos made him strive even harder to follow his dreams of being a songwriter. Jay shares how a car accident helped direct his income in a different direction and gave him the opportunity to give songwriting in Nashville a shot. Finally, Jay discusses the songwriting process and lets me play his newest co-written song Road Scholar. Follow Jay on social media: FB: Jay Brown www.Reverbnation.com/JayBrown
Nicole Boggs and Alex Kramer Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Nicole Boggs and Alex Kramer from the band Nicole Boggs and The Reel. In this episode, we chat about what got each of them interested in music and how they came to form a band together in Nashville. We talk about how they got their name, who their third band member is, and each of their experiences on different P Diddy produced reality television shows. Nicole and Alex explain how they write their songs, and what genre they think they belong to and why. Finally, we talk about their new album: Dystopian Book Club (OUT NOW) and they let me play a track from it! If you are in the area, they are having a record release party on August 31st in Nashville at The Analog. See their website for details.
website: NicoleBoggsandTheReel.com Follow them on social media:
Angela Parchetta Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Angela Parchetta. Angela is a singer songwriter currently based in Nashville, Tn. In this episode we chat about why she wanted to be a music teacher growing up, how she achieved that goal, and then set new goals for herself in becoming a passionate singer and songwriter. We have a lot of fun going back and forth, making each other laugh, and Angela lets me play her new single Never Again! She explains the reasons for her move to Nashville from upstate New York, and some of the meanings behind her lyrics. Follow Angela on social media: Twitter: @AngelaParchetta Instagram: @AngelaParchetta FB: Angela Parchetta
Judi Beecher Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know actress Judi Beecher. Judi is an actress, singer, and songwriter. In this episode; we chat about her: banking, acting, modeling and singing in France, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Performing with The Gypsy Kings in Europe, and working with Danny Boone. We also talk about her extreme love of Paris and her TWO new projects. My Name Is Ronya is still in production, and Tango Shalom is in theaters now, (and maybe streaming). She also tells us what it was like to work with Woody Allen and why she does so many acting projects in France.
Enjoy! Follow Judi on social media: Twit: @JudiBeecher Insta: @ActressJudiBeecherOfficial FB: Judi Beecher Website: TangoShalomMovie.com