Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

JAY RYAN of DIANOGAH

Jay Ryan is a Chicago-based musician best known as the bassist for the instrumental post-rock trio Dianogah.
Formed in 1995, Dianogah earned cult status for their unique two-bass lineup and collaborations with recording engineer Steve Albini. Ryan’s melodic, percussive playing helped define the band’s heavy and cinematic sound.
Named after the garbage-loving monster from the original Star Wars film, the band consists of Jay and fellow bassist Jason Harvey in tandem with drummer Kip McCabe.
Dianogah is one of the pioneers of the emerging mortgage core scene.
Outside of music, he’s the founder of The Bird Machine, a screen-printing studio famed for its hand-crafted gig posters for bands like Shellac, The Decemberists, and Andrew Bird.
Jay Ryan bridges the worlds of indie rock and visual art with distinctive creativity and DIY ethos.
LINKS
Dianogah on Bandcamp
The Bird Machine

Amanda and Mike from BAD MARY

Bad Mary—fronted by dynamic vocalist Amanda Mac, her husband Mike Staub on bass and vocals, her father Bill Mac on drums, and David Henderson on guitar—is a Long Island-rooted glam‑punk outfit known for wild energy and sharp wit.
Formed in 2011, draws on ’70s punk (Ramones, Blondie) and theatrical rock influences, blending classic punk, glam, and pop-punk elements into a sound that’s loud, fast, and fun.
A staple of NYC venues like Arlene’s Grocery and Pianos, they’re also expanding via live podcasts and indie collaborations—embracing evolution without losing edge.
Mike and Amanda join the repeat offenders club as they stop by to talk about the release of their upcoming live album "Live on Long Island."
This is our conversation.
LINKS
Bad Mary on Bandcamp
Bad Mary on YouTube
Bad Mary on IG
Bad Mary on FB
Are You With the Band Podcast

RACHEL FANNAN - a true musical polymath.

Rachel Fannan is a versatile American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and poet. She gained prominence as co-lead vocalist of the psychedelic rock band Sleepy Sun and later fronted the Los Angeles-based rock band Only You.
Fannan has collaborated with various acts, including UNKLE, Anywhere, Black Mountain, and Pussy Riot.
Her solo work spans genres like pop, rock, jazz, and folk. Beyond performing, she is an Emmy-winning commercial vocalist and has contributed to video game soundtracks, such as "Crimson Cloud" for Devil May Cry 5. 
This is our conversation with Rachel Fannan.
LINKS
Rachel Fannan on Bandcamp
Rachel Fannan on IG
Rachel Fannan Web

Multi-hypenate DAVE PAULSON

This week, we welcome multi-hyphenate Dave Paulson into Thunderlove Studio to talk about Sandusky, Ohio, the album he wrote as a tribute to the Chris Farley movie "Tommy Boy." 
It evolved into a career-spanning conversation with Dave, which included music journalism, major label record deals, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
This is our conversation with Dave Paulson.
LINKS
Sandusky, Ohio, on Bandcamp
The Privates on Bandcamp
The Pink Spiders

Music Supervisor TRICIA HALLORAN

Tricia Halloran is a Los Angeles-based music supervisor and indie music curator with a career spanning radio, film, and television. She hosted Brave New World on KCRW for 15 years, introducing artists like Death Cab for Cutie and The Eels to wider audiences.
Her music supervision credits include Dead to Me, New Amsterdam, Tully, and Sound of Freedom.
Halloran also shares monthly indie music recommendations through her Substack newsletter, Brave New World.
LINKS
Brave New World
Tricia on IMDB

BILL McSHANE of ULTIMATE FAKEBOOK

Bill McShane is the lead vocalist and guitarist of Ultimate Fakebook, a power pop trio formed in 1994 in Manhattan, Kansas. Alongside bassist Nick Colby and drummer Eric Melin, McShane helped craft the band's signature blend of catchy hooks and energetic performances.
Their 1999 album, This Will Be Laughing Week, garnered critical acclaim. After disbanding in 2003, McShane explored other projects and later reunited with Ultimate Fakebook for new releases like 2020's The Preserving Machine.
LINKS
Ultimate Fakebook on Bandcamp
Ultimate Fakebook on Spotify
Ultimate Fakebook on IG
Ultimate Fakebook on FB

SETH TIMBS of FLUID OUNCES and MORE!

Seth Timbs is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his sharp songwriting and piano-driven pop-rock.
Seth first gained attention in the late 1990s as the frontman of Fluid Ounces, a Murfreesboro, Tennessee band celebrated for their intricate arrangements and witty lyricism. 
Fluid Ounces carved out their niche with a blend of jazz-inflected piano hooks and power-pop energy.
Following the band's disbandment in 2008, Timbs continued to evolve his sound through solo projects and collaborations that showcase his versatility, blending classical pop influences with modern sensibilities.
In our chat, Seth delves into his musical journey, the evolution of his songwriting, and the stories behind the songs. Tune in for an insightful conversation with one of indie pop’s most enduring voices.
LINKS
Seth Timbs on Bandcamp
Seth Timbs on IG
Seth Timbs on FB
 

Emerging Artist JESS YAFFA

Drawing from life’s experiences, Jess Yaffa has a keen ability to transform personal experiences into relatable anthems. 
Her debut album, Thoughts That Keep Me Up at Night, released on April 4, 2025, showcases her commitment to authentic storytelling. Collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Scott Jacoby, known for his work with Coldplay and John Legend, Yaffa delivers a collection of songs that are both polished and deeply personal.​
Beyond her music, Yaffa emphasizes the importance of sharing real experiences. She believes that "our real experiences and stories are more powerful than anything that could be made up—my role is to share them so we can hear, feel, and relate." 
This philosophy permeates her work, making her a compelling voice in the contemporary music scene.​
Jess has a clear artistic vision for herself and looks forward to continuing to connect with audiences through her honest and heartfelt music.
Thoughts That Keep Me Up at Night is available to stream wherever you stream your favorite music.
Jess recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio and this is our conversation with her.
LINKS
Jess on IG
Jess on YouTube
Jess on Spotify