Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

MURRAY ATTAWAY of GUADALCANAL DIARY

Murray Attaway, the distinctive voice behind Guadalcanal Diary, helped shape the American alternative rock landscape of the 1980s. The band blended Southern storytelling with punchy jangle-pop, earning critical acclaim for both its bold sonic experimentation and Attaway's literate songwriting. 
Though the group never reached the heights of some of its Athens, Georgia, contemporaries, the band's influence quietly rippled across college radio and beyond. 
Murray recently joined us in Thunderlove Studio to discuss the band's origins, his creative process, and the enduring resonance of Guadalcanal Diary’s music. 
More importantly, we chatted about his first solo album in over thirty years, Tense Music Plays, which is out on May 9th.
This is our conversation with Murray Attaway.
LINKS
Murray on Bandcamp
Murray on IG
Murray on FB
Murray Wiki
Guadalcanal Diary Wiki

JOHN S. HALL of KING MISSILE

King Missile emerged from the art-punk underground with a sound that defies easy categorization. Blending elements of spoken word, surrealist humor, alternative rock, and performance art, the band is best known for its 1992 hit “Detachable Penis,” a deadpan monologue over a hypnotic groove that unexpectedly broke into mainstream consciousness.
But King Missile is far more than a novelty act—it's the long-running vehicle for the singular voice of John S. Hall, a poet, satirist, and cultural observer with a sharp wit and even a sharper tongue. 
John S. Hall recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio, and we spoke with him about his career. 
LINKS
John S. Hall on IG
John S. Hall on FB
King Missile on Bandcamp

JASON MOORE of THE KATIES

The Katies were a power pop/alternative rock band from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, active in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Known for their infectious melodies and raw energy, they blended elements of classic rock, grunge, and Beatles-esque harmonies. Their 1999 self-titled debut album gained a cult following, especially with standout tracks like "Noggin' Poundin'" and "She's My Marijuana."
Despite critical acclaim, the band never broke into the mainstream. However, their sound remains a hidden gem for fans of hook-driven, guitar-fueled rock with a mix of angst and euphoria.
LINKS
The Katies on Bandcamp
The Katies on IG
The Katies on YouTube
Wayne Mosh on the web
Wayne Mosh on IG
Wayne Mosh on YouTube
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CHRIS VOS of THE RECORD COMPANY

The Record Company is one of the most exciting modern blues-rock bands, blending raw energy with soulful grooves. Their stripped-down, no-frills approach to rock is reminiscent of classic acts like The Rolling Stones and John Lee Hooker, yet they bring a fresh, contemporary edge.
With gritty vocals, punchy rhythms, and infectious hooks, they’ve carved a unique space in today’s rock landscape. Their music exudes authenticity, drawing listeners in with its heartfelt storytelling and foot-stomping beats.
Whether on record or live, The Record Company delivers high-energy performances that prove rock and blues are as powerful and relevant as ever.
LINKS
The Record Company Online
The Record Company on IG
The Record Company on YouTube
The Record Company on Bandcamp
 

ROCKY O'REILLY of OPPENHEIMER

Oppenheimer was an indie pop band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The band was made up of musicians Shaun Robinson and Rocky O'Reilly. Robinson and O'Reilly were previously members of the now disbanded Belfast group, Torgas Valley Reds. They met in 2003, in Belfast. O'Reilly had been mixing sound and recording Torgas Valley Reds, whom Robinson drummed for.
Inspired by their mutual love for Moog synthesizers, vocoders, and airhorns, O'Reilly and Robinson formed Oppenheimer in late 2004, using O'Reilly's spare room to record three songs, which they sent to their favourite labels.
And lucky for us, they found a home at Bar None Records.
Many thanks to Mark at Bar None Records for making this happen.

OWEN MURPHY and JERAMY KOEPPING of NEW AGE HEALERS

New Age Healers is a shoegaze/psych-rock project conceived from the mind of Seattle-based multi-instrumentalist Owen Murphy, featuring guitarist Jeramy Koepping, drummer Adam LeVasseur, bassist Allen Murray, and keyboardist Farkhad Saidmuratov.
LINKS
New Age Healer on Bandcamp
On Facebook
On Instagram
On Spotify
 
 

BINGHAM BARNES of GLOSSARY and ELECTRIC PYTHON

You may not be familiar with Bingham's work... but you should be.
So let's make that happen.
Glossary on Bandcamp
Electric Python on Bandcamp

ELECTRIC SIX frontman and multi-hyphenate DICK VALENTINE talks his career and new solo album THE FINAL MUSICIAN

Dick Valentine stands as an icon among modern rock frontmen, recognized for his flamboyant stage presence, witty lyricism, and audacious creative spirit. As lead vocalist of Electric Six, he guides the band’s explosive blend of rock, new wave, and disco influences with a flair that both entertains and provokes. Valentine's distinctive voice and charismatic performances reflect a boundary-pushing approach to songwriting, full of biting satire and over-the-top theatrics.
Offstage, he channels his relentless imagination into solo albums, delivering stripped-down, intimate tracks showcasing his vocal versatility. Beyond the music, Valentine’s creativity expands into fiction writing, where his narrative style captures the same off-kilter energy that resonates within his stage persona. The juxtaposition of his comedic charm and poignant social commentary gives his art a unique, refreshing edge.
Forever evolving yet consistently surprising, Dick Valentine remains an influential figure, commanding attention with his fearless experimentation and unwavering dedication to showmanship and innovation.
We were lucky enough to have Dick stop by Thunderlove Studio recently to discuss his illustrious career and his new album, The Final Musician.
Here is our conversation with Dick Valentine. 
Dick Valentine on Spotify
Electric Six on Bandcamp
Shortwave Records on Bandcamp