Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

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

CRAIG DOUGLAS MILLER of BLUEBURST stops by to talk SIGNIFICANCE and more!

Significance: The debut from new band Blueburst, featuring Craig Douglas Miller and Marty Willson-Piper, creates an evocative soundscape that bridges classic rock influences with contemporary flair.
Expansive guitar work seamlessly merges with Miller’s resonant vocals, imparting nostalgia and fresh energy. Each track unfurls with emotional depth, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in lush harmonies and crisp production. The reflective lyrics address personal growth and resilience, showcasing an earnest sincerity. Marty Willson-Piper’s contributions add textured sonic layers, complementing Miller’s stirring presence.
Significance proves that Blueburst is a project of substance. It forges a captivating musical path and leaves listeners eagerly anticipating more.
Blueburst on Bandcamp
 

Author ROB JANICKE talks SLACKER 1991, Teen Spirit, Angst and the Generation It Created

In what seems like a lifetime ago, I began the Abandoned Albums podcast with Rob Janicke, and we had a ton of fun doing it.
But then he went off to write his spectacular new book Slacker 1991, Teen Spirit, Angst and the Generation It Created.
Like Rob, I am of the generation he writes about and I found Slacker to be a great read. It's not only a great read about an era in American culture that has no shortage of interpretation, but the book also helped me understand the man I shared a mic with for about a year.
It’s Rob’s personal stories woven throughout the book that give Slacker a unique intimacy.
 

TAHLENA AND MIKE OF BITE ME BAMBI talk Ska, touring, and working with legends.

Bite Me Bambi, hailing from Orange County, California, is a dynamic ska band formed in 2018. This assembly of seasoned musicians brings a wealth of experience to their energetic sound, drawing inspiration from British two-tone and third-wave ska.
Bite Me Bambi infuses their sound with pop-punk energy and rockabilly flair, creating a distinctive musical identity. Their influences include iconic ska bands like The Specials and Madness, as well as punk and rock acts, allowing them to craft a unique fusion that you're sure to dig.
Tahlena and Mike stopped by Thunderlove Studio for a chat recently and we had a blast talking with them. Many thanks to their team and to Mike and Tahlena. 
LINKS
Bite Me Bambi Web
Bite Me Bambi YouTube
Bite Me Bambi on FB
Bite Me Bambi on Twitch
Bite Me Bambi on IG
Please support independent music.
 

DAYS BETWEEN STATIONS: Revitalizing Progressive Rock

Days Between Stations, the Los Angeles-based progressive rock duo of Sepand Samzadeh and Oscar Fuentes, has consistently pushed the boundaries of art rock since their debut in 2007. Blending the genre’s classic roots with contemporary creativity, they have become a vital force in modern progressive rock. Drawing inspiration from seminal acts like Yes, Genesis, and Marillion, the duo bridges the grandeur of the past with the innovation of the present.
Their latest album, Perpetual Motion Machines, exemplifies this tradition, weaving complex compositions with thematic depth. Similar to Genesis during the Peter Gabriel era, their music is theatrical, creating vivid, often surreal soundscapes imbued with emotional intensity.

MATT PATTON IS OUR BASS PLAYER #iykyk

This week, bass player Matt Patterson of The Drive-By Truckers, Laura Jane Grace, The Dexateens, and Model Citizen stops by Thunderlove Studio.

LONE JUSTICE - PART 3 of 3 - MARIA McKEE

Here is the last interview conducted with Lone Justice. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to listen to the first two episodes and our conversations with Marvin Etzioni and Ryan Hedgecock. 
Drummer Don Heffington passed in 2021, but through modern studio wizardry, he is an active participant in the "new to you" release Viva Lone Justice. 
These interviews have been released in the order in which they were conducted.
This last episode is our conversation with lead singer Maria McKee
Think of this as our Rashomon episode.

LONE JUSTICE - PART 2 of 3 - RYAN HEDGECOCK

Welcome to Day Two.
Over the next three days, we'll release three separate interviews with the surviving members of the band Lone Justice: Marvin Etzioni, Ryan Hedgecock, and Maria McKee.
Drummer Don Heffington passed in 2021, but through modern studio wizardry, he is an active participant in the "new to you" release Viva Lone Justice. 
They're being released in the order in which they were conducted.
This second episode is our conversation with guitar player Ryan Hedgecock.  
Think of this as our Rashomon episode.