Episodes
Episodes
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Episode 611 - Ryan Allen
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Ryan Allen, a multi-faceted musician from Detroit, Michigan, has been an active and influential figure in the music scene since the early 1990s. Allen has been a part of too many groups to mention, but here is a sampling: Destroy This Place, Friendly Foes, Red Shirt Brigade, Ryan + Jono, and Thunderbirds Are Now! Far from an exhaustive list, each of these bands showcased different facets of Allen's musical prowess and interests, ranging from indie and punk to hardcore and alternative rock
In 2011, Allen launched "Ryan Allen & His Extra Arms." What began as a solo project has evolved into a full-fledged band, now simply known as Extra Arms. This project allowed Allen to explore a more personal and memoir-esque musical style, reminiscent of post-hardcore troubadours like Ted Leo, and Bob Mould
Allen's music often reflects his personal life and experience, featuring songs about his family, friends, and his journey through music over the years. Allen has also been involved in the band BIG LIFE, a group of seasoned local musicians creating Melodic Hardcore music inspired by Dischord Records' "Revolution Summer" era. BIG LIFE's sound draws influence from bands like Dag Nasty, and Fugazi.
Ryan Allen's career illustrates a dedication to evolving and experimenting within the realm of music, making him a distinctive and respected figure in Detroit's rich musical landscape.
Well, we can now add writer to the list of things Ryan Allen excels at. In the Fall/Winter Edition of Remember the Lightning: A Guitar Pop Journal, Volume 2, Allen penned the piece “The Ties That Bind Hardcore Punk & Power Pop.”
Ryan stopped by Thunderlove Studio recently to chat with Keith about the article and the whole of his music career.
LINKS
Extra Arms
Big Life (band)
Speed Circuit (band)
Remember the Lightning: A Guitar Pop Journal Vol. 2
Thunderbirds Are Now
Bracken
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Episode 610 - Donny Dykowsky
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
In the saga of life, Donny Dykowsky has emerged as a seasoned combatant.
A champion, if you will.
The early two-thousands bore witness to Donny's heroic struggle for existence. It was a life-and-death duel, and during the arduous period of convalescence, ensconced in isolation, he embarked on the audacious endeavor of assembling a musical ensemble that would later be christened as Chesterwhite. Their debut drew comparisons to luminaries like David Bowie and T-Rex, infused with a dystopian tincture. The album wove a tapestry of a science-fiction odyssey, inspired by Donny's own life as a cancer survivor grappling with the tempestuous throes of a toxic relationship.
Simultaneously, Donny was cultivating a sterling reputation behind the scenes. He lent his songcraft to a diverse array of artists, and initiated a foray into the realm of bespoke musical compositions for television and commercials.
The astonishing journey of singer, songwriter, and producer Donny Dykowsky unfolds in a sequence of sonic metamorphoses. Having weathered the crucible of cancer, endured tumultuous relationships, and embraced the mantle of fatherhood, Donny emerges on the other side with a voice that is both vulnerable and brimming with vitality. His latest offering, the eponymous EP "Mirrors On The Moon," balances precariously on the precipice of psych-rock and harmonious American.
Donny joined Keith in Thunderlove Studio to have a chat.
This is their conversation.
LINKS
Mirrors on the Moon Band on the Web
MOTM on IG
MOTM on FB
MOTM on YouTube
MOTM on Spotify
MOTM on Bandcamp
MOTM on distrokid
Chesterwhite on Spotify
The Ski Team Productions
Alan Watts
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Chris Enriquez, a multifaceted artist known for his drumming prowess, stepped into the world of documentary filmmaking. Along with his Spotlights partner Mario Quintero, the two have created quite the evocative film with Hold On To A Time.
his captivating documentary serves as a heartfelt tribute to the first band Enriquez played for, the Long Island post-hardcore band, On The Might Of Princes, and their enduring musical legacy.
Hold On To A Time is a poignant exploration of the band's influential presence in the vibrant Long Island music scene. Enriquez and Quintero skillfully unravel the intricate web of relationships and emotions that fueled the band's creative fire, providing an intimate glimpse into their artistic journey.
Through interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, Hold On To A Time paints a vivid picture of the band's impact, not only on their local community but also on the broader music landscape. It's a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and the profound connections forged through music.
This documentary is a must-see for fans of On The Might Of Princes and anyone passionate about the transformative force of music.
This film is a heartfelt ode to a band whose music continues to resonate, proving that their legacy is, indeed, something to hold on to.
LINKS
On The Might Of Princes on Facebook
On The Might Of Princes Bandcamp
Hold On To A Time Documentary
Spotlights (band)
Chris Enriquez
Chris Enriquez YouTube
Snapshot of that Karrang article referenced
New York Magazine on the LI music scene
Revelation Records
Drive Thru Records
Sunny Day Real Estate
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Episode 608 - Shawna Potter
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Saturday Mar 23, 2024
Shawna's not content with just rocking the boat; she's flipping it over. She penned the gospel of transformation, "Making Spaces Safer." It's a Bible for event organizers, venue owners, and anyone who dares to challenge the status quo. Shawna's not just asking for change; she's delivering it, in black and white, on every page. This isn't just a book; it's the blueprint for creating environments that are free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Shawna Potter, a whirlwind of music, activism, and defiance, challenging the norms and pushing the boundaries of punk rock and feminism. Her story isn't just about the fusion of music and activism; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit of passionate, dedicated individuals, unyielding in their pursuit of positive change. Shawna Potter, a punk rock prophet of progress, and a relentless force for a better world.
She stopped by Thunderlove Studios recently to chat with Geoff and Keith about all of that.
LINKS:
Shawna online
War On Women Linktree
War On Women on Bandcamp
Fair Verona on Bandcamp
Making Spaces Safer Book
But Her Lyrics Podcast
War On Women FB
War On Women IG
Shawna Potter on IG
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Episode 607 - Dan Lord & Adam Guthrie of Pain and Salvo
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Pain was formed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1994 by friends Dan Lord, Mark "Pose" Milewicz, and Adam Guthrie. Guthrie was a guitarist-songwriter, Milewicz played bass guitar, and Lord became the band's songwriter and lead singer.
Pain played music variously described as pop punk, punk rock, and ska. However, in February 1997, lead singer Dan Lord took to the band's website to categorically deny that Pain was a ska band: "There are a lot of styles we emulate and ain't none of 'em from the island of Jamaica. So please, PLEASE, unless you're just havin' some fun with us, don't call us a ska band."
The band released four albums, toured the world, and produced original music for the mid-nineties reboot of the kids cartoon, Jabberjaw.
In 2000, while Pain was talking with interested record labels, Lord shut down Pain to pursue his religious calling. Lord received his Master of Theology from the University of Dallas, married, and became an author and father before reconnecting with Guthrie in 2018.
In the years leading up to 2018, Lord continued writing music and found that most of his new material was best suited as Pain songs. He and Guthrie agreed that these new tracks should be recorded and released. When Milewicz declined to return, Lord and Guthrie felt it was inappropriate to call the group Pain without one of its co-founders... and Salvo was born.
The new band released their first album, Off the Charts, in 2019. In August of 2022, Salvo released The Traveler.
Dan Lord and Adam Guthrie sat down with Geoff and Keith to talk about their career... and what's next for the band.
LINKS:
Salvo on Bandcamp
Salvo on Facebook
Salvo on Instagram
Salvo on YouTube
Salvo on the Web
History (so far) on Wiki
Dan Lord Newsletter
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Episode 606 - Karina Denike
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
You can't pigeonhole or stereotype Karina Denike. Don't even try.
Perhaps best known as the dynamic and talented vocalist of the renowned ska-punk band, Dance Hall Crashers, she's had a career that has seen her genre hop like Dr. Who time travels.
The Dance Hall Crashers quickly gained recognition in the ska and punk scenes with their infectious melodies and powerful live performances. Karina's captivating vocals and charismatic stage presence played a crucial role in defining the band's sound.
Over the years, Dance Hall Crashers released a string of successful albums, including Lockjaw and Honey, I'm Homely! Their music, a fusion of punk, ska, and pop, resonated with audiences and left an indelible mark on the California ska-punk scene.
Karina's contribution to the band extended beyond her vocal prowess. She was a driving force in crafting the band's lyrics, often delving into themes of love, empowerment, and self-discovery.
Her solo career is full of original tunes that are a haunting combo of 30's seaside shanties, 60's girl group harmony, and noir soundtracks. Karina also lends sher skills to bands like The Cottontails, Mr. Lonesome & The Bluebelles, Ralph Carney's serious jass Project, and is currently on tour with NOFX.
Karina stopped by to talk with Geoff and Keith about those days as a Dance Hall Crasher and everything she's done since.
LINKS
Karina's Web Site
Karina on Bandcamp
Karin on IG
Karina on Spotify
Dance Hall Crashers on Spotify
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Episode 605 - Rhythm Corps
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Wednesday Oct 04, 2023
Keith had the incredible opportunity to chat with 3/4 of the band Rhythm Corps - Michael Persh (vocals), Richie Lovsin (drums), and Greg Apro (guitars). This interview was a deep dive into their musical journey, creative process, and their work.
When they released their debut album Common Ground in 1988, it almost cost Keith his job as the assistant manager of Record World. Turns out his boss took issue with him playing the album 3 to 4 times a shift.
During our conversation, the guys explored the band's evolution, and the guys were candid and shared some great anecdotes about their inspirations, collaborations, and the challenges they faced in the rapidly changing industry of the 1980s.
The reason this album resonates so much with Keith (and now the rest of us around HQ) is that their dedication to crafting unique sounds and thought-provoking lyrics was, and remains, inspiring.
This album, and the band, are the reason we do Abandoned Albums. Rhythm Corps are the real deal.
This conversation with Rhythm Corps exemplified the power of music to spark important conversations and bring people together. All of us at Thunderlove HQ think that after you listen it's gonna leave you with a newfound appreciation for this remarkable band.
LINKS
Rhythm Corps on SpotifyRhythm Corps on FBRhythm Corps on IGSpencer Proffer Ben GrossThe RomanticsPasha Records
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Episode 604 - Darren Jessee
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Darren Jessee is a gifted singer-songwriter and troubadour whose captivating melodies and poignant lyrics have earned him a dedicated following in the world of indie and folk music.
Darren's songwriting prowess was evident as the drummer for the critically acclaimed band Ben Folds Five. The band's fusion of alternative rock and piano-driven pop produced hits like "Brick" and "Song for the Dumped," and gained the band a loyal fan base.
After he departed from Ben Folds Five, he formed the band Hotel Lights. Formed in 2000, Hotel Lights released a series of albums that allowed Jessee to explore his songwriting in greater depth. Hotel Lights' music, often characterized by its contemplative themes and heartfelt narratives, has struck a chord with fans who appreciate Jessee's ability to craft songs that are both introspective and universally relatable.
His enduring commitment to his craft and his ability to create music that touches the soul and speaks to the heart make him a respected figure in the singer-songwriter genre.
Darren stopped by Thunderlove Studio to chat with Keith about Hotel Lights, his solo career, and the release of his new album, Central Bridge.
LINKS
Darren Jessee on Bandcamp
Darren on Spotify
Hotel Lights on Spotify
Darren on IG
Darren on Bar None Records
Darren Jessee Linktree
Bar None Records
Bill Fox
The Jacobites Band
**Special thanks to Mark at Bar None Records**
Abandoned Albums
Think of it like Unsolved Mysteries... but for music.