Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

Episode 702 - Mike Park talks Skankin' Pickle, Asain Man Records, and gives sound business lessons.

Now, for those of you who've been following the DIY music scene, Mike Park is a legend. His commitment to the integrity and spirit of indie music has shaped the careers of many and left an indelible mark on the industry. In today's episode, we'll unravel tales from his journey, and get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to run a record label right out of your mom's garage.
Mike's here to share the importance of staying connected with new music, his experiences with speaking engagements, and why a grab bag from his label might just be a collector's dream.
So, grab your headphones, settle in, and let's get ready to toast to the rich tapestry of the DIY ethos with our esteemed guest, Mike Park, as we peel back the layers of their musical odyssey. This is Abandoned Albums, where every record tells a story, and these stories might just change the way you listen to music forever.
Links:
Asian Man Records
Skankin Pink on Bandcamp
Asian Man Records on FB
Asian Man Records on IG

Episode 701 - "Disturbingly Honest" Unsilenced Spirit: King Iso on Mental Health, Incarceration, and Self-Discovery

King Iso's journey into the world of music started in the pews of his local church, a place where the early whispers of his talent began to echo off the walls. As a young boy drawn to the rhythmic dances of keys and organs, he found a mentor in the most unlikely of figures – a pastor who saw the spark within him and nurtured it by gifting him an organ from the church. This act of kindness set the boy on a path of self-discovery and self-education, as his fingers learned the language of music without formal training.
In time, King Iso's creative heart turned towards the art of words. Poetry was the gateway, a first step towards lyrical expression that laid the foundation for something more – something that beat not just in verses on a page but in the rhythm of songs. His older cousin, Mario, better known as Snake Lucci in the music circles, stepped in as both kin and guide, unveiling the secret world of bar structures and song composition.
As the curtain lifted and the studio lights came on, a pre-teen King Iso walked into a world that would come to define him. King Iso not only honed his craft but also found his voice – a voice that would go on to resonate with fans and fellow artists alike as he continues to carve out his kingdom in music.
LINKS
King Iso
King Iso on IG
Strange Music
King Iso on FB
King Iso on YouTube
King Iso on Spotify

Episode 612 -Jeff Eyrich

This week we chat with Jeff Eyrich, a renowned producer and musician whose influence in the music industry is profound and far-reaching. Jeff is known for his remarkable versatility and depth of knowledge, and he shared insights from his extensive career, providing a rare peak behind the curtain of the music business… all aspects of it.
Jeff and Keith chatted about his approach to both music and producing and his collaborations with a list of artists as varied as the pasta aisle at Trader Joe's. He shared more than one anecdote about the challenges and triumphs of working in the music industry.
Believe us when we tell you that Jeff's music career has touched you in one way or another. He has quite literally, done it all - including being one of the reasons that this very podcast exists. True story!
Links:
Jeff on Bandcamp
Jeff on IG
Jeff on the web
Jeff's Handpicked Spotify Playlist

Episode 611 - Ryan Allen

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

Episode 610 - Donny Dykowsky

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

Episode 609 - Drummer extradoinaire Chris Enriquez chats about his first band, On The Might Of Princes, and the new doc.

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
 

Episode 608 - Shawna Potter

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

Episode 607 - Dan Lord & Adam Guthrie of Pain and Salvo

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