Outlier’s Joey on ‘Rock Superstar,’ Cypress Hill Collab & the Numbers Game

Join hosts Kevin Harris, Lisa Wills and Matt James for a candid, wide-ranging conversation with Joey from Outlier — a longtime guest who opens up about songwriting, band identity and the realities of today’s music business. The episode dives into Joey’s creative process, why he reimagined Cypress Hill’s "Rock Superstar," and how he preserved the original’s spirit while making it uniquely Outlier. Listeners will hear the backstory of the high-profile collaboration with Sen Dog and Hyro the Hero, plus a blow-by-blow of the music video shoot (from downtown Las Vegas to Red Rocks and a dried lake bed). Joey shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes about getting Sen involved, the quick, organic way the guest vocals came together, and the on-the-road camaraderie that shaped the shoot. The hosts and guest debate the industry’s obsession with streaming metrics and viral numbers versus old-school hard work — ticket sales, touring and building a grassroots fanbase. Key points include how playlisting and paid promotion distort charts, why live attendance still defines a band’s viability, and how Outlier approaches content and longevity without sacrificing creative integrity. Joey reflects on his past bands, the pitfalls of chasing trends, and his refusal to write to a formula — discussing tracks like "Living Dead" and newly released singles. He also previews Outlier’s 2026 plans, including the upcoming Midwest tour with Silent Theory and Discrepancies, more studio output, a possible international run, and the band’s decision to temporarily remove parts of their discography as they prepare new releases. Expect humor, honest industry critique and vivid road stories — from blizzard nights and broken axles to sold-out Cypress Hill crowds — plus a promise of special live moments (including a teased on-stage duet) and plenty of fan-focused insights about what it really takes to be a lasting act in rock today.