Music Makers San Diego

In this episode, Gary talks with John Lowery about the start of his music journey, when & why he decided to pursue music, what it was about songwriting that made him want to become a songwriter & much more. John also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/johnlowerymusichttps://johnlowerymusic.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Scott Norgart & Stephen Mecham, of thePause, about their exposure to music growing up, how they met & how their partnership came about, what themes & topics they're drawn to most when writing & much more. Scott & Stephen also perform three of their original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/thepausesd

In this episode, Gary talks with Slack Key 'Ohana band members, Brian Witkin, Carol Witkin & Joe Witkin, about what they've been up to since being on the show nearly four years ago. They talk about the band's rotating cast of musicians, their new album & more. They also perform two new original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/slackkeyohana https://slackkeyohana.com https://pacificrecords.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Lauren Geis about her early introduction to music, who she was listening to when she started to acquire a taste of her own, how her songwriting has evolved since she started on her songwriting journey & much more. Lauren also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/laurengracegeis

In this episode, Gary talks with Raine Arcas about the artists who influenced them the most, what solidified their love for music, the most challenging part of the songwriting process for them & much more. Raine also performs three of their original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/rainearcasofficial

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Todd Higginson about what it was like growing up in the "Rock and Roll Capital of the World," the challenges he sees as an independent artist these days, the songwriter who influenced his songwriting style the most & so much more. Todd also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/toddhigginson_music

In this episode, Gary talks with Tad Ryan, of Disappointing Joseph, about how his classical piano training helped him with his music today, who is favorite songwriters are, the topics or themes he drawn to most when writing & much more. Tad also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/djbandsd https://djbandsd.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Kyle Luna, of Kyle Luna & The Moondogs, about his early beginnings in music with his father, his experience playing Eric Church's bar in Nashville, how he keeps his songs fresh & avoids repetetive themes & much more. Kyle also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/sdmoondogs https://www.kylelunamoondogs.com

In this episode, Gary talks with KISUI about how she came up with her stage name, how her background & heritage influences her songwriting, whether she writes for herself or a particular group of people or audience & much more. KISUI also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/soundkisui

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Shae Moseley of the band Perfect Weather For Humans about the music his parents turned him onto when he was younger, how the name for the band came about, his take on songwriting as a lifelong process & much more. Shae also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/perfectweatherforhumans https://www.perfectweatherforhumans.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Amber Rose & Sergio of the band, The Colour Monday, about Amber Rose's favorite singers, the importance of the other band members contributions to the songwriting process, breaking into the music scene here & much more. Amber Rose & Sergio also perform three of their original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/the.colour.monday https://thecolourmonday.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Jonathan Lee about who he was listneing to growing up & some of his major influences, what it was like playing open mics early on in his career, his songwriting process & much more. Jonathan also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/thejonathanleemusic

In this episode, Gary catches up with past guests, Robert & Zac Stickney, of the band ChickenHawk, to see what they've been up to since they were last on the show in 2024. The three talk about how the band has changed since then, their new album & more. Robert & Zac also perform two new songs from the album during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/chickenhawk_band

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Sutton James about the challenges he sees as an independent artist these days, his favorite type of venue to play, what themes or topics he's drawn to most when writing & much more. Sutton also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/suttonjamesmusic https://www.suttonjamesmusic.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Andy Robinson, of the Art Street Boys, about what inspired him to pursue music, some of his major influences, how his songwriting has evolved since he began his songwriting journey & much more. Andy also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/artstreetboys https://artstreetboys.org

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Joel Rafael about his first introduction to music, the impact Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan & Woody Guthrie had on him, writing protest songs & songs of social justice & much more. Joel also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/therealjoelrafael https://www.facebook.com/joel.rafael.939881 https://joelrafael.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Jon Bogdas about what prompted him to actually tackle being a songwriter, who he would credit with helping to shape his current sound the most, an example of how he tried to overcome getting stuck in the same chord progressions & much more. Jon also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/jonbogdasmusic

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Lauren Reznik about her biggest inspiration, advice she once received from her creative writing professor, the most challenging part of the songwriting process for her & much more. Lauren also performs three of her original songs during the conversation, accompanied on guitar by her bandmate, Jon Aycock. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/thelolorez https://laurenreznik.com https://www.instagram.com/drunctionalfunks

In this episode, Gary talks with Camille Sallave about her musical family, her first solo singing performance when she was in junior high school, her take on writing relatable songs & much more. Camille also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/camillesallave  

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Durell Anthony about how his being in the church band & choir when he was younger helped him get to where he is musically today, where he gets his inspiration from for his songs, his experience as a contestant on The Voice & much more. Durell also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/durellanthonysings https://www.durellanthony.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Shea Givens about how music was a big part of her life growing up, her musical heroes & influences, what themes or topics she's drawn to most when writing & much more. Shea also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/sheagivensmusic https://sheagivensmusic.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Dixie Maxwell about her time living in Nashville, who she would credit the most with influencing her sound & songwriting style, how songwriting is therapeutic for her & much more. Dixie also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/dixiemaxwell

In this episode, Gary talks with Deidre about how being in musical theater has impacted her to this day, what performing does for her on a personal level, what she likes most about songwriting & much more. Deidre also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/deidre.music

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Bobby Jameson & Derek Murphy from the band Crescent Blue about their first introduction to music, the band's songwriting process, what it was like to play the world famous Whiskey A Go Go & much more. Bobby & Derek also play three of their original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/crescent_blue_band

In this episode, Gary talks with Ms. Connie about her book of romantic erotic poetry, how she learned to express emotion through dancing, what she hopes to achieve through her songwriting & much more. Connie also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/ms.conniemusic

In this latest episode, Gary catches up with past guest Anna Ballew to see what she's been up to since she was first on the show. The two talk about why Anna moved back to Montana for a while, her upcoming album & more. Anna also performs two of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/anna_ballew_musichttps://www.annaballew.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Lee Coulter about the music his parents introduced him to, what the various accolades he's received means to him as an artist, what he does to get into the zone to write & much more. Lee also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/leecoulterhttps://www.leecoulter.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Tristan Brooks about what music does for him on a personal level, where he gets his inspiration from for his songs, the time of day when he's more creative & productive & much more. Tristan also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/tristan_brooks

In this episode Gary talks with Raena Jade about the first song she wrote, what it was like studying music at The New School in New York City, what she feels is the most rewarding part of the songwriting process & much more. Raena also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/raenajade

In this latest episode, Gary talks with David Beldock & Peggy Watson about how they became songwriting partners, who they would credit with helping to shape how they write, the philosophy behind their songs & much more. David & Peggy also perform three of their original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://beldockandwatson.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Brandon Dominguez, aka Some Guy Bran, about where is love for songwriting & storytelling comes from, what it was like to play in his mother's band at the age of 16, what he feels sets him apart from other songwriters & much more. Brandon also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/someguybranhttps://someguybran.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Claire King about her favorite era of music, how she came to write her first song, what setting suits her best for songwriting & much more. Claire also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/nobody_claires

In this episode, Gary talks with Steve Skiano about how he came to write 52 songs in a year, his work in the mental health field, where he draws his inspiration from for his songs & much more. Steve also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/steveskianomusichttps://steveskiano.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Kimiko about her experience going to the School of Rock, what one reviewer's comments about her entry in the NPR Tiny Desk Contest meant to her, what her first song was & how her songwriting has evolved since then & much more. Kimiko also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/kimiko_music

In this episode, Gary talks with John Katchur about his residency at Java Joe's in the early 90s, his song about a girl killed by a local California Highway Patrol officer, what he sees as a challenging part of the co-writing process & much more. John also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/johnkatchurhttps://johnkatchurmusic.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Jordan, aka Mangosauce, about how taking Polynesian dance when she was younger helped to shape how she views artistry, who she credits with influencing her current sound, how themes of sustainability & social justice factor into her songs & much more. Jordan also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/mangosauce_j

In this episode, Gary talks with Miro Imani about how his taste in music has changed over the years, how his guitar playing helps shape how he writes, his goal of writing a song a day for a year & much more. Miro also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/miroguy

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Paul Yoon about his favorite songwriters, his bachelor's degree in music, topics he likes to write about & much more. Paul also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/paulyoonmusichttps://paulyoon.bandcamp.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Kris & Marq Calabio, The Calabio Twins, about their first introduction to music, the band that helped to change the way they thought about music, how the songwriting process works for them & much more. Kris & Marq also perform two of their original songs as well as their spin & arrangement on a song from a band that has inspired them to make the kind of music they make.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://shorturl.at/0Tpzyhttps://calabiotwins.bandcamp.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Chris Avetta about her musical heroes, what helps her to come up with lines for songs, her project The Morning Room & much more. Chris also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/chrisavettahttps://www.instagram.com/themorningroommusic

In this episode, Gary talks with Max Doty, aka Maxwell The Great, about his first concert experience, what made him decide to drop his studies in environmental engineering, how he handles writer's block & much more. Max also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/maxwellthegreatmusichttps://www.maxwellthegreat.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Anna May about the music she listened to growing up & how her taste in music has changed, if any, over the years; why she prioritizes the lyrics over the melody, her love for the art of improvisation & much more. Anna also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/annamayfolkhttps://annamaymusic.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Eric Neilson about what he's been up to since he was first on the show a couple years ago, including his YouTube channel & Dharma Den Sessions, his vision for creating a new & innovative community based cannabis cafe for creatives & veterans, his new album & much more. Eric also performs two new songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/ericneilsonhttps://www.neilsonmusic.comhttps://www.instagram.com/dharmadensessions

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Jeff Brinkman about how music affects him on a personal level, his experience on season three of the X Factor, the three seasons of his creative process & much more. Jeff also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/jeffbrinkmanhttps://www.jeffbrinkmanmusic.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Bonnie Nicholls about what inspired her to be a songwriter, the monthly song circle she co-hosts, how her songwriting has evolved since she first started writing & much more. Bonnie also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/banichollshttps://bonnienichollsmusic.comhttps://www.birdsonatrain.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Sophie London about her experience at a Green Day concert, the first song she ever wrote, the best advice she's received about her songwriting & much more. Sophie also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/sophielondon

In this episode, Gary talks with Heatherlyn about how her spirituality transfers to her music, her work with the organization Peace Jam, what rituals she uses to get her into the zone to write & much more. Heatherlyn also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/heatherlynmusichttps://www.heatherlynmusic.comhttps://www.patreon.com/HeatherlynMusic

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Michael Gilas about why he put off his dream of making music until recently, what songwriters influenced the way he writes, how music & songwriting saved him after a near death experience & much more. Michael also performs three of his original songs during the conversation, accompanied on keyboard by Allan Phillips.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/michaelpaulgilashttps://michaelgilas.com

In this episode, Gary talks with Haley Montgomery, aka DALL, about her past involvement in the Christian music scene; her nonprofit, The Table Art Society; her songwriting process & much more. Haley also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/haleymontgomerymusichttps://www.instagram.com/what.a.dallhttps://thetableartsociety.com

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Derren Raser about when he discovered his musical voice, what song of his stands out as a turning point in his career, why his latest album was such a special project for him & so much more. Derren also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/derrenraserhttps://www.derrenraser.com