Music Life Radio

We speak to director and producer Corbett Redford of the documentary TURN IT AROUND: THE STORY OF EAST BAY PUNK which spans over 30 years of the California Bay Area’s punk music history with a central focus on the emergence of Berkeley’s inspiring 924 Gilman Street music collective. Narrated by Iggy Pop and executive produced by Green Day, Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk is the definitive telling of this vibrant story, drawing from a wide variety of voices and viewpoints and featuring the music of many of the most famous and infamous punk bands ever. Corbett talks about how he got the job to direct and produce this film, the trials and tribulations in putting it all together over 3 and a half year period, the people who helped him on this journey, and his personal highlights of making the film.  We also talk a bit about his background in growing up in Pinole, his role as father (he has a two year old son), and his band Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits (see MLR 030 and 031). TURN IT AROUND FILM CREW AT WORK – Photo by Robert Eggplant Anna Lewis, Steve List, Corbett Redford, and Anthony Marchitiello after Steve’s interview – Photo by Robert Eggplant Credits: “MLR Intro Theme” by “Rob McCann“, “Tear it Down” by “Visitor 42“, “Pac-Man and Pop Tarts” by “Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits” Video: The post 122 – Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Johnny Truant is the vocalist for the band The Truants, a self-described “SAN FRANCISCO BASED POST-PUNK/WEIRDO ROCK BAND. WE ARE QUEER, DARK AND CONFRONTATIONAL, YET MOTIVATED BY THE JOY OF ROCK N ROLL. WE WILL MAKE YOU DANCE. WE WILL MAKE YOU SWEAT. WE WILL MAKE YOU QUESTION YOUR SEXUALITY.” Johnny talks with MLR’s Erik Core about his life story including his musical history, intrigue with the androgynous rock star archetype, gender transition, and what it’s like to be in a band with his own father. Plus we listen to a couple of great tracks from The Truants forthcoming album, yet to be released. Johnny Truant Guitar: Khalil Sullivan, Drums: Estaybahn, Vocals: Johnny Truant, Bass: Colin Wild Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “Wasted Youth” by “The Truants“, “Millennial” by “The Truants” The post 121 – The Many Transitions of Johnny Truant first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Frank Castro spent time in prison where he helped start an inmate-run music program. The power of music helped to change his life around by giving him something to care about, and other positive events soon followed.  Soon after he gets clean, earns an AA degree, and becomes a drug and alcohol counsellor. Frank is now out of prison, and rebuilding his life. Erik Core interviews Frank all about his Rock and Roll Redemption. Organization’s like “Jail Guitar Doors” bring music equipment to prisoners. Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann”, “Octoblues” by “Kevin MacLeod“, “Mountains on the Moon” by Antony Castro. The post 120 – Rock & Roll Redemption: Frank Castro first appeared on Music Life Radio.

He Who Cannot Be Named has been playing punk rock for over 25 years, most of that time with the punk rock band “Dwarves”. An original member of this San Francisco based combo, he wrote or cowrote many of their songs, was voted guitarist of the year by Flipside Magazine in 1991, but he is perhaps mostly known for his unusual stage wear, or lack thereof. His trademark look can best be described as  “naked and wearing a mask”. He Who Cannot Be Named released his first solo album in 2010 entitled “Sunday School Massacre” and has been performing his own style of short, fast and funny punk ever since with his own band.  The He Who Cannot Be Named band is currently made up of local bay area musicians Keith Mueller (Bite), Mark Adams (Black Furies) and Mike Wampler.  In this special Halloween episode we listen to the band perform live at MLR San Francisco studios, with interview segments sandwiched in between songs conducted by Erik Core. Mark Adams, Keith Mueller, He Who Cannot Be Named, Mike Wampler Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann”, “Hate Song“, “Happy Suicide“, “Lucky Tonight“, “Beautiful Disease“, and “Satan is a Friend of Mine” by “HeWhoCannotBeNamed” The post 119 – HeWhoCannotBeNamed first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Tia Carroll is a singer from Richmond, California, and has been performing the blues, R&B, and soul music for many years. She has often been compared to legendary female singers Tina Turner, Koko Taylor, and Aretha Franklin but she still has her own unique style and sound. She can often be found playing festivals and supper clubs with her band throughout the Bay Area and beyond. She has toured the world, playing places such as Switzerland, Italy, Estonia, and Brazil. She is the recipient of multiple awards for blues and R&B including West Coast Female Blues vocalist of the year 2007, and the Jus Blues Music Foundation’s Traditional Blues Woman Of The Year 2008 and Band Leader of the Year in 2009, and R&B vocalist of the year 2011. In 2012 she wowed the judges and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Corporate Band competition and won best vocalist.  Music Life Radio’s Dan Sauter talks with Tia about her musical career including her family history with music, a stint as a radio disc jockey, her MANY bands, tours, awards and accolades. Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann”, “They Call it Animal” by “Tia Carroll“, “2 Drink Minimum” by “Tia Carroll“, “Had Your Love” by “Tia Carroll“, “The Bluesiest Woman” by “Tia Carroll” The post 118 – The Blusiest Woman: Tia Carroll first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Chris Korp sits down with Music Life Radio’s Erik Core to discuss the “legend” of the band Slackbone. Slackbone was a Bay Area punk rock band formed by a group of baggage handlers, after purchasing instruments from their local music shop who was holding a going out of business sale. The first incarnation featured Wayner (lead vocals),  Suzanne Kimmel (bass), Con Shegeleff (drums), and Chris Korp (guitar, vocals). Slackbone was known for their high energy brand of punk rock, and outrageous costumes. They were one of the featured bands at the Nightbreak in the Haight Ashbury district of San Francisco for many years in the late 90’s. Chris Korp and Erik Core Slackbone Credits: Music Life Radio intro by “Rob McCann”, “Moving On”, “No God“, “Take No Prisoners” and “Big J M” by “Slackbone”. The post 117 – Slackbone: Chris Korp first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Ben Bongers (an opera tenor featured in Opera Stories: Ben Bongers – MLR 051) returns to Music Life Radio and speaks with Erik Core about his adventures while performing in China. The winner of Chinese Idol (yes, the Chinese version of American Idol) had heard Ben singing in San Francisco and wanted him to come to China to share the stage with her. The performance was held in the Bird’s Nest, which is a former Olympic venue, and was broadcast to over 1 billion people! Ben talks about his experience, which included meeting the president of China, Xi Jinping, in a German beerhall. Ben Bongers and Friends in China Arrival in China at 5PM in the Afternoon. Hello Smog! Ben Bongers Master Class Banner German Beer Hall Sign For more pictures of his china trip, view Ben Bonger’s Facebook timeline circa Nov 2013. Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann”,  “Nessun Dorma from Giacomo Puccini‘s opera Turandot” performed by “Ben Bongers”, “La Donna e Mobile from Giuseppe Verdi‘s opera Rigoletto” performed by “Ben Bongers“ both recorded live at Music Life Radio Studios.The post 116 – Ben Goes to China first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Timekode is the solo project of a maverick of a woman called DENI. Deni is a Producer, songwriter, composer, arranger, video artist, record company owner & author. Deni received a bass guitar from Marc Bolan (T.Rex) as a kid, and started off playing bass and singing in more traditional bands (Wildfire, the Lulu Boys, Mistress), but soon grew interested in incorporating electronic instruments and synthesized voices into her music. She formed a futuristic computer-based, electronic band, featuring robots, dance, graphics & music (LeLuLus), which received vast media coverage for playing in people’s living rooms, and culminating in a gig at The Royal Albert Hall with New Order. She is a pioneer in the use of singing machines, voice simulators, and human voice blends, and use of robots in live performances. In this interview Deni narrates the story of her early life, and then a voice simulator asks the remaining questions for Music Life Radio! Deni / Timekode Deni and Marc Bolan Deni in the band Mistress Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann”, “C’Mon Now” by “Deni” on MoxieMix album, “Tell Him” performed by “Wildfire”, “Boom Boom” by “The Lulu Boys”, “Africa” by “Le Lulus”, “In The Year 2525” by “Timekode“, “You’ve Broken Thru” by “Timekode” “Fire” by “Timekode” The post 115 – Timekode: Deni first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Pete Townsend and Stephen Carter Hicks Stephen Carter-Hicks is a classically trained singer who found his calling in the world of cabaret.  Starting his career in show business through his talents as a wig and hair master, he worked on Broadway productions such as Tommy but soon found himself on the stage in performances like Cats.  He found his passion in cabaret performance and has gone on to record albums, and produce and star in several shows.  In part two of the interview, Erik Core talks to Stephen about his career in show business, and what’s going on for Stephen these days. Biography: Broadway performer and cabaret artist Stephen Carter-Hicks has toured the United States and the world sharing his voice and stories while delighting audiences from here to Istanbul. Steven has worked on Broadway for many years, also touring the United States four times with three different Broadway shows; not only did he work on stage, but backstage as well as a wig Master, though singing is his first love! He started his training as a singer from the womb of his mother singing in churches all across the country. Stephen was absorbing his musical gifts and he came out singing! From day one he sang from church to church, from high school to high school, and college; where he majored in music at Cincinnati Conservatory of music and then went out to study with the great Chloe Owen in Boston at Boston University and kabuki theater with the great Shozo Sato. Steven’s latest adventure has been working with Cirque de Soleil for the past seven years in Las Vegas where he was wig master for the show Zumanity, as well as the vocal coach for many of the eight shows artists. While pursuing his dream of singing cabaret all over the country and recording three CDs which are out now, he is currently working on a fourth album. You can find his music at: CD Baby, iTunes, and Amazon. His newest adventure is working with the internationally reclaimed artist Nick Dong. They have pieces that were in the Smithsonian Institute now in the International Museum in Taiwan. Who knows where these vocal chords will take him next? Stephen Carter Hicks, Nick Dong, and Howard Breitbart Stephen in makeup (Cats) Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann“, “Improbable” intro music by “Kevin MacLeod“, “When the Boys Come Home“, “When I Have Sung My Songs To You“,  all performed by “Stephen Carter-Hicks” (vocals) and “Howard Breitbart” (piano) from “Step Into My Parlor“The post 114 – Step Into My Parlor: Stephen Carter-Hicks (2/2) first appeared on Music Life Radio.

 Stephen Carter-Hicks is a classically trained singer who found his calling in the world of cabaret.  Starting his career in show business through his talents as a wig and hair master, he worked on Broadway productions such as Tommy but soon found himself on the stage in performances like Cats.  He found his passion in cabaret performance and has gone on to record albums, and produce and star in several shows.  In part one of the interview, Erik Core talks to Stephen about his childhood, his love of singing, and his early career in show business. Biography: Broadway performer and cabaret artist Stephen Carter-Hicks has toured the United States and the world sharing his voice and stories while delighting audiences from here to Istanbul. Steven has worked on Broadway for many years, also touring the United States four times with three different Broadway shows; not only did he work on stage, but backstage as well as a wig Master, though singing is his first love! He started his training as a singer from the womb of his mother singing in churches all across the country. Stephen was absorbing his musical gifts and he came out singing! From day one he sang from church to church, from high school to high school, and college; where he majored in music at Cincinnati Conservatory of music and then went out to study with the great Chloe Owen in Boston at Boston University and kabuki theater with the great Shozo Sato. Steven’s latest adventure has been working with Cirque de Soleil for the past seven years in Las Vegas where he was wig master for the show Zumanity, as well as the vocal coach for many of the eight shows artists. While pursuing his dream of singing cabaret all over the country and recording three CDs which are out now, he is currently working on a fourth album. You can find his music at: CD Baby, iTunes, and Amazon. His newest adventure is working with the internationally reclaimed artist Nick Dong. They have pieces that were in the Smithsonian Institute now in the International Museum in Taiwan. Who knows where these vocal chords will take him next? Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann“, “Midday Dance” intro and outro music by “Kevin MacLeod“, “Morning“, “Summer Night“, “On The Road to Mandalay“, “Precious Lord (Traditional)“, and”Waltz of my Heart” all performed by “Stephen Carter-Hicks” (vocals) and “Howard Breitbart” (piano) from “Step Into My Parlor”  The post 113 – Step Into My Parlor: Stephen Carter-Hicks (Part 1) first appeared on Music Life Radio.

David Denny is a guitar maestro, singer, songwriter and recording engineer.  He was a founding member of the 60’s psychedelic band Frumious Bandersnatch, went on to play guitar in the Steve Miller Band  on and off for several years (writing one of the band’s hit’s with the song “The Stake” (Nobody Loves You Like the Way That I Do), and also serving as both road manager and guitar tech for the band.  He has also recorded a couple of solo records (Diesel Harmonics, Louisiana Melody), worked on film scores, recorded songs with his wife Katy Peck (as The Winds of Lyon) and recorded live performances of many great acts.  David talks to Music Life Radio and shares many great stories, and we listen to recordings throughout his musical journey.   Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann“, “Something’s Wrong This Time” by “The Winds of Lyon“, “Swaying” by “Frumious Bandersnatch“, “The Stake” by “Steve Miller Band“, “Walk On the Wild Side” by “David Denny“, “If I Could Get Some Sleep” by “David Denny“, “The Day is Winding Down” by “The Winds of Lyon“, “So Far So Good” by “David Denny“. The post 112 – Diesel Harmonic: David Denny first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Kevin Allison is the host of RISK! – a live show and podcast “where people tell true stories they never thought they’d dare to share”.  We found about this podcast and started binge listening to every episode. It’s a great mix of hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking stories that feature a range of people including famous comedians, to first-time storytellers.  One listener said “If you are looking for stories that SHOCK YOU INTO BEING HUMAN again… this is the place.”  And that about sums it up. Music is a huge part of the podcast, often setting the mood during the radio-style stories, or capturing the essence of the tale as a segue between stories. We talk to Kevin about his transition from being a member of the legendary TV sketch comedy troupe The State into honest storytelling. We also discuss how he started the Risk! Podcast, about the companion business The Story Studio, how music is important to him personally and how he uses it within the podcast, and about his bright future! We recommend you check out one of the Best Of…Risk Podcasts.  #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8! Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann“, “Pyro Flow” by “Kevin MacLeod“, “Risk Theme” by “Wormburner and John Sondericker“, “Story” by “My Deer“.  Also see Best of Risk Music #9 Podcast featuring other great bands including Clemency, Mansions on the Moon, The Brave Kind, and Rayland Baxter. The post 111 – Risk: Kevin Allison first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Jem Godfrey is an Ivor Novello Award winning, BAFTA nominated musician and composer. He wrote and/or produced numerous top 10 hits with various pop acts during the 2000s and also scored four number 1 records across the world, spending a combined total of 8 weeks at the top of the UK charts alone. Most recently Jem co-produced 4 tracks for the “Finding Neverland” album based on the songs featured in the new hit Broadway musical starring Kelsey Grammar featuring Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Nick Jonas, Bon Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, John Legend and Rita Ora. Frost* are a four piece band from the UK featuring Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson), Jem Godfrey (Joe Satriani), Nathan King (Level 42) and John Mitchell (Lonely Robot). They have won no awards, have a prodigiously slow work rate and have split up twice. Frost are currently working on a third album due for release during the second quarter of 2016.   Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann“, “Hyperventilate” by “Frost*“, “Heartstrings” by “Frost*“, “Black Light Machine” by “Frost*“, “The Dividing Line” by “Frost*” The post 110 – Frost*: Jem Godfrey first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Danny Lobell is a standup comedian, and host of Modern Day Philosophers podcast. He was the host and founder of the influential Comical Radio show, the first comedy podcast started in 2004 which interviewed hundreds of comedians. In 2012, Danny closed the doors on the program and moved to L.A to grow as a comedian. We interviewed Danny back in 2010 but a lot has changed so we thought we would bring him back on the show to get an update on his life, and hear about his latest podcast.     Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann”, “All of Me” written by  “Gerald Marks” and “Seymour Simons“, performed by “Sidney Bechet“, “Begin the Beguine” written by “Cole Porter” and performed by “Artie Shaw” The post 109 – Modern Day Philosopher: Danny Lobell first appeared on Music Life Radio.

 “Disco” Donnie Lemmon, a veteran of the NW music scene, and founding member of “the Hardcount” “Guns of Nevada” and “Jack the Hotrod”. He is also in “Creedence Rising”, a tribute band to Creedence Clearwater Revival, and has branched out into a solo project called “LEMMON”.  MLR Producer Dan Sauter grew up in Kent WA with Donnie, and the two reconnect after nearly 25 years to talk about Donnie’s musical career, from his early days playing covers, to his many original bands.  We hear many great stories, and listen to lots of great music throughout his experience during the interview. Upcoming gigs: Lemmon plays July 31st at Tims Tavern in Seattle. Creedence Rising plays July 11 in Sumner WA at Gordon and Purdy’s and July 18 in Everett (private event) and Aug 8th at Jazzbones in Tacoma. Guns on Nevada plays August 7th at Jazzbones in Tacoma Lemmon Band Guns of Nevada Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “Thrill” by “Jack the Hotrod“, “Wasted” by “Lemmon“, “Pig Like That” by “Jack the Hotrod“, “Church of Bloody Mary” by “Guns of Nevada“, “Satisfied” by “Lemmon“, “Dead Friends” by “the Hardcount” The post 108 – Disco Donnie Lemmon first appeared on Music Life Radio.

MLR talks to Singer/songwriter duo Mat Dauzat and Heather St. Marie, aka Dauzat St. Marie who have just released their debut EP “Falling Again”  We talk to the pair about growing up in Louisiana, forming their band Hydrovibe, the move to Los Angeles, and about the trials and tribulations of working musicians in this digital age. We also listen to and discuss the tracks on the new EP. Heather has a powerful voice, channeling Ann Wilson from Heart with a dash of Maynard James Keenan of Tool, while Mat can play any stringed instrument with the grace and skill of a professional dancer or hungry wild tiger, depending on the song. Credits: “MLR Theme” by Rob McCann, “Time Slips Away” (intro loop) by “Dauzat St. Marie“, “Fifteen Minutes” by “Hydrovibe“, “Watch Me Go” by “Dauzat St. Marie“, “Sinking Down” by “Dauzat St. Marie“, “Falling Again” by “Dauzat St. Marie“, “Time Slips Aways” by “Dauzat St. Marie” The post 107 – Falling Again: Dauzat St. Marie first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Tracy Nelson is a singer who has a voice as deep as any mountain, and a soul as wide as any river. Most well known for her role in folk rock band Mother Earth from San Francisco, she harvests a rich history in rock, blues, and country, and is one of our treasured American assets.  She has been performing music for over 50 years, has 24 albums, received 2 grammy nominations, recorded and performed with several industry legends, and has a whole bunch of great stories.        Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann“, “Matt’s Blues” by “Kevin MacLeod“, “Mother Earth” performed by “Mother Earth“, “After the Fire is Gone” performed by “Tracy Nelson and Willie Nelson“, “You Don’t Know Nothing About Love” by “Marcia Ball, Tracy Nelson, and Irma Thomas”, “Living the Blues” by “The Blues Broads – Dorothy Morrison, Tracy Nelson, Angela Strehli, Annie Sampson“, “Down So Low” by “Tracy Nelson”   The post 106 – Mother Earth: Tracy Nelson first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Marco Thiede is the author of “Human Punk For Real”, the auto-biography about his discovery of punk rock music, and how it shaped his life.  Marco grew up in Germany and describes his experiences  from the late 1970’s until today, where he has relocated to from Germany to Vallejo, California. He continues to travel back to England, and his homeland of Bremen, to experience punk culture and music.  Erik Core interview Marco about his lifelong love of punk music, what inspired him at an early age, the brutality of the scene in Germany where he lived, and how he feels about modern punk. We also listen to some samples from some of Marco’s favorite bands.        Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann, “1-800 Punk” by “rightbeatradio.com“, “Ballroom Blitz” by “The Sweet“, “Bullshit Propaganda” by “Extreme Noise Terror“, “Human Punk” by “The Ruts“, “Polizei SA SS” by “SLIME“. The post 105 – Human Punk: Marco Thiede first appeared on Music Life Radio.

 Speed Vincent from the modern rock band SilverTung is on the show. SilverTung have recently released a new version of their song “Never Too Late”, produced by David Ivory and mastered by Ted Jensen, and it just hit the Billboard mainstream rock charts!  We talk to Speed about how he got into music, how he formed SilverTung, and we talk all about their latest album “Devil’s in the Details”. Speed shares a lot of great stories about his musical origins, the band, the road, and making great music. SilverTung hail from Maryland, and are Speed – Lead Vocals/Guitar, Code Red – Lead Guitar, Skoot – Bass Guitar, and Danno – Drums.   Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann”, “Never Too Late (instrumental)” by “SilverTung“, “Never Too Late” by “SilverTung“, “Daddy’s Little Girl” by “SilverTung“, “I Don’t Care” by “SilverTung“, “Coming Alive” by “SilverTung” The post 104 – SilverTung: Speed Vincent first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Ginger Coyote started the fanzine Punk Globe in July 1977, which started as photocopied pages but soon went to print media, and the magazine continues to this day in an online format.  She is also the singer in the punk band White Trash Debutantes which debuted in 1989. We talk to Ginger about her punk roots and the early San Francisco punk scene in the 1970’s, including a conversation about the Pope of Punk, Dirk Dirksen, who ran the bands at the legendary Mabuhay Gardens. Ginger talks about Punk Globe, and what it takes to put out a monthly magazine.  She also talks about the history of White Trash Debutantes, and we listen to many entertaining stories, especially one involving meeting G.G. Allen for the first time with Jello Biafra.     Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “She’s the Boss” by “White Trash Debutantes“, “Bad in Bed” by “White Trash Debutantes“, “He Nick, You Did Okay” by “White Trash Debutantes“, “Part Time Celebrity” by  “White Trash Debutantes” The post 103 – White Trash Debutante: Ginger Coyote first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Steve Ricablana is well known as the bass player for the seminal San Francisco punk band VKTMS. The band formed in 1978, and no other band played the fabulous Mabuhay Gardens more than the VKTMS, but after a stalled attempt to get on a record label in the early 80’s, the VKTMS split up and Steve went on to culinary school. He went on to serve as a chef in some world class restaurants in San Francisco and New York including Masas, ,Chez Panisse , and Donald Trump’s University Club. Steve eventually got back into music, with a foray into Detroit Techno, and then back with the VKTMS when they reformed in the late 90’s after a new generation discovered their music.  Steve is also the founder and guitar player of the band Pleasure Parade. MLR’s Dan Sauter talks with Steve about his life experiences, the VKTMS, Pleasure Parade, and his other solo musical efforts.         VKTMS – John Binkov, Terry Morris, Sophie Vogel,, Steve Ricablanca, Lou Gwerder Pleasure Parade Early VKTMS – Nyna Crawford, Lou Gwerder, John Binkov, and Steve Ricablanca Credits: “Mo” by “VKTMS“, “A Woman Scorned” by “VKTMS“, “Mermaid in My Soup” by “Steve Ricablanca“, “Back in Black” by “Pleasure Parade“, “Outside Economy” by “VKTMS” The post 102 – Pleasure VKTM: Steve Ricablanca first appeared on Music Life Radio.

An interview with Ryan Camarda (filmmaker) and Kevin MacLeod (composer) about the making film about a composer whose music has been used in many, many, many videos. Royalty Free: The Music of Kevin MacLeod is a documentary about one composer and millions of videos. The film will discuss the vast reach of composer Kevin MacLeod and his practice of releasing his music “royalty free” which allows anyone to use his music for free, from the biggest Hollywood studios down to the simple folk of YouTube. We will discuss the history of Kevin’s website (Incompetech.com), his process of creating music, his business model, his impact on YouTube, interesting uses of his music, Creative Commons licensing, and his rise to prominence in a media landscape where for the first time, anyone can create media that can reach millions of people. Check out the kickstarter campaign here! Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann“, “Crunk Knight” by “MacLe0d”- Incompetech interview credits:  “Dirt Rhodes” by “Kevin MacLeod“, “Iron Horse” by “Kevin MacLeod“, “Exciting Trailer” by “Kevin MacLeod, “What You Want” by “Kevin MacLeod“, “Tafi Maradi” by “Kevin MacLeod“, “Tenebrous Brothers Carnival Act One” by “Kevin MacLeod“. Videos The post 101 – Royalty Free: Ryan Camarda & Kevin MacLeod first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Come celebrate with co-producers Dan Sauter, Erik Core, and Josh Almond on 100 episodes of Music Life Radio. We talk about what inspired us to start the podcast, how we find people to interview, and tell lots of inside and behind-the-scenes stories about many of the episodes from our past. We talk with some old friends of the program, listed to some new music, and we get ready for the next 100! This is the mother of all MLR podcasts, clocking in at 2 hours 48 minutes, and it’s still shorter than any of the Lord of the Rings movies!    Dan Sauter, Erik Core, and Josh Almond John Binkov Matt Blackett Jason Everman RIngo Starr, Ron Shock, Rhonda Shock Geoff Robinson The Berkeley Year by Jerry Beisler Kyle P Music Credtis: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann“, intro music “Happy Alley” by “Kevin MacLeod“, “Home to Oakland” by “Lisa Marie Johnston“, “Electric High” by “VKTMS“, “One Life” by “Kyle P and DJ Voz“, “The Long Goodbye” by “Lisa Marie Johnston”  The post 100 – Music Life Radio: One Hundred Episodes! first appeared on Music Life Radio.

  Al Lujan is a film-maker working on “CLN/SBR/PNX –True Stories of Chaos, Redemption, Hope and Punk Rock”, a documentary on sober punks, mostly musicians who share their experiences staying clean and sober in an environment that is not conducive to it. Erik Core talks to Al about his passion for punk rock, his road to recovery, and his desire to spread the word about CLN SBR PNX. Al Lujan, is a multidisciplinary artist originally from East Los Angeles residing in the East Bay. His first experimental short ‘S&M in the Hood’ was picked up for distribution by Frameline Distribution and has screened at film festivals across the country, Canada and Brazil. He is a recipient of San Francisco Arts Commission Cultural Equity Grant and the Nuevo Potrero Grant for his second short, ‘Corn in the Front Yard’, a comedic meditation on gentrification in San Francisco’s Mission District. His shorts stories have been published in over a dozen anthologies and publications with Simon & Schuster, Cleis Press, North Atlantic, Manic D Press. He has shown his visual art at the Oakland Museum of California, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Galeria de la Raza, Intersection for the Arts and the Sanders Gallery at San Jose State University. Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann“, “Life (Instrumental)” by “Dr. Know“, “My Side of Town” by “Roadside Bombs“, “Cliff Diving Naked on Acid” by “BITE“, “Silent Confessions” by “Instant Gratification” The post 099 – Al Lujan: CLN/SBR/PNX first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Glen Harris is a radio producer and award winning broadcaster for 1340 AM KWLE (The Whale) in Anacortes, WA.  We talk to Glen about the art of radio production, engineering, and broadcasting, and his love for voice over work.  We also hear many stories from his bass playing days in bands such as Otis Elevator and the Shafts, Echo Canyon, Cross Current Orchestra, and many others. An accomplished musician, Glen was playing in nearly a dozen bands when he burned out his chops and made the switch to a career in radio in the mid-nineties.  Host Dan Sauter grew up with Glen, and they reminisce about their days of playing dungeons in dragons in the attic of a church, and staying up late at night watching music videos.   Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “ZUTT (CWU Sports Theme)” Intro by CWU Jazz Band, “Soul Fish” by “Otis Elevator and the Shafts”, “Born to Boogie” by “Echo Canyon”, “The Sound of Chevron” by “Jason Mahoney”, “Track 8” by “The Cross Current Orchestra”, “Sebo’s Hardware Commercial” by “Glen Harris”, “It’s Alright By Me” by “Vance Palm and The Cross Current Orchestra”  The post 098 – Radioguy: Glen Harris first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Chris Wade is an author, songwriter, and primary architect of Dodson and Fogg, a progressive folk recording project featuring an impressive lineup of musicians that help showcase his songwriting talents. He is the author of several nonfiction books about the music of Black Sabbath, The Incredible String Band, and the Kinks among others, and several fiction books including the “Cutey trilogy”. Chris also runs the magazine Hound Dawg which features interviews with musicians, and hosts a companion podcast of the same name. Dodson And Fogg has been called lots of things such as acid folk, psychedelic folk rock and prog folk but Chris prefers to think of himself as a songwriter and Dodson and Fogg as the vehicle for his varied ideas.  There have been  appearances by Nik Turner (Hawkwind) and the great Celia Humphris, of folk legends Trees.       Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “After the Fall” (intro music) by “Chris Wade“, “The Call” (background music) by “Chris Wade“, “Sweet Lily Rose” by “Chris Wade“, “You’re an Island” by “Chris Wade“, “Mystery” by “Chris Wade“, “Lord Above” by “Chris Wade“, “I Remember” by “Chris Wade” Videos The post 097 – Dodson and Fogg: Chris Wade first appeared on Music Life Radio.

David Snowden of David Snowden Promotions, Inc. which does management and marketing of fan clubs, merchandise, license deals, and promotion of entertainment artists, including graphic design work is our guest today on Music Life Radio.  David has worked with many artists including Kiss, Joan Jett, Vinnie Vincent, White Lion, Nelson, Vixen, Britny Fox, LA Guns, Icehouse, Y&T, Dio, just to name a few, although the official list is much longer.  Dan Sauter and Erik Core co-host this “fanscinating” interview with David Snowden. David Snowden and Ace Frehley Vinnie Vincent Invasion Fan Club Package 1986 The Alex and Vinnie Tour Bus Picture Credits: Intro “Shoot You Full of Love” Demo by “Vinnie Vincent Invasion” featuring “Mark Slaughter” on vocals, “It’s My Life” rare demo from 1982 by “Kiss“,  “Girlschool” demo by “Britny Fox“, “Coming Alive” by “Silvertung“, “”Shoot You Full of Love” Demo by “Vinnie Vincent Invasion” featuring “Mark Slaughter” The post 096 – Promotions: David Snowden first appeared on Music Life Radio.

CJ is the soon-to-be new owner and proprietor of Winter’s Tavern in Pacifica, CA.  Winter’s website tagline “No, Really, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC!” is no lie, they feature independent, original live music acts weekly. It’s the new happening spot in the Bay Area to catch some great live music, and kick back to some excellent independent beers and spirits, and most are brewed and distilled by local California or Oregon establishments.  CJ has a rich history of working in the restaurant and bar business, which he discusses in detail, with plenty of amazing stories along the journey.  He also talks about becoming a new father, wanting to lay down some roots in the Bay Area, and how he became owner of Winter’s Tavern.  We also talk to CJ about his love of music. Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “King of the World (Instrumental)” by “Gunpowder“, “Dynamite Tears” by “Gunpowder“The post 092 – Winter’s Tavern: CJ first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Matt Stevens is a musician and composer from North London. An instrumental artist, he uses an acoustic guitar and sampler to create multi layered tracks live. This is often called Live Looping. His music has been described as “a guitar orchestra”. He plays live all over the UK and listens to Sonic Youth, Carcass, Nick Drake, Cardiacs and King Crimson. Josh Almond of Music Life Radio interviews Matt, and they discuss his new solo album Lucid, his band The Fierce and the Dead, and the many aspects of his music and unique approach to guitar born out of necessity to create new sounds with existing equipment.   Matt Stevens recent gigs include opening for RM Hubbert, Jon Gomm, Mike Keneally, Colin Edwin, Thomas Leeb etc. He has released 3 albums Echo in 2008, Ghost in 2010 and Relic in 2011. His 4th solo album Lucid has just been released by Esoteric/Cherry Red Records and features guest appearances from members of King Crimson, Knifeworld, Frost, Naked Truth, Crippled Black Phoenix and more . His music has been a “word of mouth” success thanks to the support of hundreds of bloggers and podcasters. Supportive press in Prog, Guitar Player, Rock-A-Rolla, Acoustic and many more. Radio play includes BBC 6 Music (Gideon Coe), Resonance FM, Echoes (US) and numerous digital and web stations. He also plays guitar in the instrumental band The Fierce And The Dead and writes a column for Acoustic Magazine. Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “Ghost” by “Matt Stevens“, “Ark” by “The Fierce and the Dead“, “Frost” by “Matt Stevens“, “The Bridge” by “Matt Stevens“  The post 095 – Lucid: Matt Stevens first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Ralph Spight is a master guitarist, singer-songwriter, and best known for his work in the band’s Victim’s Family, The Freak Accident, and Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine. After taking a guitar lesson from Ralph, Erik Core interviews him about his bands, approach to music, working with Jello Biafra, stories from the road, the secrets of great bands, and the what music means to him. Victims Family is a hardcore punk band formed in 1984 in Santa Rosa, California by bassist Larry Boothroyd and guitarist and vocalist Ralph Spight. Drummer Devon VrMeer completed the trio. Their sound blended punk, heavy metal and jazz, making them difficult to categorize into a single genre. Allmusic says, “since its inception, the trio has refused to be pigeonholed to any single musical style — incorporating elements of hardcore punk, jazz, funk, hard rock, and noise into its challenging sound.” They were known as one of the most musically diverse bands in the San Francisco, California underground music scene. Over the years, Victims Family went through four drummers and two breakups. Their name was taken by a piece by cartoonist B. Kliban. Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine is a punk rock band led by Jello Biafra. Catch Ralph on facebook.   Credits: “Tissue Sample” by “The Freak Accident“, “Crap” by “Victim’s Family“, “The Brown Lipstick Parade” by “Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine“, “Never Going Back to Petaluma” by “The Freak Accident“, “Mousetrap” by “Victim’s Family“, “Luv Letters” by “Victim’s Family” Have a Nice Day – Victims Family from Jerrold Ridenour on Vimeo. The post 094 – Guitar Ninja: Ralph Spight first appeared on Music Life Radio.

The band Gunpowder talks about their third album, Songs of the Resistance, out now and available for free on their website.  Music Life Radio’s own Dan Sauter and Erik Core, aka Doc Sauter (Guitar) and Major Erik Core (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), along with Pancho Lamonte (Drums), and Al Yippikayda (Bass) sit down to a round table discussion to talk about each song on the new album.  After each song is discussed, we listen to a sound bite of the song. The band also talks about their unique recording process, their favorite moments, inspiration behind the songs, and more. Gunpowder describes their music as “Far Western Punk Rock“, mixing political and social commentary, people’s power, and other messages to bring about positive change.  The new album brings back the classic album concept, where the songs are interconnected and tell a rich and interesting story of our times. Gunpowder Live at Winter’s Tavern 2014  Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann”, all other songs from “Songs of the Resistance” from “Gunpowder” The post 093 – Songs of the Resistance: Gunpowder first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Carlos Daniel Ayala aka Carlos Guitarlos is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player extraordinaire. He picked up the guitar at age 10 back in 1960 and started writing songs, and has written over 7,000 and counting. He was the guitarist for Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs, a well known L.A. scene club band back in the 80’s, that jammed often with Ray Manzerik of the Doors, and inspired the song Top Jimmy by Van Halen.  Throughout the 90’s and into the new millennium, Carlos could be found paying his dues on the streets of San Francisco, where he has become a street-corner legend, playing guitar to earn his keep. As a result of his hard living, Carlos landed in a San Francisco hospital fighting for his life with congestive heart failure, which led him to write the album Straight from the Heart (the title track was written from his hospital bed). That experience, combined with the alcohol-related death of his friend and former band-mate, Top Jimmy, proved to be the catalyst of his recent personal turnaround and career resurgence. In part 2 we talk to Carlos about his five solo albums, the teams of talented musicians he assembled for each one, and hear Carlos tell us stories about the making of each album, and about the songs. We also listen to plenty of songs from the albums. Carlos talks about his recent “Dive Bar” tour, and what the future holds for him. Credits: “When I Was Young” by “Carlos Guitarlos“, “Straight from the Heart” by “Carlos Guitarlos“, “I Found Someone” by “Carlos Guitarlos“, “Heartbreaker” by “Carlos Guitarlos“, “Love to Love Together” by “Carlos Guitarlos” Check out tons of recent Carlos Guitarlos videos on his YouTube channel.The post 091 – Straight from the Heart: Carlos Guitarlos (2/2) first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Carlos Daniel Ayala aka Carlos Guitarlos is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player extraordinaire. He picked up the guitar at age 10 back in 1960 and started writing songs, and has written over 7,000 and counting. He was the guitarist for Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs, a well known L.A. scene club band back in the 80’s, that jammed often with Ray Manzerik of the Doors, and inspired the song Top Jimmy by Van Halen.  Throughout the 90’s and into the new millennium, Carlos could be found paying his dues on the streets of San Francisco, where he has become a street-corner legend, playing guitar to earn his keep. As a result of his hard living, Carlos landed in a San Francisco hospital fighting for his life with congestive heart failure, which led him to write the album Straight from the Heart (the title track was written from his hospital bed). That experience, combined with the alcohol-related death of his friend and former band-mate, Top Jimmy, proved to be the catalyst of his recent personal turnaround and career resurgence. In part 1 of 2, we talk to Carlos about his upbringing in L.A., early influences, his early bands, how he got his nickname, his band Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs, his time in the Bay Area, and his love of performing music on the street, and we listen to tracks from Carlos Guitarlos’ solo albums, and some Top Jimmy songs as well. Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “Sing an Honest Song” by “Carlos Guitarlos“, “Where is the Music” by “Carlos Guitarlos“, “Obviously Five Believers” by “Bob Dylan” performed by “Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs“, “Ballad of a Thin Man” by “Bob Dylan” performed by “Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs“, “Drinking Again” by “Carlos Guitarlos“, “Damn Atchafalaya” by “Carlos Guitarlos” The post 090 – Straight from the Heart: Carlos Guitarlos (1/2) first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Kyle and Carl are two aspiring artist from Phoenix Arizona looking to make a big impact on the music community. They are two cousins who have been working together on music for 5 years now devoting much time and effort into perfecting their craft and chasing their dreams. Taking pride in trying to spread a positive word and relate to fans as much as possible, the main goal for them is to impact as many lives as they can through the music we write. Their influences are spread across the board ranging from Keith Urban to Eminem to Emblem3. Music Life Radio talks with Kyle Pereira, and Carl Perera about Malaysia and their immigration to the United States, their early influences, the importance of family and friends on their music, some of the highlights of their career thus far including a recent Sony showcase, and we hear samples of their music throughout the episode. Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “I Should Be Yours (instrumental)” by “Kyle and Carl Music”, “To The Future” by “Kyle and Carl Music”, “I Should Be Yours” by “Kyle and Carl Music”, “Take You Round the World” by “Kyle and Carl Music”  The post 089 – Take You Round the World: Kyle and Carl first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Zen Tao-Journey Jimalric Stevensson-Zenith is a  musician, and guitar instructor from San Francisco. We talk to Zen about his upbringing in an “unschooled” household, his education at the Musician’s Institute, his musical career featuring his former band Please Do Not Fight, his work as a manager for the band Picture Atlantic, his podcasting work, and his current musical projects. We also hear some live music recorded at Music Life Radio studios. Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann“, “Bones and Gratitude (intro)” by “Zen Zenith“, “Loaded Gun” by “Please Do Not Fight“,  “Broken Soundbites” recorded live at Music Life Radio by “Zen Zenith“, “Bones and Gratitude” (recorded live at Music Life Radio) by “Zen Zenith“. The post 088 – The Art of Zen Zenith first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Greg Kihn is a rock and roll musician, author, radio personality, and podcast host. We chat with Greg about growing up in Baltimore, moving to the Bay Area and forming the Greg Kihn Band in the 70’s and how the band signed with Beserkley Records. We discuss his hits The Breakup Song, and Jeopardy, and how the music video for the later was a pioneering achievement and MTV sensation.  Greg talks about his writing career with focus on his most recent book Rubber Soul, a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the Beatles early career, a book which is rooted in fact from many interviews that Greg conducted with several members of the Beatles camp. We get into stories from his time as morning host of the award winning Bay Area radio show on KFOX he had for 16 years, and his new direction as podcaster with his new Greg Kihn Show. Greg continues to rock with his band, which features his son Ry Kihn. Check out his band during the upcoming Kihncert on Oct 12 in Morgan Hill CA at the Outdoor Sports Center, featuring Brett Michaels, The Greg Kihn Band, The Tubes, DaDa, BSB, Mad Jack, and XEB.   Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann“, “The Breakup Song” (live featuring Ry Kihn lead guitar) by “Greg Kihn“, “The Breakup Song (Original Recording) by “Greg Kihn“, “For You” by “Greg Kihn“, “Jeopardy” by “Greg Kihn“, “Noa Noa (Acoustic)” by “Greg Kihn”   The post 087 – Rubber Soul: Greg Kihn first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Clay Tarver is a guitarist, screenwriter, and author. We talk to Clay about his life, starting with both his bands Chavez and Bullet LaVolta, his work over at MTV, how he learned the art of screenwriting from J.J. Abrams and Mike Judge, about his love of working on smaller writing projects for newspapers, and about several current exciting projects as a screenwriter. Clay first came to prominence as the co-founder and lead guitarist of the Boston hard rock/punk band Bullet LaVolta in the late 1980s, playing alongside such acts as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney, and the Lemondheads. In 1991 LaVolta disbanded, and he then formed Chavez with Matt Sweeney, Scott Marshall and James Lo, a band that has come to be known as one of the most progressive and hard rocking math bands of the 90’s. After a hiatus in which the members were involved in separate projects, Chavez is getting ready to start working on their first new recording since 1996. Clay has also worked as a screenwriter for television and film. He created the “Jimmy the Cabdriver” for MTV in the mid-1990s, and has also written films like Joy Ride, with J.J. Abrams.  Clay has also written articles for newspapers, including a recent article for NYT about rocker, soldier, and philosopher Jason Everman, and another as his secret life as a rock dad.   Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “Wakeman’s Air” by “Chavez“, “Baggage” by “Bullet LaVolta“, “Unreal is Here” by “Chavez“, “Tight Around the Jaws” by “Chavez“, “Ghost by the Sea” by  “Chavez”   The post 086 – Better Days: Clay Tarver first appeared on Music Life Radio.

 Thao P. Nguyen is a  Artist, Activist, and Academic. She just finished up a solo performance run of her show Fortunate Daughter at Berkeley’s Impact Theatre.  Erik Core talks to Thao about her training  in performance art and comedy, studying under comedy legend W. Kamau Bell, and winning his “W. Kamau Bell Solo Performance Black Belt,” a distinction which to this date has been awarded only four times.  She also discusses her academic and personal background, and lets us know about her street performance entitled “Buddha Loves You” where she performs alongside religious zealots on the streets of San Francisco. Thao has been writing and performing solo shows since she joined the Solo Performance Workshop in 2007. She has been featured as a closing act at the San Francisco Theater Festival for four years running (2009-2012). In August 2012, Nguyen brought her full-length one-women comedy, Fortunate Daughter, to the New York International Fringe Festival, where she garnered rave reviews and sold out shows. Fortunate Daughter returned to San Francisco in October 2012, playing at Stage Werx Underground Theatre in a completely sold-out run. The show’s most recent run at Berkeley’s Impact Theatre in the Summer of 2013, left Bay Area audiences laughing hysterically and quoting lines from the show during the whole ride home. Nguyen is holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of California at Berkeley, a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Communication Studies with a focus on Performance Studies from San Francisco State University, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology from Brown University. As an academic, her area of study is at the intersection of live performance, mental health, and social justice. She is particularly interested in increasing the visibility and understanding of issues most pertinent to populations experiencing multiple vectors of structural oppression, such as Asian American women and Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC). She is currently an instructor of public speaking and performance at San Francisco State University. She also is the Performing Arts Coordinator for the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center of San Francisco. Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann“, “Matt’s Blues” by “Kevin MacLeod” The post 085 – Fortunate Daughter: Thao P Nguyen first appeared on Music Life Radio.

 Zachary James is a songwriter and front man for the Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes band. We talk with Zachary and fellow band and soul mate Alexandra Starlight.   Zachary James started his rock career in the Thunderboys with Gearhead Records, but quickly moved on to his current project. Zachary’s influences verge on his interstellar affection for cosmic rock ‘n’ roll. Addressing themes of space, specters and the supernatural with a playful synth-infused glam-rock twists, the music showcases his songwriting prowess. We talk with Zachary about his musical career, vinyl records, his interests outside of music (fashion, food, and movies), and share stories with partner Alexandra. We also learn some superstar news (announced exclusively on Music Life Radio), and showcase some live acoustic songs featuring both Zachary and Alexandra.   Credits: “MLR Theme” music by “Rob McCann“, “Shake Shake” by “Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes“, “Tokyo” by “the Thunderboys“,  “Fuck for Tomorrow” by “Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes“, Live at Music Life Radio studios: “Can’t Stop Drinking About You” by “Zachary James“, “My Planet Is Red (Your Planet Is Blue)” by “Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes“, “Rescue Me” by “Zachary James and the All Seeing Eyes” The post 084 – All Seeing Eyes: Zachary James first appeared on Music Life Radio.

James Tracy is an author, activist, community organizer, and former singer with the Bay Area band Space Masons.  MLR’s Erik Core talks with James about his musical past, his current organizing efforts, and his latest book (co-authored with Amy Sonnie) “Hillbilly Nationalists, Urban Race Rebels and Black Power: Community Organizing in Radical Times“. We also hear about work on his new book tentatively titled “Neighborhood Threats” about local community forces of positive change with the potential for greater national impact, and about his desire to write a Rock Opera. James Tracy is an organizer with the Community Housing Partership in San Francisco. He has twenty years of experience working for housing rights and economic justice. During the nineties he partnered with public housing residents demanding a voice in the HOPE VI process through the Eviction Defense Network. This work altered local housing policy in regards to the revitalization of public housing. Working with the Coalition On Homelessness, he helped successful campaigns to expand tenant rights for residents of Transitional Housing and build new affordable housing on city-owned land. He is the co-founder and current President of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Community Land Trust. Tracy has co-developed community organizing curriculum based on these experience called “We Are All Organizers”. He specializes in the complexities of alliance building and asset-based organizing. He has authored articles on organizing and social change for, Dollars and Sense Shelterforce, Race Poverty and the Environment, and Maximum Rock and Roll. His book, the “Civil Disobedience Handbook: A Brief History and Practical Advice for the Politically Disenchanted” has been used by community groups and college classes alike. In Fall of 2010 he will release “Getting Ready for the Firing Line: Working Class Whites, Radical Politics and the Original Rainbow Coalition” on Melville House Publishing.   Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann“, “Dynamite Tears” by “Gunpowder“, “Solidarity Forever” by “Ralph Chaplin” performed by “Gunpowder” The post 083 – Hillbilly Nationalists: James Tracy first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Simon Godfrey is a prolific songwriter who has just released a solo album under the moniker Shineback entitled “Rise Up Forgotten, Return Destroyed“, and is also known for his work in the band Tinyfish.  Simon ‘writes constantly to keep himself sane’, and is an accomplished studio engineer who has spent twenty years working around the world as a singer, drummer and guitarist for various projects. Simon has also released music under the name Men Are Dead and Simon Walsh. More about Shineback from his record label Bad Elephant Music: “Fusing pop, prog and electronica into a story of abuse, betrayal and madness, “Rise Up Forgotten, Return Destroyed” is the new album from Shineback, solo project from Simon Godfrey of Tinyfish. The album – with lyrics from Simon’s writing partner in Tinyfish, Robert Ramsay – centres upon the story of Dora who undertakes a fantastic, yet disturbing journey into her own dream word where she encounters dark revelations about her past buried in memory. To aid Simon in this venture, artists such as Matt Stevens (Fierce And The Dead), Dec Burke (Frost*, Brave New Sky, Darwin’s Radio, Dec Burke Band), Henry Rogers (Touchstone, DeeExpus, Final Conflict), Andy Ditchfield (DeeExpus), Hywel Benett (Dec Burke Band) Paul Worwood (Tinyfish) and Danny Claire (Ion Blue, Michael Angelo) have contributed their time and talents to make this a truly genre crossing record.” Credits: MLR Intro by Rob McCann, “Shineback” Teaser (intro music) by “Simon Godfrey“, “Motorville” by “Tinyfish“, “The Big Red Spark” by “Tinyfish“, “Passengers” by “Shineback”   The post 082 – Shineback: Simon Godfrey first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Thrash metal band Final Curse describes of their first tour, which turned out to be a spectacular disaster, but makes for a great story. Final Curse is Mike Plowman (vocals, guitar), Fernie ” Ferndog” Ortega (bass), Madison Stegall (lead guitar, vocals), and Brendon Blackwelder (drums). Final Curse is from Charlotte, NC. Formed in Summer 2006, and have released a 4 song EP (Cursing the Deceivers, 2006), and two full length records (Constructing the Destructive, 2008 & Way of the Accursed, 2012). Sophomore album, “Way of the Accursed” was mixed by Mike Spreitzer (DevilDriver) and Jeff Waters (Annihilator), and proves to be something new and fresh to a somewhat stale heavy music scene. Currently Signed to Dark Harvest Records. Touring for album support is soon to come! Check out Final Curse on ReverbNation, Facebook, CDBaby. Final Curse: Fernie ” Ferndog” Ortega (bass), Madison Stegall (lead guitar, vocals), and Brendon Blackwelder (drums), and Mike Plowman (vocals, guitar) Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, intro and music interludes by “Final Curse” taken from “Way of the Accursed“, songs “Biltmore“, “Ghostbones“, “Is There No Hope?” by “Final Curse”The post 081 – On The Road: Final Curse first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Jerry Beisler is author of The Bandit of Kabul: Counterculture Adventures along the Hashish trail and beyond, a non-fiction, narrative history of the 1970s. Beisler also created and produced The Cutting Edge Television show from 1999-2006. The show won the Best Entertainment award for the Public Access Television in 2002, beating over 500 entries for the prize. Known as Jerry B in the world of music, he also produced hundreds of studio and live music recordings. He promoted shows in many musical genres exemplified by Jazz (The Yellow Jackets) Rock (Fleetwood Mac, Crosby, Stills, and Nash) Americana (Los Lobos, Rodney Crowell) Blues (Howlin’ Wolf, Mike Bloomfield) and Reggae (Culture, The Iytals). Jerry Beisler also has had three books of poetry published: Hawaiian Life and the Pink Dolphins, St. Elvis and Missionary Thought and Mother Asia and Cousins California. He has also published international political commentary, travel articles, historical research papers, film and video reviews and short stories. Check out full list of available published works. His book Bandit of Kabul is comes out in hardcover from TrineDay press on July 1st 2013. Filled with cutting-edge, global commentary on the last days of the legal Afghanistan-to-Amsterdam hash-smuggling route, this memoir tells of Jerry Beisler’s adventures around Asia and the United States. Complete with hedonism, high jinks, and humor, the fast-paced narrative also tells of serial killer Charles Sobaraj, the early days of reggae across the Caribbean, the genesis of the Emerald Triangle pot plantations, the Dali Lama, and Jerry Garcia and other counterculture musicians from the late 1960s and 1970s. Now in its second edition, this firsthand account contains additional artwork, photographs, and stories. The book is also available on Amazon for Kindle, and softcover from Regent Press. Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, “Come on Baby” and “South Side Strut” by “Jerry Garcia and Howard Wales” and featuring Roger “Jellyroll” Troy on bass, recorded live at Symphony Hall, Boston, MA 1/26/72, “International Herb” by “Culture”, “Maryjane Blues (aka Outlaw Life)” music by “Cole Tate Band” lyrics by “Jerry Beisler”, “South Side Strut” (continued) The post 080 – The Bandit of Kabul: Jerry Beisler first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Update: 1/30/2015 – Eddie Bell aka Cookie Dough passed away on 1/29/2015 after a brief illness while getting ready to perform in Puerto Vallarta.  Read more about it here. Please visit the GoFundMe website to help raise money for medical, transportation, and funeral expenses.  You can see the amazing outpouring of love and comments on Cookie Dough’s facebook page. We will miss you! Cookie Dough and DJ MC2 are co-producers of the long running San Francisco drag production known as The Monster Show.  The Monster Show started in the Summer of 2004 at Harvey’s in the heart of the Castro, and has become a non-stop mega-mixed drag queen mashup extravaganza, featuring some of San Francisco’s edgiest drag performers. “If San Francisco has a drag sweetheart, it must be the loveable Cookie Dough, who isn’t afraid to dump buckets of blood around the stage or skewer Toddlers and Tiaras or Whitney Houston for her gently twisted, often outrageous Monster Show performance night.  DJ MC2 rocks the tunes”   Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, intro and outro music from “The Housing Project” mix by “DJ MC2” The post 079 – The Monster Show: Cookie Dough and DJ MC2 first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Lynnee Breedlove (aka Lynn Breedlove) is a visionary who has long been shaping revolutionary art. Lynnee was the front-person of the first American out dyke punk band, Tribe 8, which promoted queer, transgender, multiracial, and working class visibility. Lynnee went on to become a notable solo performer, and toured the world with the one-person performance show “Lynnee Breedlove’s One Freak Show: Less Rock, More Hilarity”. In 2009 while on tour, Lynnee’s mother had a stroke, leading Lynnee to retire from the tour schedule and begin to provide care giving service for mom. Now Lynnee has found another way to provide community service, as the founder of Homobiles which is a noncommercial, 24/7, queer car service for the LGBT community, as well as others around San Francisco who need safe, dependable rides.  Lynnee talks to MLR’s Erik Core about punk rock, sobriety, the evolution of self, work on the Breedlove memoirs, the importance of service, and finding our own role in the current world of shared economies and community-based giving.  The pending memoirs combine both Lynnee’s roots as a queer punk rock anarchist, and Lynnee’s moms’ life which includes growing up in Nazi Germany, and the interrelation of those two worlds. Lynnee is also the author of Godspeed (now a movie) and One Freak Show.   Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann”, intro and outro music “Hapa Girl” by “Tribe 8“, “Rise Above” by “Greg Ginn” performed by “Tribe 8“, “Prison Blues” by “Tribe 8“, “Queen of the Scene” by “Tribe 8“, “Daredevil Delivery” by “Tribe 8” The post 078 – Art of Life: Lynnee Breedlove first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Kyle Terrizzi is a San Francisco Bay Area singer songwriter who performs under the moniker The Plastic Arts. Kyle talks to Music Life Radio about his background, growing up in Tucson, AZ, his move to the Bay Area, and how he dealt with a serious bout of depression. We also discuss his musical achievements, including his first full length release entitled Academy Clonez which has won unanimous praise from both local and nation press.  We hear Kyle perform live tracks from this album throughout the interview. Kyle also runs Shutup Songwriters, a music collective which includes a weekly audio/video podcast and a recurring video series featuring in-depth conversations and live performances with some of the brightest lights of the San Francisco Bay Area music community and beyond.   Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann“, “I’m Fine” by “Kyle Terrizzi“, “The Dark” by “Kyle Terrizzi“, “Waiting For You to Come Dance” by “Kyle Terrizzi“. The post 077 – The Plastic Arts: Kyle Terrizzi first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Amy Rose, Doug Briney, and Josey Milner are all up and coming country music artists managed by Michael Stover of MTS Management group.  We listen to each artist tell their story in three separate mini profiles, and listen to songs from each one.   Amy Rose is a Canadian country powerhouse vocalist, who grew up in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, where she began her singing career at the age of 5. Part down-home country girl, part sophisticated musical veteran, Amy Rose has already earned a reputation for being one of Ontario, Canada’s best-known secrets. Amy’s first album, One Special Girl, was released independently, when she was 13.  On the strength of this album, she landed a spot on Dorian Baxter’s Gospelenium Tour, opening for Joni and Cathy Twitty, the daughters of her then-idol, Conway Twitty. She has since gone on to win over the hearts of fans and critics, and has received many accolades from several Country Music associations. We hear her two singles “Redneck Reunion (Party Like a Redneck)” and “I Just Want You To Know”.  She has a full length album due out in 2013. http://www.amyrosemusic.com. Doug Briney is both a musical artist and a pastor in Anchorage, Alaska, although he grew up in Southern California. He began like so many other musicians, singing in church. His first solo was when he was two years old .In college he had the opportunity to sing with a gospel quartet and travel all over the western half of the USA. He also had the unique opportunity to sing with the San Diego Opera Chorus. After graduating Doug went on and has spent the next 23 years leading worship in churches and pastoring. We hear “More Than Just a Farm” and “Deja-Vu” from his recent album “It’s All Country”  http://www.dougbriney.com. Josey Milner is 17-year-old country music artist, former teen rodeo and pageant princess, and honor student. Growing up on a small farm in Missouri, at age 7, she began barrel racing at local rodeos, making the rodeo arena her first stage.  She started singing the National Anthem at her youth rodeos, eventually graduating to performances across Missouri and Kansas.  These performances led to the decision for her to hang up her spurs and follow her dreams of country music fame.  In December 2012, Josey released her new single, “Not Pretty Enough,” which also kicked off an anti-bullying campaign, with Josey as national spokesperson for Angels and Doves.  We listen to “Not Pretty Enough” and “Dead Flowers”. Her album debut will happen in 2013. www.joseymilner.com. Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann“, “Bama Country” by “Kevin MacLeod“,  “Redneck Reunion (Party Like a Redneck)” by “Amy Rose“, “I Just Want You To Know” by “Amy Rose“, “More Than Just a Farm to Me” by “Doug Briney“, “Deja Vu All Over Again” by “Doug Briney“, “Not Pretty Enough” by “Josey Milner“, “Dead Flowers” by “Josey Milner“. The post 076 – Three’s Country: Rose, Briney, Milner first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Far I Shields is a singer, songwriter, artist, author, and green business entrepreneur.  Far I talks with Music Life Radio about his various bands including Sacred Journey, his current solo work, his Green Carpet cleaning business (BGreen4Life), and how he obtained his magical guitar for $5. We also listen to some live tracks performed at MLR studios throughout the episode. Far I’s music has a Reggae foundation with vibrations from the entire Diaspora. At the core of his drive and passion is the commitment to create healing music that will uplift the listener. Like the saying you can taste the love in the cooking, this music is created with love and the intent to liberate and transform the listener. Far I is determined to share his mystical, musical experience with the world. Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann“, “New Day” by “Far I Shields“, “Chune” by “Far I Shields“, “Save the World” by “Far I Shields“, “Watah” by “Far I Shields” The post 075 – Musical Affirmation: Far I Shields first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Michael Starita is a lifelong musician with over 15 years of experience as an engineer and producer. He started his career at the famous Hyde Street Studios in the late 90s learning from many of the  Bay Area greats. Moving to EDNET, Starita had the pleasure of being the ISDN engineer for clients such as Rick Rubin, Sting, Warner Bros, and Universal Motown. He went on to Dolby for 5 years until he decided to go back to doing what he really loved…making records. In 2010, Starita became co-owner of Faultline Studios where he has played and worked with some of the industry’s top artists.  Josh Almond of Music Life Radio talks with Starita about his musical journey, and his latest venture, a community based project called Bay Area Music Collective that aims at making The Bay Area a music destination again.  Credits: “MLR Theme” by “Rob McCann“, “Untitled Dance Track” by “Starita“, “Everyone Deserves Music” by “Michael Franti“, “Another Way” by “Emmett Peixoto“, “Brand New Day” by “Trevor Hall” The post 074 – Bay Area Music Collective: Starita first appeared on Music Life Radio.

Randy Walker is the vocalist for the band Carletta Sue Kay, where he takes on the persona of front woman Carletta, adopting the name of his cousin who served time for attempting to fire bomb her ex-boyfriend’s apartment. He has a four octave vocal range, and writes songs that are brilliantly moving, often humorous, and a little bit unsettling. Randy talks about his upbringing in Fontana, CA, home to the Hell’s Angels, Mexican Mafia, and Sammy Hagar. Randy describes his early life singing in church, his experience with musical theater, recording vocals with one of his favorite bands, The Magnetic Fields, and why he chose to perform as Carletta Sue Kay. We also talk about their debut album, Incongruent. Credits: “MLR Intro” by “Rob McCann”, “Bonnie Parker or Eleanor Roosevelt” (intro music) by  “Randy Walker“, “For the Birds” by “Randy Walker“, “Bonnie Parker or Eleanor Roosevelt” by  “Randy Walker“,  “Just Another Beautiful Boy” by  “Randy Walker“, “Joy Division” by  “Randy Walker“, “Pretty Inside” by  “Randy Walker”     The post 073 – Carletta Sue Kay: Randy Walker first appeared on Music Life Radio.