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Out of the Main

Out of the Main
Author: Tom Nixon and John Nixon
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© Tom Nixon and John Nixon
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“Out of the Main” is a podcast celebrating one of the most proficient and accomplished eras of musicianship and studio production, including yacht rock, west coast AOR, and related sophisticated music from the 1970s and 80s. “Out of the Main” was launched by two of the era's biggest fans—both musicians themselves—who, like a growing wave of aficionados all around the world, have been exploring the history, the enjoyment, and now the future potential of the West Coast sound, even as it continues to this day.
Join the revelry. Partake in the nostalgia. Tune in to artist interviews. Discover
Join the revelry. Partake in the nostalgia. Tune in to artist interviews. Discover
238 Episodes
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Ole Børud rejoins the podcast, this time to give Tom, John and listeners of Out of the Main a sneak peek at Ole’s new record, dropping September 26th. “Sleepwalking Again” drops everywhere, and you should drop everything to give it a spin, stream, download…and pick up the physical format! Tune in this week to hear the stories behind the record, including a collab with yacht rock legends you all know and love!N.B.:Here’s our first interview with Ole.Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
By now you’re familiar with the concept of “buried treasures.” Well, as we coast out of summer and into fall, Tom and John provide their takes on an all-80s-inspired Buried Treasures episode (not yacht). They each approached it a bit differently, but tune in, if you care or dare!N.B.:Here’s Tom’s playlist of the songs that made into this episode, followed by those that did not.Here’s Tom’s broader “Buried Treasures” playlist (all eras and genres)Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Super db’s J-M Sutcliffe returns to the podcast, this time to demonstrate various rhythm guitar techniques, most notably the single-note palm mute that so permeates yacht rock and the like. Or, as Tom likes to call them, “the plucky plucks.”Want to see the plucky plucks in action? Be sure to watch the video version this week. Link to our YouTube channel below. Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Accomplished trumpeteer and flugelhornist Tony Guerrero joins the podcast to help us remember the recently lost legend that was Chuck Mangione. Having had the opportunity to play with both Grant Geissman and Charles Meeks, the man knows of where he speaks! Tune in to help us celebrate the life of one of music’s greatest maestros. Rest in peace.N.B.: Check out Tony’s touching tribute here.Check out Tony jamming with Grand Geissman!https://www.tonyguerrero.comPost: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0enoG15de1ZH1eGESHm1GraePUiKiShNReseEj6RRu9vd2Xe7o4n32oVsxqj4anF9l&id=582153271https://youtu.be/Uo5JsqlExtA?si=bCUHAi6Yxc4Efn_D with Grant GeissmanListen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Typically reserved for the end of the year, the decks needed clearing in July this year. Tom and John rifle through some stored up odds, ends and tidbits full of miscellany, potpourri and sundry. John spends most of his time re-litigating the Jeff Lynne content, as is his won’t. Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
In Part Two of our two-part episode, John and Tom explore the rest of the timeline in ELO’s run and the later career of Jeff Lynne, both as solo artist and highly sought after producer. There most certainly was a “Jeff Lynne Signature Sound,” and we’ll dig through it all this week!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Hello, Mr. Radio! You can’t have a podcast about music artistry and sophistication and not cover Jeff Lynne at some point. In Part One of our two-part episode, John and Tom explore the career of Jeff Lynne — before during and after Electric Light Orchestra. Tune in to learn the tricks of the trade, the science behind the madness, and the man behind some of the most interesting music in history. Surprise! It peaked in the mid-70s and early 80s!N.B.: Check out Prince’s guitar solo in While My Guitar Gently Weeps at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony for George Harrison.Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Did the art of the solo in pop/rock music peak between 1975 and 1985? And why did it become something of a lost art thereafter? John and Tom discuss the history and importance of the solo (any instrument) in modern music history, each sharing five of their favorite solos for purposes of demonstration and admiration. What do you think are the elements of a quintessential solo in pop/rock music? And where have all the good times gone? Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Where does Ned Doheny fit into this ongoing conversation? Might he be one of four on yacht rock’s Mt. Rushmore of under-the-radar solo acts? With that often “proto”-identifying sound…definite embrace of the yachty R&B vibes…that omnipresent acoustic guitar rooting down the rhythms? He’s a bit of an enigma, which is why Tom and John took a deeper dive 🛎️ into the life, career and musical stylings of one Ned Doheny. Special album focus on Hard Candy.Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Were there ghosts in the music machine back in the 70s and 80s? Most certainly…more than you know. This week, John and Tom share their favorite ghost stories: uncredited session performances on some of music’s most famous tracks, no less — and likely, some of which you never knew were there! It's Halloween in May! (or something)Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Part 2 of our exploration into the storied career of Rick Springfield examines the post-heyday chapter. Tom was shocked how much he liked a certain three-album run from this era of his story. Perhaps you will be too!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
How well do you really know Rick Springfield? What about Tim Pierce, Mike Baird, Jerry Hey, Richard Page and Tommy Funderburk? There’s a lot to like and a lot that gets unfairly dismissed about the man with more than 20 charting hit singles to his name. If all you think of when you hear “Rick Springfield” is “Jessie’s Girl,” allow Tom and John to open your eyes and ears to the depths beneath the surface…Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Tom and John take a tour through the long and storied careers of Richard Page and Steve George. Beginning with their early careers as session vocalists, through the three-record run Pages had, all the way through the game-changing band that was Mr. Mister. Quite the evolution for two of music’s hardest-working but underrated geniuses.N.B.: The Inside Musicast interview with Richard Page, Steve George, and John Lang.Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
J-M Sutcliffe, vocalist and guitarist with Super db, joins the podcast to discuss the band’s history, influences and trajectory. Of course, the boys can’t resist talking about “single-note” rhythm guitar, an essential element of smooth, west-coast-influenced pop rock. With notes of funk, R&B and yacht rock, Super db’s hooks and rhythms are irresistible, so treat yourself if you haven’t already! Who doesn’t like a band of brothers resurrecting the sounds of the 70s and 80s?!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Check out Super db on BandcampYachty! Official music video to Open Line to Me Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Kevin Sucher, founder and vocalist with yacht rock tribute band The Docksiders, joins Out of the Main to help John and Tom finish off the madness that was their March 2025 tournament of champions: The Vinyl Four!What was the biggest, baddest, most important album from (roughly) 1975 to 1985 in (mostly) the genres we cover on the podcast? Tune in to hear our picks, and leave your disputes and corrections in the comments on Facebook or X!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
The Road to the Vinyl Four continues apace. On the line: What is the “biggest” album of our era? This week’s guest judge: Russ Fitzpatrick, vocalist with Page99.Next up: The Sibilant 16! (?)Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
The Road to the Vinyl Four continues in earnest. This March, we’ll finally settle the score: What is the “biggest” album of our era? This week’s guest judge: Tom Bieniewicz, lead singer of August Red.Let’s do this!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related: Playlist of songs featured on Out of the Main John’s Spotify Yacht Rock Playlist Tom’s Spotify Yacht Rock Playlist Intro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow: The Mainland: OutoftheMain.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemain Support the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Take these five _____________ and rank them in order from worst to first. Pretty simple concept…let’s see if the boys can handle it!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related: Playlist of songs featured on Out of the Main John’s Spotify Yacht Rock Playlist Tom’s Spotify Yacht Rock Playlist Intro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow: The Mainland: OutoftheMain.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemain Support the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
This is the last of the preliminary regional brackets to set up the March madness that will be our Vinyl Four tournament! Coming next month: the conclusion of our 64-album tournament to crown the “biggest” album between (roughly) 1975 and 1985 in (mostly) the genres we cover! Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland:OutoftheMain.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter:https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast:patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Is yacht rock “bullshlt?” Well, we don’t think so…but it appears that Rick Beato may. In his recent reaction video that dropped during our inter-season break, he voiced his opinion on the Yacht Rock Dockumentary and the “genre” more generally. Did he get it right? Or do John and Tom — Heavens to Murgatroyd! — disagree with their podcasting idol?
“We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave us a comment, and don’t forget to subscribe!”
Listen and Subscribe:
Find the podcast platform of your choice here.
Referenced and Related:
Playlist of songs featured on Out of the Main
John’s Spotify Yacht Rock Playlist
Tom’s Spotify Yacht Rock Playlist
Intro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)
Find and Follow:
The Mainland: OutoftheMain.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemain
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemain
Support the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain
“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Drummer: Porcaro (wildcard: Mark Craney from Gino Vannelli) Keyboards: Fagen (wildcard: late, great Don Grolnick) Guitar: Carlton/Luke (wildcard: Christopher Cross could shred) Bass: Chuck Rainey (wildcard: Abe Laboriel) Lead singer: Mike McD (wildcard: Boz) Horn section: Brecker Bros with Sanborn (Jerry Hey arranger) Sax soloist: always Michael Brecker (wildcard: Tom Scott) FLEX player: Victor Feldman (Rhodes/Percussion/Vibes) •Producer: Gary Katz
I 💙 this album, thank you!