Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

Red Rose Way is an emerging alternative rock band blending emotive vocals, dynamic guitars, and anthemic hooks into a sound that feels both classic and contemporary. Rooted in raw honesty, their songs explore love, resilience, and self-discovery, balancing introspection with big, arena-ready energy. Drawing influences from modern alt-rock and timeless pop craftsmanship, Red Rose Way creates music that connects instantly with heartfelt lyrics delivered with conviction and melodic power. This is my conversation with Milos and Tony of Red Rose Way. LINKS Red Rose Way on Bandcamp

Singer-songwriter Pete Droge joins Center Stage for an in-depth conversation about his new album Fade Away Blue—a powerful and deeply personal collection that explores themes of identity, healing, and renewal.  Emerging from the Pacific Northwest in the mid-’90s with his debut Necktie Second and its breakout single “If You Don’t Love Me (I’ll Kill Myself),” Droge quickly became known for his wry, heartfelt songwriting and timeless melodies. Over the years, his music has appeared in films like Dumb and Dumber, Beautiful Girls, Almost Famous, and Zombieland, while he’s also collaborated with Matthew Sweet and Shawn Mullins in The Thorns.  In this episode, Pete reflects on his journey through illness, adoption, and rediscovery, and how those experiences shaped Fade Away Blue. The conversation is honest, uplifting, and filled with insight into an artist who continues to evolve while staying true to his emotional core. LINKS Pete Droge on Bandcamp Pete Droge on Substack Pete Droge on YouTube Pete Droge on Spotify Pete Droge on IG

Los Yesterdays are a California-based band carrying the torch of Chicano soul into a new era. Formed in 2017 by drummer/composer Gabriel Rowland and singer-songwriter Victor “Bad Vic” Benavides, the group began as a studio project rooted in a deep love for vintage East L.A. soul. Their sound—warm, nostalgic, and timeless—draws from Motown, doo-wop, and Latin soul traditions, blending sweet harmonies, textured instrumentation, and heartfelt storytelling. What started as a nod to the past has grown into a vital part of today’s “souldies” movement, connecting generations through music that feels both familiar and fresh. Songs like “Nobody’s Clown” and “Tell Me I’m Dreaming” showcase their knack for crafting melodies that linger. At the same time, their 2024 release Frozen in Time expands their sonic palette with lush arrangements and an undeniable groove. Los Yesterdays continue to honor tradition while carving out their own soulful lane in modern music. LINKS Los Yesterdays on Band Camp Los Yesterdays on IG Los Yesterdays on Spotify Los Yesterdays on YouTube Souldies Article in NYTimes  

The Ladies Of… are an Atlanta-based rock supergroup featuring James Hall, a notable figure in the city's music scene. Their sound is rooted in rock and roll, with Hall's lyrical prowess and dynamic vocals at the forefront. Since their formation, The Ladies Of... have released several albums. Their music showcases a blend of raw energy and poetic songwriting, earning them a dedicated following in the Atlanta area and beyond.  The band continues to perform and record, contributing to the rich and diverse landscape of the city's independent music scene. LINKS The Ladies of ... Bandcamp The Ladies of ... Web The Ladies of ... YouTube The Ladies of ... FB

Mensclub emerged from San Francisco’s anti-indie scene in the early 1990s. They dubbed themselves “the hardest rocking band in the Bay Area,” and they lived up to it—delivering full-throttle, no-frills hard rock that channeled the raw energy of the Midwestern trifecta of the MC5, Grand Funk Railroad, and The Stooges. Mensclub became an underground staple through frequent West Coast tours, their music brimming with tongue-in-cheek swagger, heavy riffs, and a punch-to-the-gut rock attitude. LINKS Mensclub on Spotify Bar None Records “Fly” Official Video SF Weekly from 2009 Fresh Start (the first single) Let's Take Turns Blowin' Ourselves Away (the second single) RON'S CURRENT BANDS Haardvark Haardvark Welt Bomb EP Hot Lunch Self Titled Seconds

Clay Tarver first came on the radar in the late ’80s as the co-founding guitarist for Boston’s Bullet LaVolta, a band that mashed up punk grit with hard rock muscle and a little post-punk weirdness. The band burned bright, fast, and called it quits by 1991. Not long after, Tarver hooked up with Matt Sweeney, James Lo, and Scott Marshall in New York to form Chavez, releasing two beloved albums, Gone Glimmering (1995) and Ride the Fader (1996). They went quiet for a while, but never really broke up—2006’s Matador compilation Better Days Will Haunt You pulled it all together and gave them a brief second wind. This is our conversation with Clay Tarver.  Links Chavez on Bandcamp

Jeff Garber is a versatile singer‑songwriter and composer whose musical journey stretches from indie‑rock roots to TV soundtracks. In the ‘90s, he led the  Champaign‑Urbana group Castor, known for shifting time signatures with effortless flow (Castor, Tracking Sounds Alone). He later fronted National Skyline and Year of the Rabbit, showcasing his range across shoegaze, post‑punk, and alt‑rock. These days, Garber’s focus has shifted toward composition—he scores for Netflix hits like Virgin River and Full Swing, plus other series including Nancy Drew, Pretty Smart, and The Company You Keep. His trailer work includes music for Marvel’s Daredevil and Disney+ content. From underground indie to streaming soundtracks, Jeff Garber continues to evolve—crafting music that’s both emotionally honest and sonically adventurous. LINKS Castor on Bandcamp National Skyline on Bandcamp Year of the Rabbit on Bandcamp

Dauzat St. Marie—that’s dō-zaht saynt mah-ree—the husband-and-wife duo of Mat Dauzat and Heather St. Marie can strip a song to its bare bones and still hit you right in the heart. They started out in the alt-rock-leaning Hydrovibe, but traded the volume wars for something sharper: acoustic-forward, harmony-rich, folk-Americana with a backbone. Their debut EP Falling Again set the tone—grit, heart, and zero filler—and they’ve been relentless road warriors ever since, sharing stages with Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Rick Springfield, The Marshall Tucker Band, and Schuyler Fisk. Along the way, they’ve had viral success, deeply personal triumphs, and globe-spanning side gigs—Mat with Seal and The Buggles, Heather turning her breast cancer recovery into an anthem for the American Cancer Society. With new music like “Burn” and their soulful cover of Seal’s “Crazy,” Dauzat St. Marie continues to make music for midnight highways, small rooms, and the moments you need a voice—or two—in your corner. This is our conversation with Heather and Mat of Dauzat St. Marie. LINKS Dauzat St. Marie on the web Dauzat St. Marie on BandCamp Dauzat St. Marie on YouTube Dauzat St. Marie on IG

In addition to being an actress, Schuyler Fisk (pronounced Skylar) is a noted singer/songwriter. From the beginning, she has marched to the beat of her own drummer, carving a low-friction, roots-pop path that favors sincerity over flash and homegrown hustle over industry hype. After signing with Universal Records and experiencing a bit of major-label chin-channery, Fisk trusted her gut and asked to be released from her contract to pursue an independent path. Schuyler recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio to talk about that independent path, and this is our conversation. LINKS Schuyler Fisk Anna K The Chicken Sisters

Fishbone is a genre-defying band from Los Angeles that emerged in the early 1980s, blending ska, punk, funk, metal, and soul into a high-energy, explosive sound. Known for their chaotic live shows and fearless musical experimentation, Fishbone challenges genre and racial boundaries in the alternative rock scene.  With landmark albums like Truth and Soul and The Reality of My Surroundings, and despite commercial ups and downs, Fishbone remains a cult favorite and a vital influence on artists across rock, punk, and funk. LINKS Fishbone online Fishbone on IG Fishbone on YouTube Fishbone on FB

Jay Ryan is a Chicago-based musician best known as the bassist for the instrumental post-rock trio Dianogah. Formed in 1995, Dianogah earned cult status for their unique two-bass lineup and collaborations with recording engineer Steve Albini. Ryan’s melodic, percussive playing helped define the band’s heavy and cinematic sound. Named after the garbage-loving monster from the original Star Wars film, the band consists of Jay and fellow bassist Jason Harvey in tandem with drummer Kip McCabe. Dianogah is one of the pioneers of the emerging mortgage core scene. Outside of music, he’s the founder of The Bird Machine, a screen-printing studio famed for its hand-crafted gig posters for bands like Shellac, The Decemberists, and Andrew Bird. Jay Ryan bridges the worlds of indie rock and visual art with distinctive creativity and DIY ethos. LINKS Dianogah on Bandcamp The Bird Machine

Bad Mary—fronted by dynamic vocalist Amanda Mac, her husband Mike Staub on bass and vocals, her father Bill Mac on drums, and David Henderson on guitar—is a Long Island-rooted glam‑punk outfit known for wild energy and sharp wit. Formed in 2011, draws on ’70s punk (Ramones, Blondie) and theatrical rock influences, blending classic punk, glam, and pop-punk elements into a sound that’s loud, fast, and fun. A staple of NYC venues like Arlene’s Grocery and Pianos, they’re also expanding via live podcasts and indie collaborations—embracing evolution without losing edge. Mike and Amanda join the repeat offenders club as they stop by to talk about the release of their upcoming live album "Live on Long Island." This is our conversation. LINKS Bad Mary on Bandcamp Bad Mary on YouTube Bad Mary on IG Bad Mary on FB Are You With the Band Podcast

Rachel Fannan is a versatile American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and poet. She gained prominence as co-lead vocalist of the psychedelic rock band Sleepy Sun and later fronted the Los Angeles-based rock band Only You. Fannan has collaborated with various acts, including UNKLE, Anywhere, Black Mountain, and Pussy Riot. Her solo work spans genres like pop, rock, jazz, and folk. Beyond performing, she is an Emmy-winning commercial vocalist and has contributed to video game soundtracks, such as "Crimson Cloud" for Devil May Cry 5.  This is our conversation with Rachel Fannan. LINKS Rachel Fannan on Bandcamp Rachel Fannan on IG Rachel Fannan Web

This week, we welcome multi-hyphenate Dave Paulson into Thunderlove Studio to talk about Sandusky, Ohio, the album he wrote as a tribute to the Chris Farley movie "Tommy Boy."  It evolved into a career-spanning conversation with Dave, which included music journalism, major label record deals, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. This is our conversation with Dave Paulson. LINKS Sandusky, Ohio, on Bandcamp The Privates on Bandcamp The Pink Spiders

Tricia Halloran is a Los Angeles-based music supervisor and indie music curator with a career spanning radio, film, and television. She hosted Brave New World on KCRW for 15 years, introducing artists like Death Cab for Cutie and The Eels to wider audiences. Her music supervision credits include Dead to Me, New Amsterdam, Tully, and Sound of Freedom. Halloran also shares monthly indie music recommendations through her Substack newsletter, Brave New World. LINKS Brave New World Tricia on IMDB

Bill McShane is the lead vocalist and guitarist of Ultimate Fakebook, a power pop trio formed in 1994 in Manhattan, Kansas. Alongside bassist Nick Colby and drummer Eric Melin, McShane helped craft the band's signature blend of catchy hooks and energetic performances. Their 1999 album, This Will Be Laughing Week, garnered critical acclaim. After disbanding in 2003, McShane explored other projects and later reunited with Ultimate Fakebook for new releases like 2020's The Preserving Machine. LINKS Ultimate Fakebook on Bandcamp Ultimate Fakebook on Spotify Ultimate Fakebook on IG Ultimate Fakebook on FB

Seth Timbs is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his sharp songwriting and piano-driven pop-rock. Seth first gained attention in the late 1990s as the frontman of Fluid Ounces, a Murfreesboro, Tennessee band celebrated for their intricate arrangements and witty lyricism.  Fluid Ounces carved out their niche with a blend of jazz-inflected piano hooks and power-pop energy. Following the band's disbandment in 2008, Timbs continued to evolve his sound through solo projects and collaborations that showcase his versatility, blending classical pop influences with modern sensibilities. In our chat, Seth delves into his musical journey, the evolution of his songwriting, and the stories behind the songs. Tune in for an insightful conversation with one of indie pop’s most enduring voices. LINKS Seth Timbs on Bandcamp Seth Timbs on IG Seth Timbs on FB  

Drawing from life’s experiences, Jess Yaffa has a keen ability to transform personal experiences into relatable anthems.  Her debut album, Thoughts That Keep Me Up at Night, released on April 4, 2025, showcases her commitment to authentic storytelling. Collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Scott Jacoby, known for his work with Coldplay and John Legend, Yaffa delivers a collection of songs that are both polished and deeply personal.​ Beyond her music, Yaffa emphasizes the importance of sharing real experiences. She believes that "our real experiences and stories are more powerful than anything that could be made up—my role is to share them so we can hear, feel, and relate."  This philosophy permeates her work, making her a compelling voice in the contemporary music scene.​ Jess has a clear artistic vision for herself and looks forward to continuing to connect with audiences through her honest and heartfelt music. Thoughts That Keep Me Up at Night is available to stream wherever you stream your favorite music. Jess recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio and this is our conversation with her. LINKS Jess on IG Jess on YouTube Jess on Spotify

Their debut, A Balloon Called Moaning, released in 2009, introduced the band’s signature sound with soaring hooks grounded by a robust backbone of driving bass and drums. They quickly followed this with The Big Roar in 2011, which garnered critical acclaim for its raw intensity and infectious energy, spearheaded by the single “Whirring.” Subsequent albums, including Wolf’s Law and Hitch, further explored sonic experimentation, reflecting the band’s ability to balance intricate guitar work with introspective lyricism. Their ever-evolving approach and boundary-pushing style keep listeners guessing, ensuring each new release feels like an exciting chapter in a compelling musical journey. The Joy Formidable consistently pushes creative boundaries, proving that alternative rock still has much to offer. With an unwavering commitment to reinvention, they continue captivating fans and making their mark. Rydian and Ritzy recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio to chat about all of this… and more. This is our conversation with Rydian and Ritzy of The Joy Formidable. LINKS The Joy Formidable Web The Joy Formidable on Bandcamp The Joy Formidable on Wiki The Joy Formidable on Facebook

Murray Attaway, the distinctive voice behind Guadalcanal Diary, helped shape the American alternative rock landscape of the 1980s. The band blended Southern storytelling with punchy jangle-pop, earning critical acclaim for both its bold sonic experimentation and Attaway's literate songwriting.  Though the group never reached the heights of some of its Athens, Georgia, contemporaries, the band's influence quietly rippled across college radio and beyond.  Murray recently joined us in Thunderlove Studio to discuss the band's origins, his creative process, and the enduring resonance of Guadalcanal Diary’s music.  More importantly, we chatted about his first solo album in over thirty years, Tense Music Plays, which is out on May 9th. This is our conversation with Murray Attaway. LINKS Murray on Bandcamp Murray on IG Murray on FB Murray Wiki Guadalcanal Diary Wiki