dopeYEAH talk

What does it take to become the woman who kicked the door open for generations of female rock musicians — and still sound this fearless today? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Suzi Quatro, one of rock’s true pioneers, to talk about the moments, risks, and instincts that shaped her into a global icon. From finding her voice as a kid to becoming the first woman to truly own the bass at the front of a rock band, Suzi’s story is as bold as her sound.We dive into her early years in Detroit, her love of Motown, the legendary 1957 Fender Precision her father gave her, and the journey from The Pleasure Seekers and Cradle to stepping fully into her solo career. Suzi reflects on the point when “little Suzi” became Suzi Quatro, why nobody could hide her light, and how she learned to trust her own identity. We also talk about her long career as a songwriter, performer, actress, and trailblazer — from chart-topping hits like Can the Can and Devil Gate Drive, to Happy Days, to selling over 50 million records worldwide ✨And yes, this episode is packed with unforgettable stories: the moment Elvis called, the producer she knew she had to work with, her thoughts on keeping truth in film, and why you have to win your audience every single night. Suzi also opens up about the legacy of paving the way for women in rock, her new rock’n’roll album, and even plays her three favorite basslines live 🎶 Honest, funny, fierce, and full of wisdom, this conversation is a must-watch for rock fans, musicians, and anyone who loves hearing from someone who truly changed the game.

What does it take to go from playing guitar on a London night bus to sharing stages with legends like Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, and members of Deep Purple? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Murray Gould, a seasoned session guitarist whose career has taken him from small blues bars to some of the biggest stages in the world.Murray shares how he picked up the guitar at just three years old, the records and movies that shaped his musical DNA, and how one person believing in him early on made all the difference. From crossing genres to working with artists ranging from Shirley Bassey to Joe Bonamassa, his journey is full of unexpected turns. We also talk about what it really takes to become a top session player, the pressure of live TV performances, and the surreal experience of meeting legends like Ian Paice.One of the highlights of the episode is Murray playing his five favorite guitar riffs live and explaining why they matter 🎶 He also shares honest advice for young guitarists trying to break through: keep going — because if you stop, it definitely won’t happen. Stick around for a special acoustic performance where Rob Cass joins Murray on vocals and guitar. Honest, inspiring, and full of incredible music stories — this is an episode guitar fans won’t want to miss 🎥✨

What does it feel like to leave one of the biggest funk bands in the world… and then walk on stage with Deep Purple? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Nick Fyffe — former bassist of Jamiroquai — to unpack the wild, honest, and sometimes chaotic journey behind his career.Nick shares how he originally wanted to be a drummer, how discovering Hendrix shifted his direction, and how a simple moment — “You play bass” — changed everything. Inspired by Flea, he fell in love with the sound of the instrument and soon found himself in the band everyone wanted to be in: Jamiroquai. We talk about the pressure, the surreal high-stakes gigs (including flying to Germany for a soundcheck on the same day he got the call), and the hard truth behind leaving the band — “bad life choices” and lessons learned.Beyond the headlines, this conversation dives into musicianship and mindset: subbing for Roger Glover in Deep Purple through Ian Paice’s connections, playing with The Temperance Movement, producing music for passion rather than money, and why Nick loves playing but not practicing. He even performs his five favorite basslines live 🎶 Honest, reflective, and refreshingly real — this episode is about risk, groove, and finding the right people to create the right sound.

What does it take to go from calling the bass your “biggest mistake” to playing with all four Beatles and holding down late night TV for over three decades? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Will Lee, legendary member of the Late Show with David Letterman band, to unpack the twists, risks, and unbelievable moments behind his career.Will shares how switching from drums to bass felt like a disaster at first — and how that “mistake” opened the door to everything. From getting inspired by the Beatles to actually playing with all four of them and starting tribute band Fab Four, his journey is full of surreal turning points. We talk about the massive influence of Jaco Pastorius, working on Donald Fagen’s The Nightfly, and what it was like when Paul McCartney wanted to buy his bass. Yes — that happened 👀The episode is packed with iconic stories: Lennon’s insecurity leading to flanging, James Brown surprising the Late Show with “I Got the Feelin’,” why playing Live Aid is less scary than a small club, and the lesson Will learned the hard way — people are more important than music. Honest, funny, and deeply human, this conversation is a masterclass in longevity, groove, and staying curious 🎶✨🎸 Magical Mystery CampA unique place where Beatles fans meet, share stories, and celebrate the music together. Live performances, deep dives, and pure Fab Four magic. 👉 https://www.magicalmysterycamp.com/

What happens when four siblings go from singing in Detroit to getting a life-changing call from Jay-Z? 🎶✨ In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Infinity Song — Abraham, Angel, Israel and Momo Boyd — to talk about their journey from family choir rehearsals to signing with Roc Nation.We revisit their move to New York, street performing in Central Park and Times Square, and the exact moment they decided to become a band. They share how Jay-Z discovered them, what changed after that call, and how they built their sound through albums like Mad Love and viral songs like “Hater’s Anthem” 🚀We also dive into their creative process, influences, playing Glastonbury, and navigating the emotional departure of founding sister Victory. With live singing and honest reflections, this episode captures the heart of a family band turning harmony into a global story 🌍🎤🎁 VINYL GIVEAWAY – 3 signed copies of EssentialsHow to enter:1️⃣ Comment your favorite Infinity Song track below2️⃣ Like this video3️⃣ Subscribe to the dopeYEAH channelThat’s it. We’ll randomly select 3 winners from the comments. Good luck — and thank you for your support 🎶✨

What happens when one guitarist refuses to choose between emotion, technique, and imagination — and instead plays them all at once? 🎸🔥 In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Mike Dawes, a musician who has reshaped what a single acoustic guitar can do, and quickly moves past chops into the real stories behind the sound.We talk about Mike’s early journey — from wanting to be Slash and playing Smoke on the Water on one string, to joining his first metal band Shrapnel and eventually going solo. He opens up about writing vs. arranging, creative doubts, moments of depression when there were no gigs, and why the guitar can feel like “the lonely man’s instrument.” There’s also insight into working with Tommy Emmanuel, meeting Justin Hayward, and his thoughts on speed, perfection, and AI music in 2025 🤔The episode is packed with standout moments: live technique demos, best and worst gigs, favorite players, and a 7-minute uninterrupted live performance where Mike breaks down his incredible playing style. Honest, funny, and inspiring — this conversation is for anyone searching for their own musical voice in an attention-hungry world 🎶🚀🎸 Check out Mike’s best selling guitar mastercourse, tour dates and more: http://mikedawes.com

🎤 What happens when you mix Swiss precision, deep funk grooves, and a little bit of illegal busking? In this electrifying episode, Rob Cass sits down with The Next Movement — one of Europe’s hottest groove trios — for a wild ride through music, hustle, and reinvention. From running from the police while street performing to tearing up stages across the globe, these guys have lived the kind of stories most bands only dream about. 🥁🚓We talk about their roots in the U.S. hip-hop scene, their early admiration for Prince and Jimi Hendrix, and how discovering a “mystery guitarist” became a turning point for the band. The trio opens up about balancing artistic integrity with online content demands, why AI and Brexit make the future of music uncertain, and how they flipped their creative process to make their live shows truly unforgettable. Oh — and did we mention their drummer sings lead while holding down the groove? 🔥🎸From explosive performances at the Black Sea Jazz Festival and Leverkusener Jazztage to their DIY rise through Europe’s funk and soul circuits, The Next Movement proves that tight chops, chemistry, and swagger still matter. 🎶 If you love bands that play hard, think deep, and keep it real — this episode is your new favorite. Tap in, turn it up, and get ready for the glorious return of the funk. 🎧💥

What happens when four guitarists connect so deeply that it feels almost telepathic? 🎸 In this episode, Rob Cass welcomes European Guitar Quartet — Reentko Dirks, Thomas Fellow, Pavel Steidl, and Zoran Dukić — for an inspiring and often hilarious conversation about music, instinct, and true musical connection. From the first notes to the last laugh, this is not a typical classical guitar talk — it’s a hands-on masterclass on how to think like a musician, master your instrument, and overcome the challenges on the road to becoming a great guitarist. 🎊We dive into their journey to becoming “the Beatles of classical guitar” and explore why the guitar became a symbol of freedom for them. The interview is packed with unforgettable stories: being told “Stop! Don’t make music”, choosing between becoming a ballet dancer or a guitarist, glued nails before concerts, and completely losing it with laughter on stage 😄. Along the way, they share hard-earned insights on what beginners really need to learn and why the guitar should talk, sing, laugh, and cry.European Guitar Quartet are among the most celebrated guitar ensembles today, having performed in over 16 countries at legendary venues such as Concertgebouw Amsterdam and Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow. Blending classical tradition with world music, jazz, groove, and modern fingerstyle, they continue to redefine what concert guitar can be. This episode is for guitarists — and for anyone who believes music truly starts from within ✨.

🎧 What happens when a drummer becomes a legend in real time? In this special episode, Rob Cass sits down with the iconic Steve Gadd — the man behind some of the most unforgettable grooves in music history. From the legendary drum solo on Steely Dan’s “Aja” to defining moments with Paul Simon, Chick Corea, and Eric Clapton, Steve opens up about the journey that shaped both his sound and his soul. 🥁🔥We dive into his early days — learning drums as a kid, playing six nights a week while still in school, and exploring the New York music scene in the '70s alongside Tony Levin. Steve reflects candidly on his struggles with addiction, the creative highs of working with Chick Corea, the deep musical brotherhood he shares with Clapton, and why timing, feel, and the “bus factor” are everything when it comes to being a great bandmate. 🚌🎶Whether he’s talking about Gaddiments, the lost golden era of music, or walking off stage mid-show in Japan — Gadd’s honesty, warmth, and musical genius shine through. If you love jazz, rock, fusion, or simply want a front-row seat to the making of music history, this episode is a must-watch. 💥 Legends aren’t born — they’re built beat by beat. Don’t miss this one.

🎸 What really happened inside the world’s first rock supergroup? In this powerful and emotional episode, Malcolm Bruce — son of the legendary Jack Bruce of Cream — opens up to Rob Cass about the band that changed music forever. From the explosive formation of Cream with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, to the backstage fights, wild stories, and the deep influence they had on Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and beyond, Malcolm gives us a front-row seat to rock history. 🤯🔥👨‍👦 Malcolm doesn’t just tell his father’s story — he carries the torch. As a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and the driving force behind Sons of Cream, Malcolm shares what it’s like to grow up as the son of one of rock’s greatest bassists, ranked #8 by Rolling Stone and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He recalls wild moments with Jack, including heroin struggles, unlikely prison dinners with superfans, and how Ginger Baker broke down in tears at the funeral. Plus, stories of Jack almost forming a band with Jimi Hendrix, and why he thought Pink Floyd “sucked” — even though they formed after a Cream gig. 🎤🎶🌍 From Cream’s legacy to Malcolm’s own bold creative path — touring with legends, composing orchestral works, and producing the Heavenly Cream sessions — this episode is a masterclass in music, family, and resilience. If you’ve ever felt the magic of “White Room” or “Sunshine of Your Love,” don’t miss this deep dive into the soul of rock history — told by the son who lived it, and is now reshaping it. ⚡👁️‍🗨️

🎬 What happens when you mix jazz, YouTube, viral genius, and... falafels? In this wildly entertaining and insightful episode, Rob Cass sits down with Adam Kubota — bassist and core member of the global sensation Postmodern Jukebox — to talk about the chaos, creativity, and community behind one of the most viral music projects of the 21st century. From flaming saxophones in New York apartments to singing clowns, this one’s packed with stories you won’t believe. 🎷🔥🎻 With a career spanning five continents and iconic venues like the Sydney Opera House, l’Olympia, and Radio City Music Hall, Adam shares the behind-the-scenes grind of building PMJ — from basement videos to a global phenomenon with over 1.9 billion YouTube views. We dive into the early hustle (when payment was literally in falafels), their unexpected viral hits, the challenges of touring, and why being a kind, easygoing person on the road is just as important as being a great musician.💡 Adam also drops gold on what makes a successful bandleader, the reality of viral fame, and how Postmodern Jukebox “built its own music industry.” Plus, he offers advice for young artists, recalls the madness of law school by day and jazz shows by night, and gives us a glimpse into the next chapter of his music journey. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning passion into a global movement — this episode is your blueprint. 🛠️🎶 Don’t miss it!

🎤 From Jack Black belly dancing to jazz tours across Europe, Casey Abrams has lived one of the wildest post–American Idol lives imaginable. In this episode, Rob Cass dives deep with the multi-instrumental madman to explore his journey—from discovering music on a cruise ship to becoming one of jazz-pop’s most beloved showmen. Expect laughs, chaos, and a lot of bass slaps. 🎸🔥Casey shares how learning every AC/DC song and studying under a Miles Davis bandmate laid the foundation for his breakout on American Idol, where he stunned judges with raw talent, quirky charm, and fearless performances. He opens up about the pressure and joy of the show, the biggest lessons he took away, and how it all led to surreal moments—like dueting with Jack Black or touring the globe with the genre-bending band Postmodern Jukebox.Whether he’s talking about his dream collab with Dua Lipa, offering advice for future Idol hopefuls, or revealing things nobody knows about him, Casey never holds back. 🎶 This is a one-of-a-kind story from a one-of-a-kind artist who stayed true to his roots—no matter how wild the spotlight got. If you love music, jazz, Idol drama, or just great stories, you don’t want to miss this one. 🌍✨

🎤 From Manchester’s art scene to 100 million streams… without ever signing to a major label. In this inspiring episode, Nxdia opens up to Rob Cass about carving their own lane in the music industry — one fearless, bilingual track at a time. Whether it’s screaming on stage, singing in Arabic, or going viral with a deeply personal song like “She Likes a Boy,” Nxdia proves that you don’t need a label to be a force in music. 💥🌍 Born in Cairo and raised in Manchester, Nxdia shares how their multicultural upbringing shaped their unique sound — a vibrant blend of alt-pop, rock energy, and Arabic lyricism. We talk about growing up in the Manchester art community, how Pink became an inspiration for them, and why the internet can be… brutal. 🖤 They also explain why they’ve stayed independent, what they've learned along the way, and how songs written in their bedroom found their way into millions of hearts (and playlists).🔥 From their electric live shows to the thrill of turning pain into power through music, Nxdia holds nothing back. If you’ve ever doubted the power of staying true to your identity — this one’s for you. Don't miss it. 👁️‍🗨️

🎸 He got married at 16, hit rock bottom… and rose to rock royalty. In this unmissable episode, Rob Cass sits down with Marco Mendoza, who opens up about his wild journey — from a troubled teen playing gigs while hiding his addiction, to touring the world with legendary bands like Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, The Dead Daisies, and Ted Nugent. Now 38 years sober, he’s still rocking harder than ever. 💥🔥🎤 From growing up in San Diego surrounded by jazz and big band influences, Marco takes us through the highs and lows of a career that’s spanned decades. He talks about his first break, finding the strength to turn his life around, and what it felt like to get that life-changing call: “Darling, Marco, this is David Coverdale.” 💬 We dive into his time with Whitesnake, the formation of Black Star Riders, collaborations with legends like Steve Vai, and stories from the road that will blow your mind. 🛣️🎶💫 Whether you're a fan of classic rock, bass slapping, or human resilience, this episode is a ride. Marco doesn’t hold back — from talking about overcoming personal demons to his love for performing, his fantasy band lineup, and what keeps him pushing forward. It's raw, inspiring, and unforgettable. 🎧✨👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible stories from music legends!

🎧 How did a legendary DJ end up remixing Paul McCartney — and getting a Grammy nomination for it? In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with the iconic German producer and DJ Timo Maas, whose remix of "Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five" earned the approval of Sir Paul himself. From underground raves in the '90s to global stages and superstar collaborations, Timo shares an unfiltered look into his 30+ year journey through electronic music. 🏆✨We dive into the wild energy of the 1980s, secret rave parties, and what it really means to be a superstar DJ flying between gigs on private jets. Timo reflects on working with legends like Madonna, Depeche Mode, and Brian Molko, while also opening up about the balance between technical perfection and raw creativity. He reveals what still drives him to perform 6-hour sets, why Instagram fame doesn’t matter, and the moment he felt goosebumps just talking about Johnny Cash. 🎶🔥Whether you're a music lover, gear geek, or just curious about the power of a good remix, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and hard-earned wisdom from one of techno’s most respected voices. Don’t miss the story behind the remix that stunned the Grammys — and how Timo Maas continues to reinvent himself in a rapidly changing scene. 📀🎚️

🎙️ What happens when one man turns the double bass into an entire band? In this breathtaking episode, Rob Cass sits down with world-renowned bassist and composer Adam Ben Ezra, the artist who has reinvented how the upright bass can sound. From mixing percussion with melody to imitating guitars, drums, and even oud on a single instrument, Adam shows us how his unique style became a global phenomenon — and why millions of people on YouTube can’t stop watching. 🎻🔥Adam takes us back to his beginnings — when he realized he was a better bass player than guitarist — and explains how necessity as a child (no drummer in his first duo!) sparked the percussive “drumming on bass” style that now defines his sound. He shares stories about his first gigs and Frank Sinatra Show, the Beatles and McCartney influences that shaped his melodic approach, and the fine line between improvisation and composition. We also dive into his genre-blending albums, custom-made five-string bass with a removable neck, and his unforgettable best (and worst!) shows on tour. 🎶With over 7 million views on YouTube and a devoted global audience, Adam Ben Ezra has proven that one instrument can hold infinite possibilities. In this episode he talks about his online teaching program, dream collaborations, and gives us an exclusive showcase of the techniques that made him a pioneer of modern double bass playing. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when one musician becomes a whole rhythm section, this is the conversation you can’t miss. 🌍✨

🎙️ What’s it like to write funk history alongside James Brown, George Clinton, and Count Basie? In this electrifying episode, Rob Cass sits down with the legendary Fred Wesley — trombonist, composer, and bandleader — whose horn helped shape the very sound of soul, funk, and jazz across generations. From sharing the stage with his father to jamming with Pee Wee Ellis and Maceo Parker, Fred tells it all with groove, grit, and a lot of heart. 🎺🔥Fred walks us through his incredible journey: his first big break, his pivotal time in James Brown’s band (where he helped create iconic hits like Hot Pants and Mother Popcorn), and how he went on to reinvent funk with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. He talks candidly about being offered a seat in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, his unforgettable work with Count Basie, and yes — even wild shows, career regrets, and writing his autobiography Hit Me, Fred. 📚✨From leading The J.B.'s to teaching jazz at Berklee, Fred Wesley is a living piece of music history — and in this rare, unfiltered conversation, he brings you behind the curtain of a life spent making music with the greats. 🎶 Whether you're a funk lover or music nerd, this episode is a deep dive into the soul of the groove.

🎙️ What was it like to be in the room when Freddie Mercury met opera legend Montserrat Caballé for the first time? Or to record “The Great Pretender” with him… in your own living room? In this emotional and deeply personal episode, Rob Cass reunites two of Freddie’s closest collaborators — Mike Moran and Peter “Phoebe” Freestone — for a rare conversation about the real Freddie: the friend, the genius, and the man behind the legend. 🎹🎤Mike Moran, who co-wrote and produced the Barcelona album with Freddie Mercury, returns for Part Two of his interview (📺 watch Part One: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3E9us3nekfEKb8DuUI11jj?si=c513d5f6f2ce4dcb), now joined by Peter Freestone, Freddie’s long-time personal assistant and friend (📺 check out our earlier solo episode with Peter: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6V6vsjWBXWhwsdrx4DVIGp?si=dd25e0bb45594f35). Together, they share honest, touching and often hilarious memories — from studio stories and backstage antics to the emotional weight of Freddie’s final years, including his last live performance. 🕊️You’ll hear first-hand how Barcelona came to life, what Montserrat Caballé really thought of Freddie, and the unforgettable garden parties at his Kensington home. There are no myths here — just beautiful storytelling from the people who were there. If you're a fan of Queen, Freddie, or timeless music history, this episode will stay with you. ❤️‍🔥

🎹 What do The Beatles, Freddie Mercury, Monty Python, and Ozzy Osbourne have in common? They all crossed paths with legendary pianist, composer, and producer Mike Moran — and in this episode, he shares with Rob Cass the untold stories behind those iconic names. From jamming with George Harrison and Paul McCartney to a wild party flight with Led Zeppelin, this conversation is packed with unbelievable memories from a career that helped shape British music history. 🎶Mike takes us behind the scenes of his first session at Abbey Road Studios, his time with the Ian Gillan Band, and what it was like to lose Eurovision with a chart-topping hit. He recalls the night George Harrison invested in Monty Python’s Life of Brian, the day he got a call from Paul McCartney, and his studio adventures with Ozzy Osbourne, Nicko McBrain, and the Queen Tribute Concert crew. Oh — and yes, one of the stories features a piano... covered in blood. 🎤🎹🩸Whether you're into rock legends, film scoring, or just love hearing how the music industry really works, Mike Moran brings a lifetime of perspective, humor, and insight to the table. This is Part 1 of our talk — and trust us, Part 2 (with Freddie Mercury’s personal assistant, Peter Freestone) drops next week. You won’t want to miss it. 👀

🎙️ What happens when a voice this smooth comes from behind a drum kit? In this episode, Rob Cass sits down with Jamison Ross, Grammy-nominated artist, producer, and one of the rare musicians on Earth who can sing and play drums at the same time... and make it look effortless. 🥁🎤From his gospel roots to stages around the world, Jamison opens up about what makes soul music so special, why New Orleans is “the greatest gift of music to the world,” and how confidence and freedom connect to rhythm and melody. He shares his inspirations — from Aretha Franklin to Marvin Gaye — and gives us a live showcase of how singing and drumming together actually works. 🎶Whether you're into soul, jazz, or just love hearing artists talk with passion and purpose, this one’s for you. Jamison Ross isn’t just a singer or a drummer — he’s both at once. And that, as you’ll see, is something extraordinary. 🙌