Chris DeMakes A Podcast

In this special Throwback Thursday episode, Fat Mike opens up about the writing and recording of NOFX’s ambitious punk rock opus, "The Decline"—an 18-minute, single-track masterpiece that challenges political, social, and cultural norms with biting lyrics and intricate musicianship. Originally aired on June 12, 2023, this is Part 1 of a 2-part series where Mike provides incredible insights into the creation of this sprawling punk epic, sharing how he approached such a complex composition and the meticulous recording process that brought it to life. Tune in to hear the stories behind the song’s message, the band’s drive to push boundaries, and what it took to craft one of punk rock’s most iconic and daring pieces. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the CDAP Patreon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Chris recommends the American Masters: Creative Spark Podcast. The show is produced by PBS’ American Masters—the Oscar-, Emmy-, and Peabody-winning series that has set the standard for documentary creative profiles. We hope you check it out!

In this episode, Vertical Horizon vocalist and guitarist Matt Scannell discusses the writing and recording of their chart-topping hit "Everything You Want," which reached #1 on the US Hot 100 in July 2000. Matt shares the personal experiences and emotions that inspired the song’s introspective lyrics, focusing on themes of unrequited love and self-reflection. The conversation dives into the song’s musical elements, including its catchy chorus, memorable guitar parts, vocal harmonies, and the subtle pronoun shift that adds depth to the lyrics, while also highlighting the production process and Matt’s guitar setup. This episode offers a detailed look into the creative process behind an iconic track that still resonates with listeners today. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this week's Throwback Thursday episode, we're throwing it all the way back to November 1st, 2021, when Christian Jacobs (aka MC Bat Commander) sat in to discuss the writing and recording of the fan favorite 1997 single from The Aquabats, "Super Rad!" From child actor to creating children's television himself, Christian's story is as fascinating as his band. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Nick Thomas sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the 2007 fan favorite single from The Spill Canvas, "All Over You." In this deep dive, Nick shares the emotions and experiences that shaped the song’s lyrics, exploring themes of infatuation, longing, and unrequited love. Together, he and Chris break down the track’s musical elements, from the production choices on the Neal Avron-produced album No Really, I'm Fine to the challenges of crafting harmonies and perfecting vocal delivery. They also analyze the song's structure, highlighting key moments that tie everything together. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One Hit Thunder’s THE THUNDRED is here! This five-part series kicks off in this episode, where hosts Chris Fafalios and Matt Kelly begin the countdown of the top 100 albums of all time. Compiled from the input of over 100 music industry insiders and passionate listeners, the list spans a diverse range of genres and eras. In this first installment, Chris and Matt dive into albums ranked #100 through #81, sharing their insights, stories, and debates on each selection, setting the stage for an exciting journey through the rest of the countdown.  Don’t forget to subscribe to One Hit Thunder wherever you get your podcasts, not only for the rest of the countdown but also for hundreds of episodes about your favorite one-hit wonders throughout music history. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this sneak preview episode of The After Party that was originally released on November 6, 2021, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios dive into some of music’s most notorious tracks — the songs often deemed the "worst" ever. With their unique mix of humor and insight, they dissect what makes these tunes so divisive and give their own verdicts on whether the criticism is justified. From questionable lyrics to unexpected musical choices, this episode offers a lighthearted yet thoughtful look at the songs we love to hate — or maybe hate to love! Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I am still living with your GHOST" — fitting words for a Halloween edition of Chris DeMakes A Podcast! In this special Throwback Thursday episode from October 31, 2022, Art Alexakis of Everclear dives deep into the hauntingly memorable 1995 single “Santa Monica.” Art shares the inspiration and recording journey behind the song, which captures the raw spirit of the '90s while confronting themes of loss and resilience. Tune in to hear how this alt-rock anthem came to life and continues to echo through time, perfect for a night filled with both nostalgia and a little Halloween eeriness. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Michael Bishop aka Blöthar the Berserker sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the fan favorite 1992 single from GWAR, "The Road Behind." Michael and Chris dive into the song's creation, unpacking the lyrics, instrumentation, and unique production choices that set it apart in GWAR's catalog. They explore the band's history, their punk rock roots, and how humor and satire have always been key to their approach. The conversation also touches on the challenges GWAR faced while touring and the importance of fan reception in shaping the band’s legacy. Fans of GWAR and newcomers alike will appreciate the insight into the genius behind the chaos. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s special SNEAK PREVIEW episode of The After Party, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios are joined by One Hit Thunder producer and co-host Matt Kelly to discuss the best opening tracks of 90s albums. They dive into a diverse selection of songs from iconic bands and artists like Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Wu-Tang Clan, Björk, and Beck, exploring how these tracks set the tone for their respective albums and defined the unique sound of the era.  Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's special episode, Chris DeMakes and co-host/producer Chris Fafalios dive into the hit 1994 single "Zombie" by The Cranberries, written by the late Dolores O'Riordan. They explore the song’s powerful blend of heavy music and poignant lyrics, addressing the conflict in Northern Ireland, and reflect on the immense talent of Dolores, who left us far too soon. Every lyric and musical choice is carefully combed through, as the hosts develop an even deeper appreciation for the song. They also discuss the band’s evolution from jangle pop to a heavier sound, and the enduring cultural impact of "Zombie" as a bold, timeless anthem. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dave Pirner returns to the show to discuss the writing and recording of Soul Asylum's hit 1995 single "Misery." In this insightful conversation, Dave reveals the inspiration behind the song's biting critique of corporate America and the record industry. He shares how the band experimented with recording equipment during this period, enjoying creative freedom without interference from their record label, and how they worked with producer Butch Vig on the album Let Your Dim Light Shine. The discussion also touches on the success of the album, which solidified Soul Asylum's place in 90s rock, and the enduring popularity of "Misery" as a fan favorite that continues to resonate in live performances. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Chris is joined by Bayside guitarist and vocalist Anthony Raneri to discuss the writing and recording of the fan favorite 2011 single "Sick, Sick, Sick." Together, they dive into the band's signing with Wind-up Records, working with legendary producer Gil Norton, and the inspiration behind the song's lyrics. Anthony and Chris break down the different sections of the track, highlighting the hooks, harmonies, and stacked melodies that make it unforgettable. They also explore the balance between artistic vision and commercial appeal, the role of A&R, and Bayside's approach to maintaining a healthy touring schedule. Tune in for a deep dive into the production and songwriting process behind one of Bayside's most beloved tracks. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, JJ Wilde sits in to discuss her 2024 single "Best of Me," offering an intimate look into the song's creation and the personal journey that inspired it. JJ dives deep into the duality of embracing chaos and striving for self-growth, sharing how her experiences with recklessness and resilience shaped the song’s lyrics. She also explores the careful production choices that amplify the song's energy, from dynamic instrumentation to memorable hooks that leave a lasting impact. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her music, this episode gives a compelling behind-the-scenes look at JJ Wilde's songwriting process. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Anberlin guitarist Joseph Milligan joins Chris DeMakes to discuss the writing and recording of their hit 2008 single "Feel Good Drag." The song, which was initially intended as a fun re-recording of a track from an earlier album, wasn't even meant to be on the New Surrender album. However, it went on to become the band’s widely acclaimed signature single. The song explores themes of infidelity and self-reflection, highlighted by the high-energy and technically proficient performance of a band firing on all cylinders. Listen in for an insightful conversation about this exciting and hard-hitting track. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Mike Edwards sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the 1991 hit single from Jesus Jones, “Right Here, Right Now." The conversation explores the creation and impact of the song, including the inspiration behind it and the cultural context of the time. Mike opens up about the poignant lyrics, highlighting references to Tracy Chapman and the Cold War. He also discusses the band's deliberate blending of rock, house, and hip-hop influences, which helped them stand out in the early 90s alternative rock scene. The episode examines the production techniques used and touches on the band's success, having created a song that still lives on in pop culture today. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. "Not that I was aware of it, but the key thing is I was writing this in a rush because I was excited about it and I always struggle with writing lyrics anyhow. ‘Right Here, Right Now’ now is actually one of the few lyrics I've written that I don't mind." - Mike Edwards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Frank Portman — better known as Dr. Frank — sits in to dive into the creation of the fan favorite 1996 single "Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba" by The Mr. T Experience. Inspired by The Partridge Family, the song was initially imagined as a folk tune arranged by a rock band. Dr. Frank discusses how the lyrics explore themes of doubt and finding a place for “people like us.” He discusses the challenges of translating his original vision into the final recorded version and emphasizes the importance of connecting the live performance with the recorded music to create a cohesive experience for the audience. The episode also highlights the universal appeal of their music, bassist Joel Reader’s contributions to the harmonies, and the unique mix of irony, humor, and emotion that captures the adolescent point of view in their lyrics. Dr. Frank also reflects on how his writing career extends from his songwriting, exploring similar themes and perspectives, and hints at the possibility of more music and shows in the future. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Some great quotes from this episode… "I'm a sucker for a good laugh.” "One thing that happens when you just take the bare bones of a song that's good enough to stand on its own. And you just do it as unadorned as possible for whatever reason, because you can't afford to do it better or because you don't have the talent to do it better. That means you can actually recreate the exact thing on the stage." "It is interesting to think that it could have been maybe the outro music of The Partridge Family TV show." "It's not just the ba-ba-bas that do it. There's the changing from the halftime parts, which are kind of groovy, and then the faster parts, which are kind of exciting. There's a, again, not rational or intellectual, but there's a drama there between the highs and the lows that does actually work on a crowd." "You can play that song for a small child who doesn't even speak yet, and that child will get it. And I've seen it many, many times. And the only other anecdote about that is that we could tell when we first started playing it that it was working. And we just in our little clubs with audience five or six people, it would even work then." "Old bands never really break up. And, you know, as long as there's as long as there's one guy who was once in the band, there's still a possibility that you'll see him on tour. So I'm not sure when but I'm sure you haven't heard the last of me because, you know, like they say — too dumb to quit. That's me. So we'll see." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, guitarist Pete Koller of Sick Of It All dives deep into the writing, recording, and inspiration behind the band's classic fan favorite song "Injustice System!" This enduring anthem was born from a violent run-in with crooked law enforcement in the late '80s, and it continues to resonate long after the events that inspired it. Pete shares stories of the band’s early studio experiences, highlighting the intimidation even New York hardcore musicians can feel in the recording environment. He reflects on the instinctual songwriting decisions made by a young band and notes how Sick Of It All stayed true to the original arrangement when they re-recorded the song decades later. Tune in for a walk back through time and into the mind of a hardcore legend. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special sneak preview episode of The After Party, Chris DeMakes reports back on the European Less Than Jake tour, while Chris Fafalios challenges him with music trivia questions about all the places he visited. If you'd like to get episodes like this every week, PLUS a giant back catalog of HUNDREDS of After Party episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, A Wilhelm Scream guitarist Trevor Reilly sits in to discuss the creation of their fan-favorite 2013 single, “Boat Builders.” Trevor dives into the song’s seamless blend of metal, punk rock, and thrash, revealing how its diverse influences come together to create a powerful and unique sound. He also shares the personal connection behind the track, which serves as a love letter to their hometown of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Trevor opens up about his musical family background, including how his dad contributed guitar work to the track—a moment that was truly special for him. Listeners will get an intimate glimpse into the making of this iconic song and the heartfelt stories behind it, making this episode a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices