Rock 'n' Roll Grad School

Here's a fun fact that we (and likely most db's fans) didn't know- their debut record has never been available on vinyl in the US. Thankfully, that wrong will be righted when "Stands for DeciBels" comes out on vinyl on June 6th. We talked with drummer Will Rigby about revisiting the record that started it all. (And, is there more material in the wings?)For more information, you can join the band's mailing list on their website or you can follow them on Facebook.

Metal fans know David Ellefson from his work with Megadeth and his current band, Kings of Thrash. For the rest of you, you're in for a treat. We talked with David about touring the world, how to stay young and what he's learned from revisiting songs he wrote early on in his career.David and the Kings of Thrash are heading out on the road this summer. For more information, you can check out David's website, or the site for the Kings of Thrash.

This week, we sit down with Kyle Pfeiffer, better known to his fans as Blacklite District. He's gained popularity by working with video game creators and other fans on-line, creating a much more immersive and lasting relationship with his music.His current tour starts at an earlier time and includes time after the gig for everyone to hang out and meet fans and play video games. He also has a new record coming out soon.For more information and tour dates, check out Blacklite District's website...

Nick Sabia is a songwriter, singer, musician, engineer... basically, his life is made up of music. And, really, we're all the richer for it. His new song, Back East, is out now. (And don't worry, there's more where that came from.)For more information, you can check out Nick's website, or you can follow him on Instagram.Plus, updates on one of our favorite guests and her exciting summer plans, and there's new Redd Kross on the horizon!

Rockie Lynne is a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist. And, while that is impressive enough, when you hear Rockie's story, it becomes all the more fascinating. "Rockie Lynne- Where I Belong," is a new documentary film telling the story of the album and of Rockie's life. The accompanying album, Love, is more of the honest, sincere songwriting you'd expect.The film is streaming on Amazon Prime and the record is available wherever you get your music. For more information, check...

We thought a nice way to celebrate Earth Day would be to share this conversation with music star and children's author Sheri Miller. Along with her mother, Linda Miller, Sheri wrote a book, called "Honoring Our Planet- Think!" which is out now. We talked about conservation, gratitude and so much more."Honoring Our Planet- Think!" is available right now, wherever you get your books, from Newman Springs Publishing

We spoke with Escape the Fate’s drummer when their most recent record came out. Now, as a special edition of Out of the Shadows coming out AND a tour with the Emo Orchestra starting tonight, we talk with the band’s lead singer Craig Mabbitt. On top of getting to hear some Escape the Fate favorites, you’ll also get to hear some of the greatest hits of the emo genre. We talked with Craig about playing with an orchestra and how you prep for a live show featuring a lot of running.Out of the Shado...

SkyDxddy has made her music career talking about hard truths and difficult subjects. But her audience has found solace in her words. Her new song, "Why Do I Stay," continues her streak of great, honest music.You can find out more about SkyDxddy on her website and you can also follow her on Instagram or on Facebook.

Her name is Mama B and she has the novel idea of making music that is not only fun for kids, but adults too. Combining her skills as a pop writer and performer, Jacq Becker has created fun, memorable and, yes, enjoyable music for everyone in the family to enjoy.Her debut album, Imaginology is out on May 12th. (Just in time for Mother’s Day.) For more information, you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Luke has the flu. Heidi is off gallivanting. Until they rejoin forces next week, enjoy this classic episode of Grad School, culled from deep within our vaults.The music of Van Dyke Parks has always taken you on a journey, replete with exquisite sounds and thoughtful concepts. His most recent collaboration is no different- he never met Veronica Valerio, but the resulting album is no less compelling. We talked with Van Dyke about the new album, finger foods in Berlin, the Twentieth Ce...

They've been rocking the country for 10 years and now Paralandra is releasing their second full-length album. The Body Electric is available on April 4th, wherever you get your records. We talked with lead singer Cassandra Carson about the collaboration that makes Paralandra what it is and what it's like having your dad playing lead guitar. Plus, we learn what not to say to Kip Winger when you run into him backstage.For more information and to find out when they're playing near you, chec...

There may be no easy way to describe the music of Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards other than by simply saying "it's good." Their new album, Rapture Waltz is out on March 22nd.We sat down with Johnny to talk about the emotional power of music and of fandom and so much more. For more information and tour dates, you can check out their website or you can follow them on Facebook.Plus, Bob Dylan hates it when you ask him to play something you've heard before.

Bettye LaVette is a music legend. Heading back out on the road this spring, Bettye is one of the foremost interpreter of songs and is one of a kind. We got to talk with Bettye about her albums, including how she approaches her interpretations as well as her fascinating and long-running career.Her most recent album LaVette! Is available now. For more information and tour dates, check out her website, or follow her on Facebook.Plus, Heidi recaps her night with U2.

If you’re looking for hard rock and great guitar, you need to look no further than Firewind. We talked with bandleader Gus G on the eve of the release of the new album, Stand United.Plus, we talk about Heidi’s big weekend and big summer plans, and if that isn’t enough, we extended an invitation to a particular politician to be a guest on the show and answer the tough questions. For more information on Firewind, you can check out their website, or you can follow them on Facebook.

There's a new/old sound sweeping the world and that's surf music. And leading the charge are The Surfrajettes, an all-female band leaving audiences spellbound with their musical skills.We talked with Shermy, one of the band's guitarists as they prepared to hit the road for a long stretch, playing with bands like The Electric Six and The Reverend Horton Heat.For more information and tour dates, check out their website (where you can also order their tubular debut release, "Roller Fink,") and y...