A-Sides

In November 2025 Soundgarden was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. It feels fitting to invite longtime friend and guitarist Corey Rozzoni back onto the podcast for an episode about Soundgarden, Chris Cornell, and the legacy they have carved into the world of rock music. While this is not a complete history of one of Seattle's greatest bands, we did share our favorite era of Soundgarden...

One of my absolute favorite guests on A-SIDES over the last 5 years of interviews has been LiV Warfield. Not only does she call Peoria, IL her hometown but she will returning on April 17th, 2026 for "LiV'N It Up", a special performance alongside the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. LiV shares details on this special show, performing on NBC's America's Got Talent, musical collaborations, and more! You ca...

One of the earliest friends of the podcast, John Massaglia, returns to A-SIDES for his 6th appearance on Episode 224. John discusses the newest release called Wombat Alchemy from his band The Truth Council, his son performing lead vocals on a new song, making plans for 2026, and even several of his bucket list vacation destinations.  If you are near Central Illinois, come enjoy The Truth Council's...

One my favorite venues to attend shows has been at the Castle Theatre in Central Illinois. From seeing shows with friends and family, to even meeting Jimmy Eat World on the curb outside the venue, the list of memories made is long. Jason Williams has been the longtime talent buyer at the Castle, helping to bring artists to Central Illinois like Jason Isbell, The Struts, Dorothy, and recent rock ba...

2025 saw not only the release of Sons of Silver's first full-length album, Runaway Emotions, but they even book-ended the year with a live EP titled 7 Cities 7 Songs. While the band is currently completing more music, Brina Kabler took time away to record this latest episode of A-SIDES. After starting with a full tour of the band's rehearsal space and headquarters, she shared how she made a huge l...

Last summer, Gus Rios released the Cold Slither album, which turned a fictional GI Joe cartoon group into a living, breathing entity! Gus' confidence as a songwriter and front man has taken shape with his next musical project, called Union Black. In A-SIDES Episode 221, he explains his growth as an artist, taking Cold Slither from the screen to your stereo, making honest music, re-imagining the mu...

On March 21, 1976, Thin Lizzy released their 6th studio album, Jailbreak, which will celebrate it's 50th anniversary in 2026. You can still hear their anthem "The Boys Are Back In Town" on your local classic rock station or nightly on any tavern's jukebox. Three past guests returned to A-SIDES for Episode 220 to share their memories and reflect on the band's legacy. Ryan Waters, songwriter/guitari...

Michigan-based recording artist Sammy Boller has recently recorded and released his solo EP titled Midnight Garden. He joined the podcast for Episode 219 to discuss his guitar playing, several of his favorite Michigan musicians, touring the world, the best pizza, and even practicing yoga. You can find Sammy's music and tour dates on his website which also includes link to purchase merch and more!...

James And The Cold Gun is an emerging rock band from the UK, described as "South Wales' Loudest", and they are set to perform in Central Illinois on December 4, 2025. Whether you live in Central IL or not, James And The Cold Gun are a band that should be on your music radar as they have a hard-driving, straight up rock n roll sound. Frontman James Joseph joined Episode 218 ahead of the show to tal...

Episode 217 features a fun conversation with Mike Leon, the brand new bassist for CKY. They just released a new single "Can't Stop Running", which preceded a UK tour and an announcement of a slot performing at the 2026 edition of Sonic Temple. Mike chats about discovering CKY, trying out different instruments in his youth, tattoos, favorite bands, and more!  Huge thanks to Mike for the conversatio...

November 7th 2025 was the release date for the long-awaited studio album from Finger Eleven titled Last Night On Earth. Guitarist Rick Jackett joined A-SIDES to share his songwriting process, along with the many influences of the band, living on a farm, performing on stage, and even a shared connection with Our Lady Peace and King's X. Huge thanks to Rick for joining this episode and a big thank y...

Episode 190 started a mini-series within A-SIDES called "Everybody Loves Cheap Trick." In this next edition, 5 more guests share their interactions, experiences, and memories of one of the most beloved rock n roll bands, Cheap Trick. Episode 215 features- Matt Gabs, guitarist with Ravagers, formerly with Biters Jerry Gaskill, drummer for the rock trio known as King's X Matt Andersen, bassist with...

In just under a year's time, this is Sons Of Silver's third appearance on A-SIDES. Episode 180 featured band members Peter and Adam previewing their album Runaway Emotions and their winter tour supporting Myles Kennedy. Episode 192 featured Peter and Kevin recapping their tour and the feedback they received along the way. This time, for Episode 214, Peter makes a solo appearance to detail the band...

JC, from the international powerhouse trio Danko Jones, joined A-SIDES for Episode 213. With only a limited time to record over a 30-minute lunch break, we packed in as much as we could- from touring with their musical heroes, to recording new music, and staying physically fit. Huge thanks to JC for taking time away to share his stories on this latest episode! The power trio known as Danko Jones i...

With its origins as a New York-based tribute to King Diamond, THEM has shed that skin and re-established the band as a storytelling power metal band with 4 albums under their belt. The band's fifth release, titled Psychedelic Enigma, releases on October 24th, 2025. Troy Norr (aka "KK Fossor" in the band's lore) shares his history within the heavy metal scene on Long Island, creating the band's con...

Last December Sam Spade joined A-SIDES for Episode 181, and this year he returns for Episode 211! Sam shares details from being on the road for the first half of 2025, how he stays in shape, his drive and determination to be the best at what he does, his classic rock heroes, and more! Huge thanks to Sam for returning to the podcast and thanks to everyone who listens! You can follow The Midnight De...

Frontman for multiple heavy metal acts, John Bush is spending the latter half of 2025 celebrating the 40th anniversary of Armored Saint's album, Delirious Nomad, and 3 shows performing songs from his time with Anthrax. John joins A-SIDES to share details on these tours, several pivotal shows in his formative years, how he stays in shape for touring, and the music that fuels his life.  Huge thanks...

James Black guested on A-SIDES' Episode 164 last summer ahead of the band's run on Creed's Summer of '99 tour, which also featured the band 3 Doors Down. He shared stories on collecting records from film score composers such as John Barry, and a genre titled "exotica", which includes the works of Les Baxter. For Episode 209, James returns to share more on his music collecting habits and details on...

Episode 193 featured guest Jared Jones from the Nashville-based rock band, Emerge. This latest discussion with Jared picks up right where we left off last spring, diving back into shared musical tastes like Disturbed and Sevendust, his experiences with Revis, listeners' music habits, fall activities, and radio station contests! Huge thanks to Jared for making another appearance on A-SIDES for Epis...

A recurring theme throughout the 6-year lifespan of A-SIDES has been the beloved Illinois rock band Cheap Trick. Episode 190 titled, "Everybody Loves Cheap Trick", was packed with 6 different guests sharing their origin stories and love for Cheap Trick, so this anniversary episode of the podcast seemed like a perfect opportunity for a follow-up. Episode 207 features returning guests, familiar voic...

Episode 206 of A-SIDES features a conversation with musician and artist Emily Burton, who performs with the all-female Black Sabbath - Black Sabbitch, and California-based rock act, Fireball Ministry. Fireball Ministry scorched the Earth with great albums like 2005's Their Rock Is Not Our Rock, which is now pressed on vinyl through Ripple Music. She shares a few details on the band's formation, gr...

Following the release of Heaven Below's latest album The Majestic Twelve, Nikki Stringfield returns to A-SIDES to share a few details behind the creation of the album. She also discusses the recent tour with her husband Patrick Kennison which featured them as an opening act for Marty Friedman; life at home between tours; the impact and influence of Ozzy Osbourne; and performing with The Iron Maide...

Dropping on August 22nd is the fifth album from Dinosaur Pile-Up, titled I've Felt Better. Matt Bigland joined A-SIDES for Episode 204 to share a few details behind the new songs, meeting and working with acclaimed songwriter Scott Stevens, his favorite bands from the 90's, and what cassette tape was played repeatedly on a cross-country road-trip. Huge thanks to Matt for being a guest on this late...

After releasing their full-length debut in 2023 and sharing stages with acts like The Struts and Sublime With Rome, King Falcon is back with new single, "Plastic Crown." Michael Rubin from King Falcon shares his musical history, from listening to his parents' music, playing endless hours of Guitar Hero, to cutting his teeth as part of School Of Rock. Michael even shares his theory on the songs of...

July 5th 2025 was a monumental day for rock music as it was the farewell concert for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath titled "Back To The Beginning." From heavy metal icons such as Metallica to 21st century rock acts like Rival Sons, all performed and paid tribute to the founders of heavy metal with unique covers in addition to their own music. Zak Bellante from Death Comes Lifting was there to exp...