A-Sides

As Kansas celebrates the milestone of 50 years, they are making a tour stop in my hometown of Peoria, IL for a show on the Another Fork In The Road tour. Tom Brislin joins A-SIDES ahead of this tour date to share his story with the band, which includes contributing to the recent album The Absence of Presence, writing and producing his own records, immersing himself into the world of prog rock, and...

Following episodes discussing Patrick Kennison's favorite cover songs and live albums, this time Patrick takes center stage to share details on the upcoming Heaven Below album, The Majestic Twelve, and a special acoustic EP featuring his wife Nikki Stringfield. The duo is also getting ready to embark on a Winter tour opening for Marty Friedman which will be book-ended by those releases. Other topi...

When Zak Bellante of Death Comes Lifting made an appearance on A-SIDES in Spring '24, he mentioned his love for Rob Zombie and especially the 2010 Halloween Hootenanny tour. This time Zak returned for a follow-up into the music and movies of Rob Zombie, sharing favorite albums and songs, the revolving door of band members that shaped Zombie's records, t-shirts and merchandise, and even Pumpkin Spi...

Unto Others dropped their third studio album, Never, Neverland, in September '24 and guitarist Sebastian Silva joined A-SIDES to share details on the album's creation. He also shared how he picked up a guitar, stories from recent tours, and growing up in Oregon. Big thanks to Ace Von Johnson for flying the flag for Unto Others and to Sebastian for the awesome conversation! You can follow Unto Othe...

1999 was a year for heavy hitters in rock music, with albums dropping from the likes of Limp Bizkit, Creed, Rage Against the Machine, and KoRn, to pop acts such as Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. This episode of A-SIDES features returning guest Jonathan Stoye as we turn back the clock to share our favorite bands and songs, fashion choices, which aged better than others, we take a pop quiz,...

2023 saw the re-release of Candlebox's first 3 records in a vinyl set titled, The Maverick Years. Following up almost a year after the release date, Rizzo joins A-SIDES to discuss these classic albums from Candlebox. Corey "Rizzo" Rozzoni shares what drew him to the band initially, his favorite songs and key moments on each album, changing drummers and their differences in style, and more insights...

Apple Music simply describes Devon Gilfillian's 2023 album, Love You Anyway, as "raw, empowering soul anthems for a kinder, more unified world." That definitely hit the nail on the head and it's why I have kept going back to his music repeatedly, even adding his records to my collection. For this episode, Devon shares about his music, his family, seeking peaceful moments, and even a hilarious desc...

Episode 169 of A-SIDES features a special follow-up with songwriter, producer, and frontman for The Exies, Scott Stevens. In what was intended to be a conversation on "comfort songs", this became something greater as Scott shared about influential figures throughout his life, lessons learned, his process of songwriting, and even the 20th anniversary on The Exies' Head For The Door album. You can e...

Accomplished and award-winning guitarist Nikki Stringfield is about to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of her solo album Apocrypha. For Episode 168 of A-SIDES, she not only shares details about her own music, but plans for the release of Heaven Below's new album, her love of Avenged Sevenfold, balancing work and life, and more! Follow Nikki on her website for tour dates, merch, and more! You can...

Last fall on a tour stop in Canada, Wrex Horton (vocalist of Flat Black) appeared on A-SIDES' Episode 136 and was on foot for an exciting conversation. This time we catch up with Wrex in his studio following the release of Dark Side Of The Brain, Flat Black's immensely anticipated studio debut. Wrex shares his favorite songs, lessons he's learned as a member of the band, the Paris Olympics, tourin...

Expanding on a previous discussion with Denny Smith about his favorite movie soundtrack, Episode 166 explores the entire decade of 1980's soundtracks! We share a few noteworthy albums along with topics ranging from buying albums to acquire a specific rare track, the all-too-brief discography of Andy Taylor, 80's revivals of Eric Carmen and Tina Turner, plus a surprising connection to Dave Bickler,...

Cris Hodges was originally on A-SIDES at the early part of 2023 for Episode 117, just as he was about to embark on tours opening for Alter Bridge, Fozzy, and Ugly Kid Joe. On this episode, Cris shares interactions and lessons learned on the road, joining Grey Daze, performing the Collision Course songs with In The End and their guest Avery Hardin, finding peace, and maintaining positive mental hea...

James Black from Finger Eleven joins A-SIDES for a huge discussion on collecting vinyl records, 007 movie scores, creating a song for 2003's Daredevil movie, marrying visual art with music, and more! One of the biggest tours of Summer 2024 is the return of Creed, along with Finger Eleven and 3 Doors Down as opening acts. You can follow along with Finger Eleven through their tour dates at their web...

While music itself is already a shared passion, a recurring theme between guests and hosts alike seems to be Cheap Trick. The special guest for A-SIDES Episode 163, Nick Perri, is no different. Not only does he love Cheap Trick, he's even toured with and interviewed founding member Rick Nielsen. We discuss Nick's inspirations and favorite artists, his own music, methods to center yourself, and we...

Episode 162 of A-SIDES features returning guest and heavy metal enthusiast, Marc Sasso! We not only discuss several of our favorite tracks from Judas Priest's latest album Invincible Shield, but also stolen cassettes, the day Rob Halford departed Judas Priest, the perfect song for speeding in your car, Ghost, Metallica's Kill Em All, and more! Huge thanks to Marc for making his second appearance o...

For Episode 161, A-SIDES is flying the flag of classic rock band Thin Lizzy, by welcoming back longtime friend and frequent guest, "The Professor" Kenny Wright. He praises the lyrical prowess of Thin Lizzy's founder Phil Lynott, ponders why guitarist Gary Moore was constantly leaving and rejoining the band, explains "cut out" bargain bins, twin guitar harmonies, recommends a key blue-eyed soul rec...

It's well-documented that a favorite live band in recent years has been In The End, the California-based tribute to Linkin Park. Members Cris Hodges, Zak St. John, and Danny Lopez have made appearances on A-SIDES, with Danny Lopez returning for a smashing sequel with Episode 160! Like most sequels, there's a familiarity with the story, but also new elements are added, such as conversations on comi...

Throughout the lifespan of A-SIDES, one band that has made a direct impact is King's X. They've been a topic either organically or purposefully, even being a focal point for discussion in Episode 93 with Corey Rozzoni and Freddy Herrera. With this episode, founder/bassist dUg Pinnick joins A-SIDES for an intimate discussion on mental and physical health, the groove of King's X, the enduring legacy...

As funny as he is talented, returning guest Zak St. John made this one of the quickest hour-long conversations on A-SIDES. Among his current numerous projects are Slow Burning Car, Ashen Moon, In The End, and Annie Bosko. Originally a guest on Episode 101, Zak returns to share recent experiences with In The End, how he likes his steak, Elton John vs Billy Joel, drummers that inspire him, and Knuck...

Everclear had a distinct presence in the 1990's with songs such as "Santa Monica", which is still felt 30 years later, with new fans attending shows and discovering their music. Episode 157 features Davey French of Everclear, sharing his history with the band, growing up in the Pacific Northwest, his technique for learning to play his favorite songs, several hobbies and interests, and more! Follow...

Damon Johnson was the first special guest to be interviewed on A-SIDES back at the start of 2020 for our 11th episode. Flash forward to 2024 and Episode 156, Damon returns to discuss life and rock n roll over these last 4 years. While his accolades and accomplishments are numerous, at his core he's a family man, and is passionate about the craft of songwriting. He shares the creation of the recent...

Metal and monsters have been married for decades, but with physical fitness, too? For Zak Bellante, it is a lifestyle as he has taken his passions to the next level in founding Death Comes Lifting, which is 'fitness for the misfits'! Zak chats finding fitness, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, cheat day foods, and more in Episode 155 of A-SIDES! You can join "The Lifting Dead Army" with Zak online at D...

Episode 154 of A-SIDES features special guest Bob Thiemann, who will be performing with Revis later this summer for a run of shows. Bob shares the origins of Revis, growing up in Central Illinois, Nickelodeon movies, the camaraderie of music, Peoria-area venues, and the music that goes straight to his soul. Huge thanks to Bob and Revis for this fun conversation! You can get tickets to see Revis li...

Music and visual arts are two halves that make the whole for Michael Cartellone. He is not only the drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, but also a creative and accomplished visual artist. For Episode 153 of A-SIDES we dive into his background into both areas, his tenure with Damn Yankees, his favorite Skynryd song to perform in concert, and more! Huge thank you to Michael for this fun conversation and tha...

Episode 152 features special guest Jonathan Stoye (The Infamous HER, Framing Hanley), whose musical journey has taken him from Michigan to Tennessee, and back again. Making friends and connections isn't the purpose of A-SIDES but it's rewarding when it does happen. Jonathan Stoye is one of those guests, as we dove into his background and discovered some common ground with private school, nu metal,...