Chris DeMakes

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Music EN ↓ 464 episodes

You may know Chris DeMakes as a founding member of the band Less Than Jake, but what you may NOT know is that he's a true music historian. On Chris DeMakes A Podcast, he welcomes accomplished songwriters to sit in and discuss the writing and recording of beloved songs from their back catalogs.

Author

Chris DeMakes

Category

Music

Podcast website

www.ChrisDeMakes.com

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

Ep. 190: Keith Buckley discusses Many Eyes "Revelation" 22.01.2024

Keith Buckley returns to the show, this time to discuss the writing and recording of Many Eyes' 2023 single, "Revelation." Deeply personal lyrics delivered with a mix of ferocity and melody over heavy grooves make this song a memorable debut. In this episode, Keith breaks down every aspect of its inception. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show (and get weekly bonu...

Ep. 189: Andy Jackson discusses Hot Rod Circuit's "The Pharmacist" 15.01.2024

Hot Rod Circuit guitarist and vocalist Andy Jackson sits in this week to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s 2002 single “The Pharmacist”. While it may seem that the song is detailing a story of love gone wrong, the actual story behind the lyrics is as unexpected as it is heartbreaking. Andy also opens up about the organic recording experience that led to a sound that remains powerful...

Ep. 188: Mitchy Collins discusses lovelytheband's "broken" 08.01.2024

lovelytheband took the music world by storm in 2018 with their breakout single "broken," which went on to become one of the most successful singles ever on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. In this episode, vocalist and guitarist Mitchy Collins discusses the origins of the song, which was born out of a personal low point but went on to meteoric heights. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and...

Ep. 187: Mark Tremonti discusses Creed's "Higher" 01.01.2024

In this week's episode, guitarist and vocalist Mark Tremonti discusses the writing and recording of Creed’s iconic 1999 single, "Higher." This rock anthem soared to the top of the charts, solidifying the band as one of the era’s defining acts. Having already achieved success with their debut album, the astronomical rise of "Higher" from their sophomore effort, Human Clay, made Creed a household na...

End of 2023 Recap 25.12.2023

Chris and Chris take a look back at the amazing guests that sat in for episodes of the show in 2023. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to get weekly bonus episodes, have access to a giant back catalog of bonus episodes, AND help the show continue, head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 186: Jaret Reddick discusses Bowling For Soup's "Girl All The Bad Guys Want" 18.12.2023

In this episode, Jaret Reddick takes a look back at the creation of Bowling For Soup's Grammy-nominated 2002 hit, "Girl All The Bad Guys Want.” The song was his first ever co-write, a collaborative effort with the talented Butch Walker, who was also at the production helm for their acclaimed album Drunk Enough To Dance. The episode dives into the magic that unfolded during the writing and recordin...

Ep. 185: Eric Bazilian discusses Joan Osborne's "One Of Us" 11.12.2023

Eric Bazilian makes his triumphant return to the show, this time to dive into the fascinating backstory of his iconic song “One Of Us,” made famous by Joan Osborne in 1995. Eric recounts the spontaneous genesis of the track, revealing that he composed it in a single night after his then-girlfriend expressed interest in his recording process. Despite some controversy about the song from a few dimwi...

Throwback Thursday: Joe Escalante discusses The Vandals "Oi to the World!" 07.12.2023

This week's Throwback Thursday episode is from all the way back on December 14th of 2020, when Joe Escalante sat in for Episode 29 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast to discuss the writing and recording of the holiday classic from The Vandals, "Oi to the World!" If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and want to help support the show (and get weekly bonus episodes), head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to si...

Ep. 184: Ryan Cabrera discusses his song "On The Way Down" 04.12.2023

In this week's episode, singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera takes a trip down memory lane, diving into the fascinating story behind his 2004 hit single “On The Way Down”. Ryan reveals the ins and outs of the song's writing, recording, and release, shedding light on his collaboration with producer Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls fame. He reflects on the whirlwind of his youth, recounting the surreal exp...

Ep. 183: Karl Alvarez discusses Descendents "I'm The One" 27.11.2023

Descendents bassist Karl Alvarez takes center stage in this episode, focusing on the band's 1996 single, "I'm The One." An enduring fan favorite, the song is driven by its raw and relatable lyrics that navigate the complexities of unrequited love. Drawing from real-life tales of romantic struggles shared by friends at the time, he unveils the personal inspiration behind the track. As the last memb...

Ep. 182: Greg Hetson discusses Circle Jerks "Back Against the Wall" 20.11.2023

In this episode, Circle Jerks guitarist and all-around punk rock icon Greg Hetson discusses the writing, recording, release, and legacy of the 1980 Circle Jerks song "Back Against the Wall." Recorded essentially for free during the studio's after-hours, Group Sex became a classic album that launched the band's career, with this particular song serving as their very first composition. If you enjoy...

Ep. 181: Duncan Redmonds discusses Snuff's "Nick Northern" 13.11.2023

Snuff's 1996 single "Nick Northern" served as the gateway into the band for many listeners, as it was featured on a popular punk compilation of the mid-'90s. In this episode, drummer and vocalist Duncan Redmonds details the story behind the creation of this iconic track. From the heartbreak that inspired the lyrics to the surprising story behind the song's title, Duncan opens up and shares an arra...

Throwback Thursday: Max Collins discusses Eve 6's "Inside Out" 09.11.2023

In today's Throwback Thursday episode, we take a look back to June of 2021, when Max Collins sat in for Episode 54 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast to discuss the writing, recording, and release of Eve 6's hit 1998 single "Inside Out". To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast, head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...

Ep. 180: Jason DeVore discusses Authority Zero's "One More Minute" 06.11.2023

Authority Zero vocalist Jason DeVore sits in to share the story behind the creation and recording of the band's 2002 single, "One More Minute," from their album A Passage In Time. Together with producer Dave Jerden, the band created this reggae-infused track that has resonated with fans for decades. In this episode, Jason dives into many of the facets that set the song apart, and he even shares th...

Throwback Thursday: Blake Schwarzenbach discusses Jawbreaker's "Boxcar" 02.11.2023

This week's Throwback Thursday episode comes from April 19th, 2021, when Blake Schwarzenbach sat in to discuss the writing, recording, release, and legacy of Jawbreaker's classic track "Boxcar". If you enjoy Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choi...

Ep. 179: Spencer Charnas discusses Ice Nine Kills "Hip To Be Scared" 30.10.2023

Ice Nine Kills vocalist Spencer Charnas makes his triumphant return to the show, this time to discuss the creative process behind the 2021 single "Hip To Be Scared." The spine-tingling track was inspired by the iconic book and film American Psycho, and the song is filled with just as many unexpected twists and turns, all held together by a massive singalong chorus. Just in time for Halloween, this...

SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party "Halloween #1 Hits" episode 26.10.2023

First released on October 31st of 2022, this episode of The After Party dives into an array of songs from over the years that sat at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on Halloween Day. To get weekly episodes of The After Party just like this one (and a GIANT back catalog of past episodes), head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Ep. 178: Chris Freeman discusses Hot Mulligan's "*Equip Sunglasses*" 23.10.2023

In this episode, Hot Mulligan guitarist Chris Freeman dives into the creation and recording of the fan-favorite track "*Equip Sunglasses*". While producer Brett Romnes played a pivotal role in bringing the song to life, the track's structure remained remarkably faithful to its original demo. Beyond its catchy melodies, "*Equip Sunglasses*" serves as a lyrical expression of frustrations directed at...

Throwback Thursday: Mummy Cass discusses Here Come The Mummies "Pants" 19.10.2023

This Throwback Thursday, we're taking it back to October 11th, 2021, when Mummy Cass sat in to discuss the writing and recording of the 2008 Here Come The Mummies single "Pants". This hilarious and insightful look into the track is the perfect listen for the Halloween season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep. 177: Rou Reynolds discusses Enter Shikari's "(pls) set me on fire" 16.10.2023

In this episode, Enter Shikari vocalist Rou Reynolds takes center stage as he unravels the compelling story behind the writing, recording, and release of their 2023 hit single "(pls) set me on fire," hailing from the chart-topping album A Kiss for the Whole World. As both the album's producer and visionary artist, Rou dives into the intricacies of their groundbreaking sound, shedding light on the...

Ep. 176: Efrem Schulz discusses Death By Stereo's "Forever and a Day" 09.10.2023

Death By Stereo frontman Efrem Schulz takes center stage in this episode as he unveils the backstory of Death By Stereo's 2005 single, "Forever and a Day." With a fervor that matches the song's intensity, Efrem guides listeners through the process of writing, recording, and releasing this deeply personal anthem, which revolves around a heartfelt promise to stand by a cherished friend through thick...

Ep. 175: Wheeler Walker Jr. discusses his song "Fingerblast" 02.10.2023

This week, Wheeler Walker Jr. sits in to discuss the making of his daring new single, "Fingerblast". All aspects of this raunchy and rockin' song are explored, with insights into its creation and musical influences. Wheeler also opens up about the song's provocative inspiration, making this episode a must-listen for those who appreciate boundary-pushing music and unfiltered artistic expression. Tu...

Ep. 174: Joe Jack Talcum discusses The Dead Milkmen's "Punk Rock Girl" 25.09.2023

In this episode, vocalist and guitarist Joe Jack Talcum provides an engaging look into the creation of the timeless classic from The Dead Milkmen, "Punk Rock Girl". He shares the story of how so many iconic Philadelphia landmarks became part of the song's lyrics, all of which immerse the listener in the city's unique atmosphere. He also reveals how Minnie Pearl and Mojo Nixon made their way into t...

Ep. 173: Brandon Hardesty discusses Bumpin Uglies "Island Time" 18.09.2023

This week, Bumpin Uglies guitarist and vocalist Brandon Hardesty discusses the creative process behind the fan-favorite song "Island Time." Brandon reveals the intimate inspiration behind the track: his wife's cherished connection to a family island retreat. Despite an injury that left him somewhat incapacitated when he was writing the song, the emotional depth and personal stories shine through i...

Ep. 172: Devon Kay discusses Devon Kay & The Solutions "Millenial Homesick Blues" 11.09.2023

Devon Kay's enthusiasm and sense of humor shine through both in this episode's conversation and in the 2023 Devon Kay & The Solutions single "Millenial Homesick Blues" (yes, he knows that "millenial" is misspelled!). Together with Chris, they explore the relatable inspiration behind the song and dive into the DIY recording approach that brought this lively track to life. Learn more about your ad c...

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