Chris DeMakes A Podcast

In this episode, host Chris DeMakes and producer Chris Fafalios engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the legendary musician and songwriter Christine McVie and her iconic Fleetwood Mac hit, "Don't Stop." They explore the fascinating complexity of the song, which, despite its seeming simplicity, manages to convey an uplifting message about breakups, defying conventional norms for such them...

This Throwback Thursday episode is from December 27th, 2021 (Episode #83), in which Tom Higgenson takes listeners on a journey through the creation of the beloved Plain White T's hit single, "Hey There Delilah." Unraveling the intriguing story behind the song's writing and recording, Tom sheds light on the emotional process that led to its creation. With over 5 million copies sold and multiple awa...

In this episode, guitarist and vocalist Alexia Roditis delves into the process behind the writing and recording of "Fences". The song captures the essence of remaining trapped in despair due to its familiarity, prompting introspection on life's deeper meaning with the thought-provoking question, "is this all?" With her candid insights, Alexia offers listeners a glimpse into the emotional depth and...

In this episode, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Andrew Dost details the writing, recording, and release of Fun.'s "We Are Young," a song that spent 6 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the 2013 Grammy for Song of the Year. Andrew shares never-before-heard demos of the song and offers fascinating insights into the creative process of one of Fun.'s brilliant creators, making it an en...

Get ready for a sneak preview of The After Party podcast, the exclusive bonus episode available to members of the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast each week. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive into the biggest songs of the 1950s, offering a delightful mix of learning and laughter. With a new episode released every week and a vast back catalog to explore, subscribing to The Supporting Cas...

Bassist and vocalist Mike Herrera takes listeners behind the scenes of MxPx's latest single "Stay Up All Night," diving into the story of its creation and recording process. Mike candidly shares what keeps him inspired to write new songs and reveals the profound influences that sparked the inception of this dynamic and heartfelt new single. To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus e...

In this special Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, released originally on January 24, 2022, listeners are treated to an incredible conversation with music icon Huey Lewis. The episode delves into the captivating journey behind the creation of the timeless #1 hit from 1985, "The Power Of Love," by Huey Lewis & The News, which gained fame as the theme song for the iconic movie Ba...

Legendary singer-songwriter Howard Jones is a pioneer of electronic music, and he made his first mark on the world with the release of "New Song" in 1983. A string of hits and a remarkable career would soon follow, as would countless artists and producers who were influenced by his work. In this episode, Howard breaks down the writing, recording, release, and legacy of the song that started it all...

Howi Spangler is the guitarist and vocalist of Maryland beach rock legends Ballyhoo! In this episode, he breaks down the writing, recording, and release of the fan favorite 2011 single "Walk Away", which is an uplifting song about a mutual agreement to end a toxic relationship. To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes (plus a GIANT back catalog of bonus episodes), head to h...

In this episode, bassist and vocalist Kenny Vasoli delves into the creative process behind "Island”, The Starting Line's highest ever charting single. The song is from the band’s 2007 full-length Direction, which was produced by the renowned Howard Benson. Kenny shares the never-before-heard demo — as well as tons of intriguing insight — into the creation of a song that sounds just as great now as...

Youthful desperation and exuberance shine through in the fan favorite song "Pray For Rain" from The Ergs! 2004 debut album Dork Rock Cork Rod. In this episode, drummer and vocalist Mikey Erg reminisces on the writing and recording of this heartfelt punk rock classic. To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to...

The 2006 All-American Rejects single "Move Along" is an anthem of perseverance in the face of adversity. In this episode, guitarist Nick Wheeler details the writing and recording of this hit song that features everything from a world-renowned percussionist to a children's choir. If you'd like to support Chris DeMakes A Podcast AND get weekly bonus episodes (plus an entire back catalog of them), si...

In 1996, Reel Big Fish became the poster boys for the third wave of ska, as "Sell Out" propelled the band onto radio and MTV. In this episode, Aaron and Scott detail the writing, recording, release, and legacy of the classic song that still resonates hard with fans today. To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party, head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to si...

Legendary drummer, producer, and songwriter Bill Stevenson makes his return to the show to discuss the writing and recording of "Clean Sheets", the fan favorite song from the 1987 Descendents album All. From the song's inception in Bill's dreams to how he feels about the song's subject matter today, this episode dives into all aspects of the power pop classic. To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast an...

In Part 2 of a conversation with Fat Mike, the NOFX frontman dives into the writing, recording, release, and legacy of the epic punk rock masterpiece "The Decline". To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Patreon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1999, NOFX released "The Decline", an 18 minute punk rock opus that many consider to be the band's most ambitious and impressive feat. This is Part 1 of a conversation with vocalist and bassist Fat Mike about everything from the song's origins to the lyrical content. To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, sign up for our Patreon at http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com Learn m...

John Feldmann was the first ever guest on Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and to celebrate the 3 year anniversary of the show, he makes his triumphant return to discuss the writing, recording, release, and legacy of Goldfinger's iconic ska-punk classic "Superman". To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast Lear...

Today marks the 3 year anniversary of the first episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast! To celebrate, here is a sneak preview episode of The After Party podcast. In this episode, Chris and Chris take a look back at what was happening in June of 1989. To get weekly episodes of The After Party (plus a GIANT back catalog of them), just head to http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Ca...

Minneapolis hip hop duo Atmosphere have blazed a prolific musical path that has spanned decades. In this episode, rapper Sean "Slug" Daley breaks down the writing and recording of the fan favorite 2010 single "The Best Day", taken from the double EP To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy. From the relatable lyrical content to the danceable beat, this standout track resonates now just as muc...

Hall & Oates are the bestselling musical duo of all time with a whopping 29 hit songs (6 of which went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100). The 1982 smash hit single "Maneater" is arguably the biggest, spending 4 weeks in the top spot. In this episode, John Oates breaks down the writing, recording, release, and legacy of this beloved song, fresh off of the release of his new reimagined reggae version....

In the early 80s, Youth Brigade helped blaze the trail for generations of punk rock bands that followed. In this episode, guitarist and vocalist Shawn Stern discusses the writing and recording of "I Hate My Life", the 1996 fan favorite song that details the ups and downs of life on the road. To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, visit http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com to joi...

Singer-songwriter Jon Snodgrass is a beloved and well-respected lifer from the DIY punk rock world, known for his distinctive voice, his countless collaborations, and his prolific output. In this episode, he discusses the story behind his fan favorite song "Me And Joe Drove Out To California", a tune that tells the true story behind a fun and hilarious trek with a friend. If you'd like to support...

In 2002, The Used took the world by storm with their debut self-titled album, which was an irresistible mix of emotional lyrics, soaring melodies, and unbridled aggression. In this episode, vocalist Bert McCracken breaks down the writing, recording, and release of "The Taste of Ink", the standout single that put the young band from Utah into the ears and hearts of countless music fans. To support...

In early 2000, Stroke 9's single "Little Black Backpack" took the radio waves by storm. The song was anything but ordinary, featuring dramatic changes of feel due to multiple time signature changes. In this episode, Luke Esterkyn and Greg Gueldner discusses the writing, recording, and release of a song that was destined to be a hit. To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes,...

Chris Shiflett's music career has been nothing short of incredible. Having spent the past few decades as the Foo Fighters' lead guitarist (and as a member of legendary punk rock band No Use For A Name before that), Chris could've easily kicked back done anything OTHER than play music in his free time. The songwriter and musician in him, however, would NEVER let that happen. In this episode, Chris...