Chris DeMakes A Podcast

In this episode, listeners are invited to join Greg Camp, the musical maestro behind Smash Mouth's iconic 1999 hit single "All Star," as he takes them on a journey back to the song’s origins. As the episode unfolds, Greg shares exclusive insights into the writing and recording process of the beloved anthem, treating fans to the never-before-heard demo of "All Star." Going deep into the song's lyri...

In this episode of The After Party, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios take a nostalgic trip down memory lane as they create the ultimate summer playlist. Each Chris picks a standout song from every summer of the 1980s, with DeMakes choosing hard rock anthems and Fafalios selecting soft rock classics. Tune in to hear their dynamic discussion as they cover everything from the electrifying riffs of AC...

In this episode, Alan Benjamin Thomas and Steven Rutherford sit in to shed light on the creative process behind joan’s infectious 2021 single “want u back”. The indie-pop duo out of Little Rock provide insight into the crafting of the uptempo anthem that resonates with audiences worldwide. By fearlessly incorporating any musical element that lends itself to the song, joan’s approach to songwriting...

Join host Chris DeMakes and co-host/producer Chris Fafalios as they embark on a musical exploration of Andrew Gold's iconic 1978 single "Thank You for Being a Friend" in this week's episode. While most listeners may recognize it as the beloved theme song from The Golden Girls, DeMakes and Fafalios dive into the rich layers of this timeless track, uncovering its sentimental and tongue-in-cheek char...

In this episode, Alkaline Trio guitarist and vocalist Matt Skiba takes listeners behind the scenes of the band's fan favorite 2005 single, "Time to Waste". Matt opens up about the writing and recording process, shedding light on the band's bold approach to incorporating big production elements, exemplified by the haunting piano intro that sets the tone. He pays homage to the late Jerry Finn, empha...

P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval sat in for this episode in which listeners are invited to explore the creation of their iconic 2001 hit single, "Youth of the Nation." Against the backdrop of tragedies like Columbine and other shootings that shook the nation, Sandoval shares how the band was inspired to craft a powerful and inspiring anthem that resonated with a generation in turmoil. With the guida...

In this episode, Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn of Local Natives unveil the behind-the-scenes journey of crafting their 2019 single, "When Am I Gonna Lose You." They reveal that the song underwent a staggering 57 different versions, each a labor of love to achieve perfection. From Taylor's raw personal inspiration to Ryan's lyrical contributions and producer Shawn Everett's innovative techniques, they...

Embark on a journey of musical innovation with Craig Wedren as he unravels the mysteries behind Shudder To Think's iconic 1994 single, "X-French Tee Shirt.” From the band's relentless pursuit of originality to the song's jarring yet hypnotic structure, Craig takes listeners deep into the creative process, offering unparalleled insights into its unconventional brilliance. As a mastermind behind sco...

In this episode, Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix shares insights into the inspiration, creation, and recording of the band's enduring 2000 hit single, "Last Resort." Drawing from a deeply personal experience where a friend faced a crisis, Jacoby discusses the song's emotional origins and its lasting resonance with listeners. With humility, he reflects on the song's journey and the lives it has...

In this episode, Vandoliers vocalist and guitarist Joshua Fleming takes listeners behind the scenes of the band's 2021 single "Every Saturday Night." Written during the height of the pandemic as a means to uplift his friends, Joshua shares the heartfelt story of its creation. With fans' support, the band secured a day in the studio to record the song, leaving no room for second-guessing amidst lim...

In this episode, American Authors vocalist and guitarist Zac Barnett invites listeners behind the curtain of their 2013 smash hit single "Best Day of My Life." He shares stories about the song's creation and recording process, offering insights into its enduring popularity over the past decade. Despite its lasting presence in commercials and its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and b...

Helmet frontman Page Hamilton sits in this week to share the writing and recording process behind the band’s iconic 1992 single “Unsung.” He vividly recounts the genesis of the track, even recalling the exact desk where he crafted its unforgettable riffs. Page also unravels the often abstract lyrics that have sparked intrigue and interpretations for decades, shedding light on their true meaning. T...

In honor of the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's passing, this week's episode pays homage to the legendary songwriter by dissecting Nirvana's monumental hit single "Heart-Shaped Box”. Joining as co-host is Chris Fafalios, the producer of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, who brings his unique perspective to unravel the unconventional brilliance of the song. "Heart-Shaped Box" stands as another testament t...

Chris DeMakes was recently the guest on Too Much Effing Perspective, another great podcast on the Evergreen Podcasts network. The show is hosted by Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann, and together they dive deep into their guests' harrowing, humbling, and hilarious Spinal Tap moments on the road. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe to Too Much Effing Perspective wherever you get your podcas...

To celebrate 200 episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, Chris Ballew makes his triumphant return, this time to discuss the writing and recording of The Presidents of the United States of America’s 1996 hit “Peaches”. He recalls the fascinating journey behind this iconic track, from the spark of inspiration while tripping under a peach tree in the early 90s to a chance encounter with a muttering man...

In this week's episode, Chuck Ragan unveils the writing and recording process behind Hot Water Music's 2012 single "Drag My Body." The track showcases Chuck's iconic vocals, a defining element of the band's sound, which play a central role in driving its emotional depth. Additionally, Chuck emphasizes the collective musical prowess of the band, highlighting their skilled execution throughout. Reco...

In this episode, Teenage Bottlerocket's Ray Carlisle provides an insightful look into the creation process of the band's 2019 single, "Everything To Me". With heartfelt candor, Ray shares the personal inspiration behind the song—the deep love for his son Milo. From quirky lyrics detailing creative methods to encourage teeth-brushing to poignant reflections on how his son saved his life, this song...

In this episode, Mustard Plug guitarist Colin Clive discusses the creative process behind the band's iconic ska-punk anthem "Beer (Song)." Having been released years prior to its inclusion on the Evildoers Beware! album, the track underwent a transformation that made it hit even harder and become more memorable. Colin dives into the evolution of the song through years of live performances, as well...

Mest frontman Tony Lovato sits in this week to share the story behind the band’s 2003 single “Rooftops”. From reminiscing about listening to music with friends to contemplating the future, Tony opens up about the song’s heartfelt origins.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The After Party is a weekly bonus episode for members of the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast (which is basically just like Patreon). Head to ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up! You'll get a giant back catalog of episodes, and a new episode each week. Sign up for the Supporting Cast: http://www. ChrisDeMakes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jonathan Higgs of Everything Everything shares the story behind the writing and recording of "Cold Reactor," the lead single from the band’s 2024 album Mountainhead. The narrative behind the song is intricately woven into the album’s overarching concept, offering a look into Jonathan’s vision of a strange dystopian world. All aspects of both the song and the band’s overall sound a...

Sitting in this week is Jonathan Anastas, bassist of the influential Boston straight edge hardcore band D.Y.S. Jonathan recounts the writing and recording process of their seminal track "Wolfpack" from the 1983 album Brotherhood, which was recorded when he was just 15 years old. He shares anecdotes about the youthful energy and passion that fueled the music of D.Y.S. as he offers a behind-the-scen...

Rob "Bucket" Hingley is not only the founding member of The Toasters but also the visionary behind Moon Ska Records, which played a crucial part in cultivating and promoting ska music in the US and beyond. In this episode, he shares insights into the creative process behind the writing and recording of the classic 1996 fan favorite song from The Toasters, "2-Tone Army." What started as an idea for...

This week, Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s 2003 single “Signals Over the Air”. Taken from the band’s third album War All the Time, the song is a dynamic amalgamation of melody and aggression, and it’s much rawer than the polished productions that most people would expect from a major label release. In this episode, Geoff dives deep into the...

Far's 1998 album Water & Solutions is considered an influential record by a number of beloved bands. Filled to the brim with haunting melodies, powerful guitar hooks, and thought-provoking lyrics, this album is a significant piece of music history. In this episode, vocalist Jonah Matranga discusses the writing and recording of the band's most well-known single, "Mother Mary" – a moody rocker that...