Eclectic Soundtrax Podcast (ESP)

Talking politics & history with old friends/bandmates and a history professor.

It's our 100th episode! and we're joined by NYC-based songwriter Nikita Lev . We discuss Nikita's brand new EP, Suspend , her upbringing in Manhattan, music influences, and the culture and music scene New York City. Suspend reflects the city that shaped her. Born and raised in a household steeped in music – from chamber ensembles to 90s alt-rock – Nikita began writing songs at ten years old. After...

Oklahoma-based husband and wife duo, Shane Henry  and  Maggie McClure, join us to talk about ⁠The Imaginaries⁠ brand new album, Fever . Released Today! The 12-track collection , recored at the legendary Muscle Shoals , showcases the full spectrum of the duo's talents. Maggie’s intimate lyricism and piano-led storytelling are perfectly paired with Shane’s tastefully impressive guitar work and blues...

ESP pays tribute to the Prince of Darkness, inviting friends to to reflect on Ozzy Osbourne 's life and discuss the impact his music has had over the past six decades. Skunk Manhattan is joined by A Good Rogering bandmates Tim Driscoll ( Runescarred ) and Blaine Matte ( Astasis ), as well as long time friend and music connoisseur, Dave Tucker ( 5 Iron Woodworks ) . Austin-based musician Tony P...

Emerging pop artist Terra Renae joins us on the podcast fresh on the heels of a European tour opening for Macy Gray . Terra's debut album, All I Have , was released earlier this year under the guidance of the R&B icon. Raised in Louisville, KY by her Filipino mother after the tragic loss of her father at age seven, Terra’s path has been one of reinvention and perseverance. She was encourag...

We had a blast chatting with David Kochberg and Vanessa Vakharia of the Canadian alt-rock band, Goodnight Sunrise . Formed in Toronto, Canada, the band is characterized by their energetic live show, dual male-female lead vocals, eclectic musical influences, and don't forget the keytar! Their latest release GET A LIFE , is a master class in pop-punk rock. It marries honest, to the point lyrics with...

On this episode we welcome back our very first guest, Yuri Diogenes ! Yuri has a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Intelligence and has written over 30 books on this and released subjects. He met ESP co-host Victor Ramos while working at Dell, but has been with Microsoft since 2006. A personification of the American Dream, Yuri migrated to the United States from Brazil with very little. Through h...

On this episode we chat with veteran songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and activist, Talia Keys . Based in Salt Lake City, Talia is known for her powerful vocals & captivating performances. With over 16 years of experience in the music industry Talia continues to be passionate about using her platform to raise awareness on issues like gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice. From Th...

On this episode we chat with Austin, TX based singer-songwriter Amy Atchley Originally from the Galveston area, Atchley landed in Austin after several years honing her skills in New York City. There she performed at venues such as CBGB’s, The Bitter End and The Living Room and worked for MTV. Amy's signature ethereal vocal style and catchy melodies that blend pop, indie rock, folk, and classic...

On this episode guest co-host Adam Kirby joins Skunk Manhattan to chat with writer, comedian, and fervent bagpiper, Madeleine Hamilton . Madeline, a native Texan originally from Houston, lived in Los Angeles and studied abroad in Scotland (where she took up and became obsessed with bagpipes) before relocating to Austin, TX. Her bagpipes-centric " Piping Ho t", was performed at the 2023 Edinburgh F...

On this episode we chat with Rob Derhak from the eclectic "jam band" ⁠moe⁠ . Rob discusses his 35 year journey from playing a party in Buffalo, NY to becoming a staple in the jam band scene. Moe (stylized as moe . ) formed in 1989 and release their first record record  ⁠Fatboy⁠ in 1992. This established the band as a favorite of the 1990s jam band and improvisational rock scene.  Moe tou...

On this episode Skunk, along with co-host Vic, interviews longtime friend and musical colleague, Sukunya . A talented musician from a young age, Sukunya (aka Suki) was forced to leave behind her teenage success in Thailand when her family relocated to San Antonio, TX. Sukunya knew very little English at the time and had to learn the language while attending music classes at San Antonio College. It...

On this episode, Ruthie Craf t, a talented musician and singer-songwriter, joins us to discuss her journey in music, from her early influences and experiences on American Idol to her recent EP, Sound of Blue . Ruthie shares her struggles with Tourette's syndrome and how singing initially became a source of comfort and expression. Her passion led her to pursue a career in music, and after a tur...

This episode features Omar Jahwar II , drummer of the EDM meets jam band 2Lot . We discuss the band's formation during a time of personal loss and social change, their unique sound that blends electronic music with improvisational elements, and their mission to inspire and activate change via music. The conversation delves into the challenges of addiction, the importance of community support, and...

In this engaging conversation, Vic and Skunk Manhattan sit down with Kevin Keller, a renowned composer in the ambient and neoclassical music scene. They explore the essence of ambient music, its atmospheric qualities, and how it can transport listeners to new places. Kevin shares his musical journey, from his early influences in rock and classical music to his experiences in film scoring and conte...

In this episode, Skunk Manhattan and Tim Driscoll welcome ZZ Ward, a talented recording artist known for her unique blend of blues, pop, and hip-hop. They discuss her musical journey, influences, and the recent release of her EP 'Mother,' which marks her return to her blues roots and personal experiences as a mother. ZZ shares insights on balancing her career and family life, her collabora...

In this episode of the Eclectic Soundtracks podcast, Vic and Skunk Manhattan discuss the vibrant music scene in Austin, Texas, and the evolution of Skunkfest. They reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on live music events, the upcoming anniversary of the Lifeblood album, and the importance of community in music. The conversation also touches on Vic's journey in acting and voiceover work, as well...

We're on location in the scenic hill country just outside of Austin, TX, with luthier Walker Doubleday, founder of Doubleday Guitars . We talk humble beginnings and his time as a luthier with Collings to his decision to start his own boutique guitar company. Walker also gives us a tour of his shop where we see first-hand the traditional and custom tools used to construct each instrument and ge...

Robert Dean is a journalist, raconteur, and self-proclaimed "enlightened dumbass". His work has been featured in places like MIC, Eater, Fatherly, Yahoo, Austin American-Statesman, Consequence of Sound, Ozy, USA Today, to name a few. He’s appeared on CNN and NPR and has served as a features writer for Hussy Magazine, Culture Clash, Pepper Magazine, as well as acting as editor in chief fo...

Dave Tucker, 5 Iron Woodworks founder and head honcho, is our guest on this episode. The first person to appear multiple times on our podcast, Dave joins us to discuss his recently thriving carpentry business. Way back on episode 3 we chatted with this renaissance man about the origins of his long-running friendship with Skunk, the duo’s high school escapades and musical aspirations, early jamming...

We kick off season 3 with Jeff Azar, aka Demi the Daredevil .  Initially a drummer, Jeff morphed into a one-man show following the untimely passing of singer, Jovan Ortiz. In 2017, the debut album Secret Schizoid was released and Jeff Azar officially became "Demi the Daredevil". Inspired by music ranging from pop punk & classic rock to classical & Broadway, Demi's sound and image has...

On this episode we chat with Sicard Hollow , a four-piece progressive bluegrass band with a passion for pushing the boundaries of the genre.  Formed via mutual connections in the Nashville music scene, these psychedelic punk-grass rockers found themselves tired of existing institutions telling them who to be and what to sound like, and before they met in 2018 none of the members even consider...

On this episode we chat with Texas guitar legend Chris Duarte . Born in San Antonio, the young Duarte became interested in music after seeing "Fiddler on the Roof" on TV. He initially wanted to play violin and then clarinet, but circumstances led him to playing his brother's guitar where he discovered an innate talent to pick up tunes by ear. At age 14 Chris obtained his first guitar, a Supro, and...

On this episode we chat with Danceland , an Americana Jam band based out of Toronto, Canada. The group recently released their debut album ‘ Pink Lem ’. Rooted in the timeless psychedelic Americana tradition, complete with storyteller song-craft; sunny harmonies; lonesome pedal steel; stratospheric lead guitar passages; and a touch of Eastern mysticism. The 7-track album was mixed by Grammy a...

It's been a minute but on our latest podcast we chat with members of the San Antonio-based rock band, All Stories End .  AES music is a culmination of their diverse influences explosive with high energy guitar and drums, but also an impressive vocal range and command from singer, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher Chris Purcell. After only a short time from their inception in 2017, the...