Laughing Monkey with Shawn Ratches

John Corabi is a powerhouse rock vocalist and guitarist whose career has spanned more than four decades. Known for his gravelly voice, heartfelt lyrics, and gritty authenticity, Corabi has carved a unique niche in rock and metal history. He first gained attention in the late 1980s with The Scream, a hard rock band that blended bluesy swagger with heavy riffs. Their 1991 debut Let It Scream earned...

Few bands have flown the flag for melodic metal as long and as passionately as Lillian Axe, and at the heart of it all is guitarist, songwriter, and founding member Steve Blaze. Known for their powerful hooks, soaring melodies, and spiritual undertones, Lillian Axe carved out a unique spot in hard rock history. Emerging from the vibrant Louisiana music scene in the mid-1980s, the band quickly gain...

EMF: Band HistoryEMF (short for “Epsom Mad Funkers”) is an English alternative dance band from Cinderford, Gloucestershire, England. Formed in 1989, they became known for blending dance rhythms with alternative rock and pop elements, emerging during the “Madchester” era. Their debut single, “Unbelievable,” released in 1990, became a major international hit, reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot...

The Dandy Warhols formed in Portland, Oregon in 1994, born from the city’s gritty alternative scene. Fronted by the charismatic and sardonic Courtney Taylor-Taylor, the band initially carved out a niche with a sound that merged psychedelic rock, shoegaze textures, and garage grit. Their name, a clever play on pop artist Andy Warhol, reflected their art-house attitude and offbeat sensibility right...

Brad Roberts , the unmistakable baritone behind Crash Test Dummies, is one of the most unique vocalists in alternative rock history. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Roberts initially pursued literature and philosophy before turning to music full-time. His deep, resonant voice became the centerpiece of the band’s sound—so distinctive that it set them apart immediately. What started as a small C...

Harem Scarem, the Canadian melodic hard rock band formed in 1987, has built a legacy on polished songwriting, tight arrangements, and emotive vocals. While the band’s early sound was rooted in the melodic glam-infused rock popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s, their progression over the years has shown a clear evolution in maturity and depth. Their self-titled debut in 1991 introduced audiences...

Frankie Muriel is a dynamic and enduring figure in the American music scene, known for his stage presence and eclectic musical style. Raised in a musically rich environment—his father was a Latin jazz percussionist—Muriel was influenced by a diverse array of artists, including David Lee Roth and Prince. This blend of influences shaped his unique performance style, characterized by energetic showma...

If punk rock were a war zone, then the Dwarves would be the band barreling through it in a flaming van, middle fingers raised, amps cranked to 11, and blood still dripping from last night’s gig. Formed in the 1980s in Chicago, the Dwarves became infamous not just for their music, but for their pure commitment to never giving a damn. Fast, loud, and offensively proud, their sound is a dirty cocktai...

In Episode 555, we sit down with guitarist Loren Molinare, known for his work with Little Caesar, The Dogs, and now The Slamdinistas. Loren walks us through the band’s new album, “Wild & Restless,” with a gritty, no-nonsense breakdown of each track. From the songwriting process to the raw energy of the studio sessions, he gives us a look behind the curtain of a record built on decades of real...

Step behind the curtain and plug into the heartbeat of rock and roll with Talk Louder and Laughingmonkeymusic—two unapologetically passionate podcasts where music legends meet real talk, and deep cuts get the spotlight they deserve. Hosted by lifelong music fans and industry insiders Jason, David, and Shawn, these shows are more than interviews—they’re full-blown conversations, fueled by a love of...

Dokken was formed in the late 1970s by vocalist Don Dokken. The band came into its own in the early ‘80s with the classic lineup of Don on vocals, George Lynch on guitar, Jeff Pilson on bass, and Mick Brown on drums. Their debut album, Breaking the Chains, released in 1981, didn’t gain immediate traction but laid the foundation for what would become one of the more recognized names in melodic meta...

Stephen Pearcy & RATT: Still Biting Back Stephen Pearcy, the unmistakable voice of RATT, has never stopped flying the flag for 80s hard rock. As the founding frontman of the Sunset Strip legends, Pearcy helped define the sound of an era with hits like “Round and Round,” “Lay It Down,” and “Back for More.” Even as RATT’s lineup shifted over the decades, Pearcy has kept the legacy alive through...

Andy Timmons has had an incredible career spanning decades, from his early days with Danger Danger to his acclaimed solo work and collaborations with music giants. His signature tone, soulful phrasing, and technical mastery have made him one of the most respected guitarists in the industry. His latest album, Recovery , is a deeply personal project that reflects his journey through life’s highs and...

Bobby Liebling, the legendary frontman of Pentagram, has spent nearly six decades shaping the world of heavy rock, but in recent years, he’s found unexpected fame in the digital age. From cult hero to viral sensation, Liebling’s image and persona have exploded online, introducing his music and larger-than-life character to a whole new generation. Whether it’s classic Pentagram riffs or memes featu...

In this episode, we welcome legendary guitarists Al Pitrelli and Chris Caffery of Savatage, the iconic progressive metal band known for their theatrical storytelling and technical prowess. With roots dating back to the late 1970s, Savatage gained fame through albums like Hall of the Mountain King, Gutter Ballet, and Edge of Thorns, blending heavy metal with symphonic elements. After years of relat...

Ginger Wildheart, the dynamic frontman of The Wildhearts, has long been a force in the rock music scene. Known for his raw energy, fearless songwriting, and genre-blending style, he has carved out a reputation as one of the most innovative and hard-hitting artists in the industry. With his latest album, a growing podcast presence, and a relentless touring schedule, Ginger continues to captivate au...

In Episode 585, Spin Doctors’ frontman Chris Barron joins the conversation to discuss the band’s journey, their upcoming new album, and plans for an exciting summer tour. Best known for their ‘90s hits like Two Princes and Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong, the band continues to evolve while staying true to their signature blend of bluesy rock and jam-band energy. Barron reflects on their early days play...

Robin McAuley has built a legendary career spanning decades, establishing himself as one of rock’s most enduring and powerful vocalists. Best known for fronting McAuley Schenker Group in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, his soaring voice became a signature of melodic hard rock. Collaborating with guitar virtuoso Michael Schenker, the group released classic albums like Perfect Timing (1987) and Save Y...

Eric Gales – A New Chapter Begins: First-Ever Announcement of His New Album, TV Show & SoundtrackIn this special episode, Eric Gales joins us for a first-time announcement about the next big chapter in his career. Known as one of the most talented and underrated guitarists of his generation, Eric has spent decades redefining blues and rock with his unique playing style, raw emotion, and undeni...

Sharlee Patches and Wino have formed a new band that highlights their combined musical strengths. Vocalist and bassist Sharlee Patches is the primary songwriter, bringing a unique style and lyrical approach to the project. Wino, known for his distinctive guitar work and songwriting history, co-wrote one of the songs featured in their current set. The band’s music reflects a blend of hard rock and...

Venom Inc: A New Era, Live Albums, and LegacyVenom Inc, the powerhouse continuation of the legendary Venom legacy, has been making waves in the metal world with their relentless touring and high-energy performances. Formed in 2015 by Tony ‘The Demolition Man’ bringing in Abaddon (who later departed) to join him and Mantas, the band set out to honor the classic spirit of Venom while carving their o...

The Vapors are a British new wave and power pop band best known for their 1980 hit “Turning Japanese.” Formed in 1978 in Guildford, England, the band was discovered by Bruce Foxton of The Jam, who helped secure them a management deal. With a sound that blended punchy punk energy and melodic hooks, The Vapors quickly gained attention in the UK music scene. Their debut album, New Clear Days (1980),...

n this episode, Gary Holt, one of thrash metal’s most influential guitarists, joins the show to discuss his new book, Exodus’ upcoming album, and his time with Slayer. Holt shares insane tour stories, the inspiration behind his book, and what fans can expect from the latest Exodus release. Holt joined Exodus in 1981, shortly after the band was formed by drummer Tom Hunting and guitarist Kirk Hamme...

In my latest interview with Angry Anderson , the legendary frontman of Rose Tattoo , we covered everything from the band’s upcoming farewell tour to his unfiltered thoughts on music, politics, and the state of the world . With Rose Tattoo preparing to retire from touring in 2026 , marking their 50th anniversary , Angry opened up about what this milestone means for him and the band. He reflected on...

In this episode, Aryn Jonathan Black, the charismatic frontman of Scorpion Child, joins us to discuss the band’s upcoming album set to release on February 14. Known for their electrifying blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and psychedelic influences, Scorpion Child has built a reputation for delivering raw, high-energy music that resonates with fans of classic and modern rock alike. Aryn takes us ba...