Part-Time Rockstar Podcast

Episode 300! Featuring local legend Howi Spangler of Ballyhoo! They’re a touring beach rock band from Aberdeen, Maryland, and have been a staple in the scene for a long time. This was Howi’s second appearance on the show (his first was way back on Episode 100), and it was another fun conversation. In this episode, we talked about songwriting, TikTok, pursuing your dreams, and what Ballyhoo has pla...

Episode 299 features Holler Choir from North Carolina, an Appalachian-American folk/bluegrass outfit led by the songwriting of Clint Roberts. I wanted to get Clint on the show after catching his set at the 9:30 Club, where they opened for one of my all-time favorite bands, Susto. Holler Choir is also involved in a side project called the Susto String Band, which will be bluegrass interpretations o...

Episode 298 features Main Street Detour from Pittsburgh, a pop punk emo rock band with some new music out. I showcased their track “Joy” on this episode, and if you like it, you can stream it wherever you listen to music. I had a great conversation with Niko and Dan about the Pittsburgh music scene, songwriting, and balancing work with their passion for music. They’ve got a big album release show...

Episode 297 features Josh from Family Video. They are an art rock band from Charlotte, NC. I showcased 2 of their latest songs, Backtalk and Holy Ghost. Which we discussed in the episode. If you like them, you can find their music wherever you stream music. In the episode I spoke with Josh Shabtai and we discussed songwriting styles, job history, his work in the video game industry, and his experi...

Episode 296 features The Burn Doubts from Maryland. They are an alt-rock band with a new track out called ‘Selfish Act’, which I featured on this episode and you can find wherever you stream music. In the conversation, I spoke with Austin, Spencer, Patrick, and Jeff. I wanted to get the guys on the show this week because we have a big gig this Friday, 12/20, at Cult Classic Brewing on Kent Island...

Episode 295 features Taylor Gomolisky of the band Brothers Clair. He’ll be playing our holiday show with us on 12/20 at Cult Classic Brewing. The lineup includes the Brothers Clair, The Hollow Truths, Will Sims, and The Burn Doubts, who are next week’s guests on the podcast. In this episode, I featured the track If There’s Time by Brothers Clair. If you like it, you can stream it wherever you list...

Episode 294 features Oh The Humanity from Massachusetts. They are a hardcore band with a new album coming out. I featured their track Gutted on this episode. If you like it, you can stream it wherever you listen to music. In the conversation, I spoke with Chris and Kevin about their recording process, touring, and releasing music. If you’d like to support the band, you can follow them on all their...

Episode 293 features Almost Made The Mixtape, a pop-punk trio from the Detroit, Michigan area.  They have a new track called Fake It (Till You Make It), which I featured on this episode. You can stream it wherever you listen to music. In the interview, I spoke with Casey O’Leary and Todd Holquist. In our conversation, we talked about all things music: writing, recording, pop-punk, weekenders, and...

Episode 292 features the return of John Mesh from Raised by Sheep, who first appeared on the show in Episode 247. They are a progressive rock band from Lynchburg, VA, made up of college students from the University of Lynchburg. The guys have a new album out, and I featured a track from it called Egyptian Sunrise. In the interview, we talked about all things music, recording, school, and theory. T...

Episode 291 features Henry Erlinger from Washington, DC. He is an aspiring singer-songwriter with some new music out. I featured his latest track, Pasadena, on this episode. If you like it, you can stream it wherever you listen to music. In our conversation, we talked about all things music, open mics, writing, and being a part-time musician. Thanks for listening and supporting local music!   Part...

pisode 290 features Danny VanZandt from Detroit, Michigan. He draws inspiration from the 1970s singer-songwriter movement. His subject matter ranges from speculative and imaginative to slightly more serious, offering a comedic and clever view of contemporary life in America in the information age. In our conversation, we talked about songwriting styles, lyrics, occupations, and balancing creativit...

Episode 289 features The Open Flames from London, England. The band includes members of Sleepy Kitty and Harvey Danger. In the interview, I spoke with Dave Eastman, Paige Brubeck, and Evan Sult. Paige and Evan were calling in from NYC. It was a fun conversation—we talked about all things music, Europe, and the daily grind. In the episode, I featured their track "Drop a Coin" as well as a brand-new...

Episode 288 features Scott Homebrew, a photographer in the Baltimore area and a good friend of mine. This is his second time on the show. He’s been shooting photos all over the DMV for many years now, and chances are, if you play music in the area, you’ve seen his work. In our conversation, we talked about a lot of local venues as well as the shows he’s been shooting. Scott's favorite band is 311,...

Episode 287 features Have Fun!, a pop-punk band from Massachusetts. They have a brand-new track out called 'Gaslighter,' and I featured it on this episode. The guys just opened for The Menzingers last week and have been making waves in their local scene. In the interview, I spoke with Chris, and we talked about different ways to get your music out there, songwriting, working, and a bunch of other...

Episode 286 features Fetcher from Baltimore, MD. They are an alt-rock band with a new album out called So Long, Small World. In the episode I featured the track ‘Angel 1987.’ In the interview, I spoke with Jason Jones and Louey Peraza, and we talked about touring, songwriting, work, influences, and the Baltimore scene. Their next show is on 11/3 in Baltimore at the Metro. If you like their stuff,...

Episode 285 features Ryan "Swimsuit" Calonder from Disco Risqué, a funky, jazzy rock band out of Charlottesville, VA, known for their use of horns. I first met Ryan while he was bartending at a restaurant in downtown Charlottesville, and we quickly realized we were both in bands. It was great to get him on the podcast to talk about all things music, venues, VPNs, grumpy sound guys, and the local s...

Episode 284 features Captive Birds from Norfolk, VA. They are an indie rock band with a cool new album out called Chasing Phantoms. I featured their track "Hate Is In Season" on this episode, and if you like it, you can stream it wherever you listen to music. In the interview, I talked with Jake and Scoot about the Norfolk scene, playing shows, guitar pedals, recording analog style, work, and a bu...

Episode 283 features myself and Christian, who plays bass in The Hollow Truths. We wanted to do a pod to talk about our new song, "Raw Doggin Reality," and our upcoming trip to Ohio and Pittsburgh this weekend. We caught up for a chat on Christian's rooftop the other night in Baltimore. We talked about his time in the Navy, sober streaks, and the music scene in general. If you're in Pittsburgh or...

Episode 282 features Jack & Josh from Hotel Burgundy, an indie rock band from New Orleans, LA. They have a new EP out called I Want to Be Just Like You, and I featured their new track 'Driftin' on it. If you like it, you can stream it wherever you listen to music. In the interview, we talked about touring, songwriting, modern-day music promotion, and the work grind. Thanks for listening and su...

Episode 281 features John from The Mack Brothers, an indie band from Philly. They just released a new album called Southern Skies. I featured the song “Fruit Punch Loko” on this episode, which we talked about in the interview. John and I both had an affinity for Four Lokos back in the day. I should also mention that this is at least the second time The Mack Brothers have been on the show. Our band...

Episode 280 features Marilyn from Vivid Vertigo, an indie rock band from Southern Maryland. We are playing a show together this Saturday (8/31) at Angels Rock Bar in Baltimore, MD. The lineup features us (The Hollow Truths), Sugar Hysteria, Sounds Dangerous, and The Azures. Tickets are $15 or $12 presale. If you are familiar with Power Plant in the city, that's where Angels is located. In the inte...

Episode 279 features Extra Arms from Detroit, an indie rock band with a brand new album called Radar. The album includes 10 songs of melodic, catchy rock that jumps all over the stylistic map. In this episode, I featured the track "I Don’t Wanna Surrender." If you like it, you can stream it wherever you listen to music. The song also has a cool music video on YouTube, which I highly recommend chec...

Episode 278 features The Orange Slices from Washington, DC. They are an indie rock band with an eclectic sound. I featured their song "Red Shift" in this episode. If you like it, you can stream it wherever you listen to music. In the interview, I spoke in person with Elise, James, Ethan, and Faolan about the band's new album they are working on. We also talked about vinyl records, production, writ...

In Episode 277, I interview Rick from Tears Of A Fallen Hero, a Swedish rock band from Gothenburg whose sound blends pop and modern rock. We delve into the music scene in Sweden, the band's backstory, and their new songs. This episode features their tracks "A Hymn for the Broken" and "Yours to Destroy." If you enjoy these songs, you can find them on your preferred streaming platform. Thanks for li...

Episode 276 features Brad Cox, or Brad William Cox, as his Spotify artist name goes. He is the host of the Mouthful Of Graffiti Podcast as well as the frontman of more than a few musical endeavors. I recently caught up with him last week on both his show and this one. He’s releasing a couple of new tracks this month as well as pumping out podcast episodes. He also runs live events for his show. In...