Post-punk Heartstrings

Episode Summary After more than two decades away from releasing music, Craig Douglass Miller —frontman of the 90s Dallas band The Reach and now the creative force behind Blueburst —joins us for a deep, funny, and vulnerable conversation about rediscovery, mentorship, depression, and the long road back to making art. Craig opens up about the years he spent convinced he was“done,” the advertising ca...

In Episode 53 of Post-punk Heartstrings , we sit down with legendary drummer Aaron “A-Train” Smith , whose career spans alternative rock, new wave, and influential Christian music scenes from the 1980s onward. Aaron shares stories from his time with The 77s , his work in the post-punk/new wave world with Romeo Void , andrecording sessions with artists like Rich Mullins , Charlie Peacock , Chris Ta...

In this episode of Post-punk Heartstrings , we sit down with Emmett and Daniel of The Swoon for a deep, candid conversation about their origins, their music, and the strange, beautiful path that led them from a town of 800 people to national stages and legendary studios. We start at the very beginning — childhood friendships, next-door neighbors, and the formative experiences that shaped their cre...

In this episode of Post-punk Heartstrings , we sit down with Ronnie Martin —the visionary songwriter and producer behind Joy Electric and Dance House Children . Ronnie reflects on a lifetime of chasing songs rather than trends, committing to pure analog synthesis, and staying faithful to a sound long after it stopped being fashionable. We talk about songwriting over technology, isolation versus in...

The Julies join Post-punk Heartstrings to reflect on their history, influences, and enduring impact. The conversation begins with a mention of The Holy Hour , the All-Cure podcast they recently appeared on, before diving into how each member discovered music. Chris recalls exploring his parents’ record collection—The Beatles, The Monkees, Dylan—and discovering Run DMC, Erasure, New Order, The Cure...

**✨ Episode 049 — John Easdale of Dramarama From Looney Tunez to Color TV ** 🎙️ Guest: John Easdale 🎧 Band: Dramarama 📅 Episode: 049 🔥 Topic: Four decades of songwriting, survival, and the unexpected rise of “Anything, Anything (I’ll Give You)” In this episode, I sit down with John Easdale , singer and songwriter of Dramarama , for an in-depth conversation covering the band’s origins in New Je...

🎙️ Post-Punk Heartstrings — Episode 048 🎬 US Kids: An Alternative Music Rebellion 📍 Host: JimmyJames S. Butler 📍 First Mate / Co-Host: Jim Anderson 🎤 Guests: John Smeby & Todd A. Zeller 🌐 Us Kids Website: https://www.uskidsrockumentary.com/ 📘 Us Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UsKidsAnAlternativeMusicRebellion 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uskidsrockumentary/ Todd Ze...

In this second half of our conversation with legendary drummer Richard Ploog ( The Church , Groom Epoch ), we explore his post-Church journey — from collaborations with Peter Koppes, Steve Kilbey, and Marc Gable to the surreal, space-infused sounds of Groom Epoch. 🎵 Joining Peter Koppes and The Well How Richard was invited to join Peter Koppes’ project The Well , recording Iridescence and Water R...

In this first part of our conversation with Richard Ploog , legendary drummer for The Church, we trace his journey from early musical beginnings to the band’s breakout years in the 1980s. Richard shares stories of his Scottish pipes and drums roots, his early punk days with The Name Droppers, The Brats, and Exhibit A, and his transition into the shimmering, atmospheric sound that defined The Churc...

In this episode, we sit down with brothers Chris and Pat Bradley of June Cleaver and the Steak Knives—a band whose music hovers between tongue-in-cheek satire and fearless experimentation. With roots in post-punk, art-rock, and a love of found sounds, their sound pulls from an eclectic range of influences: Wall of Voodoo, They Might Be Giants, Devo, The Residents, The Cure, and beyond. ✨ We talk...

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Koppes, founding guitarist of The Church , to explore the deep currents of his musical life—from early influences to legendary albums, solo works, and new collaborations. What we cover in this conversation: • 🎹 Early beginnings : Why Peter’s first love was the Hammond Organ, how he wound up on drums, and the Beatles’ surprising link to bossa nova. • 🎸 Form...

Floodland by The Sisters of Mercy: Choral Doom and Drum Machines in the Twilight With special guest Jerry Ossevoort In this episode, we wade through the sonic fog of Floodland , the 1987 landmark from The Sisters of Mercy. With personal stories, deep dives, and a few laughs, we unravel the gothic myths, machines, and melodrama behind one of the most iconic albums of the era. We open by sharing our...

🎙 Post-punk Heartstrings – Episode 042 Guest: Kevin Bianchi of Vanishing Shores Special Guest: Mark Feldbush Title: Ghosts, Maps, and Enduring Hope In this intimate and far-reaching conversation, Kevin Bianchi—frontman of Cleveland-based indie rock/Brit-pop outfit Vanishing Shores—shares the story behind the band's formation, his personal musical journey, and the emotional and lyrical depth that d...

🎙️ E041 – Dover Lights: Inside the Soundscape Guests: Daniel Brinker & Andy Moore of Dover Lights In this intimate and wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with Daniel Brinker and Andy Moore of Dover Lights to explore the origins of their creative partnership, the stories behind their latest album, and the eclectic mix of influences that shape their distinctive sound. From This Mortal Coil ,...

🎙️ Post-punk Heartstrings Episode 040 Transmissions from The Church: Steve Kilbey on Obsession, Myth, and Channeling the Music In this landmark 40th episode, we sit down with Steve Kilbey — bassist, lyricist, and founder of the iconic Australian band The Church . From early musical beginnings to post-punk stardom, Kilbey walks us through the obsessions, mysticism, and myth-making that fuel his pro...

In this episode, we dive deep into the career and creative journey of our guest, Steve Taylor, exploring his influence in the music industry, film, and beyond. We start by reflecting on Steve's time at Squint Entertainment, a pivotal era that gave rise to major artists like Chevelle and Sixpence None the Richer. Next, we discuss the 2012 film Blue Like Jazz and explore the process of curating a co...

In this episode, JimOA and I got an opportunity to chat with legendary musician and film director, Steve Taylor. He is a pioneer of Christian new wave/post-punk music and has had a major influence on me and so many others throughout his career over the past 45 years. He is known for his satirical social commentary, clever lyrics and rapid-fire vocal delivery. This is part one of our conversation s...

In this episode, JimOA and I sat down for an enchanting chat with Jonathan “Jono” Womack of the Newcastle Upon Tyne, one-man project Citizens of YEAH! I was immediately pulled in by the warm, intimate vocals and indie post-punk ambiance. The production is rich with an edge of experimentalism and lives up to the self-described, “Recorded in a bedroom, for listening in stadiums.” Don’t forget to sup...

This episode is part two of the conversation Jim Anderson and I had with Steve Scott. Steve is a legendary yet obscure musician and artist who played an essential role in the integration of new wave music and art in the church in the late 70’s and early 80’s. His unique musical style and vision has had a profound effect on many. Please follow the links in the show notes to check out Steve’s albums...

This episode is part one of the conversation Jim Anderson and I had with Steve Scott. Steve is a legendary yet obscure musician and artist who played an essential role in the integration of new wave music and art in the church in the late 70’s and early 80’s. His unique musical style and vision has had a profound effect on many. Please follow the links in the show notes to check out Steve’s albums...

In this episode, I share about the impact of Michael Knott’s life and art through music and vocal tributes. Shortly after Michael’s passing, I put a call out for friends to share voice tributes through text and social media messages. I have combined these tributes with musical clips from Michael’s extensive catalog to help me process the passing of this creative genius and dear soul. It’s amazing...

In this episode I'm joined by Todd Pennington of The Cinder Highway to chat about the how the band got its start, their musical influences, their recently released album, Songs From the Fountain Gate and much more. Todd creates beautiful ethereal soundscapes that drift and float through soaring hard rocking anthems. The Cinder Highway released Songs From the Fountain Gate in July of 2024 and this...

In this “very special Blossom” episode, I welcome my good friends, Mark Feldbush and Jim Anderson to “turn the tables” and interview me about the stroke I sufferedin June of this year. We had what I hope will be a vulnerable and encouraging discussion about my experience and process of recovery. Thank you for joining us!   All sounds and song clips used were procured from publicly posted sources:...

In this episode, my good friend S. Price Horn joins me as we climb aboard the Light Ship and sail into THE NIGHT. Or is it out of THE NIGHT?  Either way, we’re sailing on… sailing on…sailing on… with the band D.O.X and their self-titled first album. Come along for the ride my little child!   D.O.X. is: Mark de la Bretonne: Lead vocals, piano Jeff Foster: Bass Guitar Rick Lane: Lead & Rhythm Gu...

In this episode, my good friend Jim Anderson of AIRDALE joins me for the second of two episodes in which we discuss two of our favorite albums by the band The Church. In this episode, we dive deep into the ancient mystical sci-fi of the band’s 1990 album, “Gold Afternoon Fix”  We are sticking strictly with the original track list that we both knew the album as these many moons ago. Thanks for join...