Strung Out

Send us Fan Mail Ted Russell Kamp is a sing-songwriter, based in Los Angeles.  He also produces many acts and is a one-man powerhouse in the Americana music scene. In this second interview, Martin talks to Ted about his song crafting, advice for those new to the independent music business and some sage advice about how to keep afloat and your wits about you in one of the most challenging, but rewa...

Send us Fan Mail You can tell a lot about Ted Russell Kamp from his grin.  When he is playing a song or talking about touring, he lights up with a deep joy.  Being an independent artist is not easy calling.  You wear many hats, slog many miles, and suffer setbacks from missing strings to club cancellations.  But those who can show they can take licks and deliver some guitar licks all the same with...

Send us Fan Mail When Nikki O'Neill and Rich Lackowski moved to Chicago, it was so they could live a life as independent musicians in an environment that could literally afford them the creativity.  The creative process is something that depends not only on finances, but having a dedicated work ethic.  It also means having a good band.  Their Chicago band has helped with "Stories I Only...

Send us Fan Mail Nikki O'Neill is calling Chicago her sweet home.  Her bandmate and husband, Rich Lackowski grew up in Chicago but moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music.  There he met O'Neill, who despite her Irish last name, spent a good part of her life in Sweden.  Nikki ended up in Los Angeles, pursuing a goal of being a full-time musician.  Together, O'Neill (lead sin...

Send us Fan Mail Martin continues his interview with Steve Dawson, a singer-songwriter who formed several bands, most notably the alternative country band, Dolly Varden.  Having written scores of songs, Dawson is a wonderful source to ask about songwriting skills he has developed, his work with record labels, on being a success in the working musician world and advice for aspiring musicians on set...

Send us Fan Mail Well-known for the alternative country band Dolly Varden, as well as Stump the Host, Steve Dawson is a lifer when it comes to music.  His family roots in Saskatchewan, Dawson has lived for a time in California and Idaho before heading to Chicago in the late 1980's dragging all that western with him.  There, he found a music scene that embraced his style of writing and perform...

Send us Fan Mail Ernie Hendrickson is a true hard worker, plying his craft with great intensity and attention to detail in both lyrics and guitar playing.  The results are spectacular songs that relate to people on a hopeful, positive level without any indication of insincerity.  Living in the Chicago area, this Rockford native represents some of the amazing songwriting wealth that abounds in the...

Send us Fan Mail For every big name in the business of music, there are thousands of names in the calling of music.  These names are not as well known, but they are the ones that pursue their craft with no illusions about fame or fortune.  They are drawn to it because they know they need to do it.  Their reward is touching souls, channeling the energy in a room and bringing light into a sometimes-...

Send us Fan Mail Part of an ongoing series about the cultural need for respect.  Marcus Gentry, an expert in the field and known as "Dr. Respect" unfolds why these difficult times are due to the erosion of respect.  Join us as we delve into this complex and very urgent topic. Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SU...

Send us Fan Mail We are living in tough times, made worse by a world that has made a lack of respect a virtue.  Caring about others and protecting your boundaries are now paramount when it comes to living free of negativity.  Speaker Marcus Gentry has devoted his life to researching and teaching about the necessity to practice the art of Respect.  Visit www.marcusgentry.com to find out about his s...

Send us Fan Mail Last week on Strung Out, we had part one of the interview of singer-songwriters Naomi Ashley and Jon Williams.  On this episode, we discuss the process of writing songs, influences and stage crafting needed to have a successful performance.  Plus, we feature three songs, one a cover of another Chicago songwriter, Peter Joly. Support the show We are always grateful to have you list...

Send us Fan Mail Naomi Ashley and Jon Williams met over 20 years ago when both were new to the Chicago music scene.  They dated, broke up and went their separate ways for a couple of decades, only to reunite and reignite their romance.  Along with this amazing reunion has been the benefit of working together, now as seasoned, well-respected musicians in the community.   Their latest album, Love Bu...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for another episode of Strung Out with artist, writer, and musician Martin Laurence McCormack. In Episode 235, we dive into part two of our winter camping series with expert Kate Vogel. In this episode, Marty and Kate discuss the nuances of winter camping, including dealing with bathrooms in the wild, essential first aid tips, and how to keep warm during emergencies. Learn...

Send us Fan Mail Join artist, writer, and musician Martin Laurence McCormack in this exciting episode of Strung Out as he teams up with winter camping expert, Kate Vogel. Filmed on a winter location, Marty and Kate delve into the unique and often misunderstood world of winter camping. They discuss the ins and outs of preparing for the cold, from choosing the right gear and understanding how to sta...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Strung Out, host Martin Laurence McCormack sits down with the endearing and compassionate "Ma" Gilmore. Known to fans of the Mr. Marty Show as a nurturing figure and dispenser of wisdom, Ma shares her remarkable life story. From her early days in Tulsa, her adventures teaching in Taiwan, to her journey through acting and singing, Ma's candid refle...

Send us Fan Mail In this compelling episode of Strung Out, host Martin Laurence McCormack is joined by longstanding speaker and educator Marcus Gentry, also known as Dr. Respect. They dive deep into critical conversations about the moral crisis facing society today, focusing on the intricate topic of self-respect and the consequences of living in an increasingly desensitized world. Marcus draws on...

Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode of Strung Out, host Martin Laurence McCormack engages in a compelling conversation with Marcus Gentry, a renowned performer, actor, and professional speaker known as Dr. Respect. Marcus shares his journey from growing up on the East Coast and in the South to becoming a sought-after motivational speaker. The discussion delves into his family's missio...

Send us Fan Mail In this special holiday edition of Strung Out, host Martin LaOrence McCormack shares a collection of Christmas songs he composed over the years. From the evocative 'Gift of Peace' to the whimsical 'Marvin the Moose Saves Christmas', Marty presents a mix of live performances and heartfelt stories, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. Tune in and enjoy th...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Strung Out, the podcast where artist, writer, and musician Martin Laurence McCormack explores life through the creative lens. In this episode, Marty dives into the complexities of the holiday season and its impact on booking interviews. He provides a thoughtful analysis of recent political events, including the consequences of Trump's re-election and Biden pardonin...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Strung Out, the podcast that looks at life through the lens of an artist. In this episode, join host Martin Lawrence McCormack as he dives into part two of a compelling series with cinematographer and social scientist David Rocco Facchini. They discuss Facchini's new film 'U.S.A. 2 Z', which is based on his experiences and word association games played ac...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on this episode of Strung Out, where host Martin Laurence McCormack delves deep into the heart of America through an artist's lens. In this conversation, Martin welcomes back cinematographer, writer, and philosopher, David Rocco Facchini. David discusses his groundbreaking film project, USA2Z, an exploration into the diverse narratives that shape the United States. Fr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Strung Out, host Martin LaUrence McCormack dives into an inspiring and insightful conversation with Kenny Dark Poet Lapins, an accomplished artist, writer, musician, and cancer survivor, right from Kenny's studio where he creates his magic. They discuss the profound journey Kenny embarked on from a marketing and advertising professional to a renowned visual...

Send us Fan Mail Kenny Lapins was born in Skokie, Illinois, in the summer of 1967. A lover of words, he makes a living as an advertising copywriter. Kenny has two daughters, Abigail and Rachel, with whom he shares a love of art, Marvel movies, and dad jokes. He turned to acrylic-on-canvas painting later in life, not picking up a paint brush before his 46th birthday.  Kenny shares his fascinating j...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Strung Out, host Martin Laurence McCormack invites back singer-songwriter and artistic entrepreneur Joe Lanasa. Recorded in the great room of the Fulton Street Collective, Marty and Joe discuss the founding and evolution of the artist cooperative, the impact of creativity, and the vibrant community in the West Loop of Chicago. Joe shares the story of Fulton Stre...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Strung Out,' host Martin Laurence McCormack sits down with the talented singer, songwriter, and musician Joe Lanasa at the Fulton Street Collective an artist community he founded with singer-songwriter Anna Fermin 20 years ago. Joe opens up about his artistic journey, from growing up in Chicago and being influenced by iconic singer-songwriters like Ma...