The Decibels Deep Podcast

On its 50th anniversary, we take a track-by-track look at The Royal Scam, Steely Dan’s dark and guitar-driven portrait of ambition, illusion, and failed dreams. From “Kid Charlemagne” to the title track, it’s an album where every escape comes with a price.

This episode dives into Dance Naked—a stripped-down, unpolished record that feels raw, intentional, and unexpectedly honest. I talk about first hearing it through a single overplayed track, later discovering the deeper cuts, and why the album’s simplicity lands harder than it looks on the surface. It’s a look at imperfection, restraint, and the kind of records that reveal more the less they try to...

How does Apple Music Radio really work for indie artists? We break down the mechanics, the myths, and how to use it strategically—without letting the algorithm write your music for you.

Spotify Radio isn’t just a playlist—it’s the hidden engine behind indie artist growth. In this episode, we break down how it works, why it matters, and actionable strategies to get your music in front of the right listeners.

Taylor Swift’s Folklore changed everything by doing almost nothing loud. I break down what makes it so hauntingly effective, where it falters, and why it still matters.

Sit in the therapist’s chair with me as we put John Mayer’s Battle Studies on the couch.

Being an indie artist often means watching others move while you sit in the quiet. This episode dives into the mix of comparison and creative isolation, and how those moments shape the music we make.

Broadcasting from northern Mexico with enough power to blanket a continent, border radio broke every rule and changed music forever. In this episode, I dive into the wild signals that carried country, blues, and rock ’n’ roll across the night sky.

A brief meditation on numbers, noise, and what actually matters.

A brief review of Paul Simon’s The Rhythm of the Saints—an album of layered percussion, global textures, and reflective songwriting that stands as a quieter but powerful follow-up to Graceland.

Sit in the therapist’s chair with me as we put Pink Floyd’s Animals on the couch.

This episode of The Decibels Deep Podcast dives into the rise and legacy of college radio—how it shaped indie music, why it still matters today, and practical tips for indie artists looking to get their music on the air.

I share my experience as an indie artist in 2025, exploring the pros, cons, and realities of releasing music in the age of streaming.

An intimate dive into Leon Ware’s Musical Massage—the sensual, soulful sibling to Marvin Gaye’s I Want You, and a timeless blueprint for R&B intimacy.

We explore Marvin Gaye’s I Want You—a sensual, genre-blurring album that redefined soul music.

In this episode, we delve into Bob Marley & The Wailers’ Survival, exploring its militant themes, track-by-track commentary, and its profound call for African unity and global resistance against oppression. Through its powerful lyrics and rhythms, the album stands as a timeless manifesto of resilience and justice.

Concluding this series of episodes, we discuss the career of Bill Lava.

In today’s episode, the life and career of Milt Franklyn.

The conclusion of the story of Looney Tunes & Merrie Melodies Composer Carl Stalling.

In today’s episode, we discuss the life and career of Carl Stalling.

Indie Artist Arcane Synthetic is in today’s show talking about his career, and love for music.

In this episode I give a brief history of Christian Metal as a segue into an Indie Artist Spotlight.

In this episode I talk about a time in Alice’s career that he doesn’t have much recollection of and the last two albums of that era.

In this episode I talk about a time in Alice’s career that he doesn’t have much recollection of and the first two albums of that era.

In this episode I discuss the final two albums of MMEB, and give my 17-album ranking.