The Hook Rocks!

As the music business continues its descent into a technology based industry where algorithms determine relevancy, blockchain technology and platforms such as Soundcloud could potentially change the game. Kristi Enigl joins me once again to discuss the changes in the industry infrastructure and how it will impact the money made by bands and artists who will no longer be beholden to streaming servi...

Born in the Carolinas, The L.A. Maybe combines the influences of AC/DC & Guns'n'Roses with big hooks and tasty riffs. Lead guitarist Dallas Dwight checks in with The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss their debut album "Dirty Damn Tricks" out later this month and what lies ahead in these unforeseen times. We discuss the New Wave of Rock as well and the current state of rock 'n' roll. Please enjoy the c...

With a new album "Waiting For Good Luck" penetrating the ears of rock fans all over the globe The Treatment is ready to put the past year behind them. I chat with drummer Dhani Mansworth & Tao Grey about the recording process for this album and how they overcame the challenges of the pandemic. Their excitement is infectious as they are ready and waiting to take this music on the road. Please enjoy...

With his new album "When Life Was Hard & Fast" released last month Ricky Warwick visits The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss how the record came together. Produced by Keith Nelson formerly of Buckcherry, the album is journey through familiar territory with great melodies and hooks while revealing a modern sound. Written and recorded prior to the pandemic Ricky explains the decision to pause its relea...

After pausing the release of their new album for almost a year, the band The Dead Deads is ready for their fans to join them on a new journey beginning in 2021. Armed with elements of punk rock, metal, and the grunge era of the '90s their songs grab you instantly. I had the pleasure of talking with bassist Daisy Dead about their new music, how they've been dealing with the unknowns of the pandemic...

All over the globe the rock 'n' roll/hard rock genre is seeing a resurgence unlike no other time in it's history. There has never been this much new rock music made by new bands and artists from so many different geographic locations. Kaz from The Heavy Rock Show joins The Hook Rocks to discuss the hard work these artists put themselves through during these changing times. It's time to stop denyin...

With the new album "Chemical Warfare" recorded and on the way this spring Escape The Fate is ready to reconnect with its fans all over the globe. Lead singer Craig Mabbitt and I discuss the new music and how newfound sobriety has enhanced his journey in rock and metal. We discuss his lyrical inspiration as well as how remains connected with his fans during the pandemic through his twitch account h...

Combing the influences of classic rock, thrash, and funk Weapons of Anew pushes the boundaries of rock music. I dove into their music and found personal lyrics enriched in a good time vibe but also a sense authenticity unmatched by their contemporaries. I spoke with lead singer Ray West about the bands history and collaborative style while also speaking about his musical journey. Please enjoy the...

Born in the Arizona desert The Black Moods have been building a loyal audience the past few years. Combining sharp hooks and tasteful melodies their music fuses the influences of the artists who have come before them with modern hooks. I chat with singer and guitar player Josh Kennedy on the experience of the last year with the pandemic and what their plans are for the future once life returns to...

Rock music rarely see acceptance by the mainstream music industry and when it does it's usually short-lived. When it does happen, the mainstream retroactively celebrates a rock artist or band decades after their prime success. The refusal to acknowledge the musicianship and talent during these prime years leave rock music fans screaming for vindication but, do we really need it? Rock music has fac...

With his new MSG album "Immortal" out and being well received the man himself, Michael Schenker stops by The Hook Rocks Podcast. We talk about the chaotic experience of recording his new album, how he connects with himself when creating music, and how he stays in the present on his musical journey. Michael's spirituality shines through in our conversation and I hope you enjoy the conversation as m...

With elements of blues, bluegrass, and folk the band Royal Horses bring the sounds of Deep South rock 'n' roll to the forefront. The bands debut album "A Modern Man's Way to Improve" drives home their rockabilly sense with strong melodies to capture the ear of their audience. I speak with drummer Daniel Firth on their influences, history, and how they are planning for the future. Please enjoy the...

There is no better example of someone who has experienced the healing powers of music while inspiring others through his guitar playing then Pete Dankelson from Pete's Diary. Born with Goldenhar Syndrome he continues to overcome his challenges and embrace what makes him different. Through his guitar playing Pete has been able to connect with thousands on social media conveying a positive message a...

The impact from Covid19 will be felt by the music business long after it becomes a memory. Record labels, streaming services, event promoters, on demand platforms, sponsors and artists have discovered new revenue streams as result and will capitalize on the new found money makers. Livestreams will never replace the emotional connection of being at a live concert but they will offer the fan in loca...

With a new band The Get Ready and a new album Battle Lessons Damon Johnson has finally found peace in his musical journey. No longer having to compromise his vision Damon speaks candidly with Jay Scott about his happiness with the music on his new record. He has found his music soul brothers in drummer Jarred Pope and bassist Robbie Harrington. Damon opens up about the recording process and life a...

The new album "We Will Ride" is out this Friday February 12th and it is Inglorious at their best. The album integrates their classic rock roots with a modern sound. I begin the episode with my thoughts on the new music and commentary about the challenges recording music during the pandemic. We then welcome lead Singer Nathan James on The New Music Spotlight to share his thoughts on the album, the...

The new year is in full swing and great new rock music is afoot. With several great rock albums already released in 2021, the latest by The Pretty Reckless is next level awesomeness. An emotional journey that began after the death of Chris Cornell and friend and long time producer Kato, the band fell into a dark place and the future of the band was in jeopardy. The album "Death By Rock 'n' Roll" c...

Rising up through the scene on the sunset strip in the early '80s the band Dokken created some of the best music for over a decade. With three and four part harmonies, great songwriting, and addicting hooks they were one the best yet criminally underrated rock groups of that era. Sydney Taylor from Metal From The Inside and I discuss their music, legacy and why they were never able to reach the su...

In his first interview since his departure from The Dead Daisies Deen Castronovo details the challenges involved with his physical health. The impact of Covid19 played a major role in repairing the issues causing the limitations, which ultimately led to him making a hard decision. As always, Deen looks towards the future with positivity once he recovers and is able to perform at the level he expec...

Merging horror and modern goth imagery with heavy hooks the band Above Snakes is ready to mark their territory in the hard rock/heavy metal world. While playing in and touring with previous groups Johnny Skulls and Dax Dabs wanted to create a band with everyone's creative energy focused on the greater cause instead of a singular ego. The result is a modern metal sound with images reminiscent of ba...

When rock fans speak about great debut albums and the impact their music had on rock 'n' roll no two albums create a more passionate debate than these monster records. Van Halen's self titled debut which is full of big harmonies, shredding guitar, and infectious energy versus the sleaze and back alley grit of Guns 'N' Roses' Appetite For Destruction. Which album had more influence? Which one chang...

From the small town of Red Dear, Alberta in Canada the band King Bull fuses elements of rock and punk into a beautiful chaotic sound. I sit down with lead vocalist/guitar player Tucker McMurray and discuss the bands history, their latest EP, and where the future lies for King Bull. It was a fun conversation I enjoyed and I know you will too! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network! Learn more about y...

Joel Hoekstra returns to the Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss his latest album "Running Games" by Joel Hoekstra's 13. The album features Joel's definitive sound as musicians Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin, Derek Sherinian, Russell Allen, and others contribute on each track. We then move to the timely topic of Covid19 and how its impact continues to put live music in a state of unknown. Please enjoy the...

Music can be a time machine connecting us with the memories of the past while we stay in the present. It has a way of binding us together no matter the journey we choose. We connect through lyrics, melodies, and the moments we experience while our favorite song plays in the background. A great song never leaves us. Why is it so personal? Why does music help define our lives? Jaide Alicia returns t...

The new year has begun but the same worries and unknowns remains for music fans across the globe. Live music and going to concerts remains a "who knows" as far as when and if tours will be able to go on. However, new music from our favorite artists and new bands will continue to be released in 2021. With high hopes and expectations the band Bourbon House is currently working on a new album with a...