The Hook Rocks!

We revisit a favorite topic of The Hook Rocks Podcast with acclaimed author and Heavy Metal Historian Martin Popoff. Our discussion about the NWOBHM begins with its origins and what artists had a direct influence on these bands which included Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Saxon, and others. We cover the defining album art, production quality, and the impact it had on American music. Please enjoy the c...

When we last spoke in late fall of 2019 Neil Hunter and his bandmates in Takeaway Thieves were excited about their EP and recording a new album in 2020. A lot changed in the world but the band took the time to prepare themselves for success when normalcy returned. The rise of cryptocurrency along with dismal payouts from streaming services has caused artists like Takeaway Thieves to change their t...

After releasing the very personal self reflective record 'Year of The Tiger' in 2018 Myles Kennedy's latest album 'The Ides of March' continues with his own personal perspective of the world events impacting our reality. The music draws from many different genre's such as rock, soul, blues, and country creating a perfect vibe to the lyrical content defining his observations. Myles concludes the in...

The album American Dream is a personal celebration for Diamante. It's a reflection on overcoming relationships and self doubt, while becoming more aware of who she is. This musical journey will act as a time stamp of who she was at this moment in time. Diamante visits with The Hook Rocks to discuss the albums raw emotion through the creative process and the decision to part ways with her record la...

Searching for the sound he heard in his mind Eddie Van Halen embarked on a journey that shattered the limitations of guitar playing. Not only did his guitar playing expand the imagination and wonder of young guitar players but, his dedication to improving how the instrument is made was game changing. Friend of the show Mike Longacre, a luthier from Hermosa Beach, Ca visits The Hook Rocks to discus...

The long awaited debut album "Against The Wall" from Mason Hill is finally here...and it's more than worth the wait. Filled with hard edge riffs and addictive melodies the album is one of the best in 2021. Lead vocalist Scott Taylor checks in with The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss the long process of recording this record, the anticipation of finally playing live, and the resurgence in rock music....

With strong hooks and big melodies the Bowling Green, Kentucky based band Kiss Kiss Bang is ready to get back on the stages of clubs & concert halls in 2021. Guitarist/Vocalist Andrew Hopper stops by The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss their new EP Hungry, High, & Seeing Things. Learn more about this emerging band, their influences, & music in this great interview. Please enjoy the conversation! Par...

Hooked on rock and heavy metal after his first listen of Metallica Master of Puppets Jordan Griffin's journey into music was set. With so many influences who inspired him to pick up a guitar and sing his dream of being in a band and performing on the same stages as his heroes has become a reality. Jordan visits The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss his band Them Evils and their music, plus what they w...

It's been over a year since state by state restrictions were put in place due to COVID19. Concerts, sporting events, and most large gatherings were either paused, postponed, or cancelled as a result. As we moved forward and numbers decline restrictions are being lifted. Capacity limits have become the norm in most states with some having none at all. Live music is starting to come back but what wi...

The band is Greenleaf and the new album is Echoes From A Mass. The veteran groups latest is full of energy and melody with a darker lyrical tone. Guitarist Tommi Holappa explains how the outside reality affected their music but how they were able to keep the bands signature sounds. Like many bands, the creative process acted as a bubble from the outside world keeping bands connected to their craft...

Connecting with feelings of past experiences you need in order to find the right words for a song, can leave one in a vulnerable state. Sydney Sherwood embraces this wave of emotion and often shares her personal moments with the lyrics that connect with people. Jay Scott talks with Sydney about her music, songwriting, and trying to stay creative during the past year. Please enjoy the episode! Part...

Soul and Blues come to mind whenever I listen to the music of Justin Ross. From Texas, he is able to fuse these genres seamlessly with a edge very few artists can do. On the latest Hook Rocks Podcast I chat with Justin about his music, his feelings on rock music, and what happens next in this wide ranging conversation. Please enjoy the episode! Part of the Pantheon Podcast Network! Learn more abou...

Fellow podcasters Chicks Who Love Music visit Jay Scott & The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss all things rock music. From the music of our youth to today's rock, to live music experiences to how and why image is so important to the genre! Our roundtable discussion with Gillian, Kia, & Lesley concludes with Jay's favorite concert memory as a pre-teen. Check out this great conversation. I hope you enj...

Having one of the best rock albums "Heatwave" in 2020 the band Thundermother is looking to recapture the momentum they had prior to the pandemic. With a special edition package of the album ready for release Guernica Mancini sits down with Jay Scott to discuss the bands interesting history, her writing process, and what fans can expect this year and into 2022. We also discuss the interesting topic...

The album is Rejoice in The Suffering and the artist is our latest guest on The Hook Rocks Podcast, Queensryche's vocalist Todd La Torre. We discuss his new album and the recording process during the pandemic. As the conversation moved forward we engaged in the topic of cancel culture and how polarizing our country has become. Todd has an interesting point of view and expresses his thoughts in an...

Prior to the grunge scene in Seattle the cities punk scene was vibrant and teen angst ran wild. Harassed by cops and authority, it gave teens the sense of unity and the music was the extension of their anger. The band The Living was a huge part of that scene that later saw members Duff McKagan move to Southern California and form Guns'n'Roses and also where Mother Love Bone drummer Greg Gilmore ho...

2021 continues to be an incredible year for rock 'n' roll fans alike with great new albums being released at a record pace. Very few albums are as anticipated as much as the first full length album from the Southern California rock band Dirty Honey. The self titled album delivers on all fronts with tasty hooks and endless grooves. Guitarist John Notto and bassist Justin Smolian stop by The Hook Ro...

With a sense of independence bassist Abby K is ready to take the next step in her young career. Armed with new songs and new bandmates Crispy Borell & Diego Vargas, the trio ventured to music city Nashville, TN to embark on a journey as band. Recording with Troy Luccketta from Tesla they are excited at what lies ahead. The three join The Hook Rocks while in their car waiting to go into the studio...

The legendary lead vocalist from Ratt joins Jay on The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss his livestream show from The Whisky A Go Go this Friday night April 2nd. We talk how the show came about, Ratt's impact on the Sunset Strip scene in the '80s, what the future holds in regards to the band and his solo career, plus his thoughts on Eddie Van Halen. Please enjoy the conversation! Part of The Pantheon...

We are back with our quarterly segment on the top albums from January through March, 2021! Chris Corradetti and I break down all the great music that has been released since the first of the year and choose are favorites! With so much great music being released some difficult choices had to be made. We also included several of our Twitter followers and their selections. It was fun but also painful...

Fame On Fire blends genre's with a captivating sound. Merging rock, hip hop, and heavy metal the band takes a raw and honest approach when it comes to their music and lyrics. Vocalist Bryan Kuznitz visits The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss how they approached the new album Levels, how they've built their fan base, and how writing lyrics helps him be more self aware when looking back on his experien...

The follow up to The End Machine self titled debut album in 2019 will be out on April 9th! Phase2 brings together Robert Mason, Steve Brown (Mick's brother), George Lynch, and my guest Jeff Pilson on another album filled with heavy grooves and big hooks that will melt our faces! I chat with Jeff about the album, the recording process, and his relationship with George plus so much more in this grea...

With technology pulling everyone in all different directions the need to create a platform for bands and their videos to be seen, heard, and viewed is long overdue. Just like what Headbangers Ball did for rock fans in the '80s "The Ball" hopes to generate the same buzz for metal fans of all ages. Former MTV VJ and host of "The Ball" Riki Rachtman stops by The Hook Rocks to chat about why he wanted...

Sammy Boller's love for music and the guitar started at an early age. The video was for the song "Panama" by Van Halen and it set him off on the path of rock 'n' roll. Years later he is building his audience with an identifiable guitar tone filled with strong melodies, layered texture, and colors. We discuss his 2020 album Kingdom of The Sun and the recording process as well as how he's remained c...

The long anticipated album by Richie Kotzen and Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith is set for release this Friday. Recorded on the Turks and Caicos Islands early last year the album combines elements of blues and soul producing a sound reminiscent of '70 bands such as Bad Company and Deep Purple. Kotzen joins Jay Scott on The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss the writing and recording process while al...