Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes A Podcast, hosted by Chris DeMakes of the legendary punk rock band Less Than Jake, features guests who have written iconic songs, exploring their backstory, creation, inspiration, and significance. Each episode offers an in-depth exploration into a specific track from renowned artists, with guests providing untold stories and fascinating details. From chart-toppers to hidden gems across various genres and eras, the podcast offers a rich listening experience. Chris's passion for music and songwriting fuels engaging discussions on lyrics, melodies, production techniques, and cultural context. Combining informative storytelling, interviews, and analysis, the podcast appeals to music lovers, die-hard fans, and anyone curious about the songwriting process. It provides insight into the artistry behind timeless songs, making it perfect for those seeking inspiration or simply wanting to immerse themselves in musical magic.

Episodes

Ep. 272: Luke Bentham discusses The Dirty Nil’s “That’s What Heaven Feels Like”

August 25, 2025 • 62 mins
This week, Luke Bentham of The Dirty Nil sits in to break down the writing and recording of their 2018 single "That's What Heaven Feels Like," a punchy, riff-driven anthem from the album Master Volume. Luke shares the clear memory of writing the song and talks about drawing inspiration from classic rock icons like Queen and Joan Jett, while also staying true to the band’s raw, high-energy identity. He discusses working with produce...
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Throwback Thursday: Andrew Dost discusses Fun.’s “We Are Young”

August 21, 2025 • 74 mins
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode takes a walk back in time to exactly two years ago today, when Andrew Dost sat in to discuss the writing, recording, release, and massive success of Fun.’s smash hit 2012 single “We Are Young.” The song went on to become one of the biggest songs of the 2010s after an astounding eight-week run at #1 on the Hot 100, and in this conversation, Andrew details the unique songwriting process that res...
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Ep. 271: Jesse Leach discusses Killswitch Engage’s “In Due Time”

August 18, 2025 • 61 mins
On this episode, Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage opens up about the writing and recording of the band's powerful 2013 single "In Due Time," marking his return to the group after a decade-long absence. Jesse and Chris explore how personal growth, emotional honesty, and a deep musical chemistry—especially with guitarist and producer Adam Dutkiewicz—shaped the song and the album Disarm the Descent. From the track’s uplifting message ...
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Throwback Thursday: John Oates discusses Daryl Hall & John Oates “Maneater”

August 14, 2025 • 63 mins
For this week’s Throwback Thursday, the spotlight returns to Episode 156 (originally released on May 22nd, 2023) for a standout conversation with John Oates, one half of the most successful musical duo in pop history. With 29 charting hits and six #1 singles, Hall & Oates left an unforgettable mark on the music world, and their 1982 smash “Maneater” spent four weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. In this episode, Oates dives into the ...
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Ep. 270: Mike Tramp discusses White Lion’s “Wait”

August 11, 2025 • 66 mins
In this week's episode, Mike Tramp of White Lion reflects on the writing and recording of the band’s 1987 hit “Wait,” a song that helped catapult them into the mainstream after years of grinding it out in clubs. He shares the story behind the track’s evolution, from early edits to its polished final version, and offers insight into his unique, ego-free songwriting partnership with guitarist Vito Bratta. Tramp also discusses working...
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Throwback Thursday: Darryl “DMC” McDaniels discusses Run-DMC’s “It’s Tricky”

August 7, 2025 • 70 mins
Darryl “DMC” McDaniels joins Chris DeMakes in this Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast to unpack the story behind Run‑DMC’s classic 1987 single, “It’s Tricky.” DMC dives deep into the song’s creation—recounting the writing sessions with Joseph “Run” Simmons and producer Rick Rubin, the fusion of hip‑hop and rock elements (including the famous “My Sharona” sample), and the recording process that helped shape its si...
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Ep. 269: Bella Peadon discusses her song “Ms Montana”

August 4, 2025 • 69 mins
On this episode, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Bella Peadon opens up about the inspiration and creative process behind her 2025 single “Ms Montana.” Written during a pivotal transition in her life, the song captures Bella’s leap of faith as she left behind expectations and followed her instincts to Montana—a move that deeply shaped both her sound and perspective. She shares how her background in environmental science weaves into ...
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Throwback Thursday: A discussion on Tony Sly and No Use For A Name’s “International You Day”

July 31, 2025 • 53 mins
It’s July 31st, and fans around the world are observing Tony Sly Day in remembrance of the late Tony Sly, beloved frontman of No Use for a Name, who passed away in 2012. This year marks the first official Tony Sly Day, and to honor the occasion, this Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 144, originally released on August 1st, 2022, which takes a deep dive into every aspect of “International You Day,” Sly’s standout track fro...
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Ep. 268: Jason McMaster discusses Dangerous Toys “Scared”

July 28, 2025 • 75 mins
On this episode, Jason McMaster of Dangerous Toys takes us behind the scenes of the band’s 1989 hit “Scared,” a track born from fear, adrenaline, and a deep love for theatrical rock. Inspired by Alice Cooper and crafted in a quirky home studio setting, “Scared” blends personal storytelling with pounding percussion and a structure that wastes no time getting to the hook. Jason shares how the lyrics were shaped by real-life anxieties...
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Throwback Thursday: Josh Caterer discusses Smoking Popes “Megan”

July 24, 2025 • 76 mins
On this Throwback Thursday episode, originally released as Episode 150 on April 10th, 2023, Josh Caterer of Smoking Popes joins the show to discuss “Megan,” a fan-favorite deep cut from the band’s 1997 major label debut Destination Failure. Though tucked near the end of the album, the song found a lasting connection with listeners thanks to its tender melody and emotionally elusive lyrics. Josh shares the story behind writing “Mega...
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Ep. 267: Nick Wheeler discusses The All-American Rejects “Gives You Hell”

July 21, 2025 • 94 mins
In this week’s episode, Nick Wheeler of The All-American Rejects joins Chris to unpack the wild and rewarding process behind their 2008 chart-topper “Gives You Hell.” From its uncertain beginnings to becoming the band’s biggest hit, Nick shares how quirky chords, a tongue-in-cheek lyrical edge, and a shift from punk roots to pop polish shaped the track’s identity. He reflects on recording to tape at Skywalker Ranch, the calculated ...
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Throwback Thursday: Brett Gurewitz discusses Bad Religon’s “Stranger Than Fiction”

July 17, 2025 • 66 mins
This week, Chris DeMakes A Podcast is throwing it back to Episode 104 from May 23rd, 2022, when Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion joined the show to talk about the writing, recording, and legacy of their 1994 single "Stranger Than Fiction." Taken from the album of the same name, the song showcases Brett’s sharp lyrical voice and knack for melody, and in this conversation, he opens up about everything from the first line to the final m...
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Ep. 266: Fred LeBlanc discusses Cowboy Mouth’s “Jenny Says”

July 14, 2025 • 55 mins
In this episode, Chris is joined by Fred LeBlanc, the high-energy frontman and drummer of Cowboy Mouth, to break down the story behind their signature song “Jenny Says.” Originally written during Fred’s stint in Dash Rip Rock, the song went through several incarnations before becoming a crowd-commanding anthem and a staple of Cowboy Mouth’s famously explosive live shows. Fred shares how the track evolved over time, why emotional ho...
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Throwback Thursday: Milo Aukerman discusses Descendents “Hope”

July 10, 2025 • 71 mins
For Throwback Thursday this week, we’re revisiting Episode 102—originally released on May 9, 2022—when Milo Aukerman sat in to share the story behind the 1982 Descendents fan favorite “Hope.” Milo talks about writing the song as a young, awkward romantic, how it found its way onto Milo Goes to College, and what it was like recording one of the most unexpectedly tender tracks in early punk. It’s a fun, honest conversation full of la...
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Ep. 265: Tracy Bonham discusses her song “Mother Mother”

July 7, 2025 • 73 mins
On this episode, Tracy Bonham sits in to break down her explosive 1996 single "Mother Mother." From her early days as a classical violinist to the raw vocal power that defined her biggest hit, Tracy shares how the song evolved both lyrically and emotionally. She opens up about the recording of her debut album, navigating sudden success in the '90s alt-rock scene, and even featuring her real-life mom in the song’s iconic video. It’s...
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SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “The Most Romantic After Party Ever” episode

July 4, 2025 • 37 mins
After Party Week wraps up in heartfelt fashion here at Chris DeMakes A Podcast with a lovingly selected gem from the archives. Originally released on February 13th, 2023, Episode 91 of The After Party brings the romance with a celebration of love songs—those perfect tracks that make you swoon, cry, or sing your heart out. It’s the kind of episode that’ll have you revisiting your favorite slow dances and mixtapes. If you’ve enjoyed ...
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SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “Album Tracks That Should’ve Been Singles” episode

July 3, 2025 • 37 mins
After Party Week keeps rolling here at Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and today’s spotlight is on a more recent fan-favorite episode of The After Party. Originally released on November 11th, 2024, Episode 183 features a special guest appearance by One Hit Thunder’s Matt Kelly, as he joins Chris and producer Chris Fafalios to dig into a fun and often-debated topic: album tracks that should’ve been singles. The trio shines a light on overl...
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SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “Classic Albums Revisited: Nevermind” episode

July 2, 2025 • 36 mins
After Party Week rolls on at Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and today’s episode takes it all the way back to one of the earliest installments of The After Party! Originally released on October 11th, 2021, Episode 21 is a deep dive into the album that redefined rock music in the early '90s—Nirvana’s Nevermind. Chris and producer Chris Fafalios revisit this game-changing release, sharing stories, favorite tracks, and reflecting on the mass...
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SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “80s Lyrics Trivia” episode

July 1, 2025 • 25 mins
It’s Tuesday, and After Party week continues with another gem from the Patreon archives! Originally released on March 11th, 2024, “80s Lyrics Trivia” features producer Chris Fafalios putting Chris DeMakes’ knowledge of 1980s lyrics to the test with a custom-made quiz that covers everything from pop anthems to deep cuts. Listeners can play along and see if they can beat Chris to the punch—or at least not embarrass themselves as badl...
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SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “Hits and Misses of the Summer of ’83” episode

June 30, 2025 • 35 mins
To kick off a full week of After Party episodes on the main feed, here's a sneak peek at one of the fan favorites from the Patreon archive! Originally released on July 17th, 2023, “Hits and Misses of the Summer of ’83” finds Chris and Chris diving into one of the most unforgettable seasons in pop music history. From the undeniable chart-toppers to the criminally overlooked gems, they reflect on what made the summer of 1983 so iconi...
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