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
November 6, 2025 • 57 mins
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 118 from August 29th, 2022, where the spotlight is on George Michael’s genre-blending smash hit “Faith.” With its unmistakable Bo Diddley beat, cheeky lyrics, and a leather-jacketed swagger, “Faith” became the second single from Michael’s solo debut and ultimately the #1 Billboard song of 1988. Chris and Chris dig into what made this track so irresistible, exploring its bold m...
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November 3, 2025 • 55 mins
In this week’s special episode, Chris is joined by Bowling For Soup’s Jaret Reddick to share their mutual love for the late Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. From their personal stories of discovering Ozzy’s music to a deep dive into his 1986 hit single “Shot in the Dark,” they reminisce and explore the lasting impact of one of rock’s most iconic figures. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just know the hits, this episode offers a f...
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October 30, 2025 • 63 mins
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 77, originally released on November 15th, 2021, featuring Stryper frontman Michael Sweet. As the first Christian heavy metal band to break into the mainstream, Stryper made history with their 1986 platinum-certified album To Hell with the Devil. Michael breaks down the creation of the album’s thunderous title track, sharing stories behind its bold message, blazing riffs, and t...
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October 27, 2025 • 81 mins
Just in time for Halloween, Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas returns to the show for the third time to discuss the writing and recording of their chaotic 2024 single, “A Work of Art.” The song is a true audio assault, which is appropriate considering its source of inspiration: the third installment of Damien Leone’s gory horror franchise Terrifier. Chris and Spencer once again explore the band’s signature fusion of brutal ri...
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October 23, 2025 • 71 mins
This week’s Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 108, originally released on June 20th, 2022, featuring Matt Thiessen of Relient K. In this episode, Matt dives into the writing and recording of the band’s 2004 hit “Be My Escape,” a song that played a pivotal role in their crossover to the mainstream. With its unconventional arrangement and emotional pull, the track stood out in the crowded alternative scene, and Matt offers a though...
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October 20, 2025 • 62 mins
In this episode, Memphis May Fire guitarist Kellen McGregor discusses the creation of their 2022 single “Make Believe” from the album Remade in Misery. As the band's producer, Kellen explains how he helped shape the song's sound, blending heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and some studio magic. His insight from behind the board gives a unique look at this hard-hitting track, which provides some context into WHY this track has resonated s...
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October 16, 2025 • 71 mins
This Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 120, originally released on September 12th, 2022, featuring Travis Shettel of Piebald. Travis dives into the writing and recording of the band’s 2002 anthem “American Hearts,” a song that has become a unifying moment at every Piebald show thanks to its unforgettable chorus: “HEY! You’re part of it!” With a mix of humor, honesty, and heart, Travis shares the story behind one of the most endea...
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October 13, 2025 • 59 mins
Former MTV VJ and A&R rep Matt Pinfield signed Acceptance to Columbia Records after hearing a demo the band recorded with producer Aaron Sprinkle, paving the way for their 2005 debut album Phantoms. On this episode, vocalist Jason Vena sits in to discuss the writing and recording of its opening track “Take Cover,” sharing how the song took shape lyrically and musically while reflecting on the energy of that pivotal time in the band...
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October 9, 2025 • 67 mins
This week’s Throwback Thursday heads back to Episode 157, originally released on May 29th, 2023, featuring Sean “Slug” Daley of Minneapolis hip hop duo Atmosphere. In this episode, Slug explores the creation of “The Best Day,” a standout track from the 2010 double EP To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy: The Atmosphere EPs. From its honest, uplifting lyrics to its infectious beat, the song remains a fan favorite—and Slug o...
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October 6, 2025 • 69 mins
Goldfinger frontman and producer John Feldmann returns for his third appearance to talk about the making of blink-182’s 2016 single “Bored to Death.” Feldmann was brought in to produce the California album at a pivotal moment, as the band adjusted to life without Tom DeLonge and welcomed Matt Skiba. With “Bored to Death” serving as both the first single and the public’s introduction to Skiba, the pressure was high, but Feldmann hel...
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October 2, 2025 • 71 mins
This Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 71, originally released on October 4th, 2021, featuring the wildly inventive Bill Manspeaker of Green Jellÿ. Best known as the mastermind behind the band’s off-the-wall 1993 hit “Three Little Pigs,” Bill dives into the chaotic and hilarious origins of the song, from its absurd concept to its claymation music video that became a surprise MTV staple. With stories as outrageous as the track its...
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September 29, 2025 • 63 mins
This week, blessthefall vocalist Beau Bokan sits in to discuss the story behind the 2025 single “mallxcore.” The song is an in-your-face return to form for the band after a lengthy hiatus, which they used to reignite their passion for writing, recording, and performing. With a knowing wink toward the metal elite, blessthefall proudly named the song what some may have hurled as an insult in the past. With the new album Gallows in ha...
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September 25, 2025 • 83 mins
This week’s Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 165, originally released on July 24th, 2023, featuring Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line. In this deep dive, Kenny unpacks the writing and recording of “Island,” the band’s highest-charting single from their 2007 album Direction. With producer Howard Benson helping to shape its sound, the song marked a distinct evolution for the group. Kenny shares a never-before-heard demo along with...
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September 22, 2025 • 60 mins
In this episode, Chris and Chris dive into Brian Wilson’s life leading up to the creation of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and take a closer look at the beautiful and complex “God Only Knows.” Originally released as the B-side to “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” the song wasn’t a major hit at the time, but has gone on to become one of the most revered and timeless tracks in pop music history. With Brian Wilson’s passing earlier this year, the c...
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September 18, 2025 • 61 mins
This week for Throwback Thursday, we’re doing something a little bit different. Between the new album Somewhere To Land just being released and Chris Fafalios being the guest on the show this past Monday, it’s a big week in the land of Punchline. To celebrate, we’re dropping the first episode of the A Band Called Punchline podcast here in the Chris DeMakes A Podcast feed. This is a documentary style look at a hard-working punk band...
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September 15, 2025 • 65 mins
On this episode, Punchline’s Chris Fafalios (who also happens to produce Chris DeMakes A Podcast) sits in for the first time as the GUEST to talk about the writing and recording of “Focus On Yourself,” the closing track from the band’s 2025 album Somewhere To Land. Chris details the song’s initial inspiration, its lyrical themes of self-care, and the way multiple vocal layers and orchestral textures shape its powerful sound. He ref...
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September 11, 2025 • 82 mins
This week’s Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 130, originally released on November 21st, 2022, featuring Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge. Known for his no-holds-barred attitude, Fletcher dives into the creation of the band’s explosive 2001 single “F**k Authority”—a rebellious punk anthem that struck a nerve with fans around the world. From its raw writing process to its lasting impact, this conversation captures the s...
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September 8, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios take a deep dive into the extraordinary career of legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker. From starting out at Decca Records at just 14 to producing era-defining tracks for Queen, The Cars, and beyond, Baker left an undeniable mark on the sound of rock music. They explore his fearless experimentation, his ability to capture each band's unique essence, and how his larger-than-life produ...
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September 4, 2025 • 79 mins
Originally released as Episode 125 on October 17th, 2022, this Throwback Thursday episode features punk rock legend Stephen Egerton of Descendents and ALL. While he’d already cemented his place as an iconic guitarist by the mid-80s, it wasn’t until 1996’s Everything Sucks that he made his debut as a songwriter. Stephen takes listeners behind the scenes of the album’s hard-hitting title track — the first full song he ever wrote — sh...
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September 1, 2025 • 59 mins
This week, Eddie Spaghetti sits in to talk about the writing and recording of the 2003 Supersuckers fan favorite “Pretty Fucked Up.” In a laid-back and candid chat, Eddie shares the unexpected story behind the song—written in just ten minutes after a shocking phone call from his mom. The conversation covers what he calls the band’s “fourth death,” the decision to self-produce, and how their albums have basically become ads for the ...
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