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. 285: Anastasia and Maxamillion Haunt discuss The Haunt’s “Masochistic Lovers”

November 24, 2025 • 66 mins

In this episode, Chris is joined by siblings Anastasia and Max Haunt to discuss the writing and recording of The Haunt’s 2025 single, “Masochistic Lovers.” Despite the song’s undeniable pop hooks, it still maintains a solid rock edge, which was especially important to them during the creative process. The addition of guest vocals from Escape the Fate’s Craig Mabbitt elevates the track even further, adding an intensity and depth tha...

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THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#80 - #61)

November 22, 2025 • 73 mins

From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/8/2024)... THE THUNDRED continues! In this second episode of the five-part series, hosts Chris Fafalios and Matt Kelly crack into the next set of albums on the top 100 list, covering #80 through #61. Compiled from the votes of over 100 music industry insiders and dedicated listeners, this list spans an impressive array of genres and decades. Chris and Matt share their ins...

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Throwback Thursday: Mick Conroy discusses Modern English's "I Melt With You"

November 20, 2025 • 81 mins

This week’s Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 148 from March 27th, 2023, in which Modern English bassist and vocalist Mick Conroy shares the story behind the band’s enduring 1982 hit “I Melt With You.” Widely considered one of the most iconic songs of the 80s, this post-punk anthem captured hearts with its romantic lyrics, infectious melody, and optimistic tone amidst a Cold War backdrop. Mick dives into how the song came...

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Ep. 284: Austen Gray discusses Joker’s Republic’s “Gin and Tonic”

November 17, 2025 • 60 mins

In this episode, Chris sits down with Austen Gray of Joker's Republic to unpack the writing and recording of their 2022 single, “Gin and Tonic.” From the raw, emotionally charged lyrics drawn from personal experience to the bold sound of a three-piece ska band unafraid to break tradition, Austen offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the song came together. The conversation explores how working with veteran producer Roger Lima resh...

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A Band Called Punchline Ep. 2: Major Motion Picture

November 15, 2025 • 56 mins

By late 1999, there was no turning back for Punchline. They had made the important step of adding a fourth member, and they wasted no time getting back in the studio. This led to the recording of Major Motion Picture, an 8 song album that was packed with heart and harmonies. The A Band Called Punchline podcast is available wherever you get your pods. To subscribe to A Band Called Punchline on Apple, click HERE. To subscrib...

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Throwback Thursday: John Hampson discusses Nine Days "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)"

November 13, 2025 • 84 mins

This week's Throwback Thursday episode revisits Episode 147 from March 20th, 2023, which features Nine Days frontman John Hampson sharing the story behind the band’s breakout 2000 hit “Absolutely (Story of a Girl).” With its unforgettable chorus and heartfelt lyrics, the song propelled the band to MTV and Top 40 radio success, becoming a defining anthem of early-2000s pop rock. Hampson reflects on the personal inspiration behind th...

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Ep. 283: Rob Rufus discusses Blacklist Royals “Punk Rock Survivors”

November 10, 2025 • 59 mins

In this episode, Blacklist Royals drummer Rob Rufus sits in for a heartfelt conversation about the band's powerful new single, "Punk Rock Survivors." The song was shaped by Rob’s personal battle with cancer and the themes of resilience and survival found in his memoir Die Young with Me. Rob opens up about the therapeutic nature of songwriting, the importance of vulnerability in music, and how simple, honest lyrics can create a prof...

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Throwback Thursday: A discussion on George Michael's "Faith"

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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Ep. 282: Legends Amplified: Ozzy Osbourne’s “Shot in the Dark” (feat. Jaret Reddick)

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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Throwback Thursday: Michael Sweet discusses Stryper’s “To Hell with the Devil”

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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Ep. 281: Spencer Charnas discusses Ice Nine Kills “A Work of Art”

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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Throwback Thursday: Matt Thiessen discusses Relient K's "Be My Escape"

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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Ep. 280: Kellen McGregor discusses Memphis May Fire’s “Make Believe”

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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Throwback Thursday: Travis Shettel discusses Piebald's "American Hearts"

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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Ep. 279: Jason Vena discusses Acceptance’s “Take Cover”

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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Throwback Thursday: Sean "Slug" Daley discusses Atmosphere's "The Best Day"

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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Ep. 278: John Feldmann discusses blink-182’s “Bored to Death”

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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Throwback Thursday: Bill Manspeaker discusses Green Jellÿ's "Three Little Pigs"

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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Ep. 277: Beau Bokan discusses blessthefall’s “mallxcore”

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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Throwback Thursday: Kenny Vasoli discusses The Starting Line's "Island"

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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Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Ep. 285: Anastasia and Maxamillion Haunt discuss The Haunt’s “Masochistic Lovers”

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#80 - #61)

Throwback Thursday: Mick Conroy discusses Modern English's "I Melt With You"

Ep. 284: Austen Gray discusses Joker’s Republic’s “Gin and Tonic”

A Band Called Punchline Ep. 2: Major Motion Picture

Throwback Thursday: John Hampson discusses Nine Days "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)"

Ep. 283: Rob Rufus discusses Blacklist Royals “Punk Rock Survivors”

Throwback Thursday: A discussion on George Michael's "Faith"

Ep. 282: Legends Amplified: Ozzy Osbourne’s “Shot in the Dark” (feat. Jaret Reddick)

Throwback Thursday: Michael Sweet discusses Stryper’s “To Hell with the Devil”

Ep. 281: Spencer Charnas discusses Ice Nine Kills “A Work of Art”

Throwback Thursday: Matt Thiessen discusses Relient K's "Be My Escape"

Ep. 280: Kellen McGregor discusses Memphis May Fire’s “Make Believe”

Throwback Thursday: Travis Shettel discusses Piebald's "American Hearts"

Ep. 279: Jason Vena discusses Acceptance’s “Take Cover”

Throwback Thursday: Sean "Slug" Daley discusses Atmosphere's "The Best Day"

Ep. 278: John Feldmann discusses blink-182’s “Bored to Death”

Throwback Thursday: Bill Manspeaker discusses Green Jellÿ's "Three Little Pigs"

Ep. 277: Beau Bokan discusses blessthefall’s “mallxcore”

Throwback Thursday: Kenny Vasoli discusses The Starting Line's "Island"

Popular Podcasts

Ep. 285: Anastasia and Maxamillion Haunt discuss The Haunt’s “Masochistic Lovers”

THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#80 - #61)