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. 289: A discussion on Elton John’s “Step Into Christmas”

December 22, 2025 • 55 mins
In the final episode of their four-part December series, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios wrap things up with Elton John’s festive classic “Step Into Christmas.” They talk about the song’s spontaneous feel, the lighthearted lyrics, and the unmistakable style shaped by Elton’s longtime collaborators Gus Dudgeon and Bernie Taupin. The conversation touches on the Phil Spector-inspired wall of sound production, the standout bass line, ...
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SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “Chris, Chris, and Kris (Kringle)” episode

December 18, 2025 • 28 mins
This is a sneak preview episode of The After Party. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive into how we got the Santa Claus (aka SINTERKLAAS) that we know and love today.  Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, a...
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Ep. 288: A discussion on The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping”

December 15, 2025 • 51 mins
In the 1981 holiday season, The Waitresses delivered a refreshingly offbeat gift with their single “Christmas Wrapping.” Written by Chris Butler, who openly admitted his dislike for the holidays, the song was pieced together from leftover riffs and lyrics he scribbled down in a taxi on the way to the studio. With Patty Donahue’s cool, talk-sing delivery and a groove that blended sarcasm with sincerity, the track perfectly captured ...
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THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#20 - #1)

December 13, 2025 • 93 mins
From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/29/2024) In this final installment of THE THUNDRED, Chris and Matt reveal the Top 20 Albums of All Time, closing out their five-part countdown with the most legendary records ever made. Without giving anything away, expect albums packed with unforgettable guitar riffs, raw lyrics that hit straight to the heart, and genre-defining songs that shaped entire eras. From game-c...
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Throwback Thursday: Eric Bazilian discusses Joan Osborne's "One Of Us"

December 11, 2025 • 72 mins
For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we’re revisiting Episode 185 from December 11th, 2023. In this episode, Eric Bazilian makes his triumphant return to the show, this time to dive into the fascinating backstory of his iconic song “One Of Us,” made famous by Joan Osborne in 1995. Eric recounts the spontaneous genesis of the track, revealing that he composed it in a single night after his then-girlfriend expressed interest in his re...
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Ep. 287: A discussion on Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”

December 8, 2025 • 47 mins
Darlene Love’s 1963 classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” remains one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, but it wasn’t an instant hit. Produced by Phil Spector, the track eventually found success thanks to its heartfelt lyrics and Love’s powerful performance, though it took years to catch on. Its release was also overshadowed by the tragic timing of the JFK assassination, which happened on the same day the album c...
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THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#40 - #21)

December 6, 2025 • 80 mins
From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/22/2024) THE THUNDRED is back! In this exciting installment, Chris and Matt count down from #40 to #21 of the greatest albums of all time, celebrating records that have left a mark across musical history. From an album that defined a band’s breakup to another that set new standards for experimental production, this episode covers a hip-hop masterpiece made from over 100 s...
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Throwback Thursday: A discussion on Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"

December 4, 2025 • 42 mins
In this festive Throwback Thursday episode from December 23rd, 2024, Chris DeMakes and co-host/producer Chris Fafalios dive into the story behind the beloved 1958 holiday classic "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." They trace the song’s origins from the pen of Johnny Marks to Brenda Lee’s unforgettable vocal performance at just 13 years old, recorded under the guidance of Nashville legend Owen Bradley. The conversation explores th...
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Ep. 286: A discussion on The Kinks “Father Christmas”

December 1, 2025 • 54 mins
This week, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios dive into The Kinks’ 1977 holiday classic “Father Christmas,” a song that manages to sound as punk as it does festive. It features sharp cultural commentary within the angry and funny lyrics, and despite its anti-holidays sentiment, it still brings about an undeniable uplifting feeling. Often called the godfathers of Britpop, The Kinks left a mark that still resonates, and “Father Christm...
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THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#60 - #41)

November 29, 2025 • 71 mins
From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/15/2024) In part three of THE THUNDRED, Chris and Matt continue their epic countdown of the Top 100 albums of all time, with rankings based on the Top 20 lists of over 100 contributors. This episode covers albums 60 through 41, diving into a wild variety of genres and eras. From an artist’s leap into a full-blown pop transformation to a massive solo debut, hard-hitting fu...
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Throwback Thursday: Karl Alvarez discusses Descendents "I'm The One"

November 27, 2025 • 68 mins
In this Throwback Thursday episode from November 27th, 2023, Descendents bassist Karl Alvarez dives into the creation of the band’s 1996 single “I’m The One,” a punk anthem of unrequited love that has resonated with fans for decades. Karl reveals the real-life stories of romantic frustration—some his own, some from close friends—that helped shape the song’s painfully honest lyrics. As the final member of the legendary band to appea...
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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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