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
May 27, 2024 • 71 mins
P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval sat in for this episode in which listeners are invited to explore the creation of their iconic 2001 hit single, "Youth of the Nation." Against the backdrop of tragedies like Columbine and other shootings that shook the nation, Sandoval shares how the band was inspired to craft a powerful and inspiring anthem that resonated with a generation in turmoil. With the guidance of producer Howard Benson, P.O....
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May 20, 2024 • 68 mins
In this episode, Taylor Rice and Ryan Hahn of Local Natives unveil the behind-the-scenes journey of crafting their 2019 single, "When Am I Gonna Lose You." They reveal that the song underwent a staggering 57 different versions, each a labor of love to achieve perfection. From Taylor's raw personal inspiration to Ryan's lyrical contributions and producer Shawn Everett's innovative techniques, they showcase the magic that brought thi...
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May 13, 2024 • 78 mins
Embark on a journey of musical innovation with Craig Wedren as he unravels the mysteries behind Shudder To Think's iconic 1994 single, "X-French Tee Shirt.” From the band's relentless pursuit of originality to the song's jarring yet hypnotic structure, Craig takes listeners deep into the creative process, offering unparalleled insights into its unconventional brilliance. As a mastermind behind scores for film and television, includ...
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May 6, 2024 • 71 mins
In this episode, Papa Roach vocalist Jacoby Shaddix shares insights into the inspiration, creation, and recording of the band's enduring 2000 hit single, "Last Resort." Drawing from a deeply personal experience where a friend faced a crisis, Jacoby discusses the song's emotional origins and its lasting resonance with listeners. With humility, he reflects on the song's journey and the lives it has touched, emphasizing its role as a ...
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April 29, 2024 • 58 mins
In this episode, Vandoliers vocalist and guitarist Joshua Fleming takes listeners behind the scenes of the band's 2021 single "Every Saturday Night." Written during the height of the pandemic as a means to uplift his friends, Joshua shares the heartfelt story of its creation. With fans' support, the band secured a day in the studio to record the song, leaving no room for second-guessing amidst limited time. The result? Pure magic. ...
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April 22, 2024 • 70 mins
In this episode, American Authors vocalist and guitarist Zac Barnett invites listeners behind the curtain of their 2013 smash hit single "Best Day of My Life." He shares stories about the song's creation and recording process, offering insights into its enduring popularity over the past decade. Despite its lasting presence in commercials and its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Zac surprisingly reflec...
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April 15, 2024 • 83 mins
Helmet frontman Page Hamilton sits in this week to share the writing and recording process behind the band’s iconic 1992 single “Unsung.” He vividly recounts the genesis of the track, even recalling the exact desk where he crafted its unforgettable riffs. Page also unravels the often abstract lyrics that have sparked intrigue and interpretations for decades, shedding light on their true meaning. Tune in for a deep exploration of on...
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April 8, 2024 • 54 mins
In honor of the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's passing, this week's episode pays homage to the legendary songwriter by dissecting Nirvana's monumental hit single "Heart-Shaped Box”. Joining as co-host is Chris Fafalios, the producer of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, who brings his unique perspective to unravel the unconventional brilliance of the song. "Heart-Shaped Box" stands as another testament to Nirvana's defiance of conformity,...
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Chris DeMakes was recently the guest on Too Much Effing Perspective, another great podcast on the Evergreen Podcasts network. The show is hosted by Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann, and together they dive deep into their guests' harrowing, humbling, and hilarious Spinal Tap moments on the road. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe to Too Much Effing Perspective wherever you get your podcasts!
Check out the Too Much Effing ...
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April 1, 2024 • 70 mins
To celebrate 200 episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, Chris Ballew makes his triumphant return, this time to discuss the writing and recording of The Presidents of the United States of America’s 1996 hit “Peaches”. He recalls the fascinating journey behind this iconic track, from the spark of inspiration while tripping under a peach tree in the early 90s to a chance encounter with a muttering man in the street years later. As is al...
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March 25, 2024 • 66 mins
In this week's episode, Chuck Ragan unveils the writing and recording process behind Hot Water Music's 2012 single "Drag My Body." The track showcases Chuck's iconic vocals, a defining element of the band's sound, which play a central role in driving its emotional depth. Additionally, Chuck emphasizes the collective musical prowess of the band, highlighting their skilled execution throughout. Recorded at The Blasting Room with Bill...
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March 18, 2024 • 54 mins
In this episode, Teenage Bottlerocket's Ray Carlisle provides an insightful look into the creation process of the band's 2019 single, "Everything To Me". With heartfelt candor, Ray shares the personal inspiration behind the song—the deep love for his son Milo. From quirky lyrics detailing creative methods to encourage teeth-brushing to poignant reflections on how his son saved his life, this song encapsulates the essence of parenta...
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March 11, 2024 • 63 mins
In this episode, Mustard Plug guitarist Colin Clive discusses the creative process behind the band's iconic ska-punk anthem "Beer (Song)." Having been released years prior to its inclusion on the Evildoers Beware! album, the track underwent a transformation that made it hit even harder and become more memorable. Colin dives into the evolution of the song through years of live performances, as well as the recording experience with B...
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March 4, 2024 • 63 mins
Mest frontman Tony Lovato sits in this week to share the story behind the band’s 2003 single “Rooftops”. From reminiscing about listening to music with friends to contemplating the future, Tony opens up about the song’s heartfelt origins.
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February 29, 2024 • 28 mins
The After Party is a weekly bonus episode for members of the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast (which is basically just like Patreon). Head to ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up! You'll get a giant back catalog of episodes, and a new episode each week.
Sign up for the Supporting Cast: http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com
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February 26, 2024 • 62 mins
In this episode, Jonathan Higgs of Everything Everything shares the story behind the writing and recording of "Cold Reactor," the lead single from the band’s 2024 album Mountainhead. The narrative behind the song is intricately woven into the album’s overarching concept, offering a look into Jonathan’s vision of a strange dystopian world. All aspects of both the song and the band’s overall sound are explored, including Jonathan’s s...
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February 19, 2024 • 57 mins
Sitting in this week is Jonathan Anastas, bassist of the influential Boston straight edge hardcore band D.Y.S. Jonathan recounts the writing and recording process of their seminal track "Wolfpack" from the 1983 album Brotherhood, which was recorded when he was just 15 years old. He shares anecdotes about the youthful energy and passion that fueled the music of D.Y.S. as he offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the band’s most i...
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February 12, 2024 • 54 mins
Rob "Bucket" Hingley is not only the founding member of The Toasters but also the visionary behind Moon Ska Records, which played a crucial part in cultivating and promoting ska music in the US and beyond. In this episode, he shares insights into the creative process behind the writing and recording of the classic 1996 fan favorite song from The Toasters, "2-Tone Army." What started as an idea for a cartoon theme song became a belo...
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February 5, 2024 • 66 mins
This week, Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s 2003 single “Signals Over the Air”. Taken from the band’s third album War All the Time, the song is a dynamic amalgamation of melody and aggression, and it’s much rawer than the polished productions that most people would expect from a major label release. In this episode, Geoff dives deep into the inspiration and creation of this l...
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January 29, 2024 • 64 mins
Far's 1998 album Water & Solutions is considered an influential record by a number of beloved bands. Filled to the brim with haunting melodies, powerful guitar hooks, and thought-provoking lyrics, this album is a significant piece of music history. In this episode, vocalist Jonah Matranga discusses the writing and recording of the band's most well-known single, "Mother Mary" – a moody rocker that packs a huge punch for a relatively...
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