I interviewed Peter Holsapple of The dB's. We discussed: The re-release of their influential debut album, Stands For deciBels. How he has changed as a musician since the album was first released and how he is the same. "Without The dB's I could not have gotten as far in this business we call music." How growing up in Winston-Salem, NC influenced hi…

I interviewed Dean Roland of Collective Soul. We discussed: Their new album, Here To Eternity The decision to release a double album Recording at Elvis Presley's house in Palm Springs, CA Walking the line between exploring new territory and going off course And moreBy Cris Cohen

I interviewed singer-songwriter Stephanie Sammons. We discussed: - Her new album, "Time and Evolution" - The challenge of being an empath and a songwriter - Studying with Jonatha Brooke - "I have a runnning list of interesting observations, things that move me, things that resonate with me" - The lyric "I don't want to die, but I don't want to live…

I spoke with singer / songwriter JM Stevens. We discussed: His new album, Nowhere To Land The lyric “I heard you sneaking in / Guess you forgot to WD40 the hinge” The Gibson J45 guitar he wrote about in the song "Cherry Sunburst" Also being the album producer and mixer And more JM Stevens website: https://jmstevens.net/…

I finally got to do an in-person interview with bassist John Pierce of Toto. We discussed: - How learning to play the drums has influenced his bass playing - Playing with Toto drummer Shannon Forrest - His quest to play less and make each note more meaningful - Sessions with Huey Lewis, Mick Jagger, and Tom Petty - Toto's "With A Little Help From M…

I interviewed Cassius King of Cassius King and The Downtown Rulers. We discussed: - Their album "Last Call For The Blues" - A dream 25 years in the making - "A giving musician is always trying to make the song better without necessarily standing out." - The wonderfully gritty song "Bettern Man Blues" - How his offstage, behind-the-scenes work influ…

Drummer Mike Portnoy likes that they did not road test the new The Winery Dogs songs before recording them.By Cris Cohen

Cris Cohen interviews Will McBride of the Will McBride Group. They discuss: The new single, "Hit Song". Embracing irony in songwriting “I’m not a love song writer.” Opening for Styx The influence of Elvis Costello How he prefers a guitar tone that sings rather than growls And more Bands To Fans bandstofans.com…

Cris Cohen interviews John McCutcheon. They discussed: His new album with Tom Paxton, "Together" Co-writing songs via Zoom Intertwining hope and heartbreak in the song "Ukrainian Now" Writing lighter tunes like "Same Old Crap" And more bandstofans.comBy Cris Cohen

Cris Cohen interviews ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. They discuss: His new album, "Grateful" Playing rock songs on the ukulele versus playing songs written for ukulele "Embrace being a lifelong learner" His cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" The challenge of creating loops live during the concert And more Ban…

Cris Cohen interviews percussionist Daniel de los Reyes of the Zac Brown Band. They discuss: The album "The Comeback" The song "Don't Let Your Heart" Meshing with drummer Chris Fryar Percussion instruments that resonate even when they play baseball stadiums And more Recorded January 27, 2023By Cris Cohen

Cris Cohen interviews singer-songwriter Danny O'Keefe. They discuss: Having his songs recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley, Waylon Jennings, Jackson Browne, and Alison Krauss How he can "feel sad songs coming before they even get to be songs." His new album, "Circular Turns" And more Danny O'Keefe's website: https://dannyokeefe.com/ --- Bands …

I interviewed bassist Jett Beres of Sister Hazel. We discussed: The 20th anniversary of the album "Chasing Daylight" Why this is his favorite Sister Hazel album The song written in a hot tub How the role of the bass in a song mirrors his role in the band What he learned from getting a degree in Architecture that applies to his work as a musician An…

Cris Cohen interviews bassist Billy Sheehan. They discuss: The new Talas album, "1985" With live performing, "If you think, you stink." "Chaos on a leash" The two songs that made him pull his car to the side of road so he could listen more intently And more Recorded October 2022 bandstofans.comBy Cris Cohen

Cris Cohen interviews Dennis Diken of The Smithereens. They discuss: - Their new release, "The Lost Album" - The emotional aspect of listening to the late Pat DiNizio singing on these tracks - "Playing for the song is the best approach a musician can take." - Being influenced by drummer Buddy Saltzman, best known for his work with the Four Seasons …

Cris Cohen interviews Mike Portnoy of The Winery Dogs. They discuss: The new Winery Dogs album "III" (release date: 02/03/2023) Playing with bassist Billy Sheehan "Everybody in this band has chops for days, but it is not about flexing them at all times." How his Winery Dogs drum kit is WAY scaled back compared to the ones he used with Dream Theater…

Cris Cohen interviews Lawrence Gowan of Styx. They discuss: - "The beauty of a band is that it is the essence of a combined spirit." - Styx's influence on Lawrence and his influence on Styx - His onstage, theatrical sense of fun - The special moment during a concert in Toronto performing one of his solo tunes with Styx - The challenges and unexpect…

Cris Cohen talks with drummer Sandy Gennaro (Cyndi Lauper / Joan Jett) about his new book, "Beat The Odds (in Business & Life)". They discuss: - Surviving and thriving even in an environment as unstable as the music business - Belief, Enthusiasm, Attitude, Tenacity, Service - Applying the lessons of the book in the internet age - And more…

Cris Cohen interviews Graham Sharp of Steep Canyon Rangers. They discuss: - The new song "Sweet Spot" and its serving as a sendoff for Woody - Lyrics like "Too early to call / too late to call sober" - Performing "Be Still Moses" with a symphony and Boyz II Men - Meshing his banjo playing with Steve Martin's banjo playing (Yes, that Steve Martin) -…

Cris Cohen interviews John Pierce of Toto during the band's tour stop in France. They discuss: - Playing outdoor venues during record heat waves - Songs that were not big in the US but that are huge in Europe - He and Steve Lukather: Living out the dreams they had when they were kids - And more (recorded in July of 2022)…

Cris Cohen interviews Barrett Smith of Steep Canyon Rangers. They discuss: - What it is like to join this band as a new member - How getting his Master of Arts degree in Counseling has altered the way he communicates in everyday life and as a musician - Really committing himself to the bass after joining this band - The challenges in covering James…

Cris Cohen interviews Jason Adamo. They discuss: - The creation of the Brett Young song “Beautiful Believer” - His New York subway singing education - His song "Raleigh Nights" - The allusions to his mother in both the songs and the artwork of his album "Looking Glass" - And moreBy Cris Cohen

Cris Cohen interviews country artist Paige King Johnson. They discuss: - That personal boundry you do not cross as a songwriter - Being mentored by Pam Tillis - Lessons learned from playing 150+ shows a year - Her album "Honky Tonk Heart" - Serving as the musical ambassador for the NC Department of Agriculture's "Got To Be NC" campaign - And more…

The Doobie Brothers | Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons 6/29/2022 Cris Cohen interviews Tom Johnston and Pat Simmons of The Doobie Brothers. They discuss: - Their new album, "Liberte" - Their just released band autobiography, "Long Train Runnin'" - The time Tom traded a guitar pick for a policeman's badge - The different approach they took to songwritin…

By Cris Cohen

Part 1 of my interview with Michael McDermott of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts is now up! We discussed: - The new acoustic album, "Changeup" - Delivering the drumming of classic songs like "Crimson and Clover" and "Bad Reputation" with just acoustic percussion - What defines punk music - And moreBy Cris Cohen

Cris Cohen interviews Doug MacMillan of The Connells. They discuss: - The band's new album, "Steadman's Wake." - Their 20-year gap in between albums - Being the lead singer but (often) not the songwriter - And moreBy Cris Cohen

Cris Cohen interviews bassist John Pierce, longtime member of Huey Lewis & The News and now a member of Toto. They discuss: - Prepping for the Toto tour - The influence of the bass - Adapting to diverse artists - And moreBy Cris Cohen

Cris Cohen interviews John McFee of The Doobie Brothers. They discuss: - Being a multi-instrumentalist - The upcoming 50th anniversary tour with Michael McDonald - What he learned from his work with Elvis Costello - His intense work ethic - And more Recorded November 20, 2019 at the Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, North Carolina More inter…

Facebook Messenger is not the solutionBy Cris Cohen

https://www.bandstofans.com/ An audio blog experiment.By Cris Cohen

For this episode I spoke with Michael Bram, drummer for The Weight Band and Jason Mraz. We discussed the different approaches he has for those two artists, what he learned from studying the work of Levon Helm, and what influenced his singing style. This episode is brought to you by… us. Because of the internet, every musician is now also a media co…

For this episode I spoke with Matt Starr, drummer for Mr. Big and Ace Frehley. We discussed the origin of his hard-hitting playing style, how being a drummer has influenced his work as a producer, and how with his coaching work he gets people to really dig down and reconnect with the goals that genuinely excite them. This episode is brought to you …

For this episode I spoke with Anthony Citrinite of MeetHook, which connects music industry professionals with people seeking instruction, advice, or music business insights. We discussed what led to the creation of this business, the professional musicians who have mentored him, and the challenges in launching a new app. This episode is brought to …

For this episode I spoke with Fur Dixon. Best known for being a member of the punk rock band The Cramps, we discussed her new band, Fur Dixon and WTFukushima, their new album, “Return 2 Sender,” what she learned from the time she spent busking on the streets of New York, and the comfort that comes from owning your history. This episode is brought t…

For this episode I spoke with Nick Ruffini of Revoice Media. We discussed The Good Parts podcast that he produces for musician Andy Grammer, Nick’s own long-running Drummer’s Resource Podcast, and what he thinks most people miss when it comes to online content and content creation. This episode is brought to you by… us. Because of the internet, eve…

For this episode I spoke with Katelin Kennedy, co-founder of Fallone SV, a law firm serving startup founders. We discussed the legal challenges most startup founders don’t prepare themselves for, how the EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) affects startup companies, and the ways that many traditional law firms are broken. This episode is…

For this episode I spoke with Jim Weider, guitarist and vocalist with The Weight Band. We discussed their new album, “World Gone Mad,” why the Fender Telecaster is his guitar of choice, and about his experiences playing in The Band with the late, great Levon Helm. This episode is brought to you by… us. Because of the internet, every musician is now…

Why you should not worry about video stats on YouTube and Facebook. More insights at https://www.bandstofans.com/By Cris Cohen

For this episode I spoke with electro-jazz-pop artist Grace Kelly. We discussed her desire to break down the virtual walls between artists and audiences, how she incorporates dance into her performances, and the music she hears and sees in everyday life. This episode is brought to you by… us. Because of the internet, every musician is now also a me…

For this episode I spoke with Dan Speca, president of the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. We discussed what it took to resurrect this historic theater, what he believes makes for a good venue, and what he has learned from being part of this massive undertaking. This episode is brought to you by Meraki Maker’s Studio. Meraki Maker’s…

This week we are doing something a little different. Although not a musician, my guest this time around has been an important figure in the US music landscape for decades. For this episode I spoke with legendary rock radio DJ Dusty Street (…and yes, that’s her real name). We discussed her famous voice, her start in radio in San Francisco in 1969, h…

For this episode I spoke with Andy Gesner, founder and president of HIP Video Promo, a music video promotion company. We discussed what makes for a great music video, how they measure success in a world where many artists buy fake views and fake followers on social media, and the massive amount of work it takes to get your music video noticed. This…

For this episode I spoke with Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls. We discussed their new live album, which they recorded with the University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra, how putting this show together has influenced her songwriting going forward, and how alternative guitar tunings have led to the creation of some her most well-known songs. This e…

For this episode I spoke with Michael Staertow, guitarist for Lou Gramm. We discussed how he sees himself as an ambassador of Lou Gramm’s catalog, which were the more challenging Foreigner songs to master, and the importance of telling a story with each guitar solo. This episode is brought to you by… us. Bands To Fans does content marketing for ban…

For this episode I spoke with Jon Hull, drum tech for Rich Redmond, the drummer for Jason Aldean. We discussed the importance of clear communication in your work, the vast amount of time he spends attending to the details of his job, and how he has learned to adapt instruments and sound to every environment from a home studio to Fenway Park. This e…

For this episode I spoke with Gregg Lohman. He is currently the drummer for country artist Easton Corbin. Before that he spent 10 years as the drummer and music director for Kellie Pickler. We discussed the importance of building up personal capital, the profound impact his school music teacher had on him, and how his world changed after he was in …

For this episode I spoke with Mike Doyle, owner of Drive 80 Studios, which creates animated videos for businesses. We discussed his belief that you should do one thing and do it really well, how people often undervalue the power and effectiveness of cartoons, and why you should never be in a grey area in business. This episode is brought to you by……

For this episode I spoke with singer Laura Tate. We discussed the skills she developed doing musical theater that have helped with her solo work, the many things she has learned from her band, and how she is more comfortable singing on stage in front of an audience than singing in a studio. This episode is brought to you by… us. Bands To Fans does …

For this episode I spoke with Gina Yacone, Director of Sales at Braintrace, a cybersecurity company. We discussed the thousands of compromised credentials her company has found on the dark web, what type of business is often an easy target for black hat hackers, and what she learned during her years as a private investigator that helps with her cur…