Jovin Webb is a singer and songwriter who just put out his first album on the Blind Pig record label. He's also a former American Idol contestant. Neither of these things will give you a sense of how amazing his voice sounds. "Drifter" is out now and available wherever you get your records. You can follow Jovin on Facebook or find him on Instagram …

The Cowsills evoke a certain time and place, but, as artists, they've continued to grow and develop their voices. And, when they decided to make a record together in the early 90's, they knew it would be the next step in their evolution. However, it didn't exactly work out that way. But now, Global, is coming out widely, available to everyone. For …

Andrew Browning writes about human condition in all it's messy details. His most recent Love is a Beautiful Thing, is another deep dive into life. Love is a Beautiful Thing is available everywhere on November 22nd. For more information, check out Andrew's website, or follow him on Facebook.By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

As we celebrate episode 200, we are doing a second take on our Tribute: A Tribute to Tributes series. This time, we're looking at the 90's classic: Sweet ReliefBy Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

Jim Lindberg is on the road right now with the legendary So-Cal punk band Pennywise, but he's also releasing brand new material under the Black Pacific name. Teaming up with producer Paul Miner, Lindberg offers a new batch of songs (some he's been sitting on for years) with the voice and attitude you'd expect. For more information you can find Jim …

You may know Iain Matthews from his time with Fairport Convention. Or, you may know him from all his other groups, projects and solo records. And he's about to add another one to the list. How Much is Enough is his newest. We talked with Iain in what turned out to be a master class on songwriting. How Much is Enough is out on October 25th via Sunse…

This week we're talking ambient music with Kevin Keller. If you don't fully get the genre, we talk more about it and try to deconstruct what it is and how you make it. Kevin has a really engrossing and fascinating album out now called Evensong, available wherever quality music is sold. For more information, check out his website.…

You know Rob McNelley's work. He's written with country music legends like Dolly Parton, Bob Seeger and Lady A. Now, he's putting out his own music and, surprise surprise, it's really good. For more information, you can follow Rob on Instagram, @rmcnelley. Plus, Heidi sees Bob Dylan for the first time and has her life forever changed.…

Sadly, Screamin' Scott Simon from Sha Na Na passed away last weekend. Scott was very generous to sit down with us and talk about the group and his fascinating career. Enjoy this conversation and play some of Scott's music loud in his memory.By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

For music fans, the legend of the Grande Ballroom looms large. The room played host to important shows by band such as The MC5, The Who, Iggy and the Stooges and BB King. While it's not longer a music venue, the room is an iconic part of the history of Detroit music. We talked with Tony D’Annunzio, director of the documentary, Louder Then Love: The…

Carbon Leaf have been around since the 90's and their newest record, "Time is the Playground," is out on September 27th. It's everything you want in a great pop/rock record. We sat down with lead singer/songwriter Barry Privett about the record, what makes a great mix tape song and, of course, the satanic panic of the 80s. For more information, you…

The last time we talked with 3 Pairs of Boots, we only got to talk with Andrew Stern, but this time we got both Andrew and his musical (and life) partner Laura Arias as well. The group has a new record, "Boot Scootin'," out September 27th. We talk about the song writing process, recording in the time of Covid (and after) as well as so much more. Fo…

Save Ferris has something not a lot of ska bands have- longevity. They're back on the road and recording new music and bringing fans young and old into the band's orbit. We talked with lead singer, songwriter Monique Powell about reptiles, opera music and, of course, which Dead Kennedy's song they can't play for children. (Well, one specific song.)…

You could say, oops, we did it again. This time we're starting a new music show, "Tribute- A Tribute to Tributes." Each episode, we'll break down and talk through another tribute record and decide whether it's worth listening (or re-listening) to. Here's our first episode, all about the Carpenters tribute record, "If I Were A Carpenter."…

Did you know that The Professional Production Company makes other podcasts? We sure do. This week, have a listen to a music-themed episode of Famous Last Words, a study of the final words of some of the most fascinating people in history. The legend of Johnny Ace is unforgettable. A singer with an incredible voice, cut down in his prime, in the int…

This week we sit down with Monte Mallin, the host and moderator of the Sparks: Entertainment and Art podcast and Facebook page. We discuss the beauty and art that is the Mael brothers and their popular group, Sparks. You can watch Sparks: Entertainment and Art on their YouTube page and you can send a request to join the Facebook group.…

You may remember seeing Kevin Sonny Gullage on American Idol a few seasons ago. But Sonny has grown and evolved since then. His new record is one of the first records on the rebooted classic blues label Blind Pig. What other endorsement do you really need? Go Be Free is available wherever you get your music on August 23rd.…

Maybe you're closed minded and don't think cellos and the music of Metallica go together. Well, the folks who make up Apocalyptica, the all-cello quartet who first came to fame with their all-Metallica covers album are back at it with their newest release- a vol. 2 of Metallica songs. And this time they're even joined on one track by bassist Robert…

What can you say about DownTown Mystic other than there music is straight ahead, fun rock music. And what better way to kick off the holiday weekend than with their new album, "Rock n' Roll 4 Soul?" For more information, you can visit their website or you can follow them on Facebook. Plus, we talk about the Outlaw Country Tour.…

Marillion is one of the important bands in prog-rock and, they prove it yet again with their latest live album, An Hour Before It's Dark. Recorded at the band's annual weekend, the record shows the band at the peak of their power. We talked with keyboardist Mark Kelly about the making of setlists, the joys of performing live and whether or not he e…

If you're looking for quality songwriting with impassioned singing and guitar playing, look no further than Joanne Shaw Taylor. Her most recent record, Heavy Soul, is available now. For more information you can check out her website, or follow her on Facebook.By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

You may not have heard of Noel, but if you listen to this show, you've definitely heard us sing the praises of two people who wrote and produced a record for her. Ron and Russell Mael from Sparks made "Is There More To Life Than Dancing?" for Noel shortly after completing their "No. 1 Song in Heaven" album. Noel's record is more of the same great d…

If you’re looking for some good rock music, look no further than Robert Jon and the Wreck. Their newest record, “Red Moon Rising,” is out now. It’s a fun record that promises an exciting live show. For more information and to find out when they are playing near you, check out their website and follow them on Facebook. Plus, we see the Surfrajettes …

Hard rock band Bullets and Octane are survivors. For the past 25+ years, they've been playing their brand of hard rock and touring regularly, including collaborations with Paige Hamilton from Helmet and Gilby Clarke from Guns n Roses. The band has been regularly releasing singles for the past 6 months, so, what comes next? We talked with lead singe…

Here's a fun fact that we (and likely most db's fans) didn't know- their debut record has never been available on vinyl in the US. Thankfully, that wrong will be righted when "Stands for DeciBels" comes out on vinyl on June 6th. We talked with drummer Will Rigby about revisiting the record that started it all. (And, is there more material in the wi…

Metal fans know David Ellefson from his work with Megadeth and his current band, Kings of Thrash. For the rest of you, you're in for a treat. We talked with David about touring the world, how to stay young and what he's learned from revisiting songs he wrote early on in his career. David and the Kings of Thrash are heading out on the road this summ…

This week, we sit down with Kyle Pfeiffer, better known to his fans as Blacklite District. He's gained popularity by working with video game creators and other fans on-line, creating a much more immersive and lasting relationship with his music. His current tour starts at an earlier time and includes time after the gig for everyone to hang out and …

Nick Sabia is a songwriter, singer, musician, engineer... basically, his life is made up of music. And, really, we're all the richer for it. His new song, Back East, is out now. (And don't worry, there's more where that came from.) For more information, you can check out Nick's website, or you can follow him on Instagram. Plus, updates on one of ou…

Rockie Lynne is a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist. And, while that is impressive enough, when you hear Rockie's story, it becomes all the more fascinating. "Rockie Lynne- Where I Belong," is a new documentary film telling the story of the album and of Rockie's life. The accompanying album, Love, is more of the honest, sincere songwriting …

We thought a nice way to celebrate Earth Day would be to share this conversation with music star and children's author Sheri Miller. Along with her mother, Linda Miller, Sheri wrote a book, called "Honoring Our Planet- Think!" which is out now. We talked about conservation, gratitude and so much more. "Honoring Our Planet- Think!" is available righ…

We spoke with Escape the Fate’s drummer when their most recent record came out. Now, as a special edition of Out of the Shadows coming out AND a tour with the Emo Orchestra starting tonight, we talk with the band’s lead singer Craig Mabbitt. On top of getting to hear some Escape the Fate favorites, you’ll also get to hear some of the greatest hits …

SkyDxddy has made her music career talking about hard truths and difficult subjects. But her audience has found solace in her words. Her new song, "Why Do I Stay," continues her streak of great, honest music. You can find out more about SkyDxddy on her website and you can also follow her on Instagram or on Facebook.…

Her name is Mama B and she has the novel idea of making music that is not only fun for kids, but adults too. Combining her skills as a pop writer and performer, Jacq Becker has created fun, memorable and, yes, enjoyable music for everyone in the family to enjoy. Her debut album, Imaginology is out on May 12th. (Just in time for Mother’s Day.) For m…

Luke has the flu. Heidi is off gallivanting. Until they rejoin forces next week, enjoy this classic episode of Grad School, culled from deep within our vaults. The music of Van Dyke Parks has always taken you on a journey, replete with exquisite sounds and thoughtful concepts. His most recent collaboration is no different- he never met Veronica Val…

They've been rocking the country for 10 years and now Paralandra is releasing their second full-length album. The Body Electric is available on April 4th, wherever you get your records. We talked with lead singer Cassandra Carson about the collaboration that makes Paralandra what it is and what it's like having your dad playing lead guitar. Plus, w…

There may be no easy way to describe the music of Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards other than by simply saying "it's good." Their new album, Rapture Waltz is out on March 22nd. We sat down with Johnny to talk about the emotional power of music and of fandom and so much more. For more information and tour dates, you can check out their website …

Bettye LaVette is a music legend. Heading back out on the road this spring, Bettye is one of the foremost interpreter of songs and is one of a kind. We got to talk with Bettye about her albums, including how she approaches her interpretations as well as her fascinating and long-running career. Her most recent album LaVette! Is available now. For mo…

If you’re looking for hard rock and great guitar, you need to look no further than Firewind. We talked with bandleader Gus G on the eve of the release of the new album, Stand United. Plus, we talk about Heidi’s big weekend and big summer plans, and if that isn’t enough, we extended an invitation to a particular politician to be a guest on the show …

There's a new/old sound sweeping the world and that's surf music. And leading the charge are The Surfrajettes, an all-female band leaving audiences spellbound with their musical skills. We talked with Shermy, one of the band's guitarists as they prepared to hit the road for a long stretch, playing with bands like The Electric Six and The Reverend H…

You know how we feel about Yoko Ono 'round these parts, so when we realized her birthday was coming up, it was the perfect time to reconnect with friend of the show Madeline Bocaro, who wrote a great biography of the artist titled, In Your Mind- The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono. So we did. We talked about the book, what Yoko thought and the overal…

For almost 45 years, New Model Army has been fighting the good fight and calling out wrongs where they see it. Their new album, "Unbroken" is no different. We talked with lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Justin Sullivan about the new record, why they keep on recording and how collaboration can improve everything. "Unbroken" is available wherev…

Hey! Ho! Let’s Go! The Ramoms play punk rock music for punks of all ages. Their loving tributes to both their children and the Ramones are the type of things that make you wanna be sedated. (Or if you’re listening to the Ramoms, playdated.) For more information on the group, and to learn when they’re playing near you, check out their website. Or yo…

Jalen Harris first came to prominence on American Idol, but that's just the beginning of his story. Since then, he's starred on Broadway in The Lion King and he's currently playing Eddie Kendricks in the touring company of Ain't Too Proud to Beg. And now he's sharing his own voice with his EP ManneKin. We talked with Jalen about his journey and how…

Jon Scott worked as a record promotion guy with a lot of great artists, but his most important, and meaningful, relationship was with Tom Petty. (In fact, Jon can be credited for breaking Petty, long after the record company gave up on him.) In his new book, Tom Petty and Me, Scott recounts a life-long friendship with one of the great American song…

Wa Wa Zat?!? David Lee Roth has been a part of the public conversation for almost 50 years. And in that time, the polymath has constantly been confounding expectations. Darren Paltrowitz examines both the man and the myth in his new book, "DLR Book: How David Lee Roth Changed the World," available right now. For more information, you can follow Dar…

Jazz musician has seen the world, playing with some of the greats of the genre. Now, with his new record, Peter and his group, Generation S, recorded the whole album, live in studio and on-line. On top of playing, Peter is teaching, helping introduce people of all ages into the joys of the art form. For more information, check out Peter's website, …

Lol Tolhurst knows of that which he speaks. As the founding drummer of The Cure, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer had a great vantage point to the evolution of goth style. And in his new book, "Goth: A History," Lol tells that story. It's part memoir and part study of an art form- and it's all really enjoyable. (As is his new record.) "Goth: A Histo…

Mal Evans knew the Beatles from their earliest days. He was a bouncer at The Cavern Club. And from there, his friendship and his working relationship with the group only grew. (You might remember seeing him in the Peter Jackson film, "Get Back," where Paul asks him to run out and buy an anvil.) While Mal unfortunately didn't live long enough to tel…

Singer/songwriter Eddie Berman has created yet another album of songs that feel like he's whispering in your ear. And, again, he writes from personal events, ones that make the songs all the more relatable. "Signal Fire," the album, is available starting January 19th. For more information, check out Eddie's website, and follow him on Facebook.…

Johnny Zambetti and Ben Rothbard, better known as The Palms have been recording music for a while, but they only taking it out on the road now. Their music is filled with 1970s Laurel Canyon harmonies, a little pop rock and... well, a little bit of everything. For more information you can check out their website.…