A-Sides

Episode 169 of A-SIDES features a special follow-up with songwriter, producer, and frontman for The Exies, Scott Stevens. In what was intended to be a conversation on "comfort songs", this became something greater as Scott shared about influential figures throughout his life, lessons learned, his process of songwriting, and even the 20th anniversary on The Exies' Head For The Door album. You can experience The Exies' next performance at the Machine Shop in Flint, MI on November 9th, 2024. Purchase tickets here. Also stay up-to-date with future Exies performances, news, and merch through their website. Huge thanks to Scott for another conversation on A-SIDES and thanks to all who listen.  

Accomplished and award-winning guitarist Nikki Stringfield is about to celebrate the 1-year anniversary of her solo album Apocrypha. For Episode 168 of A-SIDES, she not only shares details about her own music, but plans for the release of Heaven Below's new album, her love of Avenged Sevenfold, balancing work and life, and more! Follow Nikki on her website for tour dates, merch, and more! You can find Heaven Below on Facebook and their social pages for links to dates with Marty Friedman and news on their upcoming album, The Majestic Twelve. Thanks Nikki for returning to A-SIDES!

Last fall on a tour stop in Canada, Wrex Horton (vocalist of Flat Black) appeared on A-SIDES' Episode 136 and was on foot for an exciting conversation. This time we catch up with Wrex in his studio following the release of Dark Side Of The Brain, Flat Black's immensely anticipated studio debut. Wrex shares his favorite songs, lessons he's learned as a member of the band, the Paris Olympics, touring with Godsmack, and more! Stay updated on all things Flat Black by visiting their website here. You can also purchase their album through their web store or stream it on your favorite app. Thanks to Wrex for coming back onto the podcast, thanks to the Flat Black team, and to everyone who pushes play on Episode 167!

Expanding on a previous discussion with Denny Smith about his favorite movie soundtrack, Episode 166 explores the entire decade of 1980's soundtracks! We share a few noteworthy albums along with topics ranging from buying albums to acquire a specific rare track, the all-too-brief discography of Andy Taylor, 80's revivals of Eric Carmen and Tina Turner, plus a surprising connection to Dave Bickler, and what this has to do with a specific oiled-up saxophone player! Huge thanks to Denny for making his most-triumphant 8th appearance on A-SIDES and thanks to everyone who listens!

Cris Hodges was originally on A-SIDES at the early part of 2023 for Episode 117, just as he was about to embark on tours opening for Alter Bridge, Fozzy, and Ugly Kid Joe. On this episode, Cris shares interactions and lessons learned on the road, joining Grey Daze, performing the Collision Course songs with In The End and their guest Avery Hardin, finding peace, and maintaining positive mental health. It was a blasting having Cris back for Episode 165! Cris will be out this fall with Grey Daze, and you can stay updated on their tour plans and more, by visiting their website. He also performs with In The End, a California-based Linkin Park Experience, which will be embarking on a tour this fall celebrating the recent Papercuts compilation. Check them out here!  

James Black from Finger Eleven joins A-SIDES for a huge discussion on collecting vinyl records, 007 movie scores, creating a song for 2003's Daredevil movie, marrying visual art with music, and more! One of the biggest tours of Summer 2024 is the return of Creed, along with Finger Eleven and 3 Doors Down as opening acts. You can follow along with Finger Eleven through their tour dates at their website. Huge thanks to James for taking time to chat before the band embarks on this huge summer tour. Thanks for listening to Episode 164 of A-SIDES!

While music itself is already a shared passion, a recurring theme between guests and hosts alike seems to be Cheap Trick. The special guest for A-SIDES Episode 163, Nick Perri, is no different. Not only does he love Cheap Trick, he's even toured with and interviewed founding member Rick Nielsen. We discuss Nick's inspirations and favorite artists, his own music, methods to center yourself, and we barely scratch the surface of Nick's expansive record collection. Huge thanks to Nick for being a guest and sharing his stories. He dropped a new song - "Sunset to Sunset (Electric)", which can be found on many streaming platforms or at this link. You can also stay updated on Nick through his website and you can even become a Patreon here. Thanks for listening!

Episode 162 of A-SIDES features returning guest and heavy metal enthusiast, Marc Sasso! We not only discuss several of our favorite tracks from Judas Priest's latest album Invincible Shield, but also stolen cassettes, the day Rob Halford departed Judas Priest, the perfect song for speeding in your car, Ghost, Metallica's Kill Em All, and more! Huge thanks to Marc for making his second appearance on A-SIDES and to everyone who listens! Mixing heavy metal and graphic illustrations is not only a passion for Marc Sasso, it's also his career. He's crafted artwork for Dio, Rob Halford, and more! Check out his website here: http://www.marcsasso.com/

For Episode 161, A-SIDES is flying the flag of classic rock band Thin Lizzy, by welcoming back longtime friend and frequent guest, "The Professor" Kenny Wright. He praises the lyrical prowess of Thin Lizzy's founder Phil Lynott, ponders why guitarist Gary Moore was constantly leaving and rejoining the band, explains "cut out" bargain bins, twin guitar harmonies, recommends a key blue-eyed soul record, and we even share a few notable cover songs. It's a straight up salute to classic rock with this latest episode of A-SIDES! Thanks to Kenny, The Great Affairs, and all who listen!

It's well-documented that a favorite live band in recent years has been In The End, the California-based tribute to Linkin Park. Members Cris Hodges, Zak St. John, and Danny Lopez have made appearances on A-SIDES, with Danny Lopez returning for a smashing sequel with Episode 160! Like most sequels, there's a familiarity with the story, but also new elements are added, such as conversations on comic book movie villains, sauces that enhance the pizza-consuming experience, Linkin Park's One More Light, and the power of nostalgia! Check out In The End when they play your town, as their tour dates are continuously taking them to new areas! Thanks to Danny for making a triumphant return to A-SIDES and thanks to everyone who listens!

Throughout the lifespan of A-SIDES, one band that has made a direct impact is King's X. They've been a topic either organically or purposefully, even being a focal point for discussion in Episode 93 with Corey Rozzoni and Freddy Herrera. With this episode, founder/bassist dUg Pinnick joins A-SIDES for an intimate discussion on mental and physical health, the groove of King's X, the enduring legacy of the band, and more! Huge thanks to dUg for his time, thanks to the many friends of the podcast, and everyone who listens! You can follow along with dUg's many projects on his personal website and also King's X band website.

As funny as he is talented, returning guest Zak St. John made this one of the quickest hour-long conversations on A-SIDES. Among his current numerous projects are Slow Burning Car, Ashen Moon, In The End, and Annie Bosko. Originally a guest on Episode 101, Zak returns to share recent experiences with In The End, how he likes his steak, Elton John vs Billy Joel, drummers that inspire him, and Knuckle Bump Farms! Huge thanks to Zak for taking time away from his busy schedule to chat on A-SIDES! You can follow along with his Linkin Park Tribute, In The End, by visiting their website and also look out for upcoming new music from another of Zak's projects, Ashen Moon.

Everclear had a distinct presence in the 1990's with songs such as "Santa Monica", which is still felt 30 years later, with new fans attending shows and discovering their music. Episode 157 features Davey French of Everclear, sharing his history with the band, growing up in the Pacific Northwest, his technique for learning to play his favorite songs, several hobbies and interests, and more! Follow Everclear on their website for tour dates and more! Thanks to Davey for the conversation, Freddy Herrera, and thanks to all who listen!

Damon Johnson was the first special guest to be interviewed on A-SIDES back at the start of 2020 for our 11th episode. Flash forward to 2024 and Episode 156, Damon returns to discuss life and rock n roll over these last 4 years. While his accolades and accomplishments are numerous, at his core he's a family man, and is passionate about the craft of songwriting. He shares the creation of the recent Brother Cane recordings, "Blinded By The Sun" and "Are You In There Anymore"; his favorite Thin Lizzy song; and even a chicken burrito that blew his mind somewhere in Illinois! Stay updated on Lynyrd Skynyrd on the road by visiting their website and Damon's own website for updates on his music and touring info. Thanks to Damon Johnson, Ben Owen, and everyone who listens!

Metal and monsters have been married for decades, but with physical fitness, too? For Zak Bellante, it is a lifestyle as he has taken his passions to the next level in founding Death Comes Lifting, which is 'fitness for the misfits'! Zak chats finding fitness, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, cheat day foods, and more in Episode 155 of A-SIDES! You can join "The Lifting Dead Army" with Zak online at Death Comes Lifting's website. Zak has fitness videos available for all levels along with exercise gear that every ghoul would love. Huge thanks to Zak for chatting on A-SIDES!

Episode 154 of A-SIDES features special guest Bob Thiemann, who will be performing with Revis later this summer for a run of shows. Bob shares the origins of Revis, growing up in Central Illinois, Nickelodeon movies, the camaraderie of music, Peoria-area venues, and the music that goes straight to his soul. Huge thanks to Bob and Revis for this fun conversation! You can get tickets to see Revis live on June 1st at the Castle Theater here! They'll also be performing on May 29th in Louisville, KY at Headliners Music Hall.

Music and visual arts are two halves that make the whole for Michael Cartellone. He is not only the drummer for Lynyrd Skynyrd, but also a creative and accomplished visual artist. For Episode 153 of A-SIDES we dive into his background into both areas, his tenure with Damn Yankees, his favorite Skynryd song to perform in concert, and more! Huge thank you to Michael for this fun conversation and thanks to Michelle for assisting. You can view Michael's work on his website here, follow Lynyrd Skynyrd on the road, and save the date of May 25, 2024. That is when several of his works will be shown in Asheville, NC at the Philip DeAngelo Studio. Thanks for listening to another episode of A-SIDES!

Episode 152 features special guest Jonathan Stoye (The Infamous HER, Framing Hanley), whose musical journey has taken him from Michigan to Tennessee, and back again. Making friends and connections isn't the purpose of A-SIDES but it's rewarding when it does happen. Jonathan Stoye is one of those guests, as we dove into his background and discovered some common ground with private school, nu metal, and Jimmy Eat World. Big thanks to Jonathan for taking the time to chat for this latest episode of A-SIDES. You can follow him online in several places, such as Framing Hanley's Facebook page and Jonathan's own website.

If there is one band to follow in 2024 - it's Beasto Blanco! As they are gearing up for the release of their fourth album Kinetica, A-SIDES welcomes back Brother Latham for another conversation. Latham discusses his guitar influences, filming music videos, surviving the pandemic, becoming ordained, and even missing props while on tour! It was fun to catch up with Brother Latham and hear what he's been up to over the last four years since seeing the band in March of 2020. Huge thanks to Brother Latham, Beasto Blanco, the Loyal Beasts, and their social media pages for making this possible. Keep your eyes on Beasto Blanco on social media @beastoblanco or their website for more announcements in 2024.

Central Illinois musician John Massaglia of The Truth Council makes another appearance on A-SIDES as the podcast reaches its 150th episode. John shares his current plans for the band in 2024, taking the band to Canada this fall, the reality of superhero movie fatigue, and gives a very poignant answer about what he wants more of in his life! Shout out to another Central Illinois musician Brian Larson and local author Benjamin Yeater. Thanks to John for being the latest guest on A-SIDES. You can follow along with The Truth Council through their Facebook page here. Thanks for listening to A-SIDES!