10 ? With The Musical Mind

In this third installment of my series of interviews with new Prog-Rock heroes YYNOT, lead singer Rocky Kuner joins me to discuss how she got involved with the project. She discusses how what she thought would be a one-off project developed into a full-fledged band. We also discuss how she takes care of her voice, and the vocalist even takes the time to answer a few questions from the fans… Rocky Kuner of YYNOT

Inside the Musical Mind is doing a three part interview with one of the most exciting prog-rock groups to come along in recent years, YYNOT. Recently we spoke with Billy Alexander, the group’s songwriter and guitarist.

Starting off as a remarkable group doing a few RUSH covers for fun, YYNOT quickly evolved into an original group in its own right. With two albums of exceptional material under their belts, Billy Alexander, Tim Starace, and Rocky Kuner have amassed a rabid fan base in a few short years. Songwriter/guitarist Billy Alexander joins me to talk about how the band has been keeping busy, and if a third album could be in the works… Billy, Tim, and Rocky.

Alt-rock Icons Jellyfish released two highly influential albums, Bellybutton (1990) and Spilt Milk (1993) before going their separate ways. After decades of contributing to other high-profile artists, former members Roger Joseph Manning, Eric Dover, and Tim Smith have reconvened to form The Lickerish Quartet. Named after an obscure Italian erotic film, the name gives an indication of the wonderfully left-of-center approach these guys take to creativity. The debut EP, “Threesome Vol. 1” is a sonic work of art. Harmonies rush in like a wave over shimmering acoustics and flowing keys. It is at once reminiscent of Jellyfish but altogether fresh. Tim Smith (vocals, bass, guitars) called in to discuss the making of the album, and the specific approaches they took in recording. This is a great peek inside this exciting new project with a promise of more things to come!

Legendary record producer Ted Templeman is a familiar name to those of us who eagerly read the back of all our favorite albums in the seventies and eighties. Working for Warner Bros Records (now just Warner Records) Templeman was the man behind the sonic goodness of acts like the Doobie Brothers, Montrose, Van Halen, Aerosmith, and more. Author and historian Greg Renoff (Van Halen Rising) knew that this music icon had a million stories to tell, and he set out to preserve them. Through lengthy research and unprecedented access to the man himself, Greg was able to painstakingly assemble a detailed look into Templeman’s life and career. The author joins me for a conversation about how the book took shape, and what he learned from his lengthy interactions with one of music’s most respected producers. Listen to our chat and then be sure to get your hands on Ted Templeman : A Platinum Producer’s Life in Music.

For this podcast episode, I wanted to touch on some new albums and group projects coming up this year. It’s not a comprehensive list, just a quick run down of things I’ve come across recently that should be of interest, especially to guitarists. I do want to point out that I intended to mention Paul Gilbert’s upcoming “Werewolves of Portland” , but I’m an idiot and seem to think winging it is a good way to do a podcast. In addition to upcoming albums, I wanted to focus on a recent album by virtuoso Nili Brosh. Released just this last December it is another testament to her songwriting and playing skills. Nili was nice enough to join me and share some insights regarding the album and more. Nili Brosh

Black Swan was initiated by bassist/producer/engineer Jeff Pilson, and he soon recruited a stellar line up to realize his goal of creating a killer classic hard rock album. Along with Pilson (Dokken, Foreigner) the band features Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake), Robin McAuley (MSG, Survivor), and Matt Starr (Mr. Big, Ace Frehley). Even with this roster, the total is still greater than the sum of its parts. Black Swan’s debut album Shake the World, was released on February 14th and is already enjoying tremendous reviews. I spoke with lead singer Robin McAuley to discuss the making of this record, how he has maintained his vocal chops over the years, and why January 20th is a cool birthday!

As time marches on, many of the legendary rock acts that have been part of our culture for decades retire. Even more tragically, each year a few of these icons pass away. However, this year stands to be a memorable one, with some acts coming out of retirement (Motley Crue), and some embarking on yet another “Farewell” tour (Ozzy Osbourne, KISS). Metallica will headline Festivals in 2020. Whatever the reason, now is a good time to catch these classic acts. Time waits for no one, and one day we all will wish we could see a certain group “just one more time”. Here is a video I made going over just a few of the larger bands that have announced tours for 2020. Life is short, buy the concert tickets.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced it’s inductees for 2020. Once again it has added questionable members while excluding obvious, deserving members. Here are my thoughts on the matter: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rock Hall of Fame, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Rock Hall Cleveland Architect Photography Ohio architectural photographer

Mia Berrin started Pom Pom Squad as an idea back in high school. She began writing songs and learning guitar, and discovered the catharsis that can come from creativity. From their first EP “Hate it Here” in 2017 to the most recent release “Ow”, the band, and Mia have shown that there is always a place for authentic expression. This is the kind of discussion I love. Mia is an intelligent and observant artist who pulls from her personal life for her music, but is keenly aware of the world around her. The music she writes is accompanied by a focused attention on how to present herself and the band. There is a sense of wisdom beyond her years at work here. In this interview we delve into Mia’s influences, her early days of writing music, up to the creation of this latest release. Pom Pom Squad is shortly embarking on a cross-country tour, and this is a great, ground level look at a talented and genuine artist on the verge of bigger things. Listen to Pom Pom Squad

With the release of Psychotic Symphony in 2017, Sons of Apollo established themselves as one of the premier Supergroups. Consisting of Mike Portnoy (drums), Derek Sherinian (keys), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Jeff Scott Soto (vocals), this is the musical Dream Team. Every member is a virtuoso performer, with a long history behind them. Sons of Apollo. With their second album, MMXX, due out this month, the machine is gearing up again to take this formidable band back out on the road. Lead singer Jeff Scott Soto called in to discuss with me the making of this juggernaut of a record, and how hectic the last couple of years have been, juggling musical projects. He also shares some funny memories of his early days with Yngwie Malmsteen. So as a nice appetizer to the new music, let’s dive in and chat with the voice of Sons of Apollo…

Guitarist/producer Billy Alexander, upon seeing videos of bass virtuoso Tim Starace approached him about forming an online collaboration. Beginning in 2015 the two went to work on not only impressive original compositions such as the eponymous “YYNOT”, but covers of legendary Rush songs with staggering precision. After recruiting the talented-beyond-her-years vocalist Rocky Kuner, the band continued to churn out incredible music. Billy Alexander and Tim Starace. The self-titled debut brought even more favorable attention to this dynamic outfit, and with the addition of drummer Joel Stevenett the line up was complete. Just recently the band (which it has truly evolved into) revealed a second collection of original compositions: Resonance. One listen to songs such as “Wildest Dreams” shows an ability to wrap complex musical parts into an instantly hummable package. I was able to speak to Billy and Tim recently to discuss the formation of the group and just what goes into producing such exciting new m

Van Halen has famously been tight lipped over the course of their long career. In addition to infrequently recording albums, they have also shied away from extensive box sets. While many bands cash in on remastered editions of previous albums by including bonus tracks, previously unreleased songs, and even behind-the-scenes footage, Eddie and company have refrained. When the band’s albums have been remastered, they have not included any bonus material. Usually these remasters do not even include additional packaging, photos, or liner notes. So with Van Halen being basically retired (they won’t even tell us that for sure), I have to wonder “What could be in the archives?’. in this video I discuss some of my personal observations and theories about what material could be compiled, and if and when we may ever hear it. Watch the video by clicking the link below:

Fresh off of her set of shows with fellow virtuoso Nili Brosh and the legendary Jennifer Batten , Gretchen Menn called in to catch us up on how that tour went, and a myriad of other cool insights. On this episode of the “10 ? with the Musical Mind” podcast Gretchen and I discuss her early days studying classical guitar, some of her favorite players, and how she approached composing her daunting 2016 concept album, Abandon all Hope. Click on the player below to hear the interview, or subscribe to “10 ? with the Musical Mind” on your favorite podcast platform!

After forming the legendary rock band Cinderella, Tom Keifer rose to the top of the scene with rock anthems such as “Nobody’s Fool”, “The Last Mile” and well crafted slower fare such as the hit “Heartbreak Station”. In addition to riding the crest of the wave of success, Keifer had more than his share of real world problems. More than just the usual story of “Grunge came along and killed the rock scene”, Tom faced serious and ongoing health issues. A neurological problem led to multiple surgeries and paralyzed vocal chords. He was told he would never sing again. Showing a determination seldom matched, he embarked on a journey of self-discipline. Daily warm up routines and careful attention to technique have allowed Keifer to still deliver his characteristic growl and howl thirty years later. Photo: Tammy Vega Forming a new musical family, The Tom Keifer Band released “The Way Life Goes” in 2013. Now, with their terrific follow up album “Rise” the band have been back on the road. Tom called in

With the sad passing of Peter Steele in 2010, the groundbreaking Type O Negative was all but finished. As cornerstones of that act, Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly went on to form the Doom Metal outfit Seventh Void. As time went on, Hickey began writing material that he felt called for a bit more orchestrated layering, more density. The music changed enough that he felt a new name was in order. Thus, Silvertomb was born. After releasing a single “Insomnia” last year, the band toured to get the word out and build anticipation for their upcoming album. The time has come, and now “Edge of Existence” is set to be released. On listening to tracks such as “Waiting”, and “Right of Passage” it looks to be a fantastic collection of material. Kenny phoned in to discuss the new album, and just how the addition of new members and new approaches to music led to the creation of “Edge of Existence”.

Mike Keneally got his career off to an ambitious start when, after playing Top 40 covers he was thrust into “expert level”. Mike was selected to join Frank Zappa in 1987 on both guitar and keyboards. From there his unique, quirky style and impressive chops saw him contributing to a plethora of other musician’s work. Playing with everyone from Dweezil and Ahmet Zappa, to Steve Vai, to Joe Satriani he has proven his musicianship and indeed is currently working with legendary creators Devin Townsend and Todd Rundgren , respectively. But this doesn’t address his own body of work, which is impressive in its scope and variety. From “The Tar Tapes” volumes 1-5 in the eighties through gems like “hat” and “Scambot” Keneally demonstrates that his mind is always creating. He has always been a breath of fresh air by creating music that conforms only to what he finds interesting. In our in-depth conversation here Keneally and I discuss his early days, how he comes up with new material (as expected, it varies), an

Josh Jones has the fire and chops. Legendary musicians have praised his guitar playing across social media, people like David Coverdale, Derek Sherinian, and Mike Portnoy. After hearing his playing myself, I knew I wanted to document Joshua’s journey early on, because I think we will be hearing more from this guy. Watch our interview here!