Ep. 24: Chris Carrabba discusses Dashboard Confessional's "Hands Down"

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 signature use of falsetto vocals. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Feb 20241h 2min

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 iconic songs, as well as an exploration of the lasting impact of their contribution to the hardcore punk scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Feb 202457min

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 beloved ska anthem, and in this episode, Rob opens up about every aspect of this upbeat single with a positive message. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast (which is just like Patreon if you're not familiar). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 Feb 202454min

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 landmark single. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show and get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Feb 20241h 6min

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 short song. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party (plus an ENORMOUS back catalog of past episodes), head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. It's just like a Patreon. You'll be supporting the podcast you love, and also getting TONS of bonus episodes. It's a win-win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 Jan 20241h 4min

Keith Buckley returns to the show, this time to discuss the writing and recording of Many Eyes' 2023 single, "Revelation." Deeply personal lyrics delivered with a mix of ferocity and melody over heavy grooves make this song a memorable debut. In this episode, Keith breaks down every aspect of its inception. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show (and get weekly bonus episodes), head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 Jan 20241h 10min

Hot Rod Circuit guitarist and vocalist Andy Jackson sits in this week to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s 2002 single “The Pharmacist”. While it may seem that the song is detailing a story of love gone wrong, the actual story behind the lyrics is as unexpected as it is heartbreaking. Andy also opens up about the organic recording experience that led to a sound that remains powerful and timeless. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to get weekly bonus episodes (plus a GIANT back catalog of bonus episodes), head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast (it's basically a Patreon, just a different name!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15 Jan 20241h

lovelytheband took the music world by storm in 2018 with their breakout single "broken," which went on to become one of the most successful singles ever on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. In this episode, vocalist and guitarist Mitchy Collins discusses the origins of the song, which was born out of a personal low point but went on to meteoric heights. If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show (AND get weekly bonus episodes), head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 Jan 20241h 1min