Ep. 278: John Feldmann discusses blink-182’s “Bored to Death”

In this Throwback Thursday episode—originally released as Episode 162 on July 3rd, 2023—Chris sits down with Aaron Barrett and Scott Klopfenstein of Reel Big Fish to talk all about their 1996 hit, “Sell Out.” The song became an instant ska-punk anthem, blasting onto radio and MTV while poking fun at the music industry’s obsession with, well, selling out. Aaron and Scott share the story behind writing and recording the track, what it was like suddenly finding themselves in the mainstream spotlight, and how “Sell Out” still hits home with fans decades later. It’s a fun, behind-the-scenes look at a song that helped define the third wave of ska. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes ⁠ For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com ⁠ Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Juni 1h 28min

In this episode, Limahl shares the story behind Kajagoogoo’s 1983 smash hit “Too Shy,” reflecting on the band’s rapid rise from local gigs to global stardom. He details his chance meeting with Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, whose mentorship helped land them a deal with EMI, and breaks down the experimental recording process that gave “Too Shy” its distinct synth-pop sound. Limahl also opens up about his early days working as a waiter at a celebrity hotspot, the playful inspiration behind the lyrics, and how the band’s diverse musical influences shaped their unique identity. With a mix of behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections, this conversation captures the magic and momentum behind a song that still shines more than four decades later. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Juni 1h 16min

In this Throwback Thursday episode, originally released on June 5th, 2023, John Feldmann of Goldfinger sat in for Episode 158 to break down the writing and recording of their 1997 single “Superman.” He shares how the song evolved in the studio, the creative choices that shaped its energetic sound, and how it became an unexpected fan favorite—thanks in part to its inclusion in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at a track that continues to resonate with listeners more than two decades later. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes ⁠ For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com ⁠ Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

12 Juni 1h 12min

In this episode, Ian Dench of EMF joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s explosive 1991 hit, “Unbelievable.” From its instantly recognizable hook to its genre-blending sound, the song became a cultural phenomenon and an enduring stadium anthem. Ian offers a look behind the curtain at the song’s construction, including its layered instrumentation, unique pre-chorus, and the clever use of samples—most notably the shout of “Oh!” lifted from Andrew Dice Clay’s stand-up album. He also recounts how a chance encounter with Rick Rubin at a New York restaurant led to Rubin casually granting sample clearance with the words, “Fax my office in the morning.” The conversation explores the emotional and musical influences that shaped the track, the challenges of creating in the analog era, and how personal experiences and playful experimentation helped fuel the song’s unforgettable energy. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Juni 1h 15min

On this episode, Chris is joined by his Less Than Jake bandmate Roger Lima to dive into the writing and recording of their 2024 single "Sunny Side." The conversation explores the song’s layered instrumentation, dynamic horn arrangements, and emotionally resonant lyrics that center on self-realization, identity, and personal growth. Inspired by a fan’s encouragement to “keep your sunny side up and your dirty side down,” the track blends heavy riffs with melodic textures, channeling arena rock energy while remaining rooted in ska-punk sensibilities. From the tension-building breakdown to the soaring vocal finale, Roger and Chris break down every element of the collaborative process that brought “Sunny Side” to life—both in the studio and on stage. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Juni 59min

On this episode, Elyse Rogers of Dance Hall Crashers joins Chris to talk about the writing and recording of the band’s 1997 fan favorite single, “Lost Again.” Elyse reflects on the group’s collaborative dynamic, the comfort and shared vision she found working with producer Stoker, and how the song’s lyrics touch on personal and industry struggles faced by artists trying to stay true to themselves. The conversation dives into the technical side of recording, including the band’s use of tape to achieve their signature sound, and highlights how each member played a vital role in shaping the track. With candid reflections on the emotional toll of promotion, the joy of live shows, and the importance of mentorship, this episode shines a light on a band that’s always put fun and authenticity first—and continues to influence the world of ska punk today. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

29 Maj 57min

In this episode, J Navarro of The Suicide Machines joins the show to discuss the origins and last-minute magic behind “S.O.S.,” a fan-favorite track from their 1996 debut Destruction By Definition. J reveals that the song nearly didn’t make the album, coming together late in the recording process after a scramble to finish it. At the time, the band was young and more interested in diving into the L.A. punk scene than soaking in the legacy of A&M Studios, where they recorded among the ghosts of classic albums. J credits producer Julian Raymond for capturing the energy and urgency that gives the album its lasting punch, and he gives drummer Derek Grant props for his significant songwriting and performance contributions to both this song and the album as a whole. Nearly three decades later, “S.O.S.” still hits hard, igniting crowds and standing tall as a staple of the band’s live set. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Maj 55min

It’s a special Throwback Thursday edition of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and while the show usually digs deep into the archives, this week’s rewind only takes us back a few months to a standout February episode featuring Tahlena Chikami of Bite Me Bambi. With her band hitting the road on Less Than Jake’s Summer Circus tour, it’s the perfect time to revisit her breakdown of the ska-pop gem “Bad Boyfriend.” Tahlena dives into the real-life inspiration behind the lyrics, working with producer Cameron Webb, and the balance between nostalgia and freshness in modern ska. From gang vocals to tour tales to the making of their album Eat This, this episode is full of energy, insight, and a whole lot of heart. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 Maj 1h 7min