Throwback Thursday: Matt Thiessen discusses Relient K's "Be My Escape"

In this episode, Vertical Horizon vocalist and guitarist Matt Scannell discusses the writing and recording of their chart-topping hit "Everything You Want," which reached #1 on the US Hot 100 in July 2000. Matt shares the personal experiences and emotions that inspired the song’s introspective lyrics, focusing on themes of unrequited love and self-reflection. The conversation dives into the song’s musical elements, including its catchy chorus, memorable guitar parts, vocal harmonies, and the subtle pronoun shift that adds depth to the lyrics, while also highlighting the production process and Matt’s guitar setup. This episode offers a detailed look into the creative process behind an iconic track that still resonates with listeners 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  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 Nov 20241h 14min

For this week's Throwback Thursday episode, we're throwing it all the way back to November 1st, 2021, when Christian Jacobs (aka MC Bat Commander) sat in to discuss the writing and recording of the fan favorite 1997 single from The Aquabats, "Super Rad!" From child actor to creating children's television himself, Christian's story is as fascinating as his band. 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  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Nov 20241h 20min

This week, Nick Thomas sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the 2007 fan favorite single from The Spill Canvas, "All Over You." In this deep dive, Nick shares the emotions and experiences that shaped the song’s lyrics, exploring themes of infatuation, longing, and unrequited love. Together, he and Chris break down the track’s musical elements, from the production choices on the Neal Avron-produced album No Really, I'm Fine to the challenges of crafting harmonies and perfecting vocal delivery. They also analyze the song's structure, highlighting key moments that tie everything together. 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  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Nov 20241h 19min

One Hit Thunder’s THE THUNDRED is here! This five-part series kicks off in this episode, where hosts Chris Fafalios and Matt Kelly begin the countdown of the top 100 albums of all time. Compiled from the input of over 100 music industry insiders and passionate listeners, the list spans a diverse range of genres and eras. In this first installment, Chris and Matt dive into albums ranked #100 through #81, sharing their insights, stories, and debates on each selection, setting the stage for an exciting journey through the rest of the countdown.  Don’t forget to subscribe to One Hit Thunder wherever you get your podcasts, not only for the rest of the countdown but also for hundreds of episodes about your favorite one-hit wonders throughout music history. 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  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Nov 20241h 5min

In this sneak preview episode of The After Party that was originally released on November 6, 2021, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios dive into some of music’s most notorious tracks — the songs often deemed the "worst" ever. With their unique mix of humor and insight, they dissect what makes these tunes so divisive and give their own verdicts on whether the criticism is justified. From questionable lyrics to unexpected musical choices, this episode offers a lighthearted yet thoughtful look at the songs we love to hate — or maybe hate to love! 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  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 Nov 202449min

"I am still living with your GHOST" — fitting words for a Halloween edition of Chris DeMakes A Podcast! In this special Throwback Thursday episode from October 31, 2022, Art Alexakis of Everclear dives deep into the hauntingly memorable 1995 single “Santa Monica.” Art shares the inspiration and recording journey behind the song, which captures the raw spirit of the '90s while confronting themes of loss and resilience. Tune in to hear how this alt-rock anthem came to life and continues to echo through time, perfect for a night filled with both nostalgia and a little Halloween eeriness. 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  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 Okt 20241h 14min

This week, Michael Bishop aka Blöthar the Berserker sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the fan favorite 1992 single from GWAR, "The Road Behind." Michael and Chris dive into the song's creation, unpacking the lyrics, instrumentation, and unique production choices that set it apart in GWAR's catalog. They explore the band's history, their punk rock roots, and how humor and satire have always been key to their approach. The conversation also touches on the challenges GWAR faced while touring and the importance of fan reception in shaping the band’s legacy. Fans of GWAR and newcomers alike will appreciate the insight into the genius behind the chaos. 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  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Okt 20241h 6min

In this week’s special SNEAK PREVIEW episode of The After Party, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios are joined by One Hit Thunder producer and co-host Matt Kelly to discuss the best opening tracks of 90s albums. They dive into a diverse selection of songs from iconic bands and artists like Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Wu-Tang Clan, Björk, and Beck, exploring how these tracks set the tone for their respective albums and defined the unique sound of the era.  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  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Okt 202435min