Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Helmet frontman Page Hamilton sits in this week to share the writing and recording process behind the band’s iconic 1992 single “Unsung.” He vividly recounts the genesis of the track, even recalling the exact desk where he crafted its unforgettable riffs. Page also unravels the often abstract lyrics that have sparked intrigue and interpretations for decades, shedding light on their true meaning. Tune in for a deep exploration of one of the most influential hard rock songs of the early 90s.

In honor of the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's passing, this week's episode pays homage to the legendary songwriter by dissecting Nirvana's monumental hit single "Heart-Shaped Box”. Joining as co-host is Chris Fafalios, the producer of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, who brings his unique perspective to unravel the unconventional brilliance of the song...

Chris DeMakes was recently the guest on Too Much Effing Perspective, another great podcast on the Evergreen Podcasts network. The show is hosted by Allen Keller and Alex Hofmann, and together they dive deep into their guests' harrowing, humbling, and hilarious Spinal Tap moments on the road. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe to Too Much Effing Perspective wherever you get your podcasts!

To celebrate 200 episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, Chris Ballew makes his triumphant return, this time to discuss the writing and recording of The Presidents of the United States of America’s 1996 hit “Peaches”. He recalls the fascinating journey behind this iconic track, from the spark of inspiration while tripping under a peach tree in the early 90s to a chance encounter with a muttering man in the street years later...

In this week's episode, Chuck Ragan unveils the writing and recording process behind Hot Water Music's 2012 single "Drag My Body." The track showcases Chuck's iconic vocals, a defining element of the band's sound, which play a central role in driving its emotional depth. Additionally, Chuck emphasizes the collective musical prowess of the band, highlighting their skilled execution throughout...

In this episode, Teenage Bottlerocket's Ray Carlisle provides an insightful look into the creation process of the band's 2019 single, "Everything To Me". With heartfelt candor, Ray shares the personal inspiration behind the song—the deep love for his son Milo. From quirky lyrics detailing creative methods to encourage teeth-brushing to poignant reflections on how his son saved his life, this song encapsulates the essence of parental love within an unexpected punk rock medium.

In this episode, Mustard Plug guitarist Colin Clive discusses the creative process behind the band's iconic ska-punk anthem "Beer (Song)." Having been released years prior to its inclusion on the Evildoers Beware! album, the track underwent a transformation that made it hit even harder and become more memorable. Colin dives into the evolution of the song through years of live performances, as well as the recording experience with Bill Stevenson and Stephen Egerton at The Blasting Room.

Mest frontman Tony Lovato sits in this week to share the story behind the band’s 2003 single “Rooftops”. From reminiscing about listening to music with friends to contemplating the future, Tony opens up about the song’s heartfelt origins.

The After Party is a weekly bonus episode for members of the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast (which is basically just like Patreon). Head to ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up! You'll get a giant back catalog of episodes, and a new episode each week.

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.