Rock 'n' Roll Grad School
193 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsDoes the world really need another music podcast? Yes, it needs this one.Rock ‘n’ Roll Grad School brings audiences along on a ride that feels like a late-night conversation on a tour bus traveling to the next gig.
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Episodes
Rock n Roll Grad School #174 Rockie Lynne
April 24, 2024 08:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBRockie Lynne is a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist. And, while that is impressive enough, when you hear Rockie's story, it becomes all the more fascinating. "Rockie Lynne- Where I Belong," is a new documentary film telling the story of the album and of Rockie's life. The accompanying album, Love, is more of the honest, sincere songwriting you'd expect. The film is streaming on Amazon Prime and the record is available wherever you get your music. For more information, check out Ro...
Rock n Roll Grad School #173 Sheri Miller on "Think!" and Earth Day
April 21, 2024 08:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBWe thought a nice way to celebrate Earth Day would be to share this conversation with music star and children's author Sheri Miller. Along with her mother, Linda Miller, Sheri wrote a book, called "Honoring Our Planet- Think!" which is out now. We talked about conservation, gratitude and so much more. "Honoring Our Planet- Think!" is available right now, wherever you get your books, from Newman Springs Publishing
Rock n Roll Grad School #172 Escape the Fate
April 17, 2024 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBWe spoke with Escape the Fate’s drummer when their most recent record came out. Now, as a special edition of Out of the Shadows coming out AND a tour with the Emo Orchestra starting tonight, we talk with the band’s lead singer Craig Mabbitt. On top of getting to hear some Escape the Fate favorites, you’ll also get to hear some of the greatest hits of the emo genre. We talked with Craig about playing with an orchestra and how you prep for a live show featuring a lot of running. Out of the Sh...
Rock n Roll Grad School #171 SkyDxddy
April 10, 2024 08:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MBSkyDxddy has made her music career talking about hard truths and difficult subjects. But her audience has found solace in her words. Her new song, "Why Do I Stay," continues her streak of great, honest music. You can find out more about SkyDxddy on her website and you can also follow her on Instagram or on Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #170 Mama B
April 03, 2024 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBHer name is Mama B and she has the novel idea of making music that is not only fun for kids, but adults too. Combining her skills as a pop writer and performer, Jacq Becker has created fun, memorable and, yes, enjoyable music for everyone in the family to enjoy. Her debut album, Imaginology is out on May 12th. (Just in time for Mother’s Day.) For more information, you can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Rock n Roll Grad School #169 Van Dyke Parks
March 27, 2024 07:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBLuke has the flu. Heidi is off gallivanting. Until they rejoin forces next week, enjoy this classic episode of Grad School, culled from deep within our vaults. The music of Van Dyke Parks has always taken you on a journey, replete with exquisite sounds and thoughtful concepts. His most recent collaboration is no different- he never met Veronica Valerio, but the resulting album is no less compelling. We talked with Van Dyke about the new album, finger foods in Berlin, the Twentieth Century...
Rock n Roll Grad School #168 Paralandra
March 20, 2024 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBThey've been rocking the country for 10 years and now Paralandra is releasing their second full-length album. The Body Electric is available on April 4th, wherever you get your records. We talked with lead singer Cassandra Carson about the collaboration that makes Paralandra what it is and what it's like having your dad playing lead guitar. Plus, we learn what not to say to Kip Winger when you run into him backstage. For more information and to find out when they're playing near you, check ...
Rock n Roll Grad School #167 Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards
March 13, 2024 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBThere may be no easy way to describe the music of Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards other than by simply saying "it's good." Their new album, Rapture Waltz is out on March 22nd. We sat down with Johnny to talk about the emotional power of music and of fandom and so much more. For more information and tour dates, you can check out their website or you can follow them on Facebook. Plus, Bob Dylan hates it when you ask him to play something you've heard before.
Rock n Roll Grad School #166 Bettye LaVette
March 06, 2024 09:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBBettye LaVette is a music legend. Heading back out on the road this spring, Bettye is one of the foremost interpreter of songs and is one of a kind. We got to talk with Bettye about her albums, including how she approaches her interpretations as well as her fascinating and long-running career. Her most recent album LaVette! Is available now. For more information and tour dates, check out her website, or follow her on Facebook. Plus, Heidi recaps her night with U2.
Rock n Roll Grad School #165 Firewind
February 28, 2024 09:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBIf you’re looking for hard rock and great guitar, you need to look no further than Firewind. We talked with bandleader Gus G on the eve of the release of the new album, Stand United. Plus, we talk about Heidi’s big weekend and big summer plans, and if that isn’t enough, we extended an invitation to a particular politician to be a guest on the show and answer the tough questions. For more information on Firewind, you can check out their website, or you can follow them on Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #164 The Surfrajettes
February 21, 2024 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBThere's a new/old sound sweeping the world and that's surf music. And leading the charge are The Surfrajettes, an all-female band leaving audiences spellbound with their musical skills. We talked with Shermy, one of the band's guitarists as they prepared to hit the road for a long stretch, playing with bands like The Electric Six and The Reverend Horton Heat. For more information and tour dates, check out their website (where you can also order their tubular debut release, "Roller Fink,") ...
Rock n Roll Grad School #163 Yoko at 91!
February 14, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBYou know how we feel about Yoko Ono 'round these parts, so when we realized her birthday was coming up, it was the perfect time to reconnect with friend of the show Madeline Bocaro, who wrote a great biography of the artist titled, In Your Mind- The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono. So we did. We talked about the book, what Yoko thought and the overall impression of her. Infinite Universe is available wherever you get books, but you can order directly from Madeline on her website. (We also hig...
Rock n Roll Grad School #162 New Model Army
February 07, 2024 09:00 - 35 minutes - 24.8 MBFor almost 45 years, New Model Army has been fighting the good fight and calling out wrongs where they see it. Their new album, "Unbroken" is no different. We talked with lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Justin Sullivan about the new record, why they keep on recording and how collaboration can improve everything. "Unbroken" is available wherever you get music. For more information, you can check out their website and follow them on Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #161 The Ramoms
January 31, 2024 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBHey! Ho! Let’s Go! The Ramoms play punk rock music for punks of all ages. Their loving tributes to both their children and the Ramones are the type of things that make you wanna be sedated. (Or if you’re listening to the Ramoms, playdated.) For more information on the group, and to learn when they’re playing near you, check out their website. Or you can follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #160 Broadway actor and musician Jalen Harris
January 24, 2024 09:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBJalen Harris first came to prominence on American Idol, but that's just the beginning of his story. Since then, he's starred on Broadway in The Lion King and he's currently playing Eddie Kendricks in the touring company of Ain't Too Proud to Beg. And now he's sharing his own voice with his EP ManneKin. We talked with Jalen about his journey and how his work on stage informed his own music. For more information, follow Jalen on Instagram.
Rock n Roll Grad School #159 Jon Scott on Tom Petty
January 17, 2024 09:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBJon Scott worked as a record promotion guy with a lot of great artists, but his most important, and meaningful, relationship was with Tom Petty. (In fact, Jon can be credited for breaking Petty, long after the record company gave up on him.) In his new book, Tom Petty and Me, Scott recounts a life-long friendship with one of the great American songwriters of all time. To get a copy of Jon's book, visit his website.
Rock n Roll Grad School #158 Darren Paltrowitz on Why David Lee Roth Matters
January 10, 2024 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBWa Wa Zat?!? David Lee Roth has been a part of the public conversation for almost 50 years. And in that time, the polymath has constantly been confounding expectations. Darren Paltrowitz examines both the man and the myth in his new book, "DLR Book: How David Lee Roth Changed the World," available right now. For more information, you can follow Darren on Instagram, or you can check out his website. Wowza!
Rock n Roll Grad School #157 Peter Martin
January 03, 2024 09:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBJazz musician has seen the world, playing with some of the greats of the genre. Now, with his new record, Peter and his group, Generation S, recorded the whole album, live in studio and on-line. On top of playing, Peter is teaching, helping introduce people of all ages into the joys of the art form. For more information, check out Peter's website, or you can learn more about lessons on the Open Studio website.
Rock n Roll Grad School #156 The Cure's Lol Tolhurst
December 27, 2023 09:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBLol Tolhurst knows of that which he speaks. As the founding drummer of The Cure, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer had a great vantage point to the evolution of goth style. And in his new book, "Goth: A History," Lol tells that story. It's part memoir and part study of an art form- and it's all really enjoyable. (As is his new record.) "Goth: A History" is available right now wherever you get your books. And for more information, check out Lol's website.
Rock n Roll Grad School #155 Living the Beatles Legend with Mal Evans
December 20, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBMal Evans knew the Beatles from their earliest days. He was a bouncer at The Cavern Club. And from there, his friendship and his working relationship with the group only grew. (You might remember seeing him in the Peter Jackson film, "Get Back," where Paul asks him to run out and buy an anvil.) While Mal unfortunately didn't live long enough to tell his story, he left notes and combined with additional research, Kenneth Womack has written, "Living the Beatles Legend: The Untold Story of Mal...
Rock n Roll Grad School #154 Eddie Berman
December 13, 2023 09:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MBSinger/songwriter Eddie Berman has created yet another album of songs that feel like he's whispering in your ear. And, again, he writes from personal events, ones that make the songs all the more relatable. "Signal Fire," the album, is available starting January 19th. For more information, check out Eddie's website, and follow him on Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #153 The Palms
December 06, 2023 09:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBJohnny Zambetti and Ben Rothbard, better known as The Palms have been recording music for a while, but they only taking it out on the road now. Their music is filled with 1970s Laurel Canyon harmonies, a little pop rock and... well, a little bit of everything. For more information you can check out their website.
Rock n Roll Grad School #152 The Baseball Project
November 29, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBThe Baseball Project is a band devoted totally to baseball. (Guess that's kinda self-evident by the name.) But the group is also made up of some pretty damn good musicians- Peter Buck, Mike Mills, Scott McCaughey, Linda Pittman and Steve Wynn. (They've had some other bands that have done okay for themselves.) The band put out their third long-playing record this summer and it's a great listen, even if you're some sort of heathen and don't like baseball. For more information you can check ou...
Rock n Roll Grad School #151 Elvis and the Colonel
November 22, 2023 09:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBThe relationship between Elvis Presley and Colonel Tom Parker is one of the most successful ones in music. A new book by one of the Colonel's protegees puts a new spin on the relationship and legends of this fascinating relationship. We talked with co-author Marshall Terrill. The book is available November 28th.
Rock n Roll Grad School #150 Blues Traveler's Chan Kinchla
November 15, 2023 09:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBBlues Traveler is back with a second volume of classic songs played with the emotion the band can bring to them. Traveler's Soul is available now. We talked with guitarist Chan Kinchla about the song selection, tour dates and, the band's friendship with TLC. To pick up a copy of the record, to find show dates, or for even more, just check out the band's website.
Rock n Roll Grad School #149 The Country Music Hall of Fame
November 08, 2023 09:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBThis week we get a fascinating look into the heart of Nashville and, in many ways, all the music we talk about every single week. The Country Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and promoting country music in all its various incarnations. We talked with RJ Smith, a writer & editor for the museum about his job there (he just started!) as well as the biographies he's written on Chuck Berry and James Brown.
Rock n Roll Grad School #148 The Zombie's Colin Blunstone
November 01, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBThe Zombies are rock royalty. Their album, Odessey and Oracle is a classic. And, unlike some of their contemporaries, they're still making quality new music. We talked with lead singed Colin Blunstone about the long saga of the band and what they've been up to now. (Hint: It involves getting their masters back.) For more information, you can follow The Zombies on Facebook, or you can check out their website.
Rock n Roll Grad School #147 Tom Paxton & John McCutcheon
October 25, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBIf you don't know Tom Paxton & John McCutcheon, you should. And their new album (the first one they've done together) is called 'Together.' It was written over weekly Zoom calls where they would talk and hang out and, occasionally break out the instruments. 'Together' is available now and the two are doing several dates on the east coast of the US to support the record- they are definitely worth checking out. For more information, check out Tom's website, or check in on John's website.
Rock n Roll Grad School #146 Steve Conte
October 18, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBIt’s pretty safe to say Steve Conte has played with everyone. No, really. From the New York Dolls to Bernard Purdie. It’s impressive. And now, with his most recent solo work, he’s collaborating with Andy Partridge from XTC to make some really wonderful rock music. His most recent single, “Girl with No Name,” is available right now. For more information, check out his website or follow him on Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #145- Martin Popoff on The Who and Quadrophenia
October 11, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBThe Who and Quadrophenia is the new book by Martin Popff and it takes a detailed look at the making and response to the Who's second double album rock opera. The book is now available from Motor Books, wherever you find your reading material. For more information, check out Martin's website. Plus, Heidi just saw Ringo Starr perform and gives us her full review.
Rock n Roll Grad School #144 Escape the Fate
October 04, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBThis week, we're talking with Robert Ortiz, drummer for Escape the Fate. The band has a new album out on October 13th, called Out of the Shadows. For more information, check out the band's website. Plus, CAA proves yet again that Roger Waters is still a dink and we discuss Stephen Stills' biggest selling single.
Rock n Roll Grad School #142 Firefall's Jock Bartley
September 27, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBAs soon as you hear Firefall, you know it's them. Now the band has an album covering some of the great songs by their friends and family. Friends & Family, the album is out now. And you can catch Firefall on tour this fall. For more information, check out their website, or follow them on Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #143 Firefall's Jock Bartley
September 27, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBAs soon as you hear Firefall, you know it's them. Now the band has an album covering some of the great songs by their friends and family. Friends & Family, the album is out now. And you can catch Firefall on tour this fall. For more information, check out their website, or follow them on Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #141 McIntyre & Legare
September 20, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBThis week we wrap up our preview of the Summit Indie Fest, which is happening September 30th in Portsmouth, NH. We sat down with Henry McItyre and Tyler Legare. The two songwriters have only recently combined their talents, and it was a great conversation full of pop music conversation. (You can find out more about Henry and his music with Tyler on his Facebook page.) And you can find out more about Summit at their website. Also, we have two new contestants for dink of the year. Unfortunate...
Rock n Roll Grad School #142 McIntyre & Legare
September 20, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBThis week we wrap up our preview of the Summit Indie Fest, which is happening September 30th in Portsmouth, NH. We sat down with Henry McItyre and Tyler Legare. The two songwriters have only recently combined their talents, and it was a great conversation full of pop music conversation. (You can find out more about Henry and his music with Tyler on his Facebook page.) And you can find out more about Summit at their website. Also, we have two new contestants for dink of the year. Unfortunate...
Rock n Roll Grad School #141 Cat Wolf
September 13, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBWe continue our countdown to this year's Summit Indie Festival by talking with band Cat Wolf. They're one of the acts playing at this year's fest, and their appearance is part of a regional tour. The band has been together for two years and are already getting blurbed by some big names. For more information, check out their website, or follow them on Facebook. And for more information about Summit Indie Fest, check out their website.
Rock n Roll Grad School #140 Poet & Artist Amanda Shea
September 06, 2023 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBThis week is our first in a series of interviews with artists performing September 23rd at the Summit Indie Fest in Portsmouth, NH. Amanda Shea is a poet, artist, teacher and so much more. She sat down with us for a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation. For more information, you can check out Amanda's website or follow her on Instagram. And for more information about the Summit Indie Fest and all the acts playing this year, check out their website, or find them on Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #139 Celebrating Ozzy @ 75
August 30, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBOzzy Osbourne is turning 75 and what better way to celebrate than looking back at his fascinating career. Daniel Bukszpan's new book "Ozzy @ 75" is the perfect examination of Ozzy's career and how he's still alive. Plus, Heidi saw Barry Manilow and offers her full review.
Rock n Roll Grad School #138 Guitarist Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
August 23, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBJoel Hoekstra is a busy guy. Whether it's playing with Whitesnake, or the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or on Broadway in Rock of Ages, Joel keeps his calendar full. We talked with Joel about his immense body of work, how he can switch between genres and styles and his upcoming acoustic tour with Brandon Gibbs. For more information, to pickup his albums and so much more, check out his website. You can also follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Rock n Roll Grad School #137 Miki Agrawal's Soul Gaze
August 16, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBMiki Agrawal describes herself as a 'serial entrepreneur,' and it's this spirit and drive that has led to her first musical project. Working with (friend of the show) HAPPIE Hoffman and producer Ry X, Soul Gaze is a concept album; hypnotic and it brings you through the dissolution of a relationship and the rebirth of hope afterwards. But nothing can match listening to the music and feeling the emotions contained within. Check it out! Shadow Gaze can be streamed wherever you find you music o...
Rock n Roll Grad School #136 Watching the Beatles 'Act Naturally'
August 09, 2023 08:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBDo we really need another Beatles book? If it's the new one by Steve Matteo, titled "Act Naturally," we do. Steve focuses on the group's film career, including "A Hard Day's Night," "Help," "Magical Mystery Tour," and "Let It Be." It's a fascinating read and a fascinating conversation. "Act Naturally: The Beatles on Film," is available right now wherever you get your books. You can follow Steve on Twitter (we're not calling it X) and check out Backbeat Books for more information.
Rock n Roll Grad School #135 Gideon King and City Blog
August 02, 2023 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBThere's no easy way to describe the music Gideon King and his band City Blog make. It's a mix of everything, in the best way possible. The band has a new single, "Somewhere Only We Know," out now, available everywhere. For more information, check out their website, or follow them on Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #134 Artists Rights Advocate Emily Cameron
July 26, 2023 08:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBEmily Cameron knows the music business. And she learned it from working inside it, starting at an early age. And all of this knowledge makes her an advocate for artists, to make sure they get the money they have both earned and so rightfully deserve. We talked with Emily about her work and what she's doing to make sure the right folks get paid to keep making the music we so dearly love. For more information, you can find Emily on Instagram.
Rock n Roll Grad School #133 DJ Lance Rock
July 19, 2023 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBWhat can we say about the great DJ Lance Rock? From his work on Yo! Gabba Gabba! To his work behind the turntables, Lance is wonderful. And we had a great conversation with him about all the joys of music. (And if that isn't enough, you can meet Lance this week at Comic Con!) For more information, check out DJ Lance's website, or follow him on Instagram.
Rock n Roll Grad School #132 Blood, Sweat & Tears' Steve Katz
July 12, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBSteve Katz has had a fascinating career. From his earliest days hanging out in Greenwich Village, to touring the world with Blood, Sweat and Tears, Steve has seen a lot. We talked with Steve about his career, the new documentary on the band and his wonderful memoir. (Our giveaway of Alan Paul's new book on the Allman Brothers, "Brothers & Sisters" is still going... Email us to enter!) For more information, check out Steve's website, and for the film, check out their site to find out when t...
Rock n Roll Grad School #131 Alan Paul on the Allman Brothers' Brothers and Sisters
July 05, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBThe early 1970s was an incredibly difficult time for one of the most popular bands of the decade. With two long time members having died within almost a year of each other, The Allman Brothers Band regrouped and recorded one of the biggest album of their career. We talked with Alan Paul about his new book, "Brothers and Sisters- The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album that Defined the 70s." It's a great look at the era, even if you don't think you're an Allman fan, you'll...
Rock n Roll Grad School #130 The Raven Age
June 28, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBIf you're looking for some quality English metal, look no further- The Raven Age are out with their third album, "Blood Omen." We sat down with founding member and guitarist George Harris to talk about the history of the band, the joy of hiding clues in artwork for fans to find and what he learned from his dad, Iron Maiden bassist & songwriter Steve Harris. For more information, check out their website, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Rock n Roll Grad School #129 Sasha Prendes
June 21, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIt's that time of the year again- what is your summer jam? Might we suggest something from this week's guest, Sasha Prendes? Her first single, "Shake This," just came out. We talked with Sasha about growing up, her Latin roots and the special skill of walking into a studio with very little prep work. For more information, you can check out her website, or follow her on Twitter or Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #128 Sasha Prendes
June 21, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBIt's that time of the year again- what is your summer jam? Might we suggest something from this week's guest, Sasha Prendes? Her first single, "Shake This," just came out. We talked with Sasha about growing up, her Latin roots and the special skill of walking into a studio with very little prep work. For more information, you can check out her website, or follow her on Twitter or Facebook.
Rock n Roll Grad School #128 Mini Kiss
June 14, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.6 MBThis week, we dig into the archives of our other podcast, Why? to share one of our favorite conversations. We talked with Mini Gene from Mini Kiss. We cover all the the bases, what it's like being in a cover band, how do the fans recieve them and, probably most importantly, what does Big Gene and Paul think about the whole thing? For more information, you can check out Mini Kiss's website. You can also follow them on Facebook. And if that isn't enough, there's a new Beatles song?