Season 1
Ep. 132: Keith Buckley discusses Every Time I Die's "Planet Shit"
Dec. 5, 2022
Every Time I Die's 2021 single "Planet Shit" is an intense commentary on the current state of society. In this episode, vocalist Keith Buckley details the writing. recording, and release of this brutal, no holds barred track.
Ep. 131: Vinnie Caruana discusses I Am The Avalanche's "Brooklyn Dodgers"
Nov. 28, 2022
When a demo of the song leaked on the internet, I Am The Avalanche's "Brooklyn Dodgers" became a fan favorite before it was even released. In this episode, vocalist Vinnie Caruana discusses the writing and recording of the b…
Ep. 130: Fletcher Dragge discusses Pennywise's "F**k Authority"
Nov. 21, 2022
Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge is not a fan of being told what to do, and the band's 2001 single "F**k Authority" became a rallying cry for fans all over the world who felt the same way. In this episode, Fletcher discus…
Ep. 129: Roger Joseph Manning Jr. discusses Jellyfish's "New Mistake"
Nov. 14, 2022
This week, Jellyfish's Roger Joseph Manning Jr. breaks down the writing, recording, and release of the band's epic 1993 single "New Mistake". Decades after Jellyfish's disbandment, the legend of this underappreciated band co…
Ep. 128: Kristopher Roe discusses The Ataris "In This Diary"
Nov. 7, 2022
In this episode, Kris Roe breaks down the inspiration and writing of "In This Diary", the personal and heartfelt single from The Ataris' 2003 album So Long, Astoria.
Ep. 127: Art Alexakis discusses Everclear's "Santa Monica"
Oct. 31, 2022
In this episode, Everclear's Art Alexakis details the inspiring story behind the band's 1995 breakout hit "Santa Monica".
Ep. 126: Scott Russo discusses Unwritten Law's "Seein' Red"
Oct. 24, 2022
Unwritten Law vocalist Scott Russo details the personal story behind the writing of the band's 2002 hit single "Seein' Red".
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party "Favorite Descendents Songs" episode
Oct. 20, 2022
This episode of The After Party was released to members of the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast on May 9th, 2022, as a follow-up to the Milo Aukerman episode.
Ep. 125: Stephen Egerton discusses Descendents "Everything Sux"
Oct. 17, 2022
Stephen Egerton has been a punk rock guitar icon with Descendents and ALL since the mid 80s, but it wasn't until 1996's Everything Sucks album that he began his run as prolific songwriter as well. In this episode, Stephen di…
Ep. 124: Slade Echeverria discusses Anarbor's "18"
Oct. 10, 2022
Anarbor's song "18" was not released as a single from the band's 2013 album Burnout, which is why the song's enormous presence many years later on TikTok came as a surprise. In this episode, vocalist and bassist Slade Echeve…
Throwback Thursday: Chris Carrabba discusses Dashboard Confessional's "Hands Down"
Oct. 6, 2022
Back on November 9th of 2020, Chris Carrabba sat in to discuss the 2002 Dashboard Confessional fan favorite single "Hands Down". He dives into all aspects of the song, from the experience that inspired the vivid lyrical imag…
Ep. 123: Hoodie Allen discusses "All About It (feat. Ed Sheeran)"
Oct. 3, 2022
Brooklyn-based indie artist Hoodie Allen dropped his debut album People Keep Talking in 2014, which was a vibrant mix of pop and hip-hop. In this episode, he discusses the creation and release of the single "All About It", w…
Throwback Thursday: Brendan B. Brown discusses Wheatus's "Teenage Dirtbag"
Sept. 29, 2022
Brendan B. Brown of Wheatus sat in for Episode #69 back on September 20th, 2021, to discuss their 2000 hit "Teenage Dirtbag". In the year since this was recorded, the song has reemerged in a huge way thanks to a TikTok trend…
Ep. 122: Dan Wilson discusses Semisonic's "Closing Time"
Sept. 26, 2022
Grammy Award winning songwriter Dan Wilson sits in this week to discuss the writing, recording, and release of Semisonic's 1998 hit single "Closing Time".
Throwback Thursday: Elizabeth Stokes discusses The Beths "Future Me Hates Me"
Sept. 22, 2022
With the recent release of The Beths' new album Expert In A Dying Field, it seemed like the perfect time to throw it back to Episode #44 from March 29th, 2021, when Liz Stokes sat in to discuss the writing and recording of "…
Ep. 121: Cory Branan discusses his song "The Prettiest Waitress In Memphis"
Sept. 19, 2022
"The Prettiest Waitress In Memphis" might not be the best representation of Cory Branan's sound, but this rockin' song has stood out amongst his fans as a favorite both musically and lyrically. In this episode, Cory recalls …
Throwback Thursday: Mark McGrath discusses Sugar Ray's "Every Morning"
Sept. 15, 2022
Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath sat in for Episode #38 back on February 15th, 2021, to discuss the band's 1999 hit single "Every Morning". Mark's humility and sense of humor really shine in this episode, which has made it a fan fav…
Ep. 120: Travis Shettel discusses Piebald's "American Hearts"
Sept. 12, 2022
At every Piebald show, you're sure to see the crowd light up and raise their fists in the air to sing "HEY! You're part of it!", the anthemic chorus of the band's 2002 single "American Hearts". In this episode, vocalist and …
Ep. 119: Stefan Babcock discusses PUP's "Robot Writes A Love Song"
Sept. 5, 2022
PUP vocalist and guitarist Stefan Babcock stops by to get into the nuts and bolts of the band's 2022 single "Robot Writes A Love Story". This quirky and infectious tune is a unique take on a love song, which is new subject m…
Ep. 118: A discussion on George Michael's "Faith"
Aug. 29, 2022
"Faith" was the second single from George Michael's debut solo album of the same name, which went on to produce SEVEN hit singles. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive deep into the music and lyrics of this iconic song that…
Throwback Thursday: Robin Wilson discusses Gin Blossoms "Til I Hear It From You"
Aug. 25, 2022
Robin Wilson sat in for Episode #22 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast back on October 26th of 2020. He discussed the band's 1995 hit single "Til I Hear It From You", which was the lead single from the Empire Records soundtrack. Thi…
Ep. 117: A discussion on Biz Markie's "Just A Friend"
Aug. 22, 2022
The unique vocal delivery and hilarious lyrics of Biz Markie's single "Just A Friend" launched the song into the Top 10 of the Billboard charts in 1990. Since then, the infectious chorus has remained lodged in the public con…
Throwback Thursday: Frank Turner discusses his song "Recovery"
Aug. 18, 2022
This week, we're throwing it back to April of 2021, when Frank Turner stopped by for Episode 46. He and Chris discussed the 2013 single "Recovery", a fan favorite song with a relatable (and somewhat hilarious) backstory.
Ep. 116: A discussion on Freddie Mercury and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”
Aug. 15, 2022
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is widely regarded as one of rock’s all time greatest songs, despite breaking pretty much every rule as to what constitutes a hit song. This week, Chris and Chris dive deep into the late Freddie Mercury’s…
Throwback Thursday: Jim Adkins discusses Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle"
Aug. 11, 2022
This week, we're throwing it back to Episode #42 from back in March of 2021, when Jimmy Eat World's Jim Adkins sat in to discuss the writing, recording, and release of the 2001 hit single "The Middle".
Ep. 115: A discussion on Amy Winehouse's "Rehab"
Aug. 8, 2022
The 2007 Grammy for Song of the Year went to "Rehab", an upbeat and autobiographical classic from the iconic Amy Winehouse. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive into every aspect of the song, as well as the career of this l…
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man” episode
Aug. 4, 2022
Prince's "I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man" might not be his most well-known song, but it is an UNDENIABLE jam! In this sneak preview of The After Party podcast, Chris and Chris break down this pop gem from the legen…
Ep. 114: A discussion on Tony Sly and No Use For A Name's "International You Day"
Aug. 1, 2022
The month of August is dedicated to songs by artists who are no longer with us. Listeners voted on who they wanted to hear episodes about, and Tony Sly of No Use For A Name was an overwhelming choice. In this episode, Chris …
Ep. 113: Dave Pirner discusses Soul Asylum's "Somebody To Shove"
July 25, 2022
Soul Asylum vocalist and guitarist Dave Pirner discusses the writing and recording of "Somebody To Shove", the lead single from the band's 1992 triple-platinum album Grave Dancers Union.
Ep. 112: Chris Cresswell discusses The Flatliners "Hang My Head"
July 18, 2022
Vocalist and guitarist Chris Cresswell dives deep into the writing and recording of "Hang My Head", a fan favorite single from The Flatliners. The song is taken from the band's 2017 album Inviting Light, and it deals with th…
Ep. 111: Brann Dailor discusses Mastodon's "Blood and Thunder"
July 11, 2022
Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor discusses the writing and recording of the song "Blood and Thunder", which was the lead-off track on the band's 2004 Moby Dick inspired album Leviathan. The record became an instant metal classi…
Ep. 110: Dave Hause discusses his song "We Could Be Kings"
July 4, 2022
Singer-songwriter Dave Hause discusses the writing, recording, and release of his heartfelt 2013 single "We Could Be Kings". From the original inspiration to the fascinating recording experience, Dave breaks down every aspec…
Ep. 109: Darryl "DMC" McDaniels discusses Run-DMC's "It's Tricky"
June 27, 2022
Rap pioneer Darryl "DMC" McDaniels breaks down the writing, recording, release, and legacy of Run-DMC's iconic 1986 smash hit single "It's Tricky".
Kate Bush "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" is the SONG OF THE SUMMER (37 years after its release)
June 23, 2022
Chris Fafalios hosts this mini episode, which is all about the phenomenon that is Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)".
Ep. 108: Matt Thiessen discusses Relient K's "Be My Escape"
June 20, 2022
Relient K vocalist, guitarist, and pianist Matt Thiessen sits in to discuss the writing, recording, and release of the hit 2004 single "Be My Escape". Despite the song's unorthodox arrangement, it was a major factor in the b…
Throwback Thursday: Fat Mike discusses NOFX's "Linoleum" and "Linewleum"
June 16, 2022
On February 7th, 2021, Fat Mike sat in for Episode #37 to discuss the writing and recording of NOFX's 1994 classic "Linoleum", as well as the 2021 sequel to it, "Linewleum". As is always the case with Mike, the conversation …
Ep. 107: Chad Price discusses All's "Original Me"
June 13, 2022
Chad Price brought the song "Original Me" with him when he joined All in 1993. Little did he know, the song would become the opening track on the band's next album, Breaking Things. In this episode, Chad breaks down the writ…
Ep. 106: Fee Waybill discusses The Tubes "She's A Beauty"
June 6, 2022
"She's A Beauty" became a huge hit in 1983, launching The Tubes to mainstream success on radio and MTV. In this episode, vocalist Fee Waybill discusses the unusual inspiration for the song, as well as the writing, recording,…
Ep. 105: Reese Roper discusses Five Iron Frenzy's "Zen and the Art of Xenophobia"
May 30, 2022
Five Iron Frenzy vocalist Reese Roper breaks down the 2013 single "Zen and the Art of Xenophobia", a song that calls out religious hypocrisy.
Throwback Thursday: Matt Skiba discusses Alkaline Trio's "Radio"
May 26, 2022
Matt Skiba sat in for Episode 14 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast back on August 31st, 2020, to discuss the Alkaline Trio classic "Radio", taken from their 2000 album Maybe I'll Catch Fire.
Ep. 104: Brett Gurewitz discusses Bad Religion's "Stranger Than Fiction"
May 23, 2022
In thie episode, Bad Religion guitarist and Epitaph Records owner Brett Gurewitz opens up about the writing of the 1994 single "Stranger Than Fiction", taken from the album of the same name. Packed with literary references a…
The Journey Ep. 6: Jesse and Justin Bivona
May 19, 2022
The rhythm section of The Interrupters shares their musical journey.
Ep. 103: Aimee Interrupter and Kevin Bivona discuss The Interrupters "In The Mirror"
May 16, 2022
With the new album In The Wild scheduled for release on August 5th, 2022, Aimee and Kevin from The Interrupters sit it to discuss the writing, recording, and release of the leadoff single "In The Mirror".
Throwback Thursday: Bill Stevenson discusses Descendents "One More Day" and The Lemonheads "Steve's Boy"
May 12, 2022
Back in June of 2020, Bill Stevenson was the guest for Episode 4 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast. In what would go on to become one of the most talked about episodes of the podcast, Bill opens up about his relationship with his l…
Ep. 102: Milo Aukerman discusses Descendents "Hope"
May 9, 2022
Descendents vocalist Milo Aukerman discusses the writing, recording, release, and legacy of the classic song “Hope” from the band’s 1982 album Milo Goes To College.
SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “Time Capsule: June 1989” episode
May 5, 2022
This sneak preview episode of The After Party podcast coincides with the release of the newest episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, because June of 1989 is when Skid Row’s “18 and Life” was released.
Ep. 101: Rachel Bolan discusses Skid Row's "18 and Life"
May 2, 2022
Skid Row bassist Rachel Bolan discusses the story behind the band's 1989 hit single "18 and Life". The song's vivid and serious lyrical content set Skid Row apart from a lot of their contemporaries at the time, and it helped…
Defeat DeMakes Episode 7
April 28, 2022
In an epic battle of music trivia knowledge, Chris DeMakes takes on Kansas City's own Ash Lawrence.
Ep. 100: Chris Ballew discusses The Presidents of the United States of America's "Lump"
April 25, 2022
Clocking in at just over 2 minutes, "Lump" became a massive hit for the Seattle-based rock band The Presidents of the United States of America. In this episode, bassist and vocalist Chris Ballew details the writing, recordin…
Ep. 99: Sondre Lerche discusses his song "Bad Law"
April 18, 2022
Norwegian singer, songwriter, and guitarist Sondre Lerche tells the story behind his 2014 single "Bad Law", an indie-pop gem that's equal parts danceable and chaotic.