Blowing Smoke with Twisted Rico

The Far Out is on a mission to reignite the flame of Soul Pop—and they’re doing it with style, heart, and undeniable groove. In this episode, we sit down with two of the band’s powerhouse members, Olivia Lowe and Ellie Dolan, for an inside look at the group’s origins, inspirations, and their bold journey to bring back a sound that stirs the soul. Tune in as we explore how The Far Out is blending vintage vibes with a modern edge to spark a full-blown Soul Pop revival.

Music Clips

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

The Far Out "Laurel"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

On this episode, we’re joined by Judy Grunwald and Beth Kaplan of Salem 66, the trailblazing indie rock band formed in Boston in 1981. In a scene that birthed Mission of Burma, The Lemonheads, and Dinosaur Jr., Salem 66 stood out with their fearless, melodic post-punk sound. Over the decade, they released acclaimed records on Homestead—home to Sonic Youth and Big Black—and shared stages with The Replacements and The Raincoats. Now, after years out of print, Don Giovanni Records has reissued their music with SALT, a new vinyl compilation and their first-ever streaming release.

Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

For our landmark 400th episode, we're thrilled to be joined by the unstoppable Nicole Laurenne — vocalist, keyboardist, and all-around rock 'n' roll force. Nicole is best known as the electrifying frontwoman of The Darts, but her sonic legacy runs deep. From her edgy alter ego Black Viiolet to her foundational work with Phoenix garage rock legends The Love Me Nots, Nicole brings a fierce energy and creative spirit to every project she touches

Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

Alice Austin returns to the show to talk about her upcoming new album, "Super 8".

Alice Austin is a versatile musician and songwriter whose dynamic career spans multiple genres and decades. Originally from Vermont, she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue her music career, bringing with her a rich tapestry of influences and experiences. Austin's musical journey began in the 1990s with the all-female pop-punk band Zola Turn, and she later fronted The Lavas in Boston. Her solo work showcases a blend of indie rock, country, and experimental sounds.

In addition to her solo endeavors, Austin is the lead vocalist of Black Sabbitch, an all-female tribute band to Black Sabbath, which has garnered international acclaim and endorsements from Ozzy Osbourne . The band has performed at major festivals such as Wacken Open Air in Germany and The Kiss Kruise.

Austin's solo discography includes albums like Goodnight Euphoria (2022), Break the Spell (2023), and Neon Pink(2023), each showcasing her evolution as an artist. Her upcoming album, Super 8, is anticipated to further explore her fusion of alternative rock and ethereal singer-songwriter sensibilities . Throughout her career, Austin has remained committed to creative evolution, continuously exploring new sounds and themes in her music.

Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

Today’s guest is nothing short of a legend. Kevin Kirk joins us to talk about the iconic institution he built: The Heavy Metal Shop in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you’ve ever seen that unmistakable skull logo or the words “Peddlin Evil” on a T-shirt, you already know the vibe. Since the 1980s, Kevin’s shop has been a sanctuary for headbangers, punks, and music obsessives—and his merch has become a badge of honor worn by everyone from Alice Cooper to Slayer. We dive into the history, the music, and the lasting legacy of one of America’s most legendary record stores.

Music Clips

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Watts "Heavy Metal Kids"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

This episode originally aired live on WMFO (Medford, MA) on Saturday, May 24, 2025. In celebration of his birthday, the host took full creative liberty—sharing three of his favorite tracks and reflecting on ten beloved albums (a “No Jive 10”?). Along the way, surprise guests Destiny Costa (with her daughter) and Mike Newman dropped by, adding to the spontaneous and festive atmosphere.

Music

The Charms "Life In Movies"

The Outlets "I'm A Mess"

Caged Heat "Animal"

additional music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Engineered by Mike Newman

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

Punk drummer turned provocative photographer—Dave Naz joins us to talk about his journey from Chemical People and Down By Law to capturing bold, boundary-pushing images that explore sexuality, identity, and gender. Hear how assisting underground legend Richard Kern helped shape his raw, fearless style.

Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

On this episode we are joined by Michael Alago, a music industry legend with a wild ride to match. From signing Metallica at 24 to working with icons like Nina Simone and White Zombie, his story is one of raw talent, fearless authenticity, and surviving the chaos of rock ‘n’ roll. This episode dives into Alago’s rise from Brooklyn punk kid to major label exec — and the unforgettable life captured in the documentary Who The F**k Is That Guy?.

Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

SSDecontrol "Glue"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

Part 2 of our conversation with Debbie Southwood-Smith, a seasoned A&R executive with a remarkable career in the music industry. Debbie has played a key role in the success of iconic artists like Uncle Tupelo, Blessid Union of Souls, D Generation, Monster Magnet, Queens of the Stone Age, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. She also shares a rich professional history with our host, having worked together at both Giant Records and A&M Records. A true music insider, Debbie got her start at the legendary college radio station WERS (Boston) in the early ’80s.

Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo

In this episode, we’re joined by Debbie Southwood-Smith, a veteran of the A&R world with an impressive track record. Over the years, Debbie has worked with iconic artists such as Uncle Tupelo, Blessed Union of Souls, D Generation, Monster Magnet, Queens of the Stone Age, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. She also shares a professional history with our host, having worked together at Giant Records and A&M Records. Plus, Debbie was part of the legendary early ’80s crew at WERS, making her a true insider in the evolution of modern music.

Music

The Charms "So Pretty"

The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"

Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo