Ryan Allen, a multi-faceted musician from Detroit, Michigan, has been an active and influential figure in the music scene since the early 1990s. Allen has been a part of too many groups to mention, but here is a sampling: Destroy This Place, Friendly Foes, Red Shirt Brigade, Ryan + Jono, and Thunderbirds Are Now! Far from an exhaustive list, each of these bands showcased different facets of Allen's musical prowess and interests, ranging from indie and punk to hardcore and alternative rock​

​In 2011, Allen launched "Ryan Allen & His Extra Arms." What began as a solo project has evolved into a full-fledged band, now simply known as Extra Arms. This project allowed Allen to explore a more personal and memoir-esque musical style, reminiscent of post-hardcore troubadours like Ted Leo, and Bob Mould​

Allen's music often reflects his personal life and experience, featuring songs about his family, friends, and his journey through music over the years. Allen has also been involved in the band BIG LIFE, a group of seasoned local musicians creating Melodic Hardcore music inspired by Dischord Records' "Revolution Summer" era. BIG LIFE's sound draws influence from bands like Dag Nasty, and Fugazi​.

Ryan Allen's career illustrates a dedication to evolving and experimenting within the realm of music, making him a distinctive and respected figure in Detroit's rich musical landscape.

Well, we can now add writer to the list of things Ryan Allen excels at. In the Fall/Winter Edition of Remember the Lightning: A Guitar Pop Journal, Volume 2, Allen penned the piece “The Ties That Bind Hardcore Punk & Power Pop.”

Ryan stopped by Thunderlove Studio recently to chat with Keith about the article and the whole of his music career.

LINKS

Extra Arms

Big Life (band)

Speed Circuit (band)

Remember the Lightning: A Guitar Pop Journal Vol. 2

Thunderbirds Are Now

Bracken

In the saga of life, Donny Dykowsky has emerged as a seasoned combatant.

A champion, if you will. 

The early two-thousands bore witness to Donny's heroic struggle for existence. It was a life-and-death duel, and during the arduous period of convalescence, ensconced in isolation, he embarked on the audacious endeavor of assembling a musical ensemble that would later be christened as Chesterwhite. Their debut drew comparisons to luminaries like David Bowie and T-Rex, infused with a dystopian tincture. The album wove a tapestry of a science-fiction odyssey, inspired by Donny's own life as a cancer survivor grappling with the tempestuous throes of a toxic relationship.

Simultaneously, Donny was cultivating a sterling reputation behind the scenes. He lent his songcraft to a diverse array of artists, and initiated a foray into the realm of bespoke musical compositions for television and commercials. 

The astonishing journey of singer, songwriter, and producer Donny Dykowsky unfolds in a sequence of sonic metamorphoses. Having weathered the crucible of cancer, endured tumultuous relationships, and embraced the mantle of fatherhood, Donny emerges on the other side with a voice that is both vulnerable and brimming with vitality. His latest offering, the eponymous EP "Mirrors On The Moon," balances precariously on the precipice of psych-rock and harmonious American. 

Donny joined Keith in Thunderlove Studio to have a chat.

This is their conversation. 

LINKS

Mirrors on the Moon Band on the Web

MOTM on IG

MOTM on FB

MOTM on YouTube

MOTM on Spotify

MOTM on Bandcamp

MOTM on distrokid

Chesterwhite on Spotify

The Ski Team Productions

Alan Watts

Chris Enriquez, a multifaceted artist known for his drumming prowess, stepped into the world of documentary filmmaking. Along with his Spotlights partner Mario Quintero, the two have created quite the evocative film with Hold On To A Time.

his captivating documentary serves as a heartfelt tribute to the first band Enriquez played for, the Long Island post-hardcore band, On The Might Of Princes, and their enduring musical legacy.

Hold On To A Time is a poignant exploration of the band's influential presence in the vibrant Long Island music scene. Enriquez and Quintero skillfully unravel the intricate web of relationships and emotions that fueled the band's creative fire, providing an intimate glimpse into their artistic journey.

Through interviews, archival footage, and personal anecdotes, Hold On To A Time paints a vivid picture of the band's impact, not only on their local community but also on the broader music landscape. It's a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and the profound connections forged through music.

This documentary is a must-see for fans of On The Might Of Princes and anyone passionate about the transformative force of music. 

This film is a heartfelt ode to a band whose music continues to resonate, proving that their legacy is, indeed, something to hold on to.

LINKS

On The Might Of Princes on Facebook

On The Might Of Princes Bandcamp

Hold On To A Time Documentary

Spotlights (band)

Chris Enriquez

Chris Enriquez YouTube

Snapshot of that Karrang article referenced

New York Magazine on the LI music scene

Revelation Records

Drive Thru Records

Sunny Day Real Estate

Shawna's not content with just rocking the boat; she's flipping it over. She penned the gospel of transformation, "Making Spaces Safer." It's a Bible for event organizers, venue owners, and anyone who dares to challenge the status quo. Shawna's not just asking for change; she's delivering it, in black and white, on every page. This isn't just a book; it's the blueprint for creating environments that are free from discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Shawna Potter, a whirlwind of music, activism, and defiance, challenging the norms and pushing the boundaries of punk rock and feminism. Her story isn't just about the fusion of music and activism; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit of passionate, dedicated individuals, unyielding in their pursuit of positive change. Shawna Potter, a punk rock prophet of progress, and a relentless force for a better world.

She stopped by Thunderlove Studios recently to chat with Geoff and Keith about all of that.

LINKS:

Shawna online

War On Women Linktree

War On Women on Bandcamp

Fair Verona on Bandcamp

Making Spaces Safer Book

But Her Lyrics Podcast

War On Women FB

War On Women IG

Shawna Potter on IG