Chris DeMakes A Podcast

This week’s episode features Aimee and Kevin of The Interrupters making a return appearance to discuss the writing and recording of the 2026 single, “Warrior Spirit.” With a team of collaborators that included punk rock icons such as Tim Armstrong, Jesse Michaels, Brett Gurewitz, and Travis Barker, the band expanded their musical palette on this uplifting and danceable track. Taking influence from an array of 80s new wave artists, the song takes The Interrupters in a new direction while still remaining authentically themselves. In this conversation, they open up about the entire creation of “Warrior Spirit,” from the song’s beginnings to its surprising lyrical inspiration.

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Originally released as Episode 223 on September 9th, 2024, this episode features Dr. Frank (aka Frank Portman) of The Mr. T Experience discussing the creation of the fan favorite 1996 single “Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba.” Inspired by The Partridge Family, the song was initially imagined as a folk tune arrange by a rock band. In this conversation, Frank shares how this song that explores themes of doubt and finding a place for “people like us” came to be.

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Atreyu’s 2026 single “All For You” takes the band’s sound to a whole new level. The production work of Matthew Pauling highlights the band’s signature, riff-heavy style with vocalist Brandon Saller’s soaring and emotional delivery, delivering a song with mass appeal that doesn’t compromise the heaviness and aggression that Atreyu fans expect. In this episode, Brandon opens up about the writing of the track, the recording experience, and the aspects of the process that keep the band pushing themselves toward new heights.

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This week’s Throwback Thursday was first released as Episode 230 on October 28th, 2024. In this episode, Michael Bishop aka Blöthar the Berserker sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the fan favorite 1992 single from GWAR, "The Road Behind." Michael and Chris dive into the song's creation, unpacking the lyrics, instrumentation, and unique production choices that set it apart in GWAR's catalog. They explore the band's history, their punk rock roots, and how humor and satire have always been key to their approach. The conversation also touches on the challenges GWAR faced while touring and the importance of fan reception in shaping the band’s legacy. Fans of GWAR and newcomers alike will appreciate the insight into the genius behind the chaos.

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In 1986, the Friday the 13th franchise released the sixth installment in their beloved slasher film series. Jason Lives brought Jason Voorhees back from the dead, gave him supernatural powers, and even gave characters the ability to occasionally break the fourth wall. This over-the-top, borderline silly movie needed a song to match the vibe, and the legendary Alice Cooper was up to the challenge. His 1986 single “He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask)” is a synth-heavy pop song, and it’s certainly not what comes to mind when most people think of Alice’s work. Regardless, the song lives on through the playlists of horror fans (especially around Halloween), and in this episode, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios comb through every lyric and musical choice in this unforgettable track.

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This edition of Throwback Thursday was originally released as Episode 217 on July 29th, 2024. In this episode, Aaron Bruno discusses the creation of AWOLNATION's 2011 hit single "Sail," offering an inside look at his songwriting process during a challenging period in his life. Aaron shares how he was in a very low place when he wrote the song, using it as an opportunity to break free from traditional songwriting constraints and express himself in new musical directions.

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Honesty has long been a trademark of The Drowns, from their thought-provoking lyrics to their raw and aggressive album production. Their 2020 single “Them Rats” is no exception on either counts, and in this episode, guitarist and vocalist Rev Peters sits in to discuss how the song came to be. Produced by Ted Hutt, the song captures the live sound of a punk rock band doing what they do best, while calling out for the human connection that feels lost in the social and political environment of today. Tune in for a look into the mind and process of an artist that writes from the heart and performs with conviction.

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This week’s Throwback Thursday edition was originally released as Episode 225 on September 23rd, 2024. It features Anberlin guitarist Joseph Milligan discussing the writing and recording of the band’s hit 2008 single “Feel Good Drag.” The song, which was initially intended as a fun re-recording of a track from an earlier album, wasn't even meant to be on the New Surrender album. However, it went on to become the band’s widely acclaimed signature single. The song explores themes of infidelity and self-reflection, highlighted by the high-energy and technically proficient performance of a band firing on all cylinders.

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Piebald’s 2026 full-length Tales For The Rages was a long time coming, considering the band’s last LP came out close to 20 years prior. Despite the time between releases, the spirit and unique songwriting of this Massachusetts indie band shines through on the album, especially on the standout track “Gentlemen Callers.” In this episode, guitarist and vocalist Travis Shettel makes his return to the show to discuss the writing and recording of the catchy yet unconventional track, featuring everything from harmonizing guitars to horn arrangements. 

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This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released as Episode 229 on October 21st, 2024. In this conversation, Chris DeMakes and co-host/producer Chris Fafalios dive into the hit 1994 single "Zombie" by The Cranberries, written by the late Dolores O'Riordan. They explore the song’s powerful blend of heavy music and poignant lyrics, addressing the conflict in Northern Ireland, and reflect on the immense talent of Dolores, who left us far too soon.

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