In this episode, songwriter and vocalist Peter Stuart discusses the writing and recording of the hit 1996 single from Dog’s Eye View, “Everything Falls Apart.” Written quickly (and with a hangover) after a disappointing meeting with a potential producer, the song describes a young Peter’s tendency to be his own worst enemy. Torpedoing his own life for excitement may have been a subconscious way of coming up with good subject matter for his lyrics, and fortunately in this instance, it worked. Tune in for a simultaneously inspiring and entertaining look into the creation of this mid-90s classic. 

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Originally released as Episode 257 on May 12th, 2025, this week’s Throwback Thursday episode features Chris’s Less Than Jake bandmate JR Wasilweski discussing the writing and recording of “Walking Pipebomb” from the band’s Uncharted EP. 

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Despite his recent retirement from the touring circuit, Dee Snider most definitely still rocks! This week, he makes his return appearance to the show to discuss the writing, recording, and legacy of Twisted Sister’s classic 1984 single “I Wanna Rock.” The spirit of the music still burns in Dee now, just as it did when he was recording song ideas into a cassette recorder as a young frontman. Tune in to both laugh and be inspired as Chris and Dee turn back the clock to the creation of this iconic rock standard. 

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Over on One Hit Thunder (sister podcast of Chris DeMakes A Podcast), Matt and Chris compiled the Top 10 lists of listeners to arrive at the list of the 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time. You can hear ALL of the episodes over on the One Hit Thunder feed, but to give you a taste, this is #100 through #81 of the countdown.

You can subscribe to One Hit Thunder wherever you get your pods, but here are a few links…

One Hit Thunder on Apple

One Hit Thunder on Spotify

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This week, Chris is joined by legendary keyboardist Geoff Downes to discuss the writing and recording of the hit 1982 single from Asia, “Heat of the Moment.” Considering that the band was a supergroup of progressive musicians, the song showcased a bit of tasteful restraint during its creation, which ultimately paid off with its massive mainstream success. Geoff not only brought his signature, cutting-edge synth contributions to the band, but he also served as the most pop-oriented writer in the group, having been a founding member of The Buggles (of “Video Killed the Radio Star” fame.) Tune in for a thoughtful and fun conversation about the creation of a timeless song that set the stage for what was to come throughout the rest of the 80s. 

Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes

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Originally released on November 13th, 2023, as Episode 181 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, this episode features Snuff drummer and vocalist Duncan Redmonds discussing the writing and recording of the fan favorite 1996 single “Nick Northern.” This song may have been a gateway into Snuff for many listeners, as it was featured on the iconic Fat Wreck Chords compilation Survival of the Fattest. In this conversation, Duncan opens up about the creation of this track, from the heartbreak hat inspired it to the surprising story behind the song’s title.

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After a QUICK five years since his last appearance on the show, Punchline’s Steve Soboslai sits in this week to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s fan favorite 2004 single “Heart Transplant.” Written from a real place of young heartbreak, the song has remained a live set constant decades after it was penned on the band’s first full US tour. Produced by Sean O’Keefe, the recording has stood the test of time, capturing an energy and enthusiasm of a band feeling the moment. Tune in for a fun and honest look back at what fans of the band would consider the ultimate Punchline classic track.

Check out all things Punchline (including the new album Somewhere To Land) at punchlinemusic.com.

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Originally released as Episode 192 on February 5th, 2024, this episode features Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly discussing the writing and recording of the band’s 2003 single “Signals Over the Air.” Taken from the band’s third album War All the Time, the song is a dynamic amalgamation of melody and aggression, and it’s much rawer than the polished productions that most people would expect from a major label release. In this episode, Geoff dives deep into the inspiration and creation of this landmark single.

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In this week’s episode, guitarist Josh Fiedler sits in to discuss the writing and recording of The Juliana Theory’s 2003 single “Do You Believe Me?” Taken from the band’s major label debut album Love, the song is a powerful and driving rock song that sounds just as good today as it did upon its release, thanks in part to the production of producer Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads fame. During this conversation, Josh unpacks the songs unique structure and many nuances that make it both stand out and stand the test of time.

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Originally released as Episode 117 on August 22nd, 2022, this episode is a look back on the late Biz Markie and his hit single “Just A Friend.” The unique vocal delivery and hilarious lyrics of the song launched it into the Top 10 of the Billboard charts in 1990. Since then, the infectious chorus has remained lodged in the public consciousness, even after his untimely passing in July of 2021. In this episode, Chris and Chris take a deep dive into the song that no one should feel shy to sing along to.

Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes

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