We sit down with Divine Martyr to trace their path from early singles to a focused full-length, and dig into how DIY recording, better live systems, and a democratic culture keep a symphonic metal band moving forward. From lineup changes to onstage save-the-show moments, the band shares practical lessons for musicians at any level.

• origin of Divine Martyr and Indianapolis roots
• lineup evolution and Cassandra stepping in on vocals
• Jason’s thrash-to-symphonic influences and home tracking
• Woody’s bass approach inspired by Ryan Martinie and Cliff Burton
• Mark’s classical percussion background and orchestration role
• building home studios to control cost and quality
• finding engineers who can mix dense symphonic layers
• pre-sale vs festivals and booking realities in the Midwest
• in-ears vs wedges, RF issues, and rehearsal strategies
• contingency plans for live tech failures and crowd management
• rehearsal cadence, stage spacing, and future choreography
• advice to new drummers on teachers, metronomes, and reading
• socials and where to find Divine Martyr’s music

Please do check out Divine Martyr, they’re an amazingly talented band. We will put a link on our socials to their information as well.

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https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com

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A canceled gig can feel like a punch to the gut—especially when fans already have tickets. We dig into why that happens today, tracing the math venues use to keep doors open and why pre-sales have become the deciding factor for grassroots rooms across the UK. With Daz at the wheel—literally and figuratively—we explore what it takes to run three bands in one night, keep a van rolling for four-hour drives, and still deliver a tight set when the gear throws curveballs.

You’ll hear the inside track on practical touring: how to build a load-in plan that respects every instrument, why redundancy is your best friend, and how to stay musical when a Marshall’s inputs rip off the board or a pedalboard dies mid-song. Daz opens up about recording ambitions on the road, the moment he scaled back to protect energy and quality, and the simple habits that keep shows on time and bands in sync. We also zoom out to community, spotlighting Killfest’s charity roots and the scene-building power of tribute acts working alongside original rock.

There’s history here too: a New Jersey family who won Lemmy’s Rickenbacker on the Another Perfect Day tour, complete with photos and setup quirks that inspired how Daz wears his own bass. It’s a story about tone, identity, and the way small technical choices shape big stage presence. Through it all, kindness in the van, clear roles, and honest feedback turn long weekends into real growth for younger players finding their live voice.

If you love rock, touring strategy, and the craft behind a great night out, hit play and ride with us. Share this with a friend who lives for live music, subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories, and drop a review to tell us your best onstage save—what’s the rule you never break on tour?

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We sit down with Bruce Franklin of Trouble to trace a 40-year path from garages and Chicago clubs to international festivals, digging into tone, songwriting, and the business choices that shape longevity. He opens up about gear, Rubin-era lessons, the new record, and why Europe still shows up for heavy music.

• Trouble’s origins and early influences
• Building a signature tone with Marshall and Clone Theory
• Metallica sightings and scene myths
• Finding a drummer and auditioning with a click
• Recording shift from tape to Pro Tools at home
• New album direction across doom, groove, and prog-leaning tracks
• Lessons from Rick Rubin on structure and economy
• Onstage “oh shit” moments and recovery
• Setlist design across eras and fan respect
• In-ear monitors versus loud amps for feel
• Contracts, catalogs, and why a lawyer matters
• Leaving Deaf American and the one big regret
• Rehearsal habits and staying tight with age
• Europe’s festival strength and U.S. decline
• Defining Trouble for first-time listeners

https://www.troublemetal.com/

See Bruce's complete bio at franklinsgaragetostage.com

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Great tone shouldn’t be a luxury purchase, and Tom Miles is here to prove it. We invited the creator behind Tom’s Pedal Demos to talk about the sounds, strategies, and small choices that help players build inspiring rigs for a fraction of boutique prices. Tom lays out his clear budget tiers, explains why “less talk, more pedal” is his guiding motto, and shows how context—pickups, guitars, and amps—matters more than brand hype when you’re choosing a stompbox.

We get specific about signal chains and tone stacks, from the muscular synergy of a Boss OS‑2 pushing a Marshall JCM800 to the sleeper wins that happen when you put certain guitar pedals on bass. Tom walks us through his rotating test rigs, the reason he’ll re-demo the same pedal through different amps, and the practical Boss board he’d gig with tomorrow. If you’ve wondered whether a multi‑FX unit like the Boss ME series can hang next to a spread of individual stomps, you’ll hear why durability, speed, and simplicity often beat menu-diving and massive price tags.

Beyond gear, Tom opens up about rebuilding his chops, finding the right online teacher to unlearn bad habits, and booking gigs with a deadline to create momentum. We trade “oh no” gig stories, build a punch‑list for a trustworthy gig bag, and talk honestly about band dynamics—why singers can be both your edge and your headache, and how preparation saves shows. Expect shout‑outs to Joyo, Donner, Boss, and Peavey, plus a fast tour of influences that runs from Elvis and Kiss to Metallica and Slayer. If you want practical pedal advice, budget‑friendly tone tips, and a boost of confidence to keep playing, this one’s for you.

If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a bandmate, and leave a quick review—tell us your favorite budget pedal and why it stays on your board.

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"The two most important days of your life is when you're born and the day you discover why." Mark Twain's profound words resonate deeply with musicians who can pinpoint the exact moment music became their life's purpose. After a three-month hiatus following co-host Rob's life-threatening medical emergency, Franklin's Garage to Stage returns with heart and metal spirit intact.

Rob's harrowing experience with an esophageal rupture left him hospitalized with doctors preparing for the worst. "Metal kept you alive," Dana observes, as Rob confirms that his motivation to play music again helped pull him through. This near-death experience reinforces the podcast's core message: real musicians play for love, not money or fame. As the hosts note, most of their shows barely covered their beer tabs, yet the passion never dimmed.

The episode journeys through recent guest interviews, spotlighting incredible musicians and their stories. Martin Motnik, Accept's bass virtuoso, embodies the musician's dream – growing up with the band's poster on his wall and now performing with them on their 50th anniversary tour. His Nashville studio and diverse musical projects from jazz to metal showcase a true multi-genre talent.

The UK metal scene features prominently with Daz "Evil Hate" from Motörhead tribute band Loser, who impresses not just with his wall of 30 bass guitars but his commitment to supporting local acts wherever they tour. Jay Ball of Gospels of Odin wields his guitar "like a Viking sword" alongside his sons who handle vocal duties, creating powerful tracks that honor influences like Black Sabbath while forging their own distinctive sound.

Michael Carpenter, owner of The Rooster venue in North Carolina, offers invaluable advice for emerging bands: maintain active social media presence, as venue owners scout bands online and want to see consistent fan engagement. His dedication to original music across all genres exemplifies the supportive community spirit essential to musical growth.

Between guest highlights, the hosts share their embarrassing "Oh Shit" moments – from Dana's substance-induced studio fiasco to Rob's post-show walk of shame in full 80s metal regalia after his car broke down. These candid stories remind listeners that the road to musical mastery includes plenty of humbling experiences.

As the podcast approaches its one-year milestone and 50,000 listeners, the hosts express heartfelt gratitude to their growing audience. Have you discovered your musical purpose yet? Join the conversation and connect with fellow musicians who understand that true passion transcends fame and fortune.

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Michael Carpenter, owner of Rooster Bar in Gastonia, North Carolina, shares his journey from music fan to venue owner and his philosophy on creating opportunities for musicians. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how venues select artists, emphasizing the importance of social media presence and self-promotion for booking success.

• Rooster Bar hosts diverse music styles including heavy metal, hip-hop, country, singer-songwriter, and indie rock
• Regular events include Wednesday open mic nights and First Thursday Folk Night with rotating hosts
• The venue provides a full backline with drum kit, amps, and PA system for performers
• When booking bands, Michael prioritizes artists who actively promote shows and engage with audiences
• The venue operates on various models including room rentals, percentage splits, and promoter partnerships
• Rooster Bar survived a financial crisis through a community fundraiser that raised $40,000 in two weeks
• The venue hosts annual charity events including Rooster Olympics which has raised over $21,000 for disabled students
• Michael works with trusted promoters including Creative Music Management, Cutthroat Promotions, and Shell Shock Promotions
• His advice for new bands: "Show up and support the local scene" to build relationships and create opportunities

Visit Rooster Bar at 334 West Main Avenue in Gastonia, North Carolina or check out upcoming shows on their website.

https://linktr.ee/theroostergastonia

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Jay Ball shares the story behind his metal project Gospels of Odin, a creative outlet that evolved into a powerful father-son collaboration when his 15-year-old son Levi revealed unexpected vocal talents. The project has gathered nearly 9,000 streams in just four weeks since release, demonstrating how digital platforms have revolutionized music distribution.

• Founded Gospels of Odin about 18 months ago after 40 years in the music industry
• Established the J Ball Guitar Academy in 1994 to share his musical knowledge
• Grew up during the British wave of heavy metal, drawing influence from Motorhead, Tags of Pantang, and Def Leppard
• Handles multiple instruments, production, mixing, and video creation for the project
• Discovered his son Levi's hidden vocal talents when the teen recorded vocals for "Bone Crusher" 
• Shoots professional-quality music videos using drones in the scenic Derbyshire Dales
• Draws inspiration from Viking mythology and horror films for thematic elements
• Currently has 28 additional songs ready for potential future albums
• Considering forming a full band for live performances in the future

Keep it metal, keep it real. Just write from the heart, and people are always going to love it, they're always going to accept it, they're always going to want it, and people are always going to talk about it.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3tL4yII8U3iDoTNMQ9VkCF?si=ZpvQ3OcrQaiAF-2mf5UhYw

https://youtu.be/44yxXk4V2Kw?si=LaVoxaiOYUxZNTX4

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When four musicians with a shared passion for grunge and heavy guitar-driven rock come together, something electric happens. That's exactly what we discovered when UK band Ego Trip joined us on Franklin's Garage to Stage podcast.

Beginning at a brewery open mic night when guitarist Bean and vocalist Will decided they needed a band name rather than having their individual names written on the board, Ego Trip has evolved into a powerhouse of modern grunge with distinctive flair. Their performances are thoughtfully crafted experiences - starting fast and bright, building to crushing heaviness in the middle, then easing listeners back out with lightness by the end.

What struck me most during our conversation was the band's genuine camaraderie and collaborative spirit. While they jokingly call their dynamic a "dictatorship," it's clear that each member brings unique contributions that elevate their sound. From Ellis's foundation-building drum beats to Will's powerful vocals, Bean's riff-crafting abilities, and Daz's complementary bass lines, Ego Trip represents true musical partnership.

The band shared candid stories about their journey - from embarrassing on-stage moments (like losing vocal capabilities during their entire set or accidentally erasing amp presets mid-performance) to the thrill of playing Kendall Calling festival. They're currently preparing to release their first album recorded at Rex Studio in Carlisle and embarking on their next tour leg across the UK.

For fellow musicians, Ego Trip offers this wisdom: "The best time to take the leap is yesterday. If you wait to feel ready, you never will." Their parting message to fans and listeners emphasized supporting local music scenes - attending sparsely-populated shows, buying that slightly overpriced pint, and simply showing appreciation to performers who put their hearts on stage. Check out Ego Trip wherever you stream music and catch their high-energy live shows if you're in the UK!

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Rob and Dana Franklin welcome Daz from the UK-based Motorhead tribute band Loser to discuss his unique approach to tribute performances and supporting the local music scene.

• Loser is a relatively new Motorhead tribute band that tours across England, Wales, and Scotland playing mid-sized venues
• Rather than just performing Motorhead covers, Daz creates full evenings of entertainment with a comedian and original bands as opening acts
• Young musicians in the band gain valuable stage experience while helping carry on Motorhead's legacy
• Daz explains his philosophy of using tribute bands to introduce audiences to original music they might not otherwise hear
• Challenges of self-promotion and booking mid-sized venues in today's difficult market for live rock music
• Impressive collection of custom basses including a specially-made Rickenbacker-inspired instrument
• Communication and shared expectations are crucial for band success - musicians must discuss goals upfront
• July 5th streaming event planned featuring multiple local bands each performing Black Sabbath songs

If you enjoy live rock music, please buy advance tickets rather than waiting for the night of the show - it helps ensure venues remain willing to book bands and keeps performances happening.

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Rob and Dana Franklin share their 30+ year journey as musicians in hard rock, metal, and blues, offering insights from both sides of the podcast mic. The brothers discuss their musical beginnings, touring experiences, and how they've maintained their passion while navigating the industry's challenges.

• Rob was inspired to become a drummer after seeing a live performance at his aunt's wedding
• Dana followed his brother's path, switching from guitar to bass when he discovered his natural connection to the instrument
• Their parents were exceptionally supportive, attending shows despite the loud heavy metal and hard rock
• "Fool's Gold," an original song written by Dana, became one of their most successful tracks
• The brothers have toured with bands including Monolith from Reno and Eyewitness Blues from Sacramento
• They've opened for notable acts including Quiet Riot
• Teaching music helped Rob reconnect with the fundamentals of drumming
• Creating bands involves finding the right personalities, not just talented musicians
• Their podcast aims to help musicians navigate the journey from garage practice to professional performance
• Dana emphasizes the importance of relationship support when pursuing a serious music career

Visit franklinsgaragetostage.com and email [email protected] or [email protected] to join their mailing list for episode updates and giveaways.

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