Inside the Musical Mind

In this third installment of my series of interviews with new Prog-Rock heroes YYNOT, lead singer Rocky Kuner joins me to discuss how she got involved with the project. She discusses how what she thought would be a one-off project developed into a full-fledged band.

We also discuss how she takes care of her voice, and the vocalist even takes the time to answer a few questions from the fans…

Rocky Kuner of YYNOT

Inside the Musical Mind is doing a three part interview with one of the most exciting prog-rock groups to come along in recent years, YYNOT. Recently we spoke with Billy Alexander, the group’s songwriter and guitarist. This time around we sit down with the bands bass virtuoso, Tim Starace.

Tim discusses his recent surgery, the bands past two albums, and their future plans…

Billy Alexander and Tim Starace.

Starting off as a remarkable group doing a few RUSH covers for fun, YYNOT quickly evolved into an original group in its own right. With two albums of exceptional material under their belts, Billy Alexander, Tim Starace, and Rocky Kuner have amassed a rabid fan base in a few short years.

Songwriter/guitarist Billy Alexander joins me to talk about how the band has been keeping busy, and if a third album could be in the works…

Billy, Tim, and Rocky.

Alt-rock Icons Jellyfish released two highly influential albums, Bellybutton (1990) and Spilt Milk (1993) before going their separate ways. After decades of contributing to other high-profile artists, former members Roger Joseph Manning, Eric Dover, and Tim Smith have reconvened to form The Lickerish Quartet.

Named after an obscure Italian erotic film, the name gives an indication of the wonderfully left-of-center approach these guys take to creativity. The debut EP, “Threesome Vol. 1” is a sonic work of art. Harmonies rush in like a wave over shimmering acoustics and flowing keys. It is at once reminiscent of Jellyfish but altogether fresh.

Tim Smith (vocals, bass, guitars) called in to discuss the making of the album, and the specific approaches they took in recording. This is a great peek inside this exciting new project with a promise of more things to come!

Legendary record producer Ted Templeman is a familiar name to those of us who eagerly read the back of all our favorite albums in the seventies and eighties. Working for Warner Bros Records (now just Warner Records) Templeman was the man behind the sonic goodness of acts like the Doobie Brothers, Montrose, Van Halen, Aerosmith, and more.

Author and historian Greg Renoff (Van Halen Rising) knew that this music icon had a million stories to tell, and he set out to preserve them. Through lengthy research and unprecedented access to the man himself, Greg was able to painstakingly assemble a detailed look into Templeman’s life and career.

The author joins me for a conversation about how the book took shape, and what he learned from his lengthy interactions with one of music’s most respected producers. Listen to our chat and then be sure to get your hands on Ted Templeman : A Platinum Producer’s Life in Music.

For this podcast episode, I wanted to touch on some new albums and group projects coming up this year. It’s not a comprehensive list, just a quick run down of things I’ve come across recently that should be of interest, especially to guitarists. I do want to point out that I intended to mention Paul Gilbert’s upcoming “Werewolves of Portland” , but I’m an idiot and seem to think winging it is a good way to do a podcast.

In addition to upcoming albums, I wanted to focus on a recent album by virtuoso Nili Brosh. Released just this last December it is another testament to her songwriting and playing skills. Nili was nice enough to join me and share some insights regarding the album and more.

Nili Brosh

Black Swan was initiated by bassist/producer/engineer Jeff Pilson, and he soon recruited a stellar line up to realize his goal of creating a killer classic hard rock album. Along with Pilson (Dokken, Foreigner) the band features Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake), Robin McAuley (MSG, Survivor), and Matt Starr (Mr. Big, Ace Frehley). Even with this roster, the total is still greater than the sum of its parts.

Black Swan’s debut album Shake the World, was released on February 14th and is already enjoying tremendous reviews. I spoke with lead singer Robin McAuley to discuss the making of this record, how he has maintained his vocal chops over the years, and why January 20th is a cool birthday!

As time marches on, many of the legendary rock acts that have been part of our culture for decades retire. Even more tragically, each year a few of these icons pass away. However, this year stands to be a memorable one, with some acts coming out of retirement (Motley Crue), and some embarking on yet another “Farewell” tour (Ozzy Osbourne, KISS).

Metallica will headline Festivals in 2020.

Whatever the reason, now is a good time to catch these classic acts. Time waits for no one, and one day we all will wish we could see a certain group “just one more time”. Here is a video I made going over just a few of the larger bands that have announced tours for 2020. Life is short, buy the concert tickets.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced it’s inductees for 2020. Once again it has added questionable members while excluding obvious, deserving members. Here are my thoughts on the matter:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rock Hall of Fame, Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Rock Hall Cleveland Architect Photography Ohio architectural photographer

Mia Berrin started Pom Pom Squad as an idea back in high school. She began writing songs and learning guitar, and discovered the catharsis that can come from creativity. From their first EP “Hate it Here” in 2017 to the most recent release “Ow”, the band, and Mia have shown that there is always a place for authentic expression.

This is the kind of discussion I love. Mia is an intelligent and observant artist who pulls from her personal life for her music, but is keenly aware of the world around her. The music she writes is accompanied by a focused attention on how to present herself and the band. There is a sense of wisdom beyond her years at work here. In this interview we delve into Mia’s influences, her early days of writing music, up to the creation of this latest release.

Pom Pom Squad is shortly embarking on a cross-country tour, and this is a great, ground level look at a talented and genuine artist on the verge of bigger things.

Listen to Pom Pom Squad