Monky Bite - Mini Interview Clip

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Munky Bite - Mini Interview Clip

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

Munky Bite - Mini Interview Clip

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

Munky Bite - Mini Interview Clip

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

Steve Albini (1962-2024) was an influential American musician, audio engineer, and record producer known for his work with groundbreaking bands and his distinctive recording style. Born in Pasadena, California, and raised in Montana, Albini became involved in the punk rock scene as a teenager before studying journalism at Northwestern University. Throughout his career, he founded and performed in several notable bands including Big Black, Rapeman, and Shellac. As an audio engineer, Albini worked on acclaimed albums for artists like the Pixies, PJ Harvey, and Nirvana, known for his analog recording techniques and preference for capturing a raw, live sound. In 1997, he founded Electrical Audio recording studio in Chicago, where he recorded thousands of albums. Albini was outspoken in his views on the music industry, advocating for artists' rights and criticizing exploitative practices. He refused to take royalties on albums he worked on, instead charging a flat fee for his services. This approach, along with his technical skill and dedication to artistic integrity, made him a sought-after engineer for both established and up-and-coming acts. Throughout his career, Albini remained committed to the DIY ethos of punk rock, valuing artistic independence and rejecting mainstream commercial pressures. His influence extended beyond his own music to the many artists he recorded and the broader independent music scene. Albini passed away on May 7, 2024, at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy as a musician, engineer, and advocate for artistic authenticity in the music industry.

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In this compelling and in-depth episode, Rob Affuso, the legendary drummer of Skid Row, offers a fascinating look into his career, his time with one of the most influential hard rock bands of the 80s and 90s, and his complex yet unforgettable relationship with former frontman Sebastian Bach. Rob reflects on the early days of Skid Row and the incredible chemistry that led to their rise in the music scene, detailing what it was like to create some of the most iconic rock anthems of the era.

The conversation delves into the thrills and challenges of playing live, with Rob reflecting on Skid Row’s explosive shows and the energy they brought to the stage. He shares the highs of performing in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans, the adrenaline rush that comes with those unforgettable moments, and the challenges of maintaining that energy night after night on tour. Rob gives listeners a rare look into the inner workings of Skid Row's live performances, sharing stories about the most memorable shows and the bond that formed between the band and their fans.

Rob also takes us behind the scenes in the studio, revealing the process of recording some of Skid Row’s classic albums. He talks about the creative decisions, the collaboration with other band members, and the hard work that went into capturing the raw energy that defined their sound. From the initial concept to the final product, Rob explains how Skid Row’s music came to life and how they worked to preserve the integrity of their sound, even as the music industry changed around them.

As someone who has been a central part of the hard rock world, Rob also discusses how he’s evolved as a musician, the lessons he's learned, and how he continues to push his creative boundaries. The episode touches on the ongoing journey of being a musician, how he’s stayed connected to his roots, and what the future holds for him both personally and professionally.

Whether you're a lifelong Skid Row fan or simply interested in the stories behind some of the most iconic rock music of the era, this episode offers a rare and candid look at the life of Rob Affuso. From his time with Skid Row to his experiences with Sebastian Bach, the recording process, and the electrifying live shows, Rob shares insights into a career that has spanned decades of rock history. Tune in for this unforgettable conversation with one of hard rock’s true legends.

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Former guitarist of Faster Pussycat talks about his years in the band.

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In this rare and exclusive interview, Greg Steele, former guitarist of Faster Pussycat, takes us through the band’s history and offers rare insights into the making of their first three albums. He discusses the formation of the band, the struggles, and triumphs they faced during their journey in the gritty '80s and '90s rock scene.

We dive into the making of *Faster Pussycat's* self-titled album, *Wake Me When It’s Over*, and *House of Pain*, as Greg breaks down the creative process, memorable moments, and the challenges they encountered along the way. Greg also opens up about some of the band's most iconic songs like “Your So Vain” and “Whipped,” revealing the stories behind their creation and the impact they had on their career.

The interview also covers the personal side of the band’s history, from Greg moving to LA to meeting Taime, to their eventual breakup, and how they all remain friends despite the ups and downs. Greg reflects on how the band dealt with getting dropped from their label and the lessons learned through it all.

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Dylan Carlson is an American guitarist, composer, and producer best known as the founder and sole constant member of Earth, one of the most influential bands in experimental heavy music. Formed in Seattle in 1989, Earth helped define drone metal, emphasizing sustained tones, repetition, minimalism, and immense weight through restraint rather than speed.

Earth’s early releases—most notably Earth 2: Special Low Frequency Version—became foundational works in drone, doom, and experimental metal, shaping generations of artists across heavy, ambient, and avant-garde music. Following a long hiatus, Carlson reactivated Earth in the 2000s with a broadened sonic palette, incorporating Americana, desert blues, western themes, and cinematic atmosphere, while maintaining the band’s signature gravity and patience.

Under Carlson’s direction, Earth remains a continually evolving project, balancing amplification and space with precision and intention.

New Earth music is currently in progress and expected in 2026, and the band is scheduled to tour Europe in January and February 2026.

• Earth (official Bandcamp): https://earthsl.bandcamp.com

• Dylan Carlson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dylan_Carlson

• Earth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_(American_band)

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Jerry Shirley is a founding member and the rhythmic backbone of Humble Pie, one of the most influential British rock bands to emerge from the late 1960s. Formed in 1969 by Steve Marriott (Small Faces), Peter Frampton, Greg Ridley, and Shirley, Humble Pie blended hard rock, blues, soul, and boogie into a powerful, unpretentious sound that helped define the era’s heavier side of British rock.

From the outset, the band stood apart for its raw energy and musicianship, rejecting psychedelic excess in favor of groove-driven, blues-based rock. Their early albums, including As Safe As Yesterday Is and Town and Country, laid the foundation, but it was their relentless touring and explosive live performances that truly cemented their reputation.

That reputation peaked with the iconic live album Performance: Rockin’ the Fillmore (1971), widely regarded as one of the greatest live rock records of all time. Powered by Steve Marriott’s ferocious vocals and Jerry Shirley’s thunderous, no-frills drumming, the album captured Humble Pie at full force—loud, soulful, and uncompromising.

As drummer and co-founder, Jerry Shirley played a central role in shaping the band’s sound. His style combined power with feel, anchoring the band’s blues-rock swagger while allowing room for improvisation and dynamic shifts. Beyond his work behind the kit, Shirley has remained the principal custodian of the Humble Pie legacy, guiding later incarnations of the band and preserving its musical integrity.

Despite lineup changes and long hiatuses, Humble Pie’s influence has endured, inspiring generations of hard rock and blues-rock artists. The band’s catalog remains a touchstone for musicians seeking authenticity, groove, and emotional grit over polish.

Today, Jerry Shirley and Humble Pie are remembered not just for their classic recordings, but for embodying a spirit of rock ’n’ roll rooted in honesty, sweat, and soul—music meant to be played loud, felt deeply, and delivered without compromise.

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