BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado. More info in the episode!

This week I'm welcoming back 45 year Colorado radio vet, Chris K., who has lots of interesting tidbits in the midst of this pandemic. If you'd like to hear our first conversation, check out episode 7: King of Colorado Music Radio, Chris K (Goat).

Chris K, who also goes by the name, Goat, has been a known radio personality in Colorado since 1977. That's right, this man lived through snail mail disco submissions! OOF! Goat has been on countless different stations since the 70s and has also worked as an emcee and talent advisor for several festivals and events. He also produces his own festival every August in Dacono, CO called, Carbon Valley Music & Spirits Festival.

He now hosts his own show, Chris K's Colorado Playlist which is aired weekly on 25 unique FM frequencies around the state. It focuses on everything Colorado Music.

Inside the episode:

1. How the game has changed for indie artists in the COVID era and going forward.

2. The importance of social media presence and directing potential fans to where you want them to go.

3. What you're doing wrong in your pitch email (and Chris K. would know.. he gets these types of emails every day and he says he opens every single one of them).

4. And BIG ONE!! The reasons why non com FM radio is still a major player for indie artists.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/andysydow

You can support my artist career and this podcast for as little as $3 per month. The price of one cup of coffee helps keep this podcast one its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

https://www.andysydow.com/patreon

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Monologue Music: "Just One More Time" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

Interview Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

New Release Preview: "Gold Dust Woman / The Chain" (Fleetwood Mac cover) by: Andy Sydow

Guest Links:

Colorado Playlist: https://coloradoplaylist.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chriskmusic

Goatz! on Spotify: https://www.facebook.com/chriskmusic

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator RF.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com

Alex Rhodes is my guest today on the pod. We first met up for coffee (tea for me, I hate coffee) about a year and a half ago. He had a collection of songs recorded and wanted to bounce ideas back and forth about what to do next. The songs are great. The lyrics are great. The vibe is there. Now what? I ask myself this same question every time I do anything. To top it off, Alex is working on growing his music career alongside being a good husband and father. As if "making it" wasn't hard enough, try throwing that curveball into the equation.

We chat about all of these relatable topics and much more in our discussion. His EP, Hometown Rootage is hot off the press and available everywhere you stream and purchase music. Plus, we get to hear one of the singles, "Break My Heart" at the end of the episode.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

FRIENDS, IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW ON PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/andysydow

You can support my artist career and this podcast for as little as $3 per month. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

https://www.andysydow.com/patreon

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro/Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

Guest Music: "Break My Heart" by Alex Rhodes

Guest Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexrhodesshow/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/11kstjtArMDjwQt8DtPhQO?si=E8NAOpIXS22OofhZpLSFBA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgrGGI5RdY6HdQcEM09EeA

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator RF.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com

Julia Mendiolea is my guest today to start off what some might call, "Season 3." I don't technically divide this show up into seasons, but I do take a break every summer. Julia and I go back. Wayyy back. About as far back as a musician in their twenties can go. We met the very first day of college as aspiring music majors at the University of Colorado at Denver. She moved to Denver from the small town of Green River, WY (coincidentally, I'm writing these very show notes in Green River) and was the first female guitar major that UCD had seen in two decades.

In her time since that first day of school, she's worked as a guitarist, bassist, vocalist, teacher, bandmate, and creator of synthesizers! She is currently a touring member of Portland, OR based Latin indie alternative/experimental band, Y La Bamba, as well as a longtime member of Denver based synth/pop outfit, Inner Oceans. She also works at WMD (a manufacturer of music hardware including Modular Synthesizers, Guitar Pedals, and stand alone music instruments). In this episode, we chat about Julia's story, her musical projects, her journey through the education system, the end of the world and much, much more.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro/Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

Guest Links:

Julia's Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julitaortzune/

Y La Bamba Tiny Desk Concert: https://youtu.be/au-mBoepJUA

Y La Bamba at KCRW: https://youtu.be/Kj7jrXzrsLM

Inner Oceans Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3U0WdeeY2AtFKML4xm0akk

Inner Oceans YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k2PR6xlwCA

J Taraway Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0O70YT2lwDF5mDBldEqPAl?si=cpid93IRQNGETGhRKGam6Q

Other Links:

Girls Rock Denver: https://www.girlsrockdenver.org/

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator RF.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com

It was great catching up with my old friend, Megan Burtt. I first became aware of her music when she was a guest speaker at CU Denver's weekly convocation (a required class for all music performance majors) back in.... 2010? Over the last decade, she has established herself as one of the best songwriters in Denver and around the country. She has won lots of awards for her performances and writing including: Rocky Mountain Folk Festival, Kerrville NewFolk Competition, Mountain NewSong Competition and Westword Best Singer/Songwriter.

In our conversation, we talk about her travels to places like Mississippi and New York. We also go through career highlights and struggles including a serious illness back in 2013 and again in 2019. Her tours have included solo trips overseas as well as full band performances through the Pennsylvania prison system. In her words, “The maximum security inmates we play for are some of my favorite audiences. It’s incredible to perform for people who are truly grateful you’re there.”

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro/Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

Show Outro Music: "Real Thing" by Megan Burtt

Guest Links:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/meganburtt

Website: https://www.gingerbombband.com/

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator Music.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com

My guest this week is Boulder-based singer/songwriter and performer, Shanna In A Dress. The first paragraph of her bio is a perfect introduction: "Shanna in a Dress is your quirky best friend who refuses to wear pants. She says what everyone is thinking but no one else will say and you'll get an uncensored journey of clever humor and heartbreak with a hefty side of entertainment at her shows. This witty wordsmith is known for making audiences laugh and cry, sometimes in the same song. Think Jason Mraz mixed with Ingrid Michaelson with a twist of Phoebe Buffay from Friends all wrapped up in a sweet voice accented by guitar, piano, and ukulele."

I normally write short bios for all of my guests, but let's be honest, this ^^^ is way better than anything I could ever write.

Shanna and I have met on a few occasions and shared some songs, and I've always admired her work. Her lyrics are clever and force you to think while going through a wide range of emotions. Recently, we've had a couple of Zoom calls to pick each other's brains and do some songwriting. We decided to record one of them, and that's how this episode was made. We discuss her very successful Patreon page, as well as how she cultivates her fan base. She even pulls out her guitar and we talk about her writing process. Shanna accomplished a lot in her young career, and all without a commercial release. Her debut is due out later this year.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro/Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

Show Outro Music: "Broken Crayons" by Shanna In A Dress

Guest Links:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV9F1QMdPuMqBS20AIi_LNA

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/shannainadress

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator RF.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com

If you're looking for a wholesome average rock concert, don't go see Andy Frasco & The U.N. The first time we met, I sat in with his band at Globe Hall in Denver. I was the opening act and during his set, his keyboard broke. He didn't seem to dwell on it too much. Instead, he kindly asked me if I would set mine up and hop on stage with the U.N. The show didn't stop or anything to set up my keyboard. I just jumped up and started playing. Within a couple of minutes, I had beer dumped on my head, a joint in my mouth, and Andy was off in the far corner of the venue somewhere riling up the audience. I felt a little awkward for the first few minutes, but then I felt like I had been in the band for years. I had an incredible time and didn't want the night to end. I think this is how Frasco shows go for most people.

He's somebody who if his career ended right now, he could say he's accomplished more than 99% of all other artists who have tried to "make it." He's played major festivals, sold out mid-sized clubs and theaters all over the country, and bumped shoulders with many other great artists along that way. What started out as playing 250 shows a year and sleeping on couches and vans has turned into a well-oiled machine.

Andy has navigated quarantine better than any other artist that I've seen. For the last three plus months, he has hosted weekly dance parties and put out countless funny videos and documentaries that often have nothing at all to do with music.

He is managed by Brian Schwartz and Rachel Miller (who was on episode 9 of MCRS) on Denver's 7S Management. He also hosts his own podcast, Andy Frasco's World Saving Podcast, which has played host to the likes of Marcus King, Shakey Graves and Theo Katzman.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro/Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

Guest Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andyfrasco/?hl=en

Website: https://www.andyfrasco.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4scyTeRfyqCWVATfPP7SGu?si=AtJFGTshQcyCPTDDjG2Nbw

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator RF.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com

This episode has something for music lovers and musicians/songwriters alike. I chat with Fran Snyder, founder of Concerts In Your Home and the Listening Room Network. Both are sites dedicated to bringing quality listening room concerts to fans. If you're a music lover, you can sign up on the site to host house concerts. If you're a musician, you can fill out an application to become a part of the network of musicians. Careful though, songwriters! Only 30% of applicants get accepted on their first try. Both venues and artists are carefully vetted by a team to make sure that they are the right fit. The venues outnumber the artists nearly 3.5:1 to make sure that both the quality and demand remain high.

I had a great chat with Fran about his career as a touring songwriter/performer, as well as how he started the site, how to apply, and how he keeps the site constantly moving and improving. We also talk about the possible future of house concerts post COVID.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro/Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

Guest Links:

Listening Room Network Website: https://listeningroomnetwork.com

Blog for Artists: https://livemusictribe.wordpress.com/category/for-artists/

Link to apply to Listening Room Festival: (yearly house concert festival in Florida) www.ListeningRoomFestival.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xNAeyhfThvQtgDi5PXjmC?si=J6Yq0D1tQ12Jk9dPKzbinQ

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator RF.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com

To start the podcast, I share a few brief thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and also share a passage from previous podcast guest, Anthony Farrell of Austin-based band, The Greyhounds. This episode was originally supposed to air on June 4, but we decided to push it back one airing date to June 11 to join with our brothers and sisters in the music industry in support of Black Out Tuesday. #theshowmustbestopped

My conversation this week was with Portland recording artist, Isabeau Waia'u Walker. Walker grew up in Hawaii and as a young adult made her way to Portland to pursue a career as a high school teacher and eventually a musician. In our interview, Isabeau talks about her teaching career, what drove her to play music full time, touring as a member of Y La Bamba, and growing up in a mixed-race family. Just a few weeks ago she put out her debut EP, Better Metric, which is absolutely wonderful and can be found anywhere you buy or stream music. At the end of the episode, we get to hear the EP's title track.

If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Black Lives Matter Compiled Information:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Jb3VgTWKA313qJNrU4oUQeVG8Kk2D6_BSWNE7QukawM/edit?fbclid=IwAR3XpNvyOyAjqG44QTW_pHkjTihOKiD0OKamvLw4HYHtZVTQI2sSuxJbe-s#gid=856003772

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro/Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

Show Outro Music: "Better Metric" by Isabeau Waia'u Walker

Guest Links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/34IeX9oov4lkjQF5ug72D9?si=uyMtZgoxQcSNOLikcYNXfA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beaubaeubarina

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator RF.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com

A long overdue conversation with my buddy, A.J. Fullerton. We met several years ago at a Colorado Blues Society function at the Buffalo Rose in Golden, CO. He wasn't yet old enough to hold a beer and I barely was (and likely taking full advantage of the opportunity). I don't recall thinking I'd see him around much, but we kept bumping into each other around town and at various shows/gigs. Since we met, he's been touring nonstop. Everything from breweries, to restaurants, to house concerts, to big national openers and private parties. He's the kind of musician that doesn't mind the road and seemingly enjoys all of its excitement and mystique. His most recent record, Fullerton & Friel came out earlier this year, but the touring part has been put on hold due to the worlds current circumstance.

At the end of the episode, we get to hear a new, unreleased track from A.J. entitled, "Healing Takes Time."

If you enjoy the episode, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro/Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

Show Outro Music: "Healing Takes Time" by AJ Fullerton

Guest Links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6QvypbcfvYqd5WtYd06zGp?si=_n6ikBkJTOqpH1vZHd5DWA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajfullertonmusic/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AJFullertonMusic/

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator RF.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com

I can't believe I finally got invited on my own show. It only took almost two years! Singer/Songwriter and MCRS alum Patrick Armould (also knows as American Field Day) approached me a few months ago about interviewing me for my own show. I was flattered and we had a lot of fun with it! Patrick does the opening monologue and sets it all up. Then I come on and we BS about music for an hour. I timed this episode to come out now because it coincides with the release of my new EP, Wicked Dreams. You can listen or watch on your preferred platform by clicking this link, http://smarturl.it/wickeddreamsep . You can also purchase a digital copy from my website http://www.andysydow.com/store or Bandcamp page http://www.andysydow.bandcamp.com .

I would like to also mention that Patrick does a fine job playing host, and with the appropriate amount of encouragement from all of us, maybe he'll start his own show!

If you enjoy the episode, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to our YouTube Channel help us out the most!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist. Be sure to follow and listen.

https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/middle-class-rock-star/id1422550117

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6W2VPo2VelVVMJof8BHeHJ?si=9p41cB6mTMqy0mnEBWYShg

Episode Music:

Theme: "Secret Rodeo" by Andy Sydow

Interview Intro/Outro Music: "Who I Want To Be" by Andy Sydow

Show Outro Music: "Still My Girl" by Andy Sydow

Still My Girl Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trzh6updvy4

Guest Links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3wriMPzjc6B2yfJzzgIGhE?si=OH8RoIXdSvC2Xtouhf8dSA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andysydowband/?hl=en

Bandsintown: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1372647-andy-sydow

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/andysydow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andysydowmusic

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and

Narrator RF.

For any sponsorship inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]

http://pqmastering.com

https://narratorrf.com