Middle Class Rock Star

My guest today is singer-songwriter, performer, producer, and composer, Mark Oblinger. I love chatting with people who have done several things to make ends meet in the music biz. I suppose that's most of us these days, but Mark really has done it all.

He's composed music for Oprah, produced records for other artists, worked on children's records, written songs for other artists, and sang backing vocals for the likes of Garth Brooks. He's also done stints singing in notable bands like Pure Prairie League and Firefall.

In 2019, he finally put out a record under his own name titled, High Water Line. It's phenomenal!

In our conversation, we chat about his career, remote life, and we even touch on politics.

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Mark Oblinger Website: https://markoblinger.com/

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

Guest Music: "Julia" by Mark Oblinger

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

Guest Music: "No Regrets (Radio Edit)" by Mark Oblinger

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

Also, a big thanks to Chris K's Colorado Playlist who partners with Middle Class Rock Star to bring 7-10 minute segments of these episodes to nearly 30 FM stations around Colorado. Details about his show can be found here: https://coloradoplaylist.com/

My guest today is gospel/blues/pop singer and Colorado music mainstay, Hazel Miller. I don't know a hometown music scene without Hazel Miller. I've lived in Colorado pretty much my whole life, and she's always been at the center of the scene. She's performed worldwide with her band, played with Big Head Todd & The Monsters, backed up Al Green, James Taylor, and James Brown, and sang for four sitting presidents. In 2008, Hazel was even recognized as one of the 150 people who make Denver a better place to live.

During our conversation, we chat about how she first came up in the Louisville, KY music scene, how she ended up in Denver, how she firmly believes that everything happens for a reason, and what she still hopes to accomplish in her already illustrious career.

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Hazel Miller Website: https://www.hazelmiller.biz/

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

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

Ending Music: "Bumper" by Andy Sydow

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

Also, a big thanks to Chris K's Colorado Playlist who partners with Middle Class Rock Star to bring 7-10 minute segments of these episodes to 26 FM stations around Colorado. Details about his show can be found here: https://coloradoplaylist.com/

My guest today is Levitt Pavilion Denver founder, Chris Zacher. I really wanted to chat with someone who is making a difference in my local music community here in Denver. Chris has been an advocate for art, community, and live music in Denver since 2006 when he served as the Treasurer for City Park Jazz in downtown Denver.

Between 2006 and 2014, Zacher worked as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of City Park Jazz. In 2012, he founded Levitt Pavilion Denver, an outdoor concert venue in Ruby Hill Park that hosts 50+ free concerts every summer.

In addition to serving as the Executive Director of Levitt Pavilion Denver, Chris is a lecturer at the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) working in the College of Arts and Media (C.A.M.) in the Music and Entertainment Industry Studies program. Chris also serves as Chair for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) in Colorado along with sitting on several NIVA committees, and is a member of Arapahoe Community College Music Audio Technology Advisory Committee. He has a vast amount of experience in accounting, budgeting, crisis management, contracting, community outreach, public speaking, and fundraising.

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Levitt Pavilion Denver: https://www.levittdenver.org/

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

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

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

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

Ending Music: "Bumper" by Andy Sydow

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

Also, a big thanks to Chris K's Colorado Playlist who partners with Middle Class Rock Star to bring 7-10 minute segments of these episodes to 26 FM stations around Colorado. Details about his show can be found here: https://coloradoplaylist.com/

My guest today is Mickey Rapahel. Although perhaps best known as Willie Nelson's touring harmonica player since 1973, he's not synonymous with any one thing he's done in his career. As a session musician or side person, Mickey has collaborated with the likes of: Jason Isbell, Townes Van Zandt, Chris Stapleton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Morello, Paul Simon, Snoop Dogg, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Emmylou Harris, Leon Russell, Elton John, Mötley Crüe, Zac Brown Band, Dave Matthews... the list goes on.

In the episode, we chat about how he first got into the harmonica, how lyrics inform his playing, home recording, and the art of being a session musician.

Joining me as a co-host for this episode is MCRS alum and dear friend, Nic Clark. He's the best harmonica player I know, so along with my questions, Nic engages Mickey in some nerdy harp talk.

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Mickey Raphael Website: http://www.mickeyraphael.com/pages/about.html

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

Interview Outro Music: Harmonica Improv by Nic Clark

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

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

My guest today is Caroline Stump, a singer-songwriter and licensing administrator at Warner Music Group out of Nashville, TN.

After growing up in Iowa, Caroline found home in Denver when she discovered the singer-songwriter program at CU Denver. Upon graduation in spring of 2020, she accepted a position in Nashville, TN at Warner Music Group as a Licensing Administrator for Atlantic Records.

On March 26, 2021, Caroline released her debut solo effort, Navy. In our conversation, we talk about her brand new release, depression, her job at Warner, and the balancing act of being a creative who also works a day job in the music industry.

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Caroline Stump Instagram: https://instagram.com/carolinestump?igshid=1wbtjpyo68c7s

Listen to Navy on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0Xtu4vXDLRnfCV6GOnkj9x?si=VwnJrR8rTZy4AuSduSI_9g

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

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

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

Guest Music: "The Navy's Coming" by Caroline Stump

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

Guest Music: "Best Intentions" by Caroline Stump

Episode Outro Music: "Theme 2 Bumper" by Andy Sydow

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

Phil Cook is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer based in Durham, North Carolina. He has composed music for Bon Iver, Kanye West, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Hiss Golden Messenger, among others, as well as contributed to studio recordings for Bruce Hornsby, Amy Ray (The Indigo Girls), The Mountain Goats, Kathleen Edwards, Matthew E White and more.

I first saw Phil live at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival back in 2019. He also performed with Hiss Golden Messenger. I had been a fan of both Phil and HGM for a while, so finally getting to see both of them live was a real treat. He has a great energy surrounding him both as a performer and a person. When he speaks, he does so with passion and gratitude.

In our conversation, we talk about how his priorities have changed since COVID first started, and what it means to walk the line between celebrating and appropriating your influences. We also chat about an exciting new solo album he's been working on.

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Phil Cook Website: https://philcookmusic.com/

Phil Cook Instagram: https://instagram.com/philcookmusic?igshid=1huy8igakzvo

Phil Cook's Spiritual Helpline: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdRGm38-hUjeIsfjh1v8PlN4Xs2nC4Aux

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

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

Episode Outro Music: "Theme 2 Bumper" by Andy Sydow

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

My guest this week is Grammy nominated audio engineer, Nick Sullivan. He's also the co-owner of The Keep Recording and Consonance Publishing, both based in Denver, CO. Since opening their doors in 2014, Nick (along with his business partner, Jeff Kanan) have produced, engineered, mixed and mastered hundreds of records.

One thing that I find unique about Nick, is that he is both fully involved with the creative side of music, as well as the business side. Not that this should be a rare quality... Most artists have to wear multiple hats. The thing that sets Nick apart is his ability to wear both well and at a high level. He welcomes both sides of the industry. His publishing company, Consonance, plays host to over 50 writers, and recently landed placements on Amazon's, Nocturne.

In the episode, we chat about how growing up in a tourist town helped influence his musical tastes, what it's like running a recording studio and publishing company, what artists should do with all of their tracks, and the difference between being purely an artist verses being someone who writes music for film and television.

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Consonance Publishing: http://consonanceproductions.com/

The Keep Recording: http://thekeeprecording.com/

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors, PQ Mastering and Narrator RF.

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

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

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

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

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

My guest today is Grammy nominated, Colorado Music Hall of Fame inductee, Chris Daniels. Chris has absolutely done it all. As a 29 year old aspiring to do so much, I look at someone like Chris with his world of wisdom, and I can only hope to be like him when I grow up. He's toured with his band, Chris Daniels & The Kings for 37 years. He's backed up artists like Bonnie Raitt, Garth Brooks, and Sonny Landreth. He's had a record produced by Al Kooper. He's been signed to record labels overseas. The list goes on...

I first met Chris during my freshman year of college at CU Denver. He was my music business professor. He was a great teacher of course, but we connected on a deeper level through a mutual appreciation of similar music. In my senior year, I asked him if I could do an independent study with him called, "How To Release A Record." He taught it to me, and gave me three credits for the course! After I graduated, Chris started a similar class for seniors that he said was created because of our independent study. How cool!

In 2017, Chris and I collaborated on my full-length record, Reasons For Departure. He produced it!

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Chris Daniels & The Kings Website: http://www.chrisdaniels.com/

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

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

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

Today's guest is (primarily) my pal, Alec Wenzel. The conversation actually starts off with both Alec and his Specific Ocean bandmate, Camilla Vaitaitis. This episode took three Zoom videos to complete and honestly, it was poor planning on my part. Alec is a dear friend, so I didn't ask him to be on the podcast weeks in advance. I just said, "Dude, wanna do an episode tomorrow?" And that was that. The timing was perfect right then though, because I wanted to discuss his band's new single, Unity Effect. However, that couldn't properly be accomplished without the presence of Specific Ocean co-bandleader, Camilla Vaitaitis on hand. Camilla was kind enough to be free when we called and she jumped on the first 10 minutes of the interview to talk shop. Hopefully she'll give me another chance to interview her individually at a later date.

Alec and I chatted until our 40 minute Zoom timer ran out. Then we took a potty break, set up a new meeting, and continued.

Tune in to hear our conversation about being a working musician, band goals, growing as an indie act, what it means to be a part of a scene, and of course, church gigs. Shout out to Edge Church, who puts up with the two of us making loud noise for several hours every Sunday morning.

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Specific Ocean Website: https://specificoceanband.bandcamp.com/

Specific Ocean Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specificoceanmusic/?hl=en

Specific Ocean Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/specificoceanband/

Alec Wenzel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alecwenzelmusic/

Camilla Vaitaitis Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillavaitaitis/

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

Guest Music: "Unity Effect" by Specific Ocean

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

Guest Music: "Killjoy" by Specific Ocean

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

Today's guest is songwriter, performer, and virtuoso guitarist, Taylor Scott. We go back 8ish years to the Snowy Range Music Festival in Laramie, WY (RIP!). We met through our mutual friend, Nic Clark (episodes 5 and 31), and ended up forming a "songwriter in round" group called, Sydow, Scott & Clark. We never broke up, we just stopped playing shows.

Taylor spent his earliest years in St. Louis, MO before moving to Cheyenne, WY with his family as a kid. At the age of nine, he became enamored with the guitar, and discovered he was pretty good at it too. He was invited to tour with a blues band right out of high school and soon after was invited to be the touring guitarist with award winning Trace-Blues artist, Otis Taylor.

2019 saw the release of Taylor Scott Band's latest studio album, All We Have. It was produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos. In support of the album, he toured with his band opening for Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Along the way, Scott and his band recorded their live set at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA. That was released on all streaming platforms back in September, 2020.

In our conversation, we chat about all of this plus his personal story, and what it's like to finally get to a level where you have a team (booking agent, manager etc.) helping push your music.

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!!

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 on its feet. Any and every contribution is greatly appreciated!

Guest Links:

Taylor Scott Website: https://www.taylorscottmusic.com/

Taylor Scott Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorscottband/

Episode Music:

Theme 2: "Theme 2" by Andy Sydow

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

Guest Music: "Clearance Bin" by Taylor Scott Band

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

Guest Music: "Salted Watermelon (Live)" by Taylor Scott Band

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