My guest today is Longmont, CO based singer-songwriter, Antonio Lopez. His new record was released on January 1, and it's already being talked about as a potential nominee for best Colorado album of 2021. Roots and Wings is a personal album to say the least. The title track talks of his mother giving him roots, and his father giving him wings. If you're somebody who listens to lyrics, you'll find songs stemming from his upbringing in Alamosa, CO. If you're a passive gym listener, you'll at the very least find yourself googling whether or not Ford released any cars in 1942.

One thing we absolutely have to acknowledge here... Antonio ran one hell of a crowdfunding campaign. He brought in 21 thousand dollars on over 300 backers! In our conversation, he provides us with some insight on how he did it!

Aside from his own music, Antonio also spends countless hours working to harbour a stronger music community as a board member of Sound Bridge Music. SBM is a non-profit organization founded as a grassroots effort to use the power of music to make a positive difference in communities across the Front Range. Harnessing the talents of local musicians, Sound Bridge Music connects artists with opportunities to bring music to those in need of the unique comfort, empowerment, healing and sense of belonging that only music can provide.

Instead of prompting you to join my Patreon this week, I'd like to promote this organization instead! If you want to learn more about Sound Bridge Music or contribute to the mission, visit: https://www.soundbridgemusic.org/

You can donate at the bottom of the page!

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.

Guest Links:

Sound Bridge Music: https://www.soundbridgemusic.org/

Antonio Lopez Website: https://www.antoniolopezmusic.com/

Antonio Lopez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonio_lopez_music/

Antonio Lopez Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antonio.a.lopez.yes

Guest Music:

"The New Warrior" by Antonio Lopez

"'42 Ford" by Antonio Lopez

Episode Music:

Theme: “Secret Rodeo” 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

My guest today is Denver-based drag performer and 7S artist manager, Brody Danger. This is Brody's second time Middle Class Rock Star Podcast. The first was way back on episode 9 (Rachel Miller - 7S Management). A veteran artist manager, Brody works with the likes of Hiss Golden Messenger, Erin Rae, Andy Frasco and Lucero. Though they are well suited for the music business, Danger has always wanted to live the fantasy of a performer as well. Several years ago, Brody started performing all over Denver as an air guitaring, knee-sliding drag phenom that forces audiences to rethink gender norms, while also serving as a symbol for all those who dare to be different.

It's also worth noting that Brody and I are childhood best buds! We grew up across the street from each other, wreaking havoc all over our small neighborhood and starting bands with plagiarized tunes. It just so happens that we both ended up in the music biz! We're also both graduates of CU Denver's music program.

In this quick catchup conversation, we chat about the life of a manager both post and during COVID, what it's like to be a drag performer, and what's next for both Brody and the entertainment 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!! PLUS.. we now have a Middle Class Rock Star Podcast Spotify Playlist.

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!

Guest Links:

Brody Danger Website: https://www.brodydanger.com/

Brody Danger Instagram: https://instagram.com/brody.danger?igshid=iyrtfkudck2j

Brody Danger YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCDtjlGVUtvT3yeiV-Ir5btA

Episode Music:

Theme: “Secret Rodeo” 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

My guest today is Megan Rose Ellsworth. She's from the small mountain community of Sisters, Oregon, a place bursting at the seams with music and art. She's been singing all her life, and was taught guitar by her dad at the age of eight. After high school, she moved to Denver, CO to pursue a B.A in Music Business and Songwriting from the University of Colorado at Denver. During her college years, she started a band called Sister Neapolitan with her friends, Katie Smith and Alana Margolis. The band features stellar three part harmonies and sound like they belong on a bill with Milk Carton Kids or I'm With Her.

Since graduating CU Denver in May of 2020, Megan has started releasing music as a solo artist under the name, ELLSWORTH. Her debut self-titled album will be out on all streaming platforms on January 29, 2021. At the end of this episode we get to premiere her single, "Dear Rosie."

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!

Guest Links:

ELLSWORTH Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ELLSWORTHthefolksinger

ELLSWORTH Instagram: https://instagram.com/ellsworththefolksinger?igshid=n1ykaoi86g3y

ELLSWORTH YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC5igCyRMJflksf86zgxxLGA

Sister Neopolitan Instagram: https://instagram.com/sisterneapolitan?igshid=nek9ez22qoyh

Sister Neopolitan YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC5igCyRMJflksf86zgxxLGA

Episode Music:

Theme: “Secret Rodeo” by Andy Sydow

New Single Preview: "Piece of the Valley" by Andy Sydow

Monologue Music: "Just One More Time" by Andy Sydow (feat. Sister Neapolitan)

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

Guest Music: "Growing Pains" by ELLSWORTH

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

Guest Music **PREMIERE**: "Dear Rosie" by ELLSWORTH

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 first time Middle Class Rock Star guest, Caitlin Cannon. We first met on a gig together at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, CO on a Halloween night a few years back. To this day, it's the longest (and spookiest) soundcheck I've ever been a part of.

Her newest release, a full length titled, The TrashCannon Album, finds clever wordplay tackling what Caitlin calls the “inner garbage” we all have, but tend to hide away. Throughout its twelve tracks, Cannon shines a light on hard truths –a batch of songs that confronts alcoholism and addiction, dishonesty in relationships, the divisive effects of class structure, economic injustice and difficult family situations. It sounds like it might be a heavy record -- and it’s true, Caitlin does dive deep into what she’s saying -- but it’s also arranged in such a way that she makes sure you know she’s more than a few steps ahead.

The album's producer, Megan Burtt (who was my guest on MCRS episode 45) challenged Caitlin to write one song a week in 2018, which resulted in Caitlin pulling together honest songs that formed a cohesive record.

During our conversation, we chat about life, growing up in acting, and her struggles with addiction. We also spend some time talking about today's prison system as it relates to her song, "Mama's a Hairdresser." A deeply personal song, her brother was sentenced to life without parole at age 17.

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.

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!

Guest Links:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/caitlincannonmusic?igshid=ebmuglzo8zzg

Website: https://www.caitlincannonmusic.com/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/CaitlinCannon

Episode Music:

Theme: “Secret Rodeo” 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

Guest Music: "Mama's a Hairdresser" by Cary Morin

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

With qualities ranging from blues to jazz, country and americana, Cary Morin is perhaps one of the best finger pickers on the circuit today. He has been touring internationally for decades, including performances at Paris Jazz Festival, Winter Park Jazz Festival, Folk Alliance International and the Copenhagen Blues Festival. He's won many prestigious awards including an Independent Music Award for Best Blues CD (Cradle to the Grave), 2018 International Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention, and a 2017 Indigenous Music Award for Best Blues CD (Cradle to the Grave). Also... he has a standing invitation to stay at David Bromberg's place whenever he's in town.

In our conversation, we chat about his brand new record, "Dockside Saints" (8/7/20), which was recorded at Dockside Studios in Lafayette, LA and produced by grammy winning engineer/producer, Tony Daigle. We also chat about how he's navigated 2020 as an artist who normally spends 8-9 months of the year on the road.

This is Cary's second visit on Middle Class Rock Star podcast. If you want to hear our first conversation, check out episode 19.

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.

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!

Guest Links:

Purchase Dockside Saints: https://carymorin.com/music-merch

Website: https://www.carymorin.com/home

YouTube (for live streams!!): https://www.youtube.com/user/carymorin

Episode Music:

Theme: “Secret Rodeo” by Andy Sydow

Monologue Music: "Bare Trees" by Cary Morin

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

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

Guest Music: "Nobody Gotta Know" by Cary Morin

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

BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.

No guest this week! Or actually, a whole lot of guests. It's a little misleading though. It's not actually all "the best" of 2020, rather, just the episodes that I edited together for Chris K's Colorado Playlist. I took those 6ish minute segments and put them all together into a full episode. These are some of my favorite moments from (in no particular order): Jeremy Lawton (Big Head Todd & The Monsters), Julia Mendiolea (Y La Bamba, Inner Oceans), Andy Frasco, Shanna In A Dress, Megan Burtt, Alex Rhodes, Anthony Farrell (The Greyhounds), Dango Rose (Elephant Revival), Sarah Slaton, and Patrick Sites (Whitewater Ramble).

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.

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!

Episode Music:

Theme: “Secret Rodeo” by Andy Sydow

Interview Interlude 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

BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.

My guest this week is Jeremy Lawton, Big Head Todd & The Monsters keyboardist and lap steel player. He grew up in the small town of Center, CO, where his father was a potato farmer. Jeremy showed an aptitude for music early on and began taking lessons. Eventually, they started driving to Colorado Springs for lessons and after high school he moved to Denver to study music at DU. During and after college, Jeremy played in several bands and worked as an engineer/producer. Since the early 2000s, he's been a full time member of the Railbenders as well as Big Head Todd & The Monsters.

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.

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!

Big Head Todd & The Monsters links:

Website: https://www.bigheadtodd.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.h.t.m/

Red Rocks YouTube: https://youtu.be/tmb2SvYDCxA

Railbenders links:

Website: https://railbenders.com/

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

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

Jeremy Lawton links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.lawton.92/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremy.lawton.72/

Episode Music:

Theme: “Secret Rodeo” 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

Guest Music: “New World Arisin'” by Big Head Todd & The Monsters

BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.

My guest this week is Elephant Revival founding member, Dango Rose. For seventeen years, Dango traveled nationally and internationally in touring bands. In 2006, he co-founded Elephant Revival and spent eleven years performing and recording with this influential outfit that pioneered the genre, “Transcendental Folk.” Rose penned band favorites like, When I Fall, The Pasture, Jet Lag Blues and others. Since Elephant Revival decided to go on hiatus in May 2018, Dango has taken refuge in the recording studio while focusing upon songwriting collaborations with various artists. Here he melds his background in traditional forms with the more transformational elements of musical craft. As journalist Marc Tonglen explains, “He reminds me of a cross between Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens and Alan Parsons, while remaining deeply embedded in the progressive Indie-Folk scene. His voice is distinctive, words penetrating and his arrangements— on the edge, yet engaging."

In this episode, we talk about Rose's most recent release, Life’s Too Short, which came out on November 13. We also chat about his travels in various touring bands and getting to perform alongside the likes of Abigail Washburn and Béla Fleck, how Elephant Revival got started, selling out Red Rocks, and what it's like to be stuck with Pete Seeger in a snowed in cabin.

Towards the end of the conversation, Dango talks about Elephant Collective, his own studio, production house, and artist empowerment program. Interested artists can reach out to Dango through the Elephant Collective links below.

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.

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!

Dango Rose Website & Socials:

www.dangorose.com

https://www.facebook.com/dango.rose

https://www.facebook.com/dangorosemusic/

https://www.instagram.com/dangorose/?hl=en -- @dangorose

Elephant Revival Website & Socials:

www.elephantrevival.com

https://www.facebook.com/elephantrevival

https://www.instagram.com/elephantrevival/ -- @elephantrevival

Elephant Collective Productions:

www.elephantcollective.com

https://www.instagram.com/elephantcollectivetribe/ -- @elephantcollectivetribe

Episode Music:

Theme: “Secret Rodeo” 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

Guest Music: “Shadow of the Horse” by Dango Rose

BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.

This is a very special episode. The big number 50! A special thanks to all our listeners, all the guests, and Patrick Badgley at PQ Mastering for putting this all together with me.

My guest this week is Sarah Slaton. Since she moved to Colorado over a decade ago, Sarah has established herself as a mainstay in the local scene. In 2014, she started the band Edison, which saw big success around the country almost immediately. During their four year tenure as a band, they opened tour dates for the likes of Iron & Wine, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Shakey Graves. Before that, she worked as a production assistant, booking agent, manager and did a plethora of other things in the industry.

Over the last couple of years, Sarah has released several singles under her own name. In this episode, we celebrate the release of her brand new single, "Get Up." She's also working on a documentary that highlights the struggles of venues and artists during the COVID era.

In the interview, we discuss all these things plus how she's dealt with COVID from a creative and emotional standpoint, as well as what it's like to be both signed and dropped from a record label.

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: "Get Up" by Sarah Slaton

Sponsor Music: "Wicked Dreams" by Andy Sydow

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

Guest Music: "Get Up" by Sarah Slaton

Guest Links:

Parlour: https://app.parlourgigs.com/artist/sarahslaton

Support Independent Venues: www.saveourstages.com

LinkTree w/ all artist links: https://linktr.ee/sarahslatonmusic

Youtube Making of "Get Up" (VIDEO)

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

BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.

My guest this week is Whitewater Ramble founder and front person, Patrick Sites. He grew up in Idaho in a very americana friendly family. His father is a 9 time National Fiddle Champion. (NOTE: I misspoke in the monologue of the show. I misunderstood and said that Patrick's father, Joe Sites, was a nine time National Fiddle Champion AND Grand Master Fiddle Champion. It is in fact his wife, Jacie Sites, who is the Grand Master Fiddle Champion. Sorry for the error). Patrick, however, wasn't too interested in music of that sort as a kid. He grew up largely oblivious to that scene until he moved to Colorado in his 20s and saw David Grisman perform at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre. That inspired him to take up the mandolin and play for hours upon hours every day. He started attending weekly jams at Avogadro's in Ft. Collins, and eventually started his band, Whitewater Ramble.

Ramble has been Patrick's main focus since the group's formation in the mid 2000s. Over the past 15 years, they've performed at clubs and festivals across the country and toured with the likes of Railroad Earth, The Infamous Stringdusters, and Greensky Bluegrass. In this episode, we chat about how he first was drawn to the jam scene, the ups and downs of band life, and the strategies his band used to book their own dates across the country.

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

Guest Music: "Broken Rocks" by: Whitewater Ramble

Guest Links:

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

Website: https://www.whitewaterramble.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1wedgmBxDl5OZRoVGIXHJB?si=LgyUlKWFS4mBZ3vD72hOxg

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