Off the Charts Music Podcast

In part two of our conversation with Connecticut music icon Stephen Peter Rodgers, we pick up right where we left off—diving into his legendary work creating Hamden’s iconic indie hubs, The Space and The Outer Space.

From building those beloved community stages, we follow his evolution into a solo artist, his creative life behind the studio board, and his lasting dedication to mentoring local talent. Stephen also shares how his artistic path beautifully shapes his favorite roles yet—husband, father, and grandfather. Tune in for the inspiring conclusion to this two-part story.

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What happens when you combine an indie-rock pioneer, a legendary venue owner, a producer, a mentor, and a visual artist? You get Stephen Peter Rodgers. Raised by musicians and artists who shaped his early path, Stephen famously co-founded Mighty Purple with his brother Jonny before building a spectacular solo career and creating Hamden's iconic venues, The Space and The Outer Space. For Stephen, creating community has always been paramount. We sit down with the Connecticut music icon to talk about his dedication to lifting up local talent, his life in the studio, and his favorite roles yet—husband, father and grandfather.

Stay tuned for part 2 which will be released on October 28th.

https://stephenpeterrodgers.com/

http://[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/stephenpeterrodgers/

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This month on the Off the Charts Music Podcast, we turn up the volume with guitarist Steve McKnight - lead guitarist of GayC/DC and Mary, and former guitarist of the 80s metal band Cry Wolf. Steve shares stories from his musical journey, his experience during the legendary Sunset Strip era, the evolution of his bands, and the passion for music that continues to drive him today. From hard rock memories to behind-the-scenes stories and everything in between, this episode is packed with great conversation and classic rock energy.

Cry Wolf - Pretender:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_6G0A5WR20

GayC/DC - Dirty Dudes Done Dirt Cheap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2c_nxevlDA&list=RDz2c_nxevlDA&start_radio=1

Mary - Danger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT8ABCzh-o4

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The story continues.

In the early 1990s, before the internet was in everyone's pocket, a small group of  friends  created "Hip" Magazine a bi-monthly explosion of everything young people cared about from music to the arts and more. 

They didn't just report the scene they lived it, put it on paper, and stapled the community together one issue at a time!

Text Art and Lisa here .... they need to keep busy!

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In the early 1990s, before the internet was in everyone's pocket, a small group of  friends  created "Hip" Magazine a bi-monthly explosion of everything young people cared about from music to the arts and more. 

They didn't just report the scene they lived it, put it on paper, and stapled the community together one issue at a time!

Text Art and Lisa here .... they need to keep busy!

Email at Art and Lisa
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In this episode, Kevin shares the real story of "Tall Stories" and bears witness to the fact that nothing can stop "The Hey Jude Kid" from continuing to create great music.

Listen to the music of Kevin Totoian 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLztj_KSjfT1jZ1HdY8hNETg4-pZz7gNao&si=BGhozwFA8DQO1YG1

https://www.theswaye.com/

https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Swaye-100070027943302/?_rdr

https://www.tangledvine.com/

Learn more about Kevin's dad Richard Totoian https://www.richardtotoian.com/

Text Art and Lisa here .... they need to keep busy!

Text Art and Lisa here .... they need to keep busy!

Email at Art and Lisa
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In this first part of a two-part series, songwriter and musician Kevin Totoian discusses his father Richard's amazing career as a music industry visionary. Kevin shares how growing up immersed in music shaped his own successful journey. 

(Stayed tuned for part 2 coming up in October)

Learn more about Richard Totoian https://www.richardtotoian.com/

Listen to the music of Kevin Totoian 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLztj_KSjfT1jZ1HdY8hNETg4-pZz7gNao&si=BGhozwFA8DQO1YG1

https://www.theswaye.com/

https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Swaye-100070027943302/?_rdr

https://www.tangledvine.com/

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Lisa and I are still using up some much needed vacation time, so here's an abbreviated episode that contains some recent reflections about the loss of Ozzy Osbourne and local musician Hubert Martin.

We'll be back next month with a full episode. 

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Off the Charts Music Podcast is thrilled to hit it's third season. To mark the milestone, Art and Lisa will shut up so you can soak up the music! 

A big thank you to the artists for sharing their music and stories. 

Wishing everyone a joyful summer!

Tracks

1. Anthony Gadaleta - City of Gold

2. Peter Vouras - Take You Home Tonight

3. The Actuals - Opposites Attract 

4. Gravity Head - The Gift 

5. Pansy Division - Luv Luv Luv

6. Sean Corvino - It's Getting Warmer

7. BeJobe - My Fellow Earthlings

8. LVL UP - Spirit Was

9. Lorrie Wesoly - Again and Again

10. Tom Rucktenwald - I'm Satisfied

11. Ronnie Neuhauser - Shake 'N Bake

12. Blind Justice - Creep Show

13. Bad Attitude - Dreamchild

14. John Spignesi Band - My Old Friends 

15. Trag - Try

16. Sister Maire Close - I Lift Up My Praise

17. James Moss - Kalimba 

18. The Xtras - Dreamer 

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In 1979 drummer Bill (William) Knapp wanted to start an original punk band so he got on his CB radio and found a couple of dreamers. They put their music on cassette tape and The Xtras were born.  

Guitarists/vocalists Bill Arciprete and Steve Schneider share the honest story of one of Connecticut's best homegrown punk rock bands. 

P.S This podcast is released on May 28, 2025 - The 45th anniversary of their very first live show!

Listen to the Xtras on SoundCloud

https://on.soundcloud.com/xg2pTabFw2vkLMMy7

Steve Schneider DJ - Music by Design

https://musicbydesigndj.com/

Text Art and Lisa here .... they need to keep busy!

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