Martin Popoff has a new book out. If that hasn't got your putting on your coat and heading out to your nearest bookstore, you clearly don't know Martin's work. But, if you don't, the new book is about Kiss in 1976- an important year in the band's history.  "Kiss 76" is available right now from Motor Books. 

The book isn't your typical "coffee table" book. It's a feast for your senses. Martin takes readers on a journey through time to track not only the band during the iconic year, but also a whole lot of everything else that made 50 years ago one for the ages. 

Our chat with Martin is always filled with interesting information for diehard and casual music fans alike. It's like being seated at a great dinner party.

You may ask, "Does the world really need another KISS book?" The answer is unequivocally, "Yes, it needed this one."

With photos rarely seen anywhere else and chock full of great facts, you won't be disappointed. Luke and Heidi have been talking about it for weeks. 

To get a copy for yourself, visit your local bookstore or order one wherever you buy your books. 

This week we share part two of our conversation with musician and music professor Alan Williams about his new record, Floating on the Dreamline, available digitally March 6th. For more information, check out his website.

Alan's record is full of great music that spans genres. We dive into what inspires him and how he put the album together. 

We also go deep on a lot of music as a whole, including where some of the legends rank with new generations of music students. Our conversation was really interesting and went into so much depth, we had to make two episodes. 

Both Luke and Alan were battling illness when we chatted. The opening minutes may sound a bit strained, but we promise everyone's voice gets stronger as the conversation gets going! 

If you like metal, you'll love Axel Rudi Pell. The guitarist, who shares a name with his band, has a new record out on March 20th. "Ghost Town" is his 35th (?) 36th (?) album. 

For more information or to order your copy of "Ghost Town," check out their website.

Adam, Larry, Edge and Bono... We're gathered here to discuss your new EP and where we think you might have gone off the track a little bit. In this episode, we discuss the ways and things we think U2 needs to do to come back and be the best versions of themselves, including all that they can't leave behind.

As huge fans of the band, Luke and Heidi are passionate about their thoughts on the new EP, Days of Ash.  Who doesn't remember how many times Heidi has brought up how that last show at The Sphere changed her life? (She's never going to shut up about it.) With that in mind, they share their thoughts on the new songs, their recommendations for what's next and are a bit impassioned, to say the least. 

Some may disagree and we want to hear those thoughts too. We know the world needs U2 right now, and there are some things only Bono can say to make us feel better. 

Have a listen, share your thoughts whether you agree or not. We know everyone is trying to dismantle an atomic bomb in their own ways these days. Ultimately we all have the same goal, Elevation. 

This week we talk with musician and music professor Alan Williams about his new record, Floating on the Dreamline, available digitally March 6th. For more information, check out his website.

Alan's record is full of great music that spans genres. We dive into what inspires him and how he put the album together. 

We also go deep on a lot of music as a whole, including where some of the legends rank with new generations of music students. Our conversation was really interesting and went into so much depth, we had to make two episodes. 

Both Luke and Alan were battling illness when we chatted. The opening minutes may sound a bit strained, but we promise everyone's voice gets stronger as the conversation gets going! 

Enjoy getting to know Alan in part 1 of our conversation. Part 2 coming soon. 

Sure music is all well and good, but what's the point if you can't afford to live? That's where a wealth advisor like Rick Morse comes in. He helps people manage their wealth to set them up for success in the coming years.

How does one become a wealth manager to musicians? We find out more on what drew Rick to this niche and what it's like to manage money for an industry as erratic as music. 

His tips and advice are applicable to many of us, especially those who work in commission based careers and entrepreneurs or creatives of all types. 

It may not seem like a typical interview for our show, but there's definitely some interesting stories in here as well as some things we can all keep in mind and try to apply for longevity financially. 

Have a listen! 

For more information, you can find Rick on the Merril Lynch website.

This week we talk with pianist Kimball Gallagher about his upcoming concert at Carnegie Hall and his work with the 88 International Music program. For more information, check out Kimball's website, or check out 88 International Music's website.

Kimball's work is literally changing lives and the narrative surrounding music and philanthropy. The 88 International Music program brings a simple concept to the masses that comes to life through incredible performances worldwide. 

From what sparked the idea, when he was a musician in need of a piano, to the world class performance stages around the globe that this program has reached, Kimball's story and the stories of the musicians that have participated in the program, are ones for the ages. 

This is something that the world can get on board with and truly make a difference through music. 

Del Roscoe's website describes them as a "Gothic indie Americana band." That's the best definition we've heard. We talked with singer/songwriter Robert Lee.

For more information, or to get a copy of their record, check out their website.

Tim Durling is a music fan and writer and with his book Red on Black, he looks at the music of Sammy Hagar throughout his whole career. We sat down with Tim to talk about cats, Van Halen and, of course, the Red Rocker himself.

Plus, we say goodbye to Bob Weir.

This week we get to visit again with legendary folk songwriters and musicians John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton about their second album together from their standing weekly songwriting collaboration. Together Again is available January 9, 2026 wherever you get your music and features a slew of delicious tunes and fantastic stories that will make you laugh and some that may even make you shed a tear. Have no fear though, our conversation is nothing but great times, good laughs, and amazing memories from these two friends who have helped shaped the fabric of great music for many decades. We touch on some familiar friends including Pete Seeger and get the scoop on some of the backstories of a few of the tracks on the latest album. It's always a delight talking to these two and to hear their music. 

If you leave with nothing else, you will realize the importance of having a standing date with a good friend and collaborator that nothing can interrupt at least one day per week is the true key to happiness and success! 

Follow Rock 'n' Roll Grad School on Social:

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube