Sound Matters with Tom Leu

Sound Matters episode 099 features Tom's conversation with Michael Grant formerly of L.A. Guns and Endeverafter. Michael split from L.A. Guns in 2018 and never looked back. His first solo album (under Michael Grant & The Assassins) titled "Always the Villian" is simply incredible. This 11 song collection contains killer songs, melodies, arrangements, production, and playing top to bottom. Read that again... it's rare. On top of it all, Michael is a super cool cat and a ton of fun to talk to. In this livestream episode we discuss Michael's lifelong love of drumming (he drums on over half the tracks on this album, as well as handling all the bass, guitars, vocals, AND engineering duties), his perspective on leaving L.A. Guns, the impetus behind the title track, his writing and recording process, and his affinity for his influences, plus much more... one of my favorite conversations in the history of the show!

**Livestream VIDEO of this conversation here and on my YouTube channel >> www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYboerBlE9w&t=1459s

SOUND MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/soundmatters

"This is definitely one of my favorite interviews I’ve ever done. Some really great questions and great conversation. Goes deep into the process of writing and recording Michael Grant & The Assassins - Always The Villain album and beyond. Check it out! Enjoy!" 🖤

- Michael Grant >> www.mgassassins.com

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Sound Matters episode 098 features Tom's 2nd conversation with Donnie Vie formerly of Enuff Z'Nuff. On this livestream conversation also available unedited on YouTube and Facebook, Donnie and I discuss his new music, his writing and recording process, why the "Beautiful Things" full length album still needs to be heard, why he can't really listen to much of his older music, the challenges of being on his own these days, his new song recorded for the latest Enuff Z'Nuff album "Brainwashed Generation" and working with Chip Z'Nuff again, the possibility of working with some other well-known musicians that could possibly turn into a new band, and why he still continues making music three decades into his career. Plus, Donnie throws yours truly some props on my photography from a quickie session we did in Chicago before one of Donnie's solo shows pre-pandemic. Plus a lot more in this pretty informal and fun conversation with the King of Power Pop!

**Livestream VIDEO of this conversation here and on my YouTube channel >>
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3ShjsLI4V0&t=2882s

SOUND MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/soundmatters

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Sound Matters episode 097 features my conversation with Daxx Nielsen from Cheap Trick. For over a decade, Daxx has been the drummer for the influential and legendary Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame band hailing from my hometown of Rockford, IL. Daxx and I have known each other since our days gigging in regional bands in the Midwest. Daxx has been a touring and recording musician for over 20 years and has worked with some of the greats in music. In this conversation we discuss the effects of the pandemic on him, his early years playing in bands with his brother Miles, touring and recording with artists such as Brandi Carlisle, Dick Dale, Billy Corgan, Eddie Vedder, and Enuff Z'Nuff among others. Daxx also weighs-in on Cheap Trick's philosophy to continue to record new albums, favorite places to tour, meeting Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin in Japan, his advice to up-and-coming musicians, The Nielsen Trust, and what the future may hold for him post-Cheap Trick someday... Daxx has always been an exceptionally talented drummer and a super humble guy to boot. Really enjoyed this conversation from another great musician to come out of Rockford, IL.

**Livestream VIDEO of this conversation here and on my YouTube channel >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_PyjN0j8G8&t=2292s

SOUND MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/soundmatters

Connect with Daxx Nielsen:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/daxxnielsenmusicpage
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cheaptrickdaxx

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Sound Matters episode 096 features Tom's 2nd conversation with the always cool and catchy, Chip Z'Nuff from Chicago's Enuff Z'Nuff. This time around, Chip and I discuss the band's latest album Brainwashed Generation along with a few of the guest stars who played on various tracks from their 15th album, what recording records is like for him in 2020 compared to old days, his autobiography in the works, collaborating with Donnie Vie again, his outlook on the pandemic and the state of music going forward, his many other projects, and more...

SOUND MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/soundmatters

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Sound Matters episode 095 features my killer conversation with the super-enthusiastic guitar great, singer, and songwriter, Steve Brown from Trixter and Tokyo Motor Fist. Steve's energy and love for music more than three decades into his successful career is infectious and inspiring. Steve talks about the current state of Trixter, the 2nd and latest kick ass album ("Lions") from Tokyo Motor Fist, having the greatest side gigs ever as part-time touring guitarist and vocalist for both Def Leppard and Dennis DeYoung (formerly of Styx), and his songwriting and recording processes, and stories, stories, stories... This was one of my favorite interviews I've done because Steve is just so much fun! Don't miss it...

SOUND MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/soundmatters

"I had a blast doing the Sound Matters Show with Tom Leu! The interview was scheduled for 30 mins... but Tom and I talked for well over an hour. That speaks volumes. Unique questions unlike other interviews I've done. I really love Tom's direction and his passion for what he is creating with the Sound Matters Show."

- Steve Brown >>www.stevebrownrocks.com

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Sound Matters episode 094 features Tom's enlightening conversation with singer, songwriter, & entrepreneur, Cheryl Engelhardt. Cheryl is a classically-trained pianist-turned music for picture composer-turned touring rock chick. Cheryl is a prolific indie musician, composer, serial-entrepreneur, and podcaster, who also offers marketing and personal development resources to help other indie musicians grow their music business. Cheryl talks about her storied career thus far, the making of her latest New Age instrumental album "Luminary" in Greece, her pursuit of a Grammy, her marketing and coaching philosophies, and much more...

Connect with Cheryl B. Engelhardt
Websites: www.cbemusic.com & www.inthekeyofsuccess.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cbemusic

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Sound Matters episode 093 features Tom's 2nd conversation with vocalist and songwriter Tony Harnell best known for his work with Norway's TNT, and also with various other terrific projects including Starbreaker, Lovekillers, and Tony Harnell solo as well. This episode was one of the first Sound Matters Show livestreams broadcast with audio and video out onto our YouTube channel >> www.tomleu.tv during the Corona Virus pandemic. Tony talked about how his current tours have been affected, performing livestreams in house for fans, the Stryper/TNT tour back in the day, the challenges of performing live (especially as a singer) in the era of instant social media, Tony's blog and his thoughts on 80's rock today, sobriety in isolation, and Tony's reflections of the passing of well known musicians and celebrities. As always with Tony, it's an in-depth conversation that covers a lot of ground...

“It was a real pleasure talking to Tom. Definitely the most in-depth, important, and deeply honest interview I’ve ever done. And I’ve done a lot! I’d compare it to a rock n roll therapy session. Tom’s easy going personable style puts you at ease, you feel like you’re talking to an old friend. I’d recommend Tom’s show to any and all artists if you want to do an interview with someone who doesn’t ask the same old questions and does his homework.”

– Tony Harnell

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Sound Matters "Highlights & Hits" show #092 combo show featuring excerpts from the live radio show AND from the first ever live-streamed Sound Matters Show episode out to social media. On this episode we discuss/debate "how you found/find new music" and "what are your guilty pleasure bands or artists"... "Expert" panelists include Joe Dredge, Mark Jake Jacobson, and Spencer Jacobsen weighing-in and spouting-off. 

SOUND MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/soundmatters

Joe Dredge: www.twitter.com/joewilly804 & (@joedredge on IG)
Mark Jake Jacobson: www.facebook.com/markkjacobson & (@markjakejacobson on IG)
Spencer Jacobsen: www.twitter.com/soundguy21 & (@hallmarkenickie on IG)

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Sound Matters episode 091 takes a behind-the-scenes look at the acclaimed Detroit-area jam band, STONEFRONT and their (as yet unreleased) "Stones Throw" documentary recounting the band's days at the famed Garwood Mansion in the early 1970's. Stonefront founder and chief songwriter, Larry Merryman, and longtime friend, Jeffrey Swanberg, who was a resident of the mansion, and who's brother Mark played bass in the band, recall what it was like during those trippy, heady days, back in the day... a fascinating conversation full of music, history and cultural commentary.

SOUND MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/soundmatters

Connect with Stonefront Band:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stonefrontmusic

“Tom Leu is GREAT at what he does. He has a terrific demeanor, is blessed with many God given talents, and has a personality that fits into any genre! He’s magic!”

– Jeffrey Swanberg, former Director of College Relations at Rockford Career College

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Sound Matters "Highlights & Hits" show #090 live-streamed on the show's Facebook Group and features Renee Scrivano from That Gurl, Kevin McCarthy from Rockford's Local Music Scene, Mark Jake Jacobson, and Mike McQuerter weighing in on how they're surviving the Corona Virus pandemic and getting creative with technology to continue connecting with others and getting their music and art out there.

SOUND MATTERS Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/soundmatters

03:55 – Changes... Facebook Group/Live... the Corona Virus, etc.
09:46 – RIP Kenny Rogers
21:25 – Renee Scrivano from That Gurl Band
29:52 - Kevin McCarthy & Renee Scrivano
42:43 – Connecting with the Sound Matters show
44:20 - Mark "Gobble" Jake Jacobson & Mike McQuerter
1:09:43 - Behind-the-scenes & shout outs...

"Tom's interview style is seductive and he isn't afraid to ask challenging questions. His experiences as a musician and speaker really informs his ability to engage with the artist and listener. I love the questions he asks and the positive vibe. Tom's shows are always insightful, inspiring and entertaining. ... Great interview & episode!" 

- Mark Jake Jacobson, singer/songwriter/actor/artist

"Tom is a vast encyclopedia of music knowledge and an amazing photographer as well. Love his radio show and always look forward to his photos." 

- Mike McQuerter, photographer/musician

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Connect with Tom:
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