Sound Matters with Tom Leu

Episode 029 features conversation, commentary, and insights about podcasting, Motley Crue, Nikki Sixx, and interviews with radio personality Kevin McCarthy and Kevin Polky, Executive Director of Shatter Our Silence. Show #029 concludes with Tom's signature Sound Matter Moment...

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Tom's interview with Bryan Wilkinson... best known currently as guitarist for both The Last Vegas and Chicago’s Black Actress, as well as a prolific solo artist performing under the banner of Bryan W. Music...

Inside the Interview:
03:26 – On Bryan W. solo acoustic, live song choices, overall sound and style...?
06:29 – On doing an acoustic tour previously with The Lust Killers...
07:01 – On Bryan's vocals...
08:10 – On status of The Last Vegas...
09:37 – The booking & business with a national act like The Last Vegas?
13:18 – On Chicago's Black Actress...
16:49 – On Black Actress' available music...
17:31 – What drives Bryan?
18:22 – On Ryan Adams...

"Tom has a welcoming, warm personality; with a glint of a true music fan in his eye. Excellent interview questions, locations, and integrity in his delivery."

- Bryan Wilkinson >> www.facebook.com/bryanwmusic

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Episode 027 features conversation, commentary, and insights about "The Defiant Ones" (Jimmy Iovine & Dr. Dre) documentary on HBO, Styx, Riki Rachtman, Rockford's Local Music Scene with Kevin McCarthy, Ratt, Heavy Metal (the film), and the Gin Blossoms. Show #027 concludes with Tom's signature "Sound Matter Moment"...

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Episode 026 includes Tom's recap and commentary on his many recent travels shooting and doing media at Chicago Open Air and Country Thunder 2017, and an overview of the excellent Armed Vision reunion show and the 3 reasons WHY it was so successful. Show #026 concludes with Tom's signature "Sound Matter Moment"...

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The legendary and influential Armed Vision band from Rockford, IL joins Tom in the studio for this long-form interview. Vocalist Rex Scott, guitarist Jay Samp, and drummer Lance Porter take calls, and discuss the band's storied history as they prepare for a triumphant hometown reunion show...

Inside the Interview:
03:40 - About the big reunion show coming up on July 28th...
04:39 - On the set list and AV merchandise...
06:55 - On Lance's travels, transporting the drum kit, and "drum envy"...
10:04 - Caller #1... Claudio...
11:51 - Caller #2... Todd...
15:25 - Caller #3... Mike...
17:26 - On the beginnings of Armed Vision...
18:39 - On the band's growing popularity...
19:47 - On why the band was a hit from the start, the chemistry, and work ethic...
22:18 - Vintage Armed Vision original song "Tiger At Night" excerpt...
23:52 - Caller #4... Mickey Joe...
26:19 - The dark times for Armed Vision... the bus accident and loss...
30:53 - On the original 5 members and the upcoming reunion show...
31:32 - On new members and the last era of Armed Vision...
33:26 - On the influence of Armed Vision...
34:57 - Reunion show details one more time...
35:52 - On the possibility of future Armed Vision shows...?
36:55 - Tom's post-interview final thoughts...

"Working with Tom on his radio show was a blast. I thought his questions were pointed and really great. His enthusiasm was obvious. He had a sincere, 'I am glad you guys are here' attitude towards us being in the studio with him. Tom is the utmost professional!!! And Tom really did his homework with our photography shoot!!! He attended a few rehearsals prior to the live shoot and was so well prepared the day of the show. His attention to detail and overall professionalism is evident as you work with him. My hats are off to him........Tom is the best!!!!"

- Lance Porter, drummer for Armed Vision >> www.facebook.com/ArmedVision

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Producer/songwriter and drummer for Linkin Park Colin Brittain talks with Tom about writing and producing with some of today's top acts including Papa Roach and Japan's One OK Rock among others...

Inside the Interview:
02:53 - On Colin's bio as "the ultimate genre blender..."
03:14 - On the making of the Papa Roach track "Periscope"...
04:14 - On the making of the One OK Rock track "Take What You Want"...
05:39 - An insider's look at Japan's One OK Rock...
07:48 - On how relationships are forged with the artists Colin works with...
10:58 - On how decisions get made when producer and artists don't always agree...
12:26 - What aspiring artists misunderstand about the music business...?
14:48 - On Colin's background...
16:09 - A walk through a day in the life of producer/songwriter, Colin Brittain...
17:10 - On Colin's musical upbringing...
17:52 - One piece of advice he'd give himself starting out...?
18:57 - One person Colin would like to talk to or interview...?

"My interview with Tom Leu was a chance to tell my side of the music - how it's made and how it all starts. As a producer, it's not often that I get to really take people through my process. I think that's why his show stands out above all the rest - he clearly cares about music first. Can't wait to chat again with Tom on Sound Matters."

- Colin Brittain, music producer & drummer for Linkin Park >> www.facebook.com/ColinBrittainCunningham

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Tom talks with drummer, Scott Phillips & bassist, Brian Marshall from Alter Bridge backstage at the Northern Invasion 2017 festival in Somerset, WI...

Inside the Interview:
01:31 - Brian & Scott's least favorite interview question...
01:47 - Touring in 2017... what's better, what's worse from back in the day...
03:04 - Summarize the evoloution of Alter Bridge from the 1st album to present...
04:31 - On what Brian & Scott uniquely bring to Alter Bridge as a rhythm section...
06:25 - On how tracking happens in the studio for Alter Bridge...
07:06 - Who's one person you'd like to sit down with and have a conversation?
08:10 - On the importance of sobriety and being clear-headed and present today...

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Tom's 1st interview with Michael Sweet from Stryper in the Fall of 2016 talking about his latest solo album One Sided War...

Inside the Interview:
02:23 - On the album One Sided War...
03:25 - On melody, or the lack thereof, in hard rock music today...
04:54 - On the diversity between heavy and light within Michael's music...
06:41 - On running from the past in the past...
07:29 - On the classic Stryper sound and still staying relevant...
09:08 - The players, the performances, the production, and engineering on One Sided War...
13:21 - On the single "Radio" - it's messaging, inspiration, and potential controversy... 
16:07 - On Michaels upcoming projects with Stryper, Sweet & Lynch, and solo touring...
17:11 - On a possible album with Joel Hoekstra and Michael Sweet...
18:12 - On Michael's earlier solo work and the backstory on the album Truth from 2000...
19:31 - More books in Michael's future?
20:36 - On still keeping things fresh and fun, and not burning out...
21:47 - What's one thing that people may misunderstand about Michael Sweet?
22:33 - When speaking his mind causes controversy...

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Shatter Our Silence Founder and Executive Director, Kevin Polky and Tom discuss the all-important topic of suicide awareness and assistance.

Inside the Interview:
01:38 - About Kevin Polky...
03:13 - How did Shatter Our Silence come to exist?
04:45 - When did SOS begin, and what are some recent events?
05:50 - Top 3 goals of the SOS organization...
07:43 - Performing Arts partnerships with SOS...
08:33 - On the 2016 inaugural SOS events...
10:11 - Upcoming events...
13:26 - Crisis support toll free hotline and text support numbers...
15:24 - On Chris Cornell's suicide and a cautionary tale...

"I have had the amazing opportunity not only once but twice to be a guest on Sound Matters. I was throughly impressed with the professionalism accompanied with the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of the studio and the interview. Tom was well prepared which made the interview go smoothly. It was as if we were just talking. Tom's passion for music, musicians and the history of this art form is contagious. Thanks again for the opportunities to be on the show and keep up the great work!”

- Kevin Polky, LCSW/CADC >> www.shatteroursilence.org

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Jerry Dixon from Warrant talks with Tom about the band's latest album, his long tenure in Warrant, some overlooked music in Warrant's back catalog, Jani Lane, Warrant's "black years," sobriety, and more...

Inside the Interview:
02:44 - On the fact that Warrant has recorded 9 studio albums...
03:44 - On the evolution of Warrant's songwriting...
04:26 - On Jerry's contributions as a songwriter in recent years...
05:17 - Is there a favorite song on the new album that Jerry either wrote or co-wrote...
05:58 - About the song "Only Broken Heart"... it's influence and genesis...
07:28 - On working with Jeff Pilson (producer of the latest Warrant album)...
08:41 - On Jerry & Erik Turner's record label Down Boys Records... 
09:20 - What drives Warrant to still put out full albums...
11:02 - On Jerry's longest tenure in Warrant and why he's never left the band...
12:29 - What are some great, but overlooked Warrant songs that deserve more attention...
13:50 - On Warrant's "black years," Jerry's reflections on Jani Lane, and the final reunion...
17:02 - On alcohol, alcoholism, AA, and recovery...

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Connect with Tom:
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