The Hustle

In the late 70s, artist Robin Scott adopted the moniker "M" and created one of the most enduring pieces of pop art in history with his 1979 global #1 "Pop Muzik." This piece of profound simplicity wrapped in the guise of fluffy, disposable pop art took the world by storm and showed in neon what the next decade of music would sound like. As Robin continued to push the boundaries of pop music, his sound became more and more challenging and the hits never came again. But, hits are not what Robin was about. He ventured into world music, painting and anything else that tickled his fancy. Last year, he released his first album in years called Emotional DNA and it's a return to the pop music of his M days. This chat is a conversation in its truest form - we discuss the challenges of putting creativity out in the world, competing for people's attention, and staying true to yourself. Get to know the man behind the Muzik. 

https://www.robinscott.uk/

The music career of Alan Shacklock reads like a history of British rock and roll. He started out rocking as a pre-teen hobnobbing with other future luminaries and eventually made it big as the guitarist and creative force for the 70s blues band Babe Ruth. They may be best known for their hit "The Mexican" which has become one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop history. In the last 70s he decided to pursue production and among the people he worked with that we talk about are Dexys Midnight Runners, JoBoxers, The Alarm, Meat Loaf, Roger Daltrey and Dennis DeYoung with tangent stories about everyone from Jeff Beck to Andrew Lloyd Webber! Pound for pound there may be more stories and name-dropping in this conversation than anyone we've featured so far. Just stand back and let him go! Enjoy! 

For nearly 40 years, Keith's Scott's partnership with Bryan Adams has produced some of the most memorable guitar rock of all time. Content to remain "the guy behind the guy", Keith deserves more credit for the magic he brought to seminal songs like "Cuts Like a Knife", "Summer of '69", "It's Only Love" and many more. It's truly "RIFF ROCK" at its finest.

In this rare conversation, Keith tells the stories behind some of the biggest hits of the 80's and 90's. What mega Bryan Adams hit did the band Blue Oyster Cult take a pass on?  What Keith Scott guitar solo left Mutt Lange speechless? And what is Keith's favorite song he's ever done with Bryan? All that and much much more from one of the most unhearaled and humble rock guitar virtuosos you'll ever come across.  

Redbone are another of those excellent 70s hitmakers that are enjoying a career resurgence thanks to their inclusion on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks. The band released many hits that decade like "The Witch Queen of New Orleans,"One More Time," and "Wovoka," but the biggest was "Come and Get Your Love" which reached #5 in 1974 and is currently enjoying a rebirth. Pat Vegas and his brother Lolly were working musicians during that legendary Southern California classic rock period before starting Redbone and becoming the most successful Native American rock band in history. Lolly passed away in 2010, but Pat is keeping the band alive and is a gusher of stories including everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Jim Morrison to Aretha Franklin. Enjoy! 

https://www.facebook.com/REDBONE.Official.Page/

Jon was recently invited to guest on the super fun podcast Reliving My Youth with host Noel Fogelman. Noel picked the topic of Top 5 Covers of 80s songs, which should spark some great debates. If you're unfamiliar with Reliving My Youth you should give it a shot. Noel talks to pop culture icons from back in the day, including actors, actresses, musicians, you name it. In fact, we've had many cross-over guests. There is a lot of guest envy going on between us! Hope you like this. 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/reliving-my-youth/id1243077571?mt=2

Looking Glass made a brief, but lasting impact in 1972 when they scored the #1 smash "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" off their debut album. After only one more album in 1973, the band broke up and Brandy's songwriter Elliot Lurie put out one non-starting solo album in 1975 before his music career basically ended. He went on to a long and successful career as a music supervisor for films and is responsible for the soundtracks to films like 9 1/2 Weeks, The Last of the Mohicans, and Jumping Jack Flash. In more recent years, thanks to the rise of the yacht rock movement, as well as the inclusion of "Brandy" in the uber successful Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack, Elliot is enjoying a comfortable life. Enjoy!

https://www.elliot-lurie.com/

Jon and Jan come together again to discuss topics like Jon's visit to the Nashville Rock n Pod Expo, Jan's internet lovelife, and the guests featured in July and August. Oh, and Jon's sick again.

Jon and Jan come together again to discuss topics like Jon's visit to the Nashville Rock n Pod Expo, Jan's internet lovelife, and the guests featured in July and August. Oh, and Jon's sick again.

Robbie Dupree scored big out of the gate with the enduring "Steal Away" which reached #6 in 1980 and the follow up "Hot Rod Hearts" also did well on the pop charts. But, after the relative disappointment of his second album, 1981's Street Corner Heroes, Robbie's plans changed. Thankfully, there was still a hunger for Robbie in the Asian market and a new record deal allowed him to continue to make music. It may not have gotten the wide distribution he was used to, but it would keep him viable and he's continued to make music ever since like 1987's Carried Away and 1993's Walking On Water. These days, the rise of "Yacht Rock" and the tours, radio stations, and fanbase devoted to it have given him a new lease on life. We talk about all of it! Plus, earlier this year his first two albums were FINALLY released on cd by Blixa Sounds! Robbie's an artist where going deep in their catalog is well worth your time. 

http://www.robbiedupree.com/

Another excellent Rock n Pod Expo is in the books and Jon was honored to be asked once again to host a panel on Songwriting and Collaboration. We only had 30 mins this year, but the guests were all excellent. The introductions weren't recorded, but they were Gary Corbett, keyboardist for Kiss, Cinderella, Debbie Gibson and Lou Gramm, Paul Taylor of Winger and Steve Shareaux of Kik Tracee. The Expo was a rousing success, we hope you all can join us next year!