The Powered By Rock Podcast

Chris Lynam, Matty Lupinacci, Danny DiGiuseppe, and Mike Drinkwalter are members of the Long Island-based band Gone Stereo.

They're known for their innovative approach to pop punk, incorporating elements from various rock genres to craft a mature, distinctive sound.

They've been active musicians for decades and consistently contribute to the punk scene with their dynamic musical style.

In this engaging episode, host Isaac Kuhlman brings together members of the Long Island punk band, Gone Stereo, to explore the ever-evolving world of punk music.

Dive into the discussion as Isaac and the band dissect the resurging popularity of hardcore punk and consider its potential to reach mainstream audiences.

With bands like Turnstile and Militarie Gun leading this rejuvenation, they reflect on how contemporary punk balances its underground roots with broader appeal.

Through a series of insightful exchanges, the episode covers the unique sound of Gone Stereo, which defies conventional pop punk norms by incorporating intricate instrumentation and mature lyrical content.

Listeners are treated to a deep dive into how punk music has evolved over the decades, what keeps it relevant, and where it might be headed in the future.

Themes such as authenticity, the effects of technology on music discovery, and the inherent challenges of carving a niche in the music industry are woven seamlessly throughout the conversation.

Intro Music: Birds Love Filters "Colorado" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/dqD_jMhZGqU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: Speedway Sleeper "Snail Mail" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/21-vX3bBagc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Indie Musicians - check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

Resources:

Check out Gone Stereo's Music and Links - https://linktr.ee/gonestereo

Timeline:

00:00 Episode Intro

01:34 Gone Stereo's Approach to Punk Music is Not the Same Pop-Punk Formula

12:27 Does Gone Stereo Believe That Punk Will Be Revived by Hardcore?

29:23 Are There Other Ways Punk Music Can Achieve Mainstream Success Again?

50:14 Gone Stereo talks about their new single "Meet Me at Garvies" and upcoming show dates

58:25 Gone Stereo gives shout outs to local Long Island bands

Anthony Merchant: Anthony Merchant is the host of the Power Chord Hour podcast, a show dedicated to rock music, and he also hosts a program on Jamestown, New York's 107.9 WRFA called Power Chord Hour. With a deep knowledge and passion for various rock genres, Anthony explores the evolution and impact of rock music, sharing insights and engaging discussions with fellow rock enthusiasts.

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode, Isaac Kuhlman and Anthony Merchant dive deep into the transformative era of 1990s rock music. They discuss the seismic shifts within the genre, from the rise and fall of grunge to the emergence of ska, emo, and new metal. This episode illuminates the ways in which these subgenres shaped not only the music industry but also the cultural landscape of the time.

The conversation starts with an exploration of the grunge movement, highlighting bands like Nirvana and their influence on the subsequent waves of rock.

The latter part of the episode focuses on the birth and evolution of new metal and rap rock, spotlighting bands such as Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Nine Inch Nails.

The duo reflects on Rage Against the Machine's groundbreaking influence and their politically charged lyricism that set the stage for many bands that followed. They also touch on the lasting impact of these genres and the changing landscape of rock music up to the present day.

Intro Music: Birds Love Filters "Colorado" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/dqD_jMhZGqU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: Speedway Sleeper "Snail Mail" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/21-vX3bBagc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

Resources:

Follow Anthony's Stuff:

Power Chord Hour on IG - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/powerchordhour/⁠

Power Chord Hour on YT - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@powerchordhour⁠

Words and Sentences About Things and Stuff Podcast - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0i7KUwQFTJOkMiSy9nIQEP?si=a8de0b9cef5d47f4⁠

Links to Related Content:

Part 1 of This Series - ⁠https://youtu.be/105TH1Q2klw⁠

Part 2 of This Series - ⁠https://youtu.be/j9m9eUBlBic⁠

Part 3 of This Series - ⁠https://youtu.be/Qm61JpgNH_k⁠

Episode About The Death of Rock Music - https://youtu.be/5MTrSWEenQc

Episode with Chris Ballew from The Presidents of the United States of America - https://youtu.be/IFc2Q-05H6c

Timeline:

1:23 The Evolution of Rock Genres in the 1990s

4:22 Rage Against the Machine's Impact on Political Awareness in Music

6:30 Rage Against the Machine's Influence on 90s Music and New Metal

15:27 The Nineties: A Transformative Decade for Rock Music

21:03 The Timeless Power of Rock Music in Uniting People

27:00 A Musician's Journey from Stardom to Contentment

28:38 The Evolution and Impact of Music from the 90s to 2000s

32:50 Kurt Cobain's Unreleased Collaborations and Industry Rebellion

36:48 The Fragile Balance Between Artistic Integrity and Fan Expectations

Anthony Merchant: Anthony Merchant is the host of the Power Chord Hour podcast, a show dedicated to rock music, and he also hosts a program on Jamestown, New York's 107.9 WRFA called Power Chord Hour. With a deep knowledge and passion for various rock genres, Anthony explores the evolution and impact of rock music, sharing insights and engaging discussions with fellow rock enthusiasts.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode, Isaac Kuhlman and Anthony Merchant take a nostalgic trip through the music landscape of the 90s, exploring the rise and transformation of various genres such as grunge, geek rock, pop punk, and ska.

The conversation begins with an analysis of iconic bands like Nirvana and Weezer, noting their lasting influence and evolution over time. They highlight how bands such as Green Day, The Offspring, and Blink-182 ignited the mainstream pop-punk movement in the mid-90s, leading to a significant shift in the music industry.

The discussion then transitions to the ska revival in the 90s, spearheaded by bands like the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish, and Less Than Jake.

They dissect the explosive popularity of ska and its infectious energy that resonated with fans on both coasts of the U.S. Additionally, Isaac and Anthony touch on the music business dynamics, debating the role of major labels in the rise and fall of certain bands and genres.

By the end of the episode, they reflect on how these music trends have ebbed and flowed, influencing contemporary music and leaving an indelible mark on their personal lives.

Intro Music: Birds Love Filters "Colorado" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/dqD_jMhZGqU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: Speedway Sleeper "Snail Mail" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/21-vX3bBagc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com/⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

Resources:

Follow Anthony's Stuff:

Power Chord Hour on IG - https://www.instagram.com/powerchordhour/

Power Chord Hour on YT - https://www.youtube.com/@powerchordhour

Words and Sentences About Things and Stuff Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0i7KUwQFTJOkMiSy9nIQEP?si=a8de0b9cef5d47f4

Links to Related Content:

Part 1 of This Series - https://youtu.be/105TH1Q2klw

Part 2 of This Series - https://youtu.be/j9m9eUBlBic

Part 3 of This Series - https://youtu.be/Qm61JpgNH_k

The Return of Home Grown Episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skuVfveRgxs

Timeline:

1:23 The Evolution of Punk and Its Mainstream Resurgence

5:39 The Evolution of Punk Rock and Its Major Players

11:48 Green Day's Flair and Willingness to Play the Game

14:46 The Evolution and Impact of No Effects in Punk Music

18:02 The Ska Revival and Its Unexpected Popularity

24:47 The Evolution and Identity Crisis of Ska and Emo Bands

27:42 Real Big Fish's Trilogy and Its Predicted Career Trajectory

31:19 The Reality of Major Labels and Band Success in the Nineties

Anthony Merchant: Anthony Merchant is the host of the Power Chord Hour podcast, a show dedicated to rock music, and he also hosts a program on Jamestown, New York's 107.9 WRFA called Power Chord Hour. With a deep knowledge and passion for various rock genres, Anthony explores the evolution and impact of rock music, sharing insights and engaging discussions with fellow rock enthusiasts.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Powered By Rock Podcast, host Isaac Kuhlman dives deep into the transformative decade of the 1990s in rock music with guest Anthony Merchant from the Power Chord Hour.

The conversation kicks off with an exploration of the dynamic musical landscape, highlighting how genres like grunge, alternative rock, punk, and pop punk not only coexisted but intertwined to shape the era's unique sound.

The discussion primarily focuses on the rise of grunge and its incredible impact on the rock music scene. Through the experiences and perspectives of both Kuhlman and Merchant, the episode paints a vivid picture of bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Alice in Chains, pinpointing their influence and the industry shift they catalyzed.

Merchant shares personal anecdotes and professional insights to illustrate how the nineties fostered an environment of rapid musical evolution and creative freedom.

Intro Music: Birds Love Filters "Colorado" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/dqD_jMhZGqU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: Speedway Sleeper "Snail Mail" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/21-vX3bBagc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

Resources:

Follow Anthony's Stuff:

Power Chord Hour on IG - https://www.instagram.com/powerchordhour/

Power Chord Hour on YT - https://www.youtube.com/@powerchordhour

Words and Sentences About Things and Stuff Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0i7KUwQFTJOkMiSy9nIQEP?si=a8de0b9cef5d47f4

Links to Related Content:

Part 1 of This Series - https://youtu.be/105TH1Q2klw

Part 2 of This Series - https://youtu.be/j9m9eUBlBic

Part 3 of This Series - https://youtu.be/Qm61JpgNH_k

Episode About Weezer's Influence & Production of Maladroit Album - https://youtu.be/vdjzzQHVeyw

Timeline:

0:00 Episode Intro

01:22 The Transformative Impact of 1990s Rock Music

4:19 Nineties Music's Lasting Impact on Younger Generations

10:40 Grunge's Relatability Versus Hair Metal's Excess

15:36 The Accessibility and Influence of 90s Music

21:46 Nirvana's Unexpected Rise and Its Impact on 90s Rock

25:47 Weezer and Nirvana's Influence on Rock Music Evolution

31:41 Weezer's Evolution and Nirvana's Untarnished Legacy

35:56 The Longevity and Cultural Impact of The Simpsons and Family Guy

37:29 Weezer's Inconsistent Albums and Rivers Cuomo's Creative Struggles

Jimmy Barbetti and Jesse Randolph are members of the Connecticut-based pop punk band Scooped Up!.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Powered By Rock," host Isaac Kuhlman dives into the world of DIY music with members of the punk band Scooped Up – Jimmy Barbetti and Jesse Randolph. Isaac explores the band's unique journey from humble beginnings to amassing a dedicated following, with a special focus on their recently released album, "The Runs."

Jimmy and Jesse share their insights on the evolving landscape of the music industry, the power of social media, and how consistency and creativity have fueled their success.

Scooped Up’s story highlights the importance of a DIY ethic in today's music scene, with Jimmy discussing his transition from graffiti artist to musician and the band's evolution over the past eight years.

They delve into the art of promoting music in the digital age, using clever marketing strategies like parody websites and humorous social media content to engage their audience.

The conversation also touches on the band’s approach to creating music videos, where their creative process shines through in every frame, often reflecting a nostalgic blend of skate culture and punk rock ethos.

Outro Music: Speedway Sleeper "Snail Mail" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/21-vX3bBagc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Indie Musicians - check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources:

Timeline:

00:00 - Episode Intro

01:56 - How Has Scooped Up! Been Able to Gain Their Large Online Following?

24:33 - Scooped Up! Takes DIY to a Whole New Level

33:29 - Influences & Inspirations Behind Scooped Up!'s Music Videos

38:23 - Scooped Up! Talks About Their Newest Album The Runs

53:28 - What's Coming Up for Scooped Up!?

Tamar Berk is a talented indie rock musician based in San Diego, known for her dynamic and genre-spanning sound. With roots in the Chicago music scene, Tamar has been influenced by a wide array of artists, from Suzanne Vega and Liz Phair to the Beatles and ELO. Over the last four years, she has released four distinct albums, the latest being Good Times for a Change. Tamar is also a devoted music producer, mastering her craft in her home studio to create meaningful and authentic music.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode, host Isaac Kuhlman delves into the evolving landscape of rock music, specifically highlighting the surge of female musicians dominating the genre in recent years.

From established names like St. Vincent and Phoebe Bridgers to emerging bands like Wet Leg and Eliza and the Delusionals, Isaac explores the shift from a male-dominated genre to one now enriched by diverse female voices.

This context sets the stage for a deep conversation with indie rock artist Tamar Berk about her musical journey, the challenges women face in the industry, and her latest album, Good Times for a Change, releasing on September 6, 2024. Throughout the episode, Tamar shares her journey into rock music, starting from her early days of self-teaching guitar in Chicago.

Influenced by pioneering female artists from the '80s and '90s, Tamar discusses how she evolved her sound while staying true to her confessional and storytelling roots. The conversation touches on various themes, including the impact of the pandemic on female artists, the role of social media in propelling female musicians forward, and the shifting dynamics of the music industry.

Tamar also offers a behind-the-scenes look at her new album, discussing its themes of grief, change, and the emotional landscape that inspired her latest work.

Intro Music: Birds Love Filters "Colorado" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/dqD_jMhZGqU⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: Speedway Sleeper "Snail Mail" - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/21-vX3bBagc⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Indie Musicians - check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com/⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

Resources:

Timeline:

00:00 - Episode Summary

01:31 - Tamar Berk's Perspective on the Diversification of Rock Music

27:30 - Female Rock Stars Can Cross Genres & Boundaries

38:49 - Good Times For A Change - The New Album from Tamar Berk

46:20 - "Good Impression" music video from Tamar Berk

49:16 - What Does Tamar Having Coming Up?

51:57 - What Tamar Hopes Will Happen for Female Rock Musicians

Get ready to dive into the world of New Aesthetic, the exciting pop punk band hailing from San Diego. Hosted by Isaac Kuhlman, this episode explores the band's journey, their music, and their vision for the future.

Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode, Isaac Kuhlman delves into the unique journey of Travis Johnides and Jeremy Quitko, the creative forces behind the acoustic punk band Bitters and Distractions.

Hailing from Long Island, New York, this duo defies conventional band setups by combining acoustic elements with punk energy, despite neither playing traditional drum or bass instruments.

Their story illustrates how passion, creativity, and authentic storytelling can transcend technical limitations to produce heartfelt music that resonates deeply.

Throughout the episode, Travis and Jeremy share insights into their collaboration, detailing how they blend their individual roles to create music that speaks to their life experiences, especially fatherhood and personal growth.

Intro Music: Birds Love Filters "Colorado" - ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/dqD_jMhZGqU⁠⁠

Outro Music: Speedway Sleeper "Snail Mail" - ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/21-vX3bBagc⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠

Indie Musicians - check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠

You can also learn more at ⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com/⁠

Key Takeaways:

* The power of collaboration: How Travis and Jeremy’s unique roles contribute to their authentic sound.

* The evolution of Bitters and Distractions: From initial meetings to the development of their punk-inspired acoustic style.

* Emotional storytelling: The significance of personal experiences and emotions in their songwriting.

* Overcoming limitations: The benefits and challenges of performing as a two-person band.

* Future projects: Insights into their latest EP and plans for more music releases.

Resources:

Timeline:

00:00 - Episode Introduction

00:49 - How Bitters and Distractions formed & started making music

08:07 - Bitters and Distractions decides to take the duo further

17:05 - What's the story behind Jeremy's Nicolas Cage T-shirt?

19:53 - The stories behind the songs

27:46 - The new EP - "The Home That Procrastination Built"

40:40 - What's the next act for Bitters and Distractions?

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Powered By Rock podcast, host Isaac Kuhlman dives into the intriguing journey of The Dreaded Laramie, a Nashville-based power pop indie rock band.

Isaac gets the inside scoop from band members MC and Zach regarding their unexpected success in raising $20,000 on Kickstarter for their debut LP.

The episode is a compelling mix of music industry insights, personal anecdotes, and valuable lessons for aspiring musicians and bands.

Isaac kicks off the conversation by highlighting the band's impressive achievement, discussing the expected financial difficulties of indie bands and how The Dreaded Laramie stood out by successfully crowdfunding their project.

The band members elaborate on their DIY approach, relentless pursuit of opportunities, and the importance of saying yes to challenges, reflecting a determination that sets them apart from their peers.

Key topics covered include the band's early years, the pivotal decisions that led to their momentum, and the strategy behind their ambitious crowdfunding campaign.

The discussion also touches on the recording experience with legendary producer Dave Schiffman, the professional yet enjoyable studio sessions, and the significance of his expertise in shaping their album.

As the conversation progresses, MC and Zach share the highs and lows of their journey, including a major lineup change right before their album release.

Despite these challenges, the band remains resilient, continuing to tour and work on new music.

This insightful episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication required to make it in the indie music scene.

The Dreaded Laramie is a power pop indie rock band based in Nashville, Tennessee. Formed by MC and Zach, who met during their collegiate years, the band has been active for eight years and has built a strong DIY ethos.

They’ve garnered attention recently by raising $20,000 through a Kickstarter campaign for their debut album, "Princesses Feedback," which they recorded with acclaimed producer Dave Schiffman.

Cover Photo Courtesy of @warrenmartian on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/warrenmartian/

48:43 - The Final Product - Princess Feedback Vinyl Reveal

Episode Summary:

From their rise in the 90s punk scene alongside bands like Blink 182 and Good Charlotte to their reunion after nearly two decades, this episode is a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Discover the band's early inspirations, the trials and tribulations they faced during their career, and the joyous experience of reuniting for a much-anticipated live performance.

The episode opens with a reflection on Homegrown's early years, highlighting their quick rise to fame with the release of "That's Business" in 1995.

John and Adam talk about their influences, such as NOFX and Green Day, and share anecdotes from their first tours.

Transitioning to their second album, "Act Your Age," they discuss the highs and lows of working with a major label and the impact of their drummer's health issues on their journey. Despite challenges, their dedication to music remained unwavering.

As the band navigated through label changes and personal transformations, Adam reveals reasons behind his departure and the eventual hiatus of Homegrown. However, the episode crescendos with excitement as the band members discuss their recent reunion show.

The camaraderie, the rapport with fans, and the vigor of performing together again after 19 years are reminisced upon with enthusiasm.