Shows
KRFC Live@LunchAndy Sydow and the Minor LeagueAmericana, rock, folk, singer-songwriter, Andy Sydow is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who's lyrics paint a picture of poetic realism. Touring consistently both solo and with his band (Andy Sydow & The Minor League), Sydow is known to sway an audience with acoustic guitar ballads, his surprising keyboard chops, and even sing a few numbers on his lap steel. He draws comparisons to voices like Paul Simon and Jackson Browne, mixed with a roots rock vibe reminiscent of Tom Petty or Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
2025-06-2057 min
Anywhere The Needle DropsAndy SydowAndy Sydow was the 2024 runner up in the Singer-Songwriter competition at The Acorn in Three Oaks. He returns in a few weeks to the venue for a headlining concert, featuring local support from Doug Harsch and Molly Cooper. See your chance to win free tickets below at the end of the show notes. Andy has been a finalist in multiple other competitions, inclduding the Telluride Troubadour Contest (2024), LEAF Songwriter Contest (2024), Kerrville New Folk Songwriter Competition (2023 & 2021), Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Songwriter Competition (2023), and International Songwriting Competition (2021). Andy joins Justin discuss those opportunities, his latest...
2025-04-1057 min
From The Green RoomAndy SydowAndy Sydow(@andysydowmusic / X)(Aired Thu 3/13/25) Singer, songwriter, composer - and avid baseball fan.Listen to Andy Sydow join Richard Winham for this episode of WUTC's "Live in the Library," recorded live downtown at the Chattanooga Public Library.
2025-03-1758 min
Live In The LibraryAndy SydowAndy Sydow(@andysydowmusic / X)(Aired Thu 3/13/25) Singer, songwriter, composer - and avid baseball fan.Listen to Andy Sydow join Richard Winham for this episode of WUTC's "Live in the Library," recorded live downtown at the Chattanooga Public Library.
2025-03-1758 min
MEIS Lynx CastAndy SydowPaul chats with Andy Sydow, a talented MEIS graduate, acclaimed songwriter, and dedicated musician carving out his path in Nashville's vibrant music scene. Known for his relentless work ethic and artistic passion, Andy recently relocated to Nashville to further his career, diving headfirst into the heart of the music industry.In this episode, Andy opens up about his journey, his commitment to songwriting, and his deep love for music. You'll also get to enjoy three of his original folk-inspired songs, highlighting his unique sound and heartfelt storytelling.
2024-12-0548 min
Dan Cable PresentsEpisode 429: Andy SydowAndy Sydow is a Nashville, TN based musician and singer songwriter. I chatted with Andy about how his songwriting and lyrics have evolved over the last 12 years of making records, the opportunity he had to record a new collection of tunes with one of his hero’s, Anders Osborne, how his ideals around success have changed, what has contributed to his sustainability in pursuing music as a career, and more.
To keep up with Andy Sydow, Distrokid, and the Dan Cable Presents Podcast, please check out the links below!
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2024-10-0458 min
The Soundtrack of Our Lives PodcastVol. 73 The Soundtrack of Andy SydowJoin us for an engaging conversation with musician Andy Sydow as he discusses his latest single "Follow the Rain Down," the inspiration behind its lyrics, and his collaboration with producer Anders Osborne. Andy shares insights into his songwriting process, memorable live performances, and the special role his mother played in creating the album artwork. He also offers advice on balancing creative control and reflects on the albums that have shaped his life, featuring artists like Paul Simon, Jackie Greene, and Anders Osborne.
Host: Mackayla Wiseman
Audio Editor: Mackayla Wiseman and Isabella Morcote
Script Writer...
2024-07-0843 min
Musicians Tip Jar96. How to Find Your Place Using Your Passions with Andy SydowToday we conclude our interview with Singer/Songwriter, Andy Sydow, and focus on how the journey is often full of small destinations that just lead you to the next path. You don’t need to just pick one thing and do only that, in fact, as small business owners and creatives, we always run our legs in different directions to build our passions. It is through this process and pursuit that we find our main goals often come into clearer focus.#finance Songwriting with Soldiers believes that together, we can empower veterans through music.In a few short ye...
2024-05-0739 minMusicians Tip Jar95. Connection Trumps Location with Andy SydowIn this conversation, Dave Tamkin and Chris Webb interview musician Andy Sydow. They discuss technical difficulties, reaching out to guests, preparing for interviews, upcoming gigs, and more. Andy shares his background and early musical influences, as well as his decision to pursue music as a career. They also talk about the challenges and rewards of being a full-time musician and booking gigs. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the music industry and the experiences of a professional musician. Andy Sydow discusses his journey as a full-time musician, including his transition to being a full-time musician, moving to Nashville, starting the...
2024-04-3038 min
Rock Paper PodcastEpisode 1074 - Andy Sydow (Singer Songwriter/Podcast Host)Andy Sydow returns! I always enjoy getting to catch up with my buddy Andy Sydow. He joins me on Zoom to discuss his latest project MEASURE 1 and his album release party coming up. He talks about this album being his 1st to be pressed to vinyl and how you can get yourself a copy. We also get into a little about his recent move from Denver to Nashville. When Andy isn't writing and recording music, he also hosts a podcast called Middle Class Rock Star so we talk a bit about a recent episode he recorded with Goldpine. ...
2024-02-201h 02
Middle Class Rock Star116. Sam BurchfieldI'm a big fan of Sam Burchfield's music. I was first introduced by a friend several months ago, and he's been in regular Spotify rotation since. We had a great conversation about tai chi, being a touring musician who is also present for their family (not just financially), gigs vs shows, and how Spotify actually CAN help an indie artist pay their bills.
If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to my YouTube Channel help out the most!
IF YOU'D LIKE TO...
2023-05-2352 minMiddle Class Rock Star110. Sunny WarSinger-songwriter, guitarist, and performer Sunny War is my guest this week.
Extreme emotions can make that battle all the more perilous, yet from such trials Sunny has crafted a set of songs that draw on a range of ideas and styles, as though she’s marshaling all her forces to get her ideas across: ecstatic gospel, dusty country blues, thoughtful folk, rip-roaring rock and roll, even avant garde studio experiments (like the collage of voices that closes “Shelter and Storm”). She melds them together into a powerful statement of survival, revealing a probing songwriter who indulges no comforting platitudes and a high...
2023-02-0256 minMiddle Class Rock Star109. Shane Smith (Shane Smith & The Saints)My guest this week is Shane Smith of Shane Smith & The Saints. It was great getting to catch up with Shane just a few weeks after my band (modestly titled, Andy Sydow) got to open for his band at a sold out Ogden Theatre in Denver. We first met back in 2018 when I got to do an opening slot for Shane Smith & The Saints at the Bluebird Theatre (also in Denver). I'm glad we've stayed in touch over the last few years and finally got to sit down to talk for a while.
In our conversation, we chat about growing...
2023-01-261h 06Middle Class Rock Star108. Kalyn BeasleyOn the heels of his new album, "A Matter of Time" (Sept 23, 2022), Kalyn Beasley is quickly becoming an established facet of the Wyoming and Montana country music scene. We met and became friends this past summer at the Red Lodge Songwriter Festival in Red Lodge, MT and the Yellowstone Songwriter Festival in his hometown of Cody, WY. Kalyn also holds the distinction of being my only podcast guest who has also interviewed me.
In our conversation, we talk about music and songwriting, rodeo, managing a book store, and getting a pilots license.
If you enjoy the podcast, please let others...
2023-01-111h 00Middle Class Rock Star107. David StarrDavid Starr keeps a busy schedule between touring and running his own music store (Starr's Guitars) in Cedaredge, CO. He also manages to consistently release music. His 2021 album, "Touchstones" features one original and 11 creatively interpreted cover songs. He released one song per month, following the "new school" path of releasing music. In 2020, Starr released "Beauty and Ruin," a concept album produced by John Oates (Hall & Oates) based on a book written by his grandfather. I think you'll enjoy our conversation!
If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple...
2023-01-0255 minMiddle Class Rock Star106. The AccidentalsThis weeks guests are Sav Buist and Katie Larson from The Accidentals. It's hard to know where to start when talking about the 3-piece Nashville based (by way of Traverse City, MI) punk-folk outfit. They've made an album and toured with a full orchestra, scored a film, received acclaim from NPR and Billboard, and collaborated with the likes of Tom Paxton, Mary Gauthier, Kim Richey, and Dar Williams. On top of that, Sav just won the overall grand prize in the USA Songwriting Competition. I think you'll enjoy our conversation!
IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY...
2022-12-2459 minMiddle Class Rock Star104. SubmitHub Founder Jason Grishkoff Discusses Competitors and New FeaturesIt was great to have Jason Grishkoff back on the podcast this week. The last time we talked, (April 2020) the world was just learning about Zoom, which opened me up to the possibility of interviewing people not just outside of my room, but on the other side of the world. Jason, who resides in South Africa, founded Indie Shuffle about 15 years ago as an avid music fan. He used his knowledge as a coder and web developer to create his own easy-to-use blog site. At its peak, (2013) Indie Shuffle was getting 6 million listens per month and churning out nearly 10 music...
2022-12-141h 04Middle Class Rock Star103. Seven Pound ThesaurusThis week I got to chat with my pal, Bryan Reynolds. Reynolds, who goes by Seven Pound Thesaurus when dealing with all things music, is a Washington based singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. We first met at the Durango Songwriters Expo back in Ventura back in February and immediately hit it off. Bryan is all about the song. From the weave of the lyrics, to the vocal melody, to the production and seeing the song come to life, his focus is on the song.
In our conversation, we chat about his start and his first cuts with Emmy-nominated songwriter and...
2022-12-071h 00Middle Class Rock Star102. Ever More NestA native of North Louisiana, Ever More Nest’s Kelcy Wilburn (“Kelcy Mae”) is as equally influenced by the gospel, country, and blues of her Bible Belt hometown as she is by the emotional rawness of the artists that consumed her generation: Cranberries, Counting Crows, Tori Amos, Radiohead, et al. At 18, she moved to New Orleans, where open-mindedness and acceptance gave her the freedom to be herself and to find her voice. As a student of creative writing, she fostered a love of language evident across her early releases as Kelcy Mae and across Ever More Nest’s debut and sophomor...
2022-12-0156 min
Middle Class Rock Star101. Taylor AbrahamseMy guest this week is Canadian singer-songwriter, Taylor Abrahamse. Our paths first crossed virtually last year when we were both finalists in the Kerrville New Folk Songwriters Competition (Taylor was a winner!). We had the pleasure of meeting in person when he stayed with me and my wife back in August during his pilgrimage west to see South Park at Red Rocks.
Our conversation is filled with an array of topics (such as our mutual love for Randy Newman), but the core of this episode explores the tale of Taylor and his friend, Bryn Scott-Grimes, attempting to save their beloved...
2022-11-1855 minMiddle Class Rock Star100. Kyle Rasche of Chain of LakesWe made it!! Episode 100! A big thanks to all the support that's been given to this podcast over the last four years.
My guest for this centennial episode is Michigan based singer-songwriter, Kyle Rasche of Chain of Lakes. Our paths first crossed last year when we were both finalists in the Kerrville New Folk Songwriters Competition. Neither of us were winners, but Kyle got a second shot this year, as he was named a finalist yet again! The competition will take place at Kerrville Folk Festival at the end of this month.
During our conversation, we chat about many things...
2022-05-1959 minMiddle Class Rock Star99. Jacob LarsonThis week, I caught up with my old friend, Jacob Larson. Though we've both been around the Denver music scene for quite some time, our history connects more through Little League baseball. Jacob is my little brothers age, and I was both an assistant coach on my brothers teams as well as an umpire in the league for several years. Egan (my brother) and Jacob were teammates at one point and I got to know him and his family through weekly practices and games.
In the music realm, Jacob leads his own group, Jacob Larson Band, a funk and soul...
2022-04-281h 04Middle Class Rock Star98. Shanna In A Dress (Returns)Shanna and I had much to catch up on during her second interview on Middle Class Rock Star. She and I first sat down over zoom and chatted back in June of 2020 (episode 44). At that time, Shanna was living in Boulder and was in the midst of winning nearly every notable songwriter competition, including the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Competition.
Now, she's living in Nashville (she moved almost 6 months ago) and is finding her stride and place in music city, while also touring all corners of the country, writing songs, and keeping up with her nearly 250 Patreon patrons.
During our...
2022-04-1356 minMiddle Class Rock Star97. Joe Lentini (Tour Manager)My guest this week is Nashville based tour manager, Joe Lentini. As of late, Joe has been touring the country working as the tour manager for Daniel Donato. Prior to joining Donato's team, he interned at Relix Magazine and the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville.
This podcast episode was truly unique in the way it all came together. I was in Nashville playing a couple gigs in early March. On my off day, I went out to discover a new brewery. What I found was Southern Grist in east Nashville (highly recommend!). As I sat drinking my beer and writing in...
2022-04-0652 minMiddle Class Rock Star96. Sweet VirginiaMy guest this week is Colorado based singer-songwriter and performer, Sweet Virginia. Leading up to her debut record (out April 29 on Gitcha Records), Sweet Virginia has two singles out, "Blue Skies" (Feb 18, 2022) and "Hallelujah, Michael" (March 18, 2022).
During our conversation, we chat about the process of making a record, songwriting, promoting yourself, and hair.
If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as well as subscribing to my YouTube Channel help me out the most!!
IF YOU'D LIKE TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST IN A MONETARY WAY, I'M NOW...
2022-03-2448 minMiddle Class Rock Star95. Max Hass (Entertainment and Copyright Lawyer)My guest this week is entertainment and copyright lawyer, Max Hass. After attending school at Tulane in New Orleans, Max did anything except for law to start his career in the music business. Instead, he worked in almost every other part of the industry as a performer, promoter, manager, and more. After settling in Colorado, Max joined Parlatore Law Group as a partner. His focus is intellectual property and entertainment law, as well as copyright & trademark law, business law, intellectual property litigation, and commercial litigation. In addition, he recently began working as a booking agent at Loose Leaf Talent Agency...
2022-03-031h 08Middle Class Rock Star94. Marcus TrummerI first met Marcus at The Blues Can in Calgary. I was traveling through town with my band after playing a week long residency at Blues On Whyte in Edmonton, AB. The next time through town, Marcus sat in with my band and played guitar for a set. At the time he was only about 19 or so! Fast forward a couple of years, and Marcus is calling me saying that he's on a "right of passage" road trip through America and is coming through Denver. We got together for coffee, then he came back to my place and we recorded...
2022-02-2448 minMiddle Class Rock Star93. Erin RaeMy guest today is Nashville based singer-songwriter and performer, Erin Rae. She joins me on the show just days after releasing her latest album, "Lighten Up" (Feb 4, 2022). Produced by Jonathan Wilson (Father John Misty, Billy Strings, Conor Oberst, Erin Rae) and distributed by Thirty Tigers, "Lighten Up" gives us a modern yet retro take on indie folk music.
Erin has been making a name for herself in the scene for several years now touring both solo and with a band, and opening for acts like Jason Isbell, Dawes, and Hiss Golden Messenger.
During our conversation, we chat about the new...
2022-02-1842 minMiddle Class Rock Star92. Sam RobbinsMy guest this week is Nashville based singer-songwriter and performer, Sam Robbins. Sam and I first became acquainted through the 2021 Kerrville New Folk Songwriters Competition. We were both selected as finalists, and Sam was one of the six winners. We've had a steady back and forth conversation happening on Facebook for the past few months, so it was great to finally sit down and talk with him for a while.
During our conversation, Sam talks about auditioning for The Voice, attending Berklee College of Music, his transitional move to Nashville, house concerts/touring, and songwriting. We also chat about his...
2022-02-141h 02Middle Class Rock Star91. Tony Mason ReturnsI've known Tony Mason for quite some time. He was one of, if not the first person to put me in a real venue as a college student at CU Denver. A lot of local musicians can say that about Tony. He started off by putting together shows under his promotion company name, Tone Dynamix, then moved on to be the talent buyer at Herman's Hideaway, and eventually became the senior talent buyer for Lost Lake, Larimer Lounge, and Globe Hall.
The last time Tony was on the podcast was the last episode I did in person before the pandemic...
2022-02-0957 minMiddle Class Rock Star90. Pura FéMy guest today is Canadian based singer and songwriter Pura Fé. Pura Fé, whose name means "Pure Faith," was born in New York City and an heir to the Tuscarora Indian Nation. She is an artist, an activist, and much more. Her musical journey, running the gamut from folk to mainstream through an artful use of the blues, reflects the concerns of an artist who grew up in the Motown era, while citing Buffy Sainte-Marie, Charley Patton and Joni Mitchell as her true mentors. And, more widely, “traditional music from all over the world, wherever the spirit is connected to our...
2022-01-2853 min
Middle Class Rock Star89. Bruce SwanMy guest today is Asheville, NC based DJ, Bruce Swan. Bruce went to college after of high school and earned his degree just a few short years later. Or at least that's what he thought. Nearly 25 years later, he was informed that he didn't quite finish and would need to go back to fulfill his final requirements. Upon his return to Hunter College in New York, NY, he discovered the college radio station, WHCS. He filled out an application and went in for an interview, and at the age of 50, began his career as a radio DJ.
Since his time...
2022-01-2058 minMiddle Class Rock Star88. Ray BonnevilleMy guest today is award winning singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player, Ray Bonneville. When it comes to playing rack harmonica, Ray might just be as good as it gets. To accompany his truth telling lyrics, he's able to seamlessly pull off complicated finger picking patterns and play elaborate counter melodies on the harmonica between verses.
Often called a “song and groove man,” Bonneville has lived the life of the itinerant artist. From his native Quebec, he moved to Boston at age twelve, where he learned English and picked up piano and guitar. Later, he served in Vietnam and earned a pilo...
2022-01-1355 minMiddle Class Rock Star87. Joe MichaelsMy guest today is Colorado based producer, Joe Michaels. Though residing in the town of Broomfield (northwest of Denver) Joe does a large portion of his work at Dockside Studio in Maurice, LA. (I was first put in contact with Joe because I was heading to Dockside to record a record in July of 2021 and had a couple of questions about the studio). He's been taking bands and various collaborations there to record for years. We chat about some of his experiences at Dockside, his early life first getting into the music industry as a young teenager, various artists he's...
2022-01-0655 minMiddle Class Rock Star86. Abby PosnerMy guest today is LA based singer-songwriter, performer, and composer, Abby Posner. As a solo artist, Posner considers herself to be "genre-fluid" mixing elements of folk, roots, pop, soul, and bluegrass into her music. She's also a successful composer, having scored four films: Across Land Across Sea, Through Their Eyes, Elizabeth Sees, and Lady Buds (2021).
At the end of the episode, we get a live performance of her song, Wishing Well, off of her new album, "Kisbee Ring."
If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and reviews on Apple Music as...
2021-12-301h 11Middle Class Rock Star84. Ordinary ElephantWelcome to season 4 of Middle Class Rock Star! It was nice having a break, but I'm excited to bring a bunch of new, wonderful guests to the show this season.
This first episode of the new season (84th overall) features Crystal and Pete Damore (Duh-more)of Ordinary Elephant. The Louisiana based husband and wife folk duo is a melting pot of their favorite influences(such as Gillian Welch, Guy Clark, and Anais Mitchell)yet have a sound that is completely their own.
During our conversation, we discuss touring and life on the road, leaving the stability of a day job...
2021-12-0958 min
Middle Class Rock Star83. Nic Clark Releases Children's AlbumMy guest today is singer-songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica dude, Nic Clark. Nic is the "chairman" of the Middle Class Rock Star guests. He's been on the show more than anyone. Five times to be exact. Three times as a guest, and twice as a co-host (17. David Dondero and 68. Mickey Raphael).
His accomplishments include playing harmonica with Big Head Todd & The Monsters at Red Rocks, being a finalist in the International Blues Competition, and being the best cheerleader for all of his musical friends.
His new full-length release, Love Your Life: Songs for the Whole Family, is the "Shrek" of children's...
2021-08-071h 07Middle Class Rock Star82. Pamela MachalaMy guest today is singer-songwriter and pianist, Pamela Machala. We first met through the dueling pianos company, Howl At The Moon in Denver. I trained there for about six months but decided to go a different direction. Pamela joined the team after I left, but since my roommate at the time was still playing there, I got to know her through him. She eventually left the gig as well to pursue a solo career as a songwriter.
(copying from her website):
The Boulder, Colorado-based singer/songwriter calls her latest album Something Simple. It’s a milestone artistic feat that has on...
2021-07-301h 05Middle Class Rock Star81. Armando Lopez (Brothers of Brass)My guest today is saxophonist, clarinetist, and founding member of Brothers of Brass, Armando Lopez. Armando and I go back to our teenage years. I had just joined the acclaimed dixieland jazz ensemble at CU Denver, The Claim Jumpers, at the beginning of my sophomore year. Armando (just finishing high school at the time) joined us on reeds and blew everyone away. He was very comfortable with his instrument, and spoke the style fluently. As someone just learning about traditional jazz, I listened to a lot of what he was doing on the other side of the room.
It's been...
2021-07-231h 04Middle Class Rock Star80. Todd SmallieMy guest today is bassist, Todd Smallie. After his family moved to Atlanta at the age of 14, Todd got very involved with the local scene and attended the Atlanta Institute of Music, where he got to learn from the likes of Jimmy Herring. Connections with Herring, Tinsley Ellis, Col. Bruce Hampton, and others led him to an audition with The Derek Trucks Band in his early 20s. He toured and recorded with Derek up until 2010 when Derek teamed up with Susan Tedeschi to start Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Todd didn't sit stagnant for too long, as he started playing with JJ...
2021-07-1043 minMiddle Class Rock Star79. Héctor AnchondoMy guest today is Omaha based blues guitarist and singer, Hector Anchondo. Though he's been in the scene for two decades, Hector's name was finally heard around the globe when he took home first place in the 2020 International Blues Challenge (solo/duo). He also won the Memphis Cigar Box Award for best solo/duo guitarist.
We had a great conversation about his upbringing, his love for blues, an 18 month tenure in Chicago, living on the road, and the International Blues Challenge (IBC).
He's a really cool dude. You're gonna like him a lot!
If you enjoy the podcast, please let...
2021-07-021h 15Middle Class Rock Star78. Chuck BrodskyMy guest today is North Carolina based singer and songwriter, Chuck Brodsky. I first heard about Chuck through our mutual friend, Jeff Lionz. Jeff, who knows about my undying love for baseball, sent me a couple of Chuck's CD's (The Baseball Ballads and The Baseball Ballads 2) in the mail. I put them both in my car and listened on drives for the next two months. I was taken by the stories and the amount of thought and research that was put into each lyric. In addition, all his songs seemed to give life to unsung heroes of the game. Rather...
2021-06-251h 14Middle Class Rock Star77. Brent Loveday (Reno Divorce)My guest today is Brent Loveday of Reno Divorce and Brent Loveday and the Dirty Dollars. When Reno Divorce first formed in Florida in the mid-90s, no one would have guessed that they'd go on to become one of the best known punk rock bands that Colorado has ever seen. Over the last two decades, Reno Divorce has been voted "Best Punk Rock Band" in Denver Westword four times, and has toured all over the world.
Their most recent album, "Outsider! Escape from Berlin (Live)" was released on June 1. It's Reno Divorce's first ever live album, and it was...
2021-06-181h 00Middle Class Rock Star76. Andy Baker (Song Analysis, Songwriting Competitions, Balancing Music with a Day Job)My guest today is award winning singer-songwriter, veterinarian, and all around cool dude, Andy Baker. I only first met Andy a few weeks ago through the Kerrville New Folk Songwriters Competition. I was chosen as a finalist this year, and Andy (one of last year's winners) was put in a facebook group with all of this year's finalists as a mentor figure. I caught wind that he was headed to Colorado for a work convention in Ft. Collins and was planning to live stream with Shanna in a Dress (also a Kerrville winner last year, and was on episode 44 of...
2021-06-131h 25Middle Class Rock Star75. AJ CroceMy guest today is singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, AJ Croce. Though AJ is an accomplished songwriter, his new release, By Request, is an album of all covers. As a piano player who grew up playing in piano bars and with bands almost every night of the week, he had the entire American songbook at his disposal. The track listing ranges from Billy Preston to Neil Young.
AJ was very open and frank in our conversation. We chatted about piano styles and production choices, previous collaborators, and what it was like losing his vision as a four year old. We also talked...
2021-06-0459 min
Middle Class Rock Star74. Greg Garrison (Leftover Salmon)My guest today is Leftover Salmon bassist, Greg Garrison. He was also a founding member of Punch Brothers, and has played alongside some of the best musicians in the bluegrass, jazz, and Americana worlds. His performance credits include: Lyle Lovett, Bill Frisell, Chris Thile, Bryan Sutton, Jerry Douglas, and Sam Bush.
I first met Greg as a student at CU Denver back in 2012. I was in my junior year as a jazz piano major, and Greg was filling in for a teacher who was out on sabbatical. He taught my jazz ensemble course and was such a great fit that...
2021-05-2854 minMiddle Class Rock Star73. Drew Emmitt (Leftover Salmon)My guest today is founding member of Leftover Salmon, Drew Emmitt. The band formed in 1989, and has spent the last three decades successfully blending bluegrass, rock, country, and Cajun/Zydeco music.
On the heels of Leftover Salmon's new album, "Brand New Good Old Days" (May 7), Drew and I chat about the recording process, the interesting choice in cover songs on the record, how the industry has changed, and what it's like to leave a legacy as one of the pioneering bands in their genre.
If you enjoy the podcast, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings...
2021-05-2145 minMiddle Class Rock Star72. John MacyMy guest today is recording engineer, producer, and pedal steel guitarist, John Macy. John has the distinction of being the "most mentioned" person of all time on this podcast. I don't have an exact count, but he seems to be a part of everyone's story. Whether they recorded with John, played with him, or inturned at one of his studios, he's had an unmistakable impact on the Colorado scene and beyond.
In our conversation, we chat about grammy nominations, pedal steel players, the Colorado music scene in the 70s and 80s, mixing/mastering philosophies, his record label and baseball.
If...
2021-05-1357 minMiddle Class Rock Star71. Mark OblingerMy guest today is singer-songwriter, performer, producer, and composer, Mark Oblinger. I love chatting with people who have done several things to make ends meet in the music biz. I suppose that's most of us these days, but Mark really has done it all.
He's composed music for Oprah, produced records for other artists, worked on children's records, written songs for other artists, and sang backing vocals for the likes of Garth Brooks. He's also done stints singing in notable bands like Pure Prairie League and Firefall.
In 2019, he finally put out a record under his own name titled, High...
2021-05-071h 08Middle Class Rock Star70. Hazel MillerMy guest today is gospel/blues/pop singer and Colorado music mainstay, Hazel Miller. I don't know a hometown music scene without Hazel Miller. I've lived in Colorado pretty much my whole life, and she's always been at the center of the scene. She's performed worldwide with her band, played with Big Head Todd & The Monsters, backed up Al Green, James Taylor, and James Brown, and sang for four sitting presidents. In 2008, Hazel was even recognized as one of the 150 people who make Denver a better place to live.
During our conversation, we chat about how she first came up...
2021-04-2953 minMiddle Class Rock Star69. Chris ZacherMy guest today is Levitt Pavilion Denver founder, Chris Zacher. I really wanted to chat with someone who is making a difference in my local music community here in Denver. Chris has been an advocate for art, community, and live music in Denver since 2006 when he served as the Treasurer for City Park Jazz in downtown Denver.
Between 2006 and 2014, Zacher worked as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of City Park Jazz. In 2012, he founded Levitt Pavilion Denver, an outdoor concert venue in Ruby Hill Park that hosts 50+ free concerts every summer.
In addition to serving as the Executive Director of...
2021-04-2238 minMiddle Class Rock Star68. Mickey RaphaelMy guest today is Mickey Rapahel. Although perhaps best known as Willie Nelson's touring harmonica player since 1973, he's not synonymous with any one thing he's done in his career. As a session musician or side person, Mickey has collaborated with the likes of: Jason Isbell, Townes Van Zandt, Chris Stapleton, Jerry Jeff Walker, Tom Morello, Paul Simon, Snoop Dogg, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Emmylou Harris, Leon Russell, Elton John, Mötley Crüe, Zac Brown Band, Dave Matthews... the list goes on.
In the episode, we chat about how he first got into the harmonica, how ly...
2021-04-1556 minMiddle Class Rock Star67. Caroline StumpMy guest today is Caroline Stump, a singer-songwriter and licensing administrator at Warner Music Group out of Nashville, TN.
After growing up in Iowa, Caroline found home in Denver when she discovered the singer-songwriter program at CU Denver. Upon graduation in spring of 2020, she accepted a position in Nashville, TN at Warner Music Group as a Licensing Administrator for Atlantic Records.
On March 26, 2021, Caroline released her debut solo effort, Navy. In our conversation, we talk about her brand new release, depression, her job at Warner, and the balancing act of being a creative who also works a day job in...
2021-04-081h 00Middle Class Rock Star66. Phil CookPhil Cook is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer based in Durham, North Carolina. He has composed music for Bon Iver, Kanye West, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Hiss Golden Messenger, among others, as well as contributed to studio recordings for Bruce Hornsby, Amy Ray (The Indigo Girls), The Mountain Goats, Kathleen Edwards, Matthew E White and more.
I first saw Phil live at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival back in 2019. He also performed with Hiss Golden Messenger. I had been a fan of both Phil and HGM for a while, so finally getting to see both of...
2021-04-0258 minMiddle Class Rock Star65. Nick Sullivan (The Keep Recording and Consonance Publishing)My guest this week is Grammy nominated audio engineer, Nick Sullivan. He's also the co-owner of The Keep Recording and Consonance Publishing, both based in Denver, CO. Since opening their doors in 2014, Nick (along with his business partner, Jeff Kanan) have produced, engineered, mixed and mastered hundreds of records.
One thing that I find unique about Nick, is that he is both fully involved with the creative side of music, as well as the business side. Not that this should be a rare quality... Most artists have to wear multiple hats. The thing that sets Nick apart is his ability...
2021-03-251h 03Middle Class Rock Star64. Chris DanielsMy guest today is Grammy nominated, Colorado Music Hall of Fame inductee, Chris Daniels. Chris has absolutely done it all. As a 29 year old aspiring to do so much, I look at someone like Chris with his world of wisdom, and I can only hope to be like him when I grow up. He's toured with his band, Chris Daniels & The Kings for 37 years. He's backed up artists like Bonnie Raitt, Garth Brooks, and Sonny Landreth. He's had a record produced by Al Kooper. He's been signed to record labels overseas. The list goes on...
I first met Chris during...
2021-03-1859 min
Middle Class Rock Star63. Alec Wenzel with special guest Camilla Vaitaitis (Specific Ocean)Today's guest is (primarily) my pal, Alec Wenzel. The conversation actually starts off with both Alec and his Specific Ocean bandmate, Camilla Vaitaitis. This episode took three Zoom videos to complete and honestly, it was poor planning on my part. Alec is a dear friend, so I didn't ask him to be on the podcast weeks in advance. I just said, "Dude, wanna do an episode tomorrow?" And that was that. The timing was perfect right then though, because I wanted to discuss his band's new single, Unity Effect. However, that couldn't properly be accomplished without the presence of Specific...
2021-03-111h 07Middle Class Rock Star62. Taylor ScottToday's guest is songwriter, performer, and virtuoso guitarist, Taylor Scott. We go back 8ish years to the Snowy Range Music Festival in Laramie, WY (RIP!). We met through our mutual friend, Nic Clark (episodes 5 and 31), and ended up forming a "songwriter in round" group called, Sydow, Scott & Clark. We never broke up, we just stopped playing shows.
Taylor spent his earliest years in St. Louis, MO before moving to Cheyenne, WY with his family as a kid. At the age of nine, he became enamored with the guitar, and discovered he was pretty good at it too. He was invited...
2021-03-051h 20Middle Class Rock Star61. Shawn Eckels (Andy Frasco & The U.N., Evil Dave)Today's guest is touring guitarist and songwriter, Shawn Eckels. He's perhaps known best in the Colorado scene as the longtime touring guitarist in Andy Frasco & The U.N. (Note: Andy Frasco was on episode 43 of this podcast, and their day-to-day manager, Brody Danger was on episode 9 and 57). Aside from his work with the U.N., Eckels has been making a name for himself as a touring artist since the 90s when he traveled the country with his Springfield, Missouri based group, Speakeasy. That band played the first Wakarusa Festival and toured with the likes of Umphrey's McGee and JJ Grey...
2021-02-261h 01Middle Class Rock Star60. Hannah Madison Taylor (Music Supervisor - Nashville)EPISODE 60! After this past year, any episode that ends in zero is reason to celebrate for me.
My guest today is Nashville based music supervisor, Hannah Madison Taylor. She's doing what she loves, but her journey has been far from a straight line. A self-described, "accidental actress," Hannah moved to LA for work in the music biz, but found herself cast in all kinds of acting roles. Besides playing parts in Pitch Perfect and Cowgirl Up, she was also a hand double for Kelly Clarkson in a Nokia Lumia commercial.
During her time in LA, Hannah also worked as the...
2021-02-181h 22Middle Class Rock Star59. Andy EpplerMy guest today is Colorado based artist, Andy Eppler. I think I have an affinity for booking Andys on my show. Could I be slightly biased? This particular Andy (who sometimes goes by "Ando") truly embodies the word, artist. He writes songs, he sings, he produces, he paints (very well I might add), does liquid light, and even directs films.
In our conversation, we chat about his new album, Broke-Down Deluxe. Besides his Tom Waits style vocals and funk production leanings, Eppler sets himself apart in two other distinct ways:
1. He kicks the lead singer (himself) out of the band...
2021-02-121h 09Middle Class Rock Star58. Antonio LopezMy guest today is Longmont, CO based singer-songwriter, Antonio Lopez. His new record was released on January 1, and it's already being talked about as a potential nominee for best Colorado album of 2021. Roots and Wings is a personal album to say the least. The title track talks of his mother giving him roots, and his father giving him wings. If you're somebody who listens to lyrics, you'll find songs stemming from his upbringing in Alamosa, CO. If you're a passive gym listener, you'll at the very least find yourself googling whether or not Ford released any cars in 1942.
One thing...
2021-02-041h 08Middle Class Rock Star57. Brody Danger (7S Management & Drag Performer)My guest today is Denver-based drag performer and 7S artist manager, Brody Danger. This is Brody's second time Middle Class Rock Star Podcast. The first was way back on episode 9 (Rachel Miller - 7S Management). A veteran artist manager, Brody works with the likes of Hiss Golden Messenger, Erin Rae, Andy Frasco and Lucero. Though they are well suited for the music business, Danger has always wanted to live the fantasy of a performer as well. Several years ago, Brody started performing all over Denver as an air guitaring, knee-sliding drag phenom that forces audiences to rethink gender norms, while...
2021-01-2843 minMiddle Class Rock Star56. ELLSWORTHMy guest today is Megan Rose Ellsworth. She's from the small mountain community of Sisters, Oregon, a place bursting at the seams with music and art. She's been singing all her life, and was taught guitar by her dad at the age of eight. After high school, she moved to Denver, CO to pursue a B.A in Music Business and Songwriting from the University of Colorado at Denver. During her college years, she started a band called Sister Neapolitan with her friends, Katie Smith and Alana Margolis. The band features stellar three part harmonies and sound like they belong...
2021-01-2151 minMiddle Class Rock Star55. Caitlin CannonMy guest today is first time Middle Class Rock Star guest, Caitlin Cannon. We first met on a gig together at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, CO on a Halloween night a few years back. To this day, it's the longest (and spookiest) soundcheck I've ever been a part of.
Her newest release, a full length titled, The TrashCannon Album, finds clever wordplay tackling what Caitlin calls the “inner garbage” we all have, but tend to hide away. Throughout its twelve tracks, Cannon shines a light on hard truths –a batch of songs that confronts alcoholism and addiction, dishonesty in rel...
2021-01-141h 01Middle Class Rock Star54. Cary Morin ReturnsWith qualities ranging from blues to jazz, country and americana, Cary Morin is perhaps one of the best finger pickers on the circuit today. He has been touring internationally for decades, including performances at Paris Jazz Festival, Winter Park Jazz Festival, Folk Alliance International and the Copenhagen Blues Festival. He's won many prestigious awards including an Independent Music Award for Best Blues CD (Cradle to the Grave), 2018 International Songwriting Competition Honorable Mention, and a 2017 Indigenous Music Award for Best Blues CD (Cradle to the Grave). Also... he has a standing invitation to stay at David Bromberg's place whenever he's in...
2021-01-071h 08Middle Class Rock Star53. BEST OF 2020!BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.
No guest this week! Or actually, a whole lot of guests. It's a little misleading though. It's not actually all "the best" of 2020, rather, just the episodes that I edited together for Chris K's Colorado Playlist. I took those 6ish minute segments and put them all together into a full episode. These are some of my favorite moments from (in no particular order): Jeremy Lawton (Big Head Todd & The Monsters), Julia Mendiolea (Y La Bamba, Inner Oceans), Andy...
2021-01-011h 21Middle Class Rock Star52. Jeremy Lawton (Big Head Todd & The Monsters)BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.
My guest this week is Jeremy Lawton, Big Head Todd & The Monsters keyboardist and lap steel player. He grew up in the small town of Center, CO, where his father was a potato farmer. Jeremy showed an aptitude for music early on and began taking lessons. Eventually, they started driving to Colorado Springs for lessons and after high school he moved to Denver to study music at DU. During and after college, Jeremy played in several bands and...
2020-12-181h 17
The Songwriter DiariesAndy SydowAmericana, rock, alternative country singer-songwriter Andy Sydow is a jack-of-all-trades. Throughout the course of a show he's known to croon an audience with acoustic guitar ballads, play a few shredding slide guitar solos and even sit down at the keys to show off his surprising boogie-woogie piano chops.
Sydow draws comparisons to voices like Paul Simon and Jackson Browne, mixed with a roots rock vibe reminiscent of Tom Petty or Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. He is a serious songwriter, though occasionally uses satire to get his point across.
Sydow's newest release, Wicked Dreams is...
2020-12-1532 minMiddle Class Rock Star51. Dango RoseBIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.
My guest this week is Elephant Revival founding member, Dango Rose. For seventeen years, Dango traveled nationally and internationally in touring bands. In 2006, he co-founded Elephant Revival and spent eleven years performing and recording with this influential outfit that pioneered the genre, “Transcendental Folk.” Rose penned band favorites like, When I Fall, The Pasture, Jet Lag Blues and others. Since Elephant Revival decided to go on hiatus in May 2018, Dango has taken refuge in the recording studio while focu...
2020-12-1058 minMiddle Class Rock Star50. Sarah SlatonBIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.
This is a very special episode. The big number 50! A special thanks to all our listeners, all the guests, and Patrick Badgley at PQ Mastering for putting this all together with me.
My guest this week is Sarah Slaton. Since she moved to Colorado over a decade ago, Sarah has established herself as a mainstay in the local scene. In 2014, she started the band Edison, which saw big success around the country almost immediately. During their four year...
2020-12-0356 minMiddle Class Rock Star49. Patrick Sites (Whitewater Ramble)BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado via Chris K's radio show, The Colorado Playlist.
My guest this week is Whitewater Ramble founder and front person, Patrick Sites. He grew up in Idaho in a very americana friendly family. His father is a 9 time National Fiddle Champion. (NOTE: I misspoke in the monologue of the show. I misunderstood and said that Patrick's father, Joe Sites, was a nine time National Fiddle Champion AND Grand Master Fiddle Champion. It is in fact his wife, Jacie Sites, who is the Grand Master Fiddle Champion. Sorry...
2020-11-191h 30Middle Class Rock Star48. COVID Indie Artist Update with 45 Year Colorado Radio Vet Chris K.BIG NEWS FOR MIDDLE CLASS ROCK STAR! We're now reaching 25 FM frequencies throughout Colorado. More info in the episode!
This week I'm welcoming back 45 year Colorado radio vet, Chris K., who has lots of interesting tidbits in the midst of this pandemic. If you'd like to hear our first conversation, check out episode 7: King of Colorado Music Radio, Chris K (Goat).
Chris K, who also goes by the name, Goat, has been a known radio personality in Colorado since 1977. That's right, this man lived through snail mail disco submissions! OOF! Goat has been on countless different stations since the 70s...
2020-11-121h 06Middle Class Rock Star47. Alex Rhodes - A Music Career Alongside Being a ParentAlex Rhodes is my guest today on the pod. We first met up for coffee (tea for me, I hate coffee) about a year and a half ago. He had a collection of songs recorded and wanted to bounce ideas back and forth about what to do next. The songs are great. The lyrics are great. The vibe is there. Now what? I ask myself this same question every time I do anything. To top it off, Alex is working on growing his music career alongside being a good husband and father. As if "making it" wasn't hard enough, try...
2020-10-311h 00
Middle Class Rock Star46. Julia Mendiolea (Y La Bamba, Inner Oceans, College Homies!)Julia Mendiolea is my guest today to start off what some might call, "Season 3." I don't technically divide this show up into seasons, but I do take a break every summer. Julia and I go back. Wayyy back. About as far back as a musician in their twenties can go. We met the very first day of college as aspiring music majors at the University of Colorado at Denver. She moved to Denver from the small town of Green River, WY (coincidentally, I'm writing these very show notes in Green River) and was the first female guitar major that UCD...
2020-10-151h 23Middle Class Rock Star45. Megan BurttIt was great catching up with my old friend, Megan Burtt. I first became aware of her music when she was a guest speaker at CU Denver's weekly convocation (a required class for all music performance majors) back in.... 2010? Over the last decade, she has established herself as one of the best songwriters in Denver and around the country. She has won lots of awards for her performances and writing including: Rocky Mountain Folk Festival, Kerrville NewFolk Competition, Mountain NewSong Competition and Westword Best Singer/Songwriter.
In our conversation, we talk about her travels to places like Mississippi and New...
2020-07-101h 08Middle Class Rock Star44. Shanna In A DressMy guest this week is Boulder-based singer/songwriter and performer, Shanna In A Dress. The first paragraph of her bio is a perfect introduction: "Shanna in a Dress is your quirky best friend who refuses to wear pants. She says what everyone is thinking but no one else will say and you'll get an uncensored journey of clever humor and heartbreak with a hefty side of entertainment at her shows. This witty wordsmith is known for making audiences laugh and cry, sometimes in the same song. Think Jason Mraz mixed with Ingrid Michaelson with a twist of Phoebe Buffay from...
2020-07-021h 21Middle Class Rock Star43. Andy FrascoIf you're looking for a wholesome average rock concert, don't go see Andy Frasco & The U.N. The first time we met, I sat in with his band at Globe Hall in Denver. I was the opening act and during his set, his keyboard broke. He didn't seem to dwell on it too much. Instead, he kindly asked me if I would set mine up and hop on stage with the U.N. The show didn't stop or anything to set up my keyboard. I just jumped up and started playing. Within a couple of minutes, I had beer dumped...
2020-06-251h 08Middle Class Rock Star42. Fran Snyder (Listening Room Network/Concerts In Your Home)This episode has something for music lovers and musicians/songwriters alike. I chat with Fran Snyder, founder of Concerts In Your Home and the Listening Room Network. Both are sites dedicated to bringing quality listening room concerts to fans. If you're a music lover, you can sign up on the site to host house concerts. If you're a musician, you can fill out an application to become a part of the network of musicians. Careful though, songwriters! Only 30% of applicants get accepted on their first try. Both venues and artists are carefully vetted by a team to make sure that...
2020-06-181h 14Middle Class Rock Star41. Isabeau Waia'u WalkerTo start the podcast, I share a few brief thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement and also share a passage from previous podcast guest, Anthony Farrell of Austin-based band, The Greyhounds. This episode was originally supposed to air on June 4, but we decided to push it back one airing date to June 11 to join with our brothers and sisters in the music industry in support of Black Out Tuesday. #theshowmustbestopped
My conversation this week was with Portland recording artist, Isabeau Waia'u Walker. Walker grew up in Hawaii and as a young adult made her way to Portland to pursue...
2020-06-111h 42Middle Class Rock Star40. A.J. FullertonA long overdue conversation with my buddy, A.J. Fullerton. We met several years ago at a Colorado Blues Society function at the Buffalo Rose in Golden, CO. He wasn't yet old enough to hold a beer and I barely was (and likely taking full advantage of the opportunity). I don't recall thinking I'd see him around much, but we kept bumping into each other around town and at various shows/gigs. Since we met, he's been touring nonstop. Everything from breweries, to restaurants, to house concerts, to big national openers and private parties. He's the kind of musician that...
2020-05-301h 07Middle Class Rock Star39. Andy Sydow (with Patrick Armould)I can't believe I finally got invited on my own show. It only took almost two years! Singer/Songwriter and MCRS alum Patrick Armould (also knows as American Field Day) approached me a few months ago about interviewing me for my own show. I was flattered and we had a lot of fun with it! Patrick does the opening monologue and sets it all up. Then I come on and we BS about music for an hour. I timed this episode to come out now because it coincides with the release of my new EP, Wicked Dreams. You can listen...
2020-05-211h 12Middle Class Rock Star38. Randall Kent (Nashville-Based Songwriter, Producer and Artist)In this episode, I chat with Nashville-based songwriter/artist/producer, Randall Kent. I was fascinated throughout our entire conversation because Randall in large part comes from the licensing side of the industry. He has collaborated with countless artists and his music has received over 60 film and TV placements to date including a track on NCIS and the official trailer for Berlin, I Love You.
On May 1, Randall put out a 6 track EP under his own name entitled, Carry On. The release leans towards the pop realm with a tint of Americana and is absolutely worth a listen!
If you enjoy...
2020-05-1558 minMiddle Class Rock Star37. How SubmitHub Works - Founder Jason Grishkoff Gives Interview and Shows Step-by-Step SubmissionIn this episode, I interview Submit Hub Founder and CEO, Jason Grishkoff. We talk all about submit hub and why blogs are still relevant in todays music industry. Plus (for those watching on YouTube) Jason helps me submit one of my songs on the site. This is an extremely informative episode for musicians, bloggers, instagram influencers and entrepreneurs.
Because we screen share and Jason shows us how to use Submit Hub step-by-step, I do highly recommend watching this episode on YouTube. It can be found on my YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/andysydow
If you enjoy the episode, please...
2020-05-081h 15Middle Class Rock Star36. Float Like A Buffalo (Funk Rock Band Out of Denver)**This episode features the premiere of "Sunday Afternoon" at the end of the interview**
Float Like A Buffalo is quickly becoming a household name in Denver and beyond. The 7-piece funk/rock outfit put out their rookie full-length in 2019, and since then has performed on pretty much every major stage in Denver metro including: Red Rocks, Levitt Pavilion, and The Gothic Theater. They were also crowned "Best Funk Band" in Denver Westword's 2019 Music Awards.
This is the most people I've ever had on the podcast! In fact, before The Movers & Shakers (episode 33) it had never been more than just me...
2020-04-3050 min
Middle Class Rock Star35. The Brains Behind Rocky Mountain Virtual Music Festival (Alyssa Montaño and Sarah Shuel)In a world where quarantine has become the new normal, Sarah Shuel and Alyssa Montaño have successfully launched a large scale "virtual music festival." I know... eight weeks ago the very mention of this sort of thing would have been laughed out of the room by music industry professionals. Yet, it has become our reality for the present and who knows for how much of our future.
Just hours after the quarantine began, Alyssa and Sarah put together the very first Rocky Mountain Virtual Music Festival, a weekly Friday online concert consisting of local musicians and visual artists. In o...
2020-04-2343 min
Dan Cable PresentsEpisode 210: Andy SydowAndy Sydow is a Denver, Colorado based musician, songwriter, and composer. I caught up with Andy about falling more into a producer role, how his how education in composing has shaped his songwriting and we also talked about his podcast "Middle Class Rockstar" , which this episode of the podcast is also being distributed as episode 34 of Middle Class Rockstar.
To keep up with Andy Sydow and the Dan Cable Presents Podcast, please check out the links below!
Rate, review, subscribe to help support the podcast.
Track Listing:
"Wicked Dreams"
"Still My Girl"
Website:
www.andysydowmusic.com
www.dancablepresents.com
Instagram:
...
2020-04-171h 29Middle Class Rock Star34. Dan Cable (Portland, OR Based Podcast Host)This is a long overdue conversation with my good friend, Dan Cable. He's the host of a weekly music podcast based out of Portland, OR called, Dan Cable Presents. He also co-hosts a new podcast called, Bible Buds with past MCRS guest, Andrew Harrison. Along with his podcast (which has played host to the likes of KT Tunstall and Noah Gundersen) Dan has worked as a promoter, consultant and a writer for Vortex Magazine. He is a major influencer in the Portland music scene.
This is a collaborative episode that will air on this podcast (episode 34) and on Dan Cable...
2020-04-171h 22Middle Class Rock Star33. The Movers & ShakersThe Movers & Shakers are a high energy rock & soul band out of Denver, CO. They've been making noise (not just literally) both in the local scene, as well as on the national stage. They've won the right to represent the Colorado Blues Society in the International Blues Competition in Memphis, TN the last two years. During their most recent visit in January of this year, they made it all the way to the semi-finals. They also recorded an album at the famed Sun Studios in Memphis last year. I've had the opportunity to play on several bills with the Movers...
2020-04-021h 49Middle Class Rock Star32. Denver's Most Loved Talent Buyer Tony Mason is Moving OnI've known Tony Mason for quite some time. He was one of, if not the first person to put me in a real venue as a college student at CU Denver. A lot of local musicians can say that about Tony. He started off by putting together shows under his promotion company name, Tone Dynamix, and ended up as the senior talent buyer for Larimer Lounge, Lost Lake and Globe Hall.
Recently, Tony informed the Denver music community that he'd been offered a new position booking for the Gas Monkey venues in Dallas, TX. His decision to leave what he...
2020-03-201h 13Middle Class Rock Star31. Nic Clark is Back and LeavingFair warning, this is probably my longest monologue yet. I try to keep 'em short and sweet, but I had a lot to say this week. If it's not your thing, skip ahead to about the 10 minute mark.
Nic Clark is my first repeat guest on MCRS. His first appearance was in episode 5. We tired not to repeat too much, so feel free to go back and check out that interview as well. Nic was also a co-host when I interviewed David Dondero (on NPR's list of best living songwriters) in episode 17.
Nic has enjoyed success as a singer/songwriter...
2020-02-271h 13Middle Class Rock Star30. Cass ClaytonCass Clayton's latest release, Play Nice spent several weeks atop the Roots Music Report Top 50 R&B Album Charts and is receiving rave reviews from press outlets all over the world. Perhaps Onstage Magazine gives the best elevator pitch: "[her] singing oozes of smoke and honey while her slide guitar playing is simply badass."
Cass grew up mostly in western Nebraska before ending up on a spiritual journey and living in an Ashram for a year at the age of 20. She eventually moved to Denver where she became a grant writer. It wasn't until after settling down and having a...
2020-02-141h 15
Middle Class Rock Star29. Chase Wessel (Talent Buyer - Levitt Denver)Chase Wessel's musical journey will keep you on the edge of your seat. From a trumpeter on scholarship at UNC, to a sound person, to a Music Business Major at CU Denver, to a couch surfer, to doing backlines on Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel.... did you catch all that? That's just some of what Chase did before joining The Levitt Foundation in California and eventually moving to Denver to help open Denver's Levitt Pavilion and become its talent buyer. Levitt Denver puts on 50 free concerts each summer that include artists big and small across all genres of music. Some...
2020-01-231h 08
Middle Class Rock Star28. Ryan Chrys - Being a Touring Band Leader in a DIY WorldSince I started this podcast in August of 2018, I've had an ongoing list of people I want to interview. Ryan Chrys was one of the first people I wrote on that list, and we finally made it happen! I have a lot of respect for Ryan as he's someone who after years of performing in different bands, is still pounding the pavement and touring heavily as if he is to be forever 22 years old. It's hard to be a DIY touring musician, but Ryan and his band (Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts) continue to play well over 100 dates a year...
2020-01-091h 02
Middle Class Rock Star27. Andrew Harrison on Life, Music, and Tips For Your Home StudioThis is a sit down with my old friend, Andrew Harrison. Andrew and I met in middle school. He moved to our Colorado suburb in 7th grade and brought his wavy California hair, long board, checkered shoes and electric guitar with him. We'd never seem anything like it. We became fast friends and through the years have more or less stayed in touch through our mutual pursuit of music. He currently lives in Portland, OR and has an enviable home studio where he records his projects, Blue You and Brother Not Brother. I've talked about having him on the podcast...
2019-12-2058 min
Middle Class Rock Star26. BucksteinIn this episode, I chat with Denver country music mainstay, Buckstein. We chat about his time as an American Idol contestant, his long standing run at the Grizzly Rose, and what it's like to be a bandleader with your own name on the cover. Things got personal as we laughed and shared mimosas all morning. He even fixed my toilet after the interview! What a guy! This is a must listen for country music fans, bandleaders and anyone who likes a good conversation.
If you enjoy the episode, please let others know, subscribe or write a review. 5 star ratings and...
2019-12-121h 53