Shows
The Talk Music PodcastBen Wells (Black Stone Cherry)Hi everyone, welcome back to another season of THE TALK MUSIC Podcast!I’m thrilled to announce my first guest is Ben Wells from global rock powerhouse, Black Stone Cherry. Born in the backwoods of Edmonton, Kentucky, Black Stone Cherry have spent over two decades reinventing Southern rock with a vicious breed of melodic-heavy riffs and soulful grit. Formed in 2001, this four-piece brotherhood has remained remarkably consistent, only recently welcoming new bassist Steve Jewell Jr. in 2021.The band have released eight studio albums, dominated the UK Rock Charts with six consecutive #1 debuts, earned gold-certified...
2026-02-0646 minThe Talk Music PodcastCandice NightThis week on The Talk Music Podcast, my guest is the enchanting CANDICE NIGHT— the radiant voice and creative force behind Blackmore’s Night, the internationally beloved Renaissance-folk-rock project she co-founded with her husband, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore (yes — that Ritchie Blackmore, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame icon who when with Deep Purple wrote one of the most famous guitar riffs in history: “Smoke on the Water”).For more than two decades, Candice has helped shape the band’s unmistakable sound — a mesmerizing blend of medieval melodies, acoustic charm, and mystical storytelling. Her crystalline vocals and poetic lyricism are...
2025-12-1659 minThe Talk Music PodcastRick HughesThis week my guest on The Talk Music Podcast is powerhouse vocalist Rick Hughes — known for fronting Canadian metal titans SWORD. (METALLICA are such huge fans they personally invited the band to open for them)With a career that blasted off in the 80s metal scene and took him around the world, Rick is now stepping forward with REDEMPTION, his first international solo album. It’s a spectacular production thats bold, authentic and heartfelt. What makes REDEMPTION especially electrifying is the sheer scale of Rick’s vision. He reunited the legendary Ozzy Osbourne ...
2025-11-2151 minThe Talk Music PodcastLily SazzHi everyone!My Talk Music guest this week is LILY SAZZ— singer-songwriter, bandleader, and now producer of her first solo album! Her brand new record, WHAT JUST HAPPENED, has just been released, and it’s an absolute must-listen! The album features deeply personal songwriting sprinkled with refreshing humour and showcases fantastic performances from a star-studded lineup of special guests — Colin Linden, Suzie Vinnick, Harry Manx, Steve Marriner, Darcy Hepner, Mike Branton, Trombone Charlotte, Boreal, and many more.Our chat, recorded on my back porch (with a little wine involved), was indeed a fun one! W...
2025-11-011h 11The Talk Music PodcastLive Loud LIVEThis week, my guests on The Talk Music Podcast are Darcy Ataman, Founder of Make Music Matter, and Caitlin Morrison, Executive Director of Matthew Perry House and sister of the late actor. Their organizations have joined forces to launch LIVE LOUD—a bold new partnership harnessing the power of entertainment and celebrity to amplify conversations around mental health and addiction.The initiative debuts with Live Loud LIVE, a benefit concert at Toronto’s Koerner Hall on November 14. The event will feature performances by City and Colour, Billy Talent, Serena Ryder, Royal Wood, Amy Millan (Stars), and members of Sum 41, B...
2025-10-0239 minThe Talk Music PodcastSteve HackettHi everybody, I’m incredibly delighted to welcome STEVE HACKETT as my guest for this episode of The Talk Music Podcast.Steve is one of the most innovative and influential guitarists to emerge from the progressive rock movement. Born in 1950, he spent a year in Vancouver at the age of seven before growing up in the UK, eventually rising to prominence as a member of GENESIS, which he joined in 1971. His debut with the band came on Nursery Cryme, where his distinctive, textured playing helped shape Genesis' unique sound during their most acclaimed era. Hackett was central...
2025-09-1946 minThe Talk Music PodcastMark WeissHi, everybody! I’m thrilled that my guest for this episode is Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss, one of the most iconic rock photographers of the past four decades, whose lens has helped define the visual language of rock and metal!From capturing the raw energy of bands like Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen, Twisted Sister, Aerosmith and countless others, to shaping the larger-than-life imagery that dominated MTV and magazines in the ’80s and ’90s, Weiss didn’t just document a scene—he gave it an identity. His pho...
2025-09-111h 00The Talk Music PodcastMichael Bishop a.k.a. Blöthar the BerserkerHi everyone!My fascinating guest this week is Michael Bishop, a.k.a. Blöthar the Berserker from the legendary band GWAR! Formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1984, GWAR is known for outrageous sci-fi/horror costumes, over-the-top theatrical shows, and a wild intergalactic warrior backstory.They’re infamous for spraying audiences with fake blood, elaborate props, and comedic skits—blending metal music, B-movie aesthetics, and sharp social satire. Despite lineup changes, GWAR has thrived for decades, crafting DIY costumes and sets, lampooning politics, religion, and pop culture, and building a HUGE global cult following...
2025-08-1545 minThe Talk Music PodcastNick FarkasHi everyone!I’m really excited to share the latest episode of The Talk Music Podcast featuring one of the top concert promoters in the world — Nick Farkas.Nick is the Senior VP of Booking, Concerts & Events at Montreal-based Evenko, where he oversees an incredible 1,600+ shows a year — from intimate club gigs and major sporting events to large-scale concerts and seven flagship festivals, including the iconic OSHEAGA. Widely considered one of North America’s premier festivals, the 18th edition of OSHEAGA is happening August 1–3 with an absolutely stacked lineup: The Killers, Tyler, The Creator, Olivia R...
2025-07-281h 05The Talk Music PodcastBill KingHi everybody,I’m thrilled to announce my guest this week is pianist, composer, arranger, and producer-extraordinaire BILL KING, whose recording and production credits include hundreds of releases across his five-decade career.Bill is a three-time JUNO nominee, and the list of artists he’s worked with is remarkable: Janis Joplin (as Music Director and keyboardist), Chaka Khan, Linda Ronstadt, Martha Reeves, The Pointer Sisters, Oscar Peterson, Sophie Milman, Pat LaBarbera, Ronnie Hawkins and many more. He has been instrumental in shaping Canada’s jazz scene through work with his label Night Passage Records, founding and...
2025-07-171h 38The Talk Music PodcastJohn CorabiHi everyone! My guest on this episode of The Talk Music Podcast is John Corabi, lead vocalist of the powerhouse rock band The Dead Daisies, and former frontman for Mötley Crüe from 1992 to 1996.The current Daisies lineup is a who’s who of rock legends: Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake/Dio), Michael Devin (Whitesnake), David Lowy (Mink/Red Phoenix), and Tommy Clufetos (Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath). Along with John, they are one of the most electrifying live bands out there.Rooted in the spirit of ’70s and early ’80s rock, The Dead Daisies deliver a soulful...
2025-06-2739 minThe Talk Music PodcastJulian TaylorHi everybody, I’m thrilled to have as my guest this week singer-songwriter JULIAN TAYLOR. For over 25 years, Julian has been steadily building a strong reputation with his roots-driven sound, earning a devoted following and a catalogue of critically-acclaimed albums along the way.Back in 1996, he co-founded the rock band Staggered Crossing, and by 2001 (with the help of publisher Frank Davies) signed to Warner Music, scoring a Top 10 Canadian rock hit with “Further Again.” After the band went independent, Julian launched his own label, releasing standout records like Tech Noir, Desert Star, and Zero to Elev...
2025-06-1341 minThe Talk Music PodcastIan ThomasHi everybody, I’m thrilled to do a deep dive with this week’s guest—Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter extraordinaire, film composer, author, and actor IAN THOMAS.Ian’s music has become part of the foundation of the Canadian musical landscape, a legacy recognized with a SOCAN National Achievement Award for Songwriting. He first made waves with his breakout hit “Painted Ladies,” in Canada and the US which then launched a string of chart-topping singles throughout the 1970s and 80s. His success continued with his acclaimed band, The Boomers, which featured Peter Cardinali on Bass, Rick Gratton on Drums and Bill Dil...
2025-05-311h 39The Talk Music PodcastGavin RossdaleHi everyone!I’m really thrilled to announce that my guest this week is Gavin Rossdale from BUSH!With over a billion streams, 20 million albums sold, and continued sold-out shows around the world in iconic venues and massive arenas, BUSH has truly earned their place in rock history. Since their explosive debut back in 1994 with Sixteen Stone—which sold six million copies and gave us iconic pop classics like “Comedown,” “Machinehead,” and “Glycerine”—they’ve been unstoppable. Their follow-up, Razorblade Suitcase, produced by Steve Albini, hit #1 on the Billboard charts and went triple platinum, with the single “Sw...
2025-05-1632 minThe Talk Music PodcastRon KorbHi everyone, I’m thrilled to welcome a very special guest to this episode of The Talk Music Podcast—the twice GRAMMY-nominated flautist, RON KORB. Ron’s extraordinary music transcends genres, weaving together elements of Instrumental, World, Crossover, Classical, Latin, Soundtrack, and New Age. Deeply rooted in the cultural richness of his Asian-Canadian heritage, his compositions reflect a global journey—both musically and literally—as he’s traveled the world collecting indigenous flutes from Europe, Asia, and South America.With 30 albums to his name, Ron has also made his mark in film, contributing to the score of The...
2025-04-251h 16The Talk Music PodcastDavid BlamiresHi everybody, This Talk Music episode is a VERY special one for me personally. I am a Massive Pat Metheny fan, and vocalist extraordinaire DAVID BLAMIRES who sang and performed with Pat from 1986-1997 is my guest. David, for his vocal chops, took home 2 GRAMMY Awards for the albums Still Life (Talking) (in my top 5 desert albums of all time) and also We Live here. He also performed and sang on the Grammy award-winning album Imaginary Day. Our conversation took place about a month ago, shortly after David returned from one of his frequent...
2025-04-091h 08The Talk Music PodcastRik Emmett, Part 2Hi, everybody!Here’s PART 2 of my interview with RIK EMMETT, recorded live in the cozy confines of his studio loft. We take a deep dive into his legendary career as the songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist extraordinaire for Canadian rock icons TRIUMPH!Our conversation kicks off with Rik’s early days in Toronto, his decision to pursue music over sports, and his fateful first meeting with Mike Levine and Gil Moore, where he immediately recognized Gil’s sharp business acumen and Mike’s record production skills. Rik generously shares memories from each TRIUMPH album and how m...
2025-03-221h 34The Talk Music PodcastRik Emmett, Part 1My guest this week is guitarist/songwriter RIK EMMETT! After a dozen PLATINUM albums from ‘75 to ‘88 with TRIUMPH (who celebrated their legacy and rise to stardom with the documentary “Rock and Roll Machine”), Rik has now released 25 more solo projects. Six decades in the biz have landed him in five halls, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, along with a few Best Guitarist awards. Rik has also released a poetry collection titled REINVENTION and a memoir, LAY IT ON THE LINE. His latest work is a collection of instrumental pieces called TEN TELECASTER TALES, and it’s a...
2025-03-081h 30The Talk Music PodcastMari SildIn part 2 of my feature on Interesting Estonian Personalities, my guest on the Talk Music Podcast is Mari Sild—an extraordinary artist and scientist who seamlessly blends both worlds to inspire, innovate, and make a difference:www.marisildmuusika.comBy day, as a Senior Project Manager in clinical research, she plays a key role in developing new medications for migraines, hemophilia, and cancer, with past experience spanning work in cardiovascular, infectious diseases, immunology, ophthalmology, and oncology treatments.Beyond the science, Mari is also a passionate and boundary-pushing musician. Trained as a...
2025-02-1154 minThe Talk Music PodcastKristjan RandaluHi everybody, my truly special Talk Music guest for this episode is ESTONIAN PIANIST KRISTJAN RANDALU, who exists among the most sought-after piano players of his generation, carrying the torch in both the improvised world of jazz and the traditional realm of classical music. Between creating his own original blend of contemporary jazz as a leader and collaborating with several generations of respected musicians, Randalu has brought his music to some of the world’s most renowned jazz festivals and concert halls. The prestigious magazine Jazz Times describes Kristjan’s playing as an “open invitation to an unnameable exotic land." At...
2025-01-291h 10The Talk Music PodcastPavloHi everybody, Happy New Year! I’m stoked to post this chat with my first guest of 2025: Mediterranean artist extraordinaire PAVLO! Born in Toronto to Greek parents, Pavlo’s amazing journey to touring concert halls around the globe is most impressive. Over his 20-year career, he’s released 17 albums and 4 PBS TV specials, including his latest which was filmed in Santorini! Two of his albums went GOLD, and he had a Top 10 Billboard hit with “FANTASIA.” In 2002, Pavlo won a lawsuit against R&B mega stars R-Kelly and Jay-Z, who sampled his music for their hit song “Fiest...
2025-01-101h 05The Talk Music PodcastBruce CockburnWhat a thrill and honour to interview an iconic Canadian music legend to end this season of the Talk Music podcast: BRUCE COCKBURN.Among his many achievements (including the release of 39 albums), the Ottawa-born artist has been honoured with 13 Juno Awards, an induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award and has been made an Officer of the Order of Canada.Bruce is an artist revered around the world. With his repertoire of musical styles and skillfully-crafted lyrics, his songs have be...
2024-12-121h 19The Talk Music PodcastLes StroudHi everybody, welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast!I’m thrilled to announce my guest is LES STROUD! Best known as the producer, creator and star of the hit TV series SURVIVORMAN, Les is also an accomplished musician/songwriter. His music is a rich tapestry of rock, world, prog rock, folk and blues, and it reflects his deep connection to nature. Steve Vai, Bruce Cockburn, Colin Linden and Slash have all lent Les their musical talents for his recordings. Les has guested on stage with Journey, Alice Cooper, Blues Traveler, Steven Stills, Chicago, Ra...
2024-11-292h 02The Talk Music PodcastBob RoperHi everybody and welcome to another episode of the TALK MUSIC podcast! My guest this week is BOB ROPER! This is a great, entertaining deep dive into his illustrious career. Bob has done it all! From booking concerts at university to doing major label promo, to working for top concert promoter MICHAEL COHL doing marketing. Bob then became an A&R guru at WARNER Music where he signed acts such as HONEYMOON SUITE, BLUE RODEO and FROZEN GHOST. He also helped ALANNAH MYLES and RUSH get their US careers going.Before joining Warner, h...
2024-11-062h 18The Talk Music PodcastSteve KaneHi everybody and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast. I’m absolutely thrilled to post this wonderful chat with STEVE KANE, who just recently stepped down as PRESIDENT OF WARNER MUSIC CANADA where he orchestrated tremendous success for the label for over 20 years.Steve not only led the daily operations of the company, but also oversaw the signings of BILLY TALENT, SCOTT HELMAN and the re-signing of BLUE RODEO, to name a few. We dive deep into how he earned his stripes as president, starting his career on Yonge St. at a...
2024-10-241h 29The Talk Music PodcastMark BerryHi everybody and welcome to another episode of the TALK MUSIC podcast! My guest is music and film producer MARK BERRY. Mark has attained 36 international GOLD and PLATINUM record awards for the artists he's worked with as a producer, engineer and/or mixer. The list is impressive, including Grammy-nominated artists such as Carly Simon, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Boy George, Yes, Joan Jett, Cameo and Kool and the Gang, as well as numerous Canadian artists such Lee Aaron, The Headstones, I Mother Earth, Burton Cummings, Voivod and many more. He’s als...
2024-10-031h 05The Talk Music PodcastMarc Jordan & Amy SkyHi everybody, I have two wonderful guests on for this episode as I’m thrilled to welcome both AMY SKY and MARC JORDAN!This fun chat dives deep into Amy and Marc's beginnings and how they both grew up in Toronto, how Marc, in 1978, got a US record deal with WARNER Music, and that culminated in the hit song “Marina del Rey." Fast forward and Marc has now released 16 solo albums to date, including his most recent, two brilliant jazz themed albums “Both Sides” and “Waiting for the Sun to Rise." He has also written for such artis...
2024-09-171h 04The Talk Music PodcastJim CuddyI’m thrilled to announce my guest this week is JIM CUDDY from BLUE RODEO! In this fun interview, we dive deep on his entire career, starting from his early beginnings through all his solo albums, including his most recent called ALL THE WORLD FADES AWAY. We discuss Blue Rodeo’s early days, how they got signed to the Warner label and the upcoming Blue Rodeo Documentary. Jim’s solo career has included a JUNO award for Best Male Vocalist and Best Adult Alternative album of the year. In the 35 years since forming, Blue Rode...
2024-08-211h 07The Talk Music PodcastBig Sugar, Pt.2Hi everyone! Here’s part 2 of my interview with Gordie Johnson from BIG SUGAR. In this episode we continue to go deep into his career, delving into all his albums after signing with A&M Records. With super radio-friendly songs such as Turn the Lights On, Diggin’ a Hole, The Scene, If I Had My Way, Better Get Used to It, Roads Ahead and the classic anthem All Hell For A Basement, Gordie achieved 3 PLATINUM awards for the albums Hemi-Vision, Heated and Brothers and Sisters, Are You Ready? We also touch on the r...
2024-08-101h 02The Talk Music PodcastBig Sugar, Pt.1Hi everyone and welcome to another episode of the Talk Music podcast!WOW I’m so excited about this one as my guest is GORDIE JOHNSON from BIG SUGAR! Gordie Johnson has earned numerous gold and platinum records with his band Big Sugar, and as producer/musician with Gov't Mule, Taj Mahal, North Mississippi Allstars, Toots Hibbert, Dennis Alcapone, Leroy Sibbles, Willi Williams, Nashville Pussy, Joel Plaskett, The Trews and Default. We chat about why JACK WHITE recently proclaimed the album 500 Pounds as the BEST blues-based album to ever come out o...
2024-07-201h 14The Talk Music PodcastRob LamotheHi and welcome to another episode of the TALK MUSIC podcast. My guest this week is singer-songwriter extraordinaire, ROB LAMOTHE. He can sing anything and make it sound great! With an "out of this world soulful voice" (ROLLING STONE EUROPE), Rob is a “mercurial artist who slides effortlessly from rustic roots music to soulful country pop to full-blown rock balladry" (THE TORONTO STAR). Rob has released many fine solo albums (all now being re-released on the COOL UK BORDER TOWN SOUND LABEL), one of which I produced called LONG LAZY CURVE - it’s one of my...
2024-06-201h 28The Talk Music PodcastLee AaronSuper excited to post this fun, entertaining and informative chat with LEE AARON as we go deep into her entire career. A recent inductee into CANADA’S WALK OF FAME, she is one of Canada’s most iconic vocalists; a songwriter, producer, and fearless re-inventor. Our chat includes how, at the age of 19, she released her first album THE LEE AARON PROJECT and how in 1984 she wrote METAL QUEEN which solidified her as a trailblazer for women in rock. Over the years it has become an enduring anthem of empowerment for men and women alike. We then chat...
2024-06-081h 33The Talk Music PodcastThe SpoonsWelcome to another episode of the TALK MUSIC Podcast! This week’s guest is THE SPOONS. I loved this fun chat with both SANDY and GORD, including their most recent release ECHOES featuring Alan Frew, Gowan, Strange Advance, Kon Kan, Jean Marc Pisapia (the Box) and others doing their own interpretations of some of the SPOONS most popular songs. I also go deep on their entire, illustrious career, including working with producers Daniel Lanois, Nile Rogers (who produced the Talkback album and songs Romantic Traffic, Old Emotions, Tell no Lies) and John Punter (who produced their Big breakthrough album Ari...
2024-05-1156 minThe Talk Music PodcastChris SpeddingHi everyone! On this week’s TALK MUSIC podcast, I’m thrilled to interview Derbyshire, UK native and guitar ace, the legend CHRIS SPEDDINGHaving recently seen him play live with ANTON FIG on drums and KEITH LENTON on bass, I can vouch that, at 79 years young, Chris still has it! His illustrious career includes session work with Cream bass player Jack Bruce, Harry Nilsson, Elton John, Brian Eno, Tom Waits, Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry, Joan Armatrading, John Cale, Roger Daltrey and Paul McCartney (“Give My Regards to Broad Street”), to name a few. Spedding has also...
2024-04-1255 minThe Talk Music PodcastJeff JonesFor this new TALK MUSIC podcast I was thrilled to also have HARRY PIWERKA join me as a co-host. Harry and I went to high school together and reconnected a while back. As it turns out, he’s also a great musician and was a part of the Toronto's vibrant music scene in the 70’s as a member of the band MORNINGTON DRIVE. Harry is also friends with our guest, BASSIST extraordinaire and all round musician and NICE guy JEFF JONES. His long esteemed history of performing bass duties for some of Canada’s great artists is really...
2024-03-221h 23The Talk Music PodcastVoivodHi everyone! On this new TALK MUSIC episode, we're going to do something I haven't done yet: go deep into the harder-edged genre of Metal and Hard Rock. My guest is MICHEL LANGEVIN, the founder/drummer extraordinaire of French-Canadian progressive sci-fi metal act, VOIVOD, who counts DAVE GROHL as a fan, has toured with RUSH, been featured on OZZFEST and once included ex-METALLICA bassist JASON NEWSTEAD in their lineup. VOIVOD is a band I respect immensely and hold in very high regard, and I was thrilled to be associated with them in the 90’s when I released two...
2024-02-171h 49The Talk Music PodcastDerek Shulman, pt.2Welcome to a new season of THE TALK MUSIC podcast! I just wanted to say BIG THANKS to all the guests who have chatted with me so far! Our episodes regularly chart in the Top 20 on Apple Podcast, so thanks SO MUCH to our listeners!I’m excited to kick off this 2024 season with Part 2 of my conversation with top music executive DEREK SHULMAN. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen as we discuss his career as singer for prog sensation GENTLE GIANT.This engaging chat charts his transition from musician to music executive, an...
2024-01-2546 minThe Talk Music PodcastDerek Shulman, pt.1I’ve loved chatting with all my amazing guests this year, but for our Season 3 finale, this one is extra special. DEREK SHULMAN was the lead singer of my favourite band GENTLE GIANT. They, along with YES and GENESIS (among others), were pioneers known for the complexity and sophistication of their music. Our chat covers Gentle Giant's entire 11 studio album career, with stories about their beginnings, hanging out with Elton John, working with Producer Tony Visconti, opening for Black Sabbath and headlining big arenas in Quebec. After leaving Gentle Giant, Derek became one of the mos...
2023-12-1644 minThe Talk Music PodcastBarry BergmanThis week's Talk Music Podcast features a really interesting chat with BARRY BERGMAN, a highly respected song expert who has published over 250 songs by major artists such as CHER, KISS, JOAN JETT, MICHAEL BOLTON and many others, including hits for hard rockers LEE AARON, HELIX and US act KIX where their ballad DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES sold 2 million copies. He’s also had a worldwide TOP 10 hit with DON’T SHED A TEAR by Paul Carrack and signed AC/DC to their first publishing deal for North America. He then discovered and signed MEATLOAF where he was also respon...
2023-11-251h 17The Talk Music PodcastGarth Richardson & Joe PrimeauOn this week's podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome GARTH RICHARDSON and JOE PRIMEAU, two fantastic producer/engineers (and friends of mine) from the past. Garth's legendary producer dad JACK RICHARDSON mentored me, so we both chat about his influence. We also talk about how Garth, after landing in LA, ended up producing RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's monster debut album, which sold 15 million copies, and who were recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Some of his other clients include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mudvayne, Rise Against, Alice Cooper, Kiss, Big Wreck and the la...
2023-11-111h 06The Talk Music PodcastDaryn BarryOn this week's podcast, my guest is DARYN BARRY, co-owner of one of the best studios in the world: The ORANGE LOUNGE RECORDING STUDIO in downtown Toronto. I recently had some of the most fun in years with Daryn as we chatted in his beautiful, vibing control room. Daryn was the first employee I hired at my Hypnotic label/studio many years ago, so we chat about how we first met and some of the acts we worked on together, including BIG SUGAR, ANVIL, VOIVOD, and THE LOOK PEOPLE (featuring JAYMZ BEE and KEVIN HEARN). A...
2023-10-201h 31The Talk Music PodcastBrian Vollmer, pt.2Hi everyone and welcome back to THE TALK MUSIC podcast, part 2 with BRIAN VOLLMER, lead singer of Canadian rock band HELIX. In this riveting episode, besides a fun GENE SIMMONS story and another when ROBIN WILLIAMS dropped in to say hi during a video shoot in LA, we talk about how Brian hit rock bottom and how he wound up sleeping on sofas, working as a clerk in a convenience store and getting beat up (and then he was accused of murder!), when one minute before he was living the High life after Platinum albums and touring...
2023-09-2336 minThe Talk Music PodcastBrian Vollmer, pt.1This week's interview is yet another really special one for me and The Talk Music podcast as it's with singer BRIAN VOLLMER from HELIX. I truly regard them as another fantastic band that I owe my success to as a producer as I was fortunate to produce 4 albums for them. I am so grateful that one went double platinum and two others platinum in Canada. We also had success around the world including a #1 album in Sweden for the album LONG WAY TO HEAVEN due to a major commitment from the US and Europe when their manager...
2023-09-1145 minThe Talk Music PodcastThe KingsOn this week’s podcast, I’m stoked to chat with David Diamond and Mister Zero from the band THE KINGS, who in 2020 celebrated the 40th anniversary of the release of their debut album, The Kings Are Here. On the album was a massive hit song called “This Beat Goes On/Switching to Glide” that exploded in Canada and the US and earned them an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. That song and the album was produced by legendary producer BOB EZRIN, whose incredible portfolio includes such masterpieces as Pink Floyd's the Wall, Peter Gabriel’s solo album, Ali...
2023-08-0542 minThe Talk Music PodcastMari KalkunFor this week's THE TALK MUSIC podcast, I’m beyond excited to feature my interview with ESTONIAN folk sensation MARI KALKUN. Her music is rooted in deep, ancient ESTONIAN traditions that I believe will resonate with new listeners, as will her singing voice which seems to speak directly from the heart of the ESTONIAN forest. Her new album titled STORIES OF STONIA, just released on PETER GABRIEL’S Real World Records. It's a MUST listen! During our chat, we talk about her inspirations in making the album, along with her recent performance in front of 100,000 people in Talli...
2023-07-2246 minThe Talk Music PodcastDerry GrehanI’m honoured to welcome DERRY GREHAN from HONEYMOON SUITE on this week's THE TALK MUSIC podcast. Their music achievements are impressive indeed as they sit amongst the most successful Canadian acts to ever form in this country and they are still going as strong as ever! With double and triple platinum albums to their credit, along with a remarkable amount of hit songs that have graced our airwaves for decades, not only here but in the US and other countries as well, Derry and I go deep on this podcast. Our chat includes a close up of...
2023-07-111h 12The Talk Music PodcastRenan YildizdoganOn this week's Talk Music podcast, check out my fun chat with Renan Yildizdogan. He's the founder and owner of the super cool label GYPSY SOUL RECORDS, a full-service artist collective, distributed by Fontana North. Considered by many to be one of the most successful INDIE labels around, his artists are constantly on tour not only in Canada but in the US and Europe as well, so this is MUST listen for those artists wanting to know how to break out of Canada. One of the acts on his roster is SAMANTHA MARTIN & DELTA SUGAR. Samantha has been nominated...
2023-06-161h 04The Talk Music PodcastRecords On WheelsIf you love indie RECORD STORES (and who doesn’t) and love VINYL, or perhaps are interested in why vinyl sales are booming everywhere, check out this week's THE TALK MUSIC podcast as I go deep into a fun chat with owner Mike Clasen about his SUPER COOL Records on Wheels shop located in Dundas, ON. Hear how he got started 38 years ago, how he survived the ups and downs of the music biz and listen to him talk about how and why the last few years have been his best ever. Alan Cross, host of The Ong...
2023-06-0354 minThe Talk Music PodcastPuuluupFor this week's THE TALK MUSIC podcast, I’m so excited to release this entertaining interview with NU-folk duo PUULUUP. Like myself, they are proud ESTONIANS and, as a relatively small country, ESTONIA breeds and exports some truly incredible artists! Mixing surrealism and modern folklore with the talharpa, a bowed lyre popular in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages, PUULUUP playfully combine these traditional instruments with loops and modern electronic effects, otherworldly harmonies, and quirky lyrics. I’ve added a brief sampling of their music before the interview and I’m confident if you check them out you’ll...
2023-05-2046 minThe Talk Music PodcastColin LindenThis week my feature is a wonderful long chat with musician, artist and producer extraordinaire COLIN LINDEN. We talk about his love of producing other artists (140 so far), his prestigious sideman gigs with BOB DYLAN and BRUCE COCKBURN and he’s played on over 500 albums! We also chat about his 25 year career as a member of BLACKIE and the RODEO KINGS, his major music contribution to the hit TV show NASHVILLE and he’s recently released a new album bLOW on the Highway 20 label owned by longtime friend Lucinda Williams. Colin has also won a GRAMMY award for producing Keb...
2023-05-0653 minThe Talk Music PodcastDarryl HursThe TALK MUSIC podcast this week features a great fun chat with guest DARRYL HURS who has a 30 plus year history in the music business. Darryl runs one of Canada’s largest artist showcase festivals and conferences, INDIE WEEK and recently founded an additional 3 music conferences to help artists and anybody interested in a career in music navigate the biz. Our conversation includes the current state of the industry and how to monetize your career with tackling social media and networking. Darryl also currently works for CD Baby, he teaches at Harris institute in Toronto and his past resume in...
2023-04-2252 minThe Talk Music PodcastJaymz BeeThis weeks guest is JAYMZ BEE who’s known to many in Toronto as the “MAN ABOUT TOWN” and he is definitely one of our most visible colourful characters!He’s a singer, bandleader, raconteur, producer, concert promoter, mentor, MC, an author of two books and for 21 years now has been the ultra likeable face of JAZZ.FM91. On the station he is the morning show co-host, fund raiser supremo, the creator of curated tours from Iceland to Cuba, host of The Jaymz Bee salons, and he’s known as a champion of local talent. He’s also a PR co...
2023-04-081h 04The Talk Music PodcastKevin HearnThis weeks guest is Kevin Hearn who has been a member of the Canadian Hall of Fame inductees Barenaked Ladies since joining them in 1995. Kevin has worked with some of the world’s best musicians and artists such as Neil Young, Tanya Tagaq, Elvis Costello, Tom Jones and for his last six years Kevin was Music Director and keyboardist for Lou Reed who was one of his musical hero’s. Kevin also had a deep friendship with Gord Downie and worked closely with Gord on his last album “Secret Path” and his final concert at Massey Hall. Kevin being...
2023-03-2632 minThe Talk Music PodcastTerra LightfootSeason 3 starts off with a bang with singer-songwriter extraordinaire and monster talent Terra Lightfoot. She’s been nominated for a Polaris Music Prize, a Juno award, and received a special Road Gold touring award for travelling millions of miles on tour promoting her music. She’s released 4 albums internationally, toured with Bruce Cockburn and Blue Rodeo and just recently completed a cross-Canada tour with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. Check out our conversation from her new home in Haliburton where we dig into her early career mentors, how she recorded her albums and her love of the recording process and...
2023-03-1146 minThe Talk Music PodcastCarl Dixon - A Canadian rock singer's journeyThis week our featured guest was the singer, guitarist and keyboard player with some iconic Canadian Bands.... Coney Hatch, April Wine and The Guess Who.Carl Dixon is considered to have one of the best and most distinctive voices in Canadian rock.He also has a solo career and written a book (and is an inspirational speaker )about his life and in particular about recovering from a devastating car accident that almost ended his life and kept him off stage for years. He eventually made a triumphant return playing even though one arm was rebuilt wi...
2022-11-2944 minThe Talk Music PodcastA producer's view & more riffsWhat does it take to make a great stage show? Why are cover bands unappreciated? What are immersive shows and where do they go next? These are only a few of the topics a hugely successful Promoter, Manager and Producer covers this week.Wayne Thompson promoted world tours and concerts for Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, George Burns, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Beach Boys, Moody Blues, Julio Iglesias, The Temptations and many more. He managed many well known entertainers including Tanya Tucker,Harry Belafonte, Steven Seagal and many top Canadian artists such as The Nylons, C...
2022-11-2144 minThe Talk Music PodcastA Canadian bluesman's story & best keyboard riffsThis week’s guest is Harrison Kennedy who had the first million selling single by a black Canadian artist as part of a Detroit group. Find out what happened to him then and how he has reinvented himself at least twice leading to a remarkable comeback as a Juno winning recording artist on a European tour decades later.As well Tom reviews a Canadian Gem by a brilliant and world famous Canadian Producer.Andrew tells us about a book by Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon called Girl in a Band.And the guys have...
2022-11-1053 minThe Talk Music PodcastRiffs & session menGuitar Riffs. From Whole lotta Love to sunshine of your love to Louie Louie...what are the guitar riffs you love the most and are the most memorable? Also a new doc about Shania Twain and BBC goes all in on the lives of the Rolling Stones.The guys have a discussion about "Session" musicians.Talking about people who used to do this or used them on albums . Famous ones include Hal Blaine, The Swampers, Chris Spedding on "New York City", Steve Lukather on "Thriller," And there are some surprising names ...the E street band and The Wreak...
2022-11-0351 minThe Talk Music PodcastFraser Hill - An A&R man's adventuresFrom Red Rider to Serena Ryder ...this week a conversation with Fraser Hill who for years was an A and R man with Capital and Universal records discovering and signing bands and artists like the Northern Pikes, Serena Ryder and Elijah Woods . Starting out he even recorded Red Rider with Tom Cochrane the very first time he did a recording by himself in a studio. Recently he is working with Iskwe and other new artists. What was A and R and how has the tik tok age changed it ?The episode also includes a Triumph Album as a hi...
2022-11-0143 minThe Talk Music PodcastAlfio Annibalini - out of the studio and into a new projectFeature interview with Alfio Annibalini currently in a project with Alex Lifeson of Rush and Andy Curran of Coney Hatch called Envy of None . A sound engineer and musician he is also working with The Arkells arguably Canada's biggest rock band today. In the past he has worked with Blue Rodeo, Sons of Otis, Big Sugar, h3o, Andy Curran on Soho 69 ,Gypsy Soul and many others.He and Tom reminisce about when they both started out in the music biz and Andrew and he talk about how it has changed today.In The Talk Mus...
2022-10-3146 minThe Talk Music PodcastBest rock bandsTo start a new season the guys discuss the best rock bands. Who is your pick and what makes a truly great rick experience ? From the Foo Fighters to Van Halen, from Deep Purple to Rush. Who had the best front man, the best drummer, which era were they best in and who keeps bringing it? Andrew reviews the movie Elvis...is it worth a look and can anybody actually play Elvis convincingly ? Tom goes to a party and gets turned on to an inspiring book about Chris Blackwell of Island records. Our under the radar artist com...
2022-10-3040 min
The Talk Music PodcastA cross-country musical road trip & Canadian bands still playing abroadIn the season finale we talk about why Canadian Music has punched above its weight on a worldwide basis. Is it something about being a country of distinct regions each with a music style and history? What are they and why? A top Canadian music exec who produced The Stones, Peter Gabriel and Black Sabbath, Gary Muth , wades into the discussion as well with his take on who makes it where and how in Canada. Almost every Canadian artist and band who has had hits and you might remember is talked about in this cross Canada tour of our musical...
2022-07-2854 min
The Talk Music PodcastMaking money... publishing and cover songsTom and Andrew talk about the Music Publishing business. For young musicians and writers how do you protect yourselves? What do you own rights to? Do you get paid for co writing a song? What about cover songs..who makes money? They also discuss Taylor Swift's re-recordings and the amazing value of catalog salesTom finds another artist who has flown Under the Radar but deserves a listen, Andrew does a "quick take" on the best book on Patti Smith and they both argue over the greatest - Rock Bassist.... who is your pick?
2022-07-2153 min
The Talk Music PodcastHow to get discovered, then and nowThe tastemakers of the past and present from Radio to MTV , Mags to You Tube , Spotify to TikTok.How do you get discovered?There are a couple of amazing new Canadian artists found in unusual ways.A Multi Platinum music producer/manager and a music super fan talk music. The focus is both Global and Canadian.Tom Treumuth and Andrew Schalk argue over who is the best drummer in rock in our "“Best…series". Whats your guess? Who is your favourite?The Canadian Gem....” this week is a band called Max Webster and their album Million Vacations.There is a Book and...
2022-07-1442 min
The Talk Music PodcastManagers... Love 'em or hate 'em?What's the importance of the relationship between the artist and the manager? Good ones , bad ones, who got ripped off and who made the money? How does it work well and how does it go wrong? Who fired theirs? First big break: How did bands get theirs?Your most important Gig . How people get discovered. Great stories about artists big breaks including a long shot tale of one that Tom discovered who's big break involved a cassette. We look at a “ Canadian Gem” you should re visit where the album has some of t...
2022-07-0746 min
The Talk Music PodcastLive Venues and Dead(?) RockTom Treumuth and Andrew Schalk talk about what makes a great live venue and a great concert. From Massey Hall to Wembley ,The Commodore Ballroom to the House of Blues who does it right?They also debate -is Rock Music is dead? Can anybody break in as a Rock band these days? Record executive Gary Muth ,who signed some of the great Rock acts of all time like the Stones and Black Sabbath, gives his take on how the industry has changed for rock bands trying to make it now.The guys discover another hidden C...
2022-06-3047 min
The Talk Music PodcastTom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo KingsA conversation with Tom Wilson not just about his music with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings and Junkhouse but his powerful personal story about family secrets ,addiction and rebirth. Tom discovered in his mid 50's that he was adopted and is of Mohawk heritage. An author and now the subject of a new documentary called Beautiful Scars he has used his own life experiences in both his striking visual art and his musicBlackie and the Rodeo Kings new album is called O Glory and drops July 8.In this episode we also re-discover a Canadian "Hi...
2022-06-1655 min
The Talk Music PodcastEp 1 :True Myth-The world's first digital rock recordingThis first episode features a piece of music history….. The first ever Digital Rock Recording. The marketing tag for it was “Tomorrow’s Sound Today.” The story of the challenges of recording it totally live in the studio are fascinating.
Co-host Tom Treumuth's band ,True Myth ,released the Warner Album in 1979 and he discusses making the pioneering Prog rock album , a hidden gem of the genre, with Co -host Andrew Schalk a chef and a self professed music junkie.
Over his 40 yr music career, Tom worked as a talent scout for RCA (USA) including working closely w...
2022-06-1635 min
The Talk Music PodcastTalk Music Podcast TrailersHosts Tom Treumuth and Andrew Schalk introduce themselves and what the Pod is about with a focus on EP 1. Pod coming June 16th.
2022-06-0603 min
The Talk Music PodcastTrue Myth: The world's first digital rock recordingThis first episode features a piece of music history....The first ever Digital Rock Recording. The marketing tag for it was "Tomorrows Sound Today." The story of the challenges of making and how hard it is to create a hit album are it is fascinating.Co-host Tom Treumuth's band ,True Myth ,released the Warner Album in 1979 and he discusses making the pioneering Prog rock album , a hidden gem of the genre, with Co -host Andrew Schalk a chef and a self professed music junkie.Over his 40 yr music career, Tom worked as a talent scout...
2022-06-0535 min