Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes A Podcast, hosted by Chris DeMakes of the legendary punk rock band Less Than Jake, features guests who have written iconic songs, exploring their backstory, creation, inspiration, and significance. Each episode offers an in-depth exploration into a specific track from renowned artists, with guests providing untold stories and fascinating details. From chart-toppers to hidden gems across various genres and eras, the podcast offers a rich listening experience. Chris's passion for music and songwriting fuels engaging discussions on lyrics, melodies, production techniques, and cultural context. Combining informative storytelling, interviews, and analysis, the podcast appeals to music lovers, die-hard fans, and anyone curious about the songwriting process. It provides insight into the artistry behind timeless songs, making it perfect for those seeking inspiration or simply wanting to immerse themselves in musical magic.

Episodes

SNEAK PREVIEW of The After Party “April 24th: The Most Historic of Days” episode

April 24, 2025 • 38 mins
Originally released to Patreon supporters on April 24th, 2023, this episode of The After Party—titled "April 24th: The Most Historic of Days"—is now available as a special sneak preview on the main feed! In this entertaining and unpredictable deep dive, Chris and Chris explore a wide range of fascinating events that all took place on April 24th, including a bizarre conspiracy to rig the lottery, major moments in pop culture, and ot...
Mark as Played

Ep. 254: Michael Imperioli discusses ZOPA’s “A Still Life”

April 21, 2025 • 80 mins
Many know Michael Imperioli for his unforgettable roles in The Sopranos and The White Lotus, but his artistic reach extends far beyond the screen. In this episode, Michael opens up about the writing and recording of "A Still Life," the 2025 single from ZOPA’s album Diamond Vehicle. He shares how his musical influences—from The Beatles to an array of 90s alternative bands—shaped the song, and how working with producer John Agnello h...
Mark as Played

Ep. 253: Dani Filth discusses Cradle of Filth’s “Nymphetamine Fix”

April 14, 2025 • 82 mins
In this episode, Dani Filth, the iconic frontman of Cradle of Filth, opens up about the creation of their 2004 fan-favorite single, "Nymphetamine Fix." He discusses the atmospheric recording sessions with producer Rob Caggiano, which captured the band's signature dark and gothic sound. Dani also explores the song's lyrical themes of yearning and loss, reflecting on its portrayal of a destructive relationship akin to a drug addictio...
Mark as Played

Ep. 252: Anty Horgan discusses The Bennies “Party Machine”

April 7, 2025 • 69 mins
This week, Anty Horgan of The Bennies sits in to break down the spontaneous creation of the band’s 2016 fan-favorite single, "Party Machine." From their early days performing under the name Madonna to their signature blend of psychedelic reggae and ska punk, Anty shares how the band's anything-goes attitude fueled the song’s infectious energy. He and Chris dig into the wild recording process, the unexpected success of the track, an...
Mark as Played

Ep. 251: Martin Fry discusses ABC's "The Look of Love"

March 31, 2025 • 88 mins
In this episode, Martin Fry gives a look behind the scenes of ABC’s dazzling 1982 hit, “The Look of Love.” With Trevor Horn at the helm, the song’s lush, high-gloss production helped ABC stand out in the new wave explosion, pushing sonic boundaries with cutting-edge techniques. Martin shares how the band approached the track like a stage production, weaving in drama and grandeur to make every moment feel larger than life. And as if...
Mark as Played

Ep. 250: Josh Goldman discusses The Raging Nathans “The Grudge”

March 24, 2025 • 72 mins
This week, Josh Goldman of The Raging Nathans joins the pod to discuss the writing and recording of their 2025 single "The Grudge." Josh shares how the song evolved from a casual idea into a powerful track, shaped by thoughtful arrangement choices, layered harmonies, and even some intentional literary references. He also reflects on the recording process for the band's new album Room for One More, highlighting the impact of working...
Mark as Played

Ep. 249: Legends Amplified: Ric Ocasek

March 17, 2025 • 66 mins
In the first episode of Legends Amplified, Chris DeMakes is joined by co-host and producer Chris Fafalios for an in-depth exploration of Ric Ocasek, the legendary frontman of The Cars. The duo explores Ocasek's early life, the formation of The Cars, and the band's meteoric rise to fame, fueled by their innovative sound and the massive impact of MTV. From their groundbreaking debut album to the chart-topping success of Heartbeat Cit...
Mark as Played

Throwback Thursday: Dave King discusses Flogging Molly’s “Drunken Lullabies”

March 13, 2025 • 81 mins
This week’s Throwback Thursday revisits Episode 146, originally aired on March 13th, 2023, with special guest Dave King of Flogging Molly. Renowned for their unique blend of punk rock energy and traditional Irish folk music, Flogging Molly captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their 2002 anthem “Drunken Lullabies.” In this episode, Dave shares the inspiration behind the song, its breakneck tempo, and its unforgettable anthemic...
Mark as Played

Ep. 248: Brendan B. Brown discusses Wheatus "Lemonade"

March 10, 2025 • 85 mins
This week, Brendan B. Brown of Wheatus sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the band's 2003 single "Lemonade," a fan-favorite song that blends raw emotion with undeniable hooks. He and Chris explore the song’s evolution, from its themes of jealousy and heartbreak to the production choices that gave it its signature sound—including why Brendan spent an outrageous amount of time and effort perfecting the bell sounds. He al...
Mark as Played

Ep. 247: Danbert Nobacon discusses Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping”

March 3, 2025 • 71 mins
This week, Danbert Nobacon of Chumbawamba sits in to break down the writing and recording of the band's massive 1997 hit, "Tubthumping." He and Chris explore the song’s punk-influenced origins, its anthemic structure, and how its themes of resilience and working-class pub culture resonated worldwide. Danbert shares insights into the band's approach to songwriting, the unexpected mainstream success of the track, and how Chumbawamba ...
Mark as Played

Throwback Thursday: John Parr discusses his song "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)"

February 27, 2025 • 82 mins
This Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast revisits Episode 143, originally released on February 20, 2023, featuring John Parr discussing the creation of his iconic 1985 hit, “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion).” While widely recognized from the St. Elmo’s Fire film soundtrack, the song was actually inspired by the remarkable journey of Paralympian Rick Hansen and his Man in Motion tour for spinal cord research. Parr b...
Mark as Played

Ep. 246: Tahlena Chikami discusses Bite Me Bambi’s “Bad Boyfriend”

February 24, 2025 • 76 mins
Tahlena Chikami of Bite Me Bambi sits in this week to break down the writing and recording of their 2024 single "Bad Boyfriend," a song inspired by friends' relationship woes and brought to life with the help of producer Cameron Webb. She and Chris discuss the evolution of ska, the challenge of keeping songs fresh in an era of short attention spans, and the importance of specificity in lyrics to create a relatable story. Tahlena al...
Mark as Played

Ep. 245: Angelo Moore discusses Fishbone's "Party At Ground Zero"

February 17, 2025 • 85 mins
In this episode, Angelo Moore of Fishbone stops by to talk all about the writing, recording, release, and legacy of their iconic ska punk anthem “Party At Ground Zero.” Angelo shares how the song came together in a bedroom, blending the band’s wide range of influences—blues, rockabilly, ska, and jazz—to create something totally unique. He and Chris dig into the song’s dynamic structure, from its urgent riffs and catchy horn hooks t...
Mark as Played

Throwback Thursday: Brian Fallon discusses The Gaslight Anthem’s “45”

February 13, 2025 • 76 mins
For this week’s Throwback Thursday, and this week we’re revisiting Episode 91 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, originally released on February 21st, 2022, featuring Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem. Representing New Jersey with their signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and rock 'n' roll grit, the band reached new heights with their 2012 album Handwritten, debuting at #3 on the Billboard charts. In this episode, Brian shares the...
Mark as Played

Ep. 244: Eric Cannata discusses Young the Giant's "Mind Over Matter"

February 10, 2025 • 80 mins
In this episode, Eric Cannata of Young the Giant dives into the writing and recording of their 2014 hit single "Mind Over Matter," a pivotal track that showcased the band’s evolving sound and emotional depth. Eric reflects on the surreal experience of achieving success, the collaborative nature of the band's songwriting, and the challenges of creating a sophomore album that balanced innovation with emotional resonance. Produced by ...
Mark as Played

Throwback Thursday: Jon Foreman discusses Switchfoot’s “Meant to Live”

February 6, 2025 • 67 mins
For this Throwback Thursday episode, we revisit Episode 95 from March of 2022, when Jon Foreman of Switchfoot joined the podcast to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s 2003 breakout hit, “Meant to Live.” Exploring themes of existential longing and the search for meaning, the song became an anthem that resonated deeply with fans and propelled Switchfoot into the mainstream. Jon shared fascinating insights into the creati...
Mark as Played

Ep. 243: Stacey Dee discusses Bad Cop/Bad Cop's "Womanarchist"

February 3, 2025 • 65 mins
In this episode, Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop shares the story behind their 2017 single "Womanarchist," exploring its empowering message of feminism, personal choice, and activism. Stacey discusses the historical influences behind the lyrics, including figures like Nancy Morgan Hart, and highlights the collaborative songwriting process with input from producers Fat Mike and Davey Warsop. The episode also touches on the song's uniq...
Mark as Played

Throwback Thursday: Dan Wilson discusses Semisonic’s “Closing Time”

January 30, 2025 • 90 mins
In this Throwback Thursday episode, originally released in September 2022 as Episode 122, Dan Wilson of Semisonic shares the story behind the writing and recording of their iconic 1998 hit, "Closing Time." A two-time Grammy winner, Dan brings unmatched insight into the art of songwriting, having won Song of the Year in 2007 for co-writing The Chicks’ “Not Ready to Make Nice” and Album of the Year in 2012 for producing Adele’s 21. W...
Mark as Played

Ep. 242: The 67th Grammy Awards Song of the Year Preview and Predictions

January 27, 2025 • 67 mins
In this episode, Chris DeMakes and producer/co-host Chris Fafalios dive into the nominees for Song of the Year at the upcoming 67th Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 2, 2025. They share insights, predictions, and personal connections to each track, including Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," Billie Eilish's “BIRDS OF A FEATHER,” Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars' "Die with a Smile," Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone),”...
Mark as Played

Throwback Thursday: Brendan Kelly discusses The Lawrence Arms "The YMCA Down The Street From The Clinic"

January 23, 2025 • 80 mins
Episode 61 of the podcast, first aired in July 2021, features Brendan Kelly of The Lawrence Arms sharing the story behind the writing and recording of their 2014 fan-favorite track, "The YMCA Down The Street From The Clinic." Known for his razor-sharp wit and knack for crafting unforgettable lyrics, Brendan dives into the inspiration for the song, balancing humor and poignancy in true Lawrence Arms fashion. A standout from their al...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    The Breakfast Club

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Decisions, Decisions

    Decisions, Decisions

    Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!

    Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

    All The Smoke

    All The Smoke

    ALL THE SMOKE pairs two of the most outspoken and controversial players of their time. Known as fiery, intense competitors during their on-court careers, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson are now two of the most widely respected voices by today’s crop of NBA stars. Serving as mentors to numerous players throughout the league and with their hands firmly on the pulse of the game, they have first-hand insight into the minds, lives and pressing issues facing today’s players. Barnes and Jackson, who have played alongside two generations of All-Stars, will dish on the latest news and drama from on and off the court without boundaries.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Mobile

Wearables

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.