Cutter's RockCast: Recent Episodes
Cutter
Each week syndicated radio host Cutter gives you the full, uncut conversations with rock and music's biggest stars.
He's back from his honeymoon and he's ready to roll and to possibly rock. Eric Vanlerberghe is the lead singer and front man from the Detroit based metal core band I Prevail. Eric and I always seem good for a mid album cycle catch up, but this time it's honor of a brutal new song called "Paradise."
Joining us for a conversation about maybe the most personal record of the year called 'Dear God's whole getting ready for soundcheck to open for the legendary AC/DC it's non other than the lead singer of The Pretty Reckless Taylor Momsen!
The Hu are an internationally known, global sensation, Mongolian rock band. Now the words "Mongolian rock band" isn't something you hear everyday yet The Hu have been able to succesfully marry tradiation Mongolian music and hard rock together in way no one had ever heard before. With their 3rd album The Hun about to see the light of day and a tour with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson bout to kick off, I catch up with Jaya of The Hu.
Note: We are having this conversation via a translator so be patient while listening.
Celebrating more than 30 years of Candlebox, lead singer Kevin Martin returns to the Rockcast and The Cutting Edge Countdown to kick off the Can't Quit You Tour. My morning show co-host Laura Lee joins me for this conversation with one of the most successful bands of the 90s and beyond.
The band Saosin were darlings of the scene in the early 2000s, releasing their fan favorite self-titled album 20 years ago. It's hard to believe that to date, they have only released 3 full-length albums. The times they are a-changing, with a new singer and a new lease on life, the band Saosin has returned with their first new music in 10 years.
With the release of the new Eva Under Fire new album Villianous just around the corner, lead singer Amanda Lyberg is back on Cutter's Rockcast. This band is THE band to watch in 2026.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd is by far one of the most prolific modern blues musicians and one of the few that have had crossover hit songs on rock radio. 32 years ago he released his debut album Ledbetter Heights to huge success, and remember this is the album before his timeless mainstay "Blue on Black." Featuring hit radio songs "Deja Voodoo" and "Aberdeen" it reasonated with millions of people at a time when hair metal had faded and grunge was all the rave. Now 30 years later Kenny has been on the road playing the album from start to finish and put out a re-recorded version called Ledbetter Heights (30th Anniversary Sessions).
This conversation was also recorded for my morning show WAPL Mornings With Laura Lee & Cutter along with my show The Cutting Edge Countdown, so Laura joined me for the talk and Kenny has some nice words for his history with the station WAPL.
Wage War might be one of the most popular of the heavy leaning metal-core bands out right now. On top of that, if you're paying close attention you might notice Cody Questad's stamp on modern music every where you turn. He's an incredible songwriter and it shows. The band can seemingly do no wrong right now, proven on their latest EP It Calls Me By My Name.
Sevendust may seriously be one of the most influential hard rock bands in history, and on their 15th studio album, they are once again proving why. One is out now, and it's filled with the heavy grooves and catchy choruses that only Sevendust can truly pull off.
Lajon Witherspoon is the soulful lead singer of Sevendust and truly one of the nicest human beings on the planet.
From the legends like Billy Idol and The Cult to creating music with the Godfather of Heavy Metal himself, Ozzy Osbourne, this is the career of Billy Morrison. A couple of years ago Billy put out The Morrison Project featuring the song "Crack Cocaine." The song had Ozzy on vocals and it quickly shot to number one. Then, as part of a expanded edition Billy put out another song with Ozzy called "Gods Of Rock N' Roll" and it sounded like a song that would be a swan song, unforuntly it was. Now, Billy is back with a new song called "Becoming" with Sully Erna from Godsmack singing and Nuno Bettencourt from Extreme on guitar. It's part of a new solo project called Hallow due out later this year.
When it comes to metalcore, there is something in the water in Australia. The Amity Affliction have been at that game for a long time and have amassed an insane and rabid fanbase along the way, not just in Australia or Europe, but here in the United States. With heartfelt and emotional lyrics courtesy of Joel Birch, the band remains at the top of their game. Their new album, House of Cards, touches on the emotions of losing a Mom who wasn't always there the way her kids maybe would have wanted her to be. Joel is at some of his most poignant on this album, and the music follows suit. Let's dive in with lyricist and vocalist Joel Birch.
Atreyu at this point are the elder statesmen of metal-core and they're embracing it. That doesn't mean they are slowing down, in fact you could make the argument that Atreyu are busier and more relevant now then ever before. With a new album coming out next Friday called The End is Not the End, the old school has met the new school. On top of that a tour with the most influential band in modern heavy music, Sevendust, kicks off this week. It's good to be in Atreyu right now, let's find out more from lead singer Brandon Saller.
It's not just a fun band name named after a Rob Zombie song, Living Dead Girl are the real deal. Molly Rennick is the lead singer and mastermind behind the horror themed metal band and she's all in 110%. After gaining some steam with their 2021 album Exorcism they are back with their 2nd efford, an album called Conspiracy. You do get what expect, but plus a lot more. They are heavy, Molly screams her ass off, but also sings her ass off. Time to introduce you to your new favorite horror themed metal band, Living Dead Girl.
When you start a band, you have a certain number of goals you'd like to hit. Get a deal, record a record, go on tour, rinse and repeat. The ultimate goal is to just make a living doing what you love. For Matt Brandyberry, it's not enough. Matt wants to win the Super Bowl of rock music, but what is that? He explains, along with a preview of the new From Ashes to New album called Reflections, due out on April 17th.
After 2 top 20 rock singles and a couple amazing tours, the Canadian based (even though Jake lives in Detroit now) rap influenced hard rock band Autumn Kings are back with new music! "Gone, Gone, Gone" was co-written by Charlie Scene of Hollywood Undead and Jake says it's their heaviest song yet. Let's make Jake explain himself right now on Cutter's Rockcast.
Brian and Ruben from the Austin based metal band Bridges Ablaze join me because why not. We are all about introducing new music on this podcast and via my radio show The Cutting Edge Countdown, and it doesn't get any newer than this. While the band has existed for a few years, it's really just been these two menacing guitar players, writing, recording, and playing their way into the hearts of Texas metal fans. They don't sound like Pantera though, it's progressive leaning metal core with some classic rock sensiblitly thrown in. Let's get an introduciton to Bridges Ablaze, and please go listen to some of their music.
20 years ago the Salt Lake City, Utah based band Royal Bliss put out their debut album, then the economy crashed and the upward trajactory of the band was put on hold. A couple more albums and a ton of touring saw the band hitting on all gears 10 years ago when after a couple top 20 singles and a ton more touring the pandemic hit, and everything got put on hold again. Here in early 2026 Royal Bliss are at again, fingers crossed nothing crazy happens this time. Lead singer Neal Middleton is here to debut the new song "By My Side" and tell some stories.
Twenty-six years ago, I was a few months into my first ever radio gig. Tweny-six years ago, Papa Roach were putting out their second full-length album and first to be released on a major label called Infest. Not too long after that, I met Jacoby while doing radio stuff, and he was doing press, and we've stayed in touch ever since. So when Papa Roach, who are fresh off the biggest year of their carreer released a new song, I reached out and said let's chat for my show The Cutting Edge Countdown and for this podcast Cutter's Rockcast. There's a lot to celebrate if you're Jacoby Shaddix, and new music is only part of it.
photo credit for this episode belongs to Decker from Razor 94.4/1047
Dameon and his brother Gabe Aranda started their band as teenages in Oklahoma City officially in 2001. The two musicians/song writers hit their stride a few years later amazing a few top 20 rock radio hits, and even giving a song to Kelly Clarkson before taking some time off shortly before the pandemic. A few years later Aranda are back with new music and a full push to allow you to hear it, and touring later this year. Dameon digs into the history of the band and what it takes to be a powerful musician this week on the Rockcast.
New Aranda song "You Don't Wanna Know" is available now with a new album called Are you Not Entertained? is due out this spring.
Megadeth just released their 17th studio album, but unfortunately it's their last. Dave Mustaine says this is it for Megadeth music, so this week on the Rockcast, we find out why, as the legendary Dave Mustaine joins me and my morning show co-host Laura Lee for a conversation about going out on top, stories of the past, health concerns, and what it takes to be in a 40 plus year succesful band.
Megadeth's self-titled album debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and features his version of the Metallica classic "Ride The Lightning," co-written by Dave Mustaine.
At the end of the 1990s Brother Cane, after three number one rock singles, the broke up. 26 years later they are back! Founder, guitarist, and singer Damon Johnson caught up with us about the comeback of Brother Cane and why playing guitar for Lynyrd Skynyrd helped make it happen.
New album Magnolia Medicine is due out this April
25 years ago a group of metal loving guys in Sweden formed a band with an idea to do music based on Military history, and it worked. Little did they know then that a millions of people would gravitate towards that idea. That idea is the band Sabaton. I was one of those millions of people who loved the idea and the premise, plus the music is fantastic. Pure heavy metal in every sense of the phrase. Their latest album Legends has songs based on historical military legends, like the Templars or Napoleon. There is also the song "Crossing the Rubicon" that features the help of Nothing More, giving Sabaton their first ever charted rock radio hit. Lead singer Joakim Broden joins me this week on Cutter's Rockcast and my radio show The Cutting Edge Countdown.
In 2020, Zero 9:36 hit the rock scene running with the single "Adrenaline" and an album released in early 2021 called ...If You Don't Save Yourself. Except there was this little thing that happened called an international pandemic that shut everything down and put careers on hold. Since then Zero has been doing it his way, and he joins me to discuss just that, his take on A.I., and much, much more.
Zero 9:36 They Were Always Here is available now, and more new music is coming later this year.
Chris Kael is the bass player for Five Finger Death Punch and while they just announced a bunch of tour dates in honor of their 20th annivesary, Chris has been keeping busy as a stand up comedian and podcast host. Enter everyone's best friend, comedian Craig Gass. Craig has been able to, as a comedian, open for Metallica, Kiss, and more. His rock n' roll stories rival no one. So these two decided to start a podcast called Beardo and Wierdo, and how do you promote a new podcast? Go on other friend's podcasts.
Find episodes of Beardo and Wierdo on YouTube and anywhere you get podcasts.
You know where to find Five Finger Death Punch
Story of the Year put out their debut album Page Avenue in 2003 and helped changed the rock and roll landscape. The songs "Until the Day I Die" and "Anthem of Our Dying Day" are legendary in the alt-rock world. From there the band exisited until it didn't, and then it did again. Right now the band themselves might be at their creative best and founding member and guitarist Ryan Phillips joins us to talk new music, skateboarding, and rocking in your 40s. Plus real talk too.
The new song "Gasoline" is availble now, while the new album A.R.S.O.N. is due out in February.
Her name is Amanda Lyberg and she's got things to say. Amanda is the lead singer of Eva Under Fire and while you might be thinking "wait, isn't her name Eva Marie?" well, it was. Or, at least that's what they wanted you to believe. Who's they? Lets answer that question and more on this week's episode of Cutter's Rockcast.
New Eva Under Fire song "Awakening" is out now.
Wolfgang Van Halen is the frontman, guitarist, drummer, bassist and songwriter for the band Mammoth. Yes he plays all the instruments on their albums, Mammoth III just came out. On stage though Wolfgang has a plethra of amazing musicians backing him up.
Myles Kennedy is the lead singer of Alter Bridge who's new album AB is due out in January. He's also the lead singer for Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. When he's not busy with those projects he has is own solo band.
Mammoth are on tour until mid December with Myles opening up the shows and I had the pleasure of joining them on a recent tour stop that ended with a conversation in Myles' dressing room with both of them.
Dripping rock and roll by way of Long Island, Des Rocs and his guitar are here to stay. If you missed my last conversation with Des we get into his history, this time we're digging into his sound and to what his musical idenity is.
He has a new song called "This Land" which is the theme to the new Borderlands 4 Video Game, and that is launching a whole new album due out sometime next year.
It's been a hell of ride this past year for the band The Funeral Portrait. One of 2025's bands on the rise for sure. Lead singer Lee Jennings is back to revisit the past year as we look forward to what's on the horizon for this Atlanta based band. That includes a new live album due out in January!
Guitar great Mark Tremonti is back on the show this week to discuss all things Alter Brdige. Yes a little Creed and Tremonti talk as well, but we can't sleep on the fact that the band Alter Bridge just put out on the heaviest and most heavy metal things at rock radio in years. Their new album will be self-titled and it hits January 9th. I'll ask about new Creed music as well.
Mark's daughter Stella has become an inspiration for many and we'll get into some details about his fight to help Down Syndrome, and how important it is.
Adam DeGraide started a project with Dameon and Gabe from Aranda called ADAM Music Project, a music project where all the songs are based on video games and video game themes. Yes for this nerds need to unite!
We also get an update on the band Aranda as Dameon and Adam join the Rockcast this week.
Not only is Matt Good the guitar player and really the one constant in the band From First to Last, but Matt is an extremely good record producer as well. Matt is a busy guy, he knows it, his band knows it, and his family surely knows it. We're happy that Matt takes a bit out his schedule to have a chat about new music from From First to Last, his production skills, why he still writes and jams rock tunes, and even why their orginal singer Sonny (Skrillex) has been in and out of the band.
Check out the new song "Mirror Soul" featurin Kellin Quinn right now.
"Negative music for positive people," is how Joe Cotela describes the music for the band Ded. It's hard to argue with that, there is a positive message under all that aggression. Ded's third album is called Resent and it's availalbe now. Ded is on the road in the month of October with In This Moment, Dayseeker and The Funeral Portrait. Oh and Joe doesn't concert photography now. Yeah there's a lot to catch up with Joe Cotela, lead singer of the band Ded.
I'm not going to say no to hearing the words of Chris Daughtry, espicially when they are about great music. Earlier this year Daughtry released the EP Shock to the System (Part One) and now they have released Shock to the System (Part Two.) Another EP and the journey has already begun for another Daughtry song to get the absolute crap played out of it on North American rock radio with "The Bottom." But there's a special sound to this version of Daughtry that sees him hitting his 90s roots a little more than previous releases. Chris Daughtry is here to break it down this week on Cutter's Rockcast.
It can be distracting and maybe even a bit concerning when you hear a band you really like is losing one of it's singers. Luckily for I Prevail Eric Vanlerberghe has been there the whole time. Since the band's inception there have been two singers, one who holds down the clean vocals and Eric who handles the heavier and more intense parts. Now it's up to Eric and guitarist Dylan Bowman to handle all vocals and they do it better than I bet even they imagined.
I Prevail's new album Violent Nature is now out and worth every possible minute you can spend with it. Maybe this conversation with Eric will help you understand why.
In 2014 the underground metal core band Of Mice & Men put out their first album with new singer and bassist Aaron Pauley, and the band never looked back. That album along spawning a couple top 20 rock songs. Since then Of Mice & Men have been a proper metal band, but don't think they don't have any surprises up their sleeves. Their latest single "Wake Up" has an acoustic guitar and Aaron tells us that they wanted Alanis Morissette to duet on the song, but her manager said no.
Look for Of Mice & Men's new album Another Miracle due out November 14th.
Since the release of the song "Lit Up" in 1999, Buckcherry's no frills rock and roll has been a staple on rock radio and in the live concert circuit. It was few years later though that the song "Crazy Bitch" was released making Buckcherry a plantium selling rock band and a household name. Since then they've continuied to do what they do, the way they want to do it, without comprimising who they are. Their 11th studio album is entitled Roar Like Thunder and it's out now. Lead singer Josh Todd joins myself (Cutter) and my morning show co-host Laura Lee for a conversation about rock and roll, playing live, Justins, and the "F" word.
As the lead singer of Black Veil Brides is well regarded as one of the best front mans in the modern crop of heavy metal. They are a band who for the past 15 years who just consistently release quality heavy metal music, but Andy is more than just a metal singer. He's also a writer and their publishing company has released graphic novels, novellas and more based on the music of Black Veil Brides, you see every album tells a story. On top of all that he's also an actor, having most recently starred in the movie American Satan, and the show Paradise City.
Black Veil Brides have new music out, with a new record on the way sometime early next year.
Brother and sister, Maxamillion and Anastasia Haunt started the band The Haunt out of a need to play music, the heavier the better. After swimming through the industry waters that were trying to push them and espicially her in a different direction, The Haunt are now where they always wanted to be. They are doing some hard rocking and at the highest level.
Normally when a band starts to click with the mainstream its after they've been at it for a long time. That's not to say Velvet Chains haven't been grinding, but bassist and founder Nils Goldschmidt didn't even start the band until he was in his early 30s, and they started as cover band playing little bars in the Vegas area. Then inspiration struck and the Velvet Chains we now know was born.
"Ghost in the Shell" by Velvet Chains is out now.
Ryan Patrick is the guitarist for the band Otherwise, a Las Vegas based band started by him and his brother Adrian. They've had sold out tours, gold records but the music industry did to them what it does to so many great bands and they decided to take the power back by taking some time away. In that process Ryan started a not for profit music teaching group called Life By Music. Now that that's taking off, Otherwise are back with new music and much more on the way.
The band Nerv is a story as old as rock and roll itself. The lead singer has a band that implodes, another band needs a singer, and it's like they were soulmates. 8 years ago, Dillon and the rest of the band Nerv experienced that exact story. Then, a few years ago, their song "Bad Habits" blew up everywhere. But this band is doing it their way; they are writing their own story. A piece of that story gets told here on Cutter's Rockcast.
Dayseeker has released a new song as part of an upcoming album, and lead singer Rory Rodriguez says, "It's darker, it's more horror-themed, but it's not as sad." He's referring to the 2022 album Dark Sun, which really launched this band into a new level of popularity and even gave them their first two mainstream rock singles.
Check out Dayseeker on tour the rest of this year, including an opening slot on the Ice Nine Kills summer tour.
What can I say about Johannes Eckerstrom that hasn't already been said? This guy is always a treat to talk to, from his introspection to his philosophy, to Avatar's incredible, if not sometimes frightful music, he always has something interesting to say. Avatar just put out a new song called "Captain Goat" from an as-of-yet unannounced new album. They have a headline tour coming to the States this fall, then opening dates booked with Iron Maiden and Metallica! The man is still a fan at heart, even though his band now stands with the greats.
The new era of Avatar begins now!
Before the release of their self-titled debut in early 2020, weeks before the pandemic struck, the band BRKN Love had been on the road doing what all new bands do. They were paying their dues and building a fan base, which included me. Since then, they have put out two more albums, each one doing just a bit better than the previous. Justin Benlolo is the lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for the band. In fact, BRKN Love has been Justin's baby all along. They are a swinging rock and roll band and one that's worth a listen. Just listen to Justin explain it here, how could you not be rooting for this band?
BRKN Love's 3rd album, The Program, is available now.
Over the past decade, it's been the band Badflower to take a torch once carried by bands like My Chemical Romance and carry it into the realms of modern rock. Lead singer Josh Katz wears his heart on his sleeve with lyrics that resonate with anyone, no matter what they might be going through. That has never been more evident than on their latest single, "Paws," all about the possibility of losing his dog and best friend. That song, along with the previous single "Detroit," will be on Badflower's third full-length album, There Is No Place Like Home, due out on June 20th.
Josh and I have had some deep conversations in the past, and has their manager reminded me, "you two gab like two old Grandmas," well, this conversation gets into some real-life stuff.
Losing a band member is one thing, but losing a member to a tragic death is an entirely another thing. We Came As Romans lost their singer, Kyle Pavone, in 2018 to what was ruled an accidental overdose. That's a hard task to overcome, but not for this band. We Came as Romans have overcome everything thrown at them, and not only did they survive, but they've strived. Founding member and singer (the band with Kyle had two singers), Dave Stephen,s joins us while waiting for a flight to go play a giant music festival to talk new music and what it's taken to overcome tragedy.
20 years is a long time to be in a band, but sometimes it takes that long to truly break through and become more than just underground heroes. The Devil Wears Prada is doing exactly that with a string of recent hits and a new song, "For You," that's poised to take the band to new heights. Plus, you'd be hard pressed to find a better live band than them. Guitarist/singer/songwriter Jeremy DePoyster joins me this week to break it all down and unofficially announce a new album due out in the future. Not breaking news, I know, but you'll have to listen to get the details.
After 11 studio albums, you might think a band is starting to get meh, but that is definitely not the case with Architects. Their latest offering, The Sky, The Earth & All Between, sees the band exploring their sound in a way that just works. Produced by former Bring Me The Horizon keyboardist and songwriter Jordan Fish, the sounds are all there. From the pummelling to the melodic, this band isn't showing any signs of slowing down. They're headlining festivals, they went on tour with Metallica, and if their latest single "Everything Ends" keeps going, they might have one of their biggest hits in the band's long history on their hands.
Lead singer Sam Carter joined me from his home in London the day before the NFL Draft so we even get a little sports talk in on this conversation, and gardening too! Wormhole, activated.
See Architects on tour in the U.S. this summer.
The band Dinosaur Pile-Up just announced a new album and released two new songs. After kicking down the door of mainstream rock with the 2019 album Celebrity Mansions, we haven't really heard much from the band. There's a good reason for that, lead singer Matt Bigland was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a digestive disease that wrecks your insides. Something I know a lot about as 15 years ago I found out that I had celiac disease, both are autoimmune diseases with similar outcomes, and they both suck. Matt ended up in the hospital for a bit, so his health needed to come first. Now though, he's better than ever, and the band is firing on all cylinders. Two new songs are out called "My Way and 'Bout to Lose It." They come off a new album called I've Felt Better, due out in August of 2025.
On a side note, I personally am a huge fan of this band, and I'm stoked to have this conversation.
Have you ever wondered what bands do during their off time? Like when they aren't on the road or in the middle of a new album. Well, artists do what artists do, and that is creative creation. In this case, that creation is music. While Theory of a Deadman should be on break, Tyler has been hard at work on some new tunes and making amazing fashion choices. Sometimes we just need "hey, what are you doing?" style catch up, and that's exactly what this is.
Saturday, April 12th is Record Store Day, and Black Stone Cherry are one of many bands and artists taking part and releasing an exclusive Record Store Day album called This Is Black Stone Cherry's RSD Release...And The Band Really Loves it. Lead singer Chris Robertson and I dig into the album, being proud papas, and what's next for the Kentucky Music Hall of Famers.
She truly needs no introduction as she has become one the most well-known voices in the world of rock music. Scratch that. She's become one of the most well-known voices in music. We know her as Halestorm's lead singer, but last year, she was also the fill-in singer with Skid Row. She's put out duets with everyone from Brooks & Dunn to I Prevail. Joining us from somewhere in Georgia as Halestorm puts the final touches on a new album due out later this year, we have a soul-searching conversation about music and what it truly means to be a part of music history.
Drummer, singer, and songwriter for the legendary metalcore band Underoath is here to discuss their new album, The Place After This One , which is out now! Actually, it came out today, or should I say the same day as this conversation's posting. Underoath is one of the originators of a genre of music that has millions of fans worldwide, and after taking a bit of a hiatus, they came back in 2018 to a ton of fanfare. The Place After This One is their 3rd full album since coming back and after touring for a year in honor of the anniversary of the genre's most influential albums, Their Only Chasing Safety. You can almost hear it yet another metalcore masterpiece.
Alyse Zavala and Oscar Romero are the co-lead singers in the band LYLVC, that is pronounced Lylac but with a V in place of the A. It's rock and roll man you can do what you want. This band started during the pandemic and a true won't take no attitude has put them on a path to greatness. You may have seen them on tour with Atreyu or Pop Evil, but with new music done, a record contract happening soon, and more touring on the books, the future is now for the band Lylvc.
Autumn Kings is a Canadian-based (but almost Detroit) rap rock band who are truly bringing the groove back to the mainstream rock world. After grinding for over a decade the song "Sleep When I'm Dead" finds the band hitting a new height of success. Guitarist/singer/songwriter Jake Diab jones me for a conversation about who they are, how trauma can breed success and hit on that midwest nice.
This conversation took place right before I left for Costa Rica two weeks ago and right before they left to tour Europe.
The band Fuel had a ton of success with household-known songs like "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)" "Shimmer" "Bad Day" and "Won't Back Down" just to name a few in the late 90s and early 2000s. Since then they've gone through a ton of changes and challenges, but now they are back and better than ever. Original members Carl and Kevin join me and my morning show co-host Laura Lee, along with their new singer Aaron to go through the band's recent past and dig into the resurgence of the music from the turn of the century.
Sophie Lloyd is a British guitarist who rose to popularity by posting her amazing playing to digital platforms like YouTube and TikTok. This led to her releasing eps that saw her shredding through renditions of legendary hard rock songs. She then spent the better part of the pandemic putting together her first true solo album featuring a who's who of modern rock singers like Lzzy Hale, Tyler Connolly, Danny Worsnop, Brandon Saller, and more. All former guests of this show. In the process, she also became Machine Gun Kelly's guitar player. As a guitarist, I'm stoked to help introduce the amazingly talented Sophie Lloyd to you.
For over twenty years the band 10 Years has been out there giving us high-quality rock music, the kind that draws you in and never really lets go. But they've kind of been doing it under the radar. A band that can hold their own with the biggest of the big. Lead singer Jesse Hasek has been known to be an entertainer of the highest quality during 10 Years sets and he's still setting the standard.
Their new EP is called Inner Darkness and features a song with Conquer Divide that is continuing to rise up the rock radio charts.
"I knew more songs by Hinder than I thought I did," said one of my co-workers ahead of this conversation. It's true though, they are just one of those bands. Now on the heels of their first bonafide hit song in a decade it's high time to catch up with that "Lips of an Angel" band. Marshal Dutton has been the singer now for 10 years and the music is hitting a peak. Plus more and more touring, and fun with cover songs.
The intensity level that Chris Daughtry has been bringing with Daughtry is on another level, and 2025 looks to be the biggest of his career as a true hard rock artist. Touring with Disturbed and with Creed is already on the books and while Shock to the System Part One came out late last year, he's putting the final touch on Part Two as I type this. Chris even has a new more intense look to go with it, all that and thoughts on Falling in Reverse, Tremonti, Nothing More and even Sleep Token this conversation is as much two rock fans talking tunes as it is me asking questions about his music. Enjoy another in-depth conversation with one of the most talented voices in rock, Chris Daughtry.
-Cutter
With a new rhythm section now officially a part of the band, if you haven't heard Joey and Blake from the band Devour the Day are now the bassist and drummer respectively for Pop Evil. Plus they just announced their 8th studio album called What Remains due out March 21st. Which by the way is by far their heaviest record to date. Oh, and the Lions are the best team in football, (which hurts a little) it's time to catch up with my old friend and someone I have a tremendous amount of respect for, Leigh Kakaty, lead singer for one of rock radio's most played bands, Pop Evil.
Hide your daughters...and your moms Hollywood Undead is here! Charlie Scene, Johnny 3 Tears, and J-Dog join me for episode 400 of Cutter's Rockcast. They do have a fantastic new song out called Hollywood Forever and it's fitting that they join me from a house in L.A. where they are working on new music, and dealing with the L.A. wildfires. This gets weird, it gets flirty and it gets serious. Enjoy a very in-depth conversation with one of the best bands that Rap Metal has ever produced.
This conversation is also part of my radio show The Cutting Edge Countdown as heard on many great rock radio stations around the U.S.
For more go to the website Cuttingedgecountdown.com
Cory Marks is a Canadian country-influenced hard rock singer, but he was doing it before the names Hardy and Jelly Roll were mainstays on the rock charts. As his new album Sorry For Nothing hits the streets and the streams, I caught up with the Outlaws and Outsiders singer in between acoustic gigs opening for Theory of A Deadman.
His story starts like most Canadians, on the ice, then to the air, and now to rock and roll stardom.
It's not every day a band releases their first proper radio single and a few months later it's the number one rock song in the country. Yet that is exactly what happened with The Funeral Portrait. Earlier this year the album Greetings From Suffocate City came out and the title track featured a little help from the Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas, some people started playing it and the rest is history. Their rise didn't happen overnight though, it's been ten years in the making with all the ups and downs you might expect.
Now we get to answer the question Who exactly is The Funeral Portrait?
You may know Shimone Moore as the lead singer of Sick Puppies during the Sick Puppies incredibly successful run in the early 2010s. After a falling out between him and Sick Puppies bassist Emma Anzai he left the band almost a decade ago and has since decided to go solo under jus the name Shim. After a solo album in 2018 and a couple of singles since, he and his bassist / musical soulmate Jayme Lewis are at again, and have a lot planned for the new year. They both stopped by my studio to crank up some tunes and talk the talk.
This episode of Cutter's Rockcast also includes an exclusive song from Shim and Jayme that hasn't been heard outside of their circle before, it's a song that was written on the fly after binging Letterkenny and it's not for the faint of heart, trigger warning if you're a bit sensitive to outlandish comedic subject manners. The rest of the conversation is pretty normal, or at least as normal as it can be for Shim.
Starset is wrapping up its incredible, mind-bending concert experience called Immersions. Meanwhile, they have been putting out one-off songs that aren't part of a bigger story arc like everything they have done up to this point. Everything in the world of Starset is tied together, from albums to comic books to novels, to music videos. Now while they look to the future to journey into the next era of Starset and all of its stories, they have been putting out one-off songs like the now top 20 hit "Toksik."
Joining us from a bridge in Prague on Halloween Dustin, myself, and my morning show co-host Laura Lee discuss the next era of Starset.
Veterans Day is this coming Monday and I thought what a great time to have Cullen back with us, plus lots of new music coming from the Sleep Theory world. Oh and a December tour with Daughtry. If you don't know Cullen Moore, the lead singer and founder of the band Sleep Theory is also a United States Veteran. Now he's living his dream as a musician.
Remember the Monsters are a new band, but one with all the potential in the world to become your new favorite rock band. Working the From First to Last lead singer Andrew De Neef and the rest of the band have been hard at work crafting quality rock songs, and now Andrew is with us on the Rockcast to dig into how this band came to be and why they are someone to pay attention to.
Set if Off is currently crisscrossing the United States headlining packed shows with From Ashes to New and New Years Day opening. Earlier this week the band randomly and unexpectedly stopped by the studio to say hi, so of course we sat down for a conversation. After Set It Off's friend and producer Jon Lundin was here last week, we can tie it all together this week with Set It Off. Plus this is one of my daughter's favorite bands so it makes it even cooler to get to know them more on a personal level. Great dudes, great band, here is Set It Off!
He's written and produced songs for Falling In Reverse and Set it Off, all while fronting and writing songs for his own band Point North. Jon Lundin is a bit of a renaissance, a hard worker who does it all the way he wants. His band is no different. Point North just put out a new song called "World Vs. Peace" and there's plenty of reason to be excited about that song, and the direction that Point North is headed. You could say it's all up from here. (sorry, I had to.)
Lead singer of the band Fame on Fire, Bryan Kuznitz returns to the Rockcast and my radio show The Cutting Edge Countdown this week to dig into their new album The Death Card. Joining us from somewhere backstage on the Wage War tour, we talk about the story behind their new album, how it came to be, why tarot cards, opening for Wage War, our love of Avenged Sevenfold, and much more.
For tour dates go to fameonfireband.com
Finger Eleven may have written the biggest hit of the 2000s with the song "Paralyzer" but a one-hit wonder they are not. It's been some time since Finger Eleven has been on the big stage and all it took was a call from Creed to get them back, and now with a budding hit song "Adrenaline" they are ready to reclaim their spot as one of rock's elite bands. Lead singer Scott Anderson joins us on the Rockcast to lay it all down.
You know Jason Hook as the guitarist of Five Finger Death Punch. A few years ago Jason left Five Finger and instead of joining another band in need of his services he ventured out and did his own thing, that thing is called Flat Black. Their debut album is called Dark Side of the Brain and is available now. The sound is heavy, melodic, and in your face. If you've ever enjoyed his playing than Flat Black is something you need to be checking out. Their touring activities start this weekend with Godsmack and Nothing More.
Marc LaBelle has been a frequent guest on this podcast and on my radio show The Cutting Edge Countdown over the years, and he's back for more! Dirty Honey is out on the Can't Find the Brakes U.S. headline tour right now and are pushing the album of the same name's third single "Don't Put Out the Fire." From motorcycles to football and all the rock and roll you can handle, it's Dirty Honey lead singer Marc LaBelle on this episode of Cutter's Rockcast.
Well, look who's back?! Crobot is here to give us all the details on their new album Obsidian which is out today (Friday.) Crobot have basically gone independent and they are doing things their own way with killer riffs and aggressive rock and roll songs in a way that only Crobot could do. Working with former Killswitch Engage singer Howard Jones, Clutch frontman Neil Fallon, and even JD from Black Label Society, Crobot are about to take us on a journey.
John Corabi is currently the lead singer of the straight-ahead rock and roll band The Dead Daisies. A supergroup of sorts with an incredible lineup of musicians they just released (today) their new album Light 'Em Up. John has also spent a lot of time in other bands like Ratt, Union, The Scream, and of course Motley Crue. He rides, he rocks, he's an Eagles fan (we don't hold that against him,) he is the one and only John Corabi.
John Allen is the lead singer of the indie, straightforward rock and roll band Stone Horses, who on their own have already had a couple of top 40 rock hits including their latest single "Free." However, John's history goes back as he was also the lead singer of the band Charm City Devils and got his start as the drummer for SR-71. As he describes it "I'm the poor man's Dave Grohl." Flash forward and Stone Horses are about to release a new full-length album called Redemption on October 25th. Music conversations and rock and roll stories, it's John Allen's turn this week on Cutter's Rockcast.
The whole band Shallow Side stopped by the studios and decided to have a little fun in the back room. We went through their entire life cycle as a band and we all agree that Elias from Nonpoint is one of the best dudes on the planet.
Shallow Side's new album Reflections is available now, wherever you get music from.
Our friend and sometimes collaborator Decker from The Cutting Edge Countdown affiliate Razor 94.7/104.7 in Green Bay, WI caught up with Miles from the band Ice Nine Kills. They talk opening for Metallica, headline shows, playing giant stadiums, horror movies, and of course what's next for Ice Nine Kills.
Don't just call Royale Lynn another country-rock hybrid from Nashville. Well yes, some of that is true, this talented woman grew up with metal in her veins and is now spreading her wings to show that side of her songwriting ability. Her latest song "Death Wish" features a collaboration with Asking Alexandria singer Danny Worsnop, who is also no stranger to spreading his wings creatively. This week on Cutter's Rockcast we get an answer to the very important question, who is Royale Lynn?
Sometimes I feel like I crave the joy and craziness of a Badflower conversation and this one starts with a surprise appearance by my daughter and I almost get kicked off the conversation. Then it's all in on new Badflower music, skateboards, and riding tractors on a farm on the outskirts of Nashville. Badflower is something to behold and with two brand new songs out it's time to have this conversation with lead singer Josh Katz and bassist Alex Espiritu.
Dorothy Martin has become one of the most sought-after female rock vocalists that exist. Her solo career is nothing to scoff at either with now 3 top ten hits and a new song called "Mud" that she says is going to be "the party rock workout song of the summer!" Dorothy is back on the Rockcast to tell us about this new tune, her new album, being on tour with Creed, and all those guest spots she's done over the past few years from Staind, to Slash to Dolly Parton. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to once again welcome Dorthoy to Cutter's Rockcast.
When Creed is in your hometown rehearsing for their tour kickoff you don't just have a conversation with their lead singer Scott Stapp, you also talk to their incredible guitar player Mark Tremonti. In part two of this episode of Cutter's Rockcast, we get the Creed reunion from Mark's perspective and Creed's touring rhythm guitarist Eric Friedman. Eric also plays in Mark's solo band Tremonti. This time we get to find out more about the production of this Creed show, and the intense schedule. We also get some nuggets about new Tremonti music coming later this year and his Frank Sinatra tribute which will return for the holidays in 2024.
Scott Stapp joined me on my morning show before the kickoff of the Creed reunion tour. Scott and I have known each other for a long time and I couldn't be happier for the man. We chatted about the reunion, the tour, the music, his solo album, his sports teams, and even the other band that people love to hate, Nickleback. Enjoy a candid conversation with Scott Stapp for part one of our two-part series on the biggest rock band in the world at the turn of the century, Creed.
Two decades of writing and releasing music while touring the world, yet there's a good chance you may have never heard of the East Coast Punk/Hardcore band Four Year Strong. Hopefully with this episode of the Rockcast, that all changes. Four Year Strong will release what may be their best album yet, Analysis Paralysis on August 9th. With an actual rock single starting to crank up the charts called "Uncooked" and songs filled with attitude and a screw it let's party attitude we're ready for the new Four Year Strong. Dan O'Connor is one of two lead singers in the band and he's here to talk about new music and tell us what's so special about this legendary East Coast music scene.
Myles Kennedy is the lead singer of the band Alter Bridge, he is also the lead singer of Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. That much you should know, but Myles is also an accomplished solo artist and on the best vocalists in rock, plus one of the hardest working and one of the nicest people I know. Last week out of nowhere Myles announced his third solo album The Art of Letting Go due out on October 11th. With that, he also released a new song called "Say What You Will. So I immediately shot off a message and asked Myles to come back and fill us all in. You can see Myles on tour this fall in Europe and this winter back state side.
Islander jumped on the hard rock scene around 2014, and the band and Mikey became some of my favorites. After a couple of top 20 rock hits the road has been a bit bumpy for the band, but now they are doing it their way and are pumping out the heaviest songs of their career. With a new album on the way June 28th called Grammy Nominated which was completely fan-funded they are ready to bring their message of love to the masses.
You may remember a band called Sleep Signals, if not that's OK, they broke up last year. But, lead singer Robert Cosgrove is back with a new project called Eyes Like Midnight. It's a completely different take on the kind of music Robert loves to create and with no rules in place, they are set to make their mark on the unsuspecting rock world. This band is so new they haven't even played a major concert yet. That changes at this year's Rockfest in Cadott, WI which is only 30 minutes from where Robert grew up. Yes, that means we are both Wisconsin boys, so you know I had to shed some homestate love. Don't sleep (no pun intended) on this new band. It's time for some new music discovery with Robert Cosgrove of Eyes Like Midnight.
You may know Keith as the guitar player and backing singer for Breaking Benjamin. Keith is also a prolific solo artist having just released his new solo album called Infinity Now. Keith Wallen sits down for a conversation about songwriting, swinging both bands and to complain about TikTok and Spotify. Ok, we both kind of become crotchety old men with that conversation. Honestly though, we're music heads in our 40s so what would you expect?
The Ghost Inside is a SoCal hardcore band who amassed a following doing what any great band does, tour your asses off. In 2015 that was put on hold when the band was involved in a bus accident that caused serious injuries for some in the band and killed their bus driver. Then in 2020, they were back after years of healing only to be stuck because of the Pandemic. Now in 2024 they just put out what might be their best album Searching For Solace featuring their first true radio hit "Wash it Away." I'm stoked to welcome lead singer Jonathan Vigil to the Rockcast.
This conversation with the Nashville songwriter turned hard rocker Tim Montana took place backstage at the Epic Event Center on May 8th before Tim opened up for the band Saint Asonia on a one-off show to get ready for some big festivals he's been playing. Tim's story is one big middle finger to the man and about that country-rock thing? Yeah, he's been a hard rocker the whole time.
P.O.D. jumped into the rap-metal/hardcore scene at about the same time Rage Against the Machine did, but adding their own influences of hip-hop, reggae, and Latin beats to their brand of hardcore immediately set them apart from the pack in the '90s. During the nu-metal explosion, they had number-one songs and platinum-selling albums. Now, it's been over 30 years and P.O.D. may have just put out one of their heaviest and well-put-together albums yet in Veritas. They are still out there grinding and joining us from the road is lead singer Sonny Sandoval.
The band Nothing More ten years ago exploded on the modern rock world with their self-titled album. Since then they have put out some of their best work and it looks like that journey will continue with their new album Carnal due out on June 28th. Joining from their current tour with Wage War we get into the details of the songs and the raw emotion that has inspired this new album.
You know Kerry King as the legendary guitarist of what some would say are the ultimate heavy metal band, Slayer. Well a few years ago Slayer announced their retirement, they were hanging up the riffs for good. So Kerry being Kerry King took some songs he had already been working on and decided to put out a solo record. He's got a great lineup of musicians with him including Paul Bostaph of Slayer, Phil Demmel formerly of Machine Head, Kyle Sanders from Hellyeah and singing is Mark Osegueda of Death Angel. That reads like a supergroup of metal lineup, but here they are playing with Kerry King. The finished product is the album From Hell I Rise due out on May 17th. Kerry sits down with me to fill us in on how this project came out of the ashes of Slayer.
I should also mention that Slayer did reunite and are playing some select festivals later this year, but how that happened will have to be saved for another conversation down the line.
There are few voices more recognizable than that of Sebastian Bach. Back in the day Skid Row was one of the biggest bands in the world, and it's been a long time since we've heard Bach music that has the same potential as those first two Skid Row records, but here in 2024, that narrative can be changed. His new solo album called Child Within the Man comes out on May 10th and there's a great reason to be excited about it, the songs absolutely kick ass! Sebastian may have never sounded this good. I'm being dead serious about that. Listen to the tunes and then come back and listen to explain this album and share some stories too. Buckle up! It's time for Bach n' Roll!
This week we are getting an introduction to a new band you might want to pay attention to. If you've been to any of the Machine Killer tour dates, featuring Static-X, Sevendust and Dope then you've seen Lines of Loaylty live and you already know that this is a band turning heads, and making bodies groove. They have a heaviness, a groove, and catchiness all rolled into a big sound very rarely heard from a three-piece band. Hailing from Southern Wisconsin they got their break during the pandemic and haven't looked back. Lead singer and guitarist Glenn "Nubz" Morrison (just wait until you hear how he got is name) of the band Lines of Loyalty is here on the latest episode of Cutter's Rockcast.
Ryan McCombs is the lead singer of Drowning Pool, but he is also the lead singer of Soil. Seems like a lot, but if anyone can do it, it's Ryan. Drowning Pool just started the next leg of the Snafu Le Tour with co-headliners Saliva, and Ryan gives us a taste of playing this tour with their good friends in Saliva, including why it's called the Snafu Le Tour. But what about the possibilities of new Drowning Pool music? We find out on this episode of Cutter's Rockcast.
Landon Tewers is just one of those creative types but in all the best ways. The Plot in You was his vision from the start after coming out of another band 15 years ago, but he's been able to do this, do some solo records all while producing and recording on the side for other artists. They have a new series of EP's, two of them are out with a third on the way soon and it's time to have a lengthy sit down with one of the best pure songwriters of the metal core generation.
Henry Cox is the lead singer of the (don't call them a pop-punk) British band Boston Manor. They have a killer straight-ahead new rock song called "Container" and maybe a new album coming? That we cannot confirm yet, so let's ask Henry and talk a little shop on episode 364 of Cutter's Rockcast.
Dayseeker recently announced a new acoustic EP called Replica that is due out in April. The EP features songs from their past two albums reimagined and a cover of the classic Evanescence song "My Immortal." You can also catch Dayseeker on tour this spring with Staind and Seether.
You would know Dicky Barrett as the lead singer and founding member of the legendary Ska-Punk band The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, but now he and some friends got together to form this "90s punk rock supergroup" called The Defiant. The Defiant is Pete Parada on drums (The Offspring), Greg Camp on guitar (Smash Mouth), Johnny Rioux on bass (Street Dogs), Joey La Rocca on guitar and keys (The Briggs), with Dicky Barrett front and center (The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.) Together the five create a rock n roll pedigree that culminates into a riot of melodic punk.
Dicky was also the announcer for Jimmy Kimmel Live! for almost two decades and in this conversation, we found out he even gives tours of the punk rock museum in Las Vegas.
Surprise! The band Fame on Fire today (Feb. 23rd) released a killer brand new song called "Nightmare (The Devil)" Our old friend Bryon Kuznitz, lead singer of Fame on Fire stops by to tell us all about it and what the future looks like for Fame on Fire. Plus I had a bangover from being at the Pantera concert the night before we talked.
At the time of this conversation (last week) Daughtry's latest single and by far his heaviest song to date, was sitting at number 2 on the rock charts. As of the posting of this conversation, that song has officially gone number one and as we found out in this conversation, it sure means a lot to him to have a number-one ROCK song. As you may or may not know Chris's story starts with a finalist finish on American Idol almost 20 years ago, and for a while he wasn't doing the type of music that was close to his heart. In 2020 that changed and he ain't looking back. Now with the song "Artificial" having this success, a duet with Papa Roach, tours with Shinedown and Creed, a new tour later this year with Breaking Benjamin, Daughtry have cemented themselves amongst the rock elite.
The name (hed) PE is as synonymous with the nu-metal genre as Korn is. While they may not have gotten to the same popularity heights (hed) PE and their style of music embodies everything we love about the genre. Jahred Gomes formed the band in Huntington Beach, CA in 1994 and found huge success a few years later with songs like "Bartender" and "Blackout." In late 2023 they put out a new album called Detox and it might be their best complete body of work in decades. It's probably been that long since I've talked to Jahred and I'm happy to catch up with the outgoing frontman of Higher Education Planet Earth.
He truly is the madman of rock and roll, a legendary frontman, an avid supporter of bikers, and a bourbon maker. You know Jesse James Dupree as the lead singer of Jackyl, but when inspiration struck during a surprise visit from his son Nigel, the boys Dupree got to work and wrote a straightforward, no-nonsense rock record called Breathing Fire. Featuring songs co-written by the legendary Brian Johnson of AC/DC, they truly have something special on hand.
Texas alt-blues-rock songwriter and bonafide rockstar Austin Meade pops on to say hi. Drinking a beer and talking rock and roll, the way it should be. Honestly though has his new song "Blackout" continues to rise up the charts I thought it was a good time to get an introduction to a guy who's breathing a breath of fresh air into the modern rock landscape by doing it his way and "not giving a f***" what anyone thinks.
By the time 2024 is over there's a real good chance that Beartooth will be the biggest rock band of the year. Their new album The Surface is incredible and it features their first ever number-one rock song "Might Love Myself" and a song that features country music's biggest star of 2023 Hardy called "The Better Me." Their current headline tour is almost completely sold out and they are putting on the best show of their lives. I first met Caleb Shomo backstage at the music festival Rock on the Range (now called Sonic Temple) in his hometown of Columbus, OH and to see his rise to greatness brings me great joy. Now it's time to dig further in and get in introspective look at Beartooth.
The name Oxymorrons for this band isn't just a clever coincidence. These are some of the most thoughtful musicians one could meet. This is a band in touch with the universe around them and wanted to bring a higher meaning to the music. Sure rap-metal has been done, but not like this. Dave and Jafe from this Queens, NYC band bring the power, the introspection, and the fight for inclusion of the band to the scene of rock, metal, and yes, hip-hop.
Who doesn't love a little philosophy with their rock and roll? We'll dive into that, the truth, and the music with one of my favorite newer bands Dead Poet Society. Lead singer Jack Underkofler will even disclose his Christmas plans.
Elias returns to the Rockcast as they are in the middle of short Holiday tour that including a bunch of sold out dates and wrapping things up in the midwest. We touch on their latest Heartless E.P. being an indy band, and how to follow the music media trends. Nonpoint is always on the road and I'd highly reccomend seeing a show as soon as you possible can. One of the best and most consistent rock bands of the past two decades.
Tommy is one of the hidden gems of rock music. He started as a guitarist in the heavy metal band Warlock with Doro Pesch. From there, life took him on an adventure that included a pop-based solo career, a punk rock band, producer and engineer work, studio musician, and in the past decade-plus a spot in Alice Cooper's band and the supergroup Hollywood Vampires. That run-on sentence doesn't even do his career justice, so it's time to tell some rock and roll stories while getting introduced to his new project Crossbone Skully. That project is his brainchild, but with the help of Alice Cooper, Mutt Lang, Johnny Depp, and so many others it deserves the attention we're giving it this week on both this podcast and on my radio show The Cutting Edge Countdown.
Daniel Laskiewicz or has he is known to everyone, DL became the lead singer of Bad Wolves in 2020, and with their 4th album (2nd with DL) Die About It shows, he's comfortable being the lead singer of this band. While the whole band including DL comes from a very heavy metal background, Bad Wolves is a little more eclectic than just metal or even the hated term "radio rock." We catch up to talk about those subjects, coming from being a guitarist to just a lead singer, and how this band has opened up to be what you hear today. They are currently on the road with Bush and you can find tickets at Badwolves.com
Austin is the former lead singer of the band Hinder. He was on vocal duty during the height of the band's popularity and after spending some down time due to health concerns is back in the studio working on new music. But before we get to hear that he and another singer named Sharlyn have re-recorded Austin's biggest hit, the classic Hinder power ballad "Lips of an Angel." But why? I was curious so I asked Austin to join me here to discuss it.
It's good to be in the band Black Stone Cherry right now. Earlier this year they put out what may be their most intense and heaviest record to date with Screamin' at The Sky, they were just announced as the opener for the Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour featuring the legends ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and meanwhile their cover of "Give Me One Reason" continues to captivate new audiences. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Robertson checks in from the tour bus to talk all things Black Stone Cherry and the state of music in 2023.
It's been 20 years since Steel Panther first exploded onto the scene with their light-hearted tribute to the seediness of 80's hard rock and metal. Well, six albums later, world tours and even an appearance on America's Got Talent and Steel Panther are still bringing the party to a stage near you. Their Holidaze tour kicks off in a few weeks and their latest album On The Prowl came out earlier this year.
Part two of my conversation with Matt Brooks, guitarist, singer and songwriter for the band Like a Storm is about is other project. It's called Amplify and it's all about bettering yourself through healthy habits.
After spending the lockdown at their parents house in New Zealand, and even doing a whole record there, Like A Storm are back! New song is called "Saints and Sinners" and Matt Brooks joins me for a conversation about their music and how it's done.
Stay tuned for part 2 of this conversation which has Matt and I talking about recovery, mental health, and self empowerment.
If you're like me you recognize the name Any Given Sin as a band that John Moyer from Disturbed helped get started about 7 or 8 years ago. After recording an EP they split with their lead singer and started over with Vic Ritchie handling the mic, and they haven't looked back. They started putting out singles and in August put out their debut album War Within via Mascot Records. Vic and I sit down this week for the Rockcast and my radio show Cutting Edge Countdown to tell the rest of the story.
The story goes back a few years when Dirty Honey was the first independent rock band to have a number-one rock song with "When I'm Gone." Since it's been a band on the rise and doing it their own way. Fresh off opening for Guns N' Roses and from hitting some waves in California, lead singer Marc Labelle and I catch up on all things Dirty Honey and his hat collection.
I was able to catch up with Parkway Drive frontman Winston McCall backstage on a recent Monsters of Oz tour stop. This is THE show that they have been teasing us in North America with for years. Full of pyro, a spinning drum cage, and all the songs that everyone from hardcore Parkway fans and casual fans alike will love. Beyond that we dig further into the album Darker Still and the title track and why it's a landmark for the band and himself as a songwriter and human.
Video of this conversation can be found on my YouTube channel @thisiscuttermedia
The Memphis-based Sleep Theory blew up on TikTok and Reels earlier this year with the song "Another Way." Then, they met Memphis native and Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers who offered them an opening slot on their headline tour, now their latest single "Numb" is a top 20 rock single. Yeah, it's good to be Sleep Theory, but who is Sleep Theory? Band founder and singer Cullen Moore is here to tell us.
Earlier this year Seattle guitarist/songwriter Ayron Jones put out his second album Chronicles of the Kid and now officially has his second number-one rock song in "Blood in the Water." He's been on tour constantly since the pandemic restrictions lifted and it's showing in these songs. Also, he has said he wants to be "the guitarist for a generation," well, that sparked my interest. It's always fun to have Ayron Jones on both The Cutting Edge Countdown and Cutter's Rockcast.
Scott Stapp has become one of the most recognizable voices in rock and dare I say a good friend. He and I will be hosting an event for Operation Song in Green Bay, WI on October 6th where we'll pair veterans up with songwriters, including Scott and tell their amazing stories through song.
In the '90s and early 2000s, his band Creed became one of the biggest rock bands in the world, selling millions of albums and selling out packed stadiums around the world. Around 2005 the band went their separate ways with part of the band forming Alter Bridge and Scott starting a successful solo career. After one more album a few years later, there's been no news about Creed in over a decade. That has changed as they are back together for a cruise in 2024. On top of that Scott has a heavy new solo song out and a new solo album scheduled for next year.
When In This Moment debuted they were a thrash metal band with a badass female singer. Since then they've reinvented themselves a bit into this theatrical powerhouse and haven't looked back. But with two new songs out and a full album called Godmode coming on October 27th you can hear the reinvigoration of the band. Lead singer Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth are here to catch us up on the world of In This Moment and get ready for an amazing tour happening this fall with them, Ice Nine Kills, Avatar, and New Years Day.
This weekend the Scranton, PA band Another Day Dawns is releasing a new single called "Hesitate" and there has been a buzz building about this band for the past couple of years. We in the world of rock outside their fans may not know much about this band yet. So once again we're telling the origin story of a rock band on the rise. Fresh off their tour opening for Breaking Benjamin and Bush, lead singer Dakota Sean and I go behind the scenes for a band you need to watch.
It's the band Above Snakes from Boston (I did that in my head like the Sam Adams commercials.) Johnny Skulls on vocals and Dax Dabs on guitar join us this week to tell us the origin story of this nu-metal style band Above Snakes. Their latest single "Crash N' Burn" is available now and definitely turning some heads.
Ryan McCombs is a rare breed, doing double duty as the lead singer of not one but two active touring hard rock bands. His original band Soil is currently out celebrating their breakthrough album Scars, while his other band Drowning Pool is also doing a ton of touring. Two bands that during the hight of nu-metal were all the rage. It's high time we catch up with our old friend and fellow midwesterner Ryan McCombs.
Asking Alexandria have been going for a long time and after making a huge impact in the early metalcore days they've taken over rock radio with a string of hits and are now set to release their 8th album Where Do We Go From Here? Why is it called that? Ben clears up why as he joins us from his house in London where he's taking care of his kids and his wife. Ben also has big news to share as to why we haven't seen him on stage with the band on this past tour from Asking Alexandria.
It's Sevendust Truthkiller Day! It's the 13th studio album from the legendary Sevendust and to celebrate I caught up with singer and all-around great human Lajon Witherspoon for a quick conversation about Truthkiller. Sevendust also signed a new record deal with Napalm Records for this album and will be hitting the road with Alter Bridge and Mammouth WVH next month, then with Static-X this fall. Oh, and it turns out that in our adult live we both ride Harleys but in our younger live we both had Pontiac Sunfires!
The band Written by Wolves are from New Zealand, a place we don't get to mention a lot when it comes to hard rock. They came onto the scene in 2019 and immediately got a pretty good reaction and we started taking notice, then like everyone else they were shut down because of a global pandemic. During that period of time they put out an EP featuring re-worked songs from their debut Secrets and did it with the likes of Sonny from POD, Kellin from Sleeping With Sirens, and more. The best part about it is they did so for mental health. Now with a new single called "Misery," they are ready to get back on the trajectory they were one before the world shut down.
Stitched Up Heart began in 2012 in LA and since has become a force in the female-fronted metal band world. When their second album was released right at the start of a global pandemic it seemed like the wind may have been taken out of their sails without the ability to bring their brand of heavy music to the masses on stages worldwide. Now they are ready to right the ship as their 3rd album To The Wolves is almost ready for release and our taste so far is, shall we say, aggressive. Mixi is back on the Cutting Edge Countdown and Cutter's Rockcast and not only to we get into about music and touring, Mixi opens up about her vocal chord surgery and her passion of doing some animal rescue.
Jason from Fever 333 on episode 333 of Cutter's Rockcast, believe it or not, I didn't even plan it that way. The stars have aligned to feature this conversation with Jason Alon Butler about the new and improved Fever 333.
Matt is one of the singers and is the visionary behind the band From Ashes to New. While he's no stranger to being on this podcast, we're catching him at a moment in time where From Ashes to New are on the rise. Their new album Blackout is due out on July 28th, and after a hugely successful tour opening for Shinedown they are about to hit the road in support of Motionless in White and In This Moment.
Des Rocs as a guitarist and singer got his start as a 13-year-old playing afternoon gigs at the famous CBGB in New York and now as an adult, his vision has come together. He just signed a new record deal with Sumerian Records and announced his new album Dream Machine due out in August. Before that happened as an independent artist he made waves in the rock world with his retro guitar sound and even had stints opening for Muse and The Rolling Stones! I've been looking forward to talking to this guy for a long time.
Mike Mushok is the guitarist and founding member of the legendary Boston-based band Staind. Staind just put out their first new song in 12 years with "Lowest in Me." They have a new album called Confessions of the Fallen due out this fall. Plus they are hitting the road with fellow Boston rock band Godsmack all summer. Now on top of that Mike is also the guitarist for the band Saint Asonia who released a new EP earlier this year. Lots to catch up on with Mike Mushok.
Blake and his brother Zach Bedsaul formed the emotionally charged hard hitting rock band Saul in nowhere Iowa. Not many bands make it where they're from, but the music of Saul cannot be denied. Their next album This is It...The End of Everything is due out on July 28th. Their latest single "A Million Miles" is an absolute incredible song. Let's dig into it with Blake Bedsaul.
The band Ugly Kid Joe has not been on the road in America in 27 years. That's hard to believe for a band that reunited in 2012 and has continued to tour in Europe that entire time. With the release of the straight-ahead rock and roll album Rad Wings of Destiny that has changed. Ugly Kid Joe achieved chart-topping success in the early 90s with the songs "Everything About You" and "Cats in the Cradle." Ugly Kid Joe were cool with the rock fans, the punk kids, the skateboarders, and the metal fans yet they fizzled out by the end of the decade. Well, they're back! All it took was guitarist Dave Fortman to produce a Godsmack record whose drummer Shannon Larkin was the drummer for Ugly Kid Joe. Singer Whitfield Crane and Mr. Fortman explain all on this week's Cutter's Rockcast.
A few years ago Papa Roach decided to step out on their own, start a new record label and self-release their latest album Ego Trip. It worked! That album has now produced three number-one rock singles. They've been touring non-stop and are now set to hit the stage again with Shinedown on the next leg of their Revolutions Live tour. It's always a pleasure to have Jacoby Shaddix on the Rockcast.
Jon Lundin along with his friend Andy formed the band Point North in 2017. Jon is also a sought after songwriter and record producer having worked with Falling in Reverse, Atreyu, Set it Off and many others. These guys have some of the greatest ears in music and now they have set their talents to a new Point North album and a song that they co-wrote with The Ghost Inside and Neil from A Day to Remember. Let's get nerdy about music with Jon and Andy from Point North.
The Patrick brothers, Adrian and Ryan, of the hard rock band Otherwise released their debut album over 10 years ago and it's been a journey. Now with the release of their 5th album Gawdzillionaire the "muzzle" has been taken off of Adrian and Ryan's riffs are hard-hitting and in your face. They are also in the middle of a tour with their Vegas brothers in Adelitas Way. Check Otherwise's official website for tour dates.
Joining us from outside his home in Finland just before coming to the States to kick off the Dance Devil Dance Tour it's Johannes Eckerström, lead singer of Avatar. The album of the same name is out and we go deep on metal philosophy, satan, the stage show, his chihuahua, and how to keep metal rock.
The band Saving Abel jumped on the scene in the early 2000s and put out what is still a mainstay song "Addicted." Since then the band has had it's challenges. 18 months ago founding members Jared Weeks and Jason Null reunited and decided it was time to right the ship. With new music out and a tour calendar that is filled for 2023 I catch up with some old friends.
Saving Abel's new song is called "Baptize Me" and it's available everywhere now.
Scott Stevens started out as the lead singer of the band The Exies who had a couple of big hits in the mid 2000's like "Ugly" and "My Goddess" He then moved his career into the music production world as a co-writer and producer. Since he's worked with Shinedown, Daughtry, Halestorm, Skillet, and Dorthy just to name a few. We're digging into the story of songwriting and how that works this week, plus The Exies are back with a new song called "Spirits High."
With the release of a new EP called The Hope of a Spark coming next Friday, April 14th it was definitely time to catch up with my old friend Brandon Saller. Atreyu has had a long and some would say interesting career, but the band is looking at this as a new era. Their next U.S. headline tour kicks off at the end of April and you get more information at www.atreyuofficial.com
Currently out on a headline tour across the United States supporting their latest album Digital Noise Alliance, I caught up with Queensryche guitarist Michael Wilton. Michael is a founding member of this legendary metal band and over the course of their 40-year career, they've stuck to their ways and have carved out their own path. Not a lot of bands who have faced the kind of adversary that they have can say the same. Their latest offering is another example of their greatness but also includes an interesting cover choice. It's an absolute honor to have a conversation with one of rock's greatest players.
Giovannie Yanez is the lead singer and founder of the Texas based rock/country band Giovannie and The Hired Guns. Last year as an independent band that had a number-one rock song with "Roman Ayala." Then after signing with Warner Bros. they put out their third album Tejano Punk Boyz featuring their latest single "Overrated." The are currently out on the road and it's time to tell the success story of Giovannie and The Hired Guns.
Rory is the lead singer for the '80s-tinged metalcore band Dayseeker. It has felt like Dayseeker has been on the cusp of greatness for years but with their latest album Dark Sun that dream is coming to fruition. They are about to head out on the road with Silverstein, they've been booked on all the big summer music festivals and their latest single "Without Me" is now a top 20 rock song. We discuss all these things, say congrats to their peers Bad Omens on a number one rock song and even get into why Ronnie Radtke is now the biggest rock star in the world.
On the Rock Resurrection tour kickoff weekend, I went backstage at The Epic Event Center in my hometown of Green Bay, WI with John Cooper from Skillet, Tyler & Dave from Theory of a Deadman, and Adam Gontier of Saint Asonia. We caught up on details about the tour, their new songs, the love of rock and roll, and maybe told some dirty jokes along the way.
This episode features quick conversations with all three bands in order of show opener to headliner
Daughtry lead singer Chris Daughtry just put out a cover song. Now normally that's not a big deal but when you release a cover on the song's 40th anniversary and include Lzzy Hale from Halestorm, it's a big deal. Plus, it's really good. The song is "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey and it's definitely a modern/heavy take on the classic rock song. Chris is back on the Rockcast to discuss why this song exists, working with Lzzy, how he keeps his voice in shape, and his take on full albums vs. singles.
Earlier this week Disturbed announced their touring activities for the year. The Take Back Your Life Tour will also feature Breaking Benjamin and Jinjer. Dan Donegan is back to go through this tour with us and catch up.
Craig Gass is a comedian who has a long history with the rock music world. He does impressions of Gene Simmons, Lars Ulrich, and Sebastian Bach to just name a few. Has been involved with many a rock star roast and has opened for the likes of Metallica and System of a Down. I met Craig while performing at The Rock on the Range Music Festival where he also did the roast of Corey Taylor. We're digging into all the Craig Gass rock and roll stories on this week's episode of Cutter's Rockcast
Sometimes you hear of a band and you think wow, that's a pretty cool new band. Then you realize oh they have seven albums out! If you've been following along you may know the band Sleeping With Sirens and their singer Kellin Quinn well, but if not then let me introduce you to your new favorite rock band. Based originally out of Orlando Florida Sleeping With Sirens were put right into the fire with their debut album and have been churning out quality metalcore/hard rock since. Their new album Complete Collapse features a title track that has been rocketing up the rock charts both at radio and at streaming. Kellin is here to tell us all about his band, the album and people love them in the midwest.
It's been 19 years since the debut album from Alter Bridge. A band that was formed by the three members of the band Creed but with then, not as well-known singer Myles Kennedy. Alter Bridge quickly removed the idea they would be a Creed re-hash to become a powerhouse of hard rock and heavy metal. All this band has done is get better and better with every release and every tour. Now with their new album 'Pawns and Kings' they are taking another step forward. Myles is a humble dude who just loves music which is proven not just in Alter Bridge but with his solo releases and as the lead singer of the legendary Slash's band. I'm always happy to catch up with the talented Myles Kennedy.
Since their debut album in 2011 Rival sons have been nonstop and have made a giant fanbase in the process worldwide. On June 2nd they will release their 8th studio output called Darkfighter. An album that Scott says has the vibe and the music they were truly aiming for, but not to judge it on their first single "Nobody Wants to Die." As 2023 sets up to be the biggest year yet for Rival Sons we cover everything from sobriety and coffee to finally being let out of the cage to truly do what they love, play music and tour!
As we enter a new year there is nothing wrong with taking a look back. The legendary Edgar Winter joins us to go in-depth on his tribute album to his brother Johnny Winter. The album is called Brother Johnny and features a whos who of rock's biggest stars like Joe Walsh, Billy Gibbons, Ringo Star, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and more. The one that hits home the most though might be a vocal appearance by the late Foo Fighter's drummer Taylor Hawkins.
Mike Protich spent years and two albums as the lead singer of the band Red Sun Rising. They had two number-one rock songs and a few more top ten songs. In 2019 the band decided to call it quits. Mike and a couple of his bandmates kept going as a brand new project called The Violent. This is not Red Sun x2 though, this is entirely different. I caught up with Mike backstage at The Epic Event Center in Green Bay, WI.
Dorothy Martin has definitely made a name for herself in the rock world over the past few years. We just found out that her song "Rest in Peace" was named one of the top ten songs of 2022 and her live show is full of rock and roll energy that just feels good. Dorothy's journey though hasn't been easy so I caught up with her backstage in my hometown of Green Bay, WI at the Epic Event Center.
Singer Bryan Kuznitz and guitarist Blake Saul from the band Fame on Fire stopped by the studio while out on tour with Falling in Reverse to say hi and a conversation. Their song "Welcome to The Chaos" featuring Spencer Charnas from Ice Nine Kills has been blowing up. It's the title track to their second album which is available now. This band started though by doing metal covers of pop songs. It's been an interesting path for Fame On Fire and I'm stoked to have them sit town for a talk on this episode of Cutter's Rockcast.
Theory of a Deadman are back to their hard rocking ways with their new single "Dinosaur" and a new rock album on the horizon. Lead singer and guitarist Tyler Connelly joins us this week to tell us about their journey of the last half a decade. There's a lot of real life that shows up in Theory's music and their songs have resonated with millions of fans world wide, and no they aren't just that "Bad Girlfriend" band.
There really is so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season, great music, good friends, and family, just to name a few. Over the years I've played in quite a few different bands and I've been lucky enough to create friendships in doing so. The band Bobaflex where one of those bands, now flash forward to 2022, and three members of that band have started a new project to move into the future with. The Lonely Ones are that band and it's my pleasure to introduce them to you.
After the Chicago band, Disturbed had the biggest hit of their career in 2015 with their cover of the song "The Sound of Silence" they experimented more with acoustic songs and ballads on the following album. Well, that time period is long past as the heavy driving Disturbed are back in all their glory. Their new album is called 'Divisive' and from start to finish, it kicks you in the ass. The only reprieve is from a slower song that features the legendary Ann Wilson of Heart. To celebrate the release of this incredible piece of hard rock, Disturbed guitarist Dan Donegan sat down with me to chat, and even explains why it's OK that people may know them as the "oh ah ah" band.
I think you know exactly who Gavin Rossdale is. As the frontman and main songwriter behind Bush, he's gone onto heights that few bands get to and most only dream of. With their sludgy new album 'The Art of Survival' out he definitely isn't done writing great rock songs. So you know the name, you know the band, but you might not know this side of Gavin Rossdale. This is a conversation between two divorced Dads who have shared custody of their kids. This is a conversation about songwriting as much as it is about mental health and how we handle this crazy world we all live in.
It's been 25 years since Within Temptation started as a hobby band in the Netherlands. At least that's what Sharon tells us. Pretty good for a Hobby as Within Temptation has become one of the more influential bands from the European metal scene of the 21st century. Fresh off their highly successful tour with Iron Maiden in the states we catch up with Sharon from backstage in Florida.
Winston McCall is the lead singer of the Australian metalcore band Parkway Drive. Before the pandemic hit Parkway had been on a trajectory to become of the biggest metal bands in the world. Playing to thousands of fans every night they had broken through to the mainstream and had a couple top 20 rock singles in a row. Then the pandemic, then mental health struggles within the band. Winston opens up about those struggles and how it has shaped the band into being a stronger, tighter outfit than ever before. Armed with a new album that was written and recorded during the darkest times called 'Darker Still' they are definitely on their way back to the path they were on three years ago.
Wow, it's the 300th full episode of Cutter's Rockacst. Six years, many rockstars, stories, and even a couple of different co-hosts. Kaytie became my radio partner right around the time this podcast was launched so it was only a matter of time before she became my co-host. To this day two of the most listened to or downloaded episodes of this podcast, it was her hosting. I miss doing interviews and having some of the most open conversations of my life with her. Life has taken both of us in different directions since the pandemic, but I cornered her and got her in a room with me for a special episode of Cutter's Rockcast. Oh and don't think we've lightened up, we dig deep on a couple of subjects that are always hard to talk about, depression and sobriety.
Earlier this summer when Jonny Hawkins of Nothing More sat down for a conversation about new music and touring I told him we should do it again when their new album 'Spirits' drops. Guess what's out today? That's right, Nothing More's new album 'Spirits.' This time we dig much further into the record and into the mind of the most enigmatic yet mesmorzing frontmen in the world of current hard rock.
The guitar legend, the guitar god, the man behind some of the greatest guitar licks and albums in the history of rock, Joe Satriani joins us on the Rockcast. He has a new solo instrumental album out called 'The Elephants of Mars.' It's an album that sees Joe go a little darker as he and his band recorded the album in a solitude of sorts away from each other during the middle of the pandemic. Through his guitar, Joe has been able to accomplish what few writers and musicians are able to, play and write what he wants, how he wants while wearing his heart on his sleeve. He explores emotions through his guitar that somehow paint a picture in your mind. Of course, Joe has also played in the supergroup rock band Chickenfoot with Sammy Hagar, Micheal Anthony, and Chad Smith. Let's nerd out on guitars and music with Joe Satriani.
He's the metal god!! Rob Halford has finally joined me on the Rockcast. After Rob was a regular guest on my old show, Hangar 19 it's been many years since I've sat down for a conversation with Mr. Halford, and the timing couldn't be better. Judas Priest are embarking on the 3rd leg of their 50 years of heavy metal tour celebrating their fantastic career. On top of that, Judas Priest are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (finally) this November.
Once in awhile a conversation happens with someone you've never met and you just connect. Understanding music and the musicians who make music is something that has always been my goal. I'm a musician myself and music is everything. Alex and I got into a conversation that just goes deeper than most. On top of that The Native Howl is one of the most original bands on the planet. They call themselves thrash grass, it's a mixture of thrash metal and bluegrass. It's as crazy as it sounds, but it's better than you'd ever expect. One last time we're backstage at Louder Than Life, and our final conversation is with the lead singer and guitarist for The Native Howl.
Once in awhile a conversation happens with someone you've never met and you just connect. Understanding music and the musicians who make music is something that has always been my goal. I'm a musician myself and music is everything. Alex and I got into a conversation that just goes deeper than most. On top of that The Native Howl is one of the most original bands on the planet. They call themselves thrash grass, it's a mixture of thrash metal and bluegrass. It's as crazy as it sounds, but it's better than you'd ever expect. One last time we're backstage at Louder Than Life, and our final conversation is with the lead singer and guitarist for The Native Howl.
Pop Evil absolutely brought it to Louisville at Louder Than Life. Chris Laplant was filling in on guitar so I asked frontman Leigh Kakaty backstage what happened to Nick. Once we start talking though, we just talk, like old friends do.
Pop Evil absolutely brought it to Louisville at Louder Than Life. Chris Laplant was filling in on guitar so I asked frontman Leigh Kakaty backstage what happened to Nick. Once we start talking though, we just talk, like old friends do.
In 2011 it looked like Red Light King were about to become huge after having two singles that did very well, one of them peaking at number 3 on the rock charts. Then, it didn't happen. It's not that they went away, it's more of a business thing. It was awesome to catch up backstage at Louder Than Life with Red Light King and to see them back on the mainstage and doing their groove rock thing.
All Good Things jumped onto the scene and immediately scored a number one song with the song For the Glory featuring Hollywood Undead. Now they are finally out on the road and I caught up with lead singer Dan Murphy backstage at Louder Than Life. We also got a chance to talk about their new song with Lacey Sturm that benefits mental health and their work with the To Write Love On Her Arms Foundation.
This is the most awkward interview I've ever done. Listen I know my GWAR history, but with the mask on, while standing in a backstage area where you can hardly hear yourself, he had no idea what I was saying and I had no idea what he was saying. Since GWAR are our masters I will publish this very short interview anyway knowing that if I don't I may not be safe any longer.
Their new album 'The New Dark Ages' rules though! There's even a song on the new album called "The Cutter" featuring Lzzy Hale
You have a set to play that's 13-15 songs, but your band has had 19 number-one singles and 25 top 10s. How do you pick which songs to play live when you're that popular? I had to ask my old friend Barry Kerch that exact question.
I started hearing the name Ego Kill Talent at the last festival I covered, three years ago at Aftershock in California. Why? Because they were this newer band from Brazil that was already turning heads, they were booked to go on tour with Metallica and play all the American rock festivals in 2020. Obviously, that didn't happen due to the pandemic, finally, they are here! I'm proud to say that this was their first show on U.S. soil and I was their first interview in the states.
The beauty of having music conversations at music festivals is sometimes you get to a band or two or on the rise who you immediately connect with. That's the case with Mike's Dead. He's a rapper, a metal artist and so much more. He has everything in place to become very popular very soon and has already taken over social media including TikTok.
Joining me backstage at the Louder Than Life Music Festival in Louisville, KY is drummer Will Hunt from Evanescence, but also from Slaughter, and also from the band where I first heard of Will, Skrape!
The four girls that make up the rock band Plush joined me for a few minutes at the Louder Than Life Music Festival in Louisville, KY
I'm backstage at the Louder Than Life Music Festival in Louisville, KY with Mikko Siren of the Finish Cello-infused metal band Apocalyptica.
A rock band with a top 40 hit? Say it ain't so! Ghost released the song "Mary on a Cross" three years ago as a one-off song that was part of a special 7-inch vinyl release. Suddenly, the song has been trending on TikTok and has begun to show up everywhere. On top of that they are wrapping up a North American arena tour, the song "Spillways" from the album 'Impera' is a top 20 rock song and let's not forget that they also covered "Enter Sandman" as part of the 30th anniversary 'Blacklist' release for Metallica's 'Black Album.' It's time to say hi to one of rock's biggest stars, Tobias Forge of Ghost.
Go ahead and try to say the name Thundermother without saying it loud and with a rock n' roll voice? Can't do it. One-half of the Swedish all female rock band Thundermother join us this week from the road. They are on their first ever North American tour opening for The Scorpions in support of their new album 'Black & Gold' which is available now.
New Years Day has been killing it in the scene for a decade now, but it wasn't until 2019 that they had an actual "radio" hit with the song "Shut Up." Now Ash Costello and company are set to replicate that their new song "Hurts Like Hell" and a new tour with Halestorm that kicks off later this month.
Bobby Amaru became the lead singer of Saliva in 2011 right after original singer Josie Scott left the band. During a decade Saliva were up there with Godsmack, Papa Roach and all the other mainstream "active" rock bands. Since they've continued doing exactly what they set out to do, play kick ass rock music. Now with a new song "Crows" rising up the rock radio charts and a one off reunion planned with their original singer it's time to catch up with Bobby. We go through his history as a songwriter that brought him to the band and everything new that's going on with Saliva.
Bobby Amaru became the lead singer of Saliva in 2011 right after original singer Josie Scott left the band. During a decade Saliva were up there with Godsmack, Papa Roach and all the other mainstream "active" rock bands. Since they've continued doing exactly what they set out to do, play kick ass rock music. Now with a new song "Crows" rising up the rock radio charts and a one off reunion planned with their original singer it's time to catch up with Bobby. We go through his history as a songwriter that brought him to the band and everything new that's going on with Saliva.
What can we say about the legendary Dave Mustaine that hasn't already been said? Love him or hate him without Megadeth music would be drastically different. With their 16th studio album due out next week it's time to catch up with Dave and talk all things Megadeth.
Frank Bello is the bassist for the legendary Anthrax who are on tour right now celebrating their 40th anniversary. In 1981 the world first heard of the New York thrash metal band Anthrax. It was 1985's 'Spreading the Disease' that put them on the map and they haven't looked back. They have overcome trends and band changes to be here today.
When famed Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde started Black Label Society and one of the first calls Zakk made to start the band was to his friend JD to handle bass duties. After leaving the band for a bit in the early 2000's, he's been back since.
Add in the band Hatebreed and you have one hell of a tour.
It might be hard to believe, but the band Greta Van Fleet have truly created something special. Who would have thought that a little band from nowhere, Michigan would take over the rock universe like this? Sold out shows, number one hits, and a fan base that is absolutely rabid for them. Their concerts are a like a spiritual gathering of opened minded happy people who just want to feel the music hit their souls. I spent some time with the band on their recent tour stop in my hometown of Green Bay, WI, and had a conversation with bassist Sam Kiszka about their fan base, the music, the world they've created and yes even new music and what it might sound like.
With I prevail announcing their new album 'True Power' and releasing two incredible new songs it's time to catch up with our old friend Eric Vanlerberghe of the band I Prevail.
The entire band is here. Brandon, Bishop, Dan, and Tim from Crobot joined me in the studio while in the middle of their tour with Shaman's Harvest. Their incredible new album is called 'Feel This' which is available everywhere right now.
Boston Manor just announced their 3rd album 'Datura' due out this October and released two new songs. They come from Blackpool, England and have been grinding it out in the scene since 2015. One of the better new bands out there we go in on the new tunes, traveling around the world and home buying with lead singer Henry Cox.
Pop Evil over the course of almost 20 years (yes 20 years!) has seen a couple of line-up changes, popular style of music changes and yet they have never wavered about who they are. Pop Evil are a hard rock band that likes to incorporate pop stylings into hard rock jams. Whether as a standard drum, bass, and guitar style rock band or the much more aggressive band they are today, they are also good for a couple of top 10 rock songs and a fantastic night at the local concert venue. Leigh and I's history goes back a long way and now with yet another top 10 rock single out, plus a new bassist it's definitely time to catch up. Better yet Leigh checks in with us backstage at my home town venue called Epic Even Center during rehearsals for their new tour.
George Pendergast is the original drummer for the popular 90's alt-rock band Dishwalla. They had numerous top songs like "Counting Blue Cars" and "Charlie Brown's Parents" before disbanding after the turn of the century. Back with new music, George walks us through the journey that is Dishwalla.
On the week of the release of Motionless in White's amazing new album 'Scoring the End of the World', I caught up with singer Chris Motionless. We find out how the fans helped inspire songs on the new album, how mental health was affected by the pandemic, and what song is Chris' current favorite.
There are few bands that have been able to include the creativity and success that Nothing More has over the past decade. After a pandemic that left everyone a little depressed, Nothing More are back with some of their most aggressive music yet. A new album will be out later this year featuring their new songs "Turn it Up Like" and "Tired of Winning." Joining us from backstage is lead singer Jonny Hawkins.
Eva Maria is the lead singer of the rock band Eva Under Fire. The band in the past couple of years has really begun to win over fans worldwide with their very hard-driving songs and vocals on par with anyone. Their latest single "Blow" features Spencer from Ice Nine Kills and starting to rocket up the mainstream rock charts. On top of that they recently put out a cover of the Journey song "Seperate Ways" that will blow your mind. With a new album coming out this fall and a tour that just kicked off that has them opening for Asking Alexandria, Nothing More and Atreyu it's definitely time we meet.
Oh and she's also a licensed therapist with a Master's degree in psychotherapy.
Shane Told is the lead singer of the band Silverstein. A band that has been around since the year 2000 and while that may surprise some people, their extremely dedicated and hardcore fanbase will probably be like, "psh where have you been?" With the release of their 10th studio album 'Misery Made Me' it seems like they are finally posed to play in the mainstream. The beauty is they've gotten here by doing it their own way and sticking to what they do best.
Mastodon is a band that's on it's 22nd year of existence and has done nothing but turned heads along the way. Their latest album is called 'Hushed and Grim' and in a day and age where everyone is listening to singles and supposedly doesn't care about albums, they released a double album. Now that it's been out for a while and to celebrate the release of their latest single from it "Peach and Tranquility" we catch up with drummer/singer Brann Dailor.
On the day that Halestorm's awaited new album 'Back From the Dead' has been released I'm excited for this conversation. Lzzy Hale as the amazing frontwoman of Halestrom has been a trailblazer since their self-titled release debut in 2009. The pandemic though threw a wrench in the fire for most of us, even giant rockstars like Lzzy Hale.
(This conversation was prerecorded a couple of weeks before the album's release.)
Blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd released his debut album when he was a teenager. Then at the old age of 18, he wrote and recorded one of rock's best albums 'Trouble Is' featuring the megahit song "Blue on Black." That was 25 years ago and now Kenny is out on the road playing that album in its entirety and celebrating its anniversary. We relive the album that made him a household name in the world of blues and rock, plus talks about the blue influence on other genres of music and we talk about cars too, cause well, it's us.
The leader, the frontman, the songwriter, the mastermind, and whatever other titles you can come up with all describe this week's guest. He is Tobias Forge, but better known as Papa from the band Ghost. Their new album 'Impera' is out now and features guitar work from Fredrick Akesson of the band Opeth. The imagery, the music, the history we talk about it all with Tobias Forge of Ghost.
Chris Jericho may already be a legend in the world of wrestling. From ECW to WCW to WWE and now one of the main players in the world of AEW. As time goes Chris is starting to become a legend in the world of hard rock as well. Fozzy started their career as a band 20 years ago playing covers, but Chris and his guitar partner Rich Ward quickly solidified themselves as the real deal. Now with a few top 10 singles under their belt, they have just released their best album yet in 'Boombox.' We catch up with Chris about the band, the album, the success and some fun stories along the way.
This conversation originally took place on my morning show The Rick and Cutter show on WAPL the day after a very amazing Fozzy show
Jay Weinberg comes from a lineage of drummers. His dad Max was the drummer for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, plus he played drums for Conon O'Brien's various late-night talk shows. Now that's just the introduction. Jay has been in the rock scene blazing his own path for years. About 8 years ago that path brought him to Des Moines, IA to become the drummer in Slipknot. Could anything prepare him for that? Let's find out.
Nita Strauss has spent the past almost decade playing guitar for Alice Cooper, that's a great gig. Well, she also has one of the most anticipated rock albums of 2022 coming out later this year. It'll be her second solo album and this is the first to feature singers. Her first song out was with David Draiman of Disturbed called "Dead Inside" and it gave her her first number one rock song. The first time a solo female has done so in almost 30 years. Oh and she plays guitar for LA Rams home games, and has a fitness brand. She's an incredible human being who just so happens to be one of the most talented guitarists in the world.
The man at this point should need no introduction, but we shall anyway. Munky is one of the founding members and guitarist in the (can we say legendary?) band, Korn. His real name is James Shaffer and he like most of us had a tough time at the beginning of the pandemic. Like every good artist, he took those issues and turned them into art. Last year at the heart of the lockdowns himself and his bandmates self-funded a new album. With that it's time we once again catch up with Munky from Korn.
The band Plush are an all-female band from the east coast who are all teenagers but don't let their age fool you. These girls have the rock and roll gene and their music is as furious as any band's out there. They were handpicked by Amy Lee to open the Evanescence and Halestorm tour. Now they are out with Slash and they have their 2nd top 40 rock single. Oh and their lead singer Moriah Formica was a contestant on the voice and their drummer Brooke Colucci once went viral for playing drums along to Tool. Those two are the ones joining us for a conversation on Cutter's Rockcast.
Jelly Roll is someone you may know as that Nashville rapper who plays country music. Well it's not just that, there's so much more to the artist Jelly Roll and has now gotten into the rock world. Unlike another rapper who jumped into the rock world, Jelly Roll is very sincere about it. The man has soul in his voice and powerful words in every song he writes. We now get a taste of that as "Dead Man Walking" has become a top 10 rock single. This isn't just a one-off rock song though, he's here for the long haul. In this episode, Jelly Roll explains why and where this genere mashing came from.
Now that the Young Guns tour has kicked off with Mammoth WVH and Dirty Honey. Now after having Wolfgang on last week our old friend Marc Labelle lead singer of Dirty Honey joins us. It's rock and roll and it's all about rock and roll, songs, songwriting, touring, live sound, and covering Prince songs. Oh and hockey, lots of hockey.
The name Van Halen and rock and roll go hand in hand. Wolfgang is continuing to prove that. With the self-titled release, Mammoth WVH is a piece of just sold hard rock with great songwriting. Featuring number one singles with one of those songs being a dedication to his dad Eddie, Mammoth WVH has definitely gotten people's attention. The album was 100% recorded by Wolfgang and has put together a killer live band to go out on tour. Next up is the Young Guns Tour with Dirty Honey.
Bad Omens are getting set to release their 3rd album 'Death of Peace of Mind' on February 25th. The music has grown and has been turned a little on its side since their first album in 2016. Lead singer and principal songwriter for Bad Omens Noah Sebastian joins us to talk about this music and why. Oh and why did he cut his long hair off?
Briton Bond and Cody Quistad of the metalcore band Wage War join us from their tour bus just before wrapping up their mostly sold out with Falling in Reverse. The story of Wage War follows the path of a band that has earned the respect of everyone in the scene and then rises up the ranks. Proving they aren't just pure brute and might Wage War have toyed with a more mainstream sound in the past, but now for whatever reason, their fourth album 'Manic' has put them over the top.
You know Mike Protich as the lead singer of Red Sun Rising. Right before the pandemic had hit Mike along with Pat and Dave from Red Sun decided to start over as a three-piece band and do things a bit differently. They called themselves The Violent and while they have five songs out digitally now, they are ready to unleash themselves onto the world. To do that The Violent have put out a daring cover of the song "People Are Strange" by The Doors and they nailed it. It's time to catch up with our old friend Mike Protich.
Who would have thought that Falling in Reverse would have had the biggest rock song in the world of the past few years? Yet here we are, Ronnie Radke and company did it. Falling in Reverse in 2019 released "Popular Monster" and while they had already had a big and hardcore fanbase, that song put them on top of the rock world. 3 years and a pandemic later they have released a new song called "Zombified" to rave reviews. It is with great pleasure I welcome to the Rockcast, Ronnie Radke.
Kevin and his son Kane have become two of the most sought-after producers in modern rock. From Five Finger Death Punch to Ozzy, their list of credits is long. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to listen to rock radio in the 21st century, (or a playlist) and not hear songs produced by one or both of the Churkos. Take the album 'Immortalized' by Disturbed for example. That album has the band's biggest hit ever, guess who produced it? That's right, the Churkos did. After giving the band DED their biggest hit to date with "Kill Beautiful Things," their next project has just hit. It's the new album 'Dominion' by Skillet. Up next will be the latest effort from Five Finger Death Punch. I have been looking forward to talking to these two for a long time and I'm so happy we finally made it happen.
Trivium have just released their tenth studio album, another metal powerhouse called 'In The Court of the Dragon' So Matt and I dissect songwriting in this episode, plus how they are able to get so intense so quickly. Oh and if you didn't know Matt has become an extremely popular Twitch streamer so get into that as well. In fact he was streaming this interview as it happened. Oh and as if that wasn't enough, he performs a new song live!!
Of Mice & Men just put out their 7th studio album entitled 'Echo.' The album itself is made up of 3 different E.P.s all put out during the pandemic. Add a few more songs and they had a ready-made album. An album made during a pandemic and done 100 percent remotely. Oh, and parts of it were made while live-streaming on Twitch. Yeah, we thought that was pretty cool too, which is why it's high time to get heavy and talk some metal.
Fun Fact: After all these years I've never spoken to Claudio Sanchez from Coheed and Cambria in an official forum before.
Now we get to find out for sure they are definitely more than just that "comic book band." The stories told within this incredible music though should not be downplayed and with a new album on the way 2022 is looking solid for Coheed and Cambria.
Kaytie has returned once again to Cutter's Rockcast! We also welcome the debut of our newest family member, Decker. The reason for the special hostful episode is because you may have seen the news about yet another Puddle of Mudd mishap. Wes who had heard and seen for ourselves had been doing much better, but on this cold November night in Green Bay, WI that was not the case. Wes walked his band off stage and generally just did not have a great night. Cutter was at the show and saw it all first hand. Then he received a message from a listener saying it was basically the media's fault that so many rockstars before have had this downward fall. We discuss.
Ps...we do truly hope all is well with Wes Scantlin, when he's sober he's such a loveable guy.
That's right the legendary Jerry Cantrell, guitarist for Alice in Chains is back for more on Cutter's Rockcast. We got in a quick conversation about his new solo album 'Brighten' before I had to leave and get to my son's karate graduation.
After two very successful albums, their singer is out. Enter new frontman Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz. He was the guitar player in the metal band The Acacia Strain and now he's the singer for Bad Wolves. Old friend and Bad Wolves guitarist Doc Coyle joins us to discuss that process and talk up their new album 'Dear Monsters'
John Cooper is the singer and bassist for the band Skillet. If you're keeping track that's two weeks in a row with a singer/bassist. Anyway Skillet got their start in the Christian music circuit in the late 90s, but by the time they released their album 'Awake,' they were posed for mainstream rock success. They found it, and now here we are talking about their upcoming 8th studio album 'Dominion' due out on January 14, 2022. The new song "Surviving the Game" is out now.
Mastodon have officially released their highly anticipated new double album 'Hushed and Grim.' Yes, we said double album. An album that was largely influenced by the unfortunate passing of Mastodon's manager Nick John. As the single "Teardrinker" starts rising up the rock radio charts and the new album is now being ingested by Mastodon fans worldwide, it's time to go in-depth one of the most in-depth albums we've heard in a long time. Singer, bassist Troy Sanders of Mastodon sit's down with Cutter.
Yes that Slash. He plays guitar in Guns N' Roses, he wears a top hat, and plays that iconic Gibson Les Paul guitar. Slash of course has seen a lot of music success in the past few years with his own band featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. Just announced his 4th album 'Four' will be released in February and with that of course is a new song. It's called "The River is Rising" and features not one but two Slash guitar solos, we'd expect nothing less. Always an absolute honor to have one of Guitar World's top 10 guitarists of all time back on The Rockcast.
Nathan Hunt is the lead singer of the band Shaman's Harvest. A band who put out their first music when it was still the 20th century, not the 21st. In other words, they've been at a long time. A few years ago they really struck gold and broke through with the song "In Chains" and their amazing cover of the song "Dirty Diana." Now with the release of their latest single "Voices" they're ready to be back. Maybe we can find out when there's more coming!
Kaytie is once back on Cutter's Rockcast as we have a quick conversation with the legendary Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots. Their tour with Bush was canceled due to covid concerns from Bush, but STP goes on. Their fall tour kicks off in Oklahoma City on the 17th and rolls from there. On top of STP activity, during the pandemic Dean put together an album called Trip the Witch that includes a song with Jon Anderson of Yes. There is also a quick guitar lesson involved with this conversation. Oh and he gives a little love for my hometown of Green Bay.
As of today Friday, September 24th, Badflower's new album is out!!! It's called 'This is How the World Ends.' This is special though as this marks Badflower's 6th appearance on Cutter's Rockcast and for the first time since that now-infamous Corey Taylor episode, Kaytie is back! So as she says we are celebrating Badflower Day.
On Friday Dead Sara released their 3rd album 'Ain't It Tragic.' After breaking through in 2012 with the song "Weatherman" they've had their trials and tribulations, but there is no doubt that Dead Sara are back! Their new song "Hereos" has entered the mainstream rock charts and their song "Hands Up" which they put out late in 2020 was greatly received by fans worldwide. With a new home on Warner Brothers Records, it's safe to say Dead Sara are here to stay.
Sure the pandemic hit everyone hard, especially those within the entertainment industry. Can you imagine though putting out an album that spawns 3 major hit songs right at the beginning of shutdown and then never being able to promote it? That's what happened to Asking Alexandria. Instead of touring behind 'Like a House on Fire' they ended up writing more songs. In the process they switched labels and for the first time since their amazing 'Stand up and Scream' album all five guys went to the same place and wrote and recorded together. New album will be out in October and the heavy new single "Alone Again" is out now. Joining from his home where his kids are set up in their living room bounce house, it's the guitarist for Asking Alexandria, Ben Bruce.
The always entertaining and one of the coolest dudes I've ever met, Art Alexakis of Everclear joined us on my morning show, The Rick and Cutter Show. It's ahead of their Summerland tour stop in Wisconsin. This was a fun conversation.
The band DED burst onto the scene in 2016 with a heavy yet catchy debut album. Since they have toured and toured and toured some more. A few years later they switched gears and started working with famed producer Kevin Churko and the results so far have been fantastic. After putting out a couple of stand-alone songs they are now ready to unleash their second album. That means we need to know more! Plus you can catch them on tour this fall with In This Moment and Black Veil Brides.
A new era has begun for Papa Roach, well like a third life kinda. With the release of last years 'Greatest Hits, Volume 2: The Better Noise Years' their contract ended with their longtime label home. Instead of re-upping they decided to do this on their own. There is also the always changing evolution of Papa Roach which we once again hear on their newly released song "Swerve" which features Jason Aalon Butler of Fever 333. As always there's a lot to cover as Jacoby Shaddix from Papa Roach is back on the Rockcast.
Dustin Kensrue is back! Dustin is the lead singer and guitarist for the band Thrice. Thrice just released not one, but two new songs and announced their new album 'Horizons East' due out digitally in September and physically in October. This will be Thrice's 11th studio album, plus this time around they did it all themselves in a studio they built during the pandemic.
Lilith Czar is the persona of the artist formerly known as Juliet Simms. She has found her voice in the world of her first love, hard rock music. After being in a band, to a contestant on The Voice, to being a pop singer, she's where she belongs. A fact that is proven on the new album 'Created From Filth and Dust.' As her song "Anarchy" rises up the rock radio charts we go into the past for the Lilith Czar origin story. Then we work our way to her future for the music and imagery that goes with it. On top of that, we'll see her on tour this fall and winter opening up for Evanescence and Halestorm.
This conversation took place in 2013 for my previous show Hangar 19 and my afternoon show on Razor Wisconsin. Rest in Peace Joey Jordison
Elias Soriano is of course the lead singer of Nonpoint. For our money one of the most underrated bands that exist in hard rock. You know, sort of like Sevendust. Nonpoint just returned to where they are their best, the live stage. On top of that, they put out a new song called "Ruthless" that has taken off quicker than any other Nonpoint song in history. The band also decided to go the independent route and have multiple EP's on the way with music videos to go with each and every song. Oh and there's a new guitar player. Yeah, we have a lot to catch up on with our old friend Elias of Nonpoint.
Amy Lee is the lead singer and songwriter for Evanescence, but you already know that. After it taking a decade for them to put out a new album, 'The Bitter Truth' is available everywhere. In the meantime, she became a mom, a movie composer, among other things. Now that the band is back though and touring is here, they are all about girl power. Evanescence is doing a co-headline tour with Halestorm this fall and winter. Plus the bands Plush and Lilith Czar will be opening. We have a lot to talk about as Amy joins us from her home studio.
The legendary Alice Cooper just released his 28th studio album 'Detroit Stories.' Yes, I said 28th studio album. The album was recorded back in his hometown of Detroit with almost exclusively Detroit musicians. The stories are in abundance in this conversation with one of the original rock stars.
With the release of Beartooth's 4th album 'Below' it's once again time to catch up with Caleb Shomo. Caleb is of course the lead singer/songwriter/producer and everything else for Beartooth.
Yes, the legendary Dee Snider of Twisted Sister. Dee actually joined me on my morning show that I do with Rick McNeal, live. Dee Snider isn’t just the voice of Twisted Sister and the guy with the most recognizable hair in rock history. He’s the host of the long-running radio show House of Hair, he’s been all over TV and even recently was on Celebrity Jeopardy, and is about to release his new solo album Leave a Scar. Produced by hard-core metal legend Jamey Jasta Leave a Scar will be out on July 30th.
A studio project created by three musicians who just wanted to write cool rock music for syncs. Syncs mean for video games, movies, TV, Sports or other types of entertainment. After a few years of toiling away in the studio they turned themselves into a real life rock and roll band. With a new album on the way this fall, a tour with P.O.D. happening this summer and a now top ten rock single with the song "For The Glory." All Good Things are poised to truly be the next big thing. So let's find out who the hell they are.
Yes they were inspired by the movie of the same name. There that question has been answered. Now let's have a real conversation with lead singer of the new(er) band Dead Poet Society, Jack Underkofler. This is an introduction to a band that are posed to break out sooner than later.
It's here!!! Atreyu's new album 'Baptize' is now out. You may remember singer Brandon Saller joined Kaytie and I awhile back to go through the process of Brandon becoming the lead singer instead of drummer/singer for Atreyu. The results of that move is now upon us with their latest album. Featuring a genuine hit song with "Warrior" and guests like Travis Barker and Matt Heafy it's a pretty fantastic record. Oh and they are surprising us with an acoustic performance.
Marc LaBelle is the lead singer of the LA band Dirty Honey, who blasted onto the scene two years ago and scored a number one hit with the song "When I'm Gone." That made them the first ever independent rock band to have a number one mainstream rock song. No label, it didn't matter. Now with their full length debut album out and their latest single "California Dreamin'" climbing those same charts, its high time we get an introduction to this band.
He's the lead singer for Slash's band and he's the lead singer of Alter Bridge. Singing for two of the best guitarists in the world. Myles Kennedy though is a hell of a guitarist/musician himself and he's proving it on his new solo album 'The Ides of March' which is now available everywhere. With a new album plus some live shows on the horizon Myles joins us via Zoom from his home in Spokane, Washington.
A lot has happened in the world of Badflower since we last hung out with Josh Katz backstage on a pile of pillows. Their critically acclaimed record 'Ok, I'm Sick' ended up spawning three top 10 singles. They moved to Nashville, Josh bought a farm, they built their own studio out of a barn and finished a new record. Now after over a year of no shows Badflower are back on the road, albeit in a limited capacity. There is a lot to talk about and a lot of catching up to do, so sit back and enjoy a long form conversation with one of rock's biggest up and comers Josh Katz of Badflower.
Devil Daddy or more commonly he's known as Jeremy Spencer. Jeremy was a founding member of the arena headlining, platinum selling hard rock band Five Finger Death Punch. He played drums for the band and toured the world over and over again, that is until a couple of years ago. Jeremy was having some back problems and decided to step away from his drum kit and the band he formed with his friends Zoltan Bathory and Ivan Moody. Now he's back, but this time as the character Devil Daddy who fronts the band Psychosocial. Their debut song is out called "Devil From Hell" and are set to release a full album this spring. Let's dig in to the world Jeremy Spencer has created.
Escape the Fate's new album 'Chemical Warfare' is out now and it really continues the sound of their last album. The album though features a couple collaborations with one of them being with Lindsey Stirling. Yes the incredible violinist is featured on their new hit song "Invincible." Plus did you know that Thrasher worked on the latest Machine Gun Kelly album? Well let's dig in with Kevin Thrasher on the Rockcast.
One of the most legendary rock bands in history is the band Blue Oyster Cult. With their slogan of "On Tour Forever" of course they'd be one of the first bands we'd get to see live post pandemic. Oh and let's not forget there's that whole SNL skit about needing more cowbell, (and yes we talked at length about it.) Plus they put out a new album in 2020 that's full of classic BOC riffs and harmony's. It is an absolute honor to have on the Rockcast lead singer, Eric Bloom.
Joe Principe is the bassist and one of the founding members of the long running Chicago punk band Rise Against. A band that have become a household name for anyone who is a fan of rock music. They just announced their new album 'Nowhere Generation' due out on June 4th. We also talk about how they become comicized (made up word) for DC's Dark Nights: Metal comic book series. We also go a little down memory lane to the midwest punk scene of the 90's.
Let me first say that the new Chevelle album Niratias is absolutely incredible. The word is actually an acronym for "Nothing is real and this is a simulation." Seems pretty fitting for the times we're in. Pete and I discuss the album, the themes, the pandemic, the business and how much the business of music is not healthy for the artists.
The world of rock and rap have been colliding for years, but more and more artists are using the two styles together to create a musical style all their own. One of the newest artists to do that is Zero 9:36 and he's not apologizing for his rock roots, in fact he's embracing them. Let's meet him and find out what makes his music tic.
Just a good quick hit, fun time rock and roll conversation the legendary punk rock band The Offspring. Guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman and Bryan "Dexter" Holland join us via zoom from their studio where they've been putting the finishing touches on their new album 'Let The Bad Times Roll' The title track is out and now and the whole thing will be released on April 16th.
If you listened to this podcast or me on the radio by this point you probably know that Leigh and I truly are old friends. We did tend to get a little retrospective in this conversation, plus talk about our love of Football. Oh and Pop Evil have a new album coming out this spring, or so we hope.
Andy Biersack is the lead singer of the band Black Veil Brides. Over the past decade or so Black Veil Brides have amassed a giant hard core following and for good reason. Now with the release of the song "Scarlet Cross" they are poised to gain more followers. We find out about their new album and get the low down on the Amazon Prime show 'Paradise City' staring Andy and Asking Alexandria guitarist Ben Bruce.
You know Corey Taylor as the lead singer of Slipknot. Also as the lead singer of Stone Sour. Also has an accomplished author. Just cause now he's a solo artist too. Last fall he put out his debut solo album entitled 'CMFT' I think you can figure out what that stands for. Now it's time to get into it further with the one and only Corey Taylor.
PS...Kaytie is back for this one as well.
Listen, this conversation with Shaun Morgan of Seether involves religion, it involves mental health and drug addiction, it involves the subject of current world issues and of course we talk music too. I Cutter can honestly tell you that it's very rare that a recorded conversation in front of a microphone goes this deep. I have the utmost love and respect for this man. This conversation is filled with brutal honesty about subjects that are not always easy to talk about. This is worth your time.
Seether's 'Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum' is available everywhere now.
The Human Condition is the name of the 7th studio album from Kentucky's modern southern rock heroes Black Stone Cherry. Yet there is a heaviness to the album that we haven't heard from them. Ben Wells is the guitarist of Black Stone Cherry and you know how I love my riffs! Let's catch up and dig in on Black Stone and The Human Condition.
If you dig back through some of these episodes you'll find the first time I ever had the chance to meet and have a conversation with Sam Carter, the lead singer of the UK metalcore band Architects. That sold out show that evening sold me on everything this band has ever done and now they are back with an actual mainstream rock hit. Their new album 'For Those That Wish to Exist' will be out on February 26th. Let's get into it with Sam Carter from Architects.
Full disclosure when I set everything up for Taylor to return to the Rockcast it was my birthday and therefore wished me a happy birthday a couple of times. Besides that though we nerd out on guitar players, talk about building Pink Floyd puzzles and go in depth on the new album ‘Death By Rock and Roll’ and more specifically their two new songs “25” and “And so it Went.”
Throughout the month of January Avatar has been holding special live stream concerts. Every Saturday with a new theme. The first was about their latest album Hunter Gatherer and then different eras of the band every Saturday. Lead singer and all around amazing human Johannes Ekerstrom joins me on Cutter's Rockcast
Yes the grammy's have been postponed and they don't really pay very close attention to the world of hard rock, but In This Moment have shined through and have been nominated for best metal performance. I catch up with lead singer of In This Moment and the amazing Maria Brink to discuss it further.
note This conversation took place just before Christmas and before we knew the Grammy's were postponed.
By this point we probably all know the emotional roller coaster ride that has been the life of Wes Scantlin, the lead singer of Puddle of Mudd. In the first part of this century it was hard pressed to find a more popular band, but drugs, alcohol and as Wes says women ultimately were the downfall. Then in 2019 he put out a new album called ‘Welcome to Galvania’ and rock radio welcomed them back with open arms. Sober, wiser, and more creative than ever we end 2020 with a conversation with Wes Scantlin.
Myles Kennedy is the lead singer of Alter Bridge, but he's also the lead singer of Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, plus he's an accomplished solo artist in his own right. Alter Bridge put out a version of their latest album 'Walk the Sky' called 'Walk The Sky 2.0' that features one new song "Last Rights" and a bunch of songs recorded live during their shortened US tour in support of the album. Myles is an amazing and good dude and we're always happy to have him on the Rockcast.A
Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust returns to the Rockcast as they get set to do another live stream concert on January 8th. This time they will be playing their 3rd album 'Animosity' in it's entirety. So we're digging back in time and talking about that landmark album.
The power of the monolith compelled me to have Utah's own Royal Bliss on the show. Although it didn't take much convincing as they are old friends, plus they currently have another top 20 single. That song is of course called "Medication" and the did it with former Sick Puppy, Shim. It was time to catch up with Neil and Taylor from Royal Bliss.
'Medium Rarities' is the name of a compilation album by Mastodon that features one new song and a bunch of hard to find, covers and live songs. Time to catch up with one of the best guitarists in hard rock/heavy metal Bill Kelliher of Mastodon.
This conversation was actually recorded on Halloween and I was proudly wearing my Batman onesie will talking to Royal Blood. The two piece band joined me via Zoom from England to talk about their latest song "Trouble's Coming" and what's going on with their upcoming third album. Also me being the nerd I am I had to ask how they make this huge sound with just the two of them.
Ayron Jones is a Seattle born guitarist and singer/songwriter. He hails from the same neighborhood as Jimi Hendrix but a Hendrix clone he is not. Being influenced by the blues, hard rock, hip-hop and R&B Ayron has a sound all his own. Let's find out more plus a special Rockcast exclusive live performance of hit single "Take Me Away."
I can't even begin to explain how deep this conversation goes. Jason Alon Butler is the lead singer of Fever 333 who are just as much a revolution as they are a band. Jason had been on the front lines of the most recent protests and wrote the new ep 'Wrong Generation' all about it. Kaytie, myself and Jason are getting into it on the latest episode of Cutter's Rockcast.
Brandon Saller... former drummer/ vocalist now official frontman for Atreyu joins Cutter and Kaytie for an update on the band status, new music, touring info and more.
Chris Daughtry is of course the lead singer of the band of his name sake. He rose to fame in the early 2000's after being a runner up on American Idol. Of course the dude is a rock guy and if he ever needed to prove it, he's done just that with his latest release "World on Fire."
It's been 9 years since Evanescence released a proper album. Soon that will change with 'The Bitter Truth' but first Amy Lee is using her power for good with the song "Use My Voice." Amy is truly a wonderful human being and one of the most intelligent women I've ever met so it's about time she joins us for a conversation on the Rockcast.
Artists for Recovery is the name that has been given to a slew of artists that are now sober and are raising awareness for one of the worst epidemics this country has ever seen. The song "Maybe it's Time" by Sixx:A.M. has been re-released with Corey Taylor, Ivan Moody, Tommy Vext, Slash, Joe Elliot and more and they did to put money (literally) where their mouth is for the opioid problem. James Micheal joins me for a quick conversation to discuss this further.
The two piece rock and roll band Cleopatrick hale form Cobourg, Ontario, Canada and Kaytie and I have been listening to them for a couple of years. With the official single release in the States of their song "Hometown" they are poised to do amazing things. New album is coming, as we get an introduction to Cleopatrick.
Eric is of course one of the two singers in the band I Prevail. With their last two singles featuring guest spots, one with rapper Joyner Lucas in the song "DOA" and of course "Every Time You Leave" featuring Canadian singer Delaney Jane a conversation needed to happen about mash up of genres going on here. Plus what exactly are I Prevail up to during this pandemic?
Matt Brandyberry is one of the founding members of the band From Ashes to New. On the cusp of their 3rd album 'Panic' coming out (Auguest 28th) plus the title track now being a top 15 song in the world of mainstream rock, it was time to catch up. Joining me from his home with his Philadelphia Eagles cup next to him at all times we catch up on the band, on some personal stuff and even make it through a lost connection and a private investigator.
Holy crap! This is the 200th episode of Cutter's Rockcast. This is a big deal to us and we can't thank you enough for joining us on this journey. We discuss the orgins of this podcast, some favorite moments, but we're still a little ticked off at the world. It's all that rock and roll angst.
You know who Brent Smith is if you listen to rock music, unless you write for Stereogum but more on that in this the 199th actual episode of Cutter's Rockcast. Shinedown are close to breaking the record for the most number one rock songs in history and they may do it with a song that was put out to solely raise money for Direct Relief. There's a lot to cover here with Mr. Smith.
Lauren Kashan is the lead singer of the Baltimore based hardcore band Sharptooth. After hearing their current single "Say Nothing" I couldn't help myself and I needed to know more about this band.
John Humprey is the drummer of Seether and an all around fun dude to sit and have a conversation with. With the release of their new song a couple of weeks ago called "Dangerous," a new album due out at the end of August and having Corey Lowery now being a full member of the band, there is plenty to catch up about.
Lajon Witherspoon is of course the lead singer of the almighty Sevendust. They have just released a cover Soundgarden's "The Day I Tired to Live," plus a new album is done. Let's find out more!
Joining from their hideout in a small town somewhere in Missouri is The Black Moods. Now the story goes that I met these guys a few years ago on New Years Eve in their actual hometown of Phoenix, AZ. We hung out for a couple of days and we became friends. Earlier this year they put out a new album called 'Sunshine' featuring their previous hit songs "Bella Donna" and "Bad News" plus the title track which has now become their biggest song to date. It's high time we catch up with Josh, Jordan and Chico from The Black Moods.
For the first time in months Kaytie and I were in the same room together. We had a lot to catch up on including how dating during a pandemic has been working out. Also you know what, we have thoughts about the world and what's going on and maybe it's high time we get it off our chests.
Joining me with a translator from their home in Mongolia is Gala, throat singer and horsehead fiddle player from the Mongolian hard rock band The Hu. This band has taken the rock world by storm in the past couple of years. Even though they don't speak english and all the songs are in their native tongue they have been winning over fans world wide. Now personally I've never interviewed someone with a translator before so be patient, but this ended up being one of my favorite conversations in recent memory.
Chris Bishop from the band Crobot joined from his friend's studio in Austin, TX via Instagram live to talk guitars and to jam a little. Oh we totally did some vodka shots together.
Concerts at this point seem to be extinct for the year 2020. With every major tour getting canceled or being postponed we thought it would be a good idea to talk to a concert promoter. Ryan isn't just any concert promoter though. He owns National Event Promotions, the company Kaytie and I work hand and hand with on many of the major shows around our home area in Wisconsin. He also books a few different venues around the midwest and has a major hand in booking the 2nd stage for the festival Rock USA.
Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless joined Kaytie and I from quarantine to talk about this new song "Death by Rock and Roll" which is the title track of a new album coming later this year. We also get a glimpse into the life of Taylor and just how important it was to work with Matt Cameron and Kim Thayil of Soundgarden on this new album. Oh and we learn of another special guest. This is mental health awareness and Taylor has some good words to say to anyone who is struggling.
Volbeat bass player Kasper Boye Larsen joined the band in 2016, but as he tells us here he's been around the band since their inception. Calling in from his home in the country of Denmark we get into this, the new record, what's going on with touring plans and so much more.
From his home in Ohio we caught Starset lead singer Dustin Bates in the middle of watching his stocks. The stock market is just one of many obsession's for reclusive singer. His main obsession though remains music and art. Starset put out their third album 'Divisions' last September and now with the release of their latest single "Trials" we decided it was time to catch up. (Really it was just to see his puppy Ernie.)
Pop Evil may have just released two of their best songs to date. That's saying something about a band who has had multiple number one singles in their career. Kaytie and I got singer Leigh Kakaty on a chat to talk about these new tunes, acoustic performances from the living room, and the (bro) love that Leigh and I share for one another.
It's been a little bit since Kaytie and I have been able to do a host episode of the Rockcast. Like always our conversation has gone into unexpected territory. Like why is Kaytie trying to date during a world wide pandemic? Why I need a break from parenting? And, a discussion about some of our favorite underrated bands. Oh and as for the dating profile? Yeah let's get that sorted out.
To be honest I've been following In This Moment since the very beginning. They were a metal band and I at the time hosted a metal radio show. So when Maria Brink said she'd join me from quarantine for a quick conversation I of course jumped on it. We talk the new album 'Mother,' the visual and artist aspect of In This Moment and even how these new cover songs came about.
Finally abel to start having some music conversations again and I couldn't be happier to have my first one since lockdown be with Gavin Rossdale of Bush. Why? Cause it's Gavin Rossdale of Bush. New song is out called "Flowers on a Grave" and the new album 'Kingdom' will be out July 17th. We talk isolation concerts, and what might happen to real concerts this year. Of course we talk new and old music as well.
First of all nothing makes you miss your co-host more than talking to yourself for an hour, but it's a topic that I love digging into, rock music history. Take all the decades of popular recorded music and the 90's may be the most eclectic decade of them all. Louder Sound along with classicrock.com polled their readers to get the list of the top rock albums of the 90's. So I grabbed a drink turned on the mic and went through the list plus added in some of your suggestions via my Facebook page. It's a pretty amazing list of records to relive while we're all stuck at home waiting for this pandemic to be over. Be safe and enjoy an hour of me talking to myself.
Sometimes you just have to make things work. As soon as Ded released their new song "A Mannequin Idol" I knew I wanted to catch up with the band's singer Joe Cotela. Isolation/Quarantine has of course made these conversations a little more difficult. So I reached out and sent him some questions. Now for this episode of the Rockcast it's Joe interviewing himself. Enjoy!
Sean Dowdell is the drummer and founding member of the band Grey Daze. A band that rose to popularity in the late 90's before disbanding in 1998. You care because that have re-recorded a bunch of songs for a new album called 'Amends' due out on June 26th. Oh and the lead singer of this band was Chester Bennington.
With the pandemic of the Covid-19 virus it's been difficult for Kaytie and I to get together and do the podcast. Hell it's difficult to even leave the house. As our state like so many others was about to go on lockdown I grabbed my mobile set up and snuck out to Kaytie's apartment. We made a drink and turned on the mics to catch up for a bit. It's funny that in the midst of all this the most talked about band on social media was going to be the early 2000's band Trapt. Their lead singer went off and said a bunch of not so nice things to say on Twitter, so yes that get's discussed here and the conversation is not for the faint of heart.
Windsor, Ontario, Canada's The Blue Stones stopped by the studio recently to introduce themselves and of course brought their acoustics with them. This two piece band came together back in 2011 and after having some minor success with the song "Black Holes (Solid Ground)" their latest single called "Shakin' Off the Rust" is about to become a top 10 rock song. It's time we meet Tarek and Justin of The Blue Stones.
"Antisocialist" is the name of the brand new Asking Alexandria song that was released on the day of this podcast. 'Like a House on Fire' is the name of their 6th studio album due out on May 15th. In honor let's talk to guitarist Ben Bruce about the new record, the evolution of the band, the new song, and why we don't care about internet haters, but we love the supporters.
By this point you should know that we like to just turn on the mics and see what happens. There's nothing better then doing that when there's a band in studio with us. The band Bones UK, Carmen, Rosie and Heavy joined Kaytie and I in studio ahead of a tour stop to talk and play some tunes, and that they did! Keep in mind this podcast is as it happened and completely unedited. You hear stuff that you didn't get to hear on air or see in the video.
Currently Bones UK are on the road with Korn and Breaking Benjamin, in March they go out with Royal Blood and they were recently nominated for a grammy! We find out how they got they start, what brought them to the states by way of London and we try to dig in and find out what makes this band tic.
@bonesandbones
@carmenvandenberg.bones
@KTRGrocks
@cuttermedia
James "Munky" Shaffer is of course the guitarist for the legendary Bakersfield, CA band Korn. This past September Korn released their 13th studio album 'The Nothing.' This album should go down as yet another Korn classic. Munky joins me to talk about the clarity of the record, their current tour with Breaking Benjamin & Bones UK, and that one of show with System of a Down, Faith No More and Helmet. Oh and what does one do on their day off?
@cuttermedia
@korn
@JC_SHAFFER
Kaytie and I went backstage, well actually it was in the tour bus which was parked out front of The Bottom Lounge in Chicago to catch up with Bert Mccracken, lead singer of The Used.
We talk new album, the power of the punk rock emo kid, playing clubs versus arenas and how they just might be touring with a band that The Used had taken out on tour almost 20 years ago that are now reunited and have sold out an entire arena tour in the U.S.
@cuttermedia
@KTRGrocks
@wearetheused
There is nothing better than live music. No matter what's going on in your live you can be put in a place of happiness and your soul can be soothed with live music. To hear your favorites live, man there's nothing better. But what about those opening bands? You know, the baby bands, the new bands, the underground bands. This week's discussion is all about why you need to get the shows early or pay attention to the 2nd or 3rd stage bands at the festivals.
Follow us:
@cuttermedia
@KTRGrocks
A couple of weeks ago when we say our old friend Dorothy post about something called Breast Implant Illness and how she wanted to get the word out I immediately reached out and said let's do this. She tells her story of how she realized she had this illness and now wants to help others. Oh and there's new music on the way!!!
@dorothy
@cuttermedia
@KTRGrocks
After releasing their 6th studio album 'Walk The Sky' this past October it's time for more touring. Guitarist Mark Tremonti goes through the album, the tour and even how difficult it is to play a sitar. I'm still hoping to get a free guitar lesson from him. Come on Mark, please?
@marktremonti
@alterbridge
@KTRGrocks
@cuttermedia
While yes that sounds like the perfect title for a comeback album by an old school punk rock band, it does hold true for the subject of this week's Cutter and Kaytie only episode of Cutter's Rockcast. You may have or may not have seen the news that a major company within our industry of radio and entertainment laid off around a thousand people in order to move forward with a more technology focus. The whole thing has Blade Runner written all over it and we're kinda pissed about it. Time to vent!
Kaytie: @KTRGrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
After a few weeks off, we're back!! For the first episode of Cutter's Rockcast of 2020 who better to join us in studio than Danny Worsnop? He's of course the lead singer of Asking Alexandria, also We Are Harlot and is currently on the road in support of his latest solo album 'Shades of Blue.' We catch up and then Danny plays two songs acoustic.
Please remember to leave a rating and hit the subscribe button.
Danny Worsnop: @dannyworsnop
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @KTRGrocks
As we start to round out the year 2019 Kaytie and I spend some time talking about our favorite records of the year. She's got hers and I've got mine, but also the industry website allaccess.com poles the entire rock radio industry every year and we've got their top 5 of 2019 as well.
Kaytie: @KTRGrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Ahead of a stop in Oshkosh, WI on Sunday December 8th, drummer Sam Loeffler of Chevelle checked in with me. Chevelle have been working on what will be their 10th album, but there's been some changes. Long time bassist and Loeffler brother in law Dean Bernardini is leaving the band to stay home with his family. What's up with their label situation? Are they still on Epic Records? And how do you remember over 100 songs without using cheats? All these questions are answered and more with our old friend Sam Loeffler.
Chevelle: @Chevelleinc
Sam Loeffler: @SamChevelle
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Ahead of their Freak Show Tour stop in our hometown of Green Bay, New Zealand's Like a Storm stopped by to have a chat with Kaytie and I. The whole tour is free to get in and their celebrating 5 years of their first major single "Love The Way You Hate Me."
Like A Storm: @likeastorm
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
You know Jamey Jasta as the lead singer and front man for Hatebreed. You may remember Jamey as the host of MTV2's Headbanger's Ball, or maybe from his very popular podcast The Jasta Show. There's also his solo band simply called Jasta. Oh and there was this band he did called Kingdom of Sorrow. Jamey is a busy dude, but an extremely talented one at that. What an honor for me to have Jamey do the Rockcast with me. We talk metal, we talk punk, we talk mainstream rock, we go through riffs, songwriting, podcasting and a ton more. Of course we also get deep into the new Jasta recod 'The Lost Chapters Vol. 2' which is due out on December 13th. And there's some Hatebreed news in here as well.
Before you hit play, Jamey and I did this once before a few weeks ago and due to some technical difficulties the whole conversation was not saved. This is a re-do and we talk a little at the beginning about how this happens sometimes.
Jamey Jasta: @jameyjastsa
Hatebreed: @hatebreed
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Adam Gontier is the lead singer of the band Saint Asonia. A band that he started with Mike Mushok of Staind after he left Three Days Grace. Now back with their second record 'Flawed Design' and a top ten song that features Sully Erna of Godsmack it's time to catch up with Adam.
Adam Gontier: @gontierofficial
Saint Asonia: @saintasonia
Cutter: @cuttermeida
I honestly can't remember why this episode is titled Grammys and Sex. We def go through the grammy nominations for the 4 rock categories that came out this week. It's Kaytie and I so I'm sure there's also some sort of sexual commentary.
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @KTRGrocks
You know Clint Lowery as the guitarist for the band Sevendust and also maybe from Dark New Day and even his work with Seether. After writing and working on it for a few years, Clint is about to release his first solo album, 'God Bless the Renegades' due out on January 31st. The first single is out now called "Kings" and if you know or have been a fan Clint's previous work you'll immediately fall in love with it. Clint gives us the breakdown on the album, why now was the time and his up coming tour with Alter Bridge. Plus listen to the end for an update on Sevendust.
Clint Lowery: @clintlowerynet
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
With Kaytie being on vacation I decided to invite some friends to co-host this week's episode of Cutter's Rockcast. I wanted to get into metal-core, death-core and whatever other sub genre name you want to come up with. Plus of course the art of the "blegh."
Luna Nicole is yes my girlfriend, she is also an accomplished pole dancer/model who's been in Inked Magazine and has now starred in two music videos. Find her everywhere @luunamoonaa
Dylan Greenhill is a very close friend of ours and is the lead singer of the up and coming progressive death core band Immortallis. Check them out @immortaliswi
Eric Vanlerberghe is one of the singers for the band I Prevail. I caught up with Eric backstage in Chicago during the Degenerates Tour. The tour that features A Day To Remember headlining, I Prevail, Beartooth and Can't Swim. We dig into their latest album 'Trauma,' what our favorite songs are, the intense theme of the album and why Eric thinks it has resonated with so many people. Plus of course some thoughts on this incredible tour.
I Prevail: @iprevailband
Eric Vanlerberghe: @DickVanberg
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Two major bands that we love reunite, one smaller band who we love breaks up, the ultimate co-headlining package tours and how Kaytie and I's show is now apparently called 'The Taint & Butter Show.' Welcome to our world of rock and roll crazy.
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @KTRGrocks
Today the Las Vegas based band Otherwise joined me live on Razor 94.7/104.7 to promote their show with Blacktop Mojo. We talked about their new record 'Defy' which comes out next Friday November 8th. They also played 2 songs acoustic including a cover of the 80's pop song "Everyone Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears. I'm posting this as it was heard on the air. Enjoy!
Kaytie and I are back with a host episode of the rockcast! Kaytie found this article from vividseats.com about which state have the most rock shows per capita. Also which states have the most rock bands from them and even which rock and/or metal bands play the most rock shows in the United States.
Follow Kaytie on social media @KTRGrocks
Follow Cutter on social media @cuttermedia
Tommy Vext is no stranger to the Rockcast but on the day that Bad Wolves' 2nd album N.A.T.I.O.N. comes out it's high time to talk again. We dig into the record, the success, the experience of the band, what does N.A.T.I.O.N. stand for and even Tommy's work out routines. We love Tommy and the rest of the band and we're stoked to have him back on the Rockcast.
Backstage at Aftershock 2019 with Jeremy Mckinnon and Kevin Skaff of A Day to Remember. Luna Nicole also joins in the conversation.
New record "You're Welcome" due out November 15, 2019.
Backstage at Aftershock 2019 with Sick Puppies. There's new album information in this short conversation.
Backstage at Aftershock 2019 in Sacramento, CA with one of my oldest friends in rock and roll, Chris Motionless from Motionless in White.
Backstage at the Aftershock Music Festival in Sacramento, CA with Deryck Whibley of Sum 41
Kaytie and I caught up with Josh Katz, the lead singer of Badflower backstage once again at the historic Rave/Eagle's Ballroom in Milwaukee, WI. Everything from Josh being a child actor in commercials to this headlining tour they are currently on. This conversation even happened on a pile of pillows. You just never know what's going to happen when you get Kaytie and I in the same room with a rockstar, especially one we've been following since the beginning.
Lead singer of Godsmack Sully Erna caught up with Kaytie and I after they kicked off their current tour with Halestorm and Monster Truck in my hometown. Drum battles, the stage crew and why we don't f*** with the truck. Also digging into Sully's Scars Foundation and how Lady Gaga was part of the influence for the song "Under Your Scars."
Every so often Kaytie and I are going to pick a rock news website and talk about the first few stories, or as many as time allows. For our first episodes of these we randomly chose The PRP. The PRP is website that generally leans a little more heavy and underground for the music they cover. We find stories about Rob Zombie and Hellyeah, but also about Aaron from Underoath's new band and even a story about Chimaira. It's been awhile since we've a done an episode of the Rockcast between just Kaytie and I. Enjoy!
Check out more metal and hard rock news here ----> www.theprp.com
What could I possibly say about GWAR that hasn't already been said. I will admit flat out that I was not prepared for this conversation. It wasn't scheduled, it was just their publicist who I've known for years coming up to me at the festival and simply asking, "you wanna talk to GWAR?" I mean who says no to that? No one. So here's my short and sweat yet kind of awkward conversation with the Intergalactic war dogs, GWAR.
Went backstage at Riot Fest in Chicago to catch up and talk old school punk rock with the bassist of Chicago based punk band, Joe Principe of Rise Against.
So my own band Hot Carl opened up for New Years Day. After we both had played I had to take advantage and have a quick backstage conversation with lead singer Ash Costello. We talked of course about their new album Unbreakable, their new song "Come For Me," Our love for Pantera and metal.
Follow Ash and New Years Day @ashcostello @nydrock
You may not know the name Dave Jackson off the top of your head, but you have definitely seen his photographs. He's worked with a ton of Eleven Seven Record's artists like Five Finger Death Punch, Steel Panther and Bad Wolves. He's also the lead photographer at the festival we host every year Rock USA. From his start as part time rock music blogger and amateur photographer at the turn of the 2000's to now owning his own studio 'Jackson & Co.' and photographing some of rock and pop cultures biggest stars. Dave Jackson walks us through his story and goes throw some his favorite photos (and my favorite photos that he's done) in the world of rock music.
Check out is work at www.davidejackson.com
Follow him on all socials @davidejackson
Zach Myers is of course the guitarist for Shinedown, but is also the Myers of the Americana rock band Allen, Mack. Myers and Moore. Three of the four of them (minus Allen) stopped by the studio before soundcheck at the Green Bay Distillery. We talked a little Shinedown but told a lot of stories and shared some laughs.
This conversation happened live on Razor 94.7/104.7 and you are hearing it as it aired with the music and commercials taken out.
On my daily show on the radio station in Wisconsin, Razor 94.7/104.7, I sometimes will have bands takeover parts of the show when they swing by. Crobot did exactly that on Thursday August 28th. What happened on air live was to good not to share here. They played two songs acoustic including "Burn" and their latest single "Lowlife," both of which can be heard on this episode of the Rockcast. We told stories, we had laughs and they got to play whatever music they wanted to for the better part of an hour. Due to legal reasons I had to take the actual music out for the podcast, but again we did leave in the acoustic performances. So a very special episode of the Rockcast with Crobot.
'Motherbrain' is the name of Crobot's 3rd album which available everywhere now.
Kaytie and I both met Starset early on in their career and have been able to watch the rise since the initial Transmission "My Demons." Now getting set to release their third album entitled 'Divisions' on September 13th the whole narrative of this visual and music experience that is Starset is brand new. Dustin Bates is the lead singer and creative mind behind the name. After a quick re-schedule we were able to catch up with Dustin so we could dig into everything Starset and 'Divisions.'
Kaytie and I got out on the 'Celebration of Life for Vinnie Paul' tour that of course featured Hellyeah! It also featured a direct support set from our old friends in Nonpoint. It's been too long since we've sat down with full band to talk. So we did, and we discussed music, the industry, life, touring, and of course the influence of the one and only Vinnie Paul.
note Since the recording of this episode it has been announced that guitarist BC Kochmit will be leaving the band to spend more time with his family.
From opening for Metallica, to a deluxe edition of 'Prequelle' with a couple of new songs, to touring arenas on the "Ultimate Tour Named Death" this fall. There's a lot to catch up on with the mastermind behind Ghost. We have Ghost for the Rockcast and now we have everything.
The tour manager, the roadie, the guitar tech, the drum tech, the manager, the promotion rep, the public relations rep, these are the true heroes of the music industry. Without any of these fine men and women that work behind the scenes all of our favorite bands may not exist.
Kaytie and I caught up with Disturbed guitarist Dan Donegan backstage before their headlining performance in what had turned into a giant mud bath with 30,000 friends at Rock USA. Specifically we wanted to talk about the work they have been doing with mental health and the song "A Reason To Fight."
There are few conversations where I'm talking and my head is thinking somewhere else. I was fan boying the whole time. Live in front of an audience at Rock USA this turned out to be my favorite conversation of the whole weekend. The incredible lead singer of Clutch, Neil Fallon.
Ps...the other person in the picture is friend and metal show host Pete Burns
Lead singer Mike Protich and guitarist Dave McGarry of the band Red Sun Rising joined me in front of some fans live at Rock USA, and just in time for them to see my phone be rescued from the backstage bathroom! Fun times with good friends on the music festival circuit.
Kaytie and I caught up with the always amazing Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch backstage at Rock USA. We talked about his hair, the new energy in the band, Zoltan's support of our police and first responders, Ivan's sobriety and a ton more in a very laid back but inspiring conversation with the Five Finger Death Punch guitarist.
Kaytie backstage at Rock USA 2019 with Breaking Benjamin lead singer Ben Burnley. Live shows, acoustic records, special guests and Ben wants to be a record producer? All of this is covered.
This conversation between myself, guitarist Barry Stock and singer Matt Walst of Three Days Grace happened live on air in front of an audience at the Rock USA festival in Oshkosh, WI.
This conversation between myself and Spencer Charnas, lead singer of Ice Nine Kills, happened live on air in front of an audience at the Rock USA festival in Oshkosh, WI.
PS...We are currently apartment hunting for a place that suits both of our needs. Listen for more info.
This conversation between Myself, Kaytie and Asking Alexandria guitarist Ben Bruce happened live on air in front of an audience at the Rock USA festival in Oshkosh, WI.
This conversation between Kaytie and Tommy Vext, lead singer of Bad Wolves happened live on air in front of an audience at the Rock USA festival in Oshkosh, WI.
This conversation between Kaytie and the band I Prevail happened live on air in front of an audience at the Rock USA festival in Oshkosh, WI.
Ok so thanks to a random Twitter conversation (you can follow us @cuttermedia or @ktrgrocks) Kaytie and I had to discuss farting and pooping, but the real basis of this conversation is about the music industry as a whole. Thanks to an interview that Revolver Magazine did with Rob Zombie. That interview can be found at revolvermag.com.
Sum 41's new album 'Order in Decline' is going to be out on July 19th. It's time to catch up with lead singer Deryck Whibley. Just a quick conversation about the song "Out of Blood," the new record, playing a Metallica medley, and the power of a live punk show.
Years ago Kaytie and her then co-host Wes Styles replaced the long running, nationally syndicated morning show Free Beer and Hot Wings on Kaytie's former radio station in Springfield, IL. When that happened there were words said by listeners and more importantly by then Free Beer and Hot Wing's co-host Eric Zane. Kaytie was hurt by this and for good reason. In this episode she explains her side of the story, a story that she has never told publicly before. This is in response to Eric Zane explaining his side of the story in a recent episode of his podcast The Eric Zane Show. It should be noted that both Eric and the rest of the Free Beer and Hot Wings show have made amends with Kaytie, and Kaytie being the wonderful human being she is does not hold a grudge and everyone gets along now. We really go behind the scenes of radio in this episode of the Rockcast.
The always wonderful Gavin Rossdale of Bush called in to talk to Kaytie and I about the new song "Bullet Holes," hugs with Kaytie, a new record and the 25th anniversary of Bush's landmark album "Sixteen Stone.'
The band Messer have been grinding it out for the past few years and are now starting to see some success. Successful tours and their latest single "Simple Man" is on the rise via the rock radio charts. I met them earlier this year and we immediately became friends. They even let me come up on stage and jam with them at a showcase in Las Vegas. Kicking off their tour with Scott Stapp they stopped by the studio on their way to the first show. This conversation happened live on Razor 94.7/104.7 my home radio station. Check us out at www.razorwisconsin.com
Ever wonder what it takes to book a music festival. The amount or work, time and energy to make sure it all goes off and everyone's happy? Bob Babisch is the Vice President in charge of Entertainment for the World's Largest Music Festival; Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI. Summerfest goes for almost 2 weeks every summer on the lakefront in downtown Milwuakee. From it's humble beginnings to hundred's of thousands of people walking through the gates every year, Bob helps us take a stroll down memory lane. He also goes into great deal about how they actually book the hundreds of acts that play on their multiple stages every single year.
Summerfest kicks off June 26th and wraps up July 7th and features some of the biggest names from all genres of music. For line-ups, tickets, and travel information go to www.summerfest.com
Kaytie and I got out to the Raisin' Hell in the Heartland Tour with A Day to Remember. Before one of the best concerts we've seen in a long time we caught up with singer Jeremy McKinnon and guitarist Neil Westfall. 7 records in what is now 16 years as a band and one of the most rabid fanbases in rock it's always amazing to talk to and see A Day To Remember.
This tour just started so do yourself a favor and get to one of the shows. For updated tour information check www.adtr.com
Finally Kaytie and I are back at with a conversation between just the two of us and not one of those pesky rockstars. (joking of course.) From bands we've never seen, twitter conversations, poop and what's up with Apple, this is Cutter's Rockcast episode 135.
Architects man, this band...wow. Their latest album 'Holy Hell' is just a fantastic metal album that hits deep. Their show is intense and incredible to watch. Yes I'm a fan. Talking about this record, their music and of course their fallen brother was just an amazing conversation to have. Listen to the talk and make sure you listen to this album, and their old ones as well.
You know her as the guitar Goddess from Alice Cooper's band, as the performing guitarist at last year's WWE Wrestlemania, as the workout guru and as a solo artist. We know her as one of the most badass women in the music industry. Her name is Nita Struass. She is currently on tour in support of her debut solo album 'Controlled Chaos' which is available now. It truly is our pleasure to get to know Nita a little bit better.
Facebook: @NitaStruass
Twitter: @hirricanenita
Instagram: @hirricanenita
While at Sonic Temple Festival, Kaytie had a conversation with Bad Wolves frontman Tommy Vext. He told an hilarious story about meeting Metallica's Robert Trujillo and gave a small update on their sophomore album
Kaytie had the fun of hanging out at the largest 3 day rock music festival in the country, Sonic Temple in Columbus, OH. Here she is backstage with guitarist for Papa Roach, Jerry Horton.
Kaytie had the fun of hanging out at the largest 3 day rock music festival in the country, Sonic Temple in Columbus, OH. Here she is backstage with the lead singer of Badflower, Josh Katz.
Finishing their Collapse the World Tour with Parkway Drive I caught up with Jesse Leach, lead singer of Killswitch Engage, for a conversation about mental health. Also some info on new music and personal believes.
Funny story, Parkway Drive is one of the first bands that my girlfriend Luna Nicole and I bonded over, Ire will forever be our record. About 5 years ago I had the chance to meet Winston and have since taken every opportunity to say hi. Time for another backstage conversation (Luna is here as well,) with the amazing Winston Mccall of Parkway Drive. Video of this conversation can be found on my Youtube channel. @cuttermedia
Hellyeah! have had a year of heartbreak and loss. Really after the death of Vinnie Paul we all had to deal with heartbreak and loss. The band went into the studio and finished the record and now we have a taste. I caught up with lead singer Chad Gray on the day tickets went on sale for their summer tour and the release of their new song "Welcome Home."
Over 20 years of music and playing their 20th something show at infamous Rave/Eagle's Ballroom in Milwaukee it was time to catch up with great Sevendust. Lead singer Lajon Witherspoon reflects on the shows, the ghost hunting, the people and more. Plus tells about a Netflix movie that features some scenes with him and his family. Also he once again brings up those crazy barstools from a venue that we used to book Sevendust at. Oh and is there a new album? If so may we suggest a name? 'In Sevendust We Trust'
It's almost time for a new In This Moment record and that means it's time to catch up with guitarist and founding member of In This Moment, Chris Howorth. I met up with Chris who are currently doing a headline tour with the equally incredible Sevendust opening up. Visit www.inthismomentofficial.com for tour dates and more details. This conversation contains information on their perviously unannounced new album.
Ahh back home again. Backstage at the historic Eagle's Ballroom/The Rave in Milwaukee, WI. Bring Me The Horizon played one the best shows I've seen in sometime. The energy, the setlist, the sound, everything was amazing. No one left without a smile on their face that night. Before the took the stage on their 2nd Base tour, Luna Nicole and I went backstage to talk to Bring Me The Horizon songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Fish.
You know Scott Stapp, you know who is, but do you? You know him as the lead singer of Creed. Maybe you heard about his issues? Maybe you're just a fan. No matter what we're getting into the mental health aspect of Scott Stapp, we're getting into his charity work via the With Arms Wide Open Foundation and we're getting into his new solo album due out July 19th.
Chris Motionless is the lead singer of Motionless in White. As the story goes we first met in Las Vegas at an industry dinner when we were both very new to the music industry. We've remained friends ever since and I personally couldn't be happier for him. With the help of Kaytie we dig deep into the music, into their very rabid fan base and into our own mental capacities. We're backstage with Chris from Motionless in White.
Atreyu just kicked off their tour doing direct support for Motionless in White. After the release of the album In Our Wake there has been a return to form for Atreyu. This audio was recorded in conjuction with a Facebook like from @razorwisconsin and @cuttermedia Dig into the conversation and go behind the scenes with Atreyu drummer/singer Brandon Saller
Profoundly.me is an app going around Facebook where you can ask a person anything and do anonymously. I posted it and let people ask me questions and I then applied at a conversation between Kaytie and I. So not only do I answer these Profoundly questions but so does Kaytie. Also opens up the conversation about commenting via social media and the negative effects it can have on bands. Like posting dildos pictures next to Taylor Momsen pictures, or only commenting about Mixi from Stitched Up Heart's boobs when they post a new song.
This episode is definitely not safe for work.
Kaytie and I spoke with A Dead Desire's Moroni Silva about how the band formed, recovering from addiction, and his newly released cover of the Eurythmics’ “Here Comes the Rain Again" featuring late All That Remains guitarist Oli Herbert. It turns out that Moroni and Oli came up with the idea of covering the Eurythmics' song while having a few drinks one night. They recorded a small part of the song on Moroni's phone before eventually covering the track.
It's here! The highly anticipated 2nd full length album from I Prevail 'Trauma' is available now. Dylan and Eric from I Prevail joined me to dive into this record a bit. The picture for this episode of the Rockcast is me talking to the band in the studio while wearing a Unicorn shiting shooting star rainbows shirt. They appreciated that.
This is a conversation that Kaytie and I have been having since we started having conversations. Women rock, plain and simple. There is no difference between a male band and a female band and the idea that it's separate needs to go away. So you know girl power and stuff. We are all even, we are all one and on this episode of the Rockcast we turn our attention to the L.A. based Diamante and her debut album 'Coming in Hot.'
Before Shinedown played a sold out show in Green Bay, WI Kaytie and I sat down in the warm up room backstage with drummer Barry Kerch. We caught up about family and how his is from the area, about playing a venue that's been standing for over 50 years and is about to be torn down. We talked about the transition period between the original Shinedown line up and the one that has now stood the test of time. Of course a lot of music talk as well. Listen when I say the 4 members of Shinedown are some of the sweetest and nicest human beings on the planet, I mean it.
Where do I begin with Jacoby Shaddix? I first meet the Papa Roach lead singer probably around 2002 and I think it was at a bar. Since then it's hugs and catch ups everytime we see each other. Now instead of it being over some sort of bottle it's with microphones in hand, stories of our kids and loved ones, and talk of music. He's been sober for 7 years and is better than ever. Catching up with an old friend outside of the arena where I saw my first concert makes this conversation a special one.
I just got back from spending 8 days in Vegas, Kaytie just got back from spending 2 days in Vegas that was supposed to be 3 than only 1 and then...just listen to the story. Also huge thanks to the Contraband Company and CO5 for putting on the #happens conference. We had an incredible time.
After all the lead up, a number one song, and another top 15 song that's rising Badflower's debut full length album is here. OK, I'm sick is the long awaited doubt album by Badflower and it features a couple songs you already know like "Ghost" & "Heroin." We caught up them in Las Vegas before heading back to L.A. for a hometown album release show.
Long Beach, CA band Rival Sons just released their 6th album 'Feral Roots' and their first single from it "Do Your Worst" is now a top ten rock song. Catching up while in tour in Europe, lead singer Jay Buchanan gets on the phone with myself and Kaytie. We talk the new album, we talk touring with Black Sabbath, border delays, and new merch lines.
The title says it all. Needless to say we and many of us in the rock community were not happy after the 2019 Grammy Awards.
Maroon 5, rappers, Atlanta, all things represented during the halftime show at this year's big game in Atlanta between New England and LA. Was it good? Was it bad? Why can't Adam Levine afford better tattoos?
Ever wonder what the hell Active Rock or Top 40, or even easy listening means? Let us help you understand why each different type of radio station plays what they play and why it's defined as their particular format.
You may or may not know Mark Morton as the guitarist of the metal band Lamb of God, but I'm a huge fan. Mark has decided to expand his song writing chops and put out a solo album called 'Anesthetic' due out March 1st. The album features a lot of rock dream collaborations including the song "Cross Off" featuring deceased Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington. Kaytie and I caught up with Mark to tell us about this amazing song and album.
Today (Jan. 18th) is release day for Papa Roach! Their tenth studio album is called 'Who Do You Trust?' and looks to be like another great record from a staple of rock. Jerry Horton joins me quick to talk about the new record and help celebrate today's release.
Why is it that we as rock fans hate everything? We hate bands when the become popular, we hate it when bands charge money for things...anything. It's time for Kaytie and I to vent and get a few things off our chest. This conversation is def not safe for work, unless you are wearing headphones, or work at a place where adult language is accepted. You know like that tire shop I go to where the mechanic still smokes in the waiting room.
Kicking off the new year chill and relaxed. Catch up on NYE and holiday fun and take a look back at our best and worst rock and roll moments of 2018. Then the wheels come off and anger happens to set up what we're going to do next week.
The Black Moods have actually been around for a number of years and even have two full length albums out, but until recently they have gone relatively unnoticed to the mainstream rock crowd. That has begun to change now that their new single "Bella Donna" is being played on various rock radio stations around the country and the road has called. This is a band to watch for 2019 and on this New Years Eve weekend I was able to hang out with them and get a great introduction in their home town of Phoenix, AZ.
Corbin Reiff has written for Rolling Stone Magazine, Spin, Uproxx, Billboard, Consequence of Sound and tons more. He was announced plans to write a biography about Chris Cornell set for 2020 release. We sat down to talk to him about that book, Chris Cornell and more. His first book, LIGHTERS IN THE SKY: The All-Time Greatest Concerts, 1960-2016 is out now.
Indio Downey and Ralph Alexander of the 2 peice rock band from Malibu, CA The Dose stopped by the studio. We chatted for a bit and then yes they brought some guitars. Enjoy an introduction to the band The Dose.
This isn't actually a reboot. The news broke about the reboot of the MTV stop motion show 'Celebrity Death Match' right before we got into the studio. A show who's theme music was written by none other than Marilyn Manson! That news spawned this conversation.
Nothing More played The Sylvee in Madison, WI on December 2nd. Cutter caught up with frontman Jonny Hawkins before the show. They talked gaming, the spark that pushed Jonny to music, his road from drummer to singer, and more.
P.O.D. which stands for Payable on Death having been kicking it around the rock and metal scene since the mid 90's. Based out of San Diego their music is unrecognizable. From giant hits like "Youth of the Nation" and "Boom" to their newest album 'Circles' we dive into it all with Sonny, Wuv, Traa, and Marcos of the legendary P.O.D.
After helping Ivan Moody from Five Finger Death Punch do an amazing thing by donating sleeping bags to a homeless shelter, Kaytie and I decided it's high time to go down the list of charity organizations that are ran by, started by, or helped by rockstars.
Music for Relief
Solid Rock
Musicares
Make Yourself Foundattion
Sweet Relief
The All Within My Hands Foundation
The Vitalogy Foundation
Silverlake Conservatory of Music
The Better Life Foundation
The Chris & Vicky Cornell Foundation
Hagar Family Foundation
Fender Music Organization
Bob Irwin Wildlife & Conservation Foundation
Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund
5FDP Vets
For the 100th episode of the Rockcast, Kaytie and I went live via Facebook and took your questions. Plus I was still live on the air. Turns out we're OK at multitasking. Here's the audio, enjoy!
A few weeks ago the rock world lost one of it's great guitarists in Oli Herbert from the band All That Remains. Kaytie and I were both lucky enough to have met Oli and everyone from ATR on numerous occasions and I know for me personally they quickly become some of my favorite people in music. November 9th sees the release of the 9th studio album 'Victim of the New Disease.' Mike Martin is the other guitarist in All That Remains and in the middle of Kaytie and I talking about the band Mike and I had a fantastic conversation about Oli, about the new record, some good natured ribbing of Phil LeBonte, playing in the rain and more. Listen to this episode and you might learn something. After you listen to this, or before, do yourself a favor and listen to the new record. You won't be sorry.
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
All That Remains: @ATRhq
Mike Martin: @mikemartinatr
The kickoff to the Red Sun Rising tour happened about an hour down the road from our main studio so we had to take advantage and have them stop by and say hi. The Together We Are A Thread tour was inspired by their song "Stealing Life," which they perform live and acoustic on this episode of the Rockcast. They are raising funds for Musicares and spreading awareness while trying to erase the stigma of mental health and suicide. It's an important message and one that Kaytie and I truly believe in. Rockcast 98, Red Sun Rising in studio.
The Detroit rock and roll band Wilson sound like they are all just about the party and the good times, While that may true at times there is still a giant business machine behind them and most rock bands or artists we love. There is a lot more to the behind the scenes than you may think. It even almost destroyed the dudes known as Wilson. It's time to go behind the rock with lead singer Chad Nicefield. Also enjoy the picture of Kayite wearing the gold plated Wilson t-shirt. She wanted to be a baller while having this conversation.
Let me set this up. I had to do the Free Beer and Hot Wings morning show this morning so I had been up since 3am, but when presented with the chance to catch up with my friend Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach I couldn't turn that down. Our time was brief, but we were able to learn some more about the two new songs that Papa Roach put out plus some more info on their upcoming new album due out in January. There's also a lot of excitement about their spring tour with Shinedown and Asking Alexandria. So here's a quick 10 minute conversation with one of the best frontmen in rock.
I was done for the day, I had just wrapped up with Alice in Chains when my girlfriend Luna Nicole taps me on the shoulder and asks "Is that Bam Margera over there?" To which I said oh yeah that's Bam why? haha, turns out we had mutual friends, so I turned the mics back on and we got to talking. We did this in a kind of public space, sort of in between the backstage area and the VIP area at Aftershock, so of course a few fans had to get their pics with Bam first.
Alice in Chains for me is just one of those bands, a band that influenced so much of what I do. This conversation was a dream come true for me, but also really interesting. From the power of rock being alive with our youth, to the vibes of certain places, this is bassist Mike Inez and guitarist Jerry Cantrell of Alice in Chains backstage at Aftershock 2018.
There is a message here, and it's an important one. The Fever 333 don't shy away from their thoughts about the social situation in America. If anything else their Made an America E.P. proves that. I'll take every chance I get to say hi to Jason Butler, Stevis Harrison and Aric Improta from the Fever 333.
This conversation outside at Aftershock actually started with Mike (lead singer) of Red Sun Rising asking my girlfriend Luna Nicole about a certain piercing she has. Besides that we talk their new album Thread a bit, the loss and gain of fans, the new single "Veins" and a bunch of other randomness.
Shannon Larkin joined Godsmack in 2003, but this year Godsmack celebrates their 20th year since their debut album came out. They changed things up a bit on 'When Legends Rise.' Sully told us that before that record came out and Shannon takes the drummer's perspective on the new album. He also explains why they had to postpone their European tour set for the end of the this year. Tony you and your family are in our thoughts.
It only took 10 years but Jonathan Davis the lead singer of the legendary Korn has finally put out his solo album 'Black Labyrinth' It features the songs "What it Takes" and "Basic Needs," two songs that have both gone up the charts at rock radio. So amazing to catch up with truly one of the nicest people around.
Ben Bruce and James Cassells from Asking Alexandria, talking the power of their newest song Alone in a Room, Breast Cancer Awareness and touring with Shinedown.
We had to get one host episode of the Rockcast in before I (Cutter) left for California for a week. From Christian metal, to Wilson, to tattoos, to talk of Aftershock and the DWP music festivals, Kaytie and I are a little all over the place this week. October is a busy month in rock radio and we're feeling a little broken down, so this episode is as much therapy for us as it is an actual podcast. Kaytie talks about being a broken bitch, but I could say the same for myself. You've been warned.
Badflower have exploded onto the rock scene with their debut hit single "Ghost." Kaytie had the chance to meet up with the guys before their show in Ringle, Wisconsin to talk about the upcoming new album, their performance on James Corden and the responsibility they've taken on in ending the stigma of mental health. Oh... and we found out another song on the new album.
Normally we don't have comedians on the Rockcast or do I have them on my local afternoon radio show. For a modern great like Sebastian Maniscalco, I make the exception. It works out as he's on his "Stay Hungry" tour right now, just filmed his parts in a Martin Scorsese movie, has put out the book "Stay Hungry" and even has a new Netflix special on the way. So what the hell? It's Sebastian and myself catching up for a few minutes on the latest Rockcast.
It's been a minute since we've caught up with Saving Abel. Scott Bartlett is the band's guitarist/back-up vocalist and main songwriter. After blowing up about 11 years ago with the song "Addicted" they've never really looked back. They are a band that plays countless shows every single year and are all just about bringing the rock to as many people as possible. Scott has had a rough road health wise in the last few years, but as he explains he is back to being at one hundred percent. The band is working on a new record and still doing what they do best, playing rock and roll.
We are based out of Wisconsin and Saving Abel will be playing a show this Friday 9/28 at a place just north of Green Bay. More info on that show can be found at www.razorwisconsin.com
The artist Grandson jumped on the scene earlier this year when he singed a record deal with the label Fueled By Raman, which is part of the same record group owned by Atlantic, Roadrunner and Elektra. To this point he has only released a few one off songs and an E.P. called 'A Modern Tragedy Vol. 1' and has played a handful of rock festivals in the U.S. plus is currently on the road with the Alternative band Nothing but Thieves. Grandson though is turning heads everywhere he goes. He blends a lot of different styles together within his music and now that legendary guitarist Tom Morello has remixed his hit single "Blood // Water" things are on the up for the young Grandson. Kaytie and I have both been blown away by his live show and his songs. Now then, let's meet Grandson.
Grandson: @grandson
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Thrice formed in 1998 and put out their debut album in 2001, they have been a band for 20 years. Since then they have now put out 10 studio albums and through it all it's the same 4 people that started the band. Pretty incredible. Now on Epitaph records, Palms is an introspective listen and worth your hear. Dustin Kensrue is the lead singer/guitarist of Thrice and we dig into the history of the band, the mainstream success that they are now having after all these years, and of course the new album Palms.
www.thrice.net
@thrice
@dustinkensrue
@cuttermedia
Drugs, mental health, suicide, alcohol have all been decimating the music industry recently. Sure drugs and alcohol have always been a problem in the world of rock, but it seems like lately we've been losing our idols, our heroes, our friends at a rapid rate. The foundation Rise Together works to help people get off the drugs that have consumed their life and give them a purpose.
RISE TOGETHER, a 501c3 non-profit, was founded in 2013 by nationally recognized storytellers, Anthony Alvarado, Douglas Darby, and Nadine Machkovech. Together, they had a goal: to help save at least one life.
Find them at www.weallrisetogether.org
Kaytie and I are getting serious for a minute.
A comment was left on the Cutter facebook page about how Metallica are inching closer and closer to Kiss. Well let us tell you about the power of merch!
Disturbed released a brand new song today (8/16) called "Are You Ready." They also announced all the details on their 7th studio album 'Evolution' due out 10/19. Mike Wengren of course is the drummer for Disturbed so on this very important day, we of course needed to catch up for a minute.
Every wonder how the Recording Industry Association of America actually get's their sales numbers from streaming and downloading? Well I did, so I did a little research. I told Kaytie about it and it turned into an episode of the Rockcast. The information from the RIAA can be found here. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/certification-criteria/
It's a question that always comes up, "but who's the next Metallica or AC/DC or Rolling Stones?" More importantly though who is the face of rock? The ambassador, the person who's a household name. Someone even your mom knows. Let's discuss!
Dorothy Martin, leader of the band Dorothy, joined us in studio to have a proper chat about her, her band, her music, her manager and the greatest impersonation of college chicks by a tour manager ever...ever!
Asking Alexandria only did the 2018 edition fo the Warped Tour for a week. Like many bands they owe a lot of their success to the annual touring festival that is on it's last run ever. I caught up with guitarist Ben Bruce to talk about their legacy with The Warped Tour, the return of original lead singer Danny Worsnop, the new album and more. With the sounds of other bands and tour busses in the background here is the conversation we shared while sitting on lawn chairs outside of the Asking Alexandria tour bus.
Since 1995 The Van's Warped Tour has been for many an annual summer music adventure. From seeing no name punk bands to the biggest artists in the world kicking ass all day, outside in the heat, The Warped Tour has been an institution all it's own. Kaytie and I relive some stories from our own experiences over the years and name some bands that we discovered there for the first time. So long Van's Warped Tour, we'll miss you more than you might know.
Last week backstage at Rock USA in Oshkosh, WI Kaytie and I had a little fun with our old friends, Brent Smith and Zach Myers of Shinedown. Kaytie ate donuts, we made sex jokes and of course talked about Shinedown. What Shinedown means to rock, what Shinedown means to this festival, 10 years of Sound of Madness, their new album Attention, Attention and more.
Earlier in the week I got a phone call that said something to the effect of "Caleb needs to play you the new Beartooth this weekend at Rock USA." I'm like "suuuuuure he does" Well it turns out instead we had a long conversation about the making of the new Beartooth album which is due out later this year. Caleb Shomo mastermind of the band Beartooth on Rockcast 80
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Beartooth: @beartoothband
Kaytie and I, day two at Rock USA with live in person (in front of an audience) conversations with Through Fire, Underoath, Sevendust, Seether, All That Remains, Adelitas Way and Shaman's Harvest. Enjoy!
Kaytie and I are hosting another Rock USA at Ford Festival Park in Oshkosh, WI. This one is special because we get to have conversations with some of our favorite bands and musicians in front of an audience at a giant rock festival. Even if that means sometimes the audio gets a little crappy. On day one we taked to DJ Ashba, Halestorm, Elias from Nonpoint, Matt from Pop Evil, Chris Jericho, Bad Omens and Matt & Chris from Like a Storm. Remember these conversations happened live on Razor 94.7/104.7 and the audio is not perfect, but we did our best.
Kaytie: @KTRGrocks
Cutter: @Cuttermedia
Razor 94.7/104.7: @razorwisconsin
Kaytie had been asking me for months what goes into my music making decisions when it comes to programming our Active Rock radio station and our Classic Rock radio station. So we decided to have that conversation for the Rockcast. It's us though so be forewarned that the first ten minutes is not about music.
The legendary Alice in Chains announced the details on their new album this week and that got us thinking, what are all the rest of the legendary grunge bands up to? Not just the bands themselves but the members of those bands as well.
Matt Brooks is the guitarist for the band that he formed in New Zealand with his brothers Ken and Chris called Like a Storm. On the eve of the release of their 3rd album 'Catacombs' it's high time to catch up with an old friend. Kaytie, Matt and I talk music, talk the band, their upcoming tour with Godsmack and Shinedown. We even talk the world politics (but in a good way...kinda.) And of course we talk about the new album.
Follow on social media:
Like a Storm @likeastorm
Cutter @cuttermedia
Kaytie @ktrgrocks
June is Pride month and after experiencing my first Pride festival, Kaytie and I got to talking about being open, about being who we are as individuals, (after some poop talk of course, it's us what did you expect?) At the end of the day it is just about being good humans.
After having this discussion we left some people out of the conversation who are out as gay or bisexual in the world of rock, Plus of course trans-gendered rock stars like Laura Jane Grace or Mina Caputo. Just be you and don't judge others for things they can't control. As funny and stupid as we tend to be the message here is love, period.
Follow on social channels:
Kaytie @ktrgrocks
Cutter @cuttermedia
20 years ago Godsmack released their multi-platinum self titled debut and they haven't looked back. This year when the time was right to celebrate their anniversary? They released a new album instead. When Legends Rise see's the band take some chances and try some new things, Seemingly it's paying off. They are about to kick off an co-headlining tour with Shinedown and the song "Bulletproof" gives Godsmack their 9th number one rock song. Time to catch up with Godsmack singer and front-man Sully Erna.
We're back!!! After a short break following the world's Loudest Month, Kaytie and I explain where we've been and all the work that needs to be done. In a pure Deadpool move we break down the 4th wall and let you behind the scenes of launching a new radio station and the work involved in this music media platform.
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Razor: @razorwisconsin
Ivan Moody sat down at The Rave on May 12 with Kaytie to discuss his road to recovery, the new album 'And Justice For None,' and the legacy he hopes to leave behind and more.
A fever is coming, and I can't wait. This is THE band that you need to watch for, this is THE band that you need to listen for and this is THE band that you need to listen to. This is the Fever 333.
It went quick but with Asking Alexandria playing the main stage right next to you it's pretty hard to hear. Doesn't matter at the end of the day what an honor and pleasure to see and say hi to Dean Deleo and Eric Kretz of Stone Temple Pilots.
Day two of Northern Invasion actually begun with Ryan and Mike from Red Sun Rising. Their second album is called 'Thread' is now out. From opening to headlining they are living their own successes.
Catching up with guitarist Ben Bruce and drummer James Cassells from Asking Alexandria at Northern Invasion. Ps...go watch the movie American Satan starting Ben and Black Veil Brides lead singer Andy Black.
He's probably smarter than you and I combined which is just one of many reasons why it always an absolute pleasure talking to Billy Howerdel from A Perfect Circle.
Caught up with Ben Burnley on the bus backstage at Northern Invasion. Let me just say he has the best water.
Parkway Drive's new album is out and it's one of my favorites of the year already. The record is called 'Reverence' and shows a bit of a departure from some other Parkway albums, but as Winston says, it's their heaviest yet. Always a pleasure to catch up with Winston.
PS. the band playing on the mainstage in the background at the end of the interview was Black Stone Cherry. :)
He's the screamer in I Prevail and truly one of the sweetest human beings on the planet. After all the success of 'Lifelines' What's next for I Prevail? Let's find out. We're backstage at Northern Invasion.
Matt and Mat from the band From Ashes to New, let the Crazy begin. Haha see what we did there? It's funny cause "Crazy" is the name of their new....you know what never mind, here's our talk.
We are talking to bands and having fun during the World's Loudest Month, this week at Northern Invasion in Somerset, WI. Now time to hang out with my friend Henry Flury, guitarist from the Butcher Babies.
We are talking to bands and having fun during the World's Loudest Month, this week at Northern Invasion in Somerset, WI. First up Black Stone Cherry
Here's something you may not know. Radio and music is actual work, hard work, and there's a lot of it. Ahead of heading out to Northern Invasion and Rock on the Range two of the World's Loudest Month Festivals, we always get this comment, "Oh my god I wish I had your job, you get paid to just see concerts and hang out with bands." If you believe that, then we have down our jobs. There is a lot of work that goes into it though and way more than most people would expect. Welcome to Rockcast 72 - Work Bitch. (Never thought I'd get a Britney Spears reference in on the rockcast.)
One of my favorite things to watch are documentary's based on rock history. Turns out Kaytie loves that to. We have some favorites and plenty of magazines and websites have put together lists for the best rock docs of all times. All this on the heals of a new one called 'Long Live Rock' all about the rock and roll / heavy metal concert scene being announced. They need your help though and have started a pledge music page. Rockcast 71 all about the rock doc.
Long Live Rock, pledge music page: https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/longliverock
Rolling Stone's best rock docs: https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/lists/40-greatest-rock-documentaries-20140815
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Another music award show means another pissed off Kaytie. The question then was spawned after the nominations for the Billboard music awards were announced, what is rock music? Or what do you consider to be rock music? Or even then, what is the actual definition of rock music? Do we answer any of these questions? No, but a discussion was born with a tad bit different look at the argument. At the end of the day like Rodney Dangerfield used to say "No respect, no respect."
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
I first met Jeff Gutt in 2002 as the lead singer of the band Dry Cell. Now in 2018 after a trip into TV on The X-Factor plus a few different music projects, Jeff is the lead singer of one of the world's most popular rock bands Stone Temple Pilots. It's about time we catch up again. The new STP is just simply called 'Stone Temple Pilots (2018)' and is available now. STP will be out a tri-headlining tour this summer with Bush and The Cult.
Stone Temple Pilots: @STPband
Cutter: @cuttermedia
With Ghost being the talk of the town right now, a band led by one person who's artistic vision created the music, the band and the imagery, Kaytie and I thought we'd take a look at some of the masterminds of rock. How does one take control of everything? Introverts VS. extroverts. Are solo artists actual masterminds? Welcome our brains in Rockcast 68.
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
This a quick conversation with one of my favorites, fan wise, in rock. Zach Blair is the guitarist for legendary Chicago based punk rock band Rise Against. Zach though is from Texas and was also Flattus Maximus in GWAR before joining Rise Against in 2007. Rise Against's new album is called 'Wolves' and you can catch them on the "Mourning in Amerika" tour with AFI and Anti-Flag this summer.
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Rise Against: @riseagainst
We started talking about the rebirth of Vinyl and the excitement in the growth of physical album sales because of vinyl. We're not really sure where we went from there.
Dorothy Martin is the lead singer and namesake of the LA based rock and roll band Dorothy. Their new album is called '28 Days In the Valley' and features the single "Flawless." She opens up about why she got back into music after her father passed away, working her manager and producer Linda Perry, and digs down about the more stripped down sound of her second record, all while sipping on some coffee in a Los Angeles cafe.
Dororthy: @itsdorothysucka
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Why do we as rock music fans think that every time our favorite underground band hits radio or has some success they sell out, and then we can't like them anymore? Why do we feel like every time a band changes up their sound a bit they sold out? Every stop to think maybe that's just the direction their art took? As artists the main goal is do what you love for a living, so when an artist has some success that's a good thing. Sure there have been bands or artists over the years that have "sold out" but so what? Let's discuss why most likely your favorite band hasn't in fact sold out. As always feel free to get a hold of us at the social media handles below and continue the conversation. Oh and please if you enjoy listening to the Rockcast, share, share, share.
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
The band Underoath were brought up during a conversation two episodes ago, because of the use of certain words and religion in rock. We thought it was a good time to catch up with Spencer Chamberlin lead singer of Underoath. Works out even better, because their new song "Rapture" has hit and a new album called 'Erase Me' will be out in April. All topics are covered and nothing is left out during this very personal conversation with the lead singer of one of metal-core's biggest and most influential bands.
"I was sent to warn you, the Devil's in the next room." That line is taken from the new Shinedown song "Devil" and it's the song that will kick off the band's 6th studio album entitled 'Attention, Attention' due out on May 4th. Brent and really all of the guys in Shinedown and I go back a long time and to see them be a creative rock powerhouse that has been as successful as them is a pretty incredible thing to be a part of. Time to break down the new tune and the new album with the voice and democratic leader of Shinedown, Brent Smith.
When Underoath came back and released their new song "On My Teeth" it broke the internet, because of one use of the word "f***." When is swearing too much in music, and where does the line of religion in rock get drawn? Kaytie and I try to answer that question and more on the latest Rockcast.
It's always nice to catch up with anyone in Stone Sour, but conversations with drummer Roy Mayorga always end up to be a lot of fun. Now get Kaytie involved after a few hour drive to the show, and let the fun begin. Stone Sour is currently on tour behind their album 'Hydrograd' and will be opening the North American leg of the final tour from Ozzy Osbourne this year. (Also sorry for walking through your dressing room on accident after the show guys, The Rave is like a maze.)
Stone Sour: @stonesour
Roy Mayorga: @stonesourroy
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie and I went backstage with the Akron, OH rock and roll band Red Sun Rising. After a debut record that saw three songs top the charts, it's time to unleash their second album 'Thread' upon the world on March 30th. The songwriting, the lyrics, what they used for instruments, where they wrote and recorded, and every other detail you could possibly want about this new album is discussed in this episode of the Rockcast. Oh, and they embarrass Kaytie, so there's that.
Robb Flynn is the outspoken frontman for Bay Area metal band Machine Head, who have just released their 9th studio album 'Catharsis.' This album has moments that are a bit of departure for Machine Head, specifically the song "Bastards." With slumping CD sales and increasing streams it may have looked like this album wasn't going to do as well as past releases, but a closer look says that's not entirely true. Robb explained this on the General Diaries and the internet hate took over. It's time to go in depth with Robb Flynn.
Machine Head: @MfnH
Robb Flynn: @TheGeneralMH
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Hey I'm not here to judge. Besides what's wrong with a good cleansing? Time for some more fun and games with Zakk Wylde. I caught up the legendary guitarist from Ozzy and the leader of Black Label Society before a show at the historic Rave in Milwaukee, WI. We talk Grimmest Hits, we talk the No More Tours 2 announcement from his boss, and yeah there's some talk about anal bleaching, don't judge.
Zakk Wylde: @ZakkWyldebls
Cutter: @cuttermedia
With the recent announcement by Best Buy that will not be selling CD's in their stores as of July 1st and that Target is making music manufacturers sell them only on a consignment basis, is this the end of an era? I posed this question on my Facebook page as well and most seemed to say they've only been going to the local independent record shop anyway. What about nationally? CD sales have been dwindling for years. Let's discuss.
Follow us:
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Avatar (the band) formed in 2001 in Gothenburg, Sweden, a city that is also home to great metal bands like In Flames and The Haunted. I've been lucky enough to know these lovely Swedes since they first came to America on tour for their album 'Black Waltz.' Now with the release of their 7th studio album the band Avatar are ready to pay glory to their king and welcome us to 'Avatar Country' as I sit down for a long conversation with lead singer Johannes Eckerstrom.
Avatar: @avatarmetal
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Ben Burnley is of course the lead singer and really the mastermind behind one of modern rock's biggest bands of the past 15 years Breaking Benjamin. Kaytie caught up with our old friend backstage on The Stage world tour where Breaking Benjamin is playing direct support for Avenged Sevenfold. The tour is incredible, the show is amazing and we got to witness for the very first time, Breaking Benjamin play their new song "Red Cold River" live. Their new album 'Ember' will be out April 13th. Ben had a lot of good things to say and even practiced his screams with Kaytie. This conversation originally happened on Facebook live.
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
This week, Cutter and Kaytie discuss the lack of rock at the Grammy's and their anger with the lack of representation. They also talk about the political messages that were spread throughout this year's ceremony and what those meant to them.
Aaron Pauley is the lead singer and guitarist of the band Of Mice & Men. He's got some words for Kaytie about her stage fright. Plus we talk Pink Floyd covers, their new album 'Defy,' life after Austin and more. Rockcast 52 is a go with Aaron Pauley from Of Mice & Men.
What is success? What is success in the music business? What does it mean to be a successful band or even radio personality? These questions get answered with myself and Kaytie discussing what it means to be successful. Also there are some strong words in regards to the legal system towards the end of Rockcast 51.
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @KTRGrocks
Zach Myers is the guitar player for one of North America's biggest bands, Shinedown. Zach and his singer Brent Smith have been doing some one of shows as Smith & Myers. It's all acoustic and it's one of the most incredible shows you can see. Ahead of their show on January 5th Zach sat down with Kaytie to catch up on everything Shinedown. This is also the 50th official Rockcast, and thank you so much for listening or downloading. Please do and tell your friends!
First and foremost I can't count, but I digress. Kaytie and I received this email about the music we play on our home base radio station Razor 94.7. The email inspired a conversation about the perception of what you actually hear on the radio and what you think you hear. Also why certain songs or bands are played versus others. It's a question we've been asked over and over again and hopefully this will help explain why things are they way they are. Remember every radio station is different and every person's likes and dislikes are different. Be kind to your local radio station and to each other.
Brock Lindow is the lead singer of the metal band 36 Crazyfists. He has also been the afternoon radio host on KZND in Anchorage, AK. 36 Crazyfists started in the Northeast and Brock is from Alaska and in between stints of playing rockstar, he's played radio DJ. On this Rockcast we get the history of the band and how being a lead singer in a metal band and a radio DJ work together. Plus Kaytie fangirls.
With all of the sexual harassment and assault being brought to light in the entertainment business we felt maybe it was time for a dumb guy and two women to dissect the issues on the music business side of it. To help us do that, Kaytie and Cutter are joined by Haleigh Dever. Hales was most recently doing nights on The Blitz in Columbus, OH until she was let go this past summer. She now has been tour managing the band My Ticket Home while managing two others. On top of that she is helping L.A. Lloyd for his rock syndicated show. Buckle in this conversation isn't the easiest but it needed to happen.
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @KTRGrocks
Haleigh: @halesonair
Ps. Hales is keeping her ear open for another full time radio gig.
After some random ridiculousness, Cutter and Kaytie dive into this year's Grammy Nominations and the shear lack of rock categories at award shows
Jacboby Shaddix of Papa Roach once told his guitar player Jerry Horton and myself that we look so much alike we could be brothers. I don't see it but hey what the hell. Always amazing to catch up with Jerry who's one of my favorite guitar players in modern rock. We did joke around about being each other's doppelganger at the beginning of the conversation, but we were cut off. We then picked up the conversation there. Papa Roach's new album is called 'Crooked Teeth' and they'll be playing a few X-mas shows in December.
With the announcement of Jeff Gutt as the new frontman for Stone Temple Pilots, Kaytie and I decided to discuss the "replacements" in rock. We dissected the bands that have been successful with new members and those who haven't, along with tons of our usual ridiculousness.
In light of 60 people being kicked out of an A Perfect Circle show for recording and taking pictures with their phones, Kaytie and I ask the question: Is it worth it? For years bands and venues alike have said no recording devices of any kind will be permitted into the show. Now with technology everyone has a recording device in their pocket, but what's too much?
Kaytie: @KTRGrocks
Cutter: @cuttermedia
The title might be a bit misleading, but after this conversation with Joe Duplantier (singer/guitarist) of Gojira that's kind of what it felt like. This is two guys talking about writing, talking about metal and talking about being dads.
On the latest host episode of the Rockcast Kaytie and Cutter discuss what it actually takes to interview all these rockstars you hear us talk to. We discuss how bad interviews happen and why Cutter generally feels bad for those musicians who have to keep answering the same question over and over again. Plus there's some sex jokes and a drinking game. Everytime Kaytie says "Rock on the Range" drink!
Sure we had this conversation while at Aftershock before Five Finger Death Punch's performance on day 2, but I had to save it until today. Why? Cause I promised. There is a new Death Punch song out today called "Trouble." It's on the new greatest hits album 'Decade of Destruction' due out December 1st. Jeremy and I quickly caught up on the new song and what it means to have a greatest hits record. Plus why it's nice to be looking to the future instead of worrying about a lawsuit.
I have always had a respect for The Butcher Babies in just how they have become a popular band. They haven't had a radio hit or that one song that everyone knows but in the process of their 10 year career they have amassed a giant, passionate following. With a new album around the corner, 'Lillith' due out Oct. 27th, it was time to have a long conversation about how and about their new music. This is a band that you must see live.
From playing the side stages two years ago to playing the main stage in the middle of the day it's been a pretty crazy ride for the band Beartooth. Caleb and I caught up and found out what's next in the way of new music for Beartooth.
Yes he's a giant superstar, yes he's a legendary wrestler from the WWE, yes he's a household name, but at the end of the day he's a rocker like the rest of us. Chris Jericho has become one of my favorite people in rock and couldn't be happier for his band Fozzy having a top 10 rock song and a top 10 album both named "Judas"
I've talked to Jonny Hawkins from Nothing More so many times that it was nice to catch up with the bands guitarist and bassist, Mark and Dan. Hearing about 'The Stories We Tell Ourselves' from their perspective is pretty cool. Remember the background noise is very noticeable as this conversation took place in the media tent at Aftershock.
Continuing the day one Aftershock adventure I was able to catch up with one of my favorite musicians, Billy Howerdel from A Perfect Circle. This show kicks off their North American tour and now that we have new music in the song "The Doomed" it was high time to catch up.
I'm hanging at The Aftershock music festival in Sacramento, CA all weekend seeing live music and talking with rock n' roll friends. When it comes to Stone Sour you never know what will happen when you get into their trailer. I knew I was sitting down to talk to Roy Mayorga, but Corey Taylor and Josh Rand just couldn't help themselves.
Some of the greatest rock albums to ever be released came out in the later part of 1991. Scratch that, some of the greatest albums period came out in '91. Metallica, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Ozzy, Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Guns n' Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more all released career defining albums between the middle of August and the end of September. 1991 has gone down as one of, if not the greatest year in music history. Kaytie and I give our thoughts and go into details on some of these landmark records.
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Sam Kiszka is the bassist for the band Greta Van Fleet out of Frankenmuth, MI. (Frankenmuth is also known as Christmas town,) Sam formed the band along with his brothers Josh and Jake. There are only teenagers fresh out of high school and yet their song "Highway Tune" spent most of the month of September on top of the rock charts. That song was also featured in an episode of the Showtime show Shameless. Now you know who they are, but let's find out how it came to be for one the hottest new bands in rock, Greta Van Fleet.
Our lovely Kaytie went and spent some time at the Sonic Boom festival in Janesville, WI on Sunday Oct. 1st. Sure she hung out with some rockstars and other radio friends, but she also got to have a few conversations with some of our favorite people. First Arejay and Lzzy from Halestorm, then Bill Kelliher of Mastodon and finally Joey Dandeneau from Theory (formerly Theory of a Deadman.)
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @Ktrgrocks
Halestorm: @halestorm
Theory: @TOADM
Mastodon: @mastodonmusic
picture labeled "flannel mafia" features Kaytie, Kate Hodge (who helped us with some stuff,) Cody Tour Manager from Hinder and some cool ladies.
Kaytie and I needed to catch up with Avenged Sevenfold ahead of tickets going on sale for The Stage World Tour. Enter bassist Johnny Christ. The tour which also features Breaking Benjamin and Bullet For My Valentine is hitting arenas all over the U.S. starting in early January. There's also a little court case going on that we had to ask about. Plus they just put out an amazing version of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" for the deluxe edition of The Stage. Yeah a lot to cover. This aired live (besides our little introduction,) on our home base radio station Razor 94.7 so we give it to you the way it was heard, with some bonus content about "Wish You Were Here."
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Kaytie: @ktrgrocks
Avenged Sevenfold: @theofficiala7x
On September 29, 1992 Stone Temple Pilots released their debut album 'Core' and after entail reaction calling them a Pearl Jam wanna be, it went on to sell millions of copies and become one of the best rock albums of the time, if not ever. Flash forward to September 29, 2017 and 25 years to the day 'Core' was reissued as a deluxe anniversary edition. Time for some quick stories and the sharing of joyous moments with Robert and Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots.
This interview originally took place live on Facebook, because apparently that's what us media people do now. We talked on Starset's tour bus outside of a venue before they went on to play two giant rock festivals in the same weekend, Louder Than Life and Sonic Boom. Starset's new album 'Vessels' has been doing extremely well and the second single "Satellite" is currently skyrocketing up the rock radio charts. On top of that Dustin and the Starset Society (which Dustin explains during this interview) just put out the new Marvel published graphic novel 'The Prox: Transmissions.' Dustin gives a walk through and there's some Starset talk as well, on the latest episode of the Rockcast.
Follow those involved:
Cutter: @cuttermedia
Dustin Bates: @dustieboots
Starset: @starsetsociety
We had such an amazing response to our last (host) podcast about booking shows that we had to do a follow up. This time Kaytie and I are going through the day of the big rock shows and what's really going on behind the scenes. We do our best to answer some questions we've received and explain why you should quit your bitching with technical problems, or severe weather happen. Any comments or concerns as always you can reach out to us directly.
Cutter = @cuttermedia
Kaytie = @ktrgrocks
From the shadow of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI I did a live radio show ahead of the annual Razor Edgefest concert. My home radio station Razor 94.7 (WZOR) every year puts on a smaller outdoor show in the parking lot of the Green Bay Distillery. Just so happens that it's directly across the street from the Green Bay Packers practice facility and kitty corner from Lambeau Field. The line-up this year was Black Stone Cherry, 10 Years, Gemini Syndrome and Through Fire. I talked to all the bands live on the air from the patio of the venue. It was a great day and so much fun catching up with new and old friends. This episode of the Rockcast is my conversations with all 4 bands, as they happened. Enjoy!
Over the last few months we've been asked the question on how concert booking works. We have also seen all the negative comments about someone's favorite band playing on a week night, or tickets being to expensive, or the ending to early, or not liking the headliner of a major festival, or whatever other excuse you can come up with. Well a lot goes into booking a tour or even just a one off show. The agents, the promoters, the venues, sometimes the radio stations, and yes even the bands have to put a lot of work into setting these shows or tours up. Kaytie and I dig deeper and discuss the ins and outs of how this works. You're welcome.
Kaytie and I had a real quick conversation with the lead singer of Nothing More, Jonny Hawkins. Their second album 'The Stories We Tell Ourselves' came out last Friday and after being able to spend a lot of time with it, we needed to geek out on it. This won't take long for you to listen to, so enjoy our conversation about one of the best newer bands on the block, Nothing More.
He is the outspoken bassist who is most well known for his work in Rage Against the Machine. There was of course those 3 albums with Chris Cornell as the front-man for the band Audioslave. Now Tim along with his RATM/Audioslave bandmates, guitarist Tom Morello & drummer Brad Wilk, are back with Prophets of Rage. Now on the mic though are B-Real from Cypress Hill and Chuck D from Public Enemy. Tim and I caught up ahead of the debut Prophets of Rage full length album coming out this Friday.
The band Wayland have actually been kicking it in the rock n' roll scene for a some time now. After releasing a couple EP's and touring non-stop they have finally announced a full length album called 'Rinse and Repeat' due out on Sept. 22nd. They also have a new drummer in Nigel Dupree (yes he is the son of Jackyl wild man Jesse James Dupree) Ahead of them playing the annual Harley-Davidson Rally in Milwaukee, WI I had them stop by the studio to say hi and they brought their guitars. A little conversation, a little music all before a few drinks later on that day. It's Wayland Unplugged on the Rockcast.
Lock Kaytie, Rylan and myself in a studio and this is what you get. A conversation about sex at rock concerts. We've all seen it, go to a festival or just a normal show at a club and there's someone who just couldn't wait until they got home, or even to the car. No guests just us hosts sharing stories. This is not PG, it's not rated X, but it's definitely not PG.
Listen, the stories about Scott are almost stuff of legend at this point. A few years ago I was skeptical that he had turned it around, sobered up, concentrated on his family and his music. Maybe we were all a little skeptical that the lead singer of a band that has sold over 50 million records could come back to earth, but he did. Since, Scott and I have had some talks, I've met his wonderful wife and he's still one of the most entertaining frontmen in the business. Sure he still lives in his world (like saying Trapt and The Sick Puppies are up and coming rock bands,) but it's a safe and well maintained world. Kaytie and I caught up with Scott just ahead of his headlining solo run on the Make American Rock Again tour.
Cutter went backstage to speak with Pop Evil frontman Leigh Kakaty. The guys talked about the love for Wisconsin and Michigan, the upcoming 5th album and the newest line-up change.
Blacktop Mojo is not a household name, in fact you may have seen this episode title and said out loud, "who?" Well that's what Kaytie and I are here for and we love when we get to introduce you to new bands. Blacktop Mojo comes from a small town in Texas where they grew up on a good dose of country music and cheap beer. Their second album 'Burn the Ships' is out now. It features their rising single "Where the Wind Blows" and their incredible cover of Aerosmith's "Dream On."
We pick up this conversation kind of in the middle, so let's catch you up. Kaytie and myself backstage with the entire band, talking about the music industry, the band, and doing it all by yourselves. When you hear us say something about someone named Dimitri, that is their manager and someone I've known for a long time. This is a good quick look at one of rock's up and comers.
Johnny Stevens is the reclusive lead singer of the New York based, grammy nominated rock band, Highly Suspect. I've been trying to have this conversation with Johnny for the better part of a year. Their latest album is called The Boy Who Died Wolf and as it turns out the writing process as already begun on album number three. Art, Poetry, Acting and of course rock music is all covered in this intimate conversation with Johnny Stevens for Rockcast number 24.
Backstage at a one off show in Wisconsin, Kaytie sat down for a pre-show conversation with Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger from Halestorm. They talk about living and working in Nashville, playing with other Superstars, Lzzy's "Ask Lzzy" segments and much more.
Hinder stopped by my home radio station Razor 94.7 to talk about their new record 'The Reign' Plus a live acoustic performance of a couple classic Hinder tracks. Oh and what smells in the back of that RV?
Some of my favorite conversations in rock has been with Corey Taylor. This one was no different. Backstage at the festival Rock USA in Oshkosh, WI Corey and I once again have a fun light hearted (mostly) conversation. From the new Stone Sour album 'Hydrograd' to his new book 'America 51' and more enjoy a backstage talk with Corey Taylor.
Backstage at the rock festival Rock USA in Oshkosh, Wisconsin I sat down with Zacky Vengeance the guitarist from one of my all time favorite bands Avenged Sevenfold. Talk of the old school, talk of video games, and of course talk of Stage and their tour with Metallica.
DED is a metal / hard rock band from the Tempe / Phoenix, AZ area. The band's lead singer Joe Cotela and guitarist David Ludlow joined myself and Kaytie via phone to let us get inside their heads a bit. Their debut full length album Mis.an.Thrope will be out on July 21st and don't forget to check out the video for their song "Anti-Everything" which was directed by none other than Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst. (Hold the jokes he did a pretty amazing job.)
Remember Cutter's Rockcast is available via iTunes and iHeartradio as well as Spreaker. Cutter's Rockcast is a property of the Woodward Radio Network.
Follow Cutter @cuttermedia
Follow Kaytie @KTRGrocks
Rylan is back with myself and Kaytie as we discuss 2 pretty major topics. Number one Kaytie had a twitter run in with Zoltan from Five Finger Death Punch after she posted a story about Ivan Moody quitting the band while on stage in The Netherlands.
Link --> http://www.razor947.com/index.php/Interactive/Blogs/Kaytie/R/3087
Second: All of sudden the rockstar pissing match is back, this time between Chad Kroeger of Nickelback and Corey Taylor of Stone Sour & Slipknot. Turns out Chad thinks Stone Sour is Nickelback lite, and of course Corey didn't take kindly to this. You can read more about this story here.
Link--> http://www.nme.com/news/music/slipknot-corey-taylor-nickelback-chad-kroeger-kfc-chicken-2095750
Rockcast 18 where we beg for the return of Celebrity Deathmatch.
The band Never Say Die features Dean and Brandon from My Darkest Days. You remember them right? They are the band that brought you the sexy dance anthem "Porn Star Dancing." They were in town to play a show and joined me live on air on Razor 94.7. They talked about the band, their past and performed one song acoustic. Check out a special live on air Rockcast with Never Say Die.
The entire band Stitched Up Heart stopped by the studio ahead of their Stitched Up House Party at some dude's house who won on the radio. Actually that party was a blast. This is an inside look at the band and what makes them tick, plus there's a lot of kitty and dick jokes.
The full band Hell or Highwater came by the studio to hang out with Kaytie and myself. We talked music, the business of records and plenty of jokes. The band was formed by Atreyu drummer/singer Brandon Saller. Their new album Vista is out and the song "I Want it All" is being played everywhere.
Kaytie, Rylan and myself discuss the one thing that got us and maybe you into music in the first place. Plus the proper way the balls need to cupped, don't ask.
More from Rock on the Range 2017. Kaytie talks to Fire from the Gods and Radkey, while I'm chatting with Anders from In Flames, John from Seether, Frank Carter, Jaiden and Miguel from Sylar, Dustin from Starset, and John Cooper from Skillet.
On this, the day of her birth the lovely lead singer of Stitched Up Heart, Mixi joined both Kaytie and I live on Razor 94.7 during a segment called The Razor 3-Way. So happy birthday Mixi, and enjoy our quick conversation.
This conversation happened too fast and I felt like I could talk to Ray Luzier for hours. Alas at these festivals that's impossible so I promise we will pick it up again in the future. This is a look really at the early part of Ray's career.
Jacboy and I have had some pretty great conversations over the years and although quick this was no difference. Hear what he has to say about the new album 'Crooked Teath' and what his love music means.
Day one in the media tent at Rock on The Range. I'm talking to Chris Motionless from Motionless in White, Brian and Dylan from I Prevail, Dan from the Amity Affliction, Tino from Of Mice & Men, plus Kaytie talks to Dustin from Thrice.
I spoke with Dean of Chevelle about their new song 'Rivers', his start in music as a drummer and his journey into of becoming Chevelle's bassist 6 weeks before they began a tour.
We made the list! Ok maybe that's not a good thing, but WWE Superstar, host of Talk is Jericho and of course the lead singer of Fozzy, Chris Jericho joined Rylan, Kaytie and myself in studio on my home station Razor 94.7 on Friday May 12th. Fozzy was in town to play a show so of course we talked about that but also went deep on the band, managing wrestling and music and much more. Also Chris does not actually believe he his bigger than the Beatles. That would just be assinine.
As Myles Kennedy and his band Alter Bridge kick off The Last Hero Tour, Myles sits down with Cutter to discuss their latest album and the new tour. This spawns an idea though for Kaytie and Cutter, what's up with the setlist?
Cutter and Kaytie spent a night backstage at the Half God Half Devil tour talking to Motionless in White, Gemini Syndrome and Avatar. Cutter's conversation with In This Moment can be heard on the last episode of the Rockcast. Then back in the studio Rylan gets in on the fun. Episode 11: Half God Half Devil is now on the Rockcast.
At day two of the Half God Half Devil tour I sat down on the tour bus of In This Moment and talked to Chris Howorth, the band's guitarist. Now what I didn't expect was for Chris to drop a ton of information on a new album that hadn't been announced yet. So enjoy a bonus episode of the Rockcast and get excited for new In This Moment coming soon.
On March 31st while on tour across the United States the Kentucky based kick ass rock n' roll band stopped by and joined me in the studio on my home base radio station Razor 94.7 (WZOR.) On top of talking about the new video for the song Cheaper to Drink Alone, playing live, why they are bigger in Europe and just how incredible their touring partner Caleb Johnson is, the band performed two songs acoustic. Including their cover of "Can't You See." The full performances are in this episode of the Rockcast.
Taylor Momsen is the amazing front woman for the rock band The Pretty Reckless who six months ago put out their 3rd album 'Who You Sellin' For?' Plus they haven't really gotten off the road at all. This year you'll see them at many different festivals and on tour with Taylor's rock band crush Soundgarden. Rylan being no stranger to the road herself, her and Cutter tell some tails from their experiences rocking around the country.
He's sold.....He's done....He's been in....Yeah the intro seems embellished but so what, it's Corey Feldman! That's right I had a conversation with the leader of the Angels himself. I mean forget all those amazing 80's movies he was in like Lost Boys, Stand By Me and Goonies, this is where it's at man. Ok Ok I maybe being a little sarcastic but it's still fun. Plus Rylan, special guest Kaytie and myself discuss other hollywood could be rockstars.
As Cutter sits down backstage with Oli Sykes and Jordan Fish from Bring Me the Horizon the subject of "fangirling" comes up. You know, having that moment with your favorite band or artist where you are such a huge fan that you just can't even bring yourself to talk to them or you if you do you make a fool of yourself? We've all had those moments and those who haven't wish they had. Time get in touch with our inner fangirl and an in depth conversation with Bring Me The Horizon about writing, doing things your own way, That's the Spirt and much more.
Rylan and Cutter are discussing the art of the new rock release like when's the right time? How it becomes available? And should we go back to having to wait in line at midnight outside your favorite record store. Plus Shaun Morgan from Seether joins Cutter to talk about...you guessed it...their new release. Seether just put out the song "Let You Down" and have a new album coming out on May 12th called Poison the Perish.
Instead of the normal musings of Rylan and I, the New York based rock band Eve to Adam stopped by our home studio in Green Bay ahead of playing a small club show and they brought guitars! Eve to Adam have a new album out called 'Odyssey' that is a straight up rock and roll kick in the ass. Here is the conversation and live performance that took place live on the air.
After spending a few days in Las Vegas for the Radio Contraband convention and rock radio awards, Cutter came back with a major hangover and 3 quick conversations with All That Remains, Scott Stapp of Creed and Art of Anarchy and Incubus. As he recounts his stories of sin Rylan makes fun of him.
This week Rylan and Cutter are discussing some of the best and worst rock covers including that one by Disturbed about the Silence. Then Zach Myers from the band Shinedown calls in to talk to Cutter about everything from what his favorite steak is, to his other project called Allen, Mack, Myers, and Moore to the future of one of rock's most successful bands.
Welcome to the all new Cutter's Rockcast where along with the help of, we shall call her an exotic dancer, Rylan a topic within the world of rock music is being discussed. Plus each week Cutter sits down and has a conversation with one of your favorite rockstars. In Episode 1 we are joined by Dustin Bates who is the lead singer of the band Starset. They have just released their 2nd album 'Vessels' and their live show is turning heads all over the world. Also Rylan and Cutter discuss what has become a controversial line-up for the World's Loudest Month festival Northern Invasion.