Now, for those of you who've been following the DIY music scene, Mike Park is a legend. His commitment to the integrity and spirit of indie music has shaped the careers of many and left an indelible mark on the industry. In today's episode, we'll unravel tales from his journey, and get into the nitty-gritty of what it means to run a record label ri…

King Iso's journey into the world of music started in the pews of his local church, a place where the early whispers of his talent began to echo off the walls. As a young boy drawn to the rhythmic dances of keys and organs, he found a mentor in the most unlikely of figures – a pastor who saw the spark within him and nurtured it by gifting him an or…

Hannah Marcus has carved a distinctive niche in the world of music with her deeply emotive and atmospheric compositions. Her unique musical journey has been marked by a fearless exploration of sonic landscapes that blend folk, rock, and experimental elements, delivering hauntingly beautiful melodies infused with raw emotion. She’s released a series…

In the heart of Oklahoma City, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture, Johnny Manchild and The Poor Bastards emerged as a beacon of raw energy and unfiltered musical expression. Formed by the charismatic pianist and vocalist Johnny Manchild, the band quickly distinguished itself with its eclectic blend of genres, from rock to punk, intertw…

Danny Holloway's career in the music industry is a testament to his profound impact on the evolution of contemporary music. Starting as a journalist, Holloway quickly made a name for himself through his insightful interviews and critiques, paving the way for a transition into the record industry. His tenure at Island Records marked a significant pe…

Joel Selvin is a renowned music journalist and author celebrated for his insightful commentary and deep understanding of rock and roll history. With a career spanning decades, Selvin has chronicled the lives and careers of some of the most iconic musicians of our time. His writing is characterized by its vivid storytelling, meticulous research, and…

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or have a more misanthropic point of view, it can’t be denied. Believe me, friends; I’ve tried. So when I discovered that it fell on a Wednesday this year, I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I could ignore it, as I usually would, and release a regular episode of Abandoned Albums, OR I could embrace it and d…

The Thermals were an American indie rock band based in Portland, Oregon. The group was formed in 2002. With influences heavily rooted in both lofi, as well as standard rock, the band's songs were also known for their political and religious imagery. LINKS: The Thermals The Thermals on wiki Hutch Harris on IG Bandcamp Learn more about your ad choice…

Is it time to re-evaluate David Lee Roth? Darren Paltrowitz is a talented writer renowned for his insightful work. His new book, "DLR: How David Lee Roth Changed The World," is out now and a must-read for any Van Halen or DLR fan. In this engaging biography, Paltrowitz delves into the life and career of the iconic rock musician and former frontman …

Kemble Walters's music spans various genres, including rock, alternative, and even experimental. His ability to seamlessly integrate his guitar work into diverse musical contexts is a testament to his talent and dedication. When not on the road, Kemble splits his time between Los Angeles with his wife (a vegan chef and clothing designer), and their…

Betty Blowtorch is a rock band formed in Hollywood, California, in 1998; the band is known for its energetic and rebellious sound, often blending punk, rock, and metal elements. Fronted by the charismatic and fiery lead vocalist and guitarist, the late Bianca Butthole (real name Bianca Halstead), Betty Blowtorch quickly gained a reputation for thei…

The group has carved a niche for itself with its unique blend of rock, funk, and pop. Their music is a delightful fusion of catchy melodies, groovy rhythms, and soulful vocals, creating a sound that is both infectious and memorable. The band's name, "All Day Sucker," reflects their ability to craft songs that stick with you all day long, leaving yo…

Well, this was inevitable. One of those end-of-the-year things. But, like we do, we put a different spin on it. Geoff and Keith met, chatted and then we all sat in an edit room and put it together. There is no ranking here, there are no real “favorites” - that’s like asking a parent who their favorite kid is… or Keith if he likes Rufus or Lulu more…

Fountains of Wayne's Welcome Interstate Managers stands as a seminal masterpiece in the rich tapestry of alternative rock and power pop. S.W. Lauden and Nadja Dee stopped by Thunderlove Studio to celebrate the album's 20-year anniversary and chat about the band's remarkable songwriting prowess and their gift for crafting irresistibly melodic tunes …

This week we chat with Jeff Eyrich, a renowned producer and musician whose influence in the music industry is profound and far-reaching. Jeff is known for his remarkable versatility and depth of knowledge, and he shared insights from his extensive career, providing a rare peak behind the curtain of the music business… all aspects of it. Jeff and Ke…

One year ago, Geoff and me began collaborating. This is the first interview that we did together. This interview with Matt Mahaffey remains one of our most popular... and for good reason, Matt is a lot of fun to chat with. On this eve of Thanksgiving, I wanna give special thanks to all the artists and listeners of Abandoned Albums. THANK YOU! And a…

Ryan Allen, a multi-faceted musician from Detroit, Michigan, has been an active and influential figure in the music scene since the early 1990s. Allen has been a part of too many groups to mention, but here is a sampling: Destroy This Place, Friendly Foes, Red Shirt Brigade, Ryan + Jono, and Thunderbirds Are Now! Far from an exhaustive list, each o…

In the saga of life, Donny Dykowsky has emerged as a seasoned combatant. A champion, if you will. The early two-thousands bore witness to Donny's heroic struggle for existence. It was a life-and-death duel, and during the arduous period of convalescence, ensconced in isolation, he embarked on the audacious endeavor of assembling a musical ensemble …

This captivating documentary serves as a heartfelt tribute to the first band Enriquez played for, the Long Island post-hardcore band, On The Might Of Princes, and their enduring musical legacy. Hold On To A Time is a poignant exploration of the band's influential presence in the vibrant Long Island music scene. Enriquez and Quintero skillfully unra…

Shawna's not content with just rocking the boat; she's flipping it over. She penned the gospel of transformation, "Making Spaces Safer." It's a Bible for event organizers, venue owners, and anyone who dares to challenge the status quo. Shawna's not just asking for change; she's delivering it, in black and white, on every page. This isn't just a boo…

Pain was formed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1994 by friends Dan Lord, Mark "Pose" Milewicz, and Adam Guthrie. Guthrie was a guitarist-songwriter, Milewicz played bass guitar, and Lord became the band's songwriter and lead singer. Pain played music variously described as pop punk, punk rock, and ska. However, in February 1997, lead singer Dan Lord too…

You can't pigeonhole or stereotype Karina Denike. Don't even try. Perhaps best known as the dynamic and talented vocalist of the renowned ska-punk band, Dance Hall Crashers, she's had a career that has seen her genre hop like Dr. Who time travels. The Dance Hall Crashers quickly gained recognition in the ska and punk scenes with their infectious me…

Keith had the incredible opportunity to chat with 3/4 of the band Rhythm Corps - Michael Persh (vocals), Richie Lovsin (drums), and Greg Apro (guitars). This interview was a deep dive into their musical journey, creative process, and their work. When they released their debut album Common Ground in 1988, it almost cost Keith his job as the assistan…

Darren Jessee is a gifted singer-songwriter and troubadour whose captivating melodies and poignant lyrics have earned him a dedicated following in the world of indie and folk music. Darren's songwriting prowess was evident as the drummer for the critically acclaimed band Ben Folds Five. The band's fusion of alternative rock and piano-driven pop pro…

Thunderlove Studio is less a physical place and more a state of mind. What a treat it was to welcome Daniel Chavis, lead singer of The Veldt, into Thunderlove Studio. Anywho, you may or may not have heard of The Veldt. From where I sit, you should have. As Daniel and I chatted, there may have been several reasons they may not have achieved the type…

Come one, come all, and get ready for an exhilarating journey into the world of one of the most exciting, enduring, and definitely the hardest-working bands around. Ladies and gentlemen, we open Season Six with The Dollyrots! Kelly Ogden and Luis Cabezas, the dynamic duo behind the band, have been igniting stages and eardrums worldwide with their i…

We’re closing out the season with a big ‘un… per usual! This week it’s the singer/songwriter/guitar slinger with an almost insatiable intellectual and musical wanderlust - Anders Parker. He entered the scene in the mid 90’s when a 4-track recording he made in his Portland, OR apartment, titled Man of Sin, got passed around. Anders then formed a ban…

It's a bit misleading to say Marcos Assis of Cool Sorcery because Marcos IS Cool Sorcery. The Brazillian singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist popped into Thunderlove Studio to talk with Geoff and Keith about the four, FOUR, releases he put out under the Cool Sorcery banner last year. Marcos is a one-of-a-kind, and to call him a wunderki…

Being a musician in New Jersey has got to be a tough road. On one hand, you have one of the most revered artists in music history, and on the other hand, you have Jon Bon Jovi. Their combined album sales and streams are too many to count. Eating, breathing, and gigging around those giants and hidden in the cracks and on the backroads are loads of a…

If you’re above a certain age, you recall when the world of music reviewing existed beyond the print pantheon of Robert Christgau, David Fricke, and Greil Marcus. In other words, reviewing music was an actual job, and almost every newspaper or magazine had someone who did that. Gorman’s gateway to music examination began as a music writer for his h…

Do you like power pop? Well, we've got a band for you! Dungeon of Skeletons! Their album Patterns left Geoff speechless, and Keith thought it was the "best album of the year." And they both agree that despite the song title, "Doom and Gloom" is the song of the summer. Once in a while, everything just clicks, and this episode is one of those. Frontm…

On this episode, Keith and Geoff are joined by two-thirds of the electronic pop band Venus Hum, lead singer and lyricist Annette Strean and multi-instrumentalist Tony Miracle. Third member Kip Kubin wasn't able to join. Venus Hum released their self-titled debut album in 2001, and its follow-up, 2003's Big Beautiful Sky, is firmly embedded on Geoff…

We're giving up a sneak peek at our new podcast Chronicles this week. Chronicles is a six-part series hosted by Keith R. Higgons, where he reflects on some of his dating and romantic entanglements over the years. Mark your calendar - all six episodes drop on July 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Three-time Juno Award nominee (the Canadian Grammy Awards) singer/songwriter Del Barber stopped by Thunderlove Studio to chat with Keith & Geoff about his new album, Almanac, as well as... well, everything. When Del began writing the 12 songs comprising his eighth album, he adhered more than ever to a prairie aesthetic. Don't worry, we explain that…

Mo Troper is genuinely one of a kind, and that’s who joins Keith & Geoff this week. You should know Mo - Mo is a Portland, OR-based power pop extraordinaire who creates songs with hilarity and hooks that all go hand-in-hand. But that's not all he is and that's not all the lads chatted about. Not to tell secrets outside of school, but Mo perhaps giv…

This week Keith & Jeff are joined by Carrie and Jeff from the Austin, Texas band Sixteen Deluxe. Sixteen Deluxe is an American alternative rock band mainly active in the 1990s, recording initially for Butthole Surfers drummer King Coffey's Trance Syndicate label. They issued one album on Warner Bros. Records and several others on indie labels. Sixt…

The energy from musicians in one room borders on magic. Whether or not they say a word, the riffs, the beats, and the rhythms carry their conversation around the room. Sons of Silver feed off this sort of face-to-face energy. A tried-and-true rock n’ roll band, they plug in and unlock a flood of emotions energized by unbridled guitars, fluid percus…

On this episode, Keith & Geoff welcome Marvin Etzioni into Thunderlove Studio - he is also known as the Mandolin Man. Etzioni is best known as a founder and bassist for the band Lone Justice. He is also a noted songwriter, composer, and record producer. He has released three solo albums in addition to performing with loads of artists. In 1982, Etzi…

Keith and Geoff welcome Spotlights mastermind Mario Quintero into Thunderlove Studio to chat about the band, their career, and their upcoming album, Alchemy For The Dead (drops April 28 via Ipecac Records). Spotlights is Mario Quintero (guitar, vocals, keys), Sarah Quintero (bass, vocals) and Chris Enriquez (drums). The band has released three albu…

We close our fourth season with an incredible interview with the remarkable Jeremy Chatelain. Originally from Utah’s hardcore scene, fronting the band's Insight and Iceburn, he made his way to New York City and found himself fronting a “supergroup” that became Handsome. Handsome, included ex-Helmet guitarist Peter Mengede and ex-Quicksand guitarist…

BONUS EPISODE Geoff & Keith dig deep to tackle the mystery around Jake Thomspon and The Slim Whitcomb Band. This is almost an Unsolved Mystery Abandoned Albums episode because they try to find out WTF happened to Jake Thompson. The Slim Whitcomb Band was well on its way to success when Jake disappeared in August 1997. Their debut album, Trailer Par…

With Geoff out after a bizarre curling incident (long story), Keith flies solo this week as he welcomes Paul Heck into Thunderlove Studio for a chat. Paul Heck created the AIDS Music Project to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and normalize discussing safe sex. In this endeavor, Heck pursued the idea of an AIDS-benefit alternative rock compilation. H…

This is the type of episode Abandoned Albums was created for! In this episode, Keith & Geoff sit down with singer/songwriter John Strohm to discuss his album Vestavia, his experiences in the music industry, and some of his creative challenges. John shares insights into the creative process, his journey in the industry, and the inspiration behind so…

Chad Fischer's early work was being a drummer for the band School of Fish ("Three Strange Days"), founded by his college friend Josh Clayton-Felt. Fischer replaced the original their original drummer in 1991; however, he did not play on the band's second album due to a fallout with a producer and was replaced by Josh Freese. Mr. Freese pops up repe…

Toad the Wet Sprocket is an American alternative rock band formed in Santa Barbara, California, in 1986. The band at the time consisted of vocalist/guitarist Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols, bassist Dean Dinning, and drummer Randy Guss, who stopped touring in 2017 and left the band in 2020. Guss was replaced by drummer Josh Daubin, who had be…

Linus of Hollywood (Linus Dotson) is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. The stage name comes from his early days in Los Angeles, where he frequently wore striped shirts similar to the Peanuts character Linus van Pelt. At age 21, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. In 1995 Dotson started his …

Santa Barbara Independent July 8, 2021 by S.W. Lauden There’s a parallel universe in which this article is about Popsicko’s triumphant two-night stand at the Santa Barbara Bowl. A world where this high-energy alternative-rock band takes a triumphant victory lap in front of an adoring hometown crowd after nearly three decades at the top of the chart…

Fig Dish IS a 1990s rock band based in Chicago. The band signed to PolyGram Records in 1995 and released two full-length albums before becoming inactive in 1998. Fig Dish's sound was influenced by 80s college rock and indie bands such as Dinosaur Jr. and The Replacements, and has drawn comparisons to Cheap Trick. They were part of a mid-90s Chicago…

Bis are a Scottish indie pop band composed of Steven Clark (Sci-Fi Steven), John Clark (John Disco), and Amanda MacKinnon (Manda Rin), formed in 1994. The band's name, rhymes with 'this.' The name originates from the song "Black Iron Skyline" by The The. The three musicians formed Bis in late 1994 while Rin and Disco were in secondary school,Woodfa…

What can be said about Jimmy Ashhurst? Rock–n-roll troubadour? CHECK Bass player with creative wanderlustlust? CHECK Rock Star? CHECK Nice guy? CHECK Great storyteller? CHECK Musical Ambassador? CHECK Geopolitical operative? HUH? Jimmy returns to Abandoned Albums to chat up Izzy Stradlin and the Ju Ju Hounds. A record firmly embedded on Keith’s des…