A-Sides

In a 1985 episode of the original run of the GI-JOE: A Real American Hero cartoon series, COBRA created the fictional rock band, Cold Slither, to perform music with subliminal messages to control the masses. Forty years later, HASBRO and RPM have brought this band to life, with the Cold Slither album dropping on July 25, 2025. Episode 199 of A-SIDES features a conversation Gus Rios, who has brought Cold Slither to life. He shares his love for GI Joe, his path to music, maintaining mental health, and why he was the perfect fit for the Cold Slither project. If you want to read Gus' article in Decibel, you'll find it here. If you're in the San Diego area, you can see Gus bring Cold Slither to life before your eyes at Brick By Brick on the eve of the album's release. You can also find the Cold Slither record through the RPM label.  Huge thanks to Gus Rios, RPM, and everyone who listens! Yo Joe!  

An emerging hub for all things entertainment is Las Vegas, which is also the home base for heavy rock band Velvet Chains. Hot on the heels of their new single "Ghost In The Shell", bassist and founder Nils Goldschmidt shares his musical journey from violin to bass, sharing stages in South America with his heroes of rock music, his many tattoos, and more in this latest episode of A-SIDES! You can find Velvet Chains online for tour updates and merch at www.velvetchains.com. Huge thanks to Nils for the conversation, PFA and the entire Velvet Chains team, and everyone who listens!

Buckcherry dropped their 11th studio album, Roar Like Thunder, on June 13th on Round Hill Records. Frontman Josh Todd was not superstitious about the release date but he did share a few details behind the production of Roar Like Thunder, working with different producers over the years, newer fans embracing the band, and record collecting with his son on Episode 197 of A-SIDES. Buckcherry has a slammed summer full of tour dates, so catch them on the road performing cuts from the new album as well as all their hits. Follow them at www.buckcherry.com Thanks to Josh Todd for the conversation and to everyone who listens!

Coheed and Cambria recently released their eleventh studio album, Vaxis III: The Father Of Make Believe, which features a wide spectrum of blazing guitars in "Blind Side Sonny" to the introspective lyrics of "Goodbye, Sunshine." Frontman and songwriter Claudio Sanchez joined A-SIDES for Episode 196 to share details on the creation of the new album, as well as the origins of the band, gaining self-confidence, and even his son's progress in learning music.  Huge thanks to Claudio Sanchez, Virgin Records, 99.9 WWCT, and to everyone who listens! You can follow the band on tour by visiting their website and you'll find their music on your favorite streaming platform.

Since 2020, Jazz Sabbath has released 3 albums and toured worldwide; however, many don't realize that their music was stolen from them by the members of Black Sabbath. According to legend, long-suffering "Milton Keynes" had the music stolen from him and it has only recently seen the light of day. The real-world story goes that Adam Wakeman has re-imagined the music of Black Sabbath under the banner of Jazz Sabbath, recently releasing his third album in the fall of 2024, titled The 1968 Tapes. He not only shares stories on shaping the arrangements on The 1968 Tapes, but also a funny story from a tour with Ozzy, his recent experience on a cruise ship, and even where to get the best fish and chips! Huge thanks go out to Adam for his second appearance on the podcast. You can follow Adam with his various musical ventures online and purchase his music through Bandcamp.

Ricky Warwick is a prolific songwriter, whether its in a band setting or under his own solo name, even recently releasing another solo effort this year, titled Blood Ties. Spring 2025 also saw him performing a run of acoustic shows in Illinois, which prompted this interview on A-SIDES. Ricky shares a few stories from visiting Illinois over the years, working again with The Almighty, performing these solo shows, and more. Huge thanks to Ben Owen for making this episode happen and a huge thanks to Ricky for the conversation! Ricky's extensive catalog from Black Star Riders to his solo material can be found online on your favorite streaming app, or physically through Earache Records. You can follow Ricky online at https://www.rickywarwick.com/

A band t-shirt is what ultimately sparked the discussion for this episode of A-SIDES. Jared Jones from the Tennessee-based heavy rock band EMERGE joins Episode 193 to discuss that particular t-shirt from the band REVIS, as well as his own band, sailing the high seas on the annual "Summer of 99" cruise, his first CD, music videos, and even road trip snacks. We run the gamut of Jared's interests and influences and it was a fun conversation! Huge thanks to Jared as well as the guys from In The End: Linkin Park Experience. You can find EMERGE's music on your favorite streaming app and follow them social media at @emerge_music or through their Facebook page.

Sons of Silver appeared on A-SIDES late last year for Episode 180, with band members Peter and Adam teasing their upcoming album, Runaway Emotions, and their winter tour slot opening for Myles Kennedy. This time Peter returns to the podcast and brings along fellow guitarist Kevin to not only provide a tour wrap-up, but they also share details on what's to come for 2025, a glimpse into their songwriting process, a few favorite records, and building a family environment within the band. Sons Of Silver's album Runaway Emotions was released in January to all streaming platforms and can also be purchased on their website, along with tour information and the recent launch of their online fan club. Thanks to Peter, Kevin, the rest of Sons of Silver and everyone who listens!

Framing Hanley recently dropped a new single, "Mean It (Photographs and Gasoline, Pt 2)", with plans for more music forthcoming in 2025. Nixon joined this episode of A-SIDES to share details on new music, touring this spring, navigating the music business, growing up in Tennessee, raising kids and sharing his hobbies with them, and even some pro-wrestling deep cuts come up throughout the conversation! Huge thanks to Nixon and the guys in Framing Hanley! You can follow along with their plans for 2025 by visiting them on Facebook or following them on Instagram @framinghanley Thanks to everyone for listening!

Episode 190 features not just one guest, but SIX different guests, all sharing their memories and stories of the rock n roll band, CHEAP TRICK! Denny Smith: Illinois record store owner and songwriter in The Great Affairs Corey "Rizzo" Rozzoni: Rockford IL-born and guitarist in The Great Affairs Ryan Waters: guitarist for LiV Warfield, Heart, and Roadcase Royale Nick Perri: from Silvertide to The Underground Thieves, he's also toured with Rick Nielsen Freddy Herrera: longtime bassist with Everclear and The Exies Ryan Roxie: podcast host, power-pop mastermind of Roxie 77, and a member of Alice Cooper! Huge thanks to these guys for participating and sharing their love of Cheap Trick and a special thank you to all who listen!

Described as "blue beat soul", Quinn DeVeaux's sound is a unique blend of soul, blues, and 70's rock, which really struck a chord with his 2024 album Leisure. It was exciting to have him as a guest on A-SIDES Episode 189, as he shared his upbringing in the Midwest, discovering new music and artists, his love of road trips, and performing around the world. Huge thanks to Quinn DeVeaux for sharing his story on this episode of A-SIDES and you can follow him through his website here. Don't sleep on his album Leisure and new music that is forthcoming! Thanks for listening!

John Massaglia is a Central Illinois-based musician and also a long-time fan of Dream Theater, which is celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band in 2025. We hear John's discovery of Dream Theater, several of his favorite tracks and concert memories, along with a discussion on their authorized bootleg series, Mike Portnoy's departure AND return, and even dip our toes into other progressive metal, like Porcupine Tree. Huge thanks to John Massagalia for making his 5th appearance on the podcast to share his stories as a fan of Dream Theater. You can listen to his band The Truth Council on your favorite streaming apps!

Jonathan Stoye (of Framing Hanley and The Infamous HER) returns to A-SIDES for Episode 187 as we look back at "The Year 2000." That year was chock-full of debuts from the likes of 3 Doors Down and Disturbed, to records from veteran rock acts like U2 and Iron Maiden, and the ever-present TRL pop music. Jonathan shares a few of his memorable albums from 2000, while also revisiting a few commercials, and we hear about Andy's "educational" high school. Don't miss out on new music from Framing Hanley in 2025 and stay updated through their Facebook page, along with Jonathan's own solo music, too. Huge thanks to Jonathan for making another appearance on A-SIDES!

Episode 186 of A-SIDES welcomes Austin and Zach of Cole Hollow, hot on the heels of a show with Filter and Local H at the Castle Theatre in Bloomington IL. The guys recap the experience of performing to a packed house; their growth as songwriters and performers; maintaining a healthy mindset; and the future of the band heading into 2025. Huge thanks to Cole Hollow for sharing their story on the podcast. You can follow along with Cole Hollow on their website here and stream their music on your favorite music app! Thanks for listening!

This episode of A-SIDES was the perfect opportunity to catch up and get better acquainted with Henry Go, formerly the bassist of Nashville-based band, The Great Affairs. Henry not only shares his history within the Nashville music scene, but also his musical journey learning bass, drums, and even piano! Along the way are several concert stories, his current musical obsessions, and his role as a drum rep. Huge thanks to Henry for joining A-SIDES for Episode 185 and thanks to everyone who listens!

Alice In Chains has been one of the most enduring bands that broke big in the early 1990's Seattle "Grunge" scene, weathering line-up changes and loss of band members. For Episode 184, Corey "Rizzo" Rozzoni of The Great Affairs shares his love for Alice In Chains, which he lovingly refers to as his "spirit animal." He shares concert memories, favorite tracks, and even deep cuts from the 1990's era of the band, fronted by Layne Staley. Huge thanks to Rizzo for making his 10th appearance on A-SIDES and thanks to all who listen!

Starting 2025 with a bang, Brent rejoins the podcast for this latest episode of A-SIDES as we dive into one of the most enduring and polaring rock bands, Van Halen! We shared our favorite songs from both the Sammy and David Lee Roth-fronted eras, along with our thoughts on 1995's album Balance, replacement singers that also play guitar, even Crystal Pepsi gets a mention, and several hot takes on hip hop country artists. Nothing is sacred on Episode 183! Happy New Year and thank you for listening to this episode of A-Sides!

For this year-end episode, Brent makes his return to A-SIDES as we recap the last 12 months on the calendar. 2024 was jam-packed with great albums from both emerging artists and veteran rock acts, so listen along as we share which made our lists, if any barely missed the cut, concerts we saw throughout the year, and the usual side-bars that get us off track. Thank you so much for listening throughout the last 12 months, and to all the amazing guests as well, both new and returning! Cheers to 2025!

The ferocious rock band, The Midnight Devils, are hot on the heels of releasing their third full-length album titled So Hard It Hurts. Frontman and bassist Sam Spade joins A-SIDES to share stories from the road, meeting and learning from several of his rock 'n roll heroes, the business side of being in a rock band, and his connections to Central Illinois. Huge thanks to Sam for being a guest on A-SIDES and closing out 2024 as our final interview of the year. You can follow Sam and The Midnight Devils through their website and also on all social media platforms! Thanks for listening!

2025 will start with a bang for the members of Sons Of Silver as their full-length album Runaway Emotions drops on January 10th, with a tour immediately following on January 17th! Band members Peter and Adam discuss these details and more together on Episode 180, sharing several of their favorite albums, influences, a shared history prior to Sons Of Silver, co-existing on the road and in the studio, and even a famous venue in Michigan is mentioned! Huge thanks to Peter, Adam, and Sons Of Silver for the conversation! You can follow the band on the road and check out their wide variety of merch on their website. Don't miss the album Runaway Emotions dropping January 10th wherever you get your music. Thanks for listening!