Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier
Conversations with musical Icons and Indies. Across genres. Across styles. Across eras. Journey to the Stage explores the winding pathways traveled by musicians, artists, composers, and songwriters. We highlight current projects by our guests, but always start our journey at the beginning.
Listen on:
Episodes
Monday May 29, 2023
Monday May 29, 2023
Blue Water Highway stands at the top of the list of bands I have come across in the last several years, so it was a real honor for me to sit down with founding members Zack Kibodeaux (primary vocalist and multi-instrumentalist) and Greg Essington (multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, would-be zombie apocalypse survivor).
In this fun and insightful conversation, we dig into the band's origins, their recording history and the hard work they've put into getting to where they are in an often hostile music environment.
With the release of their BRAND NEW album, "Year of the Dragon" slated for September, we play a couple of the singles that band has released from it and dig into their back story.
If you love music that is filled with beautiful melodies, wonderful song crafting, and some of the sweetest harmonies in modern music, you need to check out Blue Water Highway and tell your friends about them.
Support BWH on Patreon and receive special perks: https://patreon.com/bluewaterhighway/
For updates and to purchase merch including their NEW album, "Year of the Dragon," in it's entirety, click here: https://www.bluewaterhighwayband.com/
Blue Water Highway on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluewaterhwy
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluewaterhwy/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/bluewaterhwy
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5N5nkgCu7UG5KqNpRPiUd7
Copyright Notification:
"Year of the Dragon" written by Zack Kibodeaux. Used by permission.
"Newborn Child" written by Zack Kibodeaux. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
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As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday May 15, 2023
Monday May 15, 2023
Stephen McCarthy has been at the leading edge of genre creation, a claim few can make. With the founding of The Long Ryders in the early 80s, the band was helping lay the foundation for what would eventually be called "Americana." Stephen walks us through the rise, fall, and return of The Long Ryders. We dig into the band's BRAND NEW album, 'September November," and play the song, "Seasons Change," a McCarthy composition.
Stephen and I spend some time chatting about how he joined Americana greats, The Jayhawks, for their classic album, "Rainy Day Music," and the subsequent tour. Part of our Jayhawks related conversation reveals how Jayhawks founder, Mark Olson, was almost a member of The Long Ryders.
With recent release of "When Night Comes Falling," an album Stephen made with famed producer and songwriter, Carla Olson, we play the title track and get the backstory on that decades long friendship and the wonderful album that friendship produced.
If you are a fan of Stephen and his work, you will enjoy this in-depth conversation that starts with his artist origin story.
To keep up with the latest by The Long Ryders, click here: https://www.thelongryders.com/
Copyright Notification:
"Night Comes Falling" written by Carla Olson and Stephen McCarthy. Used by permission.
"Seasons Change" written by Stephen McCarthy. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
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As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday May 01, 2023
Monday May 01, 2023
Trapper Schoepp is a musical force to be reckoned with. His brand new album, "Siren Songs," is his strongest effort to date, and was recorded in the Cash Cabin, a retreat and private recording studio built by the legendary Man in Black, himself, Johnny Cash.
With fourteen songs in hand, Trapper arrived at the fabled cabin with Jayhawks multi-instrumentalist, John Jackson, and Wilco basset, Pat Sansone to produce Trapper's new album.
Trapper and I dig into his musical journey and how he ended up the youngest person to share a songwriting credit with another musical legend, Bob Dylan.
You will hear two great cuts from "Siren Songs" during the episode and hear Trap and I chat about his experience touring with Americana powerhouse bands like Old 97 and The Jayhawks, and even how I got to introduce Trapper years ago at a show in San Diego. It's a blast of a chat that I hope you enjoy.
TRAPPER is ON THE ROAD! Keep up with show dates, pick up some merch at his website: http://trapperschoepp.com/
Copyright Notification:
"Cliffs of Dover" written by Trapper Schoepp. Used by permission.
"The Fool" written by Trapper Schoepp. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
This is part two of a very in depth and open conversation I had with Glen Phillips. In this portion of our chat, Glen shares what led to the demise of Toad the Wet Sprocket and how those relational patterns have changed in a way that allows the band to stay together after reforming. Glen shares about how the band sought to differentiate themselves from their contemporaries in the music world and how that trait has helped them maintain an audience. We dive into deep topics like grief, the enduring pursuit of emotional high points, how they can be addictive and how being on stage can feed into that.
Our chat moves into songwriting, where Glen gives the fullest answer I have heard him give to date regarding what he requires to be creative and how that has gotten harder over time. In a moment of true transparency, Glen gives insight into the one thing that has robbed him of countless songs. We play a song from Glen's latest solo album ("There is So Much Here"), a song titled "The Sound of Drinking," a song I rank as one of Glen's greatest compositions.
IF YOU ARE A FAN OF TOAD AND GLEN'S SOLO WORK, please be mindful of the horrendous economy that streaming has created for artists and bands. If you want to make sure Glen and Toad can continue to make music, please consider directly supporting them by buying albums, supporting livestreams when they occur, going to shows and buying some merch.
A very heartfelt and special thank you to Glen for being so generous with his time on a beautiful Friday morning, and for being such an authentic and thoughtful guest. Glen, thank you for sharing your gift with the world.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends, follow or subscribe.
For the latest on Glen's solo work, click here: https://glenphillips.com/
For the latest on Toad the Wet Sprocket, click here: https://toadthewetsprocket.com/
Copyright Notification:
"The Sound of Drinking" written by Glen Phillips. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Monday Apr 03, 2023
Jon Shabaglian is an award winning singer, songwriter and recording artist, with a growing catalog of soul stirring albums. For decades Jon has been writing, performing and recording music that reflects and reveals the heart of God. With a voice filled with overtones of Soul and R&B, Jon continues to write music that is often anthemic, often poignant, and always beautifully exulting.
In this episode, Jon, my dear friend and former bandmate, talk about how Jon found his way as musician, vocalist, and recording artist who holds himself to the highest of standards. We play a beautiful song that Jon recorded with Nigerian vocalist, Capitol recording artist Timetope, titled "Symphony of Peace," that features a Psalmist Mission all-star choir.
Jon is the Founder and Director of Psalmist Mission, whose mission is to, "To use music to bring Light into culture, bringing God's hand and people's hands together, while equipping leaders to do the same." Set upon raising up a generation of Psalmists, Jon, along with the rest of his team, is a teacher and mentor to men and women who have a desire to elevate their artistry, blessed by God, to do great things for the Kingdom of God.
For more information about Psalmist Mission, click here: https://www.jonshabaglian.com/psalmist-mission
To make a tax deductible donation to Psalmist Mission, click here: https://www.jonshabaglian.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=5b90aacb562fa7cd9910ea23
To contact Psalmist Mission, send an email to: info@psalmistmission.org
Copyright Notification:
"Symphony of Peace" Written by Jon Shabaglian. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday Mar 27, 2023
Monday Mar 27, 2023
As a founding member of multi-platinum selling Soul Asylum, and super group, The Golden Smog, which features members of Wilco, The Jayhawks, Big Star and Run Westy, Run, Grammy Award-winning Dan Murphy has spent decades creating a catalog of great music. Despite his success, in 2012 Dan put his guitar in its case and walked away from music, citing burnout and a lack of joy in playing. After roughly ten years away, a chance meeting of singer/songwriter Jeff Arundel would reignite Dan's dormant love of writing, playing and recording music- and out came his trusty gold top Les Paul.
The resulting album from this musical odd couple is nothing short of incredible. Dan and I spend some time talking about the rise, plateau and challenges of Soul Asylum. From having multi-platinum selling albums and winning a Grammy, to not being on speaking terms, Dan walks us through it all with a lighthearted honesty. We talk Golden Smog and the possibility of a new album from that band that has been quiet since 2007.
Dan shares how he's found joy again in writing and recording music, and we play a couple of cuts from The Scarlet Goodbye's debut album, "Hope's Eternal." The album is OUT NOW and I give it 5 out of 5 stars. It's a gem of an album.
For the latest Scarlet Goodbye news and tour dates, click here: https://thescarletgoodbye.com/
Follow the band on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thescarletgoodbye/
Follow the band on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescarletgoodbye/?hl=en
Referenced in our chat, "The Ballad of Julie Ann" video: https://youtu.be/G1DblOlQjpo
Visit Dan's pin-up art shop, Grapefruit Moon Gallery: https://grapefruitmoongallery.com/
Copyright Notification:
"Angel Dust" Written by Dan Murphy, Jeff Arundel and Pedro Mariani. Used by permission.
"Panic and Blame" Written by Jeff Arundel and Dan Murphy. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
It was an honor to connect with one of my favorite vocalist, songwriters and lyricists, Glen Phillips. Glen is the voice and principal songwriter for Toad the Wet Sprocket, a band he helped form when he was just 15. This "Upclose & Personal" special interview is filled with an honest and open dialogue about the early years of the band, how critics impacted Glen, and the realization that there is beauty in embracing grief. Glen opens up about how the community that formed online around his music during the lockdown has helped him to see the audience in a very different way. We talk at length about songs such as "I Will Not Take These Things for Granted," and much, much more. If you are a fan of Glen's wonderful solo career and Toad the Wet Sprocket, you will love this authentic conversation.
Part 2 will be released on April 17, 2023. Glen gives a very honest accounting of what lead Toad to call it a day and some of the work that had to take place in order for them to become a band again. We talk songwriting and Glen discusses the one thing that has robbed him of many songs. As a huge fan of Glen's solo work, I move the discussion to that topic and we play a beautiful song from his latest solo album, a song that ranks up there with Glen's finest.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends, follow or subscribe.
For the latest on Glen's solo work, click here: https://glenphillips.com/
For the latest on Toad the Wet Sprocket, click here: https://toadthewetsprocket.com/
Copyright Notification:
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday Mar 06, 2023
Monday Mar 06, 2023
"Sir, Please" is a brilliant band whose days of making a splash on the musical scene are just getting started. In a Journey to the Stage first, I was joined by the entire band, which includes twins Shane (vocals) and Josh (bass) Cronin, Michael Leese (guitar) and drummer David Kohn. We dig into the band's origin story and all the fun and challenges that come with developing a unique sound. In this blast of a conversation, the band discusses what it's like playing to a packed venue in support of REO Speedwagon, compared to a club of bouncing fans.
We play two outstanding songs from the band's debut album, "Simply Loved and Lingered On," which lovers of good music will enjoy thoroughly. If you like alternative pop rock (and you should), you will love "Sir, Please."
This is a fun conversation filled with laughter with some very talented musicians and writers.
PLEASE SUPPORT great indie bands like "Sir, Please" by going to see them live, stream their tunes, tell friends about them, buy some merch.
To find "Sir, Please's" latest show dates, website, and social media platforms, click the link tree here: https://linktr.ee/sirpleaseband
Copyright Notification:
"Dance with Me" written by Sir, Please. Used by permission.
"Different" written by Sir, Please. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday Feb 20, 2023
Monday Feb 20, 2023
Singer, songwriter and guitarist, Mike Stand has been making music for over four decades. When the Altar Boys brought their anthemic brand of righteous punk to the So. Cal. music scene in the early 80s, their fans knew they had found something special. In this most memorable conversation, Mike and I trace his musical journey through the tragedies and triumphs, from his childhood, to adulthood, to parenthood. We chat about his various bands, that along with the Altar Boys, includes Full Circle, Clash of Symbols, solo work, and Mike's latest band, the Altar Billies. Mike is great to talk to, which made for a very special episode filled with great stories and memories.
Keep up with the Altar Billies: https://www.instagram.com/altarbillies/
Altar Billies YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAltarBillies
Altar Boys YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thealtarboysofficialyoutub7553
Copyright Notification:
"No Substitute" written by Mike Stand. Used by permission.
"All in 1" written by Mike Stand. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Monday Feb 06, 2023
I had the pleasure of catching up with Thundermother's founder and guitarist, Filippa Nässil, as she sat in a Swedish pub, fresh from returning from the road, where her and her band toured the United States with Rock legends, The Scorpions.
Filippa and I chat a bit about her path as a musician and songwriter and discuss the joys of touring the world with one of the most iconic bands in Rock. Thundermother have made a name for themselves as a powerhouse Rock band that takes no prisoners. We play a couple of cuts from Thundermother's new album, Black and Gold.
For all the latest news, tour dates and band store, please swing by their website: https://www.thundermother.com/
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Copyright Notification:
"Barrowed Time" written by Thundermother. Used by permission.
"Black and Gold" written by Thundermother. Used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
To hear more of Chris Taylor's wonderful music and see his visual art, please visit www.christaylorworld.com
As an indie podcaster, I would love your help getting the word out about Journey to the Stage. Reviews and ratings are so helpful and encouraging. If you like what you hear, share on your socials or text the link to a friend. I would be ever so thankful. Thank you for listening!
Website: https://www.journeytothestage.com/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/journeytothestagepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyToTheStagePodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAttWGi_zfuuqlYY8qRzABw
Omnis Gloria Christo