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.
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Episodes
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Monday Jan 30, 2023
Michael Lockwood has had a long and fascinating musical career. He has worked with artists like the late (and former spouse) Lisa Marie Presley, Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, Carly Simon, Susanna Hoffs and many more, as a songwriter, producer, touring or studio musician. This one-time son in law of Elvis Presley had his first foray into the musical spotlight with his band, Lions & Ghosts, where Michael was a cowriter and guitar player. Lions & Ghosts' first album, "Velvet Kiss, Lick of the Lime" has just been remastered, rereleased, and made available digitally for streaming for the first time. The powerfully anthemic album is an unknown gem that is filled with great hooks, timeless production and musical and vocal performances that exemplify the best of 80s Rock n Roll. Giving this album a spin will show the listener why Lions & Ghosts were taken on the road with powerhouse bands like Guns N Roses, The Church, Gene Loves Jezebel, Love and Rockets, The Alarm and many more.
Michael and I walk through his colorful musical journey and play a cut from the newly rereleased "Velvet Kiss, Lick of the Lime," and their BRAND NEW single, "Gurl I Luv You." The album and new single are available on all the streaming services.
This episode is dedicated to Lisa Marie Presley. May she rest in peace.
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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
Copyright Notification:
"Passion" written by Lions & Ghosts. Used by permission.
"Gurl I Luv You" written by Rick Parker and Michael Lockwood. 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
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday Jan 16, 2023
Monday Jan 16, 2023
Ben Balmer and I had such an enjoyable chat, and I hope you thoroughly enjoy it. Ben is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist of great talent. His harmonica playing drips with great emotive resonance and brings a unique feel to his music. Ben's new album, "Honky-Tonk Macbeth" is truly worth checking out. Its songs are flavored with Americana, the Blues, and just enough twang to stir the soul. Ben is a gifted songwriter and has a voice that is simultaneously smooth and gritty, the perfect match for his well-crafted songs and harmonica playing.
If you enjoy this chat and Ben's music, share this episode on your socials and with your friends.
Keep up with the latest and greatest, show dates and merch on Ben's website: https://www.benbalmer.com/
Follow Ben on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd9JgStBVoa/
To purchase downloads, visit Ben's Bandcamp page: https://benbalmer.bandcamp.com/
THANK YOU for listening to Journey to the Stage. Please consider leaving a review, rating, or follow. I'm an indie podcaster with no marketing budget, so those things are very helpful in helping others find our podcast.
----Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier----
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
COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATIONS:
Podcast theme song, "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
"Married to the Road" written by Noah Collins (ASCAP) and Ben Balmer. Used by permission.
"Evil Eyes" written by Ben Balmer. Used by permission.
Omnis Gloria Christo
Monday Jan 02, 2023
Monday Jan 02, 2023
With several decades in the music industry, Wayne Kirkpatrick has had a monumental career that shows no signs of slowing down. In the early 80s, Wayne formed partnerships and friendships with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith and would go on to co-write with both of them for many years and many albums, helping to write some of the most popular songs in the CCM space. The impact Wayne has had in the careers of those two great talents cannot be overstated.
Along with Tommy Simms and previous Journey to the Stage guest, Gordon Kennedy, Wayne co-wrote "Change the World," which was made popular by Eric Clapton, for which Wayne won a Grammy for Song of the Year. That group of three writers (Kirkpatrick, Simms and Kennedy) wrote all of the music for Garth Brook's album, "In the Life of Chris Gaines."
Songs Wayne has written have been sung by artists like Faith Hill, Peter Frampton, Joe Cocker, Rich Mullins, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood and many many more.
Wayne and his brother Karey Kirkpatrick, who is a very successful movie director, producer and screenwriter (Chicken Run, The Rescuers Down Under, James and the Giant Peach and many more) wrote the smash-hit Broadway musical, "Something Rotten," which was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, and winner of one. Currently the Kirkpatrick brothers are taking the new musical adaptation of "Mrs. Doubtfire" (for which they wrote the music and lyrics) to stage in England with plans to bring it to the States and to Broadway.
This conversation with Wayne is filled with stories from the "inside" of the CCM world. Wayne pulls the curtain back on the herculean effort it takes to write a musical, revealing a personal side to the adventure so rarely seen by the public. I hope you all enjoy it.
IF YOU DO enjoy this conversation, please consider leaving a review. With several million podcasts in existence, it can be a challenge in getting people's attention. When you leave a review, rating, or follow Journey to the Stage, it helps the algorithm go to work and helps others find us. Thank so much :-).
COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATIONS:
Podcast theme song, "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
Omnis gloria Christo
Monday Dec 19, 2022
Monday Dec 19, 2022
Wayne Everett is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter with a musical history that spans decades. He has been an integral part of bands like The Prayer Chain, Starflyer59, The Lassie Foundation and CUSH- all bands that have made incredible music but are criminally underexposed. As a solo artist, Wayne has written and recorded two solo albums, the latest of which is titled, "Two Ghosts," a collection of wonderfully-crafted songs with echoes of Laurel Canyon reverberating throughout.
Wayne and I walk through his musical journey, the various bands he's been in and discuss the new EP released by The Lassie Foundation called "The Cave Sessions" along with the new songs The Lassies aim to release in 2023. If you're not familiar with music Wayne has made, you can hear a couple songs we play in this episode; one from The Lassie Foundation and one from Wayne's latest solo project.
Wayne on Bandcamp: https://wayneeverett.bandcamp.com/
The Lassie Foundation on Bandcamp: https://lassiefoundation.bandcamp.com/
If you enjoy this chat with the talented Wayne Everett, share this episode with others. Ratings and reviews are such a huge help in helping others to find Journey to the Stage, and I'm thankful for any and all.
----Journey to the Stage with Bryan Frazier----
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
COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATIONS:
Podcast theme song, "Arise and Shine" written by Chris Taylor. Used by permission.
"I'm Stealin' to be Your One in a Million" written by The Lassie Foundation. Used by permission.
"The Smallest Earthquake" written by Wayne Everett. Used by permission.
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
Tuesday Dec 06, 2022
I was overjoyed to welcome back to the artists throne the one and only Dennis Diken! Dennis and I chat about the rerelease of the wonderful album, "Christmas with the Smithereens." Dennis takes us back in time and shares stories about the songs they selected, recording and the what this album means to the band, both then and now. We play a couple of tracks and talk about waking up Christmas morning to streets of snow and cold outside, and the latest Beatles album under the tree! This will be a fun listen for any Smithereens fan!
This album streams everywhere, but DO NOT miss out on the special LIMITED EDITION Christmas green vinyl and CD, which can be found here: https://www.officialsmithereens.com/store
There are MANY more great Smithereens items, ready to ship for the holidays- and FREE shipping for US orders.
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
COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATIONS:
Podcast theme song, "Arise and Shine" used by permission.
"On Christmas Morning" written by Jim Babjak. Used by permission.
"Merry Christmas Baby" written by Brian Wilson. Used by permission.
Friday Nov 18, 2022
Friday Nov 18, 2022
I had the distinct pleasure of chatting with the lovely and talented Jenn Whiteman and Samantha Ayers of the modern Folk duo, RYVOLI. These friends and musical partners have created a melodically stunning new album titled, "Not in a Bad Way." The album is filled with beauty and carries an intimate sound and feel, making it easy to fall in love with. We play a couple of songs ("Oleika Sunset," and the title track, "Not in a Bad Way") and chat about their backstories. If you love acoustic beauty, this album is a must-listen.
I have to say that I laughed more during our chat than I have on any other episode. Our conversation continued long after we wrapped and we all laughed hysterically. If you enjoy RYVOLI's music like I do, share this episode with your friends.
Thank you for supporting indie artists like RYVOLI
Visit RYVOLI's website: https://www.ryvoli.com/
Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryvoli/
Like them on FB: http://www.facebook.com/ryvoli
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0I9tCYhkePbjVaPa3WZaTA?si=XEzBMN44TqmYOSlXAZqCLw
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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
Copyright Notification:
"Not in a Bad Way" and "Oleika Sunset" used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" by Chris Taylor used by permission.
Friday Nov 04, 2022
Friday Nov 04, 2022
You might not know the name Ron Hicklin, but you certainly know his voice. Ron and his singing group, "The Ron Hicklin Singers," sang on over 100 #1 hit songs with artists like Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin, Neil Diamond, Barbara Streisand, Ringo Starr, Glen Campbell, Michael Jackson, The Carpenters, and many, many more. His group is considered "The Wrecking Crew" of vocalists, and frequently recorded on albums with that famous group of world class studio musicians. Ron's group provided the vocals (along with David Cassidy) for The Partridge Family.
Ron was a "ghost singer" for The Monkees, Gary Lewis and the Playboys, The Lettermen, and others, being featured vocally, but often uncredited and unknown by the public.
For 40 years, Ron and others he hired, were the singing voices of Alvin and the Chipmunks on albums like "The Chipmunks Sing The Beatles' Hits."
Through the 60s and 70s, The Ron Hicklin Singers sang scores of TV theme songs for shows like Batman, Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Love, American Style and countless others.
The memorable commercial jingle, "You Deserve a Break Today" for McDonalds and many dozens more were sung by Ron and his group.
Ron's ubiquitous group of world class singers, including a previous podcast guest, Sally Stevens, lent their vocal talent to film score in hundreds of films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Glory, Apollo 13, The Godfather and on and on.
In our wonderful conversation, Ron shares rich stories about his friendships with Glen Campbell and Leon Russell. He shares how a recording session with Elvis for the 1968 Comeback Special, made a fan out of Ron.
If you love music, this chat reveals a slice of music history that is unparalleled. Ron has been retired for many years and doesn't do many interviews, so this is a genuine treat. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
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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
Copyright Notification:
Song clips used under Fair Use for commentary and educational purposes.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" by Chris Taylor used by permission.
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
Wednesday Oct 19, 2022
The Elvis Presley of the 1970s long ago achieved caricature status. The Elvis impersonators and the Pop Culture icon of the true Elvis have little in common. In this Special Edition of Journey to the Stage, Rock n Roll historian, John Jackson, helps us dismantle the ever shortening narrative of 70s Elvis that has been reduced to the point of excluding most of the highlights. With his vast and extensive study into the life and career of arguably the most famous music and movie star the world has ever seen, John helps us have a fuller understanding of who Elvis was during the last segment of his career and the great music he was making. Our goal-- to rescue 70s Elvis.
John Jackson, is a very talented multi-instrumentalist and producer, who earned the nation's first Bachelor's degree in Rock History, from the University of Indiana's renowned Music Department. John has produced, recorded and toured with The Jayhawks and was the VP of Sony Music's Legacy division, where among many other historical projects, he was tasked to work with others on the Elvis catalogue. John also was my very first podcast guest, which is a conversation that I highly recommend.
For a great playlist of some of the best music Elvis made during the 1970s, check this out: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/32aie6FblNFp2NqhavgbSz?si=85d1d1cbaeec4a3a
To check out the children's books that John's wife, Colter Jackson has written, swing by her Amazon page that has her books: https://smile.amazon.com/Colter-Jackson/e/B01IDHORMS?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1666151223&sr=8-1
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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
Copyright Notification:
Song clips used under Fair Use for commentary and educational purposes.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" by Chris Taylor used by permission.
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
As a 35 year fan of the music of The Smithereens, it was a genuine pleasure to chat with founding member and drummer, Dennis Diken. We discuss the path the band has traveled, navigating the heights of success and the sadness of losing singer an band mate, the late Pat Dinizio. Dennis and I spend most of our time discussing The Smithereen's brand new album (out now!!!), which was recorded in the early 90s with Pat on vocals, and how it sat until recently when it was made ready for release. We play a couple cuts from the album and dig into their backstory.
If you are a fan of The Smithereens, no doubt you will love this conversation with Dennis. If you're not familiar with their music, this is a great introduction to the vastly influential band as they celebrate over 40 years in Rock n Roll.
Dennis is very down to Earth, and as you will hear in our chat, he still feels connected to the 20-something year old musicians who would sit around the dinner table in Pat's house and dream of hitting it big. Those boys from Jersey worked hard and earned their success with a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
Get tour dates, news, merch, Jim's coffee and everything in between at https://www.officialsmithereens.com/
Like The Smithereens on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSmithereensOfficial/
Follow The Smithereens on Twitter: https://twitter.com/smithereenshq?lang=en
Follow the band on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/official_smithereens/
Check out Dennis' radio program, "Denny's Den," https://wfmu.org/playlists/DI
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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
Copyright Notification:
Song clips used under Fair Use for commentary and educational purposes.
"Out of This World" used by permission.
"Don't Look Down" used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" by Chris Taylor used by permission.
Thursday Sep 22, 2022
Thursday Sep 22, 2022
Trevor Kowalski is a composer, pianist and arranger of immense talent, and it was an honor to have this most memorable conversation as the coda of Season 1 of my podcast. Trevor's music has been streamed over one hundred million times, and music he has in various films and videos have been listened to over one billion times. He has worked with award-winning filmmakers, game developers, orchestras, and soloists.
The music Trevor creates is soul-stirring and evocative, filled with nostalgia and brimming with beauty. In our chat we discuss Trevor's earliest of years and how they shaped him as a musician and composer. We listen to two compositions and dig into their backstories. One piece we play and discuss is a piece called "Rest Upon the Edge," which is simply one of the most stunning compositions I have ever heard. We also play a selection titled "Meditation - Drum Edit," which helps show the range of this composer's great skill. Beyond the two pieces we play in this episode awaits a catalogue of wonderful music that I am certain will enrich your life like it has mine. See the links below to discover more of Trevor's music, keep up with the latest news and share with friends. A big thank you to Trevor for joining me.
Photograph by: Austin Chee
https://austinchee.com/
Keep up with the latest, purchase sheet music, check live dates: https://www.trevorkowalski.com/
Trevor on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trevorkowalskimusic/
Follow Trevor on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevor.kowalski/
Trevor's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxFp5KvpR6ht3js0R8Fhn_w
Trevor on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vPiZNfnHqzN52FOn38BEv
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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
Copyright Notification:
"Rest Upon the Edge" used by permission.
"Meditation - Drum Edit" used by permission.
Podcast theme song "Arise and Shine" by Chris Taylor used by permission.