When Words Fail...Music Speaks

James Cox
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"When Words Fail, Music Speaks" is your sonic sanctuary, a podcast dedicated to exploring the profound ways music shapes our lives, emotions, and connections. Join us as we dive deep into the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies that articulate what words simply cannot. This is more than just a music podcast; it's an exploration of the human experience through the universal language of music. Each episode features insightful conversations, captivating stories, and expert analysis, unraveling the power of music in all its forms. From classical compositions that stir the soul to contemporary anthems that define generations, we cover a wide spectrum of genres and artists. Discover how music influences everything from our mental well-being and cultural identities to our social movements and personal memories Whether you're a seasoned audiophile, a casual listener, or someone seeking solace and understanding, "When Words Fail, Music Speaks" offers something for everyone. Tune in to discover new artists, revisit old favorites, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art form that unites us all. Subscribe now and let the music speak to you. Join our community of music lovers as we explore the harmonies of life, one episode at a time. Because sometimes, when words fail, music speaks.

  1. 11 HR AGO

    Episode 478 - The Underdog Anthem Paul McCoy from 12 Stones Sends Message To Bullied And Broken Listeners

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the show where we explore how melody, rhythm, and raw honesty become a lifeline for anyone wrestling with life’s highs and lows. I’m your host, James Cox, and today’s conversation digs deep into the heart of a true under‑dog story. Our guest is none other than Paul McCoy, the powerhouse vocalist of 12 Stones—the band behind anthems like Anthem for the Underdog, We Are One, and the hauntingly relevant track World So Cold. Paul opens up about the exact moment that song sprang to life in a studio lounge, surrounded by a barrage of negative news, and why it still feels “as fresh as the day it was written.” But the thread of this episode runs far beyond a single track. Paul shares: A gritty backstage pass to his collaborations with WWE—how his high‑energy music landed in the arena, the Judgment Day theme, and the ripple effect it had on film and television placements.A once‑in‑a‑lifetime trek with Navy SEALs in Coronado, the inspiration behind the EP The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday and the anthem We Are One.A personal battle with partial hearing loss, a childhood tumor, and a deaf ear that forged a built‑in “monitor mix” and an unexpected vocal superpower.The raw reality of being bullied, fighting addiction, and staying sober for seven years, and how the stage becomes his therapy when life tries to drown him in anxiety and depression.Why 12 Stones refuses the “Christian‑rock” label, opting instead to let listeners draw their own meaning from songs that blend heavy riffs with hopeful messages.Insights into his creative process—writing music first, letting songs sit for years, and the delicate balance between studio polish and the electric energy of live performance.A quick‑fire lightning round that reveals his favorite lyric, his love of silence, his preference for the stage over the studio, and the three words that define 12 Stones: real, loud, positive. Whether you’re a wrestling fan, a veteran, a music‑maker, or anyone who’s ever felt like an underdog, Paul’s story is a reminder that even when the world feels cold, there’s always a light at the tunnel’s end—if we’re brave enough to reach for it. Stay tuned; the conversation starts now. 🎧✨

    51 min
  2. Episode 477 - Finding Meaning in Silence: Folklore’s Insights on Music, Therapy, and Feeling Seen

    6 DAYS AGO

    Episode 477 - Finding Meaning in Silence: Folklore’s Insights on Music, Therapy, and Feeling Seen

    Welcome to this week’s episode of When Words Fail, Music Speaks—the podcast that explores how melody and lyric become a lifeline in the toughest moments. I’m your host, James Cox, and today I’m sitting down with folklaur—the soulful indie‑folk artist behind the hauntingly intimate album Leaves & Letters. Hailing from Philadelphia, Laura (who cleverly turned her English‑major love of stories into the moniker “folklaur”) invites us into the quiet spaces where her music lives—those still‑water moments that linger long after the final note fades. In our conversation we wander through Philly’s vibrant but underrated live‑music scene, swap stories about cheesesteaks and creative compromises, and dig deep into the paradox of being alone to connect with a community. Folklaur shares how she balances raw emotion with lyrical storytelling, wrestles with perfectionism in the studio, and discovers that the most powerful songs are often the ones that feel imperfect. We also get a rapid‑fire “lightning round” that reveals her late‑night writing ritual, her love for silence before a track, the word she over‑uses (community), and the artists who shape her—Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahn, and Greasy Abrams. If you’ve ever felt unheard, wrestled with anxiety, or simply crave music that feels like a gentle, honest conversation, stay tuned. By the end of this episode you’ll understand why Folklore believes that “music heals because it’s real,” and you’ll leave with a renewed sense that you matter—just as her songs intend. Press play, settle in, and let the healing power of Folklore’s music speak. 🎙️✨

    34 min
  3. Episode 476 - Unmasking Metal Myths: Kyle Thomas from ExHorder Discusses Honesty, Aggression, Healing in Songwriting

    22 JAN

    Episode 476 - Unmasking Metal Myths: Kyle Thomas from ExHorder Discusses Honesty, Aggression, Healing in Songwriting

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how melody and rhythm become lifelines for those battling depression and anxiety. In today’s episode, James sits down with Kyle Thomas—the raw‑voiced frontman of New Orleans thrash legends ExHorder!! Together they journey from the gritty beginnings of the band in the mid‑80s through four pivotal albums, unpacking the evolution of Kyle’s lyrics—from teenage outrage at organized religion to today’s more nuanced, honest storytelling. A rapid‑fire “lightning round” reveals Kyle’s unexpected love for Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, his philosophy that metal should stay fun rather than take itself too seriously, and the crucial lesson that technical fireworks mean nothing without genuine connection. Listeners also get a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse of Pat O’Brien’s (Ex Cannibal Corpse) comeback with Exploder, the band’s shift toward streamlined songwriting, and Kyle’s personal ritual of turning pain into cathartic verses. As the conversation winds down, Kyle shares the one album that still pulls at his soul—Black Sabbath’s debut—reminding us that even the darkest riffs can hold a timeless, soul‑shaking resonance. Tune in for an honest, high‑energy deep‑dive into how heavy music can both weaponize aggression and heal the heart, proving once again that when words fall short, the music always finds a way to speak.

    28 min
  4. Episode 475 - Healing Through Beats: Kenneth Perrin’s Journey from Childhood Drummer to Faith‑Driven Songwriter

    15 JAN

    Episode 475 - Healing Through Beats: Kenneth Perrin’s Journey from Childhood Drummer to Faith‑Driven Songwriter

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the show where we explore how melody, rhythm, and lyric can lift us out of the darkest moments. I’m your host, James Cox, a lifelong believer in music’s healing power, and today I’m thrilled to sit down with an artist whose honesty, faith, and genre‑blending spirit make every track feel like a conversation with the soul. Meet Kenneith Perrin – a true “music mutt” who began his journey at eight, first behind a drum kit and later as a vocalist in his dad’s church. From early days mimicking Soul‑Train performances to head‑lining clubs, festivals, and worship services, Kenneith’s story is a testament to staying curious, staying authentic, and never letting anyone box you in. In this episode we’ll: Trace his musical roots – how a bassist‑dad, a church debut, and an early love for disco, funk, R&B, and later new‑wave and rock shaped his sound.Dive deep into his 2020 pandemic anthem “Erased by Mercy.” Kenneith explains the song’s raw confession of repentance, the grace he found in surrender, and why it still resounds for listeners battling doubt.Talk tour life – preview his upcoming 2026 Melodic Heart & Soul tour, from the Garden Grove Fest to Fire Forge Brewery in Greenville, SC, and how he blends intimate worship with high‑energy club gigs.Unpack his musical DNA – from MC Hammer, Sister Sledge, and Missing Persons to modern gospel, country, metal, and even guilty‑pleasure pop (Backstreet Boys, Beach Boys). He shares the moments when fans—whether in a church pew or at a Whiskey A Go‑Go—have told him his songs saved them.Reflect on faith & purpose – how his Christian walk informs every lyric, and the simple yet powerful message he hopes every listener walks away with: “You’re never alone; there’s always a song that can lift you up.” Whether you’re a struggling artist, a music lover searching for hope, or just curious about the crossroads of faith and creative expression, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight. Grab your coffee (or a Bones‑flavored brew), press play, and let Kenneith’s story remind you why, when words fail, music always finds a way to speak.

    33 min
  5. Episode 474 - How Music and Imagination Saved Me: Chris Kaufman’s Creative Journey

    1 JAN

    Episode 474 - How Music and Imagination Saved Me: Chris Kaufman’s Creative Journey

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how music can lift us out of depression and open doors to imagination. In today’s episode, James sits down with the multitalented composer‑author Christopher Kaufman—a Brooklyn‑based classical composer, storyteller, and environmental sound‑artist whose work fuses symphonic scores, natural soundscapes, and illustrated fantasy. We’ll hear Christopher describe life in his peaceful Brooklyn neighborhood, the eclectic musical “vibes” that swirl from jazz ensembles to full‑blown orchestras, and how his lifelong love for Stravinsky, Metallica and classic fantasy literature fuels his creative engine. Through a rapid‑fire “lightning round,” he reveals his artistic rituals—ink versus instruments, favorite mythic creatures, and the superpower he’d pick for a day (perfect emotional pitch). Christopher then takes us inside his magnum opus, Tales of the Ocean City, a series of eight immersive “audio‑books” that blend orchestral storytelling, original illustrations, and video‑book experiences. He explains how musical tension and resolution shape narrative arcs, how his telepathic Pegasus‑like “Parianths” echo his childhood bond with a beloved dog, and why an organ‑driven theme for King Brohuyn and an electric‑guitar leitmotif for the bard Elah perfectly capture each character’s spirit. We’ll also explore his belief that imagination can literally heal: by turning the gray sameness of modern life into vivid, musical worlds, we can push back against depression and find hope. Finally, Christopher shares upcoming projects—book 8 of the series, his “Fantastic Theater” performances, and the ever‑growing sound‑artist community on SoundArtists.com, Instagram, and Facebook. Stick around for a sneak‑peek audio excerpt from Tales of the Ocean City, and discover why, for James and Christopher, when words fall short, music tells the whole story. 🎧✨

    39 min
  6. Episode 473 - From 12‑String Bass, New Songs & Upcoming 2026 Tour: Tim King’s Journey with Soil

    25/12/2025

    Episode 473 - From 12‑String Bass, New Songs & Upcoming 2026 Tour: Tim King’s Journey with Soil

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where we harness the healing power of music to lift the soul. In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with Tim King who was literally on the road, pulling over in the dark‑lit front seat of his car—to chat with SOiL’s longtime bassist Tim King. Tim walks us through the band’s upcoming UK return in October‑November 2026, the back‑story behind their wildly popular Play It Forward covers album, and the creative process that finally pushed SOiL back into the studio for a brand‑new record slated for 2026. He also shares the quirkiest of tidbits—from his 12‑string Hamer/Thunderbird experiment and his signature “up‑pick” technique to the personal posters that once covered his bedroom walls. Between anecdotes about the band’s evolving lineup, a rapid‑fire “tone or technique” rapid‑fire round, and a surprising confession about “How I Live Without You” from Con Air, Tim gives us a behind‑the‑scenes look at life on the road, the challenges of being an indie‑label artist, and why every genre—metal, hip‑hop, country, or pop—has its own vital place in the human experience. Grab your headphones, press play, and get ready to hear why, when words fail, music always finds a way to speak. 🎧✨

    35 min
  7. Episode 472 - Music, Wine, and Community | The Brian Culbertson Story

    16/12/2025

    Episode 472 - Music, Wine, and Community | The Brian Culbertson Story

    In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with Chicago‑born jazz virtuoso Brian Culbertson – a multi‑instrumentalist, composer, producer, and the man behind the acclaimed album “Day Trip.” From Brian’s early days tinkering on piano at eight, picking up trombone in the school band, and discovering the magic of a home studio at twelve, to his modern‑day workflow that blends live horns, synth‑laden beats, and the Output Arcade plug‑in that sparked the track “Sandcastles,” the conversation drifts through: The instrument journey: why piano became his songwriting hub, how drums shaped his groove sense, and the challenge of playing piano passages that push his limits. Music theory & learning: a down‑to‑earth take on why theory is “baby steps” and how a good teacher can make it approachable for anyone. Creative influences: everything from Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power to classical, EDM, Mongolian metal (The Hu) and dark hip‑hop—showing how eclectic listening fuels fresh ideas. Production vs. performance: why the studio feels like home, the painstaking process of polishing a record, and the tricks he uses to translate studio vibes to a live stage. The “Day Trip” story: how nine songs were written in just four days with co‑writer Nicholas Cole, and the emotional contrast between rapid bursts of inspiration and years‑long labors of love. Beyond the music: Brian’s passion for wine, the creation of his signature blends, the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway he co‑hosts, and the balance of artistry with entrepreneurship. Get ready for a deep dive into a musician’s mindset, a handful of quirky anecdotes (no secret studio rituals—just a shower and a good vibe), and plenty of tips for anyone who dreams of turning a musical spark into a polished record. Press play, lean back, and let the conversation remind you why, when words fall short, music always finds a way to speak.

    55 min
  8. Episode 471 - Faith, Funk, and Free Jazz: Insights from Grammy‑Winning Composer Fletch Wiley

    09/12/2025

    Episode 471 - Faith, Funk, and Free Jazz: Insights from Grammy‑Winning Composer Fletch Wiley

    Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Speaks, the show that explores how music can lift us out of depression, anxiety, and everyday struggles. In today’s episode, host James Cox—your “professional handicapped” guide to the power of sound—sits down with Grammy‑winning arranger, composer, and multi‑instrumentalist Fletch Wiley. We dive deep into Fletch’s remarkable story: a childhood trumpeter from Seattle who chased his dream to the University of North Texas, survived a battle with drugs, found a life‑changing conversion to Christianity in 1971, and has since devoted his talent to ministry, touring the world with his wife under the Heart and Art initiative. From the nuts‑and‑bolts of jazz—Fletch’s recommendations for newcomers (Chuck Mangione, Kirk Whalum, Chris Bodie) and his take on the “all‑wrong‑notes” myth—to the art of arranging across genres (worship, film scoring, children’s music, theater, and big‑band projects), the conversation reveals why he believes jazz is “the highest form of music” because it demands real‑time improvisation, listening, and technical mastery. Listeners will also get practical tips for getting into jazz, a behind‑the‑scenes look at his global benefit concerts (Turkey, Egypt, Albania, Nigeria, South Africa), and a few lightning‑round fun facts that showcase his personality—favorite coffee, dream super‑band lineup, the instrument that would complain the most, and the single piece that moves his soul (Beethoven’s 2nd Movement of the 7th Symphony). Whether you’re a seasoned jazz aficionado, a country‑music lover, or simply searching for the therapeutic resonance of melody, this episode offers inspiration, humor, and a heartfelt reminder that music really does speak—and can heal. Tune in, settle in, and let Fletch Wiley’s story and wisdom harmonize with your own journey.

    52 min
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About

"When Words Fail, Music Speaks" is your sonic sanctuary, a podcast dedicated to exploring the profound ways music shapes our lives, emotions, and connections. Join us as we dive deep into the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies that articulate what words simply cannot. This is more than just a music podcast; it's an exploration of the human experience through the universal language of music. Each episode features insightful conversations, captivating stories, and expert analysis, unraveling the power of music in all its forms. From classical compositions that stir the soul to contemporary anthems that define generations, we cover a wide spectrum of genres and artists. Discover how music influences everything from our mental well-being and cultural identities to our social movements and personal memories Whether you're a seasoned audiophile, a casual listener, or someone seeking solace and understanding, "When Words Fail, Music Speaks" offers something for everyone. Tune in to discover new artists, revisit old favorites, and gain a deeper appreciation for the art form that unites us all. Subscribe now and let the music speak to you. Join our community of music lovers as we explore the harmonies of life, one episode at a time. Because sometimes, when words fail, music speaks.

Information

  • Creator
    James Cox
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    480
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 When Words Fail...Music Speaks
  • Show Website
    When Words Fail...Music Speaks