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

    1 DAY AGO

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

    16 DEC

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

    9 DEC

    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
  4. Episode 470 - Exploring Jazz as Therapy: Kurt Ellenberger Talks Kind of Blue and Musical Healing

    4 DEC

    Episode 470 - Exploring Jazz as Therapy: Kurt Ellenberger Talks Kind of Blue and Musical Healing

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the show that explores how music can lift us out of the valleys of depression and anxiety and into brighter emotional terrain. In today’s episode, host James sits down with pianist, composer, educator, and prolific writer Kurt Ellenberger for a deep‑dive into the world of jazz, its pedagogy, and its power to heal. We’ll hear Kurt recount his path from a performing career in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to a long‑standing faculty role at Grand Valley State University where he teaches everything from “Jazz in the Culture” to a beloved interdisciplinary course, “Music, Culture, and Aesthetics.” He shares practical advice for newcomers who feel intimidated by jazz—starting with the universally‑accessible Miles Davis classic Kind of Blue—and explains why jazz demands full, focused listening in the way classical music does, unlike the background‑friendly nature of pop or country. Kurt also opens up about his parallel life as a writer and managing editor of the Journal of the International Association of Jazz Educators. From a blog that caught the eye of the Huffington Post to a series of essays that demystify everything from why Christmas music feels “jazzy” to the emotional weight of minor chords, his mission is simple: turn scholarly insight into stories anyone can enjoy. We’ll explore how jazz varies across continents, why European and Australian approaches sound distinct yet remain unmistakably jazz, and why the genre is less a fixed style and more an improvisational mindset. Kurt even reveals a surprising non‑musical talent—his knack for home‑repair and hammer‑work—that keeps him grounded when the academic world gets heavy. Finally, we close with Kurt’s personal “Rushmore” of musical heroes—Genesis, pianist John Taylor, composer Paul Hindemith, and David Bowie—plus a secret, deeply moving piece that leaves him speechless every time he hears it. If you’ve ever wondered how to get into jazz, why it’s sometimes dismissed as “wrong notes,” or simply want a heartfelt conversation about music’s therapeutic power, you’re in the right place. Grab your headphones, set aside the background noise, and let’s tune into the conversation that proves—once again—when words fail, music truly speaks.

    54 min
  5. Episode 469 - Alan Govenar on Healing Through Blues, Film, and Disability Advocacy

    27 NOV

    Episode 469 - Alan Govenar on Healing Through Blues, Film, and Disability Advocacy

    Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Streaks, the podcast where we battle depression with the transformative power of music. I’m your host, James Cox—your “handicapped” guide through the stories that keep us moving when life gets heavy. In today’s episode we sit down with award‑winning writer, filmmaker, playwright, and cultural documentarian Alan Govnar (who kindly corrects us on the title of his newest novel, Come Round Right). Alan’s career spans more than three decades of preserving the music of everyday people: from his landmark 1984 Living Texas Blues project for the Dallas Museum of Art, to an intimate portrait of blues scene in Deepum, to his groundbreaking documentaries that put disability‑rights narratives front‑and‑center. We’ll explore hotly debated questions like: Where did the blues really begin? — Texas, the Mississippi Delta, or Memphis? — and hear Alan’s compelling argument that blues emerged from the African diaspora and found early written references in Texas. Beyond blues, Alan reveals how his personal hearing of Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and New Orleans R&B as a four‑year‑old sparked a lifelong quest to document music that speaks to the soul, no matter how “un‑virtuosic” it may seem. His stories range from a hunchback dwarf tattoo artist in a wheelchair to the polio‑stricken African drummer Siddiqui Conde, whose student Aaron Phillips (now a trans Vogue cover model) turned a Tumblr following into the inspiring memoir This Kid Can Fly. We’ll also get a sneak peek at Alan’s newest feature, Quiet Voices in a Noisy World: The Struggle for Change in Jasper, Texas, premiering at Cinema Village in New York this November—a powerful look at a community healing from the trauma of a 1998 lynching. If you’re a fan of music history, social justice, or simply crave stories that turn hardship into hope stay tuned. Grab your headphones, let the rhythm lift you, and get ready for a conversation that proves music can indeed speak louder than depression. 🎙️✨

    37 min
  6. Episode 468 - Fighting Depression Through 80s Metal with All Sinner's singer Mike Golarz and his inspiring story

    20 NOV

    Episode 468 - Fighting Depression Through 80s Metal with All Sinner's singer Mike Golarz and his inspiring story

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks – the podcast that battles depression one riff at a time. In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with the charismatic front‑man of the 80s‑metal‑infused outfit All Singers (aka Mike Golarz) for a deep‑dive into the healing power of music, the quirks of self‑teaching, and the raw joy of live performance. We kick off with Mike’s origin story: a childhood of backyard jam sessions, a classically trained girlfriend who nudged his vocal chops, and a love‑letter to the acoustic guitar that still shapes his songwriting today. He shares practical tips for aspiring guitarists—why Tom Petty’s simple chords are the perfect launchpad, how to survive sore fingertips, and the surprisingly effective “belly‑rub” superstition he uses to keep his airflow in check while recording. From there, we trace the band’s unlikely formation during the pandemic—how an 80s hair‑metal cover group morphed into All Singers, the serendipitous connections that landed them opening for legends like Ace Frehley, L.A. Guns, Queensryche, and even two versions of Queensryche. Mike reflects on the thrill of sharing the stage with his childhood heroes and the humility that keeps those icons grounded. The conversation then shifts to their upcoming record “We Own the Night,” slated for a November 14, 2025 release, and the quirky rituals that fuel Mike’s creative process. He also reveals his “unskippable” album list — from Soundgarden’s Bad Motorfinger to James' pick "Black Sabbath’s Dehumanizer" — and the one record that still moves him to tears: Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Texas Flood. Whether you’re a budding musician, a metalhead, or simply seeking a soundtrack for life’s ups and downs, this episode delivers a hearty mix of humor, honesty, and hard‑earned wisdom. Grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and let the music speak. 🎸✨

    41 min
  7. Episode 467 - From Japan to the Philippines: How International Crowds Shape Re Mattei’s Country Sound

    20 NOV

    Episode 467 - From Japan to the Philippines: How International Crowds Shape Re Mattei’s Country Sound

    Hey there, music lovers! I’m your host, James Cox, a professional therapist who’s also a bit of a country‑music junkie. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how songs can lift us out of the darkest moments and bring sunshine into our everyday lives. We’re thrilled to welcome Re Mattei, a breakout country artist who’s already turning heads on the road and in the studio. From playing legends’ covers to writing heartfelt originals like “Mama Always Knows,” Re shares: How she used music as a lifeline during her own bouts of depressionThe magic of touring in Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and the U.S. military bases—where a simple “Elvis” concert can feel like a hometown eventThe story behind her latest love‑for‑moms anthem and the emotional truth behind a song dropped a day before Mother’s DayThe everyday rituals that keep her creative birds flying—think acoustic guitar, a red Buckees cup, and a dash of “coffee at the kitchen table” vibe—plus what her guitar would say if it could talkHer upcoming album, set for a March drop, and the careful, soul‑searching choices that go into naming a recordHow authenticity is the secret handshake of Nashville’s music scene, and why you should stay true to yourself if you’re chasing a dream in Music City We end the conversation on a tender note about the songs that can touch your soul without a single word—because sometimes, music is the only language that matters. So if you’re looking for an honest, heart‑centered, and instant‑enchanting episode, hit play and let the music do the talking. 🌟🎸

    35 min
  8. Episode 466 - Metal Meets Mongolia: Nine Treasures' Singer Askhan Discuss Heritage, Healing, and Global Metal Dreams

    18 NOV

    Episode 466 - Metal Meets Mongolia: Nine Treasures' Singer Askhan Discuss Heritage, Healing, and Global Metal Dreams

    Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks—the show that battles depression one riff at a time. I’m your host, James Cox, a proud “handicapped” rocker on a mission to prove that music has no language barriers. In today’s episode we sit down with Askhan, the visionary founder, vocalist, and creative force behind Nine Treasures, the Mongolian folk‑metal outfit that’s been turning heads worldwide. Fresh off the release of their new album and a landmark signing with Metal Blade Records, Oscar shares how the band fuses ancient Mongolian melodies—complete with the haunting horse‑head fiddle—into thunderous modern metal. We’ll explore how Askhan balances reverence for his cultural heritage with personal storytelling, the Buddhist ideas that quietly shape his songwriting, and the collaborative shift that let his bandmates take the reins on half the new record. From his favorite global metal influences—Pantera, Megadeth, In Flames, and Children of Bodø—to his secret love of liquid drum‑and‑bass for relaxation, Askhan reveals the eclectic soundtrack that fuels his creative engine. Finally, we ask the big “what‑if” questions: which dead‑or‑alive artist would he love to collab with (hint: think Limp Bizkit), what message he wants the next generation of Mongolian metal musicians to carry forward, and the most powerful fan moment that proved music truly saves lives. Grab your headphones, settle in, and let the fusion of myth, metal, and mindfulness guide you through another powerful conversation—because when words fail, music always speaks.

    28 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    475
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 When Words Fail...Music Speaks
  • Show Website
    When Words Fail...Music Speaks