Laughingmonkeymusic

Shawn Ratches
  • 3.8 (5)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Hi welcome to Laughingmonkeymusic a show that explores all genres of music. As someone with autism, I bring a unique perspective to my interviews, aiming to create an authentic and engaging experience for both artists and listeners.Thanks for listening!

  1. Ep 649 REVOCATION David Davison breaks down his projects & band plans for 2026!

    3H AGO

    Ep 649 REVOCATION David Davison breaks down his projects & band plans for 2026!

    David Davidson is best known as the founder, lead guitarist, and vocalist of Revocation, the Boston extreme metal band whose sound blends technical death metal, thrash, and progressive elements. On his official biography page, he is described as a musician recognized for combining metal with fusion, rock, and jazz, and it also notes that he graduated cum laude from Berklee College of Music in 2008.  As a player, Davidson is widely associated with Revocation’s intricate riffing, advanced lead work, and demanding compositions. Revocation’s official site identifies him as the band’s spearheading founder, while Metal Archives documents his long-running role in guitars, vocals, songwriting, and lyrics across the band’s catalog, including albums such as Empire of the Obscene, Chaos of Forms, Deathless, Great Is Our Sin, The Outer Ones, and Netherheaven.  Beyond Revocation, Davidson also maintains a solo professional presence through his own official site, where he offers lessons, tabs, and gear-related content tied to his work as a guitarist. Taken together, the available official and discography sources present him as a central modern figure in technical extreme metal: a musician known not just for speed and precision, but for bringing formal musical training into a very aggressive style Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

    45 min
  2. Ep 648 Dino Jelusick what is 2026 looking like for him ? Touring, recording ..... solo album?

    1D AGO

    Ep 648 Dino Jelusick what is 2026 looking like for him ? Touring, recording ..... solo album?

    Dino Jelusick (born June 4, 1992, Požega, Croatia) is a Croatian singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter known for powerhouse rock vocals and serious musicianship (he also plays keyboards, guitar, and more). He first gained international attention as the winner of the inaugural Junior Eurovision Song Contest (2003), then grew into one of the most in-demand modern voices in hard rock and metal.  Over the past decade, Dino has built a reputation as a tour-ready, studio-ready vocalist with the range to cover classic hard rock swagger and progressive/modern intensity. In 2016, he became a touring vocalist with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), a major turning point that launched him deeper into the global rock circuit.  In 2021, he joined Whitesnake as a backing vocalist and keyboardist, stepping into a high-profile legacy camp and earning attention from fans for his vocal strength and stage presence.  Dino is also the creative force behind several projects, including Animal Drive (founder/frontman; active until the band’s split) and his later band Jelusick, which released the album Follow the Blind Man (2023)—a modern hard rock record built for big choruses, musicianship, and live energy Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

    28 min
  3. Ep 647 Blaze Bayley talks Silicon Messiah 25th, Iron Maiden legacy tours, and new music ahead.

    5D AGO

    Ep 647 Blaze Bayley talks Silicon Messiah 25th, Iron Maiden legacy tours, and new music ahead.

    Episode 647 features a conversation with Blaze Bayley discussing the 25th anniversary of his debut solo album Silicon Messiah. Released in 2000 after his tenure with Iron Maiden, the record marked a major turning point in Bayley’s career and established the direction of his solo work. In this interview, Bayley reflects on the creation of the album, the lineup behind it, and why the record remains such an important milestone for both him and his fans. The discussion also explores Bayley’s years with Iron Maiden from 1994 to 1999, when he recorded the albums The X Factor and Virtual XI and toured extensively around the world. Bayley shares perspective on performing songs from that era, how those tours shaped his career, and how fans have continued to rediscover and appreciate the material over the years. The conversation touches on the lasting legacy of those albums and their place within Iron Maiden’s broader history. In addition to revisiting the past, Bayley talks about the present and future of his music. The interview includes discussion about touring, continuing to perform Silicon Messiah material live, and hints about upcoming creative work. As always, the focus is on the music, the stories behind it, and Bayley’s ongoing connection with fans who have followed his career from Iron Maiden through his solo releases. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

    37 min
  4. Ep 646 Evermore the swedish power metal band return with new album Mournbraid!

    FEB 28

    Ep 646 Evermore the swedish power metal band return with new album Mournbraid!

    Evermore is a Swedish power metal trio known for blending melodic precision with a darker, more aggressive tonal palette than many of their genre peers. Formed in the late 2010s, the band quickly established itself with tightly structured songwriting, soaring vocal lines, and a dual focus on speed-driven passages and mid-tempo, groove-heavy weight. Their sound draws from classic European power metal traditions while incorporating modern production clarity and a slightly grittier rhythmic attack, giving their material both anthem-ready hooks and a heavier edge. Their latest full-length, Mournbraid, further refines that identity. The record emphasizes cinematic atmosphere, layered guitar harmonies, and dynamic vocal arrangements while maintaining sharp, riff-centered foundations. Lyrically and thematically, the album leans into epic and introspective territory, pairing dark fantasy aesthetics with resilience-driven motifs. Rather than chasing excessive technicality, Evermore prioritizes memorable choruses, structural discipline, and controlled intensity—positioning Mournbraid as a confident statement within contemporary power metal. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

    38 min
  5. Ep 645 Forbidden's Norman L Skinner III on tour and new Forbidden album coming!

    FEB 28

    Ep 645 Forbidden's Norman L Skinner III on tour and new Forbidden album coming!

    Norman L Skinner III is an American heavy metal vocalist best known for his powerful range, clean high-register delivery, and disciplined traditional metal technique. He built his reputation in the U.S. underground metal scene through years of consistent studio and live work, developing a style rooted in classic 1980s heavy metal rather than extreme vocal approaches. His singing emphasizes pitch control, sustained projection, and clarity, making him particularly suited for technically demanding material. Skinner first gained broader recognition as the longtime frontman of Imagika, a California-based band blending thrash aggression with power metal structure. During his tenure, he appeared on multiple albums including Devils on Both Sides (2005), Portrait of a Hanged Man (2010), and Feast for the Hated (2013). His performances on these releases highlighted his ability to balance melodic phrasing with speed-driven riffing, helping establish Imagika as a respected name in the American power/thrash circuit. Beyond Imagika, Skinner has contributed to additional heavy metal projects, including work associated with members of Attacker and other traditional metal collaborations. Across these efforts, his approach has remained consistent: high-energy delivery without reliance on growls or extreme vocal distortion. His technique reflects classic heavy metal fundamentals, positioning him within the lineage of traditional and power metal vocalists rather than modern extreme subgenres. He was later announced as the new lead vocalist for Forbidden, one of the defining acts of the Bay Area thrash movement. Originally fronted by Russ Anderson, the band’s catalog demands precision and range—qualities that align with Skinner’s established strengths. His addition marks a new chapter for Forbidden while maintaining continuity with the band’s technically driven thrash identity. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

    1h 8m
  6. Ep 644 Eric Martin of MR BIG with jokes, songs & stories from the past 6 years of interviews

    FEB 23

    Ep 644 Eric Martin of MR BIG with jokes, songs & stories from the past 6 years of interviews

    The best of Eric Martin compilation from 6 years of interviews and live music! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

    1h 30m
  7. Ep 643 Gwyn Strang of FRAYLE on song creation, band evolution and touring with DOGMA!

    FEB 20

    Ep 643 Gwyn Strang of FRAYLE on song creation, band evolution and touring with DOGMA!

    Frayle is a Cleveland, Ohio–based doom/occult rock band known for blending crushing low-tuned riffs with ethereal, haunting vocals. Their sound sits at the intersection of doom metal, post-metal, and dark alternative rock—often described as hypnotic, cinematic, and emotionally immersive. Core Members • Gwyn Strang – Vocals • Sean Bilovecky – Guitar The band operates as a tight creative partnership, with Strang’s layered, almost choral vocal approach contrasting against Bilovecky’s slow, detuned, fuzz-laden guitar textures. Live, they expand with additional musicians to deliver a heavier, more enveloping wall of sound. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

    36 min
  8. Ep 642 Eric Martin of MR. BIG — Hearing Loss, Tinnitus & Is a Solo Album Finally Coming?

    FEB 17

    Ep 642 Eric Martin of MR. BIG — Hearing Loss, Tinnitus & Is a Solo Album Finally Coming?

    In this episode, Eric Martin speaks directly about hearing loss and tinnitus — issues that have become part of life after decades in loud environments. He does not dramatize it. He explains it plainly. He acknowledges that years of touring, stage volume, and studio work have taken a toll. The tinnitus is persistent. Some hearing loss is measurable. It is not reversible. What has changed is how he manages it. In-ear monitors, volume control, and pacing are now part of the routine. Protecting what remains is a priority. Martin reflects on sustaining a career rather than chasing past expectations. There is no self-pity in the conversation. The tone is practical. Regarding new music, he addresses the question of a solo album. There is no formal announcement. He confirms the idea has been discussed over the years. Timing, creative direction, and commitment matter. He is open to it, but not forcing it. The episode centers on sustainability, realism, and continuing forward with intention. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/laughingmonkeymusic/exclusive-content

    55 min
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3.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Hi welcome to Laughingmonkeymusic a show that explores all genres of music. As someone with autism, I bring a unique perspective to my interviews, aiming to create an authentic and engaging experience for both artists and listeners.Thanks for listening!

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn Ratches
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    651
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Shawn Ratches
  • Show Website
    Laughingmonkeymusic

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