Rich Soni Podcast

Rich Soni
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Hosted by software engineer and songwriter Rich Soni, The Rich Soni Podcast is a longform interview style podcast which typically publishes a new episode once or twice a month.

  1. #59 - Final Call

    May 21

    #59 - Final Call

    Episode OverviewFinal Call is a pop-punk band from Long Island, NY. Formed by longtime friends, Pat Carroll (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Greg Diem (Lead Guitar), Evan Brandow (Drums), and Paul Vomvas (Bass).The group blends classic pop-punk with elements of indie rock, grunge, folk, and classic rock.They regularly play the Lower East Side circuit in NYC (Mercury Lounge, Berlin, Arlene's Grocery, Red Lion) and released their first full-length album in 2022.Their latest record, Eden, is a concept album loosely tied to the Garden of Eden story and themes of growing up. In this episode, the band returns to the podcast for the first time since their 2022 debut to talk about their new concept album Eden.They walk through the record track by track, discuss Paul joining the band, and explain how a weekend writing trip to Eden, Utah shaped most of the album.They also cover their recent NYC shows, playing a fan's wedding, and upcoming gigs. (0:00) Catching up(4:29) NYC venues and growing live shows(6:01) Covers vs originals at gigs(10:01) Irish pub gigs and strangers(11:12) Getting booked to play weddings(14:52) Paul joining the band(15:22) Writing and recording Eden(16:56) The Utah garage studio sessions(20:00) Greg's songwriting process(21:45) Expanding beyond pop punk(24:46) Returning to their punk roots(26:12) Old sound vs new sound(27:26) Monkey Business and Green Day(30:02) Creating a concept album(31:46) Garden of Eden themes and growth(34:10) Writing the album intro(39:45) Writing sarcastic and emotional songs(49:00) Pop punk and broader influences(55:30) Favorite songs and heavier tracks(1:02:40) The Utah trip as a turning point(1:08:25) Garden of Eden imagery(1:13:20) Favorite songs to play live(1:21:00) Acoustic songs and grunge influences(1:29:30) Future shows and final thoughtsLinks:- Final Call Linktree – https://linktr.ee/Finalcall

    1h 34m
  2. #58 - Eddie Wilson

    May 6

    #58 - Eddie Wilson

    Episode OverviewEddie Wilson is a professional firefighter in Newark, NJ, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, a Catholic convert, and a lifelong friend of Rich's since fifth grade. He and his father are co-writing Chronicles of Newark, a historical narrative about the Newark Fire Department's horse-drawn era, centered on Chief Robert "Daredevil Bob" Kirstead — a Civil War cavalry veteran who served under General Custer before becoming Newark's most celebrated fire chief. In this episode, Eddie and Rich discuss podcast production tools, the arc of the Newark fire department from bucket brigades to horse-drawn steam engines, the Civil War history behind Kirstead's career, and the lessons from line-of-duty deaths that still shape modern firefighting. Eddie also shares his journey from atheism through stoicism to Catholicism, his views on dependability over independence, and the books and thinkers who have shaped his worldview — including Epictetus, Scott Adams, Ryan Holiday, and Nassim Taleb. He closes by reading a passage from the manuscript about the end of the horse-drawn era.

    1h 57m
  3. #57 – Harrison Bieth

    Apr 21

    #57 – Harrison Bieth

    Harrison Bieth is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Northern New Jersey. Since his last appearance on the podcast, Harrison has released his latest full-length album, Laughter Music, recorded with longtime collaborator Max Rauch at Domestic Bliss Recording. Links: - Harrison Bieth on The Rich Soni Podcast – https://richsonipodcast.com/guests/harrison-bieth/ - Harrison Bieth (Episode #52) – https://richsonipodcast.com/episodes/rsp0052-harrison-bieth - Harrison Bieth on Bandcamp – https://harrisonbieth.bandcamp.com/ - Instagram - @saxmania18 – https://www.instagram.com/saxmania18/ - Max Rauch (Episode #48) – https://richsonipodcast.com/episodes/rsp48-max-rauch - Instagram - @domesticblissrecording – https://www.instagram.com/domesticblissrecording/ - Instagram - @pizzabagelrecords – https://www.instagram.com/pizzabagelrecords/ - Andrew Nieporent on The Rich Soni Podcast – https://richsonipodcast.com/guests/andrew-nieporent - Ray Salerno on The Rich Soni Podcast – https://richsonipodcast.com/guests/ray-salerno - Gazer (IMDb) – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31183697/ Timestamps: [00:00:00] Catching up, Slipstream changes & current projects [00:01:26] Entering the Clearviews & evolving live bands [00:07:20] Revisiting Harrison’s catalog & artistic growth [00:17:34] Buying the dream Telecaster & new gear chapter [00:24:58] Nashville trip & seeing Jack White live [00:33:14] Bad Bunny, Rosalía & exploring Latin music [00:47:35] “What You Wanted” song discussion [00:54:40] “It’s Been a Minute” song discussion [01:03:54] “Heartache and Pain” autotune, rhythm & production choices [01:07:55] Favorite lyrics, pizza verse & Lost references [01:12:30] “Secret Truth” revisited [01:18:45] Earlier material that still holds up live [01:26:20] Working with Max Rauch & recording chemistry [01:34:10] Songwriting confidence & letting go of self-doubt [01:42:00] Future releases, shows & closing thoughts

    1h 41m
  4. #56 - Roe O'Brien

    12/20/2025

    #56 - Roe O'Brien

    Roe O'Brien (Roe Knows Best) is a New Jersey-based singer-songwriter. Following her Northbound EP and collaborative Weekend at Mauchie's project with Max Rauch, Roe has now released her first full-length album, "Now Arriving at Secaucus Junction", recorded with Doug Gallo. In 2025, she formed her first full band with guitarist Mike Farrell, bassist Paul Calabrese, and drummer Benjamin Delloiacono, bringing her songs to life on stages across New Jersey. In this episode, Roe discusses the making of "Now Arriving at Secaucus Junction" and her production philosophy of "no moment wasted." We dive deep into tracks like "Out of Touch," "Suffocate," "Smoke in the Furniture," "Secaucus Junction," "191 Bus," and "TV Tyranny," exploring her songwriting process, her approach to defying expectations, and how forming a full band has informed her future work. Roe also shares insights about her choir background, her melody-driven approach to songwriting, her experiences navigating open mic nights, and the authentic New Jersey transit sounds that bring the album's title track to life. (0:00) Introduction and Catching Up(1:20) Album Announcement: "Now Arriving at ...(2:36) Forming the Full Band(6:04) Band Rehearsals and Learning Songs(10:13) How Band Experience Informs Future So...(12:49) Choir Background and Listening Skills(15:59) Memorizing Lyrics and Melody as Conve...(19:29) Melody Machine and Voice Notes Archive(22:33) Breaking Form and Defying Expectations(25:56) Open Mic Experiences and Fighting for...(32:44) Concert Phone Recording Discussion(58:34) Working with Doug Gallo on the Album(1:01:26) Production Philosophy: "No Moment Was...(1:02:27) "Out of Touch" Deep Dive(1:07:10) Percussive Elements and Defying Expec...(1:22:33) "Suffocate" Song Discussion(1:44:26) "Smoke in the Furniture" Discussion(1:49:56) "Secaucus Junction" Song Discussion(1:51:28) NJ Transit Samples and Authenticity(2:36:10) "191 Bus" Discussion(2:43:45) "TV Tyranny" Discussion(3:02:13) Closing Thoughts

    3h 4m
  5. #55 - Andrew Nieporent

    11/12/2025

    #55 - Andrew Nieporent

    Andrew Nieporent is a New Jersey songwriter, music therapist, and the bandleader behind Andrew and the Kindly Ones. He also hosts the Rock N' Joe open mic in Caldwell and is a longtime organizer within the North Jersey music community. In this episode Andrew previews The Kindly Ones—arriving November 15 at Cedar Beans Coffee Joint—and digs into the new single “Dangerous.” We talk about collaborative songwriting with his bandmates and son Ray, honoring the late John Simon, plans to “go electric,” building inclusive open mic spaces, recording with Steve Carter in Nashville, and the show’s Lost-inspired concept. Timestamps 00:00 – Catching up & the evolution to Andrew and the Kindly Ones04:20 – Producing The Kindly Ones and stepping into the producer role10:45 – Co-writing the new material and releasing the single “Dangerous”16:20 – Live tracking sessions, Trading Eights, and giving the whole band shine21:30 – Remembering John Simon and preparing to go electric after the tribute27:00 – Fall show calendar: Cedar Beans release party, Big & Tall, and more31:40 – Archiving performances, capturing community moments, and live recordings42:20 – Meeting Ray (Jamie Fett) and the story of becoming family48:10 – Music therapy mindset, social justice, and showing up for community55:20 – Rock N' Joe open mic strategy and cultivating a listening audience1:05:30 – Nashville sessions with Steve Carter and engineering with Adam Biener1:15:10 – Curating eight songs, Lost references, and the mythology framing the record1:21:20 – Easter eggs, catchphrases, and weaving pop culture into the album1:37:40 – Leveling up on “Dangerous,” release-week plans, and open mic invites Connect with Andrew Nieporent Instagram - Andrew and the Kindly Ones - TikTok - Andrew Nieporent - Streaming - Andrew Nieporent - Bandcamp - Andrew Nieporent - Bandcamp - Andrew and the Kindly Ones - Selected Links From The Episode Andrew Nieporent (Episode #14) - /episodes/rsp0014-andrew-nieporent/Andrew Nieporent (Episode #18) - /episodes/rsp0018-andrew-nieporent/Andrew and the Kindly Ones – 'Dangerous' - https://open.spotify.com/track/5ojTnsgyYM5r81vScQTmMU?si=74afd9ea1181439dRock N' Joe Coffeehouse & Bistro – Sunday Open Mic - https://www.rocknjoe.com/

    1h 44m
  6. #54 - Rob Janos

    09/30/2025

    #54 - Rob Janos

    Episode OverviewRob Janos is a New Jersey musician, producer, and songwriter who has been involved in the local music scene for many years. Known for his work with the band Asphalt Grey and his production work with various artists, Rob has also been a co-host of open mic nights and an active member of the New Jersey music community.Rob discusses his upcoming tribute show for his close friend John Simon, who passed away suddenly in March. The conversation covers his musical influences from blues to garage rock, his work with Asphalt Grey, and his recent efforts to remaster and re-release their catalog. Timestamps 00:00 – Kicking Off & Reintroductions03:58 – John Simon Tribute Show Announcement05:07 – John's Musical Journey & Rob's Production Work07:17 – The Emotional Impact of Loss10:02 – Show Details & Band Lineup15:00 – Revisiting John's Music & "After I'm Gone"20:00 – Song Selection & "Just Trying" Deep Dive25:00 – Finnegan's Venue & Live Music Scene30:00 – The Power of Musical Tributes35:00 – Blues Influences & Robert Johnson40:00 – White Stripes & Jack White's Impact45:00 – Iggy Pop & Garage Rock50:00 – Nightbob Stories & Rock History55:00 – Asphalt Grey Reunion & Catalog Restoration1:05:00 – Creative Merchandise & Video Game Ideas1:10:00 – Kosmoseratops & Branding1:15:00 – New Album Progress & Future Plans1:20:00 – Plugs & Goodbyes Connect with Rob Janos Instagram - @janosexpatriate - https://www.instagram.com/janosexpatriate/Bandcamp - Rob Janos - https://robjanos.bandcamp.com/Spotify - Asphalt Grey - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0W9ZHC6Xq6uxcnBg708i3g?si=sgDQiYuESTCPmKwISwkG3ABandcamp - Asphalt Grey - https://asphaltgrey.bandcamp.com/Bandcamp - The Buzz and the Hum - https://buzzandhum.bandcamp.com/ Selected Links From The Episode John Simon - Willow and Oak - https://open.spotify.com/album/1vLL8GFeHyt99BkKPJbz0F?si=v6fm70n0TmC9Vz8ubhlXmwJohn Simon - North House - https://open.spotify.com/album/2VMWBU7WZOndvhmhPQpHQn?si=505cdf49d1644351Rob Janos (Episode #39) - /episodes/rsp0039-rob-janos/

    1h 44m
  7. #53 - Roe O'Brien & Max Rauch

    06/23/2025

    #53 - Roe O'Brien & Max Rauch

    Max Rauch (MAUCH) and Roe O’Brien (Roe Knows Best) are two New Jersey songwriters and collaborators. After connecting through Pizza Bagel Records, the pair wrote and recorded their EP, “Weekend at Mauchie’s...Vol. 1,” in five days at Domestic Bliss Studio in West Orange. The EP is a genre-blending collection featuring indie rock anthems (“Ghost Town”), pop singles (“Friends with Aliens”), dance rock homages (“Shark Attack!!!”), and a ballad about addiction (“To Be Loved”). On this episode, Max and Roe talk about their creative process, the story behind each track, and what it’s like to combine their musical voices. They also share insights into their individual journeys and the New Jersey music community. Links: Spotify – Weekend at Mauchie's...Vol. 1 Bandcamp – Weekend at Mauchie's...Vol. 1 Instagram: @roeknowsbest Instagram: @domesticblissrecording Instagram: @pizzabagelrecords Pizza Bagel Records Bandcamp Roe Knows Best Website Max Rauch on The Rich Soni Podcast (Episode #48) Roe O’Brien on The Rich Soni Podcast (Episode #42) Timestamps00:00 Kicking Off & Reintroductions02:00 How This Collab Started04:00 Five Days, Four Songs: The Process06:00 Enter Doug Gallo09:00 Roe’s Solo Work & Jersey Ties10:00 Studio Rules: Prepared vs. Spontaneous13:00 Songwriting Summer Camp Vibes15:00 Track Order & Creative Flow20:00 Track Deep Dives20:30 Ghost Town – Stoned at School & John Cozz Cameo22:00 Friends with Aliens – 90s Pop & Radio Single Energy24:00 Shark Attack!!! – Dance Rock & Dirtbag Anthems26:00 To Be Loved – Getting Real About Addiction33:00 Pizza Bagel Lore & Scene Building36:00 Why We Archive40:00 Real Talk: Collaboration & Authenticity1:10:00 Plugs & Goodbyes

    1h 14m
  8. #52 – Harrison Bieth

    06/19/2025

    #52 – Harrison Bieth

    #52 – Harrison Bieth In this episode, we dive deep into Harrison Bieth’s 2024 EP “Harry’s Killing It”, his most experimental release to date. The EP showcases a unique blend of internet humor and sample-driven arrangements, recorded at Domestic Bliss Recording with Max Rauch. We explore the creative process behind the EP, from songwriting and recording to the album artwork design. Harrison also shares insights about his various musical projects, including Andrew and The Kindly Ones (formerly known as Andrew And the Valentines, featuring Andrew Nieporent), Slipstream (with Ray Salerno and Jim Blass), and his live collaborations with Ziggy Grover under the moniker HZG. Links: Instagram: @saxmania18Harry’s Killing It EPAndrew and The ValentinesMax Rauch (Episode #48)Andrew Nieporent (Episode #14)Ray Salerno (Episode #50)

    1h 56m
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About

Hosted by software engineer and songwriter Rich Soni, The Rich Soni Podcast is a longform interview style podcast which typically publishes a new episode once or twice a month.

Information

  • Creator
    Rich Soni
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Rich Soni
  • Show Website
    Rich Soni Podcast