The SoCal Setlist

Brian Jensen
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  • Music

Based in Temecula, CA, The SoCal Setlist with Brian Jensen is an independent podcast featuring conversations with musicians, bands, venue owners, promoters, and fans from Southern California’s live music community. Each episode goes behind the scenes with local artists and music community voices to explore the stories behind the songs, the realities of performing live, and the work that goes into building a music career. From gear and set lists to landing gigs, open mics, promotion, venues, and backstage stories, The SoCal Setlist brings listeners closer to the people keeping local music alive.

  1. 2d ago

    Meet Tori Green: American Idol, Viral Covers and “Sad Girl Music”

    Tori Green is a Corona-based singer and songwriter who performs throughout Southern California as a solo artist, in an acoustic duo and with the Tori Green Band. In this episode of The SoCal Setlist, Tori shares how she went from singing in childhood talent shows to earning a Golden Ticket on Season 21 of American Idol with her performance of “Cry Pretty” by Carrie Underwood. Tori talks about the long American Idol audition process, preparing for Hollywood Week and the advice from Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie that changed how she approaches a performance. She also shares the story behind her first paid show at The Bobber, how the Tori Green Band came together and why the band loves mixing pop, rock, R&B, country and funk. We also discuss: Her original songs “Point of View” and “Boy Bye”Her new song “Late Night Nonsense” and plans for more original musicThe karaoke video of “Hurt” that earned millions of TikTok viewsBooking shows and building an audience through social mediaHer work at a mortuary and new role in forensic toxicologyHer goal of touring, opening for established artists and pursuing music full timeFollow Tori Green on Instagram: @toriiggreenn Listen to “Point of View” and “Boy Bye” on Spotify and Apple Music. This episode is sponsored by Tsunami Cables, proudly built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty. Use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off.

    Meet Tori Green: American Idol, Viral Covers and “Sad Girl Music”

  2. Aug 12

    Meet Robert Rauch: The Work Behind Every Gig

    Robert Rauch moved 1,500 miles from Arkansas to Lake Elsinore in 2024 with plans to build a music career in Southern California. He arrived without a local music network and spent his first week visiting venues, introducing himself and asking for an opportunity. Temecula Wine and Beer Garden gave Robert his first local show on April 20, 2024. He has since performed throughout the region at venues including Wilson Creek Winery, Miramonte Winery, Pechanga and Yaamava’. In this episode, Robert shares how growing up in a musical family shaped him and why he chose to pursue music as a career. We talk about building the Robert Rauch Band, developing a show that moves between pop, rock and R&B, and learning from the musicians around him. Robert also explains why a three-hour gig gives a band five hours to connect with an audience. The show begins while people watch the band set up and continues after the final song when he stays to meet the crowd. “If you have a three-hour gig, you’ve got five hours to hook them.” Reading the room is another important part of Robert’s approach. If the audience isn’t responding, he’ll adjust the set list on the fly. During one show, he shifted from R&B and pop to classic rock because that was what the room wanted. Robert also tells the story of earning his opportunity at Wilson Creek Winery. He accepted the solo rate for a full-band audition and paid his musicians from his own pocket. That performance led to more dates and an invitation to play a private event for 700 people. “It’s easy to get the gig, but it’s hard to keep the gig.” Robert’s humility shows in the way he credits the musicians around him and welcomes honest feedback from his bandmates and other players. He also remains grateful to the venues that gave him an early opportunity. “If somebody is going to take the time to say something that’s going to make you better, listen to it.” We also discuss Robert’s original music, including his EP Breakthrough, the album The Journey and the personal story behind “One Life for All of Us.” Follow Robert Rauch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertrauchofficial/ Website: https://www.robertrauchmusic.com/ This episode is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. Proudly built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty, Tsunami Cables are made for musicians who care about reliable tone and gear that can handle gig after gig. Visit https://tsunamicables.com/ and use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off.

    Meet Robert Rauch: The Work Behind Every Gig

  3. Aug 8

    Chris Gates of Kings of Karma: “I’ve Never Taken a Break from Music”

    Chris Gates planned on a future in politics until his aunt introduced him to the Beatles during a trip to Washington, D.C. Hearing “Love Me Do” changed his direction. He got his first guitar on his 10th birthday, taught himself Beatles songs and worked on his voice with his mother, a singer who held him to a demanding standard. At 14, Chris played his first show with Burning Bridges at the Hemet Christmas Parade. He says he hasn’t taken a break from music since. Today, Chris is the singer, rhythm guitarist and frontman for Kings of Karma. He and bassist Joe Berry have spent more than a decade building the band, including years of cover gigs around Temecula. Chris shares how they found their original sound, wrote about 80 percent of their original album "Bite the Bullet" during a 12-hour session in Joshua Tree, and later re-recorded the album from scratch in seven days. He also discusses songwriting, life as an independent band and the next Kings of Karma single, “Nothing Without You.” In this episode: Hearing the Beatles for the first timeTeaching himself guitar and working on his singing with his motherPlaying his first show at 14Building Kings of Karma with Joe BerryWriting and re-recording Bite the BulletMoving from cover gigs toward original musicWinning a Hollywood Music in Media AwardBuilding consistency as an independent bandConnect with Chris and Kings of Karma: Kings of Karma: https://kingsofkarma.com Kings of Karma on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kingsofkarmaofficial Chris Gates on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rubber_soul_16 Thanks to our sponsor, Tsunami Cables. Their cables are built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit https://tsunamicables.com and use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off.

    Chris Gates of Kings of Karma: “I’ve Never Taken a Break from Music”

  4. Aug 5

    Tied to the Strings: David Garcia on Building a Life in Music

    David Garcia’s relationship with music began with fear. At eight, a Twisted Sister video sent him running from the room. Curiosity pulled him back. Years later, David walked out of a Metallica concert and told his parents he wanted to stop playing guitar and become a bass player. More than 30 years and thousands of live shows and studio sessions later, David has become one of Southern California’s most in-demand working bassists. For much of that time, he built a career in operations management while continuing to perform. After moving to Temecula during the pandemic, his phone started ringing as live music returned. Keeping both careers going began affecting his health, so David walked away from his job and made music his full-time work. He calls it one of the most terrifying decisions he has ever made and the best decision he ever made. In this episode, David shares: Why seeing Metallica on January 11, 1992, changed his pathHow he prepared to leave a successful career and pursue music full timeThe work behind learning several hours of material on short noticeWhy he runs through an entire set before leaving for a showHow his notes for approximately 1,200 songs help him stay preparedWhat he learned from Cheez Whiz, Get Down Party and other SoCal musiciansWhy unfamiliar music and intimidating gigs still excite himWhat success means at 50 when his identity is tied to the stringsFollow David: Instagram: @feedthebassplayer Website: FeedTheBassPlayer.com The SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. Use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off your order.

    Tied to the Strings: David Garcia on Building a Life in Music

  5. Jul 30

    Kate Morris: Building a Country Career Around Motherhood

    Kate Morris has been writing songs since childhood, and her path to the stage took shape after years as a stay-at-home mom to her two daughters. Once both girls were in school, she began performing her originals publicly and found a place in Southern California’s country scene. In this episode of The SoCal Setlist, Kate talks about growing up in a musical family in small-town New Hampshire and getting her first shot at a Writers' Round Orange County when another performer offered her one of his slots. She shares how motherhood has shaped her writing, including “Little Hands,” an unreleased song about her daughters that has moved audience members to tears. Kate also explains the family story behind “Preach” and how a Chris Stapleton chord helped spark “Tumbleweeds,” arriving August 14. She talks about performing at writers rounds in Nashville, building her full band and making room for gigs in the middle of family life. “Performing in general fills my cup.” Follow Kate on Instagram: @katemorrismusic Listen to “Preach” on Spotify. Support for this episode comes from Tsunami Cables. Their cables are built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit TsunamiCables.com and use code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off. Follow The SoCal Setlist for more conversations with the artists shaping Southern California’s live music scene.

    Kate Morris: Building a Country Career Around Motherhood

  6. Jul 22

    Meet Greg Boulet: The Bassist Behind Indica Roots and Eastlake Rhythm Section

    Southern California bassist Greg Boulet discovered the electric bass almost by accident after spotting it on a middle-school instrument list. Within a year, he was playing his first show at the Old Town Temecula Theater at just 13 years old—and headbanging through nearly the entire performance. That early experience began a musical path through marching band, jazz band, Palomar College, original projects and regular trips to perform in San Francisco with Lunar Hand. Today, Greg holds down the low end for reggae-rock band Indica Roots and Eastlake Rhythm Section, a Temecula-based collective performing classic rock, funk, pop and yacht rock favorites. Greg also teaches at Leading Note Studios in San Marcos, where he directs the Rock Band Program and helps young musicians become more confident performers. Brian and Greg discuss what makes a rhythm section work, how bass and drums create the pocket, learning from live performances, recovering from mistakes and why the ultimate goal is always to make the audience feel the music. In this episode How Greg discovered the electric bass in middle schoolPerforming his first show at 13 at the Old Town Temecula TheaterHow marching band and jazz band shaped his musicianshipThe private lessons that changed how he approached the fretboardFinding a supportive original-music community in San Francisco with Lunar HandJoining Indica Roots and helping expand the band’s soundForming Eastlake Rhythm Section with longtime friendsWhat makes a tight rhythm section—and Greg’s definition of “the pocket”Teaching students not to fear mistakesLearning from Marcus Miller, Jaime Preciado and Tony KanalRecording social-media tracks for Ampeg and building his live bass rigConnect with Greg Greg on InstagramIndica Roots on InstagramEastlake Rhythm Section on InstagramEastlake Rhythm Section websiteGreg at Leading Note StudiosSponsor The SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. Proudly built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty, Tsunami Cables are made for musicians who care about clean signal transfer, reliable tone and gear that can handle real wear and tear. Visit TsunamiCables.com and use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off. Offer valid through May 29, 2027.

    Meet Greg Boulet: The Bassist Behind Indica Roots and Eastlake Rhythm Section

  7. Jul 20

    Meet Gary Stanionis: Four Decades in Music and the Story Behind SoleMusiq

    Gary Stanionis has spent nearly four decades building a life in music—as a drummer, world percussionist, vocalist, touring musician, record label executive and artist manager. His journey began at 17, when his mother discovered one of his graffiti pieces and asked what it would take to make him stop. His answer was simple: a drum set. Within months, Gary had started his first band and was performing professionally by 18. From the Southern California funk and acid-jazz scene to smooth-jazz tours, megachurch stages, recording sessions and artist management, Gary has experienced almost every side of the music business. He also helped musicians working with artists such as Stevie Wonder secure endorsements and build their careers. Today, Gary has returned to the stage with SoleMusiq - a deeply personal solo project shaped by his late mother, her song recommendations and his desire to bring people together. With hundreds of songs, no setlist and no breaks, Gary reads the room and creates what he calls a “soundtrack of connection.” In this episode How a graffiti piece led to Gary’s first drum setDiscovering funk, jazz and the idea that “everything has a groove”Starting the original funk and acid-jazz band Middle EarthDevoting five years to learning world percussionPerforming on the smooth-jazz circuit and major church stagesWhat Gary learned from working as a professional sidemanWhy he left his record-label position to protect an artist’s musicLaunching GÁM Representation and helping touring musicians build their careersHow his mother’s song recommendations inspired SoleMusiqWhy Gary performs for three hours without a setlist or breakFinding a second chance in Temecula’s live-music communityWhy Gary believes musicians are ultimately there to serve the audience Connect with Gary Gary Stanionis: https://www.instagram.com/garystanionis/SoleMusiq: https://www.instagram.com/sole_concert/ The SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. 🌊 When your signal matters, your cable matters. Use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com

    Meet Gary Stanionis: Four Decades in Music and the Story Behind SoleMusiq

  8. Jul 14

    Meet Angel Vega: RubbaSoul, Headbangers Ball and a Life in Music

    Angel Vega is a Southern California singer, songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist who performs solo as RubbaSoul and fronts the 80s powerhouse rock tribute band Headbangers Ball. In this episode of The SoCal Setlist, Angel talks about growing up in Orange County, discovering guitar after one of his brother’s friends played a Batman riff, and later teaching himself through YouTube videos, tabs, classic rock songs, and a lot of trial and error. Early influences included Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Eagles, and the heavier bands that made him want to pick up an electric guitar — Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer. Angel also shares how he got started playing in bands, from garage rock and surf-inspired original music in San Marcos to the thrash metal project Xypher after moving to Murrieta. Along the way, he played house shows, backyard parties, skate parks, and dusty mosh-pit gigs that helped shape his confidence as a performer. The conversation also digs into Headbangers Ball, the 80s hard rock and metal tribute band where Angel takes on songs from artists like Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Judas Priest, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Skid Row, Scorpions, and Guns N’ Roses. Angel talks about building setlists like a rollercoaster, opening with “Mr. Crowley,” reading the crowd, and why those songs still connect with people who grew up hearing them. Angel also talks about launching RubbaSoul after an open mic at Bailey’s, realizing he already had the songs, gear, and drive to start booking solo shows. He shares the story behind his album Delusions, which he recorded at home using GarageBand, a Blue Yeti mic, and a Focusrite interface. The Beatles are a major influence on Angel’s songwriting, and the name RubbaSoul is a play on his favorite Beatles album, Rubber Soul. This episode is about self-teaching, taking chances, putting yourself out there, and staying connected to the feeling that made you want to play music in the first place. Follow Angel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubbasoul/ Follow Headbangers Ball on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headbangersballmusic/ The SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. 🌊 When your signal matters, your cable matters. Use promo code SOCALSETLIST at checkout for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com.

    Meet Angel Vega: RubbaSoul, Headbangers Ball and a Life in Music
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About

Based in Temecula, CA, The SoCal Setlist with Brian Jensen is an independent podcast featuring conversations with musicians, bands, venue owners, promoters, and fans from Southern California’s live music community. Each episode goes behind the scenes with local artists and music community voices to explore the stories behind the songs, the realities of performing live, and the work that goes into building a music career. From gear and set lists to landing gigs, open mics, promotion, venues, and backstage stories, The SoCal Setlist brings listeners closer to the people keeping local music alive.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Jensen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © SoCal Soundcheck
  • Show Website
    The SoCal Setlist