Behind The Sound

Behind The Sound
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Biweekly

Brian Johnson is a music fan who loves digging into the stories and creative spark behind the songs. On Behind the Sound, he trades stiff interviews for relaxed, curious conversations that feel like talking shop with a friend. When he’s not chasing down great stories, he’s out running trails, writing poetry, or hunting for his next favorite playlist. This is your backstage pass. Behind the Sound goes where most music interviews don’t — into the creative decisions, the risks, the doubts, the accidents, and the moments that make the music work. We talk process, not press releases—craft, not clichés.

  1. 6d ago

    Spike & The Gandy Dancers - Behind The Sound

    A debut album 40 years in the making, a self-portrait on the cover, and a story about why local live music still matters. Peter, aka Spike, shares how Spike and the Gandy Dancers turned decades of songs into a bold, fully realized release that’s as personal as it is ambitious. Brian digs into the origin of the band name, the psychology behind Spike’s nickname, and the creative leap from writing “pretty little songs” at home to building them into a full production with Minneapolis music veteran John Munson. Along the way, Peter opens up about his background as a therapist and teacher, and how years spent telling stories shaped the way he writes lyrics that stick. You’ll discover how songs like Be Here Now, What You’re Gonna Be, Magic Carpet Car, and Teardrops in Paris took shape, why a tuba, accordion, Hammond B3, and even “whale songs” ended up on the record, and how family became part of the process through his son’s musical and design contributions. Peter also reveals the DIY reality of independent artistry—from painting the album art and building the gatefold package to watching the vinyl pressings himself and assembling the records by hand. This episode also explores the emotional core of the project: recovery, memory, loss, and the power of music to make people feel seen. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to make the record, start the band, or bring an old creative dream to life, this conversation is for you. Perfect for listeners who love indie music, behind-the-scenes album stories, and the kind of honest creative advice that makes you want to pick up your own unfinished project and finally get it heard.

  2. Sep 23

    Gary Spencer - Behind The Sound

    The difference between a song that lands and a song that disappears often comes down to one thing - who’s behind the glass. Gary Spencer breaks down how great records are really made, from the first shaky bedroom session to the kind of production decisions that can completely reshape a track. If you make music, sing, write songs, or just love hearing how records come together, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what a producer actually does - and why the best ones are part engineer, part coach, part psychologist, and part creative partner.

    Gary Spencer - Behind The Sound

  3. Sep 16

    Matthew Bruce - Behind The Sound

    The hardest part of releasing your art is not writing it - it's letting the people closest to you hear it before you know whether it lands. Matthew opens up about the vulnerability of sharing his first songs with friends and family, the gut-punch of getting a flat reaction, and the moment a producer’s belief changed everything. Brian draws out the emotional turning point behind Matthew’s early music journey, from the first live performance of Sweet Sound with a tiny band called Someone's Keys to the anxious question every creator asks: if I gave my best work to people I love, what would it mean if they didn't connect with it? You’ll hear how Matthew turned one song into the seed of an album, how ideas for tracks like Lonely With You began with conversations and quick notes worth saving, and why the right collaborator can unlock confidence that no amount of self-talk can provide. He shares how producer Elijah Hamilton responded before they even met, sending detailed feedback that went far beyond polite encouragement and helped him see he had something real. We break down: Why sharing unfinished art can feel more intimidating than performing it The difference between empty praise and feedback that actually builds momentum How a single meaningful response from a producer can reshape an artist’s self-belief Why early rejection, even from close friends, can stall creative work for years What happens when your circle becomes your first audience and your biggest source of courage If you’ve ever hesitated to put your work in front of people, this conversation will feel familiar. It’s about the emotional cost of creating honestly, and the surprising power of finding the right people who can hear what you’re trying to say before the rest of the world does. Essential listening for musicians, songwriters, and anyone wrestling with the fear of being seen before they feel ready.

    Matthew Bruce - Behind The Sound

  4. Sep 13

    Stone Arch Rivals - Behind The Sound

    Three musicians, one basement, and a debut album years in the making - Stone Arch Rivals prove that the best bands are built on chemistry, not shortcuts. Claire Spinti, Morgan Ranstrom, and Jenna bring the full story of how a Minneapolis jam session turned into a soulful rock and roll collective with a sound that fuses rich grooves, heartfelt songwriting, live instrumentation, and the kind of voice that stops you in your tracks. What started as covers and experimentation became something much bigger once the missing pieces fell into place. Claire shares how adult jam-band culture at Twin Town Guitars reignited her love of performance, Morgan opens up about stepping into lead guitar and finding his voice inside the band, and Jenna reveals how bass became the instrument she always heard first - plus how her classical violin background shaped the way she approaches music now.

    Stone Arch Rivals - Behind The Sound

  5. Sep 6

    Porchfest - Troy, OH - Behind The Sound

    EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publish Troy Porchfest is more than a music crawl - it’s a community-built day of discovery, connection, and local pride. Bree and Eric reveal how this free neighborhood festival brings 43 stages, 40+ bands, food trucks, artists, and a full day of live music to Troy, Ohio, and why this year’s event feels bigger, smarter, and more user-friendly than ever. Bree shares what changed as she stepped into the lead role, including how she protects the festival’s community-first vibe while making it easier for first-time attendees to navigate. Eric adds the bigger picture, showing how Porchfest fits into the broader mission of the Troy Hayner Cultural Center, where music, art, and civic life meet. Troy Porchfest happens September 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Angela Combs Music opens the day, and Blues Breakdown closes it out. Essential listening if you love live music, small-town culture, and the kind of event that reminds you why local communities matter.

    Porchfest - Troy, OH - Behind The Sound

  6. Aug 30

    Astronauts - Irish Lights - Behind The Sound

    Behind the Sound featuring Benjamin Fox and Gordon Cooper Brian sits down with Benjamin Fox and Gordon Cooper, the duo behind the instrumental ambient project Irish Lights and the guitar-driven indie rock band the Astronauts. They discuss how the two projects developed, how they collaborate across an ocean, and how lighthouses, space, and shared life experience continue to shape their music. The conversation also covers songwriting across time zones, the importance of silence and space in ambient music, the story behind the new Astronauts single “Ease Up,” and the impact of their work with the Irish Arts Council. It’s a thoughtful look at creativity, confidence, and making music that feels true to who you are.

    Astronauts - Irish Lights - Behind The Sound

  7. Aug 23

    Wayne Nelson - Little River Band - Behind The Sound

    In this episode of Behind the Sound, Brian sits down with Wayne Nelson of Little River Band for a deep dive into the craft behind the band’s signature harmony-driven sound. Wayne shares how he evaluates musicianship and personality in auditions, how the group shapes its layered vocals, and why that mysterious “ping” in the room tells him the blend is right. They also talk about the fine art of performing classic songs with razor-sharp precision, the freedom to reinterpret arrangements on stage, and the stories behind standout tracks from Windows Through the World. It’s a warm, insightful conversation about chemistry, performance, and the magic that happens when the right voices come together.

    Wayne Nelson - Little River Band - Behind The Sound

  8. Aug 16

    Finick - Behind The Sound

    Brian Johnson sits down with Minneapolis artist Finick, also known as Josie Hasnick, for a conversation about the path from childhood piano lessons to a more serious songwriting life. Josie talks about finding a voice on guitar, drawing inspiration from family, the Twin Cities music scene, and the feeling of making albums that work as complete, cohesive stories. They also dig into the album, Weekends in Purgatory, including the emotions behind songs like “Selfish,” “Mud,” and “How to Lose You,” plus how production helped tie together a genre-spanning project. The episode closes with reflections on live performance, community at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, and balancing music with college and everyday life.

    Finick - Behind The Sound
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Brian Johnson is a music fan who loves digging into the stories and creative spark behind the songs. On Behind the Sound, he trades stiff interviews for relaxed, curious conversations that feel like talking shop with a friend. When he’s not chasing down great stories, he’s out running trails, writing poetry, or hunting for his next favorite playlist. This is your backstage pass. Behind the Sound goes where most music interviews don’t — into the creative decisions, the risks, the doubts, the accidents, and the moments that make the music work. We talk process, not press releases—craft, not clichés.

Information

  • Creator
    Behind The Sound
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Behind The Sound