Franklin's Garage to Stage

Franklin's
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

All things starting a musical band. From garage to stage getting your band going and beyond.Interviews with musician's, Producers, club owners, recording artist's and others in field of recording or performing.Discussions on pitfalls to avoid and what works from personal and other's experiences.Please text us your email so we can keep you up to date. We will not share your information with anyone.https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://www.franklinsgaragetostage.com rob@franklinsgaragetostage.com dana@franklinsgaragetostage.com  

  1. 3D AGO

    Inside Aethraxia: Building A Band, A Sound, And A Scene

    A jazz gig, a Meshuggah shirt hidden under a blazer, and a chance meeting set off a chain reaction that became Aethraxia—progressive metal built on precision, melody, and a quietly defiant philosophy. We sit down with guitarist-composer Steve and vocalist Tanner to unpack how classical training, jazz fluency, and modern heaviness fuse into songs that feel intricate without losing heart. The conversation moves from early musical roots—piano, cello, choir, and a career’s worth of gigs—to the moment they realized a true frontman changes everything. Steve shares how years of playing jazz, funk, and even European power metal tours taught him to deliver without rehearsals, a discipline that now shapes the band’s click-tight live shows. Tanner opens up about escaping a strict upbringing, finding his voice, and why he avoids practice on show days and skips weed when singing to protect coordination and tone. We break down the band’s name—Aethraxia—as a stylized nod to ataraxia, inner peace, and how that thread runs through their heaviest songs. You’ll hear how they recorded first to attract the right live bassist, why Denver’s metal scene surprised them, and the booking approach that landed seven shows in four months, including headliners. If you’re a musician, this is a playbook: build your craft with lessons and theory, prepare a full set before asking for shows, take gigs that stretch you, and aim to be the least experienced player in the room. If you’re a fan, it’s a window into a band evolving fast, already back in the studio, and planning diverse sets so no two shows feel the same. Come for the riffs and stay for the mindset—serious musicianship, clear standards, and the joy that keeps it all moving. Enjoy the conversation, share it with a friend who loves progressive metal, and if it hit home, subscribe and leave a quick review so more listeners can find the show. https://xn--thraxia-lxa.com/about Send us a text Support the show Thank you and please visit our social medial sites to leave feedback and or support our project. https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://franklinsgaragetostage.com

    49 min

  2. DEC 6

    Discussion with Andrew Verkamp - Author of Kyana Woodstock

    A backyard barbecue, a long orange extension cord, and a beat-up VHS of Woodstock. That’s how Andrew Verkamp accidentally started a movement in a tiny Indiana town, one that grew into Kayana Woodstock—a decades-long tradition that packed hundreds into his yard, then graduated to the Lincoln Amphitheater with live bands, giant screens, and a stubborn commitment to peace and love. We sit down with Andrew to unpack the true story behind his book, Kayana Woodstock: One More Day of Peace and Music, and how a private screening ritual became a regional stage for rock history and community. Andrew takes us back to 1969’s gravity, the reel-to-reel tapes from a brother in Vietnam, and the Beatles album that rewired his life. He explains why the book blends memoir with cultural history, and how he honored song lyrics through clever word scrambles while navigating an eye-opening education in music licensing. From ASCAP and BMI coverage to the hard stop on screening rights, we trace his mad dash through Warner Bros. calls, estates, and the workaround that made a public Woodstock showing possible. Then the story turns electric: a storm show where rain hammered the stage, fans hauled drums and amps inside, and fireworks boomed through thunder while the crowd sang on. Along the way, we explore what it means to keep a scene alive—passing the hat for local artists, doubling donations to a school music fund, sponsoring a summer stage, and inviting young bands to make their first leap from garage to stage. Andrew reflects on hearing loss at an Aerosmith concert, concert pilgrimages to the places where legends fell and rose, and his belief that everyone carries a version of sex, drugs, and rock and roll—whatever their passions may be. He also hints at a second book that trades the backyard for the world, connecting travel, empathy, and the same relentless question: can we still build spaces where strangers choose trust for a night? If you love rock history, festival lore, or stories of DIY culture that scale into community, you’ll feel right at home. Listen, share with a friend who needs the spark, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Peace and love—see you at the next show. Send us a text Support the show Thank you and please visit our social medial sites to leave feedback and or support our project. https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://franklinsgaragetostage.com

    55 min

  3. NOV 19

    Divine Martyr - Symphonic Metal From The Midwest

    We sit down with Divine Martyr to trace their path from early singles to a focused full-length, and dig into how DIY recording, better live systems, and a democratic culture keep a symphonic metal band moving forward. From lineup changes to onstage save-the-show moments, the band shares practical lessons for musicians at any level. • origin of Divine Martyr and Indianapolis roots • lineup evolution and Cassandra stepping in on vocals • Jason’s thrash-to-symphonic influences and home tracking • Woody’s bass approach inspired by Ryan Martinie and Cliff Burton • Mark’s classical percussion background and orchestration role • building home studios to control cost and quality • finding engineers who can mix dense symphonic layers • pre-sale vs festivals and booking realities in the Midwest • in-ears vs wedges, RF issues, and rehearsal strategies • contingency plans for live tech failures and crowd management • rehearsal cadence, stage spacing, and future choreography • advice to new drummers on teachers, metronomes, and reading • socials and where to find Divine Martyr’s music Please do check out Divine Martyr, they’re an amazingly talented band. We will put a link on our socials to their information as well. Send us a text Support the show Thank you and please visit our social medial sites to leave feedback and or support our project. https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://franklinsgaragetostage.com

    1 hr

  4. NOV 7

    Daz from UK Band Loser - follow up interview after tour

    A canceled gig can feel like a punch to the gut—especially when fans already have tickets. We dig into why that happens today, tracing the math venues use to keep doors open and why pre-sales have become the deciding factor for grassroots rooms across the UK. With Daz at the wheel—literally and figuratively—we explore what it takes to run three bands in one night, keep a van rolling for four-hour drives, and still deliver a tight set when the gear throws curveballs. You’ll hear the inside track on practical touring: how to build a load-in plan that respects every instrument, why redundancy is your best friend, and how to stay musical when a Marshall’s inputs rip off the board or a pedalboard dies mid-song. Daz opens up about recording ambitions on the road, the moment he scaled back to protect energy and quality, and the simple habits that keep shows on time and bands in sync. We also zoom out to community, spotlighting Killfest’s charity roots and the scene-building power of tribute acts working alongside original rock. There’s history here too: a New Jersey family who won Lemmy’s Rickenbacker on the Another Perfect Day tour, complete with photos and setup quirks that inspired how Daz wears his own bass. It’s a story about tone, identity, and the way small technical choices shape big stage presence. Through it all, kindness in the van, clear roles, and honest feedback turn long weekends into real growth for younger players finding their live voice. If you love rock, touring strategy, and the craft behind a great night out, hit play and ride with us. Share this with a friend who lives for live music, subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories, and drop a review to tell us your best onstage save—what’s the rule you never break on tour? Send us a text Support the show Thank you and please visit our social medial sites to leave feedback and or support our project. https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://franklinsgaragetostage.com

    32 min

  5. OCT 16

    Doom Metal Pioneers; Trouble Guitarist Bruce Franklin - Revelations of 40+ years in the music business

    We sit down with Bruce Franklin of Trouble to trace a 40-year path from garages and Chicago clubs to international festivals, digging into tone, songwriting, and the business choices that shape longevity. He opens up about gear, Rubin-era lessons, the new record, and why Europe still shows up for heavy music. • Trouble’s origins and early influences • Building a signature tone with Marshall and Clone Theory • Metallica sightings and scene myths • Finding a drummer and auditioning with a click • Recording shift from tape to Pro Tools at home • New album direction across doom, groove, and prog-leaning tracks • Lessons from Rick Rubin on structure and economy • Onstage “oh shit” moments and recovery • Setlist design across eras and fan respect • In-ear monitors versus loud amps for feel • Contracts, catalogs, and why a lawyer matters • Leaving Deaf American and the one big regret • Rehearsal habits and staying tight with age • Europe’s festival strength and U.S. decline • Defining Trouble for first-time listeners https://www.troublemetal.com/ See Bruce's complete bio at franklinsgaragetostage.com Send us a text Support the show Thank you and please visit our social medial sites to leave feedback and or support our project. https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://franklinsgaragetostage.com

    1h 1m

  6. OCT 5

    Inside Tom’s Pedal Demos: Making Great Tone Affordable

    Great tone shouldn’t be a luxury purchase, and Tom Miles is here to prove it. We invited the creator behind Tom’s Pedal Demos to talk about the sounds, strategies, and small choices that help players build inspiring rigs for a fraction of boutique prices. Tom lays out his clear budget tiers, explains why “less talk, more pedal” is his guiding motto, and shows how context—pickups, guitars, and amps—matters more than brand hype when you’re choosing a stompbox. We get specific about signal chains and tone stacks, from the muscular synergy of a Boss OS‑2 pushing a Marshall JCM800 to the sleeper wins that happen when you put certain guitar pedals on bass. Tom walks us through his rotating test rigs, the reason he’ll re-demo the same pedal through different amps, and the practical Boss board he’d gig with tomorrow. If you’ve wondered whether a multi‑FX unit like the Boss ME series can hang next to a spread of individual stomps, you’ll hear why durability, speed, and simplicity often beat menu-diving and massive price tags. Beyond gear, Tom opens up about rebuilding his chops, finding the right online teacher to unlearn bad habits, and booking gigs with a deadline to create momentum. We trade “oh no” gig stories, build a punch‑list for a trustworthy gig bag, and talk honestly about band dynamics—why singers can be both your edge and your headache, and how preparation saves shows. Expect shout‑outs to Joyo, Donner, Boss, and Peavey, plus a fast tour of influences that runs from Elvis and Kiss to Metallica and Slayer. If you want practical pedal advice, budget‑friendly tone tips, and a boost of confidence to keep playing, this one’s for you. If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a bandmate, and leave a quick review—tell us your favorite budget pedal and why it stays on your board. Send us a text Support the show Thank you and please visit our social medial sites to leave feedback and or support our project. https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://franklinsgaragetostage.com

    35 min

  7. SEP 10

    The Day You Discover Why: Musicians' Journey from Garage to Stage

    "The two most important days of your life is when you're born and the day you discover why." Mark Twain's profound words resonate deeply with musicians who can pinpoint the exact moment music became their life's purpose. After a three-month hiatus following co-host Rob's life-threatening medical emergency, Franklin's Garage to Stage returns with heart and metal spirit intact. Rob's harrowing experience with an esophageal rupture left him hospitalized with doctors preparing for the worst. "Metal kept you alive," Dana observes, as Rob confirms that his motivation to play music again helped pull him through. This near-death experience reinforces the podcast's core message: real musicians play for love, not money or fame. As the hosts note, most of their shows barely covered their beer tabs, yet the passion never dimmed. The episode journeys through recent guest interviews, spotlighting incredible musicians and their stories. Martin Motnik, Accept's bass virtuoso, embodies the musician's dream – growing up with the band's poster on his wall and now performing with them on their 50th anniversary tour. His Nashville studio and diverse musical projects from jazz to metal showcase a true multi-genre talent. The UK metal scene features prominently with Daz "Evil Hate" from Motörhead tribute band Loser, who impresses not just with his wall of 30 bass guitars but his commitment to supporting local acts wherever they tour. Jay Ball of Gospels of Odin wields his guitar "like a Viking sword" alongside his sons who handle vocal duties, creating powerful tracks that honor influences like Black Sabbath while forging their own distinctive sound. Michael Carpenter, owner of The Rooster venue in North Carolina, offers invaluable advice for emerging bands: maintain active social media presence, as venue owners scout bands online and want to see consistent fan engagement. His dedication to original music across all genres exemplifies the supportive community spirit essential to musical growth. Between guest highlights, the hosts share their embarrassing "Oh Shit" moments – from Dana's substance-induced studio fiasco to Rob's post-show walk of shame in full 80s metal regalia after his car broke down. These candid stories remind listeners that the road to musical mastery includes plenty of humbling experiences. As the podcast approaches its one-year milestone and 50,000 listeners, the hosts express heartfelt gratitude to their growing audience. Have you discovered your musical purpose yet? Join the conversation and connect with fellow musicians who understand that true passion transcends fame and fortune. Send us a text Support the show Thank you and please visit our social medial sites to leave feedback and or support our project. https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://franklinsgaragetostage.com

    29 min

  8. JUN 4

    The Rooster - Venue that supports original bands and community - Michael -Owner

    Michael Carpenter, owner of Rooster Bar in Gastonia, North Carolina, shares his journey from music fan to venue owner and his philosophy on creating opportunities for musicians. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how venues select artists, emphasizing the importance of social media presence and self-promotion for booking success. • Rooster Bar hosts diverse music styles including heavy metal, hip-hop, country, singer-songwriter, and indie rock • Regular events include Wednesday open mic nights and First Thursday Folk Night with rotating hosts • The venue provides a full backline with drum kit, amps, and PA system for performers • When booking bands, Michael prioritizes artists who actively promote shows and engage with audiences • The venue operates on various models including room rentals, percentage splits, and promoter partnerships • Rooster Bar survived a financial crisis through a community fundraiser that raised $40,000 in two weeks • The venue hosts annual charity events including Rooster Olympics which has raised over $21,000 for disabled students • Michael works with trusted promoters including Creative Music Management, Cutthroat Promotions, and Shell Shock Promotions • His advice for new bands: "Show up and support the local scene" to build relationships and create opportunities Visit Rooster Bar at 334 West Main Avenue in Gastonia, North Carolina or check out upcoming shows on their website. https://linktr.ee/theroostergastonia Send us a text Support the show Thank you and please visit our social medial sites to leave feedback and or support our project. https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://franklinsgaragetostage.com

    50 min
See All (24)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

All things starting a musical band. From garage to stage getting your band going and beyond.Interviews with musician's, Producers, club owners, recording artist's and others in field of recording or performing.Discussions on pitfalls to avoid and what works from personal and other's experiences.Please text us your email so we can keep you up to date. We will not share your information with anyone.https://franklinsgaragetostage.buzzsprout.com https://www.franklinsgaragetostage.com rob@franklinsgaragetostage.com dana@franklinsgaragetostage.com  

Information

  • Creator
    Franklin's
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Franklin's Garage to Stage
  • Show Website
    Franklin's Garage to Stage