Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes
  • 4.9 (865)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Chris DeMakes A Podcast, hosted by Chris DeMakes of the legendary punk rock band Less Than Jake, features guests who have written iconic songs, exploring their backstory, creation, inspiration, and significance. Each episode offers an in-depth exploration into a specific track from renowned artists, with guests providing untold stories and fascinating details. From chart-toppers to hidden gems across various genres and eras, the podcast offers a rich listening experience. Chris's passion for music and songwriting fuels engaging discussions on lyrics, melodies, production techniques, and cultural context. Combining informative storytelling, interviews, and analysis, the podcast appeals to music lovers, die-hard fans, and anyone curious about the songwriting process. It provides insight into the artistry behind timeless songs, making it perfect for those seeking inspiration or simply wanting to immerse themselves in musical magic.

  1. 20H AGO

    Throwback Thursday: KT Tunstall discusses her song “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree”

    This week’s Throwback Thursday was originally released as Episode 141 on February 6th, 2023, and it features KT Tunstall discussing the writing and recording of her hit 2004 single “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.”  Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 15m

  2. 4D AGO

    Tom McFaull discusses The Bar Stool Preachers “Pick a Side”

    In the first of four episodes leading up to the Less Than Jake UK Winter Circus Tour, vocalist Tom McFaull discusses the writing and recording of the brand new 2026 single from The Bar Stool Preachers, “Pick a Side.” He and Chris talk about how a moment of personal disappointment turned into one of the band’s most lyrically direct songs yet, unpacking its heavy real-world themes and the challenge of separating the art from the artist. They also get deep into the choices made during recording that helped shape this aggressive yet danceable track.  The Bar Stool Preachers are raising money to help those in need of medical aid in Palestine. If you'd like to help, you can contribute HERE. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 14m

  3. JAN 29

    Throwback Thursday: Dan Estrin discusses Hoobastank’s “Crawling In The Dark”

    This week’s Throwback Thursday, which was originally released on February 28th, 2022, as Episode 92 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, features Hoobastank guitarist Dan Estrin discussing the writing and recording of the band’s hit 2002 single “Crawing In The Dark.”  Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 14m

  4. JAN 26

    Mike Harder discusses Pulley’s “Insects Destroy”

    In this episode, guitarist Mike Harder discusses the writing and recording of “Insects Destroy,” Pulley’s 2004 single born from a combination of frustration and observation. Mike breaks down how his time working in the corporate world shaped the song’s lyrical perspective, as well as a real-life run-in with insects in his home. He also opens up about how producer Matt Hyde helped refine Pulley’s sound and the many lessons the band took away from their experience working with him. Tune in for a fascinating look at a song that continues to resonate with Pulley fans decades later. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m

  5. JAN 22

    Throwback Thursday: Ace Enders discusses The Early November’s “Decoration”

    This week’s Throwback Thursday episode was originally released on July 15th, 2024, and features Ace Enders of The Early November discussing the writing and recording of the fan-favorite single “Decoration,” from the band’s ambitious 2006 triple album The Mother, The Mechanic, And The Path, which is an album the band will be touring in celebration of this February and March 2026 alongside Hellogoodbye and Punchline. Hailing from that sprawling concept record, “Decoration” captures a raw, vintage essence that continues to resonate deeply with listeners, and Ace dives into how the song came together both lyrically and sonically.  It’s a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at one of The Early November’s most beloved songs and a Throwback Thursday episode you won’t want to miss. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m

  6. JAN 19

    The 68th Grammy Awards Song of the Year Preview and Predictions

    In what has become tradition on the show, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios explore the eight nominees for Song of the Year at the upcoming 68th Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 1st, 2026. After a discussion about each song, they share which song they WANT to win, as well as which song they think WILL win. The nominees this year include:  Lady Gaga “Abracadabra” Doechii “Anxiety” ROSÉ & Bruno Mars “APT.” Bad Bunny “DtMF” Kendrick Lamar & SZA “luther” HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, & REI AMI “Golden” Sabrina Carpenter “Manchild” Billie Eilish “WILDFLOWER” Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m

  7. JAN 17 · BONUS

    A Band Called Punchline Ep. 3: The Rewind EP

    By 2002, things had kicked into high gear for Punchline. They had decided to pursue music full-time, and relentless touring soon followed. Grassroots promotion and a DIY outlook had helped them gain a strong following, especially in their hometown of Pittsburgh, and a follow-up to 2001’s Major Motion Picture album was the next step. The 4 musically ambitious tracks on The Rewind EP would help propel Punchline to the next level, and they soon signed to a growing independent record label. The excitement and spirit of this era is captured by the band members and a variety of friends in this episode. Subscribe to A Band Called Punchline wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5chEn3nnF3pSv2zIzPUPMo?si=d7a75149007a47f0 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-band-called-punchline/id1609331063 Check out the new Punchline album Somewhere To Land. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3Wy3NVQerLtyRm4sn27dOv?si=AMrDmylVRbKxNljgOWKr_g Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/somewhere-to-land/1821472685 Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 15m

  8. JAN 15

    Throwback Thursday: Reese Roper discusses Five Iron Frenzy’s “Zen and the Art of Xenophobia”

    This week's Throwback Thursday was originally released on May 30th, 2022, as Episode 105 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and it features a conversation with Reese Roper of Five Iron Frenzy about the song “Zen and the Art of Xenophobia.” Chris and Reese unpack how the song came together, why humor and sarcasm were essential tools for tackling heavier themes like faith, hypocrisy, and cultural frustration, and what was happening creatively for the band at the time. It’s an interesting look at the mindset behind one of Five Iron Frenzy’s most talked-about songs, making this episode a fun listen for fans of thoughtful, socially aware songwriting. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m
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Trailer

Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
865 Ratings

About

Chris DeMakes A Podcast, hosted by Chris DeMakes of the legendary punk rock band Less Than Jake, features guests who have written iconic songs, exploring their backstory, creation, inspiration, and significance. Each episode offers an in-depth exploration into a specific track from renowned artists, with guests providing untold stories and fascinating details. From chart-toppers to hidden gems across various genres and eras, the podcast offers a rich listening experience. Chris's passion for music and songwriting fuels engaging discussions on lyrics, melodies, production techniques, and cultural context. Combining informative storytelling, interviews, and analysis, the podcast appeals to music lovers, die-hard fans, and anyone curious about the songwriting process. It provides insight into the artistry behind timeless songs, making it perfect for those seeking inspiration or simply wanting to immerse themselves in musical magic.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris DeMakes
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    419
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Chris DeMakes
  • Show Website
    Chris DeMakes A Podcast

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