Strung Out

Martin McCormack
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Welcome to STRUNG OUT. The show is an eclectic mix of topics ranging from music, to art, to themes of the day to the supernatural to how to better this world we live in. If you like interesting conversation, along with some original music, we got your back. Martin McCormack resides in Chicago. He is known not only for his music, but for his writing and artwork. McCormack's entire catalogue of works can be viewed at www.MartinMcCormack.com. You can also see McCormack's involvement in the duo Switchback by visiting the website www.waygoodmusic.com.

  1. Strung Out Episode 266: THIS IS ME, I SWEAR-JUSTIN GILLAM

    3D AGO

    Strung Out Episode 266: THIS IS ME, I SWEAR-JUSTIN GILLAM

    Send us Fan Mail Every so often, one comes across a person who is "the real thing" living an authentic life, with little regard to fame, fortune, family or even food for that matter.  Enter Justin Gillam, a person who lives for his passion, creating music that is raw, honest and blunt.  There is no clever wording, no symbolism hidden behind a word.  Gillam writes from his heart, from his experience of loves won and lost, alcohol, being in a band and being a loner.  He represents the far outlier of Americana music, the real musical frontiersman, creating songs with no expectation other than to get the song off his chest.  A refreshing lyricist and no-frills deliveryman of sound on a duct-taped guitar, Gillam is the real deal.  www.justingillam.com.  Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK MARTIN'S WEBSITE: http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM  (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!) MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com) Martin McCormack | Spotify MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL Martin McCormack - YouTube FACEBOOK Facebook...

    1h 8m
  2. Strung Out Episode 265: BARRETT TASKY WRITES AGAIN

    MAR 15

    Strung Out Episode 265: BARRETT TASKY WRITES AGAIN

    Send us Fan Mail Barrett Tasky is one of those rare gems you discover right in your back yard.  Tasky has an amazing broad base of music, recording and performance that culminates in his latest project, Barrett's Hidden Agenda.  The man literally plays a multitude of instruments.  His studio has everything from a standup bass to a Hammond B3.  He is adept at mandolin, guitar, saxophone---the list goes on.  Tasky writes songs in the Americana vein of songwriting.  His style is personal and inspirational.  In this episode Tasky lifts the curtain on his writing routine.  We get to discover how he creates through the use of self-imposed deadlines.  Even a wonderful idea surrounding the creation of a song in celebration of his birthday.  Thoughtful, funny and inspirational, Barrett Tasky is a good person for any aspiring songwriter to study and also reach out to for advice.  https://www.barrettshiddenagenda.com/ https://thebarbandbarrettshow.com/ https://superheroaudio.com/ Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK MARTIN'S WEBSITE: http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM  (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!) MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com) Martin McCormack | Spotify MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL Martin McCormack - YouTube FACEBOOK Facebook...

    58 min
  3. Strung Out Episode 264: A PYRAMID OF BARRETT-THE MUSIC OF BARRET TASKY

    MAR 1

    Strung Out Episode 264: A PYRAMID OF BARRETT-THE MUSIC OF BARRET TASKY

    Send us Fan Mail Barrett Tasky is one of those rare gems you discover right in your back yard.  This episode title (based on a comment of Barrett's) is accurate in that, like a pyramid of Egypt, Tasky has an amazing broad base of music, recording and performance that culminates in his latest project, Barrett's Hidden Agenda.  The man literally plays a multitude of instruments.  His studio has everything from a standup bass to a Hammond B3.  He is adept at mandolin, guitar, saxophone---the list goes on.  Tasky writes songs in the American vein of songwriting.  His style is personal and inspirational.  "When you are looking down, that's when you know you are flying" is just one of the great lyrics people will be able to delight to when listening to this interview.  He is a true craftsman in more than one way.  Not only performing music in various groups, including a duo with his wife Barb, but keeping "an ace in the pocket" with running a woodworking business (http://thewoodwizzard.com) handed down to him by his father.   Creative and challenging work for anyone who has had a beloved piece of furniture refinished or reupholstered.  You want the right sort of artist in charge.  Tasky takes that tradition and applies it to all of his musical endeavors, including working with the founders of the Steel Bridge musical group in Sturgeon Bay, WI.  Like a pyramid, Tasky has a lot of secret chambers, hidden halls and is a great artist to discover.  And just like Howard Carter looking in on Tutankhamen's tomb for the first time, you are going to be treated to some "wondrous things!"    https://www.barrettshiddenagenda.com/ https://thebarbandbarrettshow.com/ https://superheroaudio.com/ Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK MARTIN'S WEBSITE: http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM  (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!) MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com) Martin McCormack | Spotify MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL Martin McCormack - YouTube FACEBOOK Facebook...

    1h 3m
  4. Strung Out Episode 263: A MAGICAL BEAST-HERSHYL EDWARD'S CREATIVE PROCESS

    FEB 15

    Strung Out Episode 263: A MAGICAL BEAST-HERSHYL EDWARD'S CREATIVE PROCESS

    Send us Fan Mail Take a drum teacher, add songwriting, arranging and divide between an eclectic marching band and a duo that does looping, bass lines vocally and rocks as full band would.  Keeping true to the beat of his drum, Hershyl Edwards is a powerhouse, performing with Macca Pazza, whose Wikipedia page describes as "an interdisciplinary instrumental music and performance ensemble."  As part of a group that can number 30 players, Edwards has written pieces for the group, such as "Stupid Icarus" that flares with energy drums, vocal bass, loops, vox and Jesse Crydeman playing guitar, loops, and vox as well. It is a rich auditory concoction that explores different genres of music and sound.  Both groups perform regularly in Chicago and throughout the world.  But there's also Edwards the instructor, mentoring students as he himself had been mentored at the University of Illinois.  He teaches at Musical Expressions of Naperville on the kit as well as instruction in voice.  This first interview delves into his background, growing up and how he ended up pursuing a musical path.  Another strong example that independent musicians can create their journey, make a living from it and deserve recognition and respect for being artisans in a world (especially in the US) that dismisses such ingenuity.  In this second interview, Edwards talks about how he goes about writing his music.  He reveals the various methods of capturing melody, as well as lyric writing. These skills are also passed along to the students he teaches.  For Edward's teaching, go to: https://www.ensembleschools.com/musicalexpressions/staff/hershyl-edwards/  https://www.facebook.com/hershyl.edwards.2025/ https://bifunkal.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/muccapazza Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK MARTIN'S WEBSITE: http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM  (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!) MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com) Martin McCormack | Spotify MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL Martin McCormack - YouTube FACEBOOK Facebook...

    55 min
  5. Episode 262: THE BEAT OF HIS DRUM-THE DYNAMISM OF HERSHYL EDWARDS.

    FEB 1

    Episode 262: THE BEAT OF HIS DRUM-THE DYNAMISM OF HERSHYL EDWARDS.

    Send us Fan Mail Take a drum teacher, add songwriting, arranging and divide between an eclectic marching band and a duo that does looping, bass lines vocally and rocks as full band would.  Keeping true to the beat of his drum, Hershyl Edwards is a powerhouse, performing with Macca Pazza, whose Wikipedia page describes as "an interdisciplinary instrumental music and performance ensemble."  As part of a group that can number 30 players, Edwards has written pieces for the group, such as "Stupid Icarus" that flares with energy drums, vocal bass, loops, vox and Jesse Crydeman playing guitar, loops, and vox as well. It is a rich auditory concoction that explores different genres of music and sound.  Both groups perform regularly in Chicago and throughout the world.  But, there's also Edwards the instructor, mentoring students as he himself had been mentored at the University of Illinois.  He teaches at Musical Expressions of Naperville on the kit as well as instruction in voice.  This first interview delves into his background, growing up and how he ended up pursuing a musical path.  Another strong example that independent musicians can create their journey, make a living from it and deserve recognition and respect for being artisans in a world (especially in the US) that dismisses such ingenuity.   For Edward's teaching, go to: https://www.ensembleschools.com/musicalexpressions/staff/hershyl-edwards/  https://www.facebook.com/hershyl.edwards.2025/ https://bifunkal.bandcamp.com/ https://www.facebook.com/muccapazza Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK MARTIN'S WEBSITE: http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM  (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!) MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com) Martin McCormack | Spotify MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL Martin McCormack - YouTube FACEBOOK Facebook...

    57 min
  6. Strung Out Episode 261: PLUMB THE SOUL-THE CREATIVE FORCE OF DOCTORSTARCRUMBS

    JAN 18

    Strung Out Episode 261: PLUMB THE SOUL-THE CREATIVE FORCE OF DOCTORSTARCRUMBS

    Send us Fan Mail Nic Nepomiachi (aka DoctorStarcrumbs) in his second interview, lifts the curtain on his creative process in making a song.  Nepomiachi is a great songwriter, arranger and performer.  The song takes front seat when it comes to how to present it.  Therefore, one can hear various influences in service to the lyrics and mood Nepomiachi wants the listener to hear.  He also creates with a great sensitivity to the artists who have come before him.  It is one thing to write a song in the style of Dr. Hook or Leon Redbone.  It's an entirely different thing to record in New Orleans to deliberately channel the energy of that town into the music.  Nepomiachi's story is intriguing as his music is eclectic:  Running a club in Telluride, Colorado with his dad.  Playing drums in different bands in Colorado. Opening a club in Chicago. Closing that club in Chicago. Playing in bands in Chicago. Collaborating on albums.  Writing solo albums.  He is a quiet, reticent individual that when first talking to him, you would have no idea of where he has been and where next he wants to go. And in between songs and gigs he and his wife are raising a family.  A great example of what it takes to be an independent musician.  Don’t let his soft-spoken demeanor fool you.  He is definitely one of the more authentically lived artistic lives I have had the pleasure of hearing about in a long time. His latest album on his Spotify page (there are five featured offerings to pick from there) Horse Shirt has an Americana slant to it.  He is not afraid to channel Dr. Hook or Leon Redbone for a New Orleans-style song, like Winds in China on his self-titled Starcrumbs album (which you can hear on his YouTube channel) and his lyrics are witty and self-reflecting.  His Facebook page is where you can track the comings and goings of this artist.  Where his next show will be and who he will be with. Or it may just be a picture of him being a dad.  Whatever you do, take the time to listen to his music and enjoy an authentic craftsman who is not afraid to experiment, borrow, improvise and call Chicago home. https://www.facebook.com/nicolas.nepomiachi Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK MARTIN'S WEBSITE: http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM  (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!) MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com) Martin McCormack | Spotify MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL Martin McCormack - YouTube FACEBOOK Facebook...

    55 min
  7. Strung Out Episode 260--Reaching for the stars-with Dr. Starcrumbs

    JAN 4

    Strung Out Episode 260--Reaching for the stars-with Dr. Starcrumbs

    Send us Fan Mail Nic Nepomiachi (aka Dr. Starcrumbs) is leading a creative life journey to various galaxies in which he explores musical realms most people wouldn’t or couldn’t experience.  Running a club in Telluride, Colorado with his dad.  Playing drums in different bands in Colorado. Opening a club in Chicago. Closing that club in Chicago. Playing in bands in Chicago. Collaborating on albums.  Writing solo albums.  He is a quiet, reticent individual that when first talking to him, you would have no idea of where he has been and where next he wants to go. And in between songs and gigs he and his wife are raising a family.  A great example of what it takes to be an independent musician.  Don’t let his soft-spoken demeanor fool you.  He is definitely reaching for stars with one of the more authentically lived artistic lives I have had the pleasure of hearing about in a long time. His latest album on his Spotify page (there are five featured offerings to pick from there) Horse Shirt has an Americana slant to it.  He is not afraid to channel Dr. Hook or Leon Redbone for a New Orleans-style song, like Winds in China on his self-titled Starcrumbs album (which you can hear on his YouTube channel) and his lyrics are witty and self-reflecting.  His Facebook page is where you can track the comings and goings of this artist.  Where his next show will be and who he will be with. Or it may just be a picture of him being a dad.  Whatever you do, take the time to listen to his music and enjoy an authentic craftsman who is not afraid to experiment, borrow, improvise and call Chicago home. Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK MARTIN'S WEBSITE: http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM  (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!) MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com) Martin McCormack | Spotify MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL Martin McCormack - YouTube FACEBOOK Facebook...

    1h 1m
  8. Episode 259: THE DRIVEN MUSE-HOW CHARLIE OTTO GETS CREATIVE

    12/21/2025

    Episode 259: THE DRIVEN MUSE-HOW CHARLIE OTTO GETS CREATIVE

    Send us Fan Mail ‪@MartinMcCormack‬ Strung Out Episode 259, Martin continues his interview with Charlie Otto, a Chicago singer-songwriter, who has been part of a myriad of bands such as This Must be the Band and DJ no DJ.  A seasoned performer, Otto has played alongside many amazingly talented people including some of his musical idols, like Umphrey’s McGee and members of King Crimson and Smashing Pumpkins.  Otto's means of serving the muse relies on many approaches to his songwriting and music crafting.  Part technical, part inspirational and part sheer determination. Otto has advice for aspiring independent musicians making their way in this challenging world of musical expression.  His website is www.charlieotto.com Support the show We are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT.    Here are some important links: SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaK MARTIN'S WEBSITE: http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM  (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!) MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com) Martin McCormack | Spotify MARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL Martin McCormack - YouTube FACEBOOK Facebook...

    1h 2m
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About

Welcome to STRUNG OUT. The show is an eclectic mix of topics ranging from music, to art, to themes of the day to the supernatural to how to better this world we live in. If you like interesting conversation, along with some original music, we got your back. Martin McCormack resides in Chicago. He is known not only for his music, but for his writing and artwork. McCormack's entire catalogue of works can be viewed at www.MartinMcCormack.com. You can also see McCormack's involvement in the duo Switchback by visiting the website www.waygoodmusic.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Martin McCormack
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    267
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Strung Out
  • Show Website
    Strung Out