The Powered By Rock Podcast Powered By Rock

About the Guest(s):



**S.W. Lauden** is not only a passionate commentator on the music scene of the 90s but also an author and editor involved in The Generation Blue Project.

This project uniquely combines a historical retrospective of the 90s LA geek rock scene with personal accounts from those who were a part of it. Included in the project is a vinyl compilation featuring bands that emerged in the wake of Weezer's rise to fame.



**Rod Cervera** is a multifaceted musician and producer, known for his involvement with Supersport 2000 and his contributions to Weezer's 'Maladroit' album.

Beyond his role as a musician, Rod has a significant track record as a producer and engineer, having been deeply ingrained in the development of the geek rock scene and its subsequent evolution.



Episode Summary:



In this nostalgia-filled episode, we delve into the transformative impact of underground music in the 90s, particularly focusing on the genre-defining movement of geek rock. Prompted by a provocative comment dismissing Weezer's Blue Album, the conversation explores the band's lasting legacy and the ripple effect it had on the era's music landscape.

The show dives into the origins of geek rock, looking closely at Weezer's remarkable journey as they carved out a new niche, breaking free from the prevailing glam rock mold.

The episode also probes into the cultural shifts of the time, where fringe elements like comic books and science fiction began to find mainstream acceptance, laying the groundwork for geek rock’s explosion.

Guests S.W. Lauden and Rod Cervera share their firsthand experiences from the front lines of this musical revolution.

They recount tales of camaraderie and musical exploration that defined a generation of rock and provided an alternative to the established norms of the rock persona.



Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Are you an indie musician looking for a structure for your music career?

Check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Resources from This Episode:


Buy The Generation Blue Project Book/Vinyl - https://bigstirrecords.com/the-generation-blue-project

Compilation on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/2iumlOvlfYMnPo4pKRMegN?si=9TFNTxeLSZm6gHDS4YrV-g

S.W. Lauden’s Expanded Playlist on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3eG8cQaokVPzgkkpRKmbhv?si=0f265cbdab814c36



Timeline:



0:00 - Introduction - The Rise of Underground Music in the 1990s

1:11 - Chapter 1 - 2024: 30 Years of Weezer’s Blue Album; Fighting Words from a Friend

11:13 - Weezer's Impact on Music and Personal Identity

15:51 - Weezer's Impact and Support in the LA Music Scene

20:35 - Chapter 2 - The “Blue Album” Causes Total Shift in L.A. Rock Scene; The Birth of Geek Rock

24:31 - Chapter 3 - The Rentals Change Weezer Forever

31:23 - Pinkerton's Impact and Weezer's Evolution in Music

34:40 - Pat Wilson's Understated Drumming Genius in Weezer

38:14 - Weezer's Unreleased Album - Songs From A Black Hole

40:37 - Reflecting on Weezer's Hiatus and the LA Music Scene Evolution

47:25 - Chapter 4 - The Generation Blue Project - Book and Vinyl Compilation

58:25 - Chapter 5 - The Lasting Legacy of Weezer and the Geek Rock Scene

1:02:54 - The Impa

Episode Summary:

In an industry where rejection is as common as a three-chord song, Isaac Kuhlman sheds light on the surprisingly rough beginnings of some of the most revered names in rock history.

Bands like The Beatles, U2, Nirvana, Radiohead, and Linkin Park all share histories marked by initial industry rebuffs, only to later ascend to legendary status.

This episode delves into the narratives of missed opportunities, relentless perseverance, and the fateful intersections that changed the course of music history.

Each story Kuhlman shares is a testament to the tenacity and innovative spirit of these artists.

From The Beatles being turned away by Decca Records to Lincoln Park's whopping 40 rejections, these tales underscore the transformative power of belief in one’s artistic vision.

The summaries recount the lessons learned and the triumphs earned, reminding listeners that many music industry trailblazers once faced closed doors and skeptical ears before breaking through to achieve worldwide acclaim.+



Key Takeaways:


The Beatles, despite being rejected by Decca Records, went on to revolutionize music after signing with EMI’s subsidiary, Parlophone.


U2 overcame initial resistance to secure their place within Island Records, which led to global fame and the genesis of anthemic rock.


After numerous rejections, Nirvana found success with Geffen Records, catalyzing the grunge movement with their album "Nevermind."


Radiohead proved that artistic integrity could yield immense success after a lukewarm reception from EMI led to their groundbreaking works like "OK Computer."


Linkin Park * faced a staggering number of rejections before Warner Bros Records took a chance on them, resulting in a debut album that would define their genre.



Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you are an aspiring indie musician, and you are looking for a systemized structure for running your music career, check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠⁠



You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Resources from This Episode:

Vinnie Fiorello Interview on Powered By Rock Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96lzgzv-XhM

UltimateClassicRock.com Interview with Chris Blackwell - https://ultimateclassicrock.com/chris-blackwell-memoir-interview/

Faroutmagazine.com Article on Nirvana - https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/dave-grohl-different-from-kurt-cobain/

Jeff Beato Interview with Krist Novoselic of Nirvana - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbrXN7x623U

New Yorker Article about Radiohead - https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2001/08/20/the-searchers

ThePRP.com Interview with Jeff Blue about Linkin Park - https://www.theprp.com/2017/07/27/news/linkin-parks-original-ar-recalls-struggle-rejection-bands-pre-fame-days/



Timeline:

0:00 - Iconic Bands Once Rejected by Record Labels Introduction

1:49 - Decca Records' Historic Mistake Rejecting The Beatles

4:30 - U2's Rise From Rejection to Rock Supremacy

7:17 - Nirvana's Rise From Obscurity to Rock Royalty

10:35 - Radiohead's Rejection and Triumph in the Music Industry

14:36 - Linkin Park's Rise From Rejection to Rock Icon Status


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poweredbyrock/support

Episode Summary:

In an age where musical genres fluctuate in popularity, rock music's supremacy has waned, sparking discussions and analyses about its decline. Isaac Kuhlman delves into the history and current state of rock, reflecting on the heydays of legendary bands and the genre's marginal presence in the modern era. With a blend of nostalgia and critical insight, Isaac provides a narrative journey through rock's pinnacle and the factors contributing to its fall from mainstream favor.

The episode takes a critical and explorative approach to understand why rock music, once a dominant force in the music industry, has faded into the background.

Isaac Kuhlman narrates how societal evolution, musical diversification, and the rise of other genres have shaped today’s soundscape.

The episode poses a vital question: "Will rock ever return to the mainstream?"

Related Topics: "rock music history," "rock genre decline," and "music industry shifts"



Key Takeaways:


The history of rock music showcases its evolution and how it dominated the music scene until the end of the 20th century.


The shift in societal music preferences, the rise of hip-hop and electronic music, and the evolution of consumer behavior have contributed to rock's decline.


Rock musicians' attitude towards fame and reluctance to adapt have also played a role in the genre's diminished popularity.


Changes in music consumption, including the rise of YouTube and streaming services, have impacted traditional rock avenues such as MTV and radio.


The restoration of rock music's popularity hinges on the support of fans, modern musicians' dynamic engagement, and adapting to the current music landscape.




Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you are an aspiring indie musician, and you are looking for a systemized structure for running your music career, check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠

You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Resources from this Episode:

How Indie Artists Should Release Music - https://youtu.be/NhKLYWSWg2c?si=IaNY0rgGQ20d_Yos

Data Is Beautiful Timeline of Most Popular Music Genres - https://youtu.be/eP88FUL7d_8



Chapters:

00:00 - Rock music's popularity and evolution through the decades

00:27 - Rock music's decline in popularity in the 2000s

01:15 - Shift in musical tastes and cultural diversification

01:30 - The Rise In Other Music Genres

02:22 - Streaming statistics and the decline of new rock music

03:35 - Influence of YouTube and the decline of MTV

04:30 - The Anti-Fame Attitude of Famous Rock Musicians

04:43 - Rock musicians' ego problem and rejection of fame

06:00 - The shift towards artists willing to sign deals and become famous

07:06 - Rock musicians' attitude towards fame and fortune

07:40 - Rock Musicians' Aversion to Change

08:10 - Formulaic song creation in rock music

09:39 - Gatekeeping and purism in the rock genre

10:05 - Decline of human attention span and its impact on rock music

10:30 - Rock songs staying under three minutes and listeners skipping songs

11:23 - The Evolution of Live Music Experiences; Decline of rock music due to rise of dance clubs and DJ culture

12:44 - Blame for the decline of rock music on famous musicians, fans, and the music industry

13:23 - Who's to Blame for the Death of Rock Music?

15:36 - How rock music can m

In this riveting episode of the Powered By Rock Podcast, Isaac Kuhlman dives deep into the ever-evolving landscape of rock music, showcasing the best that 2023 had to offer.

This episode is a goldmine for rock music aficionados seeking fresh tunes and for those lamenting the supposed "good old days" when music was at its peak.

Kuhlman meticulously dissects the top songs, breakout artists, and comeback stories that left a mark on the music industry in 2023.

Isaac kicks off the episode by shining the spotlight on new artists such as Magazine Beach and their captivating album "Constant Springtime."

He navigates us through the soundscapes of diverse genres, from punk to power pop, heralding the emergence of bands like the Codefendants and Grave Secrets.

Reflecting on the genre's greatest comebacks, he praises the monumental returns of bands like Portugal. The Man, Diesel Boy, and Blink 182, whose resilience and creativity left fans in awe.

With a balanced blend of nostalgia and novelty, the episode creates a vivid collage of rock music's recent innovations and blasts from the past.

The episode is packed with commentary on musical masterpieces, discussions of the deeper meanings behind the lyrics, and personal anecdotes that highlight the interplay between music and life.

From the energetic riff of "Quarter Life Crisis" by Fat Heaven to the reflective "One More Time" by Blink 182, Kuhlman's selection encompasses the full emotional spectrum.



Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you are an aspiring indie musician, and you are looking for a systemized structure for running your music career, check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠

You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Resources from this Episode:

Powered By Rock Best Albums of 2023 Spotify Playlist - ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Y6FmZuETy4LeKAfcm0vYA?si=fe2e97a639c040bd⁠⁠



Chapters:

00:00 - Powered By Rock Podcast Made the List - Best Rock Songs and Artists of 2023 Intro

00:47 - Best New Rock Artists of 2023 - Magazine Beach, Codefendants, Militarie Gun, Grave Secrets

03:38 - Breakthrough Rock Artists of 2023 - Fat Heaven, Mercy Music, Militarie Gun, Hot Mulligan, Wicked Bears

05:15 - Best Rock Comebacks of 2023 - Portugal. The Man, Diesel Boy, The Hives, Foo Fighters, Blink-182

12:17 - The 9 Best Rock Songs of 2023

12:45 - "Soothe" by Decent Criminal

13:43 - "Waterboy" by Pure Sport

15:29 - "Lucky" by Wicked Bears

16:07 - "Suicide by Pigs" by Codefendants

17:36 - "Quarter Life Crisis" by Fat Heaven

18:18 - "Mood Ring" by Grave Secrets

19:16 - "Countdown to Shutdown" by The Hives

20:10 - "Suddenly" by Mercy Music

21:12 - "Nootmare (K.I.L.L.I.n.G.) [Meow!]" by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poweredbyrock/support

Episode Summary:

In this gripping episode, Isaac Kuhlman takes us on a personal journey through his musical evolution, from his early influences in classic rock and grunge to his passionate discovery of punk music. He establishes the significance of punk in shaping his identity and provides an exclusive look into the top punk albums of 2023, sharing insights that resonate with both punk aficionados and newcomers to the genre.

Drawing from a diverse array of punk sub-genres, Isaac spotlights a mix of established bands and emerging artists that have defined the punk scene in 2023.

With a keen analytical eye, he dissects each album's distinct elements, showcases the creative songwriting, and praises the communal ethos embedded within the music.

The episode delves into the connection between the music and the listener's personal experience, making it relatable to a broader audience seeking authenticity in art.


Punk music has been a significant influence in shaping Isaac Kuhlman's musical taste, providing a sense of community, rebellion, and self-expression.
The top punk albums of 2023 range from well-known bands to indie groups, offering a fresh perspective on the punk genre.
Wicked Bears' album "Underwater" is Isaac's top punk album pick for 2023, admired for its dark humor, catchy pop elements, and relatability.
Isaac's album reviews are introspective, noting personal connections and experiences mirrored in the music.
Discussions of the albums include considerations of the artists' backgrounds, lyrical content, and the sociopolitical commentary embedded in the music.



Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you are an aspiring indie musician, and you are looking for a systemized structure for running your music career, check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠



You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠



Resources from this Episode:

Powered By Rock Best Albums of 2023 Spotify Playlist - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Y6FmZuETy4LeKAfcm0vYA?si=fe2e97a639c040bd⁠

Interview with Sam King from Codefendants about Debut Album This Is Crime Wave - https://youtu.be/WohdAyA9BrM?si=K2UdlAMiooy2BkJS



Chapters:

00:00 - Powered By Rock Podcast Made the List - Top Punk Albums of 2023 Intro

01:47 - Underwater by Wicked Bears

03:31 - Life Under The Gun by Militarie Gun

04:49 - This Is Crime Wave by Codefendants

07:18 - Trash Life by Fat Heaven

09:06 - One More Time by Blink-182

11:46 - Local Support by Rebuilder

13:17 - What You Stand to Lose by Mercy Music

14:40 - And The Powered By Rock choice for the Best Punk Album of 2023 is...


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poweredbyrock/support

About the Guest(s):
Vinnie Fiorello is a key figure in punk music's history and evolution. As a co-founding member of the ska-punk band Less Than Jake, Vinnie has left an indelible mark on the music scene.
His contributions extend beyond performing; he co-founded the influential record label Fueled By Ramen, which has been instrumental in the careers of multiple acclaimed bands.
Adding to his impressive résumé, Vinnie has also been a driving force behind the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas, integrating his deep connection with punk culture into a tangible experience for fans and enthusiasts.
Episode Summary:
In this vibrant exchange with Vinnie Fiorello, we plunge into the nostalgic waves of punk's past and the dynamic present of punk culture. Isaac Kuhlman reminisces about the transformative power of punk music, specifically the iconic moments with Less Than Jake that bridged inner-city punk to the suburbs.
As we fast forward to the present, Vinnie takes us behind the scenes of the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas, which is on the cusp of marking its one-year anniversary. The conversation is a riveting journey through the origins of the museum, exciting exhibits, and the upcoming celebration event.
The museum's guided tours allow visitors to immerse themselves in the stories told by punk legends, bringing the genre's history to life.
Vinnie shares anecdotes of how the museum's artifacts were sourced, including high-profile donations, which allow fans to interact with the instruments of their punk heroes.
The anniversary event includes a concert headlined by The Vandals, with a rich lineup of punk acts and a free day at the museum.
Additionally, Vinnie touches on his continued creative expression through his current band, The Inevitables, and tattoo art, illustrating his enduring passion for punk culture.
Key Takeaways:

Vinnie Fiorello co-founded Less Than Jake and the groundbreaking label Fueled By Ramen, and plays a crucial role in the Punk Rock Museum.
The Punk Rock Museum is a curated experience of punk history, housing priceless artifacts and offering an interactive journey through the genre.
Scheduled to celebrate its first anniversary on April 1st, 2024, the museum hosts a special concert with legendary and emerging punk bands.
Vinnie's current musical project, The Inevitables, is on hold amidst his busy schedule but promises a future release.
Despite challenges and initial rejections, Vinnie emphasizes the importance of persisting and embracing the DIY spirit central to punk ethos.


Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are an aspiring indie musician, and you are looking for a systemized structure for running your music career, check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠
You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources from this Episode:
The Punk Rock Museum's ⁠Website - https://www.thepunkrockmuseum.com/

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:10 - How did The Punk Rock Museum come about & what was Vinnie
16:40 - What cool shit will be going on for the one-year anniversary celebration of The Punk Rock Museum?
20:47 - How did Vinnie get involved in tattoos, graphic design & helping to get the tattoo shop in the Punk Rock Museum?
27:04 - When will the new album from The Inevitables come out?

---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poweredbyrock/support