This episode was originally released on February 26th, 2024, as Episode 195 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and it features Jonathan Higgs discussing the writing and recording of Everything Everything’s 2023 single “Cold Reactor.” 

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This week, Bouncing Souls guitarist Pete Steinkopf sits in to unpack the writing and recording of the band’s fan favorite 2009 single, “Ghosts on the Boardwalk,” a song steeped in the spirit of their hometown of Asbury Park, New Jersey. What started as a quiet sleeper has since become a full-on set list staple, and Pete explains how his eerie EBow lines helped shape the song’s emotional pull while sharing the behind-the-scenes story of how it all came together.

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This week’s Throwback Thursday, which was originally released as Episode 94 on March 14th, 2022, features acclaimed songwriter Holly Knight discussing the writing of Pat Benatar’s hit 1983 single, “Love Is A Battlefield.” Holly is a Grammy Award winning member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame who has written for everyone from Aerosmith to Tina Turner, and this episode is a fascinating look into her mind and process. 

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In this episode, Christian “MC Bat Commander” Jacobs of The Aquabats! dives into the writing and recording of “Fashion Zombies!”, the fan-favorite single from the band’s 2005 album Charge!! that marked a sharp turn in their sound. The conversation traces the group’s early struggles, the collaborative and experimental approach that shaped the song, and how blending solid musicianship with absurd humor became their secret weapon. Christian breaks down the song’s playful but pointed commentary on fashion and youth culture, and the instantly memorable “whoas” in the chorus that made it explode with live crowds. This episode captures how “Fashion Zombies!” fit into a pivotal moment for The Aquabats!, proving they could evolve while staying true to what made them unmistakably themselves.

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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.” 

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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.

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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.” 

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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.

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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.

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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”

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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

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