Los Angeles based bass player, singer, songwriter, and producer, Eric Baines, interviews music professionals from a variety of fields and genre’s sharing stories from the road as well as tips and trade secrets for people who dream of making their living making music. Eric is currently touring with country icon, Dwight Yoakam, but has toured, performed and recorded with many artists as a bass player and singer such as: Keiko Matsui Air Supply Lucas Grabeel Lee Ritenour Corbin Bleu Gregg Karukas Melissa Manchester Ambrosia Tommy Thayer Danny Seraphine Robby Krieger Bill Champlin Hugh Masakela Ali Woodson Richard Street El Chicano James Brown David Foster Robin Thicke Babyface Nelson Rangell Jackiem Joyner and more…
Trumpet player, Jamie Hovorka, talks about taking on the pressure of lead chair in the University of North Texas 1 O'clock Lab Band and how that compares to the Los Angeles music scene. He tells the story of working on horn parts with Paul McCartney and the first time he played with the iconic band, Eagles. He talks about working with Danny Seraphine in his band, California Transit Authority (CTA). www.bestbrass.com www.divebarrockstar.com
Guitarist/vocalist, Todd McCool, explains his journey from Indiana to Los Angeles and how he pieced together his chops on guitar. He reflects on his time working at Disney's California Adventure in the Mad T Party show and how that lead to many other gigs. He talks about overcoming shyness and meeting his heroes. www.toddmccool.com https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ZuzTGbDezYomaVjc1rrUv?si=_tqlf0PXRsisyIG8rJxmiA https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Qb19cmq7CF78CJTvVnp5w?si=wuGjDyBfRuS_sCj05dJ-gw www.divebarrockstar.com
Guitarist, Michael Ripoll aka Nomad, talks about his 12 years as musical director and guitarist for singer/songwriter/producer, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. He tells his story of auditioning for the artist and how it was to work for him. He discusses his decision to move to Los Angeles and his recording on many movie soundtracks. Nomad also introduces his new online course entitled “Pro-level Sessions from Home” and talks about his podcast, “The Career Musician”. www.thecareermusician.com https://proseries.thecareermusician.com/a/2147520924/2cwFLLUo https://nomadsplace.com https://open.spotify.com/artist/7F9YgwkCgNjCl2PL4iDYh1?si=xbzati8qQECyCj1NQDArIw www.divebarrockstar.com
Percussionist, Ramon Yslas, tells his story of joining the band Chicago. He talks about the balance between career and family when you're a road musician. He goes deep into his songwriting style and how he got a song on the new Chicago record released this summer. Host, Eric Baines, talks about his new job as bass player/vocalist for the band Chicago. www.Yslas.com Yslas Burns: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3dcFSA06qRY08DfqXm2Wcl?si=Ac4MWjAnQV2F12YNJH8tSw Chicago: Born For This Moment: https://open.spotify.com/album/4Z9XtIhyzMbnB9xTE89tzr?si=EKOi-tB6S6WXAtQXFrRJyw www.divebarrockstar.com
Multi-instrumentalist and Musical Director, Drew Taubenfeld, talks about the nuances of networking as a new musician in town. He reflects on his years at Berklee College Of Music with an injury that prevented him from playing his instrument. He reveals what he looks for when hiring musicians and what you should have on your social media account. Drew discusses how he got started in Los Angeles and how he's been able to rise among the ranks of musical directors. www.drewtaubenfeld.com Seasons: https://open.spotify.com/album/6erAYXUemywj4fAc68p3k0?si=tYjaYNkbRTaUKfj0lOSTzg Hootenanny 1 mic https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaqEJPaky3ZTLoeuI1r7Hfg/videos www.divebarrockstar.com
Drummer, Producer, Jeffrey Mince, walks through his emotional journey from touring drummer to full time Buddhist monk and back to drumming. He tells his story of moving from Denver to Los Angeles and how he landed the gig with German punk rocker, Nina Hagen. He talks about his experience being signed with a band to a major label only to be dropped before the record was even released. Jeff also discusses the challenges of living in a smaller music scene. www.jeffreymince.com www.divebarrockstar.com
Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Brandon Rogers, talks about his soon to be released EP and shares an early listen of two of the songs. He reflects on his experience on Season 6 of American Idol and explains his mixed emotions about being voted off. He discusses his time in quarantine and the songs that came out of it. Brandon also explains how he got to be the voice of Oha in the new Coming 2 America movie. B. Random- Finish Line https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtSVPwDImx8 Quarantimes (Star Again) https://youtu.be/fKRmfp9NEg8 Alec Benjamin- I Built A Friend https://open.spotify.com/track/68XhCrBajUR64h6wv4eYYW?si=6186b5afb5464027 Frankie Rodriguez- In A Heartbeat https://youtu.be/Rkvvfb9NvtA www.divebarrockstar.com
From his home in Venice, Italy, bass player, singer, songwriter, Stan Sargeant, talks about recording his new album, “String Theory” during the pandemic and in two different countries. He recalls what it was like working on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and the not so grueling, TV show schedule. He reveals how he got from studying biology at Howard University to being one of the busiest bass players in Los Angeles. www.stansargeant.com String Theory: https://open.spotify.com/album/7mVqQxeE3QxDFK0QGkFn8t?si=eVIXw8FpSyaMH5rwUWgnNA www.divebarrockstar.com
Talent manager and wife of the host, Autumn Grabeel, reveals a big secret announcement. She tells the story of meeting Eric Baines on the High School Musical Concert Tour. She reveals some of the ups and downs of dating a working musician. She reflects on hearing her singing voice on a recording for the first time while making Christmas music with her husband. Christmas Music: https://www.youtube.com/user/AutumnandEric/featured www.divebarrockstar.com
Songwriter, Guitarist, Vocalist, Greg Camp recalls his days in the world famous pop/punk band, Smash Mouth. He talks about his experience as the main songwriter and what it's like writing for someone else's voice. He reveals his songwriting process and the difference between writing pop songs and writing for film. Greg tells some of the stories behind the songs on his solo record, Defektor. He talks about working with his wife in their band, The Selectrics, and explains his love of the Fender Jazzmaster guitar. Defektor: https://open.spotify.com/album/27WoLfDWg1by5ibZetZARr?si=SKyoVqzqSRShN4d85WuIew The Selectrics: https://open.spotify.com/album/5FCI3KdTOs2uXrpC4axUjo?si=6877IQyMT7yd8fDQCIRjUw www.divebarrockstar.com
Multi-instrumentalist, Walter Ino, reflects on his time growing up and playing music in Pittsburgh, PA and how he got from there to his current home of Los Angeles, CA. He talks about his time playing with the iconic 80s rock band, Survivor, and what it was like working with all of the band's lead singers. He tells some audition stories and discusses the importance of networking. Walter talks about his path to becoming an orchestrator and having a truly diverse career. He also reveals the history of two “Waiting For Monday” songs. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjkMtYC_qu9ynURIaH09vkA Waiting For Monday: https://open.spotify.com/album/764loqGIi3sdSlSARDkadp?si=0ltEZyxAT9-Mb8W7ydoZ_A www.divebarrockstar.com
This week, host, Eric Baines, features his original demo that he used to network when he first made the move to Los Angeles. He talks about the tragic death of singer Winston Ford and does a shout out to the musicians of Denver, CO. www.divbarrockstar.com
Drummer, Joe Travers, reflects on his years as the “Vaultmeister” for the Zappa Family Trust and explains his duties there. He talks about his first gig in Los Angeles with Dweezil and Ahmet Zappa which was attended by Frank Zappa himself. He gives an inside look into his time touring with Duran Duran and how he got the gig. Joe remembers his journey from Berklee College of Music to California where his career took off and talks about the upcoming documentary, “Zappa”. Zappa Movie Trailer: https://youtu.be/U4F0rT0F6OQ Waiting For Monday: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1EF4KeKRXZUK7N?si=YE7AfbXvSr-x7Dbfoc2kVg www.divebarrockstar.com
This episode reveals parts of past conversations that were cut from previous episodes. Eugene Edwards discusses Eddie Van Halen, Billie Eilish and Bing Crosby. Bernie Dresel talks about what it's like to play with Keiko Matsui and the power of singers in an instrumental world. Bill Cinque speaks to the current state of pop music and musicianship. “Why Corona?”, a song by Michael Bluestein, is also featured in it's entirety. This episode is dedicated to musicians and music industry professionals who are out of work due to the pandemic. www.divebarrockstar.com
One of the most recorded bass players ever, Leland Sklar, reminisces about his experience growing up in Los Angeles in the 60s and 70s. He tells the story of meeting James Taylor which changed the direction of his life and career. He talks about the first time playing with drummer and pop icon, Phil Collins. He reveals his preference between studio playing and playing live. Lee also explains what he likes in a bass tone and what he likes to hear on stage. www.lelandsklarsbeard.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs5yDeiOgkyRZGZGphlSbIw The Immediate Family: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3gdGV7INOTNG7dYBeCSGVm?si=o9nU5TgWQ2q3IhcJh347cA www.divebarrockstar.com
Keyboard player, producer, composer, Peter Fish, takes us through the process of scoring a film. He tells the story of his first film project and how he knew he was meant to write music. He explains why he recently decided to move to Los Angeles and what previously brought him to New York City as a young musician. Peter reveals where he gets his inspiration when putting music to picture and when writing for his band, Peter Fish Group. www.peterfishgroup.com www.sound-stories.com Peter Fish Group: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5u6APqu8OAhzoIA54jeOCp?si=bWr15Zq2Q_GN0Xfx5uwY-A www.divebarrockstar.com
Guitarist and Los Angeles native, Jay Gore, shares his stories of growing up playing on the Sunset Strip and starting out with his original band at 13 years old. He talks about his transition from the pop world to the smooth jazz world and give us some insight into the making of his solo records. Jay also talks about the current state of the L.A. music scene and how he has been passing the time during the pandemic. www.jaygore.com www.guitronica.net www.divebarrockstar.com
Guitar player and vocalist, Eugene Edwards, talks about growing up in a small town and his road to Berklee College of Music. He tells the story of getting his current gig with Dwight Yoakam and his approach to the playing. He discusses his second record which he just released yet recorded years ago and he takes us through the writing of some of the songs. Eugene also talks about his time with the world famous band, Sha Na Na. Eugene Edwards- A Week Of Sundays: https://open.spotify.com/album/3NeFKa6okZPW3ZcvAPcem5?si=2AzMQH3SSfSoh-WioPQcGQ Jukebox Graduate: https://open.spotify.com/show/5NprJt62GlbP7fKXZfD2Rt?si=WJVJc67iQoaAzOQgCtRJcg Guitar Lessons: https://golive.ly/host/eugene-edwards Fender Play: https://www.fender.com/play www.divebarrockstar.com
Guitarist and vocalist, August Zadra, shares his story of YouTube discovery which lead to him playing guitar and singing with founding member of the band Styx, Dennis DeYoung. He explains how he got from his small town in Alaska to the big city of Los Angeles. He talks about the formation of his current project, Waiting For Monday, and how he started his weekly Facebook Live performances. August also talks about the profound influence Eddie Van Halen had on him and his playing. Dennis DeYoung, 26 East, Vol.1: https://open.spotify.com/album/3tu3ITF5KFk6kNSKXU7LAj?si=3QnmUOZDRsGLGcrOqjexTg Waiting For Monday: https://open.spotify.com/album/764loqGIi3sdSlSARDkadp?si=0ltEZyxAT9-Mb8W7ydoZ_A www.divebarrockstar.com
Keyboardist, Noriko Olling, explains how she came to the U.S. from Japan and became a top call keyboard player in Los Angeles. She talks about the joys of living in a recording studio and reveals where the inspiration came from for her newest album, “My Path”. She shares some of her experiences as a woman in an industry dominated by men and what it's been like working for legendary artists. Noriko also shares some tips on making great charts. www.norikoolling.com Noriko on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4gpiKq3p87Km2Oy5b8aVLm?si=yneQYstyQPWJWpgBaOsfUA Noriko on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Noriko1595
George Shelby plays saxophone, clarinets, flutes, penny whistle, vocoder and many other random wind instruments. He explains that this is the plight of the modern day saxophonist. He also shares his insight into the Los Angeles session player world and talks about the modern horn section studio experience. He talks about being on the road with pop legend, Phil Collins. He reveals his secret to being a great reader and tells his story of meeting Barack and Michelle Obama. www.georgeshelby.com Real Men Wear Pink: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/georgeshelby
Multi-instrumentalist and musical director, Cory James, reveals his favorite instrument to play. He talks about his experience as musical director for RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars winner, comedian and singer/songwriter, Trixie Mattel. He provides some insight to the life of a young musician just coming up during, arguably, the worst time to be a musician. He discusses the importance of chops and when to use them. Cory also talks about growing up with a musician for a Dad. Trixie Mattel Live: https://youtu.be/EaPphXUWsVY
Creative director, artist representative, manager, guitar player, singer, Gary “Gig” Grantham, dives deep into the world of tribute bands. He talks about the origins of his band TLR- Experience The Eagles Music and his concept of what makes a good tribute band. He describes the show “Dark Desert Highway" that he's created which takes the tribute show to a whole other level. He reminisces about his travels in Asia and shares his thoughts about the future of music during the pandemic. TLR- Experience The Eagles Music https://tlreagles.com
Bass Player, vocalist, producer and author, Bill Cinque remembers his time on the road with Neil Diamond and explains how he got the gig. He describes how he came to his unique way of playing the bass (upside down and left handed). Bill and host, Eric Baines, reminisce about they're first meeting. Bill tells stories from his book entitled, “The Amazing Adventures of a Marginally Successful Musician”. He also shares his experience as a public speaker. The Amazing Adventures of a Marginally Successful Musician: https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Adventures-Marginally-Successful-Musician/dp/1440115672 www.billcinque.com
Keyboardist/vocalist/musical director, Steve Ferlazzo, gets real about his experience during the lockdown, missing out on a whole summer tour. He talks about his time at Berklee College of Music and the unique lessons he learned from the experience. He takes you behind the scenes of the Soundcheck Live jam in Hollywood, CA, the jam that he's run for the last several years. Steve also talks about the importance and sometimes burden of social media. Let It Be- https://youtu.be/Qrkc640GsPI Music Cares- https://www.grammy.com/musicares/donations
Keyboardist, songwriter, musical director, Loren Gold, talks about his time as musical director for Hillary Duff, Demi Levato, Selena Gomez and more. He recalls his audition for Roger Daltrey and how that eventually lead to his current job, keyboardist for The Who. He explains how he recorded his second record on a laptop and how he wrote two instructional books. Loren reveals his long time love of the bay area and for the San Francisco Giants. He also gives some free golf tips. Loren Gold on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/29yur1VaVHx6TJuE33Xv1h?si=olLPT2GvQzm1ch8WewkqJQ Taylor Hicks Live: https://youtu.be/6EMWyw4o2bs
Bass player, Mike Hill, recalls his experience working in a hit show at a Disney Park. He talks about how he was able to turn that fan support into a kick starter campaign that earned over $40,000 to make his “Love and War” album and documentary. He explains in-depth how he put together a team of players, singers, writers and a producer to create and record an album of all original music. He shares the lessons he learned from the process and the dynamics between producer and artist. Mike talks about his time on reality TV. He also opens up about the trials and tribulations of living and working in Los Angeles. Love And War Album https://open.spotify.com/album/70Y7fgBG0zG0NQierUZNwl?si=3vL3nS__Rkioi0mGfdEG7w Acquiesce (Live) https://youtu.be/e1n3B8SoVO0 Love And War Documentary https://youtu.be/z-W9eEhwR1E Post Modern Jukebox Open Letter https://aristake.com/black-at-postmodern-jukebox Amanda Palmer Ted Talk https://youtu.be/xMj_P_6H69g
Keyboardist, producer, singer/songwriter, Michael Bluestein, gets deep about the path of the artist and sideman. He tells the story of his audition for the legendary rock band, Foreigner and what it's like playing with rock stars. He reminisces about his days at Berklee College of Music and how that helped him step up his playing. Michael announces the release of the new single with his duo, Tina Blue, which is a really cool cover of the Rolling Stones classic, “Paint It Black”. He also discusses some current ways to distribute your music. Tina Blue- "Paint It Black" Video: https://youtu.be/G_3lNGyPJ54 Tina Blue- “Paint It Black” Single: https://open.spotify.com/album/3CYurq20faVkmtn3LxOeKw?si=MWSyI6jMRSmOBGp23FgZJw Michael Bluestein Solo Artist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3lGrfajNh2erBB5l3G3fRJ?si=ZZ6VhUK6SkKWIT0BVXlUlw
Rudy Cardenas talks about what it's like to make a living as a singer in Los Angeles. He covers session work, wedding bands, and tribute acts as well as his new band project “Waiting for Monday” which is signed to Frontiers Records. Rudy gets candid about his time on Season 6 of American Idol and the ups and downs of that experience. He discusses what the audition process was like and how it's effected his career since. Waiting for Monday https://open.spotify.com/album/764loqGIi3sdSlSARDkadp?si=0ltEZyxAT9-Mb8W7ydoZ_A Rudy Cardenas: Fly https://open.spotify.com/album/4ZxutH6i9OOUIjqTeV9e9c?si=ZQR9fzJaTfumNdRJGpBDYg
Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner talks about his career as a sideman playing with Keiko Matsui and others while building his brand and eventually becoming a #1 charting artist. He talks about the challenges of producing his own records and reveals how he gets his signature sax sound. Jackiem talks about his favorite plugins and mixing styles. He also discusses his other talent: novelist. Check out his new album “Touch”. Touch https://open.spotify.com/album/6l3WC746tLslsTMqPu6DYb?si=irMhVIH8SYm_aLioGqYI_w http://jackiemjoyner.com
Bass Player Derek Frank talks about his experience playing dual Las Vegas residencies with Gwen Stefani and Shania Twain. He talks about preparing for gigs, writing charts and sending good subs. He tells some road stories of his time with Air Supply and his first time playing in Vegas. Derek remembers his time at the University of Miami and why he lives in L.A.. He reflects on his diverse career of jazz, pop and country. He discusses how much control we're in of our careers. www.derekfrank.com Let The Games Begin… https://open.spotify.com/album/1yIBSDqlaR1RKOgVi74CkI?si=-4VDP4rmQMGvXzqGe1afhg
Actor/singer/songwriter/musician, Lucas Grabeel, talks about his musical journey to stardom. From his early days in local musical theater to writing music for tv and film. He reminisces about making the High School Musical movies as well as the tour and how that changed his life. Lucas opens up about some of the hard lessons he's learned in both his acting life and his musical life. He also tells the story of being “discovered” in Los Angeles. Follow Lucas at: https://www.instagram.com/MrGrabeel/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcTGXtWtJj5UOxDFSAKFZtw Social Distance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ksVjwOP1-Q All The Things https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoNAVRheXsw Beautiful Day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG1yMDpBGVg
Guitarist, Errol Cooney, talks about what it's like to work with Janet Jackson. He talks about writing songs with Stevie Wonder and his crazy experience getting the gig. He tells the story of his audition for Christina Aguilera and others. Errol talks about his relationship with musical director Rickey Minor and how he has influenced his career. He reveals his secret to auditions and how to smile through fear. He discusses the importance of reading and some of the high pressure tv experiences he's had in front of charts. He also talks about the joys of playing with his friends in the band Legally Blynd. Legally Blynd https://open.spotify.com/album/1xpbASo4CvRXBwZqXXbjiy?si=PiUxAJumQKSAz-i_rLvtvg
Bass player/Singer/Orchestrator/Arranger/Songwriter Jennifer Jo Oberle talks about the many hats she wears in her career. She talks about her first show with the band “Vertical Horizon”. She discusses her experience in the house salsa band on the Mexican TV show, “Noches Con Platanito”. Jen reflects on her experiences as a side musician versus being in a band. She also talks about her songwriting process and her current original projects. jenniferoberle.com Records and Tapes Band https://www.facebook.com/RecordsAndTapes Noches Con Platanito https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNKkbSfP1Xg&t=378s Hard To Believe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly-eZC1YeXo daysbetweenstations.com
Bernie Dresel reflects on his diverse career as a session player and touring drummer. He tells the story of becoming the drummer for the Brian Setzer Orchestra and creating a style of drumming. He talks about his years with Gordon Goodwin's Phat Band and besoming one of the most sought after big band drummers. He explains the unique way that his album with his own big band, “The BBB featuring Bernie Dresel”, are produced and mixed. Bernie give some insight as to what it takes to play on movies like “Star Wars” and “Planet of the Apes”. FOLLOW Bernie Dresel at: www.BernieDresel.com www.facebook.com/BernieDresel3 www.instagram.com/BernieDresel www.TheBBBFeaturingBernieDresel.com SUBSCRIBE to the Bernie Dresel youtube channel at: www.youtube.com/user/BernieDresel Subscribe to The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel mailing list at: BernieDresel@mac.com GET Bern Bern Bern and Live N' Bernin' by The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel on cd, blu-ray, and vinyl at: www.BernieDresel.com/store And paid digital downloads at Amazon and iTunes Store (no Apple Music or Spotify)
Drummer Chad Wright talks about his experiences playing with Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers, The Jacksons, Tina Marie, Rick James, The High School Musical Tour and many other artists. He reminisces about growing up in Atlanta with his twin brother, Chay, and their journey to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Chad opens up about pivotal moments in his career and how he stays on top through hard work and practice. Live with Bruce Hornsby https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEHF2iOnfXs Bruce Hornsby: Absolute Zero https://open.spotify.com/album/5Zks2SZNQAw4NYlUhVEE85?si=BVMjpX_NSUSpTE8NkJqA1A
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