You Rock School of Music Podcast

If a guitar effects pedal existed that was a combination of activism and wit, it would be called the Hilary Jones Pedal.  Hilary is a musician in the Edgewood section of Craaaanston, Rhode Island.  Host and neighbor, Sean P. Rogan, learns about Hillarys love for music, family, cool band names and fighting for what's right.  Hilary rocks.

An hour a week! Anu shares her process of learning how to write, record, use a mac, mix, master and get the artwork done for her debut EP, Square One, released on You Rock Records.  5 songs, all created and captured from her home.  Anu has a busy life and ALSO a dope EP to show for her dedication to a goal.  Anu rocks.

Murf can front a hardcore band but also give hardcore hugs.  He's an epic dude on an epic journey.  Fronting bands like Van3 and Dead Like Death, Murf has also become part of the Boston music scene and everyone that knows Murf, loves Murf.  This conversations also visits Murphy's health journey with a notable 187lb weight loss and still going!  Enjoy this podcast with host, Sean P. Rogan and you'll agree, MURF rocks.

Steve Foote is a bass player, engineer and songwriter.  He is a founding member of Big D and the Kids Table, plays bass for Nick and the Adversaries and is a new dad!  Enjoy this conversation with host, Sean P. Rogan.  Steve rocks.

Adam Meuse is a guitar player from Somerville, MA.  Music is such a huge part of Adam's life and playing the guitar is the focus of his music.  Playing shows and supporting other musicians at local shows, Adam "just wants to rock."  As a member of You Rock School of Music's Level 2 Guitar Class, Adam has a weekly lesson with host, Sean P. Rogan.  Enjoy this conversation.  Adam rocks.

Matt Oliver plays guitar and sings in the bands Hot Lights Cold Steel and Those Two Chotches.  Hailing from Tennessee, currently residing in Rhode Island, Oliver is also a surgeon, motorboat captain, ironman and lives across the street from host, Sean P. Rogan.  Matt listens to music while he's in surgery as a GYN Oncologist, has transformed his basement into a jam room, plays music with his wife, Jane Oliver (episode 033) and friends.  He is proof that playing music doesn't have to be the sole focus of your life to reap the benefits of jamming with others.  Matt rocks.

Sal Medrano's life is 100% music.  He is all in.  Sal plays guitar and sings as well as writes for his band, Rebuilder.  Sal has logged thousands of hours on tour, at venues and rehearsal spaces.  Although he thinks of himself as a drummer first, Sal means more than that to all who work with him.  Enjoy this conversation with host, Sean P. Rogan.  Sal rocks. 

Dan Dobi is a filmmaker and currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.  Dan's instrument is his camera.  He is plays a crucial role in getting band's music out through music videos.  Dan just released a short film (about 23 minutes), for free, online.  Click here to watch: https://www.youaremypersonfilm.com Hearing Dan's commitment to excellence and his work ethic are inspiring not just for budding filmmakers,  but for musicians as well.  It's all about practice.  Enjoy this conversation with Dan Dobi and host, Sean P. Rogan.  Dan rocks.

Chris Sheehan a.k.a. Christopher Talken is part of the Boston-based hip-hop band STL GLD (pronounced Still Gold).  Chris is a lyricist and MC in the group and his passion for music stems from Punk Rock and Hardcore, citing Bad Brains as his first inspiration.  Enjoy this conversation with Chris Sheehan and his former roommate, Sean P. Rogan.  Chris rocks.

Nate plays guitar and sings.  He's 17 and doesn't remember NOT playing music!  Nate Poshkus proves that consistent effort with genuine enjoyment leads to success.  During quarantine, Nate decided to post a daily video of him playing and singing a clip, 60 seconds at most, of a cover song that he likes, on TikTok.  He has quickly grown a fanbase of 24,000 followers in a matter of a couple of months with zero social media marketing or even asking anyone to share anything.  Nate is one of the original You Rock School of Music students as well as living three houses down from host, Sean P. Rogan.  Nate rocks.

Brendan Kirby is one of the hosts of The Rhode Show, weekday mornings from 9-10 a.m. on WPRI 12 in Rhode Island.  Brendan is also a guitar player and has a deep love for all things Metallica.  He is usually the interviewer, but in this podcast, HE is getting interviewed.  Brendan has decided (or was positively peer pressured) to take weekly guitar lessons with host, Sean P. Rogan, and will be posting them weekly so others can follow along his journey to becoming the rockstar that he is meant to be.  Brendan rocks. You Rock School of Music on the Rhode Show in 2014

The Electric Squirrels are a rock band.  At the time of this recording they are all 10 and 11 and have been a band for 3 years.  This group of friends has written 5 original songs, start to finish, and have learned multiple cover songs as well.  The band meets once a week at You Rock School of Music with their instructor, Sean P. Rogan.  The Squirrels have been performing for years as well and their energy, creativity and attitudes are infectious.  Harrison, Johnny, Jake, Sam and Ivan are the Electric Squirrels and they rock.

Derek Davis is a drummer.  He played in Big D and the Kids Table with host Sean P. Rogan for 6 years, touring and recording, then moved to the production side of touring.  Derek is a production assistant for the Dropkick Murphys as well as tour manager for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones.  Now living in Brooklyn, Derek is playing more music again and looking forward to getting back on tour.  Derek Davis rocks.

Shawn Florez does NOT play music.  He makes all of the merchandise for bands, including all of the You Rock School of Music merchandise.  Host Sean P. Rogan and Shawn Flores (correct spelling) go back over 2 decades and talk about his connection with music and t-shirts.  Florez prints for and has toured with the Dropkick Murphys, Big D and the Kids Table, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and lots of other bands.  He is an essential member of the music community and is also an amazing husband and father or twin boys (7).  Shawn Florez rocks.

Adam Femino is a guitar player, singer/songwriter and member of the Boston Punk Band, OC45.  Adam tours, writes, rehearses and lives rock n' roll.  Femino performs an original song at the end of the interview.  Enjoy this conversation with Adam and host Sean P. Rogan.  Adam rocks.

Sulynn Hago is a guitar player.  She plays guitar in the band Propagandi. Practicing and studying the guitar is something she does all of the time.  She can't NOT do it as it is a part of her.  Host Sean P. Rogan and Sulynn collaborate at the end of the interview via Brooklyn, NY and Cranston, RI.  Sulynn rocks.

Hayley Jane is a singer, songwriter, performer, touring musician who makes you feel like the sun is shining just a little bit brighter when she plays.  There is no difference in effort between performance and practice, they are the same, according to Hayley Jane.  Enjoy an original song as well as some other collaborations in this episode with host Sean P. Rogan.  Haley currently resides in Burlington, Vermont. Hayley Jane rocks. 

Johnny Hunt, or as referenced to in the Big D and the Kids Table song, "Shining On" Johnny Trouble, is a drummer, audio engineer, bass player and all around great dude.  He was hit by bus but keeps writing songs, mixing bands, creating art and working on his craft.  When asked how much of his life involves music, he says "all of it" without hesitation.  Enjoy this conversation with host Sean P. Rogan and Johnny Trouble.  Johnny rocks.

Nick Lavallee is an artist.  His art spans multiple platforms like music, comedy and custom action figures.  Nick is a songwriter and plays guitar as well as lead vocals in the band Donaher from New Hampshire.  He also has a successful stand up comedy career AND his latest venture is making custom action figures.  Check out Wicked Joyful on IG and FB to see his creations. Nick and host Sean P. Rogan first met in the ska/punk scene, playing shows, over two decades ago.  Nick is one of the funniest, most sincere and creative dudes around.  Nick rocks. 

Justin Nault is songwriter, performer and entrepreneur from Rhode Island originally, but now resides in Nashville, TN.  After a successful high school start to performing, Justin moved to Boston, MA to attend Berklee College of Music to study songwriting.  While fully immersed in the music world of Nashville, Justin created the Perfect Paleo Powder from scratch in his kitchen, became obsessed with Biochemistry and helping others through nutrition and lifestyle.  Nault is the nutrition coach for host, Sean P. Rogan as well as step-cousins.  Justin rocks. iamclovis.com/start

John Connolly is a voice actor, multi-instrumentalist including bass guitar, ukulele and percussion.  He plays bass in the band Tight Pants and is the oldest friend of host, Sean P. Rogan.  John's love of music, voice and recording is evident.  Visit his website at www.JohnConnollyVoice.com.  John rocks.

Jonathan Rubinger (JR) is a professional keyboardist, songwriter, video game designer and all around great dude.  JR plays keys in the Boston based Huey Lewis and the News cover band, Power of Love, with host, Sean P. Rogan.  Gear, theory, songwriting, cover songs...these are just a few of the areas that JR has vast knowledge and deep proficiency with.  JR rocks.

Beth Clark has only been a part of the You Rock School of Music community for a few months and is already in a band, taking private lessons and has made music a bigger part of her life.  She decided she wanted to play music, and now she does.  Beth is an inspiration to all of the staff at You Rock, all of the other students she speaks with and jams with.  She is an absolute pleasure to be around and has more drive than anyone host, Sean P. Rogan has ever met.  Enjoy this conversation with multi-instrumentalist, Beth Clark.  Beth rocks.

Max is the man.  Max is a drummer.  He says yes and plays with so many amazing artists.  He is a producer, performer, artist and will make any song better.  Host Sean P. Rogan and MacVeety met in 1995 at Berklee College of Music and have played hundreds of shows together with Big D and the Kids Table.  Max rocks.

David McWane is the frontman of Boston's Big D and the Kids Table.  He is also a member of Cuidado, Drexel and the Doped Up Dollies.  McWane is also an author with 6 books to his credit, a true artist and creative mind.  Host Sean P. Rogan and David McWane have played over 1000 shows together in Big D and the Kids Table and have traveled all over the world together.  Enjoy this conversation between two old friends.  Dave rocks.

Take advantage of any extra time you may have been given and work on your music.  Write, record, practice, study, shed, listen and PLAY music.  Host Sean P. Rogan shares his thoughts on new found time.

Lori is a professional singer and music educator. She has been teaching Music Together in Rhode Island since 2005, and has been a center director since 2010.   She sings with The Providence Singers, and is the soprano section leader at St. Martin's Church in Providence.  Lori has also taught the daughter or host, Sean P. Rogan and teaches out of multiple locations, one of which is You Rock School of Music.  Lori rocks.

Jenna Emerson is GYN oncologist and also sings in the band Hot Lights Cold Steel as well as playing bass and singing in Those Two Chotches.  Jenna's love for music started early and since joining the You Rock School of Music community a year a half ago, has grown much deeper.  She is working on developing confidence to perform through dedicated practice and by surrounding herself with other musicians and students.  Enjoy this conversation with Jenna and host, Sean P. Rogan.  Jenna rocks.

DJBC is a producer from Atlanta, Georgia.  He creates mash ups, he scratches and he collaborates with other artists to create art for your ears and for your eyes.  Bob Cronin pays attention to the album artwork as much as the songs and releases albums on wax and digital.  DJBC rocks. 

Jane Oliver is a drummer, music lover, therapist, neighbor and friend to host, Sean P. Rogan.  Hear how important music is in her life, playing and listening.  Jane rocks.

Pam is a performing cellist, music educator, mom, wife and has a wonderful outlook on music and life.  Pam plays with multiple groups and performs "Circles" (31:10) by Post Malone, with host, Sean P. Rogan.  It's clear how important music is to Pam and how prominent it is her life.  Pam rocks.

Bassist and singer, Joel Reader is the frontman for multiple groups.  He's been playing music for almost 4 decades and resides on the poppy side of punk.  He's a songwriter that loves performing as well as being in the studio.  Joel's bands include The Fatal Flaw, The Mr. T Experience, Pansy Division, The Plus Ones, Material World (Madonna Tribute) and he is also in a Huey Lewis cover band with host, Sean P. Rogan, called Power of Love.  Enjoy this conversation a live acoustic performance at the end.  Joel rocks.

Ricky has been playing guitar for a year and a half and is fully in!  He plays guitar in a band, takes a weekly lesson at You Rock School of Music with host, Sean P. Rogan, and is thinking about music and guitar all of the time!  He's a lawyer, golfer, presidential history buff and a great guy.  Ricky rocks.

She is a mom, wife, teacher, author, songwriter, plays piano and sings.  Emily Rogan is the wife of host, Sean P. Rogan and the guest for this Valentine's Day interview. She doesn't have much time to practice music in her life right now, but music is still a big part of her life.  She is also THE nicest person in the world. Emily rocks.

Chas Palmer Williams is the frontman of the English Ska-Punk band Lightyear.  He also performs his original solo music as well.  Chas has played thousands of shows and toured all over the world.  He is an amazing performer and writes brilliant songs.  Enjoy this conversation with host, and former tour buddy, Sean P. Rogan.  Chas rocks.  

Addy is finishing up high school with plans of studying music education and plays the flute.  She started playing guitar and drums but then discovered the flute and got her start at You Rock School of Music.  Host Sean P. Rogan interviews his student, neighbor and kids' babysitter. Addy rocks.

Quentin has gone down the guitar/music path deeper than beginners and is studying, playing regularly to become a better guitar player/musician.  Everything Minnesota is the band he is about to start.  Host Sean P. Rogan hears Quentin's story of growing up in a musical household and how that's helped.  Quentin rocks.

The most recent addition to the You Rock School of Music staff, Brett Lehrman, aka DJ Cookie Policy, uses other people's music, technology and reading the room to create a good time.  He is a jack of all trades in the art world and tells host, Sean P. Rogan, what role music plays in his life.  Brett rocks.

Terry has some very cool stories from his world with music and knows what he likes.  Terry writes, records and performs original music in multiple projects, most currently from Hope Anchor out of Rhode Island.  Enjoy this conversation with Terry Linehan and host, Sean P. Rogan.  Terry rocks.

Selene is mom of two kids, who also rock, and sings in a band called Stillhouse.  She's only been singing for a short time and always wondered if she could be the lead singer of a band.  Guess what?  She did.  She is.  Host Sean P. Rogan also plays guitar with Stillhouse.  Selene is glad she decided to, as she says, "just try".  Selene rocks.

Steve is 70 and has been playing guitar for 2 years and is a perfect example of "it's never too late to start".  His love for music is apparent and now his love of playing is developing as well.  He works very hard at his new craft and hopefully will inspire YOU to pick up an instrument, no matter how old you are.  Enjoy this conversation with Steve and host, Sean P. Rogan.  Steve rocks.

Julia is 19, born in Guatemala, has been playing guitar for 2 years and has already committed her life to music.  She has a goal to shred and there's no doubt she will be able to.  Julia's dedication to the guitar is admirable and inspirational.  Enjoy this conversation with host, Sean P. Rogan.  Julia rocks.

15 year old Trevor is fully committed and always ready to rock.  Learn how deep into music Trevor has become in such a short time.  Trevor knows his theory thanks to a "math" brain and a lot of hours.  Enjoy this conversation between Trevor and host, Sean P. Rogan.  Trevor rocks.

Jane is the one.  She's an amazing singer, instrumentalist, songwriter and she tells her story on this episode of the You Rock School of Music Podcast.  This is episode 19, but the first live performance on the show (17:00).  

Sarah plays guitar and sings in the band Saints and Saviors.  She's also a mom, wife, teacher, photographer and avid reader.  Sometimes the only time she plays during the week is when she's at her band practice at You Rock School of Music...and that's fine!  We all don't have to play 6 hours a day to make music a bigger part of our lives.  Sarah has come so far in such a short time and will inspire YOU to pick up your instrument and start playing!  Host Sean P. Rogan interviews his friend, neighbor and student in this episode.  Sarah rocks.

Danny Thompson is the drummer of Face to Face, owner of Music Lesson Business Academy as well as two music schools in California.  When Danny is not on tour, biking through the mountains or drinking the best coffee, he is mentoring music school owners, like host, Sean P. Rogan, and helping them grow their businesses and achieve their goals.  Danny rocks.

Mike Cordeiro, also known as "Fever" is the keyboardist from Salter's Groove.  He doesn't remember NOT playing keyboards and goes all the way back to elementary school with host, Sean P. Rogan.  His insight and perspective are unique and his playing is top notch.  Enjoy this wonderful conversation.

Matt Rogan, brother of host, Sean P. Rogan, shares his musical journey and will hopefully inspire YOU to pick up an instrument and make it a bigger part of your life.  

Bunker, AKA P. Bunk, AKA Great Hair makes beats, plays music is a dad and husband and a great friend of host, Sean P. Rogan.  Enjoy this conversation and learn how music doesn't have to be in the total forefront of your life to have a huge impact. Bunker rocks.

Ted Larson is a staff member at You Rock School of Music and shares his passion, love and true commitment to music in this heartfelt conversation.  Ted has been playing guitar for 40 years and is an inspiration for all that he teaches and performs for.  Enjoy this wonderful conversation with host, Sean P. Rogan.

Rich is the man!  He plays hand percussion and drums and is one of the greatest friends host, Sean P. Rogan has.  Rich has played with so many amazing artists and even taught Lauryn Hill's children, graduated from Berklee College of Music, toured and studied all of the world.  He is as legit and genuine as they come.  Enjoy their conversation.