
Chris DeMakes A Podcast
Chris DeMakes A Podcast, hosted by Chris DeMakes of the legendary punk rock band Less Than Jake, features guests who have written iconic songs, exploring their backstory, creation, inspiration, and significance. Each episode offers an in-depth exploration into a specific track from renowned artists, with guests providing untold stories and fascinating details. From chart-toppers to hidden gems across various genres and eras, the podcast offers a rich listening experience. Chris's passion for music and songwriting fuels engaging discussions on lyrics, melodies, production techniques, and cultural context. Combining informative storytelling, interviews, and analysis, the podcast appeals to music lovers, die-hard fans, and anyone curious about the songwriting process. It provides insight into the artistry behind timeless songs, making it perfect for those seeking inspiration or simply wanting to immerse themselves in musical magic.
Latest episodes

Dec 25, 2023 • 1h 7min
End of 2023 Recap
Chris and Chris take a look back at the amazing guests that sat in for episodes of the show in 2023.If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to get weekly bonus episodes, have access to a giant back catalog of bonus episodes, AND help the show continue, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 21min
Ep. 186: Jaret Reddick discusses Bowling For Soup's "Girl All The Bad Guys Want"
In this episode, Jaret Reddick takes a look back at the creation of Bowling For Soup's Grammy-nominated 2002 hit, "Girl All The Bad Guys Want.” The song was his first ever co-write, a collaborative effort with the talented Butch Walker, who was also at the production helm for their acclaimed album Drunk Enough To Dance. The episode dives into the magic that unfolded during the writing and recording process, showcasing how the success of "Girl All The Bad Guys Want" became a pivotal moment propelling both the band and Butch Walker's careers to new heights. As a timeless fan favorite, Jaret reflects on its significance, acknowledging the profound impact it continues to have on Bowling For Soup's journey and the gratitude he holds for its enduring importance in the hearts of fans today.If you want to support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 11, 2023 • 1h 10min
Ep. 185: Eric Bazilian discusses Joan Osborne's "One Of Us"
Eric Bazilian makes his triumphant return to the show, this time to dive into the fascinating backstory of his iconic song “One Of Us,” made famous by Joan Osborne in 1995. Eric recounts the spontaneous genesis of the track, revealing that he composed it in a single night after his then-girlfriend expressed interest in his recording process. Despite some controversy about the song from a few dimwits of the era, it has endured and continues to resonate today. To add a special touch, Eric even breaks out the very acoustic guitar used in the song’s recording, offering an extra layer of authenticity to this can’t-miss episode.If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show (and get weekly bonus episodes), head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 7, 2023 • 50min
Throwback Thursday: Joe Escalante discusses The Vandals "Oi to the World!"
This week's Throwback Thursday episode is from all the way back on December 14th of 2020, when Joe Escalante sat in for Episode 29 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast to discuss the writing and recording of the holiday classic from The Vandals, "Oi to the World!"If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and want to help support the show (and get weekly bonus episodes), head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4, 2023 • 1h 11min
Ep. 184: Ryan Cabrera discusses his song "On The Way Down"
In this week's episode, singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera takes a trip down memory lane, diving into the fascinating story behind his 2004 hit single “On The Way Down”. Ryan reveals the ins and outs of the song's writing, recording, and release, shedding light on his collaboration with producer Johnny Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls fame. He reflects on the whirlwind of his youth, recounting the surreal experience of moving to LA and playing his songs acoustically for record label executives while wearing flip-flops — a vivid snapshot of a pivotal moment in his burgeoning career. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of a timeless hit and the stories that accompanied its rise to fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ep. 183: Karl Alvarez discusses Descendents "I'm The One"
Descendents bassist Karl Alvarez takes center stage in this episode, focusing on the band's 1996 single, "I'm The One." An enduring fan favorite, the song is driven by its raw and relatable lyrics that navigate the complexities of unrequited love. Drawing from real-life tales of romantic struggles shared by friends at the time, he unveils the personal inspiration behind the track. As the last member of the band to sit in for Chris DeMakes A Podcast, Karl provides a unique perspective on the unparalleled songwriting and musicianship that defines the Descendents' legacy.If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and would like to help support the show, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com . Not only will you help the show continue, but you'll also get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 20, 2023 • 55min
Ep. 182: Greg Hetson discusses Circle Jerks "Back Against the Wall"
In this episode, Circle Jerks guitarist and all-around punk rock icon Greg Hetson discusses the writing, recording, release, and legacy of the 1980 Circle Jerks song "Back Against the Wall." Recorded essentially for free during the studio's after-hours, Group Sex became a classic album that launched the band's career, with this particular song serving as their very first composition.If you enjoy Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 12min
Ep. 181: Duncan Redmonds discusses Snuff's "Nick Northern"
Snuff's 1996 single "Nick Northern" served as the gateway into the band for many listeners, as it was featured on a popular punk compilation of the mid-'90s. In this episode, drummer and vocalist Duncan Redmonds details the story behind the creation of this iconic track. From the heartbreak that inspired the lyrics to the surprising story behind the song's title, Duncan opens up and shares an array of fascinating insights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 9, 2023 • 1h 1min
Throwback Thursday: Max Collins discusses Eve 6's "Inside Out"
In today's Throwback Thursday episode, we take a look back to June of 2021, when Max Collins sat in for Episode 54 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast to discuss the writing, recording, and release of Eve 6's hit 1998 single "Inside Out".To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 11min
Ep. 180: Jason DeVore discusses Authority Zero's "One More Minute"
Authority Zero vocalist Jason DeVore sits in to share the story behind the creation and recording of the band's 2002 single, "One More Minute," from their album A Passage In Time. Together with producer Dave Jerden, the band created this reggae-infused track that has resonated with fans for decades. In this episode, Jason dives into many of the facets that set the song apart, and he even shares the surprising inspiration for the "ring around my arm" lyric.If you enjoy Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to get weekly bonus episodes (plus a GIANT back catalog of them), head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices