
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

Sep 26, 2022 • 1h 20min
Ep. 122: Dan Wilson discusses Semisonic's "Closing Time"
Grammy Award winning songwriter Dan Wilson sits in this week to discuss the writing, recording, and release of Semisonic's 1998 hit single "Closing Time".To support the podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, visit http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 22, 2022 • 52min
Throwback Thursday: Elizabeth Stokes discusses The Beths "Future Me Hates Me"
With the recent release of The Beths' new album Expert In A Dying Field, it seemed like the perfect time to throw it back to Episode #44 from March 29th, 2021, when Liz Stokes sat in to discuss the writing and recording of "Future Me Hates Me".Visit http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast, where you'll receive weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, plus a giant back catalog of The After Party as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 19, 2022 • 60min
Ep. 121: Cory Branan discusses his song "The Prettiest Waitress In Memphis"
"The Prettiest Waitress In Memphis" might not be the best representation of Cory Branan's sound, but this rockin' song has stood out amongst his fans as a favorite both musically and lyrically. In this episode, Cory recalls the story of how the song came to be, and why the payoff of the song's tale still resonates with people today.To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com and sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 15, 2022 • 1h 10min
Throwback Thursday: Mark McGrath discusses Sugar Ray's "Every Morning"
Sugar Ray's Mark McGrath sat in for Episode #38 back on February 15th, 2021, to discuss the band's 1999 hit single "Every Morning". Mark's humility and sense of humor really shine in this episode, which has made it a fan favorite since it first aired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 2022 • 1h 8min
Ep. 120: Travis Shettel discusses Piebald's "American Hearts"
At every Piebald show, you're sure to see the crowd light up and raise their fists in the air to sing "HEY! You're part of it!", the anthemic chorus of the band's 2002 single "American Hearts". In this episode, vocalist and guitarist Travis Shettel opens up about the creation of this unique and memorable song.To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, sign up for the Supporting Cast over at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5, 2022 • 1h 5min
Ep. 119: Stefan Babcock discusses PUP's "Robot Writes A Love Song"
PUP vocalist and guitarist Stefan Babcock stops by to get into the nuts and bolts of the band's 2022 single "Robot Writes A Love Story". This quirky and infectious tune is a unique take on a love song, which is new subject matter territory for a band that's well-known for thrashy punk rock singalongs.To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, check out http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 29, 2022 • 53min
Ep. 118: A discussion on George Michael's "Faith"
"Faith" was the second single from George Michael's debut solo album of the same name, which went on to produce SEVEN hit singles. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive deep into the music and lyrics of this iconic song that went on to become the #1 Billboard hit of 1988.To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, join the Supporting Cast by visiting http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25, 2022 • 1h 13min
Throwback Thursday: Robin Wilson discusses Gin Blossoms "Til I Hear It From You"
Robin Wilson sat in for Episode #22 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast back on October 26th of 2020. He discussed the band's 1995 hit single "Til I Hear It From You", which was the lead single from the Empire Records soundtrack. This episode also features an exclusive acoustic performance of the song, which was a Chris DeMakes A Podcast first.To support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes, head over to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22, 2022 • 57min
Ep. 117: A discussion on Biz Markie's "Just A Friend"
The unique vocal delivery and hilarious lyrics of Biz Markie's single "Just A Friend" launched the song into the Top 10 of the Billboard charts in 1990. Since then, the infectious chorus has remained lodged in the public consciousness, even after his untimely passing in July of 2021. In this episode, Chris and Chris take a deep dive into the song that no one should feel shy to sing along to.Support Chris DeMakes A Podcast and get weekly bonus episodes by signing up for the Supporting Cast at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 18, 2022 • 58min
Throwback Thursday: Frank Turner discusses his song "Recovery"
This week, we're throwing it back to April of 2021, when Frank Turner stopped by for Episode 46. He and Chris discussed the 2013 single "Recovery", a fan favorite song with a relatable (and somewhat hilarious) backstory.Check out http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast Supporting Cast. You'll get weekly bonus episodes, an entire back catalog of past bonus episodes, and most importantly, you'll be supporting the podcast that you love! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices