Chris DeMakes A Podcast

On this episode, Chris is joined by his Less Than Jake bandmate Roger Lima to dive into the writing and recording of their 2024 single "Sunny Side." The conversation explores the song’s layered instrumentation, dynamic horn arrangements, and emotionally resonant lyrics that center on self-realization, identity, and personal growth. Inspired by a fan’s encouragement to “keep your sunny side up and your dirty side down,” the track blends heavy riffs with melodic textures, channeling arena rock energy while remaining rooted in ska-punk sensibilities. From the tension-building breakdown to the soaring vocal finale, Roger and Chris break down every element of the collaborative process that brought “Sunny Side” to life—both in the studio and on stage.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Elyse Rogers of Dance Hall Crashers joins Chris to talk about the writing and recording of the band’s 1997 fan favorite single, “Lost Again.” Elyse reflects on the group’s collaborative dynamic, the comfort and shared vision she found working with producer Stoker, and how the song’s lyrics touch on personal and industry struggles faced by artists trying to stay true to themselves. The conversation dives into the technical side of recording, including the band’s use of tape to achieve their signature sound, and highlights how each member played a vital role in shaping the track. With candid reflections on the emotional toll of promotion, the joy of live shows, and the importance of mentorship, this episode shines a light on a band that’s always put fun and authenticity first—and continues to influence the world of ska punk today. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, J Navarro of The Suicide Machines joins the show to discuss the origins and last-minute magic behind “S.O.S.,” a fan-favorite track from their 1996 debut Destruction By Definition. J reveals that the song nearly didn’t make the album, coming together late in the recording process after a scramble to finish it. At the time, the band was young and more interested in diving into the L.A. punk scene than soaking in the legacy of A&M Studios, where they recorded among the ghosts of classic albums. J credits producer Julian Raymond for capturing the energy and urgency that gives the album its lasting punch, and he gives drummer Derek Grant props for his significant songwriting and performance contributions to both this song and the album as a whole. Nearly three decades later, “S.O.S.” still hits hard, igniting crowds and standing tall as a staple of the band’s live set.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a special Throwback Thursday edition of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, and while the show usually digs deep into the archives, this week’s rewind only takes us back a few months to a standout February episode featuring Tahlena Chikami of Bite Me Bambi. With her band hitting the road on Less Than Jake’s Summer Circus tour, it’s the perfect time to revisit her breakdown of the ska-pop gem “Bad Boyfriend.” Tahlena dives into the real-life inspiration behind the lyrics, working with producer Cameron Webb, and the balance between nostalgia and freshness in modern ska. From gang vocals to tour tales to the making of their album Eat This, this episode is full of energy, insight, and a whole lot of heart. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Tim Hildebrand and Brittany Luna of Catbite dive into the creation of their 2025 single “Tired of Talk (feat. Patrick Stump),” unpacking the experimental production process, the emotional layers of the lyrics, and the evolution of their ska-meets-pop sound. They reflect on the joys and challenges of writing as a couple, the magic of vocal harmonies, and how Patrick Stump’s contributions elevated the track’s dynamic energy. From crafting a five-string bass and synth-driven groove to working with a friend on an animated music video, Tim and Brit offer a heartfelt look at the collaborative spirit behind the song—and the thrill of bringing it to life on stage.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s May 16th, so it’s only fitting to revisit Episode 51 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, featuring Joey Cape of Lagwagon. Originally released on May 16th, 2021, this fan-favorite episode dives deep into the creation of the band’s beloved anthem “May 16.” Joey shares the real-life events that inspired the song, and reflects on the emotional headspace he was in when recording it—raw feelings that still come through every time the track plays. With “May 16” now celebrated by fans around the world as an unofficial holiday, this episode offers a powerful look at the song’s personal origins and lasting legacy. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to Episode 245 of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, originally released on February 17th, 2025, with none other than Angelo Moore of Fishbone. In this lively and eye-opening chat, Angelo breaks down the making of their explosive 1985 single “Party At Ground Zero”—a wild mix of ska, punk, funk, and soul with an end-of-the-world twist. He shares stories about the musical and cultural forces that inspired the song, and gives a glimpse into the creative energy that fueled Fishbone’s early days. And if you want to experience that energy in person, don’t miss Fishbone on the road this summer as part of Less Than Jake’s 2025 Summer Circus tour. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Chris is joined by his Less Than Jake bandmate JR Wasilewski to break down the writing and recording of "Walking Pipebomb" from the band's Uncharted EP. JR shares how a Dance Hall Crashers song sparked the initial idea, how his signature guitar style shaped the sound, and why the demo remained nearly identical to the final version. The conversation explores the band's collaborative songwriting process, the balance of musical tension and release, and how impactful lyrics can elevate a song’s meaning. With Less Than Jake’s 2025 Summer Circus tour on the horizon, this episode offers a deep dive into the creative forces driving the band’s latest music.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, originally released on May 1, 2023, Bert McCracken of The Used sits down with Chris to unpack the writing and recording of the band’s breakout single, “The Taste of Ink.” McCracken takes listeners back to the early 2000s, when the song—written in a basement in Provo, Utah—captured the restless energy and emotional urgency that would come to define The Used’s sound. He shares how a crucial studio session with producer John Feldmann in Los Angeles helped reshape the chorus and elevate the track into a career-launching anthem. With behind-the-scenes stories and a deep dive into the song’s lyrics and legacy, this episode offers a powerful glimpse into the making of an emo classic. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes  For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com  Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Stacy Jones sits in to share the story behind American Hi-Fi’s 2001 breakout hit, “Flavor of the Weak.” From his early days as Veruca Salt’s touring drummer to stepping into the spotlight as a frontman, Stacy discusses the evolution of his career, the challenges of reinvention, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He reflects on the spontaneous songwriting process that led to the band’s signature track, the impact of working with producer Bob Rock, and the raw energy captured in the song’s live-off-the-floor recording. Stacy and Chris also dive into the song’s lasting legacy, the importance of authenticity in music, and what’s next for American Hi-Fi.Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices