Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

Fishbone is a genre-defying band from Los Angeles that emerged in the early 1980s, blending ska, punk, funk, metal, and soul into a high-energy, explosive sound. Known for their chaotic live shows and fearless musical experimentation, Fishbone challenges genre and racial boundaries in the alternative rock scene.  With landmark albums like Truth and Soul and The Reality of My Surroundings, and despite commercial ups and downs, Fishbone remains a cult favorite and a vital influence on artists across rock, punk, and funk. LINKS Fishbone online Fishbone on IG Fishbone on YouTube Fishbone on FB

Jay Ryan is a Chicago-based musician best known as the bassist for the instrumental post-rock trio Dianogah. Formed in 1995, Dianogah earned cult status for their unique two-bass lineup and collaborations with recording engineer Steve Albini. Ryan’s melodic, percussive playing helped define the band’s heavy and cinematic sound. Named after the garbage-loving monster from the original Star Wars film, the band consists of Jay and fellow bassist Jason Harvey in tandem with drummer Kip McCabe. Dianogah is one of the pioneers of the emerging mortgage core scene. Outside of music, he’s the founder of The Bird Machine, a screen-printing studio famed for its hand-crafted gig posters for bands like Shellac, The Decemberists, and Andrew Bird. Jay Ryan bridges the worlds of indie rock and visual art with distinctive creativity and DIY ethos. LINKS Dianogah on Bandcamp The Bird Machine

Bad Mary—fronted by dynamic vocalist Amanda Mac, her husband Mike Staub on bass and vocals, her father Bill Mac on drums, and David Henderson on guitar—is a Long Island-rooted glam‑punk outfit known for wild energy and sharp wit. Formed in 2011, draws on ’70s punk (Ramones, Blondie) and theatrical rock influences, blending classic punk, glam, and pop-punk elements into a sound that’s loud, fast, and fun. A staple of NYC venues like Arlene’s Grocery and Pianos, they’re also expanding via live podcasts and indie collaborations—embracing evolution without losing edge. Mike and Amanda join the repeat offenders club as they stop by to talk about the release of their upcoming live album "Live on Long Island." This is our conversation. LINKS Bad Mary on Bandcamp Bad Mary on YouTube Bad Mary on IG Bad Mary on FB Are You With the Band Podcast

Rachel Fannan is a versatile American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and poet. She gained prominence as co-lead vocalist of the psychedelic rock band Sleepy Sun and later fronted the Los Angeles-based rock band Only You. Fannan has collaborated with various acts, including UNKLE, Anywhere, Black Mountain, and Pussy Riot. Her solo work spans genres like pop, rock, jazz, and folk. Beyond performing, she is an Emmy-winning commercial vocalist and has contributed to video game soundtracks, such as "Crimson Cloud" for Devil May Cry 5.  This is our conversation with Rachel Fannan. LINKS Rachel Fannan on Bandcamp Rachel Fannan on IG Rachel Fannan Web

This week, we welcome multi-hyphenate Dave Paulson into Thunderlove Studio to talk about Sandusky, Ohio, the album he wrote as a tribute to the Chris Farley movie "Tommy Boy."  It evolved into a career-spanning conversation with Dave, which included music journalism, major label record deals, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. This is our conversation with Dave Paulson. LINKS Sandusky, Ohio, on Bandcamp The Privates on Bandcamp The Pink Spiders

Tricia Halloran is a Los Angeles-based music supervisor and indie music curator with a career spanning radio, film, and television. She hosted Brave New World on KCRW for 15 years, introducing artists like Death Cab for Cutie and The Eels to wider audiences. Her music supervision credits include Dead to Me, New Amsterdam, Tully, and Sound of Freedom. Halloran also shares monthly indie music recommendations through her Substack newsletter, Brave New World. LINKS Brave New World Tricia on IMDB

Bill McShane is the lead vocalist and guitarist of Ultimate Fakebook, a power pop trio formed in 1994 in Manhattan, Kansas. Alongside bassist Nick Colby and drummer Eric Melin, McShane helped craft the band's signature blend of catchy hooks and energetic performances. Their 1999 album, This Will Be Laughing Week, garnered critical acclaim. After disbanding in 2003, McShane explored other projects and later reunited with Ultimate Fakebook for new releases like 2020's The Preserving Machine. LINKS Ultimate Fakebook on Bandcamp Ultimate Fakebook on Spotify Ultimate Fakebook on IG Ultimate Fakebook on FB

Seth Timbs is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his sharp songwriting and piano-driven pop-rock. Seth first gained attention in the late 1990s as the frontman of Fluid Ounces, a Murfreesboro, Tennessee band celebrated for their intricate arrangements and witty lyricism.  Fluid Ounces carved out their niche with a blend of jazz-inflected piano hooks and power-pop energy. Following the band's disbandment in 2008, Timbs continued to evolve his sound through solo projects and collaborations that showcase his versatility, blending classical pop influences with modern sensibilities. In our chat, Seth delves into his musical journey, the evolution of his songwriting, and the stories behind the songs. Tune in for an insightful conversation with one of indie pop’s most enduring voices. LINKS Seth Timbs on Bandcamp Seth Timbs on IG Seth Timbs on FB  

Drawing from life’s experiences, Jess Yaffa has a keen ability to transform personal experiences into relatable anthems.  Her debut album, Thoughts That Keep Me Up at Night, released on April 4, 2025, showcases her commitment to authentic storytelling. Collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Scott Jacoby, known for his work with Coldplay and John Legend, Yaffa delivers a collection of songs that are both polished and deeply personal.​ Beyond her music, Yaffa emphasizes the importance of sharing real experiences. She believes that "our real experiences and stories are more powerful than anything that could be made up—my role is to share them so we can hear, feel, and relate."  This philosophy permeates her work, making her a compelling voice in the contemporary music scene.​ Jess has a clear artistic vision for herself and looks forward to continuing to connect with audiences through her honest and heartfelt music. Thoughts That Keep Me Up at Night is available to stream wherever you stream your favorite music. Jess recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio and this is our conversation with her. LINKS Jess on IG Jess on YouTube Jess on Spotify

Their debut, A Balloon Called Moaning, released in 2009, introduced the band’s signature sound with soaring hooks grounded by a robust backbone of driving bass and drums. They quickly followed this with The Big Roar in 2011, which garnered critical acclaim for its raw intensity and infectious energy, spearheaded by the single “Whirring.” Subsequent albums, including Wolf’s Law and Hitch, further explored sonic experimentation, reflecting the band’s ability to balance intricate guitar work with introspective lyricism. Their ever-evolving approach and boundary-pushing style keep listeners guessing, ensuring each new release feels like an exciting chapter in a compelling musical journey. The Joy Formidable consistently pushes creative boundaries, proving that alternative rock still has much to offer. With an unwavering commitment to reinvention, they continue captivating fans and making their mark. Rydian and Ritzy recently stopped by Thunderlove Studio to chat about all of this… and more. This is our conversation with Rydian and Ritzy of The Joy Formidable. LINKS The Joy Formidable Web The Joy Formidable on Bandcamp The Joy Formidable on Wiki The Joy Formidable on Facebook