Center Stage: An Abandoned Albums Podcast

Mapping the Sky is the brainchild of Jordin Swanson. At times a powder keg of raw guitars, at others soft and acoustic, but always a diverse blend loaded with integrity and artistry. Mapping the Sky's sound is a unique blend that draws inspiration from the likes of Kings of Leon, David Bowie, and Radiohead. If these iconic artists were to collaborate, you'd have a pretty good idea of what Mapping the Sky sounds like, creating a sense of familiarity and connection for the audience.  I sat down with Jordin a few weeks ago to chat about his debut album, "Here and Not Here," as you'll soon discover, I found him to be passionate, authentic, and fun. LINKS: www.mappingthesky.com www.instagram.com/mappingthesky www.facebook.com/mappingthesky www.soundcloud.com/mappingthesky

Join Keith for an exclusive interview with Dave Diamond of the iconic Canadian rock band The Kings. Discover the stories behind their classic hits, insights into their musical journey, and what the future holds.  This episode is perfect for fans of Canadian rock and music history as a whole. It offers a deep dive into The Kings' legacy. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation with one of rock's enduring talents. LINKS The Kings on the web The Kings on Spotify The Kings on IG The Kings on YouTube The Kings on FB The Kings Documentary (on YouTube) #TheKings #DaveDiamond #RockMusic #CanadianRock #ClassicRock #ThisBeatGoesOn #SwitchinToGlide #MusicInterviews #RockLegends #BandStories

Professor Terry Barr and Keith got together a few weeks back to chat about how some singer/songwriters get academic treatment, like Bob Dylan and Taylor Swift (that’s real) and why some don’t… and probably won’t. For the purpose of our discussion we looked at Jeff Tweedy of Wilco and Paul Westerberg of The Replacements. Of the two, we both came to the same conclusion - Jeff will probably see an academic assessment (if he hasn’t already).  Paul will be out back cleaning the erasers. Linkage Terry Barr on Medium Dig It! - Terry’s Substack Keith R. Higgons on Medium Abandoned Albums - Keith’s Substack (you’re actually on it now, so where does this link go…) The NYTimes Article - apologies, you gotta create an account if you don’t have one. Some of the writers mentioned in episode: Claire Dederer Michael Chabon Paul Auster Susan Rogers Phillip Roth Jennifer Egan

David and David's album Boomtown was one of the records that made me want to start this podcast. The first time I heard "Welcome to the Boomtown," I knew I was hearing something unique. And truthfully, that album shaped my picture of Los Angeles for years.  Connecting with David Baerwald and having him on the show to talk about his career is a highlight. He was very generous with his time and stories, and I'm very thankful we could capture some of his story. In addition to being an acclaimed songwriter and performer, he will soon be adding author to his list when his debut novel, The Fire Agent, is released later this year.  We discussed the music, the book, family history, and how it shapes us.  A great way to wrap-up another season. LINKS David and David on FB David B. on IG David B. on Spotify The Fire Agent

It's a special treat to have Brina and Peter from Sons of Silver back for a chat, especially when they're making the rounds discussing their exceptional album, 'Runaway Emotions '. As usual, it was fun and wide-ranging. Kick back and relax; this is a good 'un.  And the new album is incredible, so you'll wanna listen. LINKS Sons of Silver online Sons of Silver on Spotify Sons of Silver on FB Sons of Silver on IG

On this episode, we welcome Eric and Christian from Wisconsin's own The Flavor That Kills. Imagine if you took The Talking Heads, mixed in a little of The Tragically Hip, mixed in some Midwestern soul and punk rock, and blended it all together. Of course, that's an oversimplification, but that's a rough idea of what The Flavor That Kills sound like to me. The word that springs immediately to mind is eclectic. The three of us got the chance to talk about a whole bunch of things, including their spectacular new album Secrits.  LINKS The Flavor That Kills on Bandcamp The Flavor That Kills on FB The Flavor That Kills on Spotify

Twenty-five years in the making, with "Mine Would Be the Sun," Rob Nesbitt, aka The SuiteSixteen, has created one of the most comprehensive love stories. It is a love story about teenagers, not a teen love story—a subtle difference, but still a difference.  LINKS Rob Nesbitt, aka The SuiteSixteen, on Bandcamp The SuiteSixteen on IG The SuiteSixteen on FB

There are prisoners and then there are people who find themselves in prison. X-Raided is an artist who falls into the latter category. X-Raided was released after serving 26 years. And in the ultimate irony, he completed his sentence months before the world went into its own kind of prison - the COVID lockdown. Undeterred, he remained laser-focused on his career as an artist, using his platform to advocate for criminal justice reform, and his continued evolution as a man, mentoring younger people. His resilience and continued relevance in the rap industry make X-Raided an intriguing and influential figure in hip-hop history. To listen to his catalog is to bear witness to growth. The line from a song like “Who’s the Ho” to “The Sunken Place,” much like life itself - in the joint or not - is not a straight one. X-Raided’s artistic catalog is a document to the growth of the man and the artist. LINKS X-Raided X-Raided on IG X-Raided on Spotify Strange Music  

As our favorite Rock and Roll Ambassador, bass player Jimmy Ashhurst, said in the very first episode, “How do you market classic rock when it’s not yet classic?” Billy Alexander, the multi-talented guitarist and a cornerstone of the prog-rock outfit YYNOT, has done time as a sideman to John Waite and Anna Nalick, has produced, written, and recorded numerous artists, and with his nine-song debut solo album, Rock & Roll Diary, steps into the spotlight. In essence, Billy Alexander's work is a masterclass in balancing complexity with accessibility. While we may not have answered the question of how to market classic rock that is not yet classic, it’s nice to know there are still acolytes out there writing the tunes and stomping the stages. LINKS Billy on the web Billy on Bandcamp Billy on Spotify

WAKE THE KIDS AND PHONE THE NEIGHBORS (just don't tell the FBI). Brian Teasley of Man or Astroman? stopped by for a career-spanning conversation.  LINKS Man or Astroman? on Bandcamp