The Hook Rocks!

The days of the larger than life rock stars are gone. The swagger and the attitude that once graced the stages of stadiums and concert halls are now replaced with toeing the line and fear of the boycott. No one wants to say the wrong thing and alienate half of their audience. Rock 'n' Roll has always been about the middle finger and not caring what people think. How do we get back to those days? Sharise Brown and I discuss this topic and how it relates to the outlaw image the youth of America will always embrace. Please enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2017- 2018 MIRA (The Music Industry Research Association)along with the Princeton University Survey Research Center partnered with Music Cares and surveyed over 1200 musicians regarding the challenges musicians face. The study conducted revealed an overwhelming response to mental health and substance issues along with other challenges people face in the music industry. Kristi Enigl and I discuss the findings and how it relates to the current world situation we are all facing. Please enjoy the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New rock music is alive and well but the majority of rock fans are refusing to connect with it. Either by not having any interest or not knowing where to find it. Rob N The Hood and I discuss what you should be doing if you are having difficulty finding new rock music. We walk you through and give you examples of how easy it is to locate and enjoy the new music from your favorite artists and the wave of rock music. Enjoy the conversation and listen to new rock! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At an early age, Dakota Sean was exposed to rock music from seeing his fathers' band play on stage. He knew then he wanted to write music and perform. His band Another Day Dawns began as a cover band while developing original music combining '90s grunge with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. What they have created is a hard rock/metal sound with deep introspective lyrics. Enjoy the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up in the '80s rock music became not only an escape but part of the core of who we were becoming as people. The trip to a record store was like going to Disneyland. Up until now, there has not been a book that accurately describes what it was like during this time. "Start With A Dream" by Joey Cassata is a rock 'n' roll journey and it is that book. From the early days of his childhood to touring with Kiss to being on Broadway Cassata's life has been filled with challenges and success. We discuss the book in detail and how someone like myself connects with his story. Please enjoy the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We live in the age of everyone being a critic...everyone having an opinion. We see it constantly on social media with fellow rock fans conveying how "this singer can't sing anymore" or "they look so old". Well, guess what? They've aged just as you have. Just like you, the rock fan not looking as you did in your twenties, neither do they. Stacey Forbes and I discuss why people have trouble accepting this and how social media has become a haven for the self- absorbed critic who has to comment on everything. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With their new album "Art of Disconnect" due out this May, lead singer and guitarist Nikki Smash from The Rocket Dolls visits The Hook Rocks to discuss what's in store this coming year. Nikki is forthcoming about his influences and what hooked him on rock 'n' roll as well as what is needed for rock music to become relevant once again. The Rocket Dolls are poised for big things in the future! Enjoy the conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We welcome back singer/songwriter Christian Shields to discuss his debut album "This Is Rock n Roll". The album is an epic journey of old school rock influences mixed with a modern sound. It is an album that gets better with every listen. Our conversation turns to the future for Christian Shields as we discuss touring and promoting the album in 2020. Check out his two songs "Rock n Roll" & "Raise 'Em Up" at the beginning and end of the episode. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With great songs and high energy performances, Diamonds and Whiskey is a band built on the influences of Rock, Country, & Blues. Lead singer and lyricist Jenny Webb joins me on the latest New Music Spotlight to discuss the history of the band and where their journey is taking them. Audiences all over the globe are connecting with her personal lyrics expressing heartache and life's challenges as the band wins people over with their musicianship. Great things are ahead for Diamonds And Whiskey. Please enjoy the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We return with another installment of Tales of The Douche where we explore the difficulties and challenges tall people give concertgoers at general admission shows. We provide an outline of proper concert etiquette for these situations. During this episode, Chris Riccardo and I also offer dating advice and discuss why I refuse to eat pulled pork. Enjoy the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices