Chris DeMakes A Podcast

In this week's episode, Chris recommends the American Masters: Creative Spark Podcast. The show is produced by PBS’ American Masters—the Oscar-, Emmy-, and Peabody-winning series that has set the standard for documentary creative profiles. We hope you check it out!

This Throwback Thursday, Chris DeMakes A Podcast rewinds to December 13, 2021, when Shawn Harris of The Matches joined the show for Episode 81 to break down the making of the holiday punk anthem “December Is for Cynics.” Shawn shared stories about writing and recording the track, reflecting on its clever lyrics, high-energy vibe, and how it became a beloved seasonal staple for those who prefer their holiday music with a bit of edge. Revisit this festive deep dive into a holiday classic that’s anything but typical. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Millencolin vocalist and bassist Nikola Šarčević discusses the writing and recording of the band's fan-favorite 2000 single "No Cigar." Nikola shares insights into the band's journey from their Swedish roots to their rise in the punk rock scene, propelled by their signing with Epitaph Records and the influence of skate culture. He reflects on the last-minute songwriting process for "No Cigar," which was written just hours before recording, and talks about the boost it received from being featured in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. The conversation explores the song’s themes of freedom and identity, the dynamic interplay between guitars, and Brett Gurewitz’s production, revealing what made "No Cigar" an enduring anthem for fans. 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  If you love Chris DeMakes A Podcast and you'd like to support the show AND get weekly bonus episodes of The After Party podcast, head to http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com to sign up for the Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Throwback Thursday episode of Chris DeMakes A Podcast revisits Episode 133, originally aired on December 12th, 2022, featuring the legendary David Paich of Toto. With the recent release of the HBO Original Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary, in which Paich is prominently featured, this conversation about Toto’s iconic hit "Africa" feels more relevant than ever. Paich shares the story behind the 1982 smash hit, detailing its writing, recording, release, and enduring legacy as one of the most beloved songs of all time. The episode also includes a surprising moment when Chris brings a subtle detail in the song’s intro to Paich’s attention—something the songwriter had never noticed before. It's an insightful and entertaining exploration of a timeless 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices