Stay ConnectedBlowing Smoke with Twisted Rico, hosted by music industry veteran Steev Riccardo, brings you weekly conversations with the people who make the music world go round — musicians, songwriters, producers, label execs, roadies, publicists, and more. Each episode also serves up fresh new music picks, honest song reviews, and no-shortage-of-stories rock ‘n’ roll road tales
Follow along on Instagram @blowingsmokewithTR, or reach out to Steev directly at twistedrico@gmail.com.
Copyright: © Steev Riccardo
On this episode we are joined by the Sioux Falls SD indie rock band Shurr Jr.
In 2015, siblings Nick and Frankie began writing music and jamming together in their mother’s garage, drawing inspiration from Elliott Smith, the Avett Brothers, Title Fight, and Charmer. At the time, their sister Kelly Maxwell was teaching herself to play guitar, often listening and vibing along to their creations. The trio’s musical journey took on a deeper, more personal meaning after the loss of their father, Frank—an influential member of the Omaha, NE band Fifth of May. In honor of Frank’s legacy, the siblings turned to music as a way to channel their grief and keep his spirit alive. The band’s name, “Sure, Junior,” is a loving tribute to Frank’s iconic catchphrase.
Music Clips
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Shurr Jr. "Lewis Park"
No Jive Five
Blondie "Parallel Lines"
Enigma Variations VA
Magnapop "Hot Boxing"
Embrace S/T
Roxy Music S/T
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
In this episode, we’re joined by Christian Dryden of the New York-based band, The Ritualists.
Emerging from the underground glam scene in NYC’s East Village, The Ritualists have become a key player in the Lower East Side music scene, a community that deeply influenced Dryden’s musical vision. Immersed in a world that draws inspiration from icons like The Velvet Underground and New York Dolls, as well as British glam rock, Dryden’s sound blends these influences with his own contemporary twist. Reflecting on his musical journey, Dryden shares, "Being inspired by larger-than-life figures like David Bowie, Simon Le Bon, Bryan Ferry, and Marc Bolan was both a gift and a challenge. While it was transformative to imagine these legends as musical soulmates, it also brought a sense of loneliness, as I felt like I was the only one with that vision... until I discovered the venues and clubs of the Lower East Side."
Music
The Ritualists "The Wake”
Additional Music
The Charms "So Pretty
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
In this exciting live episode, recorded at WMFO, we welcome back the legendary producer and label owner Rick Harte! Join us for an engaging conversation as we explore his work with iconic bands like The Del Fuegos, Mission of Burma, The Neats, The Neighborhoods, and much more!
Music
The Real Kids "Somewhere West Of Nowhere"
Mission Of Burma "That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate"
The Neighborhoods "Mr. Reeves"
Additional Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
This episode was recorded live on WMFO by Mike Newman
In this episode, we chat with Gabriel Johns and Loren Molinare of the Los Angeles rock band, Slamdinistas.
Formed in 2020, Slamdinistas have been captivating audiences with their powerful blend of hard rock energy and catchy pop hooks, all brought to life by a seasoned lineup of musicians. The band features lead vocalist Gabriel Johns (Shelter, FiDo), guitarist Loren Molinare (The Dogs, Little Caesar, Cruzados), guitarist Mike Gavigan (The Blessings), bassist Peter Downing (Adam Sandler Band, Jail Guitar Doors), and drummer Brian Irving (Gilby Clarke, Chris Spedding, Pat Todd & the Rankoutsiders). Join us as we dive into their music and journey so far!
Music
Slamdinistas "Oh Yeah"
Additional Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
M.G. Lederman, aka Mel Lederman, returns to the show to discuss his new single and upcoming album. We also take a trip down memory lane, sharing thoughts about the hosts deep affection for the Victory At Sea album, "Memories Fade".
Music
M. G. Lederman "Everybody Moves Away"
Additional Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Please support this podcast:
patreon.com/twistedrico
On this episode, we are joined by Lilli Dennison, whose first job when she moved to Boston was working as a waitress at the legendary Rathskeller in Kenmore Square. This was the beginning of twenty plus years of involvement in the Boston music scene as an artist manager, booking agent, club manager, club owner etc... We get the whole story, plus did we mention that's she an awesome human being!
Music
Scruffy The Cat "Moons Of Jupiter"
Additional Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Marc Johnson, guitarist and vocalist of the 1980s Boston thrash metal band Executioner, joins us on the show.
Formed in 1984, Executioner consisted of Marc Johnson, bassist/vocalist Ari Vainio, and drummer Dan Scannell. Their iconic track "Victims of Evil" was featured on the legendary 1985 compilation Speed Metal Hell. Soon after, the band signed with New Renaissance Records and released their debut album, In the Name of Metal, in 1986. Seth Putnam(AC), who started as a roadie, joined the band and played on the next Executioner album “Break The Silence.”
Music
Executioner "Death By The Blade"
Additional Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Frank Meyer is back on the podcast to discuss his debut solo album, "Living Between The Lines", upcoming tour plans, his experience performing with Fear, winning a film award for his hip-hop movie, and much more!
With the release of "Living Between the Lines", Frank will embark on U.S. and European solo tours, both solo acoustic and with an electric backing band. He will be performing songs off the new album alongside material he’s written throughout his career.
Music
Frank Meyer "Baby Dynamite"
Additional Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Grammy Award-winner Dan Zanes is a unique force in American music, blending sea shanties, early rock 'n' roll, folk, and soul into a sound that resonates with kids and adults alike. For over 20 years, he has toured the world with his band, Dan Zanes and Friends, sharing a joyful, handmade mix of social music. His critically-acclaimed work has appeared on Sesame Street, Playhouse Disney, and Nickelodeon, and he's collaborated with artists like Philip Glass, Lou Reed, and Natalie Merchant. Zanes' musical journey began in the 1980s with The Del Fuegos, but after becoming a father in the 1990s, he pivoted to creating music for families, releasing the hit album Rocket Ship Beach. With his wife, Claudia Zanes, he has also pioneered sensory-friendly performances, and together they've created the beloved Dan Zanes House Partysongbook. Zanes is also an advocate for anti-racism and co-founded a group focused on white anti-racist dialogue.
Music
The Del Fuegos "I Always Call Her Back"
Dan Zanes and Friends "All Around The Kitchen"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
On this episode, we are joined by Bassist Jon Hardy and Guitarist Crispin Wood of The Bags, who along with Drummer Jim Janota recently played their 40th anniversary show as a band!
The Bags were formed in the summer of 1985 by Jon Hardy, Jim Janota, and Crispin Wood, quickly standing out in the Boston music scene with their raw energy and unique sound. In 1987, they released their debut album, Rock Starve(Restless/Enigma), blending punk, rock, and underground influences. The band's recognition skyrocketed in 1989 when they won the prestigious WBCN Rock 'n' Roll Rumble and released the single "I Know / Hide and Seek." Their self-titled album came in 1990, followed by Night of the Corn People in 1991, showcasing their evolution from gritty punk to more melodic sounds. After a long hiatus, they returned in 2004 with Sharpen Your Sticks, followed by Mount Rockmore in 2007 and The Bags '89 in 2008, reflecting on their formative years. Throughout the 2000s, The Bags reunited sporadically, thrilling fans with new material and live performances, their final public appearance being at The Middle East in 2013 as part of WMBR's 50th-anniversary celebration of Boston rock. In 2025, they celebrated their 40th anniversary with a special concert and the reissue of Swamp Oaf, cementing their lasting influence on the Boston music scene.
Music
The Bags "Spread It Around"
The Bags "Sad Minnow"
Additional Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
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