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
In this episode, we are joined by the legendary Daniel Ash — the iconic English guitarist and songwriter behind goth rock pioneers Bauhaus, Tones on Tail, and alt-rock legends Love and Rockets. Ash has a new project called Ashes and Diamonds that will blow your rock n roll minds!
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Gang Green "Out On The Couch"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
In this exciting episode, we're joined by Marijke Boers—better known as Mikky—of the Austin, Texas-based rock band Mikky and The Doom! Mikky shares her incredible journey from being a Division I tennis player to a comic, and now the dynamic frontwoman of a high-energy rock band. She's got a great story, a lot of talent, and, honestly, she's just really cool.
Music Clips
Gang Green "Out On The Couch"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
The Charms "So Pretty"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
In this episode, we talk about The Who and The Joe Perry Project concert at Fenway Park in Boston. Plus, we revisit a standout episode from July 2023 featuring punk legends Chris Doherty (Gang Green) and Bryan Jones (Jerry's Kids).
Music
Gang Green "Out On The Couch"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Jerry's Kids "Uncontrollable"
The Charms "So Pretty"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
One of the many playlists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5AX7jLmUF3lL9OhKVRZ0YX
On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by MEGG hot off the heels of performing at Warped Tour Long Beach…
“MEGG brings a bold, fearless sound for the tomboys, loudmouths, romantics, brats, and every misfit in between. With a voice that channels the raw power of Hayley Williams and the swagger of Gwen Stefani, her music oozes early 2000s nostalgia with a fresh, in-your-face twist”.
meggmusic.com
Music
Gang Green "Out On The Couch"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
The Charms "So Pretty"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Mike Worm joins us to talk about a cool show happening at The C Note in Hull, MA on August 29, featuring Unnatural Axe, The FU’s, Spectacle, and of course—WORM.
Known for their relentless energy, raw lyrics, and deep roots in the local scene, WORM has built a loyal following up and down the East Coast. With four records already under their belt, they’re gearing up to release their explosive fifth album, Slave Driver, in 2025—a ferocious statement of resistance and survival in a chaotic world.
Tune in as Mike shares what fans can expect at the show and how WORM is spreading the word.
Music
Gang Green "Out On The Couch"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
The Charms "So Pretty"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Tyler Pollard joins us from the electrifying Boston-based trio Robotic Hawks, a band that may have been flying just under your radar — until now. Fresh off the release of their latest EP, New, Better Things, Tyler takes us on a deep dive into the band’s journey: from their early days cutting their teeth in local clubs to collaborating with studio heavyweights Benny Grotto and Paul Q. Kolderie — two producers I’ve long admired.
With their signature blend of pub rock punch and garage-pop hooks, Robotic Hawks are crafting a sound that's raw, infectious, and unmistakably their own. We also talk about their inspired cover of the Crowded House deep cut “Something So Strong” — which naturally gave me a reason to shout out Split Enz, a favorite from my college radio days.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering Robotic Hawks, this episode is your backstage pass to the energy, chemistry, and no-nonsense grit that powers their music.
Music
Gang Green "Out On The Couch"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
The Charms "So Pretty"
(All music used with label and artist permission)
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Sixteen years ago, acclaimed singer-songwriter Pete Droge set out to find his birth mother—only to discover her obituary. That moment sparked an unexpected and deeply personal journey through loss, identity, illness, and healing. In this moving podcast, Droge shares the story behind Fade Away Blue, his most autobiographical album to date. Through candid conversation, poetic insight, and intimate musical moments, Droge explores the emotional terrain of adoption, family, creativity, and resilience. It’s a story of transformation—not just in music, but in life.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Paul Rajpal, guitarist for the acclaimed doom metal band Morne, joins us to discuss their latest album, Engraved With Pain (Metal Blade Records), and the band's upcoming performance at the Somergloom Festival on August 9 in Somerville, MA.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Thank you Joe’s Albums, Taang!, and Spectacle Eyeware
Chris Conway returns to the show to discuss the new EP from his band, The Gypsy Moths — a project he also produced. We also dive into a full review of The Dogmatics' Nowheresville album, along with plenty of other great conversation.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
In tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, we're revisiting a special episode originally aired on October 8, 2021. In this conversation, Duncan Wilder Johnson and I talk about and debate the legacy of Black Sabbath and reflect on what the band—and Ozzy himself—meant to us personally and musically. Join us as we honor the Prince of Darkness and the band that changed rock forever.
Music
The Charms
The Dogmatics
Guitar Riffs by Duncan Wilder Johnson
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
This episode recorded by Mike Nash at Voice Motel
Additional edits by Duncan Wilder Johnson
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