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
Punk drummer turned provocative photographer—Dave Naz joins us to talk about his journey from Chemical People and Down By Law to capturing bold, boundary-pushing images that explore sexuality, identity, and gender. Hear how assisting underground legend Richard Kern helped shape his raw, fearless style.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
On this episode we are joined by Michael Alago, a music industry legend with a wild ride to match. From signing Metallica at 24 to working with icons like Nina Simone and White Zombie, his story is one of raw talent, fearless authenticity, and surviving the chaos of rock ‘n’ roll. This episode dives into Alago’s rise from Brooklyn punk kid to major label exec — and the unforgettable life captured in the documentary Who The F**k Is That Guy?.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
SSDecontrol "Glue"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Part 2 of our conversation with Debbie Southwood-Smith, a seasoned A&R executive with a remarkable career in the music industry. Debbie has played a key role in the success of iconic artists like Uncle Tupelo, Blessid Union of Souls, D Generation, Monster Magnet, Queens of the Stone Age, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. She also shares a rich professional history with our host, having worked together at both Giant Records and A&M Records. A true music insider, Debbie got her start at the legendary college radio station WERS (Boston) in the early ’80s.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
In this episode, we’re joined by Debbie Southwood-Smith, a veteran of the A&R world with an impressive track record. Over the years, Debbie has worked with iconic artists such as Uncle Tupelo, Blessed Union of Souls, D Generation, Monster Magnet, Queens of the Stone Age, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. She also shares a professional history with our host, having worked together at Giant Records and A&M Records. Plus, Debbie was part of the legendary early ’80s crew at WERS, making her a true insider in the evolution of modern music.
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Buck Johnson is a seasoned singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer whose soulful ‘Cala-Bama’ sound fuses his Alabama gospel roots with a West Coast rock edge. Best known as the keyboardist and backing vocalist for Aerosmith, Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band, The Hollywood Vampires, and The Joe Perry Project, which recently revamped and has an incredible lineup featuring Chris Robinson of The Black Crows, Robert DeLeo and Eric Kretz of Stone Temple Pilots, Brad Whitford, and Buck.
“Aerosmith was already a fine tuned machine when Buck came into the fold but he made them better if that was possible. His vocals complements Steven’s perfectly and Buck still being there is a true testament of what he brings to Aerosmith. I call him the “Swiss Army knife”! He plays keyboards and also guitar on some songs but his singing is his gift and it really shows on the Aerosmith, Vampires and Joe Perry live gigs. I think what puts him high above the rest as a well sought after musician is he is one of the finest humans you are going to meet”. -John Bionelli, Aerosmith
Music
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Nite Bob returns to the show and tells us some incredible stories about everyone from The New York Dolls to Steely Dan to Aerosmith and much more... No dull moments on this one, just good Rock N Roll Stories!
“Nite Bob was on the ground floor of live sound in the 70’s. He helped perfect it. When you would go to school the next morning after an Aerosmith concert with ringing in your ears you can thank Nite Bob for that. He let you know with his mixing that you saw and more importantly heard one of the greatest rock band’s ever. His face should be on the Mount Rushmore of live sound engineers.” - John Bionelli(Aerosmith)
Music Clips
The Charms "So Pretty"/"American Way"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
In honor of Mike Peters, who passed away on April 29, 2025, we are replaying our fantastic interview with him from 2023. Rest In Peace Mike.
Music
The Alarm "Whatever"
Additional music clips
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
In this episode, we're joined by Peter Cortner—renowned for his iconic role as the frontman of the legendary punk band Dag Nasty. Of course we hit on the "Wig Out At Denkos" and "Field Day" albums. We also talk about Cortner’s really cool new band, Applied Knowledge, who release their debut album in May.
“Easily the equal of the Replacements at their best -- and as much a forebear of the Goo Goo Dolls' eventual success as a Minneapolis quartet -- Field Day is just that for the group. Peter Cortner's singing in a mere year's time has moved from the edgy, high-pitched rasp of Wig Out to include a ruminative, gently expressing tone, with more vocal control and a sweet edge than one will find in most of the band's peers. As for his lyrics, besides the analysis of personal interaction that defined earlier Dag Nasty material, Cortner addresses everything from being in a band and wanting to write "songs, powerful songs" to reflections on death, loss, and separation”. -All Music
Music
Applied Knowledge "Earthlink"
Music Clips
Applied Knowledge "Not Too Far"
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
On this episode, we are joined by David Wildman and Jim Foster from the band Tell.
“If you’re a first-class songwriter, being shut down just might wind up turning you loose. David Wildman has written his share of gems over the years, often in bands that deserved way more attention than they got. His band TELL refines the moody yet pop-centric approach he’s had all along. …But the real news here is Wildman’s flair for storytelling: The songs here present characters who are a little offbeat, sometimes flawed but always recognizable, all making their way through a desperate era. It’s a lot like real life in these times, only catchier.” _Brett Milano, Boston music writer
Music Clips
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"
Tell "Sweet Proximity
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Juli Kryslur joins us on the show to share stories from her music career — from spinning tracks at college radio station WERS to managing iconic bands like The Dogmatics, The Straw Dogs (formerly The FU’s), and The Bags, as well as her time working at record labels such as Enigma Records.
Music clips
The Charms "So Pretty"
The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll
The Dogmatics "Sister Serena"
Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
