The Hustle

Latest Episodes:

Book Club - Nick Duerden author of Exit Stage Left: The Curious Afterlife of Pop Stars Jun 20, 2022

Show notes

Writer Nick Duerden has recently published a book that, if you've been a listener of this podcast for any length of time, will be manna from heaven. His new book, Exit Stage Left, explores what rock stars do when the spotlight has moved on. Sound familiar? It's one of the most enjoyable music books you'll ever read if you've ever wondered how and why artists try to make it work decade after decade. We get the inside story of around 50 artists of all levels of fame (many of which have also been guests on our show) including Shaun Ryder, Bob Geldof, Robbie Williams, Natalie Merchant, David Gray, Ceelo Green, Don McLean, Billy Bragg and many many more. This conversation is a mutual love fest between two people seeking the same answers. You'll love it!

www.nickduerden.co.uk www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

Episode 371 - Mike Scott of the Waterboys Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

Ringleader Mike Scott has been at the center of the Waterboys keeping the train moving for about 45 years. He's always mixed traditional Irish folk music with the poetry of Bob Dylan or Yeats and a heavy dose of punk to create their unique sound and spirit. The result is spirit-lifting anthems like "The Whole of the Moon" and "Fisherman's Blues" and a bunch of fantastic and experimental detours. The last few albums have seen Mike experiment with drum loops and hip-hop beats culminating in the sparkling new album All Souls Hill. Mike shares with us his writing process, the inspiration behind several of his classics, working with Karl Wallinger, writing poetry and more. Mike is a generational treasure. We've all been blessed by his latent.

www.mikescottwaterboys.com www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

Episode 370 - Cy Curnin of The Fixx/Stephen W. Tayler Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

This week is another very special two-fer who share a long history together.

First up is Fixx frontman Cy Curnin! The band have a brand new album called Every Five Seconds that is as good as anything they've done (and was produced by our second guest). They're also about to embark on a tour of the US which is a must see. Cy discusses the new record, working with Stephen and Rupert Hine, and the stories behind several Fixx classics. Then we get to hear from noted mixer/producer Stephen W. Tayler. Thanks to his long-standing partnership with Rupert, Stephen has been at the Fixx's side since the beginning. He's also worked closely with legends like Kate Bush, Rush, Howard Jones, Jethro Tull and many more. We get into several of his life stories (including his own solo work) as well. Enjoy! www.thefixx.com www.stephentayler.com . www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

Episode 369 - Graham Bonnet of Rainbow/MSG/Alcatrazz/Solo Jun 01, 2022

Show notes

You could say Graham Bonnet is hard rock's greatest chameleon. Perpetually stylish and sexy with his white suits, short hair and sunglasses, he continues to be an anomaly compared to his metal peers. He was plucked from relative obscurity to front Rainbow in the late 70s, but only lasted one album before joining Michael Schenker's group where his time was even shorter. Then he created Alcatrazz which launched the careers of Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai and which he's dipped in and out of over the years. All along there have also been solo albums and the Graham Bonnet Band, which have a strong new album called Day Out in Nowhere that's worth a listen. Whether it's crooning classic r&b songs or wailing like a banshee over the hardest metal, Graham does whatever he feels like and does it well. And his stories have to be heard to be believed. He's the Metal Gentleman.

www.facebook.com/grahambonnetmusic www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

Episode 368 - John Doe of X/Solo and Roger Manning Jr. of Jellyfish/Lickerish Quartet May 25, 2022

Show notes

It's a couple of straight shooters this week.

First up is punk legend John Doe. John's been exploring the intersection of punk and rockabilly for over 40 years now (X's 2020 album Alphabetland is an incredible return to form), but his solo career is often much quieter, more Americana. His new album, Fables in a Foreign Land is maybe his best yet. Here we discuss the Hispanic influence on parts of the new album, writing poetry, X's recent comeback, and a couple stories from the set of Road House, one of the greatest movies ever made! Then we catch up with Roger Manning Jr. of the Lickerish Quartet. Roger's career includes influential bands like Jellyfish, the Moog Cookbook and Imperial Drag. In addition to touring with artists like Beck and Morrissey, Roger's latest project is the Lickerish Quartet, which also includes some former collaborators. They're new ep, Threesome Vol. 3, concludes their "Masterpiece" series of fantastic eps. Roger shares stories from his long career, lots of business advice, shopping in Salt Lake City, and much more. Two musical geniuses. Two artists that tell it like it is Two people making some of the best music of their long careers. Enjoy!

Episode 367 - Lenny Kaye of the Patti Smith Group May 18, 2022

Show notes

Guitarist Lenny Kaye has positioned himself as the ultimate tour guide through the history of rock and roll. Of course he's best known for being Patti Smith's enabler and co-conspirator, having been by her side since day one. He's also a producer helping artists like Suzanne Vega, James, Kristen Hersh and Soul Asylum find their best selves. He's a noted music historian, having curated the indispensable Nuggets compilation and writing articles and liner notes for decades. And, he's also a writer with a brand new book called Lightning Striking which details ten big moments in rock and roll. In this wonderful conversation, Lenny details how he structured the book, how he and Patti made music including Horses, working with Jimmy Iovine and Clive Davis, and his gratitude for a full life spent with what he loves most. It's inspiring stuff.

www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

Episode 366 - Leo Sayer May 11, 2022

Show notes

When you think about music from the late 70s, chances are good you think about Leo Sayer. He practically owned that period with hits like "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing", "When I Need You" and "More Than I Can Say". Unfortunately, bad management robbed him of his career (and all his money) and he's had to build it all back up, which he's done successfully for decades. The last few years have been especially fruitful. In 2019 he released the excellent album Selfie and this year he put out Northern Songs which is him reimagining Beatles songs in a most creative way. Leo tells many incredible stories from his over 50 years in show business like interactions with the Beatles, hanging out with Prince and being the last person to speak with Elvis. You have to hear this to believe it!

www.leosayer.com www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

Episode 365 - HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY TO US with Darryl ”DMC” McDaniels of Run-DMC May 03, 2022

Show notes

The Hustle turns seven this week and to celebrate we welcome Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and the "King of Rock" Darryl "DMC" McDaniels of Run-DMC! Darryl recently published a children's book called "Darryl's Dream" about an awkward kid with big glasses growing up in the hood with an interest in comic books and cartoons. That kid grew up to join forces with Run and Jam Master Jay and form Run-DMC, one of the most revolutionary music groups in history. Darryl discusses the history of the group, his battles with mental health and depression, getting clean, and the stories behind many classic songs. D is a total inspiration and is fighting the good fight shedding light on mental health. We're lucky to hear from him. Enjoy!

www.thekingdmc.com www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

Book Club - Graeme Thomson author of Theme For Great Cities: A New History of Simple Minds May 02, 2022

Show notes

The new book by Graeme Thomson answers many of the questions Simple Minds fans have had for decades. In Themes For Great Cities, Thomson explains (with participation from almost all band members past and present) how their artistically challenging beginning gave rise to their commercial peak in the mid-80s. What were their influences, how were songs like "I Travel" and "Love Song" even constructed, and what was behind the good and bad decisions the band made along the way. Theme is manna from heaven for SM obsessives because as enjoyable as the band is to listen to, they're equally as enjoyable to discuss.

www.graemethomson.net www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

Episode 364 - Brinsley Schwarz Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

Guitarist Brinsley Schwarz, in his own little way, changed music. When his namesake band came on the scene in the early 70s, they popularized a sound (along with bands like Dr. Feelgood, Clover and Status Quo) that would forever be known as "Pub Rock". British bands emulating the American roots music they were hearing, while adding their own spin. After a few albums, the hyper talented Nick Lowe left the band and Brinsley joined up with Graham Parker to start the Rumour. After several years in and out of activity with GP (his This Is 40 story is hilarious) Brinsley is now focused on a beautiful solo career and his new solo album, Tangled. It's exactly what the world needs right now! Brinsley tells us all about his history and shares the story of a historically bad gig you won't believe. Enjoy!

www.brinsleyschwarz.bandcamp.com www.patreon.com/thehustlepod

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