The Hustle

Latest Episodes:

Deep Dive - Eric Bazilian on The Hooters' Nervous Night (1985) Mar 29, 2020

Show notes

Eric Bazilian of the Hooters returns to the podcast to discuss the creation and recording of their 1985 breakthrough album Nervous Night. We get into how they stumbled on their unique sound, why God and spirituality plays such a role in Eric's lyrics, and how the success changed their life. We are so lucky to hear from incredible artists like Eric!

https://www.hootersmusic.com/

Episode 255 - Peter Prescott of Mission of Burma Mar 25, 2020

Show notes

There is almost nothing drummer Peter Prescott can do that will overtake the shadow caused by his band Mission of Burma. In just a brief time in the early 80s they managed to set the template for what American post-punk should sound like. After only an album and an EP, the guys split up and did other projects, but the legend just continued to grow, culminating in being featured in the invaluable book Our Band Could Be Your Life. This provoked a victory lap in the early 2000s that resulted in more albums, tours, love and recognition and lasted over a decade. Today, with Burma behind him, Peter is focused on his excellent new band, Minibeast. We discuss how he views his career, how bands get labeled "cool", how he makes a living and what Minibeast is all about. Enjoy!

www.minibeast.net

Episode 254 - Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann's Earth Band/Solo Mar 18, 2020

Show notes

Chris Thompson is "the voice" behind the most misunderstood lyric in rock history. Is it possible to play "Blinded By The Light" and hear anything other than "revved up like a douche"? No way! But, that's only one line item on Chris's impressive resume. In addition to singing other classic Manfred Mann songs like "The Runner", his successful solo career has netted several highlights including 80s soundtrack classics from films like The Champ, All the Right Moves, and American Anthem. He also wrote "You're The Voice" which was made famous by John Farnham and is the biggest selling single in Australian rock history. We discuss his last solo album, 2016's excellent Toys and Dishes, his work with legends like Queen, Yes, and the Doobie Brothers, and he tells us his experience helping to organize the landmark Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. Chris is a lifer whose career has hit many highs and lows along the way. Enjoy his fascinating journey!

www.christhompson-central.com

Episode 253 - Leee John of Imagination/Solo Mar 11, 2020

Show notes

Leee John never stops. Forty years ago he fronted the British r&b group Imagination that scored loads of hits around the globe like "Flashback," "Body Talk," and their signature tune "Just an Illusion." After a decade of success, Leee went out on his own and has consistently released music in all styles and genres, solidifying his place as one of the key voices in British dance music. These days he remains as busy as ever with new projects including a documentary on British black music, a subject he knows a lot about! Have a notebook handy as Leee takes us to school this week!

www.leeejohn.com

Episode 252 - Peter Wolf Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

Producer Peter Wolf (not the J. Geils frontman) is behind some of the biggest music of the 80s, but also the most divisive. No matter how you may feel about "We Built This City" and "Everybody Have Fun Tonight" (and chances are you feel strongly) those songs were, and still are, huge. They also wouldn't be what they are without his Midas touch. In addition, Peter lent his genius to other classic songs of the era like "Who's Johnny," "Playing With the Boys," "Night Shift," and "King of Wishful Thinking." Plus, he's worked with some of rock's greatest artists like Lou Gramm, The Who, Heart, Big Country and Chicago. We discuss all of it, as well as the TV show he's currently developing. The guy is nothing if not savvy, you gotta give it up to him!

Episode 251 - Arthur Barrow Feb 26, 2020

Show notes

Bassist Arthur Barrow had a dream and it came true. That dream was to one day play with Frank Zappa and in the late 70s that's exactly what happened. What might be more interesting is where he went from there. Imagine going from Zappa to Giorgio Moroder! Arthur began a long and fruitful partnership with Giorgio (and his stable of producers including Keith Forsey and Richie Zito) that took up much of the 80s. This put Arthur in position to work closely with artists like Donna Summer, Berlin, Billy Idol, Charlie Sexton, Joe Cocker and former guests Martha Davis, EG Daily, Joe Esposito, and Paul Engemann. Arthur is very transparent about the ups and downs of his career. In fact, he told his story in his memoir "Of Course I Said Yes!: The Amazing Adventures of a Life in Music". He tells us all of it and more. Enjoy!

www.arthurbarrow.com

Episode 250 - Julian Mendelsohn Feb 19, 2020

Show notes

This week it's the accomplished producer/engineer/mixer Julian Mendelsohn! Julian's golden touch (and golden ears) created some of the most beloved songs of the 80s. He's responsible for legendary tracks like "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood and "Always On My Mind" by Pet Shop Boys. He's also worked closely with artists like Level 42, Paul McCartney, Tasmin Archer, Kate Bush, Nik Kershaw, Killing Joke, Go West, Pseudo Echo, INXS, The Firm, Fine Young Cannibals, Peter Gabriel, Aztec Camera, and many many more. We hear about all of these artists, as well as his relationship with Trevor Horn that included work with Yes and ABC. If you loved the ear candy coming from the UK in the 80s and 90s, chances are Jules had something to do with it. Enjoy!

www.morenoiz.com

Episode 249 - The "Invincible" Holly Knight Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

This week we are honored to hear from one of the most decorated songwriters of all time, the legendary Holly Knight! Holly's career began in the early 80s with the AOR band Spider, but it was when other artists began having success recording songs she'd written (like John Waite's "Change" and Tina Turner's "Better Be Good to Me") that she switched her focus to songwriting. She went on to pen some of the biggest songs ever like "Love is a Battlefield", "The Warrior" and "The Best". In this conversation we cover those as well as many other hits and deep tracks. She also discusses her feelings about her place in history, as well as the marginalization of songwriters in general. It's the perfect show to listen to with your valentine!

Check out Holly's Website.

Episode 248 - Bonnie Hayes Feb 05, 2020

Show notes

This week we get to hear from the wonderful singer/songwriter Bonnie Hayes! Coming out of the Bay Area nearly 40 years ago with her band the Wild Combo, Bonnie mastered the new wave sound and even had a couple songs featured in the movie Valley Girl. For some reason, the solo career never quite took off like it should have, but good fortune bounced in her direction when some of her songs made their way to Bonnie Raitt and were included in her massive comeback album Nick of Time in 1989. From there Bonnie became an in demand songsmith as well as session musician touring and playing keys for both Belinda Carlisle and Billy Idol. These days she teaches songwriting at the prestigious Berklee School of Music and releases solo albums when the itch hits her. She's a fantastic lady and her story is incredible!

https://www.bonniehayes.com/

Bonus - Top Ten Yacht Rock Songs with Reliving My Youth Feb 02, 2020

Show notes

Jon and Noel from the Reliving My Youth podcast are at it again! This time they countdown their top 10 yacht rock songs. What counts as yacht rock? Is it a guilty pleasure or seriously awesome music? Do the songs hold up or are they tied too much to an era? You tell us how you feel!

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