Podcast
Blowing Smoke with Twisted Rico
Hosted by Steev Riccardo · EN
Blowing 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.
45episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
440. Out On The Couch with Chris Doherty
Feb 900:57:57Tap to summarizeThis is the pilot episode of a new podcast currently in development called Out On The Couch. Chris Doherty of Gang Green wrote the song that inspired the podcast, so there’s no better way to kick things off than with our friend Chris.Music by Gang Green, courtesy of Taang! Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
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439. Harold Bronson
Feb 200:58:01Tap to summarizeHarold Bronson is a true pioneer of the American independent record scene. As co-founder of Rhino Records, he helped build the label into America’s leading reissue powerhouse, preserving decades of rock history through beloved compilations like Nuggets. Earlier, while attending UCLA, Bronson was a music writer and a founding member of the early ’70s L.A. band Mogan David & His Winos. His memoir, "Time Has Come Today" captures that journey through unforgettable stories of early L.A. and legendary artists—many of which he shares with us on the show. Its a wild rock n roll ride....MusicThe Charms "So Pretty" "Don't Let Me Down"The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"Ape Hangers "She Comes Again"The Long Wait "Your Plight"The Love Me Nots "Fall Down"The Prime Movers "Where Its At"Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
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438. Sandy Skye Netburn
Jan 2601:05:29Tap to summarizeOn this epsiode we are joined by Sandy Skye Netburn, a New York–based singer, songwriter, and guitarist crafting songs through the lens of teenage life. With sharp wit, modern language, and emotionally charged melodies, her music blends humor and honesty to spark inspiration and goosebumps. And she is a great guest! Music The Charms "So Pretty"The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"The Long Wait "Your Plight"Greg Allen's Fringe Religon "She's Stones"Blame It On Whitman "Bad Mood Walkin"Ape Hangers "She Comes Again"Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
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437. Kerrin Connolly
Jan 1900:51:08Tap to summarizeKerrin Connolly is about as DIY(Do It Yourself) as it gets as is evidenced by her body of work. She writes the songs, plays all the instruments, makes the recordings, and ultimately manages, promotes, book, and markets it all. And did we mention she's really good at it. Music Clips:Kerrin Connolly "Quiet"The Charms "So Pretty"The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"Greg Allen's Fringe Religion "She's Stoned"Black Helicopter "Egypt MA"Ape Hangers "She Comes Again"Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
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436. Debbie Southwood-Smith & Juli Kryslur
Jan 1201:58:05Tap to summarizeThis is the first episode of our eighth year as a podcast, so we brought back a couple of longtime friends who joined us last year—Debbie Southwood-Smith and Juli Kryslur. Not only are they best friends, but they’re also longtime music industry vets. This episode is one for the ages. No holds barred.Music ClipsThe Charms "So Pretty"The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"The Long Wait "Your Plight"The Zulus "Collide"Blame It On Whitman "Bad Mood Walkin"Black Helicopter "Egypt MA"Applied Knowledge "Criswell"Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
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376. Dave Dictor - MDC
Feb 24, 202501:03:36Tap to summarizeOn this week's show, we are joined one of the original American Hardcore Punk legends, Dave Dictor of MDC.Millions of Dead Cops (MDC) is an American hardcore punk band formed in 1981 in Austin, Texas. Known for its politically charged lyrics and aggressive sound, the band’s name itself reflects its intense stance on political issues—particularly focusing on anti-authoritarian themes, police brutality, and societal injustice.The band’s music is deeply influenced by the punk rock and hardcore scenes of the early 1980s, blending fast, abrasive guitar riffs with defiant vocals. MDC's lyrics tackle a wide range of topics, from police violence to war, environmental destruction, and social inequalities, often with a provocative and unapologetically confrontational tone.MDC originally started as a group called The Stains before changing their name to Millions of Dead Cops. They were an integral part of the early hardcore punk scene in Texas and beyond. Their debut album, Millions of Dead Cops (1982), received critical acclaim and helped to establish the band’s reputation in the underground punk community. Over the years, the band's lineup changed several times, but they maintained a dedicated following due to their uncompromising punk ethos.MDC’s influence extends beyond music, as the band was involved in activism and political movements, aligning themselves with causes like animal rights, anti-capitalism, and anti-authoritarianism. While the band’s popularity peaked in the 1980s and 1990s, MDC continued to perform and release music over the years, maintaining its reputation as a symbol of resistance and a voice for marginalized communities.Despite facing controversies due to the provocative nature of their name and lyrics, MDC remains an important figure in the history of hardcore punk, contributing to the genre’s political activism and direct engagement with social issues.MusicMDC "Born To DieAdditional MusicThe Charms "So Pretty"The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
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375. Tom Baker - Live on WMFO
Feb 17, 202500:54:41Tap to summarizeTom Baker of The Dirty Truckers joins us for a live episode at WMFO in Medford, MA, where he performs two tracks from his new album Justine & Me. Tom is accompanied by his friend and fellow musician, Tad Overbaugh, who, along with Mike Newman, takes part in a lively conversation with Tom.*"Georgia Women" was in fact written by R.L. BurnsideMusicTom Baker & Justine Covault "You're Still Standing There"Tom Baker "Coming Back To No One"(Live Acoustic)Tom Baker "Walk Into The Ocean"(Live Acoustic)Tom Baker "Where's My Baby Now"Additional MusicThe Charms "So Pretty"The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll'Produced and Hosted by Steev RiccradoEngineered by Mike Newman(WMFO Radio)
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374. Astral Bitch
Feb 13, 202500:57:02Tap to summarizeBoston powerhouse trio Astral Bitch join us on the show to talk about their latest single "Haunting You", their inspiring cover of the Psychedelic Furs "Pretty In Pink" and life in the music scene...MusicAstral Bitch "Haunting You"Additional MusicThe Charms "So Pretty"The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardotwistedrico@gmail.com
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373. Lee Harrington - The Neighborhoods, The Shang Hi Los
Feb 10, 202501:00:39Tap to summarizeLee Harrington makes an encore appearance on the show to talk about his early life, The Neighborhoods, The Shang Hi Los, and much more...Lee Harrington is a seasoned musician from Boston, Massachusetts, renowned for his dynamic contributions to the local rock scene. He is best known as the bassist and vocalist for The Neighborhoods, a band celebrated for their high-energy performances and significant influence on Boston's music landscape. In 1987, The Neighborhoods opened for David Bowie at Sullivan Stadium, an event that left a lasting impression on both the band and their audience.Beyond his work with The Neighborhoods, Harrington is a member of The Shang Hi Los, a Boston-based rock band that blends elements of garage rock, punk, and power pop. The Shang Hi Los released their debut EP, "Kick It Like a Wicked Habit," in 2021, followed by their full-length album, "Aces Eights & Heartbreaks," in January 2023.Additionally, Harrington has collaborated with Lynda Mandolyn, known for her work with Tiger Bomb and Crystal Canyon, on a project that resulted in the song "Real Love." This collaboration highlights Harrington's versatility and his ability to connect with fellow musicians across different genres.MusicThe Neighborhoods "Love Holiday"Additional MusicThe Charms "So Pretty"The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
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372. A look back at Victory At Sea "Memories Fade" album
Feb 6, 202500:27:19Tap to summarizeIn this bonus episode, we take a look back at the Victory At Sea "Memories Fade" album and pay respects to the late Herbie Flowers. MusicVictory At Sea "Happy For You"Victory At Sea "Break Of Day"additional musicThe Charms "So Pretty"The Dogmatics "I Love Rock N Roll"Produced and Hosted by Steev Riccardo
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