Celebrity Jobber Podcast with Jeff Zito

Episode: Chris DeMakes from Less Than Jake

Date: September 5, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Jeff Zito sits down with Chris DeMakes, singer/guitarist of the long-running ska-punk band Less Than Jake, to discuss the theme of a “jobber” — someone who’s a journeyman in their field. The conversation centers on DeMakes’ earliest jobs, his rise in music, the evolution of the music business, and the significance of life’s little moments and personal connections. They reflect on the importance of family support, DIY ethics in music, and what life might have looked like if “the big break” hadn’t happened.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Mutual Connections

(02:33 – 04:40)

• Zito and DeMakes reminisce about Port Charlotte, Florida, where they share roots and mutual acquaintances.
• Zito recalls meeting Chris’s dad and being struck by his pride for his son, setting the stage for family influence on Chris’s career.

2. Chris DeMakes’s Path into Podcasting

(04:47 – 08:14)

• Chris describes how, after starting a songwriting business just before the COVID-19 pandemic, a friend pushed him to do a podcast focused on songcraft and artist interviews.
• He emphasizes that for him, podcasting is “a passion project” and a platform to maintain engagement with fans. It also helps promote Less Than Jake directly to listeners without the constraints of social media algorithms.
• Notable Quote:

  “[Podcasting is] not huge money. That’s not why I do it. It is a passion project at this point. Everything feeds back into it. … It gets me out of bed, too, when I’m off the road.” (Chris DeMakes, 09:34)

3. Early Life and First Job: The Dishwashing Incident

(11:05 – 15:51)

• Chris recounts getting his first job at age 15 as a dishwasher at China Fair, a Chinese restaurant. He describes being required to “train” for three days unpaid and the fallout when his father discovered this.
• His father marched him down to the restaurant and demanded payment from the owner in front of customers.
• Chris never returned to that job, but soon found dishwashing work at a nearby Italian restaurant, which lasted “for a number of years.”
• Memorable Moment:

  “He marched my rear end out to the car, get in the car, and we barrel down there. And I’ve never seen my father this angry … He was our biggest cheerleader. … I saw Papa Bear in action, and it scared the hell out of me.” (Chris DeMakes, 12:56 & 15:51)

4. The Formation of Less Than Jake and the Gainesville Scene

(16:04 – 18:01)

• Chris describes his connection with Vinnie, Less Than Jake’s original drummer, and their move to Gainesville, Florida, which led to the band’s formation.
• Early days involved mailing cassettes, networking with other bands, and organizing tours without Internet convenience.
• Zito and DeMakes both note how life and music business technology have evolved.

5. Breaking Out as a Band: Small Wins and DIY Touring

(18:48 – 24:33)

• Chris stresses there was “no big break”—just a string of small victories, from packed local shows to snail-mail networking.
• Their first major U.S. tour (1995): 48 shows in 51 days, lots of DIY merch, and the challenges of making things work pre-digital era.
• Notable Quote:

  “We came home with $3,000 on that tour in 1995. No bands come home with money. We were hand screening our shirts after shows … It was hardcore.” (Chris DeMakes, 21:32)

6. The Power of Word-of-Mouth and Fanzines

(22:01 – 24:08)

• Chris and Jeff reminisce about the pivotal role of fanzines, local scenes, and physical media in building Less Than Jake’s following before mainstream recognition.

7. Soundtrack Success and Industry Anecdotes

(25:20 – 28:27)

• Zito mentions hearing Less Than Jake’s “I Think I Love You” on the Scream 2 soundtrack.
• Chris shares a story about meeting David Cassidy in Vegas (with his dad’s help), describing how surreal and awkward celebrity interactions can be.
• Quote:

  “You’re the band that did the cover? Yeah, cool. Like, get the … out of my dressing room. That was the vibe.” (Chris DeMakes, 27:31)

8. The "German Compliment" and Fan Interactions

(28:21 – 29:04)

• Chris jokes about fans with no filter, e.g., “You were good today, but better last time I saw you”—a.k.a., “the German compliment.”

9. Taking the Leap: College, Family Support, and No Backup Plan

(29:35 – 32:15)

• Chris reflects on leaving college for music, family pressures, and the lack of a fallback plan.
• His major at University of Florida was telecommunications—chosen for being math-light and “the easiest.”
• Jeff reflects how communications degrees, though mocked for their simplicity, led both of them to lifelong careers in…well, communications.

10. The Enduring Value of Human Connection

(32:15 – 33:19)

• Chris champions “analog” communication: shaking hands, making eye contact, and forming genuine relationships, skills he fears younger generations are losing.
• Quote:

  “That human connection will go farther than any digital form ever, in my opinion.” (Chris DeMakes, 33:19)

11. Life Beyond the Band

(34:04 – 35:38)

• Outside of music and the podcast, Chris keeps busy volunteering, coaching his son’s little league, supporting his daughter’s dance pursuits, and staying active.

12. Local Radio, Opportunities Missed, and No Regrets

(35:38 – 38:06)

• Jeff reminisces about Fort Myers’ alternative station “claiming” Less Than Jake as local heroes, but laments that they didn’t fully embrace them during their rise.
• Chris reflects on the hard realities of the business: limited playlist spots, industry politics, and the gratitude he feels for still being able to play.
• Quote:

  “I tend to look back as fondly as I can about those times, and I’m still lucky to be playing live to people.” (Chris DeMakes, 38:06)

13. If He Could Do It All Again…

(38:11 – 39:11)

• Chris wishes he’d “stopped to smell the roses” more during Less Than Jake’s rise, but admits, “I don’t know if I was capable of slowing down at 21.”

14. The Present & Family Legacy

(39:11 – 41:53)

• Less Than Jake are “busier than ever” in business terms and still draw devoted fans of all ages.
• Chris’s parents were working musicians and always supported his dreams, though the odds seemed slim.
• Quote:

  “They didn’t see it. We didn’t see it. But they were looking at the bigger picture … and all I could think about was, hey, they offered us free beer at the pig party tomorrow night.” (Chris DeMakes, 41:53)

15. Closing Remarks

(43:08)

• Both Zito and DeMakes express gratitude for finally having an in-depth conversation, highlighting the power of local scenes and family in shaping careers.

Memorable Quotes

• “If 4,000 people are listening to your podcast, all 4,000 of them are going to know about the new Less Than Jake record or the Less Than Jake’s playing Fort Myers tonight.” (Chris DeMakes, 06:36)
• “We used to tour like maniacs—and we still do, to a degree—but … we’re not out for more than two and a half, three weeks at a time … But it’s a good spot to be in.” (Chris DeMakes, 10:26)
• “There was no plan for tomorrow. … I just remember looking at them like: There is no fucking backup plan.” (Chris DeMakes, 29:35)
• “Build on what’s centric to my world. That’s why the podcast—it boomerangs back to the band, the band ricochets back to the podcast, back to the songwriting…” (Chris DeMakes, 32:15)
• “The odds of making money in the music industry are … it’s tough. It’s a tough business out there. But they weren’t rooting against us. … And all I could think about was, hey, they offered us free beer…” (Chris DeMakes, 41:53)

Useful Timestamps

• 02:33 — Start of conversation; reminiscing about Fort Myers/Port Charlotte roots
• 04:47 — Chris’s transition into podcasting
• 11:05 — Chris’s first job at age 15 and family involvement
• 15:51 — Moving on from first job, lessons learned
• 16:04 — Formation of Less Than Jake
• 19:24 — Early touring, DIY ethic & work
• 22:01 — Importance of fanzines, word-of-mouth pre-Internet
• 25:20 — Story behind Less Than Jake’s “I Think I Love You” cover for Scream 2
• 29:35 — Leaving college, career risks, family’s role
• 32:15 — On the importance of analog human connections
• 34:04 — Life today: family, volunteering, balance
• 38:11 — Regrets and wisdom from the journey
• 41:11 — Parents’ music business influence and support

Episode Tone and Takeaways

Conversational, nostalgic, and honest, this episode offers a meaningful look at the winding road between odd jobs and fame, how DIY hustle and family support shape careers, and why it’s vital—then and now—to “connect the dots” in your own way.

For fans or newcomers, Chris DeMakes’s relatable stories and Jeff Zito’s local perspective make this an insightful listen on music, growing up, and how a “jobber” can, sometimes, beat the odds.

To hear more of Chris DeMakes's stories, check out his “Chris DeMakes a Podcast” (all platforms) and follow Less Than Jake on Instagram for updates about upcoming tours and projects.