
Hosted by Brian Chartrand · EN

Massachusetts native Jon Berman joins us for a chat. From drums, to sax, to singer/songwriter, Jon comes on to talk about the anniversary of his tune "Corona in My Coffee Cup." We reminisce about the MA music scene in the 90s, what hooked him with music, his evolution as a working musician which involves battling cancer and discovering the power of a capo, and his approach to recording music. Check him out https://jonberman.bandcamp.com/

Ben Thompson, aka Mr. Ben, stops by for a chat. This singer/songwriter, originally from Madison, WI, performs and writes children's music in Portland, OR. Full disclosure, I've known Ben for almost 20 years, but I did my best being objective and genuinely curious. We talk early musical memories, his time working at Fender and Pickathon, and his sweet tattoo. Buckle up kids, this one got a little zany. Anyone surprised? No. Me neither. Wanna know more about Mr. Ben? Drive to Portland.

Arizona's own Sophie and Alex Dorsten stop by for a chat. We talk early influences and how they developed their unique sound and instrumentation. We talk about touring in Europe and in the states. Sophie also shares her experience on American Idol. We talk about their future plans and the singles on the horizon. Dig in. For more information, visit www.dorstenmusic.com.

Singer, songwriter, guitar player, producer Aaron Charles stops by the crib for a chat. We talk early musical moments (how about singing "Easy" at his Kindergarten talent show) in his hometown of Whittier, CA. We talk about the first day of the rest of his life (his first John Mayer concert). His decision to attend GCU and his life as a professional musician here in AZ. We also fan boy over John Mayer and the Grateful Dead. Tune in friends. For more info: https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncharlesmusic

Introducing Sebastian Lorenz, all the way from Thüringerberg, Austria by way of Los Angeles, CA. This classically trained guitar player, now cuts it up on guitar and pedal steel with some heavies in LA. We talk about his early obsession with the blues, oddly enough, NOT The Sound of Music and/or skiing after school.. Ever wonder what the gigging scene is like in Austria? Don't worry, we talk about that. We also talk about his journey to LA and what interesting projects he's a part of now. Dig in friends.

Mixologist, and self proclaimed "nerdy bartender type," Joey Joyce joins Brian, Matthew Thornton and Steff Koeppen for an Amaro tasting. What is Amaro? What makes Amaros delicious? After a brief history of the spirit, we taste, describe, and rate several tasty Amaros. I hope you find this discussion valuable and now, go get yourself some Amaros. Tasting in order:1: Amaro Montenegro, Bologna, Italy2: Averna, Sicily3: Vecchio Amaro Del Capo, Calabria, Italy4: Ischia Sapori Rucolino, Ischia Sapori, Italy5: Ramazzotti, Milan, Italy6: Cynar, Milan, Italy7: Bràulio, Lombardy, Italy8: Amaro Alta Verde, Triveneto, Italy9: Fernet Branca, Milan, Italy10: Becherovka, Karlovy Vary, Czechia11: Amargo-Vallet, Hidalgo, Mexico

Matt and I discuss what to do when you are asked by friends to sit in on their gig. "Come on and play a tune! And make sure its awesome...." Here's what you need to know...

Welcome back Sandi King and Joshua Taylor to the micro-pod. In this episode Sandi shares her love for Robyn's tune "Dancing On My Own." Enjoy!

Matthew Thornton returns and we dissect two Beatles songs "Long and Winding Road" and "A Day in the Life" and why we think these songs are awesome. Enjoy people.

San Diego based husband and wife musical duo Sandi King and Josh Taylor of King Taylor Project stop by to discuss the building blocks of what makes a song awesome.. then we break down, dare I say, an awesome tune. Enjoy!