A-Sides

Michigan-based recording artist Sammy Boller has recently recorded and released his solo EP titled Midnight Garden. He joined the podcast for Episode 219 to discuss his guitar playing, several of his favorite Michigan musicians, touring the world, the best pizza, and even practicing yoga. You can find Sammy's music and tour dates on his website which also includes link to purchase merch and more! His music can also be streamed on your favorite streaming app and his Bandcamp page. Thanks to Sammy for the interview, Kevin Chiaramonte, and everyone who listens! Thanks for another amazing year of A-SIDES.

James And The Cold Gun is an emerging rock band from the UK, described as "South Wales' Loudest", and they are set to perform in Central Illinois on December 4, 2025. Whether you live in Central IL or not, James And The Cold Gun are a band that should be on your music radar as they have a hard-driving, straight up rock n roll sound. Frontman James Joseph joined Episode 218 ahead of the show to talk about trying to eat right on tour, his connections to 90's rock legends, and even Christmas music.  You can follow James And The Cold Gun on Bandcamp, their website for merch and tour dates, and even stream them on your favorite app. Thanks to James, the entire band, and WWCT FM for setting up this interview. Tickets for the Dec 4 concert can be found on WWCT's website.

Episode 217 features a fun conversation with Mike Leon, the brand new bassist for CKY. They just released a new single "Can't Stop Running", which preceded a UK tour and an announcement of a slot performing at the 2026 edition of Sonic Temple. Mike chats about discovering CKY, trying out different instruments in his youth, tattoos, favorite bands, and more!  Huge thanks to Mike for the conversation, CKY, and Shane Handel. You can get CKY merch at their website and follow the band on social media!

November 7th 2025 was the release date for the long-awaited studio album from Finger Eleven titled Last Night On Earth. Guitarist Rick Jackett joined A-SIDES to share his songwriting process, along with the many influences of the band, living on a farm, performing on stage, and even a shared connection with Our Lady Peace and King's X. Huge thanks to Rick for joining this episode and a big thank you to the entire Finger Eleven crew for the numerous hours of music they've created. You can follow along with the band through their website for tour dates and merch, including the latest record. Thanks to everyone who listens!

Episode 190 started a mini-series within A-SIDES called "Everybody Loves Cheap Trick." In this next edition, 5 more guests share their interactions, experiences, and memories of one of the most beloved rock n roll bands, Cheap Trick. Episode 215 features- Matt Gabs, guitarist with Ravagers, formerly with Biters Jerry Gaskill, drummer for the rock trio known as King's X Matt Andersen, bassist with Nashville's The Great Affairs Jamie Markley, Illinois talk and rock radio personality Acey Slade, musician and owner of New Jersey-based Catfight Coffee Thanks to all the guests for sharing their stories and time with A-SIDES and thanks to everyone who listens!

In just under a year's time, this is Sons Of Silver's third appearance on A-SIDES. Episode 180 featured band members Peter and Adam previewing their album Runaway Emotions and their winter tour supporting Myles Kennedy. Episode 192 featured Peter and Kevin recapping their tour and the feedback they received along the way. This time, for Episode 214, Peter makes a solo appearance to detail the band's new fan club app which includes tons of audio and video content; their new live EP 7 Cities 7 Songs; and even their live bootlegs collection on Bandcamp. Peter also shares a few of his favorite live albums and previews what's next for the band. You can find their official bootlegs from various shows of 2024 and 2025 on their Bandcamp page: https://sonsofsilver.bandcamp.com/ The band's website also has links to their fan club, band merch, and more! Thanks to Peter, Dana, and the entire Sons Of Silver crew!

JC, from the international powerhouse trio Danko Jones, joined A-SIDES for Episode 213. With only a limited time to record over a 30-minute lunch break, we packed in as much as we could- from touring with their musical heroes, to recording new music, and staying physically fit. Huge thanks to JC for taking time away to share his stories on this latest episode! The power trio known as Danko Jones is set to release their latest album, Leo Rising, on November 21, 2025. You can order physical copies through their label Reigning Phoenix/Perception music through their webstore. The band also has tour dates, links to Danko's podcast, and news updates on their own website. Thanks for listening and following along!

With its origins as a New York-based tribute to King Diamond, THEM has shed that skin and re-established the band as a storytelling power metal band with 4 albums under their belt. The band's fifth release, titled Psychedelic Enigma, releases on October 24th, 2025. Troy Norr (aka "KK Fossor" in the band's lore) shares his history within the heavy metal scene on Long Island, creating the band's concepts, initially connecting with guitarist Markus Ullrich, and sets the stage for the band's latest concept album. Thanks to Troy for chatting with A-SIDES for Episode 212. You can find THEM on Bandcamp for music and merch items: https://them6.bandcamp.com/ Or purchase from their label Steamhammer SPV: https://store.spv.de/collections/them   Their music is also available on your favorite streaming platform!

Last December Sam Spade joined A-SIDES for Episode 181, and this year he returns for Episode 211! Sam shares details from being on the road for the first half of 2025, how he stays in shape, his drive and determination to be the best at what he does, his classic rock heroes, and more! Huge thanks to Sam for returning to the podcast and thanks to everyone who listens! You can follow The Midnight Devils on Facebook and Instagram and also get merch and music through their website here. Be ready for more touring from The Devils in '25 and beyond!

Frontman for multiple heavy metal acts, John Bush is spending the latter half of 2025 celebrating the 40th anniversary of Armored Saint's album, Delirious Nomad, and 3 shows performing songs from his time with Anthrax. John joins A-SIDES to share details on these tours, several pivotal shows in his formative years, how he stays in shape for touring, and the music that fuels his life.  Huge thanks to John for taking the time to be featured on Episode 210, Liz for scheduling this conversation, Brent Stortzum, and everyone who listens! You can follow along with Armored Saint online for tour dates, merch, and more on their website. John, along with his other band Category 7, will be performing three shows this December celebrating his tenure with Anthrax. Ticket information is available through their website. You'll also find John's many bands on your favorite streaming app!

James Black guested on A-SIDES' Episode 164 last summer ahead of the band's run on Creed's Summer of '99 tour, which also featured the band 3 Doors Down. He shared stories on collecting records from film score composers such as John Barry, and a genre titled "exotica", which includes the works of Les Baxter. For Episode 209, James returns to share more on his music collecting habits and details on the forthcoming studio album from Finger Eleven, titled Last Night On Earth. Ahead of the album's Nov 7th release date, the band has released 3 singles and will embark on a North American tour starting this fall. You can find their tour dates and pre-order the record on their website here. Huge thanks to James for returning to A-SIDES! And thanks to all who listen!    

Episode 193 featured guest Jared Jones from the Nashville-based rock band, Emerge. This latest discussion with Jared picks up right where we left off last spring, diving back into shared musical tastes like Disturbed and Sevendust, his experiences with Revis, listeners' music habits, fall activities, and radio station contests! Huge thanks to Jared for making another appearance on A-SIDES for Episode 208, and thanks to all who listen! Extra shout-out to Disturbed and the other musicians being honored by the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet, IL this September! Emerge's music is available on your favorite app and you can follow them on social media at their Facebook page or Instagram at @emerge_music!

A recurring theme throughout the 6-year lifespan of A-SIDES has been the beloved Illinois rock band Cheap Trick. Episode 190 titled, "Everybody Loves Cheap Trick", was packed with 6 different guests sharing their origin stories and love for Cheap Trick, so this anniversary episode of the podcast seemed like a perfect opportunity for a follow-up. Episode 207 features returning guests, familiar voices, and more! Brent Stortzum, co-host/musician/Illinois resident Kenny Wright, drummer and co-vocalist in The Great Affairs Billy Baker, drum builder/drummer of Valentine Saloon Dug Pinnick, bassist for King's X Patrick Kennison, of Heaven Below and Lita Ford Huge thanks to all 5 friends of the podcast who contributed and shared their passion for Cheap Trick. Thanks to all the friends, guests, and listeners of the last 6 years of A-SIDES, too!

Episode 206 of A-SIDES features a conversation with musician and artist Emily Burton, who performs with the all-female Black Sabbath - Black Sabbitch, and California-based rock act, Fireball Ministry. Fireball Ministry scorched the Earth with great albums like 2005's Their Rock Is Not Our Rock, which is now pressed on vinyl through Ripple Music. She shares a few details on the band's formation, growing up in the Midwest, creating artwork, and more! Check out Black Sabbitch online for merch and live shows at their website. You can also find Fireball Ministry's music through your favorite streaming app and grab the fast-selling vinyl records through their Bandcamp page.  Huge thanks to Emily Burton and everyone who listens!

Following the release of Heaven Below's latest album The Majestic Twelve, Nikki Stringfield returns to A-SIDES to share a few details behind the creation of the album. She also discusses the recent tour with her husband Patrick Kennison which featured them as an opening act for Marty Friedman; life at home between tours; the impact and influence of Ozzy Osbourne; and performing with The Iron Maidens. For information on Nikki's tour schedule with The Iron Maidens, visit their website here. You can also purchase her solo albums and music with Heaven Below on her own website. Huge thanks to Nikki for making her third appearance on A-SIDES, as well as thanks to Patrick Kennison, and you for listening to this newest episode!

Dropping on August 22nd is the fifth album from Dinosaur Pile-Up, titled I've Felt Better. Matt Bigland joined A-SIDES for Episode 204 to share a few details behind the new songs, meeting and working with acclaimed songwriter Scott Stevens, his favorite bands from the 90's, and what cassette tape was played repeatedly on a cross-country road-trip. Huge thanks to Matt for being a guest on this latest episode of A-SIDES. Before I've Felt Better is released, you can check out their catalog on your favorite streaming platform, preview the band's 5 newest songs, and follow along with them on their website. Thanks for listening!  

After releasing their full-length debut in 2023 and sharing stages with acts like The Struts and Sublime With Rome, King Falcon is back with new single, "Plastic Crown." Michael Rubin from King Falcon shares his musical history, from listening to his parents' music, playing endless hours of Guitar Hero, to cutting his teeth as part of School Of Rock. Michael even shares his theory on the songs of Steely Dan, which can be broken down into three distinct categories. It was an absolute blast having Michael as a guest on Episode 203 of A-SIDES. You can follow along with King Falcon on their website, social media @kingfalconband, and stream their music on your favorite app. Thanks for listening!

July 5th 2025 was a monumental day for rock music as it was the farewell concert for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath titled "Back To The Beginning." From heavy metal icons such as Metallica to 21st century rock acts like Rival Sons, all performed and paid tribute to the founders of heavy metal with unique covers in addition to their own music. Zak Bellante from Death Comes Lifting was there to experience it all first-hand and he shares that experience on Episode 202 of A-SIDES. Huge thanks to Zak for returning to the podcast to discuss that day in Birmingham, thanks to everyone who listens, and most importantly thanks to Ozzy and Sabbath for the innumerable hours of joy spent listening to their music. You can find Zak online at Death Comes Lifting, which features online fitness classes, health and wellness programs, and an amazing supply of merch!

In 2015, album release dates shifted from Tuesday to Fridays as the new standard to optimize music consumption on streaming platforms. Always one to buck trends, Heaven Below is releasing their new album, The Majestic Twelve, on Tuesday July 22, 2025. Patrick Kennison makes his fourth appearance on A-SIDES to share details on the album's creation, talks about the recent tour with Marty Friedman, drawing inspiration from movies, and even provides a teaser on upcoming releases from Heaven Below. Huge thanks to Patrick Kennison for making another appearance on the podcast and thanks to all who listen! You can find Heaven Below on Facebook, purchase the new record here, or stream the album digitally on all platforms starting tomorrow!

DETROIT - known for fast cars, loud rock n roll, pizza, and the soulful "Motown" sound. Episode 200 of A-SIDES takes a look at the bands and artists of this Midwest mecca, from Bob Seger to Iggy Pop, Grand Funk Railroad, and even lesser known acts like Death and Sonic's Rendezvous Band. Paul Tincher makes a return appearance on the podcast to share his favorite bands, venues, and stories of the city, as well as how we uncovered our favorites and their connections to other musicians we love.  Thanks to Paul Tincher for returning to A-SIDES, a huge thanks to all of our guests, listeners, the friends we've made through this podcast, and most of all the musicians who have given us endless hours of joy and episode topics!