Analog Smile - Michael Millard (Director - 35000 Watts: The Story of College Radio)

05/31/22 • 37 min

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On this episode of Analog Smile, Sherry speaks with Michael Millard, the director of 35000 Watts: The Story of College Radio. 35000 Watts is the untold story of college radio brought to life by the students behind the mic and the bands they made famous. It’s the story of the youth and music culture that originated, and later flourished, on the airwaves of American colleges and universities, establishing a new generational voice and a new path to success for many alumni and artists. Highlighting an era where college radio’s influence was at its peak, 35000 Watts: The Story of College Radio also examines its humble beginnings and how it evolved to create hugely impactful experiences for local and regional communities, students finding their voice, and the musicians seeking their shot at hitting it big. The film dives deep into the music that was the heart of college radio programming, exploring the symbiotic relationship between artists creating music that did not fit into commercial radio formats and the student-run radio stations that were more than happy to play it. The film features interviews with iconic big-name acts and smaller regional bands who lived their rock-and-roll dream for a short while, as well as discussions with former college radio alumni who spin on about their role in college radio and why college radio is still relevant in today’s media-saturated landscape. Despite this positive impact, college radio stations seem to be forever locked in a battle to justify their existence and stay on the air in an increasingly crowded landscape. Threats can come from any direction and every station has a handful of heroes who have fought to keep their stations from shutting down. The stories they can tell about their efforts are sometimes worthy of entire films on their own. Without the efforts of those who started college radio stations and kept them alive, we might never have seen the talents of David Letterman, Billy Crystal, Howard Stern or Bob Odenkirk. We might never have heard the music of R.E.M., The B-52s, U2, Pixies or The Cure. These artists and entertainers, plus many more, all found their audience first on college radio. This film is a celebration of the independent spirit that created so many culture-defining stations and kept them on the air for generations. 35000 Watts: The Story of College Radio delves into the ongoing impact and legacy of those who were at the epicenter of this radio revolution. They chat about the documentary, the college radio experience, and much more! Please visit Kickstarter to donate or 35000watts.com for more information.

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Analog Smile - Acey Slade (Dope, Acey Slade and The Dark Party, Murderdolls)

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On this episode of Analog Smile, Sherry speaks with Acey Slade. Acey Slade was born in Pennsylvania, but bred in Brooklyn, NY. Acey has a career of mythical proportions that seemingly has no end. Cutting his teeth in the Philly rock scene, he moved to NYC and joined the band Dope who released two albums on Sony records. Acey co-wrote the song ‘Now or Never’ and the song ‘Die MF Die’ (which is currently at over 100 million spins on Spotify alone). From there he joined Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison in the Murderdolls. After several world tours with everyone from Papa Roach to Iron Maiden, the band gained a large international following. The Murderdolls were constantly cleaning up every poll in every music magazine in the UK and performing on Top of the Pops and BBC1 radio shows. After this whirlwind of touring, Acey took time to work on his own band Trashlight Vision, and then another project called the Dark Party. In the winter of 2010 Acey joined rock and roll royalty by playing bass for Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. They recorded the ‘Unvarnished’ album which saw them appear on all of the major late night and daytime TV talk shows. Worldwide touring ensued, supporting the Foo Fighters and by 2015 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of fame. By 2016, a few other legendary punk rockers had their eye on Acey as he joined the reunited Misfits as 2nd guitarist for their prodigious return. This coincided with a reunion tour for his alma mater Dope and he’s split his time between the two bands ever since. In the midst of all the craziness that was 2020, Acey and his wife seized their opportunity and started Catfight Coffee. When they aren’t visiting coffee plantations in Latin America, Indonesia or elsewhere, they catch a break at their home in Taipei, Taiwan before heading back to the East Coast hustle. They chat about his career in music, coffee, and much more! Please visit his websites aceyslade.org and catfightcoffee.com for details.

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Analog Smile - Mike Skill

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On this episode of Analog Smile, Sherry speaks with Mike Skill. The Detroit native and celebrated rock guitarist has been a working musician for more than four decades. His roots lay in 60's Motown, Traditional-Garage Blues, and the New Wave Punk movement, spending his early days in New York City with one of his first bands playing clubs, such as the historic CBGB’s. Best known as a founding member, guitarist, and principal songwriter for The Romantics, Skill co-wrote the band's chart-topper “What I Like About You”. He also created the heart-thumping bass groove and co-wrote the global #1 hit “Talking in Your Sleep.” The Romantics were part of the early days of MTV with energetic videos featuring their infectious new wave pop hooks. In 2011, The Romantics were inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame. Today, Skill continues to write and record in Detroit at Pearl Sound Studios with producer Chuck Alkazian and from his current home in Oregon in addition to performing around the world. He has a new solo album called 'Skill... Mike Skill'. They chat about his influences, the formation of The Romantics, his solo career and much more! Visit mikeskill.com for further details.