The Powered By Rock Podcast

I am going to be speaking with a veritable legend of rock music over the last 30 or so years, Marko DeSantis. Marko has played in such bands as Sugarcult, Popsicko, a short stint in The Ataris, and was a member of one of my personal favorite bands of all time, Bad Astronaut. Now Marko teaches the business side of music and DJ’s as well as helps promote bands. His life is intertwined with the California rock scene of the 90’s in so many ways, and we are going to hear some incredible stories.

I am pretty stoked to talk to Marko, because having people like him on the show is exactly why I started this podcast in the first place. Marko has been ingrained in the punk scene in California for the last 30 or so years, and I figured it would be great to have a first hand account of some of the coolest stories straight from one of the sources. Marko has been a member of some very well known bands, but he is also really good friends with bands that are household names as well.

This is Part 1 of our 2-part conversation.

Sugarcult 20th Anniversary Start Static Links: https://found.ee/sugarcult-startstatic20-r

Marko on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markodesantis/

Popsicko Vinyl Release: https://bigstirrecords.com/popsicko?fbclid=IwAR0bScW88KROSUrbxGLWtu381wPn6SNiKt1-ska7X7bathYwaYadNJzRR_g

Popsicko on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4lXpcyKDn9VWMfvh7yhpGA

Bad Astronaut on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/11CcMcrB2vnBQrUdPSee6B

Acrophobe Vinyl: https://fatwreck.com/collections/new-releases/products/acrophobe

Houston, We Have a Drinking Problem Vinyl: https://fatwreck.com/collections/new-releases/products/houston-we-have-a-drinking-problem

12 Small Steps, One Giant Disappointment Vinyl: https://fatwreck.com/collections/new-releases/products/twelve-small-steps-one-giant-disappointment

Newest Single "Wide Awake": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVvigD7IqQ8

Santa Barbara Independent Article by Marko DeSantis "Marko DeSantis Takes on Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett": https://www.independent.com/2021/11/18/marko-desantis-takes-on-foo-fighters-chris-shiflett/

Episode Summary:

In an industry where rejection is as common as a three-chord song, Isaac Kuhlman sheds light on the surprisingly rough beginnings of some of the most revered names in rock history.

Bands like The Beatles, U2, Nirvana, Radiohead, and Linkin Park all share histories marked by initial industry rebuffs, only to later ascend to legendary status.

This episode delves into the narratives of missed opportunities, relentless perseverance, and the fateful intersections that changed the course of music history.

Each story Kuhlman shares is a testament to the tenacity and innovative spirit of these artists.

From The Beatles being turned away by Decca Records to Lincoln Park's whopping 40 rejections, these tales underscore the transformative power of belief in one’s artistic vision.

The summaries recount the lessons learned and the triumphs earned, reminding listeners that many music industry trailblazers once faced closed doors and skeptical ears before breaking through to achieve worldwide acclaim.+

Key Takeaways:

• The Beatles, despite being rejected by Decca Records, went on to revolutionize music after signing with EMI’s subsidiary, Parlophone.
• U2 overcame initial resistance to secure their place within Island Records, which led to global fame and the genesis of anthemic rock.
• After numerous rejections, Nirvana found success with Geffen Records, catalyzing the grunge movement with their album "Nevermind."
• Radiohead proved that artistic integrity could yield immense success after a lukewarm reception from EMI led to their groundbreaking works like "OK Computer."
• Linkin Park * faced a staggering number of rejections before Warner Bros Records took a chance on them, resulting in a debut album that would define their genre.

Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you are an aspiring indie musician, and you are looking for a systemized structure for running your music career, check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources from This Episode:

Vinnie Fiorello Interview on Powered By Rock Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96lzgzv-XhM

UltimateClassicRock.com Interview with Chris Blackwell - https://ultimateclassicrock.com/chris-blackwell-memoir-interview/

Faroutmagazine.com Article on Nirvana - https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/dave-grohl-different-from-kurt-cobain/

Jeff Beato Interview with Krist Novoselic of Nirvana - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbrXN7x623U

New Yorker Article about Radiohead - https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2001/08/20/the-searchers

ThePRP.com Interview with Jeff Blue about Linkin Park - https://www.theprp.com/2017/07/27/news/linkin-parks-original-ar-recalls-struggle-rejection-bands-pre-fame-days/

Timeline:

0:00 - Iconic Bands Once Rejected by Record Labels Introduction

1:49 - Decca Records' Historic Mistake Rejecting The Beatles

4:30 - U2's Rise From Rejection to Rock Supremacy

7:17 - Nirvana's Rise From Obscurity to Rock Royalty

10:35 - Radiohead's Rejection and Triumph in the Music Industry

14:36 - Linkin Park's Rise From Rejection to Rock Icon Status

The Powered By Rock Podcast Made the List of 2023's Top 7 Rock Albums of the Year.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Isaac Kuhlman's podcast, the host delves into the pulsating world of rock music, presenting his much-anticipated breakdown of the best rock albums of 2023.

With an infectious enthusiasm for discovering under-the-radar tunes, Isaac expertly curates a list that steps away from mainstream soundtracks and digs into the heart of what makes rock music truly exhilarating.

This episode is a treasure trove for rock enthusiasts and anyone seeking fresh, high-octane musical experiences.

Isaac Kuhlman provides a personalized commentary on each album, weaving his experiences and connections with the music.

From the split personality of "There's More To It Than Climbing" by Decent Criminal to the emotional depth of Grave Secrets' debut, Isaac showcases the diversity and evolution of rock.

He expertly touches on the compelling stories behind the music, such as Vinnie Morales's background influencing Grave Secrets' lyrics, further enriching the listening experience.

With a finger on the pulse of the indie scene, Isaac's insightful analysis covers a spectrum spanning from Philly's Magazine Beach to the Aussie beats of the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets.

• Isaac Kuhlman shares his curated list of top rock albums of 2023, focusing on less mainstream, yet outstanding music in the rock genre.
• The versatility and depth of the music from artists like Decent Criminal, Grave Secrets, and Magazine Beach are spotlighted, demonstrating a blend of rock styles and emotive lyrics.
• The balance between radio-friendly tracks from bands like White Reaper and Hot Mulligan, along with critically acclaimed but less known bands, illustrates the array of talent in the rock scene.
• Isaac's personal favorite and top album of the year is "The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons" by The Hives, selected for its timeless quality and standout tracks.
• A sense of regret is expressed as Psychedelic Porn Crumpets come in close with their album "Franzoli," marking the second time they've been the runner-up in The Powered By Rock Podcast's annual picks.

Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Donate to keep the Powered By Rock Podcast alive and well: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poweredbyrock⁠⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you are an aspiring indie musician, and you are looking for a systemized structure for running your music career, check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99

You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources from this Episode:

Powered By Rock Best Albums of 2023 Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Y6FmZuETy4LeKAfcm0vYA?si=fe2e97a639c040bd

Interview with Vinny from Grave Secrets about Debut Album Til Your Lungs Fall Out - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6A6p9Rv8I4

Chapters:

00:00 - Powered By Rock Podcast Made the List - Top Rock Albums of 2023 Intro

00:44 - There's More to It Than Climbing by Decent Criminal

04:47 - Constant Springtime by Magazine Beach

06:50 - Why Would I Watch by Hot Mulligan

09:34 - Asking for a Ride by White Reaper

11:45 - The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons by The Hives

13:52 - Fronzoli by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

16:13 - And The Powered By Rock choice for the Best Rock Album of 2023 is...

About the Guest(s):

Miguel Ferreira is the guest from the Canadian-based pop punk emo band, Northpark. Coming from various musical backgrounds, including R&B, hip hop, and hardcore, Miguel and his bandmates have converged to form Northpark, who began their journey under this new moniker in 2022.

Miguel is a multifaceted musician who has been involved in multiple bands throughout his career. With Northpark, Miguel and the band have released their debut album "Wasteland," which features nine tracks filled with emotive themes and punk energy.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Powered by Rock podcast, host Isaac Kuhlman engages with Miguel Ferreira, the frontman of Northpark, to delve into the inception of their band, their debut album Wasteland, and their newest single "Ink."

Listeners are treated to a behind-the-scenes look into the band's creative process, personal anecdotes, and the vision they aim to bring to life through their music.

The conversation kicks off with the backstory of how Northpark was formed, shedding light on the band's evolution and their journey to releasing a vinyl record of their album Wasteland.

Miguel shares intimate details about the inspiration behind their songs, grappling with personal emotions, and the thematic focus on the complexities of relationships. He also discusses the significance of their band name, its deep roots in his childhood experiences, and the importance of his own musical influences that span across various genres.

Key Takeaways:

• North Park is fronted by Miguel Ferreira and originated as a pop punk band shaped by personal experiences and various musical influences.
• Their debut album Wasteland explores themes of romance, depression, and introspection.
• Miguel opens up about how personal hardships have influenced his songwriting, offering an outlet for emotions that may otherwise impact his family life.
• The new single "Ink" reflects on taking control over one's life and emotions through the metaphorical power of songwriting.
• Future plans for Northpark include a reimagined version of their song "Teal," a full band recording, managing new vinyl production, and a tour with Cleveland Avenue.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's important to be open with your lyrics and not be scared to say too much, almost." - Miguel on songwriting.
• "It's like one of those things where nobody can come down there and help you, because then they're going to be in the same boat as you." - Miguel discussing the meaning behind the song "Wasteland."

Resources:

Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Donate to keep the Powered By Rock Podcast alive and well: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poweredbyrock⁠⁠

Northpark's Links - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/northpark.band/ ⁠⁠"Ink" rebroadcast with full consent of Northpark Thanks to our sponsors:

⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.brooklynbowl.com/las-vegas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/blacksheep.booking/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/asteroidmrecords⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this riveting episode of the Powered By Rock Podcast, Isaac Kuhlman dives deep into the ever-evolving landscape of rock music, showcasing the best that 2023 had to offer.

This episode is a goldmine for rock music aficionados seeking fresh tunes and for those lamenting the supposed "good old days" when music was at its peak.

Kuhlman meticulously dissects the top songs, breakout artists, and comeback stories that left a mark on the music industry in 2023.

Isaac kicks off the episode by shining the spotlight on new artists such as Magazine Beach and their captivating album "Constant Springtime."

He navigates us through the soundscapes of diverse genres, from punk to power pop, heralding the emergence of bands like the Codefendants and Grave Secrets.

Reflecting on the genre's greatest comebacks, he praises the monumental returns of bands like Portugal. The Man, Diesel Boy, and Blink 182, whose resilience and creativity left fans in awe.

With a balanced blend of nostalgia and novelty, the episode creates a vivid collage of rock music's recent innovations and blasts from the past.

The episode is packed with commentary on musical masterpieces, discussions of the deeper meanings behind the lyrics, and personal anecdotes that highlight the interplay between music and life.

From the energetic riff of "Quarter Life Crisis" by Fat Heaven to the reflective "One More Time" by Blink 182, Kuhlman's selection encompasses the full emotional spectrum.

Intro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Outro Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please consider purchasing some cool merch or some musical instrument accessories at our site - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://poweredbyrock.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you are an aspiring indie musician, and you are looking for a systemized structure for running your music career, check out the FREE DIY Rock Career Playlist here - ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_2jRJsJubw&list=PL465-TazTQf5tZ9zGHitfmWQpYsbVlF99⁠⁠

You can also learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Resources from this Episode:

Powered By Rock Best Albums of 2023 Spotify Playlist - ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Y6FmZuETy4LeKAfcm0vYA?si=fe2e97a639c040bd⁠⁠

Chapters:

00:00 - Powered By Rock Podcast Made the List - Best Rock Songs and Artists of 2023 Intro

00:47 - Best New Rock Artists of 2023 - Magazine Beach, Codefendants, Militarie Gun, Grave Secrets

03:38 - Breakthrough Rock Artists of 2023 - Fat Heaven, Mercy Music, Militarie Gun, Hot Mulligan, Wicked Bears

05:15 - Best Rock Comebacks of 2023 - Portugal. The Man, Diesel Boy, The Hives, Foo Fighters, Blink-182

12:17 - The 9 Best Rock Songs of 2023

12:45 - "Soothe" by Decent Criminal

13:43 - "Waterboy" by Pure Sport

15:29 - "Lucky" by Wicked Bears

16:07 - "Suicide by Pigs" by Codefendants

17:36 - "Quarter Life Crisis" by Fat Heaven

18:18 - "Mood Ring" by Grave Secrets

19:16 - "Countdown to Shutdown" by The Hives

20:10 - "Suddenly" by Mercy Music

21:12 - "Nootmare (K.I.L.L.I.n.G.) [Meow!]" by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets