Concerts That Made Us

In this episode of "Concerts That Made Us," Brian welcomes country sensation Presley Tennant, who discusses her latest release, "Somebody Like You," a heartfelt track inspired by her personal experiences and relationships. Presley delves into the emotional journey behind the song, revealing how it captures the essence of love and longing. She explains her two-year hiatus as a period of significant growth and learning in the music industry, during which she honed her songwriting skills, explored new sounds, and navigated the complexities of the business.Presley introduces "California country," her unique musical style that blends traditional country elements with the laid-back, sun-soaked vibes of Southern California. She shares how growing up in the Golden State influenced her sound, combining the storytelling of country music with the diverse musical landscape of her home region.Beyond her music, Presley is passionate about animal welfare, which she actively supports through her initiative "Riffs and Rescues." This program aims to raise awareness and funds for animal shelters, combining her love for music and animals. She recounts heartwarming stories of rescue animals and the joy they bring to their new homes.Reflecting on concerts that have shaped her career, Presley recalls the awe-inspiring experience of attending her first Kelly Clarkson show, which ignited her passion for performing. She also shares the thrill and honor of opening for country legend Tim McGraw, describing it as a pivotal moment in her career that reinforced her dedication to her craft.The episode highlights Presley's dynamic live performance energy, where she strives to connect deeply with her audience. She reveals her pre-show rituals, which include vocal warm-ups, a moment of mindfulness, and a pep talk with her band to ensure they deliver an unforgettable performance. Presley also expresses her admiration for Chris Stapleton, praising his authenticity and powerful vocal presence, which continue to inspire her as an artist.Throughout the conversation, Brian and Presley explore the intricacies of her musical journey, her commitment to her causes, and the concerts that have left an indelible mark on her path to stardom.Find Presley Tennant here: https://www.presleytennant.com/Find CTMU hereLinktreeNewsletter: https://concertsthatmadeus.aweb.page/p/f065707b-2e34-4268-8e73-94f12bd2e938Save 10% on Band Builder Academy membership by following this link https://bandbuilderacademy.com/Brian_Concerts/join and using promo code "concerts" at signup

In this episode of "Concerts That Made Us," Brian welcomes Gabrielle and Kris from Black Note Graffiti to discuss their latest track "Place You Lie." Gabrielle delves into the song's theme of overcoming mental struggles and addiction, sharing personal anecdotes that inspired the lyrics and the emotional journey behind its creation. Kris elaborates on the technical challenges and memorable moments during its recording, highlighting the meticulous work and creative input of producer Josh Schroeder, who played a pivotal role in shaping the track's sound.They tease their upcoming album, emphasizing its cohesive, concept-driven nature, and hint at the narrative arc that ties the songs together, promising fans a deeply immersive listening experience. The conversation also touches on memorable gigs, both good and bad, recounting stories of electrifying performances and the occasional mishap that comes with live shows. They discuss their live show dynamics, revealing how they strive to create an engaging and energetic atmosphere for their audience.The episode concludes with personal insights into their musical influences, where Gabrielle and Kris reflect on the artists and genres that have shaped their sound and approach to music. In a light-hearted segment, Brian poses a hypothetical question about spending time with historical musicians, leading to a fun and imaginative discussion about dream jam sessions and the timeless appeal of musical legends.Bulletpoints:- Discussion about the song "Place You Lie" and its themes of mental struggles and addiction- Challenges and memorable moments during the recording of the song- The approach to writing and recording songs in the studio- Plans for releasing a full record and another single- The appeal of the new record to fans- Potential release of the record on vinyl- Working with notable names in the music industry and memorable moments from those experiences- Description of the band's live shows and their approach to engaging with the audience- Standout gig experiences, both positive and challenging- Casual conversation about personal musical preferences and hypothetical scenarios with historical musicians.Find Black Note Graffiti here:http://blacknotegraffiti.com/Find CTMU hereLinktreeNewsletter: https://concertsthatmadeus.aweb.page/p/f065707b-2e34-4268-8e73-94f12bd2e938Save 10% on Band Builder Academy membership by following this link https://bandbuilderacademy.com/Brian_Concerts/join and using promo code "concerts" at signup

In this podcast episode, Mike Lee from the band Grin Cynic delves into the band's rich history, diverse musical influences, and electrifying live performances. He begins by tracing the band's origins, sharing anecdotes about their early days such as appearing on the Howard Stern Show and playing CBGB's, key milestones that have shaped their journey and what we can expect from the band since it's resurrection. Mike emphasizes the paramount importance of rehearsals, stating that the band brings the same energy and commitment to rehearsals as they do to live shows, ensuring consistency and excellence in their performances.Mike also takes a moment to discuss their self-titled album, "Grin Cynic," which dropped on May 17th. This album marked a significant milestone in their career. He explains how the album encapsulates their journey, showcasing their unique sound and the culmination of their hard work and artistic vision. The album features a blend of their early influences and new experimental sounds, reflecting this new era for the band.The episode provides an in-depth look at the band's unwavering dedication to delivering impactful live performances, showcasing their commitment to excellence and the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Through Mike's insights, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and effort that define Grin Cynic's dynamic presence on stage.Find Grin Cynic here:https://www.facebook.com/grincynicofficial/Find CTMU hereLinktreeNewsletter: https://concertsthatmadeus.aweb.page/p/f065707b-2e34-4268-8e73-94f12bd2e938Save 10% on Band Builder Academy membership by following this link https://bandbuilderacademy.com/Brian_Concerts/join and using promo code "concerts" at signup

In this episode of "Concerts That Made Us," Brian welcomes back Becky and Rob from Dystopica to discuss their musical journey over the past two years. Becky enthusiastically shares details of their first full-length album, "Infinite Reflection," which dropped on 17th May, highlighting its progressive and experimental elements. The duo delves into the challenges and memorable moments of the recording process, including overcoming difficult guitar riffs and perfecting complex time signatures. They reflect on their musical evolution, noting how their sound has matured and the positive reception from fans, who have praised their innovative approach and lyrical depth.The conversation also touches on their live performances, recounting their favorite gigs. Becky and Rob share anecdotes from the road. They discuss their personal obsessions, with Becky favoring Iron Maiden's "Piece of Mind" for its powerful storytelling and intricate musicianship, while Rob enjoys unwinding with video games. The episode offers a deep dive into the creative minds behind Dystopica, showcasing their passion for music and their dedication to pushing the boundaries of their art.Bulletpoints:Discussion about the release and reception of the band's first full-length album, "Infinite Reflection"The songwriting and recording process for the albumChallenges and memorable moments during the recording and production of the albumSpecific tracks on the album that hold special meaning to the band membersFeedback from fans on the new albumEvolution of the band's sound and live performances over the past two yearsStandout live performances and improvements in the band's live soundCurrent obsessions of the band members, including music and video gamesChoice of historical musicians to spend 24 hours locked in a room withFavorite go-to albums for each of the guestsFind Dystopica here: https://www.facebook.com/dystopicaFind CTMU hereLinktreeNewsletter: https://concertsthatmadeus.aweb.page/p/f065707b-2e34-4268-8e73-94f12bd2e938Save 10% on Band Builder Academy membership by following this link https://bandbuilderacademy.com/Brian_Concerts/join and using promo code "concerts" at signup

In this episode of "Concerts That Made Us," Crystal from The Almas dives deep into the band's recent song "Lifeline," elaborating on its powerful mental health message and the inspiration behind its lyrics. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at the DIY music video, which was creatively filmed at a military museum, highlighting the unique challenges and rewarding moments of the shoot.Crystal also shares exciting news about their upcoming US and UK tours, expressing enthusiasm for exploring new venues and connecting with a broader audience. She discusses the logistics and planning involved in international touring and the band's strategy for maintaining their high-energy performances across different stages.A significant highlight of the conversation is the introduction of their new drummer, whose addition has brought a fresh dynamic to the band's sound and live shows. Crystal reflects on the band's impactful experiences with fans, recounting heartfelt stories of how their music has resonated with listeners and fostered a sense of community.She delves into the influence of the local music scene on The Almas' growth, emphasizing the importance of grassroots support and collaboration with fellow musicians. Crystal also recounts a particularly challenging venue experience, detailing how the band overcame obstacles to deliver a memorable performance.The episode wraps up with Crystal sharing her personal obsessions, including her admiration for musicians who have inspired her journey. She discusses her favorite albums, the artists she looks up to, and how their work has shaped her approach to music and performance.Find The Almas Here:https://www.almastheband.com/Find CTMU hereLinktreeNewsletter: https://concertsthatmadeus.aweb.page/p/f065707b-2e34-4268-8e73-94f12bd2e938Save 10% on Band Builder Academy membership by following this link https://bandbuilderacademy.com/Brian_Concerts/join and using promo code "concerts" at signup

In this episode of "Concerts That Made Us," Brian sits down with Isaac Thrower from the loud and energetic band Thrower, an exciting band with a gritty sound who recently completed a high-energy tour with rock heavyweights Saliva, Drowning Pool, and the up-and-coming band Above Snakes. The conversation kicks off with an in-depth discussion about Thrower's debut album "Blink," delving into the intricate details of the songwriting process, from initial inspiration to final production. Isaac opens up about the emotional and thematic layers of his songs, revealing how personal experiences and stories shape his music.The interview takes a nostalgic turn as Isaac recounts some of his most memorable concert experiences. He vividly describes a standout show in Great Falls, where the energy of the crowd was electric, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that left a lasting impression on him. Conversely, he shares the challenges faced during a gig in Deadwood, where technical difficulties and unforeseen obstacles tested his resilience and adaptability as a performer.Isaac emphasizes the importance of engaging with his audience, explaining how he strives to create a connection with fans through his performances. He shares his aspirations for future music videos, expressing a desire to push creative boundaries and visually represent the stories told in his songs. The influence of his hometown on his sound is another focal point, as Isaac reflects on how the local music scene and cultural backdrop have shaped his artistic identity.Beyond music, Isaac opens up about his personal interests, giving listeners a glimpse into his life offstage. He discusses his future plans and shares some of his favorite albums that have inspired him throughout his career. This comprehensive interview provides a deep dive into Isaac Thrower's musical journey, offering fans and listeners an intimate look at the artist behind the music and his aspirations for the future.Find Thrower here:https://www.throwerofficial.com/Find CTMU hereLinktreeNewsletter: https://concertsthatmadeus.aweb.page/p/f065707b-2e34-4268-8e73-94f12bd2e938Save 10% on Band Builder Academy membership by following this link https://bandbuilderacademy.com/Brian_Concerts/join and using promo code "concerts" at signup