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The Music Scene with Dave Cudrak
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84. Episode 84 - Steve Butler of Smash Palace
54:42||Ep. 84KeywordsSmash Palace, Stephen Butler, music industry, Quincy Jones, new album, local music scene, passion for music, social media, music evolution, Pierre RobertSummaryIn this conversation, Stephen Butler of Smash Palace discusses the band's history, the challenges of the music industry, and the release of their latest album '87. He reflects on the impact of Quincy Jones on their name change, the importance of local music scenes, and the evolution of music over the years. Butler emphasizes the need for passion in music and the necessity of diversifying as a musician in today's landscape.TakeawaysSmash Palace has been active since the early 80s, evolving through various challenges.The band originally started as Quincy but had to change their name due to legal issues with Quincy Jones.Their latest album '87 was released in October and has been well received.Butler emphasizes the importance of local music scenes and the influence of figures like Pierre Robert.The music industry has changed significantly, especially with the rise of social media.Passion for music is crucial for success in the industry.Diversifying skills as a musician can lead to more opportunities.Butler reflects on the importance of getting out of town to gain exposure.The band has a rich history of touring and recording, with many albums to their name.Butler encourages young musicians to focus on their craft and love for music. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Smash Palace02:53 The Journey of Smash Palace: From Quincy to 8705:33 The Evolution of Music and Band Dynamics08:23 The Impact of Quincy Jones and Name Change11:18 The Tragic Loss of Alex and Its Aftermath14:06 Musical Transformation and New Wave Era16:54 Current Projects and Future Plans23:38 Building a Music Scene on Tuesdays25:24 Pioneering Original Music at the Galaxy25:53 The Evolution of Live Music Audiences28:42 The Changing Landscape of Rock and Roll30:34 Collaborations and New Projects32:17 Mentoring the Next Generation of Musicians34:18 Smash Palace's Latest Album and Future Plans35:37 Connections with the Hooters and Local Legends38:19 Tribute to Pierre Robert and Community Impact39:30 The Importance of Networking in Music41:40 Passion and Diversification in Music Careers43:29 Navigating the Modern Music Industry
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83. Episode 83 - Shay Arthur and Michaelsongs from the Original Artist Circuit (OAC) - SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS!
01:04:56||Ep. 83Shay Arthur & Michaelsongs along with Chuck M are the cofounders of the Original Artist Circuit (more commonly known as the OAC). Together with Double Nickel Brewing they are building a community for original music in South Jersey. They are celebrating 1 full year of putting on monthly showcases of musicians playing only original music. In this episode we get the full rundown of how it all came together as well as a couple of special announcements. We also get both acoustic and full band versions of Lightening is a Bottle and Sound which are the opening and closing songs that the house band plays at each OAC showcase.82. Episode 82: Jim Wible from Shot of Southern
31:15||Ep. 82Jim Wible is the singer and front man of the hugely popular South Jersey cover band Shot of Southern. Leaning into the immense popularity of country music in South Jersey they draw some of the biggest crowds in the area. So much so, that every member of the band was able to give up day jobs and focus on music full time. Jim and I discuss what it's like to be at a Shot of Southern show, traveling as far as San Francisco for a gig, and upcoming shows in Killington, Vermont. Really fun conversation!!!!81. Episode 81: The Jim - From Deep Cuts to Mix Tapes
01:05:05||Ep. 81The Jims consist of Jim Brennan and Whiskey Jim. The self-proclaimed human mixtape fill south jersey venues on a regular basis performing the hits as well as the songs behind the song. In this episode we reminisce on making (and sending) mix tapes before streaming was a thing, what makes a good cover song, original music, and everything in between. We also get two song for the performance so stick around to the end. You won't regret it!!!80. Episode 80 - Cam Narimanian
52:23||Ep. 80Cam Narimanian is a Philly based singer songwriter with amazing chops on multiple instruments. His style is completely his own and he's a hard working musician with a new album coming out very shortly. We get two songs from him at the end so stick around for his performance!79. Episode 79: Texas Leggs
31:27||Ep. 79Texas Leggs are a South Jersey rock band with deep roots in the South Jersey music scene. Not only are they a productive band in their own right but each member of the band are part of multiple music projects all over the South Jersey area. Texas Leggs is currently working an a new full length album which should be available in early 2026. We get two performances from them at the end of the episode to be sure to stick around for that.78. Episode 78: Russ Knight
34:55||Ep. 78Russ Knight is a Singer/Songwriter playing gigs all over South Jersey and the Philadelphia area. He's also an 8th grade English teacher and him and his wife just had a daughter in 2025. He just released a single called Nostalgia which he plays at the end of this episode along with an older song called Dead Man's Song. They are both fantastic. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!