The Hook Rocks!

The Hooks Rocks Podcast is the place to be for talking rock music. In depth discussions on the state of rock music, new music spotlights featuring new up and coming artists, and much more. Get hooked on The Hooks Rocks…The Ultimate Rock Community podcast! Now Part of Pantheon Podcasts!

Music Commentary
Music Interviews
426
New Music Spotlight: Interview with Guernica Ma...
Having one of the best rock albums "Heatwave" in 2020 the band Thundermother is looking to recapture the momentum they had prior to the pandemic. With a special edition package of the album ready for release Guernica Mancini sits down with Jay Scott to discuss the bands interesting history, her writing process, and what fans can expect this year and into 2022. We also discuss the interesting topic "The State of Rock Music". Please enjoy the episode!
55 min
427
The Todd La Torre Interview
The album is Rejoice in The Suffering and the artist is our latest guest on The Hook Rocks Podcast, Queensryche's vocalist Todd La Torre. We discuss his new album and the recording process during the pandemic. As the conversation moved forward we engaged in the topic of cancel culture and how polarizing our country has become. Todd has an interesting point of view and expresses his thoughts in an articulate way. Whether you agree or disagree I'm sure you will find our chat interesting, as I did. We even get an update on Queensryche. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
61 min
428
Seattle Punk Band The Living & It's Influence o...
Prior to the grunge scene in Seattle the cities punk scene was vibrant and teen angst ran wild. Harassed by cops and authority, it gave teens the sense of unity and the music was the extension of their anger. The band The Living was a huge part of that scene that later saw members Duff McKagan move to Southern California and form Guns'n'Roses and also where Mother Love Bone drummer Greg Gilmore honed his craft. I chat with vocalist John Conte about this moment in Seattle music history and how the re-release came to be. Please enjoy the episode! Part of Pantheon Podcast Network!
50 min
429
New Music Spotlight: Interview With John Notto ...
2021 continues to be an incredible year for rock 'n' roll fans alike with great new albums being released at a record pace. Very few albums are as anticipated as much as the first full length album from the Southern California rock band Dirty Honey. The self titled album delivers on all fronts with tasty hooks and endless grooves. Guitarist John Notto and bassist Justin Smolian stop by The Hook Rocks Podcast to talk about the new album, the recording process, and their thoughts on the new wave of rock music. Please enjoy the episode! Part of Pantheon Podcast Network!
40 min
430
New Music Spotlight: The Return of Abby K & She...
With a sense of independence bassist Abby K is ready to take the next step in her young career. Armed with new songs and new bandmates Crispy Borell & Diego Vargas, the trio ventured to music city Nashville, TN to embark on a journey as band. Recording with Troy Luccketta from Tesla they are excited at what lies ahead. The three join The Hook Rocks while in their car waiting to go into the studio and tell Jay their plans. Enjoy the conversation! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
41 min
431
The Stephen Pearcy Interview
The legendary lead vocalist from Ratt joins Jay on The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss his livestream show from The Whisky A Go Go this Friday night April 2nd. We talk how the show came about, Ratt's impact on the Sunset Strip scene in the '80s, what the future holds in regards to the band and his solo career, plus his thoughts on Eddie Van Halen. Please enjoy the conversation! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
35 min
432
The 200th Episode!!! Our Top 10 Albums From Jan...
We are back with our quarterly segment on the top albums from January through March, 2021! Chris Corradetti and I break down all the great music that has been released since the first of the year and choose are favorites! With so much great music being released some difficult choices had to be made. We also included several of our Twitter followers and their selections. It was fun but also painful. I would also like to thank all of you for listening as we've made it to 200 episodes! I hope you've enjoyed our conversations and look forward to more in the future. Please enjoy the episode. Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
93 min
433
New Music Spotlight: Interview with Bryan Kuzni...
Fame On Fire blends genre's with a captivating sound. Merging rock, hip hop, and heavy metal the band takes a raw and honest approach when it comes to their music and lyrics. Vocalist Bryan Kuznitz visits The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss how they approached the new album Levels, how they've built their fan base, and how writing lyrics helps him be more self aware when looking back on his experiences. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network
46 min
434
The Jeff Pilson Interview
The follow up to The End Machine self titled debut album in 2019 will be out on April 9th! Phase2 brings together Robert Mason, Steve Brown (Mick's brother), George Lynch, and my guest Jeff Pilson on another album filled with heavy grooves and big hooks that will melt our faces! I chat with Jeff about the album, the recording process, and his relationship with George plus so much more in this great conversation. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network
45 min
435
Riki Rachtman Talks "The Ball"
With technology pulling everyone in all different directions the need to create a platform for bands and their videos to be seen, heard, and viewed is long overdue. Just like what Headbangers Ball did for rock fans in the '80s "The Ball" hopes to generate the same buzz for metal fans of all ages. Former MTV VJ and host of "The Ball" Riki Rachtman stops by The Hook Rocks to chat about why he wanted to create this outlet and how Gimme Metal TV was the perfect partnership for the show. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network
41 min
436
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Sammy Boller
Sammy Boller's love for music and the guitar started at an early age. The video was for the song "Panama" by Van Halen and it set him off on the path of rock 'n' roll. Years later he is building his audience with an identifiable guitar tone filled with strong melodies, layered texture, and colors. We discuss his 2020 album Kingdom of The Sun and the recording process as well as how he's remained creative during the pandemic, plus much more. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network
56 min
437
The Return of Richie Kotzen
The long anticipated album by Richie Kotzen and Iron Maiden guitarist Adrian Smith is set for release this Friday. Recorded on the Turks and Caicos Islands early last year the album combines elements of blues and soul producing a sound reminiscent of '70 bands such as Bad Company and Deep Purple. Kotzen joins Jay Scott on The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss the writing and recording process while also talking about the benefits of having the forced downtime during COVID19. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network
38 min
438
How Blockchain Technology & Artist Friendly Pla...
As the music business continues its descent into a technology based industry where algorithms determine relevancy, blockchain technology and platforms such as Soundcloud could potentially change the game. Kristi Enigl joins me once again to discuss the changes in the industry infrastructure and how it will impact the money made by bands and artists who will no longer be beholden to streaming services. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
73 min
439
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Dallas Dwig...
Born in the Carolinas, The L.A. Maybe combines the influences of AC/DC & Guns'n'Roses with big hooks and tasty riffs. Lead guitarist Dallas Dwight checks in with The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss their debut album "Dirty Damn Tricks" out later this month and what lies ahead in these unforeseen times. We discuss the New Wave of Rock as well and the current state of rock 'n' roll. Please enjoy the conversation! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
62 min
440
Tao Grey & Dhani Mansworth From The Treatment
With a new album "Waiting For Good Luck" penetrating the ears of rock fans all over the globe The Treatment is ready to put the past year behind them. I chat with drummer Dhani Mansworth & Tao Grey about the recording process for this album and how they overcame the challenges of the pandemic. Their excitement is infectious as they are ready and waiting to take this music on the road. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
46 min
441
The Ricky Warwick Interview
With his new album "When Life Was Hard & Fast" released last month Ricky Warwick visits The Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss how the record came together. Produced by Keith Nelson formerly of Buckcherry, the album is journey through familiar territory with great melodies and hooks while revealing a modern sound. Written and recorded prior to the pandemic Ricky explains the decision to pause its release and how he has managed to stay creative during these times. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network
52 min
442
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Daisy Dead ...
After pausing the release of their new album for almost a year, the band The Dead Deads is ready for their fans to join them on a new journey beginning in 2021. Armed with elements of punk rock, metal, and the grunge era of the '90s their songs grab you instantly. I had the pleasure of talking with bassist Daisy Dead about their new music, how they've been dealing with the unknowns of the pandemic, plus much more. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
49 min
443
It's Time To Prepare And Be Ready To Celebrate ...
All over the globe the rock 'n' roll/hard rock genre is seeing a resurgence unlike no other time in it's history. There has never been this much new rock music made by new bands and artists from so many different geographic locations. Kaz from The Heavy Rock Show joins The Hook Rocks to discuss the hard work these artists put themselves through during these changing times. It's time to stop denying the truth...rock music is back! It's time to prepare and get ready to celebrate! Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network
79 min
444
The Craig Mabbitt From Escape The Fate Interview
With the new album "Chemical Warfare" recorded and on the way this spring Escape The Fate is ready to reconnect with its fans all over the globe. Lead singer Craig Mabbitt and I discuss the new music and how newfound sobriety has enhanced his journey in rock and metal. We discuss his lyrical inspiration as well as how remains connected with his fans during the pandemic through his twitch account https://www.twitch.tv/craigmabbitt. Please enjoy the episode. Part of Pantheon Podcasts!
46 min
445
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Ray West Fr...
Combing the influences of classic rock, thrash, and funk Weapons of Anew pushes the boundaries of rock music. I dove into their music and found personal lyrics enriched in a good time vibe but also a sense authenticity unmatched by their contemporaries. I spoke with lead singer Ray West about the bands history and collaborative style while also speaking about his musical journey. Please enjoy the episode! Part of Pantheon Podcast Network!
54 min
446
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Josh Kenned...
Born in the Arizona desert The Black Moods have been building a loyal audience the past few years. Combining sharp hooks and tasteful melodies their music fuses the influences of the artists who have come before them with modern hooks. I chat with singer and guitar player Josh Kennedy on the experience of the last year with the pandemic and what their plans are for the future once life returns to normal. Please enjoy the conversation! Part of Pantheon Podcasts!
49 min
447
Does Rock Music Need Mainstream Acceptance To B...
Rock music rarely see acceptance by the mainstream music industry and when it does it's usually short-lived. When it does happen, the mainstream retroactively celebrates a rock artist or band decades after their prime success. The refusal to acknowledge the musicianship and talent during these prime years leave rock music fans screaming for vindication but, do we really need it? Rock music has faced years of being suppressed, ignored, and mistreated yet it still thrives. Although the definition of success has changed there are more new bands than ever before and more platforms for you to access the music. Bakko from Cobra's & Fire and I offer our perspective on why mainstream success for rock music is likely to not happen and why as rock fans we shouldn't care. Please enjoy the episode! Part of Pantheon Podcasts!
66 min
448
The Michael Schenker Interview
With his new MSG album "Immortal" out and being well received the man himself, Michael Schenker stops by The Hook Rocks Podcast. We talk about the chaotic experience of recording his new album, how he connects with himself when creating music, and how he stays in the present on his musical journey. Michael's spirituality shines through in our conversation and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! Part of Pantheon Podcasts!
48 min
449
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Daniel Firt...
With elements of blues, bluegrass, and folk the band Royal Horses bring the sounds of Deep South rock 'n' roll to the forefront. The bands debut album "A Modern Man's Way to Improve" drives home their rockabilly sense with strong melodies to capture the ear of their audience. I speak with drummer Daniel Firth on their influences, history, and how they are planning for the future. Please enjoy the episode!
45 min
450
The Inspiration That Is Pete's Diary
There is no better example of someone who has experienced the healing powers of music while inspiring others through his guitar playing then Pete Dankelson from Pete's Diary. Born with Goldenhar Syndrome he continues to overcome his challenges and embrace what makes him different. Through his guitar playing Pete has been able to connect with thousands on social media conveying a positive message and a joy that is like no other. I chat with Pete about his musical journey, his love for AC/DC, and his desire to work with others who face the same difficulties. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
63 min