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
451
Coming To A Livestream Near You!
The impact from Covid19 will be felt by the music business long after it becomes a memory. Record labels, streaming services, event promoters, on demand platforms, sponsors and artists have discovered new revenue streams as result and will capitalize on the new found money makers. Livestreams will never replace the emotional connection of being at a live concert but they will offer the fan in local markets and beyond the ability to watch a performance from the comfort of their own home. With improvements in technology and sound quality plus the caution people will have about being in large crowds makes this opportunity a safe bet for corporate conglomerates but also the consumer. The sports fan loves watching a game in person but also watches his favorite sports team at home or orders pay per view for a boxing match or MMA fight. Services like Netflix had already caused movie box office numbers to decline prior to the pandemic. Listen to my conversation with frequent Hook Rocks contributor Kristi Enigl about all of the above. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network
68 min
452
The Damon Johnson Interview
With a new band The Get Ready and a new album Battle Lessons Damon Johnson has finally found peace in his musical journey. No longer having to compromise his vision Damon speaks candidly with Jay Scott about his happiness with the music on his new record. He has found his music soul brothers in drummer Jarred Pope and bassist Robbie Harrington. Damon opens up about the recording process and life as a musician while living during a pandemic. Please enjoy the episode. Part of Pantheon Podcasts!
66 min
453
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Nathan Jame...
The new album "We Will Ride" is out this Friday February 12th and it is Inglorious at their best. The album integrates their classic rock roots with a modern sound. I begin the episode with my thoughts on the new music and commentary about the challenges recording music during the pandemic. We then welcome lead Singer Nathan James on The New Music Spotlight to share his thoughts on the album, the recording process, and why it was important to release new music during these times. Please enjoy the episode! Now Part of Pantheon Podcasts!
44 min
454
New Album Spotlight: The Pretty Reckless "Death...
The new year is in full swing and great new rock music is afoot. With several great rock albums already released in 2021, the latest by The Pretty Reckless is next level awesomeness. An emotional journey that began after the death of Chris Cornell and friend and long time producer Kato, the band fell into a dark place and the future of the band was in jeopardy. The album "Death By Rock 'n' Roll" chronicles the process of mourning, facing inner demons, and the perseverance of facing these individual challenges while rising through them. The result is perfection. The songs connect with a spiritual vibe unlike no other. Featuring guest appearances by Matt Cameron, Kim Thayil, & Tom Morello this album will connect with the listeners emotions. Please enjoy the episode! Part of Pantheon Podcasts!
21 min
455
The Dokken Legacy
Rising up through the scene on the sunset strip in the early '80s the band Dokken created some of the best music for over a decade. With three and four part harmonies, great songwriting, and addicting hooks they were one the best yet criminally underrated rock groups of that era. Sydney Taylor from Metal From The Inside and I discuss their music, legacy and why they were never able to reach the summit of popularity like their contemporaries. Please enjoy this episode! Part of Pantheon Music Podcasts!
89 min
456
The Deen Castronovo Interview
In his first interview since his departure from The Dead Daisies Deen Castronovo details the challenges involved with his physical health. The impact of Covid19 played a major role in repairing the issues causing the limitations, which ultimately led to him making a hard decision. As always, Deen looks towards the future with positivity once he recovers and is able to perform at the level he expects. With a new side project on the horizon he is looking to move forward. Please enjoy the episode! Part of Pantheon Podcasts
55 min
457
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Johnny Skul...
Merging horror and modern goth imagery with heavy hooks the band Above Snakes is ready to mark their territory in the hard rock/heavy metal world. While playing in and touring with previous groups Johnny Skulls and Dax Dabs wanted to create a band with everyone's creative energy focused on the greater cause instead of a singular ego. The result is a modern metal sound with images reminiscent of bands such as Iron Maiden and others in the NWOBHM movement. Check out this great conversation! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
48 min
458
Van Halen I vs Appetite For Destruction
When rock fans speak about great debut albums and the impact their music had on rock 'n' roll no two albums create a more passionate debate than these monster records. Van Halen's self titled debut which is full of big harmonies, shredding guitar, and infectious energy versus the sleaze and back alley grit of Guns 'N' Roses' Appetite For Destruction. Which album had more influence? Which one changed the game? I welcome Chris Preston from My Rock 'n' Roll Heaven to discuss! Please enjoy! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
68 min
459
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Tucker McMu...
From the small town of Red Dear, Alberta in Canada the band King Bull fuses elements of rock and punk into a beautiful chaotic sound. I sit down with lead vocalist/guitar player Tucker McMurray and discuss the bands history, their latest EP, and where the future lies for King Bull. It was a fun conversation I enjoyed and I know you will too! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
53 min
460
The Return of Joel Hoekstra
Joel Hoekstra returns to the Hook Rocks Podcast to discuss his latest album "Running Games" by Joel Hoekstra's 13. The album features Joel's definitive sound as musicians Vinny Appice, Tony Franklin, Derek Sherinian, Russell Allen, and others contribute on each track. We then move to the timely topic of Covid19 and how its impact continues to put live music in a state of unknown. Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
40 min
461
How & Why We Connect With Music
Music can be a time machine connecting us with the memories of the past while we stay in the present. It has a way of binding us together no matter the journey we choose. We connect through lyrics, melodies, and the moments we experience while our favorite song plays in the background. A great song never leaves us. Why is it so personal? Why does music help define our lives? Jaide Alicia returns to The Hook Rocks to discuss this and more...please enjoy! Part of The Pantheon Music Podcast Network!
71 min
462
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Lacey Crowe...
The new year has begun but the same worries and unknowns remains for music fans across the globe. Live music and going to concerts remains a "who knows" as far as when and if tours will be able to go on. However, new music from our favorite artists and new bands will continue to be released in 2021. With high hopes and expectations the band Bourbon House is currently working on a new album with a target for release this spring. Lead Vocalist Lacey Crowe joins the Hook Rocks to talk about the new album, her influences, and where the band is headed. Please enjoy the episode! Part of Pantheon Music Podcasts!
50 min
463
The Todd "Damnit" Kerns Interview
Rock 'n' roll veteran Todd "Damnit" Kerns talks with the Hook Rocks Podcast in a wide-ranging conversation about his influences, the upcoming Minefield album, the evolution of song writing, and much more. We dive into the changes in songwriting styles from the sixties to the '70s and how those changes changed the face of rock music. Todd also discusses the upcoming Minefield project and the album due out this February. Enjoy this great conversation! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network!
70 min
464
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Melody Cris...
The New Music Spotlight kicks off 2021 with a bang as we feature lead vocalist Melody Cristea from Liliac, the band made up 5 siblings from the Cristea family. The band is capturing the attention of rock fans young and old across the globe. I chat with Melody on her musical influences, the dynamic of the band, and the impact the legend Ronnie James Dio has had on her musical journey. We anticipate more great new music from Liliac in 2021. Please enjoy the episode! Part of Pantheon Music Podcasts!
45 min
465
The Carrie Stevens Interview
The journey in ones life is often complicated. At any given moment the road you are on can change without notice. Author, actress, model, and entrepreneur Carrie Stevens writes in her book Unrated: Revelations of A Rock 'n' Roll Centerfold about her life in unparalleled honesty. The grief, the heartbreak, the high and the lows are all on the table during her conversation on this episode of The Hook Rocks. Please enjoy! Part of Pantheon Podcasts
115 min
466
The Top Albums of 2020 Part 2: 1-10
The final installment of the top album's & EP's of 2020 is finally here! Once again Chris Corradetti and Jay Scott discuss their favorites with picks 1-10. From rock 'n' roll veterans to new artists...bands from all over the globe are talked about in the most complete year end celebration of rock music you will find. Please share your thoughts and your picks on our social media posts! Please enjoy the episode! Part of The Pantheon Podcast Network
108 min
467
The Top Albums of 2020 Part 1: 11-20
2020 is over and it's time to look back and talk about the top albums of the year. Once again Chris Corradetti and I discuss our favorites and why we selected them in part 1 of our back and forth.. Bands from all over the globe and a few surprises along the way! Enjoy our conversation and check out these great albums! Now Part of Pantheon Podcasts
79 min
468
The Hook Rocks Top EP's of 2020!
2020 is officially closed and in the books. The year was filled with unprecedented challenges, a new normal, and many questions as we head into the future. However, I believe 2020 will mark the beginning of the resurgence of real rock 'n ' roll. With many great bands releasing incredible music and the angst of the youth building the next wave of rock is ready to take over the world. Chris Corradetti and I break down the top EP's released in 2020 and discuss why many of these artists will be the focus of rock fans for years to come...and there may be a rant about the infamous Led Zeppelin tribute album. Please enjoy the episode! Now Part of Pantheon Podcasts!
73 min
469
What Are The Top 5 Rock Albums So Far This Year...
2020 is in the books and once again several great rock albums have been released in the 4th quarter. I welcome back Chris Corradetti and we break down our favorites of the year so far for the months of October through December. Debut releases and music from our favorites are once again spotlighted. Which ones have you listened to? Which ones will make our lists! Please enjoy the episode.
69 min
470
No Live Concerts In 2020...Let's Discuss Our Fa...
The pandemic of 2020 has paused live music and its return is still in question. For live music lovers this has been traumatic. Gone is the adrenaline rush one gets when a band hits the stage curing the ache of anticipation. Gone is the synergy of the crowd singing a long to a song with fists in the air. We wait for its return. Many of us have turned to live albums in our collection to feed the absence of those moments that captured our imagination and transcended time. Rob In The Hood returns to the podcast to discuss our favorite live recordings and relive the memories of the live show. Please enjoy the episode!
71 min
471
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Chris Foust...
Coming from Music City the band Foust merges the elements of grunge with a modern rock sound. Their debut EP Revival is filled with great songs such as "The Fountain" & "The Ocean". I had a chance to chat with lead singer and guitarist Chris Foust about the current state of rock music, the importance on having thick skin while being in the music business, and much more. I hope you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did! 
64 min
472
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Martin Reed...
A kindred spirit with a story to tell, Martin Reed from MTR Project is finally in the place he was always meant to be. Battling through years of addiction and self destruction Martin now sings about hope as he continues on his musical journey utilizing music as the ultimate healing power. The MTR project beautifully merges the '90s Seattle sound like Alice In Chains with the power of Black Label Society. Enjoy Martin's raw perspective on his life and the music of MTR Project. This show is part of Pantheon Podcasts.
47 min
473
Embracing The New Wave of Rock Music
It is here ladies and gentlemen! It has been decades since the last great movement in rock history happened. It is now happening again! So many great new bands and artists are reviving the music we love and it's time for you to take notice. Jordan "The Junkman" West from KNAC.com joins me to discuss his enthusiasm for new rock 'n' roll and the hurdles it now faces. In the end, we both believe it will conquer. There is too much talent, too much awesome music, and too much momentum building for it it not to succeed. Please enjoy the episode!
76 min
474
New Music Spotlight: Interview With Nick Perri ...
Already a rock 'n' roll veteran at the age of 36 Nick Perri has finally found the artistic freedom he has been searching for with the album Sun Via and his band Nick Perri and The Underground Thieves. The album is a celebration of music with different influences creating a journey for the listener. Each song shows the evolution of Nick and the band as artists with a theme of no boundaries. We discuss the creative process for Sun Via and how the last two decades have prepared him for this musical journey as well as his influences and what hooked him on rock music. Please enjoy the episode!
54 min
475
The John Bush Interview
Armed with a signature sound Armored Saint has delivered great music for almost four decades and the latest album Punching The Sky is one of their best. Filled with great hooks and timely lyrics this release is a must-have for any hard rock or heavy metal fans. I had the pleasure to speak with lead singer John Bush about the creative process and the decision to release new music during the pandemic of 2020. John offered great insight into the band's decision amongst other topics as well. Please enjoy the conversation. 
44 min