Chris DeMakes A Podcast

This week, Hit the Lights vocalist Nick Thompson joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s beloved 2006 single “Bodybag.” With tongue-in-cheek lyrics paying tribute to the beatdown hardcore bands that inspired Nick and his bandmates during their formative years in the Ohio suburbs, the song captures the spirit of that era perfectly. Combined with its catchy melodies, memorable guitar riffs, and slick Matt Squire production, “Bodybag” has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with fans decades later. Tune in for a fun and insightful look back at how it all came together. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s throwback is to Episode 144, first released February 27, 2023, when Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee sat in to unpack “Catch My Disease,” the irresistible 2005 single that earned Song of the Year at the APRA Awards and picked up a whole new audience after landing on Grey’s Anatomy. In this episode, Ben breaks down how the song came together, the ideas behind its feel-good energy, and why it became such a defining moment in his career. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Chris are once again joined by One Hit Thunder’s Matt Kelly to reflect on all the songs that were featured on the show in the past year. Together, they crown the Chris DeMakes A Podcast SONG OF THE YEAR, an honor that went to “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America in the 2024 Wrap. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the final episode of their four-part December series, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios wrap things up with Elton John’s festive classic “Step Into Christmas.” They talk about the song’s spontaneous feel, the lighthearted lyrics, and the unmistakable style shaped by Elton’s longtime collaborators Gus Dudgeon and Bernie Taupin. The conversation touches on the Phil Spector-inspired wall of sound production, the standout bass line, and that gloriously chaotic outro that perfectly captures the energy of early ’70s rock. From its iconic music video to its unexpected return to the charts decades later, this episode celebrates how “Step Into Christmas” became one of the all-time holiday favorites. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a sneak preview episode of The After Party. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive into how we got the Santa Claus (aka SINTERKLAAS) that we know and love today.  Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at ⁠http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/⁠ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices