Episode 144: Neon Dreams & Goth Disco: Jaymes Buckman on Building Hot Apollo
In this episode, Zach Randles-Friedman sits down with Jaymes Buckman, the frontman of Toronto-based band Hot Apollo, for a wide-ranging conversation about music, identity, creativity, and the electric rush of live performance. Jaymes opens up about his lifelong need to perform, his early struggles with singing, and how stubborn determination—and a deep love of storytelling—helped him find his voice. The conversation explores Hot Apollo’s flamboyant, 80s-inspired sound, shaped by artists like Duran Duran, Blondie, and glam-rock icon T. Rex. From songwriting and collaboration to queer visibility, stage presence, and future dreams of touring the U.S., this episode is a candid look at what it means to chase art with intention—while staying playful, weird, and unapologetically yourself. If you love music with personality, heart, and a little glitter-soaked rebellion, this conversation is for you.
Everything & Anything...and a bit gay Podcast · Zach Randes-Friedman
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Show Notes
Guest: Jaymes Buckman (Hot Apollo)
Location: Toronto, Canada
🎶 What We Talk About:
Growing up with a natural pull toward performance and theater
Discovering an 80s aesthetic through music, fashion, and flamboyance
Learning to sing through persistence, repetition, and self-belief
How Hot Apollo came together—and why collaboration matters
Jaymes’ songwriting process and how single lines turn into full songs
Finding confidence on stage and entering a true “flow state”
Neurodivergence, creativity, and being fully present while performing
Music influences spanning glam rock, new wave, and punk energy
Dream collaborations (one living, one legendary)
Supportive parents, early critics, and growth through humility
Upcoming singles, videos, and the band’s debut album
Performing in Toronto’s diverse alternative scene
Thoughts on touring the U.S. and expanding into multimedia projects
Comics, acting, and building a larger creative universe around Hot Apollo
🔗 Where to Find Hot Apollo:
Bandcamp: https://hotapollo.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hotapollo
Official Website: https://hotapollorocks.com/
Podcast song by SIXFOOT 5: https://www.sixfoot5prod.com
Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sixfoot-5/1551774977
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rHMzoU0G0fLhaBsrQiOOY?si=laSZ5hiKTYubJJyhrzf2JQ
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