Making a Scene Presents

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Dennis HerreraDennis Herrera was born and raised in San Jose, California just a heartbeat away from San Francisco the home of the hippie generation and Golden Gate Bridge. When asked about his music history Dennis shared, "as a kid in the 60's I was introduced to rock n roll via the transistor radio by my mom we listened to a pop AM station, KLIV and that planted the music seed. Tuning into The Yardbirds, Animals, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Sam and Dave, Wilson Picket etc. became my favorite pastime. "At age 15 I saw James Brown LIVE and I was blown away!" http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Sam GraberSam has spent a lifetime radiating from the epicenter of compositional creativity. Sam's prolific songwriting skills are evident in over 500 songs he has written, backing a tally of more than 1,000 live performances. Sam’s versatility and stage presence have seen him write for and front original bands from rock to big band jazz – with the accolades to show. A seasoned multi-instrumentalist from Washington, DC, even while writing plays for the NYC stage, Sam has remained an in-demand music writer, music director and live performer. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Will WildeWill Wilde is a force to be reckoned with - a phenomenal harmonica player with a voice to match.Will's intense harmonica style steals the spotlight from the traditional blues rock guitar, with a sound that owes as much to Gary Moore as it does to Sonny Boy Williamson. "I’m always looking to make new sounds with the harmonica, pushing its boundaries, trying to change people’s perception of it.” In fact Will has gone one step further and created his own signature "Wilde Tuned" harmonicas so he can play licks that weren’t possible before. “They enable me to hold my own with any blues rock guitarist”. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Dennis HerreraDennis Herrera was born and raised in San Jose, California just a heartbeat away from San Francisco the home of the hippie generation and Golden Gate Bridge. When asked about his music history Dennis shared, "as a kid in the 60's I was introduced to rock n roll via the transistor radio by my mom we listened to a pop AM station, KLIV and that planted the music seed. Tuning into The Yardbirds, Animals, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Sam and Dave, Wilson Picket etc. became my favorite pastime. "At age 15 I saw James Brown LIVE and I was blown away!" http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Greg NagyA multi-faceted artist in the most classic sense, his songwriting, singing, and guitar playing beautifully reveal Nagy’s personalized music refreshingly and honestly infused with elements of soul, r&b, rock, and gospel. So unique and impressive was his debut release, Walk That Fine Thin Line, that it earned Nagy a prestigious Best New Artist debut nomination from the Blues Foundation in Memphis, as well as favorable reviews from hard-to-please critics at top media outlets like Down Beat, All About jazz, Blues Revue, Chicago Tribune, Detroit Free Press, Living Blues, Hittin’ The Note, Elmore Magazine and more. DJs throughout North America, Europe, and Australia responded enthusiastically to Nagy’s music, which debuted on the National Living Blues Radio charts at #14 and peaked at #3 on XM satellite radio -- no small achievement. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Danielle BloomBeing a preacher’s daughter didn’t stop Danielle Bloom from having dreams of being a kick-ass, hard-driving, Rock-n-Roll Goddess. Sure, Danielle grew up singing in the choir and touring the church festival scene, but she shed her choir robes for corsets and cut-offs and hit the rock scene hard, never looking back. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Redshift HeadlightsWisconsin indie-rockers Redshift Headlights completed tracking their fourth studio album with legendary recording engineer Steve Albini in March of 2024. Albini passed away two months later. The self-released album, entitled If You Are Around Still, comes out Friday, July 12th, 2024 on their redshiftheadlights.bandcamp.com page and via all streaming and online platforms. The 9-song album blends influences from rock, country, progressive rock genres and explores life, love, loss, and nostalgia. The album marks a shift toward rock and away from the more layered and orchestral pop arrangements from their previous three records. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Freeworld!FreeWorld is an independent, ever-evolving, Memphis-based musical ensemble that draws from influences as broad-based as Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Steely Dan, Chicago, John Coltrane and Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, The Grateful Dead, Bob Marley, and The Meters. These brothers under one multicultural groove have remained a consistently entertaining and informed voice on the Memphis music scene since the group’s inception in 1987. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Gwyn Ashton!Gwyn Ashton, one of the hardest working and powerful one-man bands, is back touring a new solo album titled Mojosoul and a brand new single Get Outta Town with Guns N’ Roses guitarist Richard Fortus and members of Australian bands Cold Chisel and Superjesus. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with David HarlandDavid is a singer/songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist in the tradition of great innovators like Michael Hedges, Nick Drake, David Wilcox, and Billy McLaughlin, who believes music holds the power to reach the deepest parts of our lives and make the world a better place. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with J.P. RealiA veteran of the DC music scene, J.P. has evolved from his early days as lead guitar for the psychedelic blues band The Next Step, to half of the acoustic blues/roots duo The Reali Brothers in the 90's, to his current solo career. While J.P.’s repertoire is steeped in the traditions of Piedmont and Delta blues, it also showcases his original blues compositions in a conscious effort to keep these traditional styles alive. With 3 solo releases under his belt, The Road to Mississippi in 2012, A Highway Cruise in 2019, and his current 2024 studio release, Blues Since Birth, which is sitting at number 1 on the Roots Music Report: Top 50 Blues Rock Album Chart (Oct 19, 2024) http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Davy WatsonDavy Watson is a musician from Belfast. A singer/songwriter with influences steeped in Rhythm & Blues, Celtic Folk, Americana and Rock n Roll, his songs come from the Heart & Soul. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents An Interview with Don MerckleA darkly honest and wry singer/songwriter out of Charleston, South Carolina, Don Merckle’s songs are firmly planted among the fertile mixed traditions of American music. He is a workman's poet, capable of delivering a rock and roll growl or a quiet dose of smoky barroom introspection with equal passion. He has led the popular Appalachian/Irish outfit Loch Ness Johnny, co-fronted the rambunctious Alt-Country American Gun, and founded the lively Don Merckle & the Blacksmiths. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Kat RigginsInspired by the variety and abundance of music in her parents’ collection, it makes sense that her own music is peppered with hints of it all. Make no mistake; however, Kat Riggins is undeniably a BLUES WOMAN! She travels the world with the sole mission of keeping the blues alive and thriving through her Blues Revival Movement. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Kat RigginsInspired by the variety and abundance of music in her parents’ collection, it makes sense that her own music is peppered with hints of it all. Make no mistake; however, Kat Riggins is undeniably a BLUES WOMAN! She travels the world with the sole mission of keeping the blues alive and thriving through her Blues Revival Movement. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with SPLASH!With heartfelt, literary lyrics, and captivating melodies delivered in a soaring tenor range, Splash! brings you musical reflections inspired by philosophy, mysticism, and spiritual practice. His unique warmth provides a balm for your weary soul. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Amanda FishBorn and raised in the fertile ground of the Kansas City music scene, Amanda Fish formed her band in 2014, a Blues Rock and Americana trio featuring her from-the-gut vocal belting out impassioned lyrics over swampy guitar and rock-heavy drums, with a driving bassline that locks in a groove the audience can't help but dance to. She quickly cut and released her first album "Down In The Dirt" the following year on Vizztone Label Group. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with SweetSWEET are a National Treasure, British at the core and a Rock Music Phenomena that has taken every continent by storm for more than five decades. The Golden Thread that links the past through to the present and into the future is Andy Scott. His determination to maintain high standards with the band's musical legacy and touring is legendary. The band today has an illustrious pedigree recreating "live" the high energy and soaring vocals associated with the Sweet sound that is the band's trade mark. SWEET are Paul Manzi - Lead vocals. Bruce Bisland - Drums and Vocals. Lee Small - Bass Guitar and Vocals. Andy Scott - Guitar and Vocals. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Joel Leviton of December FriendDecember Friend was born out of the pandemic when Joel Leviton reached out to friends Jeff Victor (Minneapolis-musician extraordinaire) and John Wlaysewski (of Brooklyn-based band Late Cambrian) asking if they wanted to collaborate on a new project. Thankfully, they said yes. All songs were recorded remotely in home studios in Minneapolis and Brooklyn and with that December Friend came together. Leviton says, “For me – it’s all about the song. A song should give something to the listener, an observation, an inspiration, a feeling, a memory, a reflection. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Turn it Up with Gerry Casey and his Guests The Cold Stares http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Bobby MessanoBobby Messano is a legendary guitarist, producer and contemporary blues artist who has released nine solo CDs, placed songs in many TV and cable shows and played on over 70 major label and indie albums. His music has been heard on everything from MTV jingles to Benny Mardones’ smash hit, “Into The Night”. The celebrated guitarist has played on records by Clarence Clemmons, Franke & The Knockouts, Joe Lynn Turner, and STARZ. His songs are heard daily on “Sirius/XM’s B.B. King’s Bluesville.” His 2015 album, Love & Money, was nominated for a prestigious Blues Blast Award for “Best Rock-Blues Album” in August 2015. It debuted on the Billboard Blues Chart at #7, peaked at #1, and spent a total of nine weeks in the Top 10. It was also #7 on the Billboard Heat Seekers Chart and Top 40 on both the Billboard Rock and Indie Charts. Love & Money also ended 2015 at #44 on the Roots Music Report Chart. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Brian Mullins of The Cold StaresFor almost ten years, The Cold Stares had toured the world relentlessly as a duo, blowing away audiences across the US and Europe with a fierce, blistering live show that belied their bare bones, guitar-and-drums setup. In 2023 the band began embracing a whole new kind of chemistry and launched into their next chapter, adding a third member and channeling the classicpower trio sound they grew up on with their explosive acclaimed album, “Voices.” http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Dallas OrbiterPost-punk/art-rock/psych-pop outfit Dallas Orbiter (singer/guitarist Mark Miller, bassist Dan Gahres, keyboardist Jon Schmig, and drummer Greg Flanagan) formed in Minneapolis at some point in 1999 out of the ashes of power-pop outfit Captain Sunshine and ska-punk group The Pinsetters. Wishing to maintain an element of melodicism, the members were also seeking more open-ended, lysergically-minded sonic and improvisational freedom. They soon settled on their name, a play on the manufacturer of a fairly ubiquitous fuzz guitar pedal from late 60s & early 70s psychedelia. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents An Interview with Emily DuffEmily Duff’s small-batch brand of Sweet & Sour Rock & Roll with a great big hit of Country Soul sews a patchwork of heaven, hell, romance and regret. Emily was born in NYC and raised by a pack of cigarettes.Emily Duff has released 6 albums and a 4-song EP since 2015. She tours the US and the UK and hosts a monthly residency at NYC’s COWGIRL. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Sarah PierceSarah Pierce, the daughter of a cowboy, raised in a family of cattlemen, was born in Rockford, Illinois. The main ranch, Woodlawn Farm, was in Creston, Illinois. Sarah's family raised Angus cattle and built the herd around a bull named Wellington. That bull won Grand Champion at The Chicago World Fair in 1893. The line continues today. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Rusty Brown of Electric MaryAfter spending time at Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios in New York in 2003, The spark was ignited inside Rusty to go back in time and create something new from the ashes of the rock’n’roll that still lived inside him .. He had to find the right people that felt the same away about the 70’s influence on rock music. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with a Pro - Ann Wood of the No Words Atlanta FestivalWhat is No Words?The Only Instrumental Music Festival Anywhere! Music without words connects directly with the listener, creating a powerful experience and it spans all genres. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Andy PeakeAndy Peake has been surrounded by music since his formative days. His mother held a bachelor's degree in music and sang and played professionally as a church support person. His influences included jazz, Broadway, classical and the pop music of the 1950s forward. He attended college as a music major and turned professional in 1972. After years of local performances, primarily in the Denver area, he moved to Nashville, TN where he began a fast track to regional and national success as an artist support person, playing drums and percussion for multiple touring and recording artists including Don Williams, Tanya Tucker, Delbert McClinton, Lee Roy Parnell, the Sweethearts of the Rodeo and highly successful songwriter, Gary Burr. He remains active, touring, recording and performing. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jared McCloudJared McCloud's natural, earthy tone and thought provoking lyrics showcase his talent and ability to draw audiences' into his story. Starting his musical career in "Hard Rock/Metal" bands, Jared decided to focus more on the substance rather than flash and went solo. He released a self produced record while playing wherever he could to promote it. Honing his craft in small venues and coffee houses alike, McCloud grew his fanbase the old-fashioned way and wowed large music halls with his live performances. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Sky Wood from The Blues ChapterThe Blues Chapter are like a locomotive train pulling on full power on a mission and nothing is going to get in its way just simply unstoppable. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Chris Daniels and the Kings with Freddi GowdyChris Daniels & The Kings with Freddi Gowdy are celebrating their 40th year with live performances over the summer, playing songs from their brand new album ‘40: Blues with Horns Volume II, and BLUES WITH HORNS Volume I - their 19th and 20th Kings albums plus their fourth with Freddi Gowdy of the Freddi Henchi Band. who joined in December 2010. Freddi joined Chris as an inductee into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2019!! http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Randall BramblettRandall Bramblett is a lifer. For decades, he's explored the deep corners and outer orbits of American roots music, creating a southern sound that's every bit as eclectic as its maker. That sound reaches a new milestone with Paradise Breakdown, the thirteenth record from a musician hailed as "one of the South's most lyrical and literate songwriters" by Rolling Stone. The album finds Bramblett taking stock of past and present, embracing all the contradictory elements — love and loss; joy and disappointment; nostalgia and mortality — of a career dedicated to creation http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Boone Froggett of OTISThe Commonwealth of Kentucky has a storied music history and a large catalog of renowned artists. While it's most famous for producing more country music stars per capita than anywhere else in the United States, musicians all across the spectrum —from bluegrass to rock and roll—have called Kentucky home. Out of this musical melting pot comes the blues based, rock 'n' roll band OTIS. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Michael ReynoldsTwenty years ago, Michael Reynolds was lead vocalist/songwriter for the acclaimed alt-country band Pinmonkey. Ten years ago, he quit the business.But while he may have stepped away from his music career, Michael Reynolds never quit writing songs. Now nearly a decade later, his Blue Élan Records debut album Tarnished Nickel Sky marks the wholly unexpected and altogether triumphant return of a genuine country original. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an interview with the Reverend FreakchildIn the tradition of such Holy Blues Reverends as Reverend Gary Davis - such is the irreverent Reverend Freakchild. The Rev. primarily performs solo acoustic these days but has also recently recorded with some amazing musicians including Melvin Seals, Mark Karan, Chris Parker, Hugh Pool, Jay Collins and Grammy nominated G. Love, and The Reverend Shawn Amos. Check out the latest Albums “The Bodhisattva Blues” & “Supramundane Blues” http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Carolyn ShulmanCarolyn Shulman is a Denver-based folk singer-songwriter whose connection with music has been a lifelong journey. Her father has played guitar as a hobby for most of his life, so when Carolyn expressed an interest in learning to play, he brought home a kid-sized acoustic guitar perfect for a nine year-old's hands and set her up with lessons. By the time she was fourteen, she was writing songs and playing in coffee shops and restaurants in her hometown of Mobile, Alabama. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Andy Muse of The Sons Of LibertyThe band from Bristol (UK) have established themselves as mainstays of the current original hard rock scene. With a reputation built on extensive touring, blistering live performances and a passion for creating exceptional new rock music the band's trajectory has been extraordinary. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with March to August!March to August (M2A) is a Folk-Americana, original music duo whose songs offer audiences snapshots into the human condition, while encompassing the myriad of emotions that coincide with it. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an interview with Piper and the Hard TimesNashville-based blues & roots music group, Piper & the Hard Times, deliver intense and rhythmically dynamic blues-based music that translates into an unforgettable, captivating live show. The blues is the main foundation that defines their work, along with R&B, soul and rock. In January 2024 they took first place in the band division at the prestigious International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, TN. The core of the band, Al “Piper” Green, Steve Eagon and Dave Colella have been playing and writing together for over 20 years. Piper & The Hard Times has an instrumental prowess that enables them to improvise with flair, while still creating music that has a melodic appeal and can immediately connect with audiences that want both a high degree of musical competence and songs with a strong grooves and catchy hooks. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Turn it up with Gerry Casey Show #263 and his guest Chase Walker Band http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Chris MurphyIn another era, I would have played square dances, been a court musician, or a circus fiddler, and loved every minute of it,” says veteran LA violinist and songwriter Chris Murphy, whose spirited and haunting original music bends genres and even centuries with ease. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Chase WalkerThe Chase Walker Band is a modern blues roots rock and soul band based in Southern California. Chase earned a degree in songwriting and music business from Belmont University, CEMB in Nashville TN. Chase is a Songwriter, Producer, Sync Music Professional, Multi-talented Musician and arguably one of the best young guitar players in the country. He is a two time finalist in the prestigious Lee Ritenour Six string theory competition and John Lennon songwriting finalist. Walker’s guitar virtuosity, excellent songwriting, and powerful vocals have garnered comparisons to greats like Warren Haynes, Chris Stapleton and Rory Gallagher. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Trevor B PowerAs singer-songwriter Trevor B. Power prepared to embark on his third album, he found himself in the capable hands of New York Blues Hall of Famer Dave Fields at the controls. With a collection of strong tunes in tow, Trevor and Dave, joined by some of the world's most talented musicians, started on a journey to create something special. Their collaboration yielded impressive results that speak for themselves. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents the PODCAST of LIVE from the Midnight Circus Indie Blues Double Shot ShowThis is the Voice of Indie Blues, the future of the blues. Artists who embrace the diversity of the blues that always has and still is being created from it’s roots. These artists understand the blues is a living art form that is driven by innovation and creativity. These are the Indie Blues Artists!Honoring the Past, Praising the Present, Empowering the Future http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents the PODCAST of LIVE from the Midnight Circus Featuring Doug Duffey and the BaddThis is the Voice of Indie Blues, the future of the blues. Artists who embrace the diversity of the blues that always has and still is being created from it's roots. These artists understand the blues is a living art form that is driven by innovation and creativity. These are the Indie Blues Artists!Honoring the Past, Praising the Present, Empowering the Future http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Turn it up with Gerry Casey Show #262 and his Guest Anthony Geraci http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Amanda Ann Platt of Amanda Ann Platt and the HoneycuttersThe music of Asheville, North Carolina based outfit Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters is nuanced, bringing insight and wit to the stories Platt tells through songwriting. Lyrically driven, the band’s country roots music often inspires introspection, whether it be about life on the road, heartache or hope. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Anthony GeraciPianist, Hammond organist and composer Anthony Geraci was born in New Haven, CT in 1954. His interest in playing piano began at age four when he told his parents “I want a piano!” Kind of an odd request when most kids want a new baseball glove or bicycle. His parents weren’t musical-not even a record player at their house- but they always supported his undeniable passion for music. They soon bought a Kimball Grand Piano that his mother paid $4 a week to own. Lessons at the Neighborhood School of Music, affiliated with Yale University, soon followed. At around the age of sixteen he befriended a fellow musician, Ed Cherry, at high school. They began listening to music together after school and one day Ed played a Jimmy Rogers recording, Chicago Bound, that literally changed his life. Ed went on to be Dizzy Gillespie’s guitarist for many years. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Doug DuffeyDoug Duffey and BADD are a Louisiana-based quartet that plays 100% original Blues, Delta Soul, Bayou Funk and Swampadelica. The band name is an acronym of the band members' names. Duffey (National Blues and The Louisiana halls of fame, P-Funk alumnus), called "one of the most prolific songwriters living in Louisiana,' draws on 'old-school' Louisiana/Memphis styles, creating songs that showcase his rockin' piano, and inimitable soulful voice. Dan Sumner is an internationally-acclaimed guitarist, songwriter and producer. Adam Ryland (drums) and Ben Ford (bass) lay down powerful, funky and soulful grooves that energize Duffey's vivid songs. They take listeners on an image-filled Southern Blues journey through the Mississippi Delta from Memphis to New Orleans. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents the PODCAST of LIVE from the Midnight Circus Indie Blues Double Shot ShowThis is the Voice of Indie Blues, the future of the blues. Artists who embrace the diversity of the blues that always has and still is being created from it’s roots. These artists understand the blues is a living art form that is driven by innovation and creativity. These are the Indie Blues Artists!Honoring the Past, Praising the Present, Empowering the Future http://www.makingascene.org