George Dionne interviews HELL IN THE CLUB drummer MARCO “MARK” LAZZARINI about their latest album JOKER IN THE PACK. The album is set for release on November 7, 2025 through Frontiers Music.
Marco is also the drummer for SECRET SPHERE (w/bandmate Andy), ACHON ANGEL (w/Zak Stevens of SAVATAGE), and ODD DIMENSION.
Highlights include:
Frontman Davide Moras (ELVENKING) leaving the band
How Tezzi Persson (INFINITE & DIVINE, VENUS 5) became their new singer
His contributions to the songwriting
Stories behind the singles
Album release party in Italy with special guests
Backing up JIM PETERIK & PRIDE OF LIONS over the summer
Getting the gig with HELL IN THE CLUB in 2020
Will there be more SECRET SPHERE music
The future of ACHON ANGEL
Working with ODD DIMENSION
The declining local music scene
And much, much more!
*Group photo by Manuel Maggiore & Heine Otomiya. Marco photo by Debora Zaccarelli
George Dionne interviews solo artist CORY MARKS about his latest album SORRY FOR NOTHING, VOL.2. The album is out now through Better Noise Music.
“Everyone’s got a story and I’m just trying to tell mine through my music” - Cory Marks
Highlights include:
-Discussion of the new album
-If volume 1 and 2 tie into each other
-Stories behind the singles
-Working with the production trio of Kevin Churko (OZZY), Kile O’Dell (NITA STRAUSS), and Andrew Baylis (JELLY ROLL)
-Signing with Better Noise Music
-Reducing featured guests on this album
-Upcoming Southside Double Wide Tour with SEVENDUST
-Recent touring in Canada, UK, and Europe
-1st experience in Europe
-Flying with Royal Canadian Air Force Demo Squadron
-Advancing from his personal to commercial pilots license
-Playing competitive hockey
-His brother Mark playing in the NHL
-And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews vocalist LAURI YLONEN of THE RASMUS about their latest album WEIRDO. The album is out now through Better Noise Music.
“When we got on that stage [in Ukraine], it was pure joy. People were so happy that they had something else to think about for that one hour…the day before…there was a bombing.” - Lauri Ylonen
Highlights include:
-Discussion of the new album
-Writing & recording with Desmond Child & Marti Frederiksen
-Being labeled a weirdo
-Social media’s impact on self-esteem
-Stories behind the singles
-Creating more than just the music
-Performing at the Atlas Festival in Ukraine
-Live performance plans
-New guitarist Emilia Suhonen’s impact
-The origins of the band’s name
-And much, much more!
*Photo credit Venla Shalin
George Dionne interviews Swiss solo artist SERAINA TELLI about her latest album GREEN. The album is set for release on October 24, 2025 through Metalville Records. TELLI previously fronted the Power Metal group BURNING WITCHES from 2015 to 2019.
“I see a lot of people that have a lot of influence, that could do so [many] good things, and they decide to not be good role models…you’re connected with millions of people, so tell them something good!” - Seraina Telli
Highlights include:
-Discussion of the new album
-The concept of the color green
-Shifting her sound for this album
-Stories behind the singles
-Connecting this album with future ones
-Recent and upcoming live performances
-Issues during her first US tour
-Mixing full band with acoustic shows
-Her 2024 release BLACK ‘N’ WHITE SESSIONS
-Opening for KISSIN DYNAMITE in October
-Were there people that discouraged her to pursue a solo career?
-Christmas acoustic nights in Switzerland
-And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews TWO WOLF founder and bassist GREG T. Walker about their self-titled debut. The album is out now through Cleopatra Records, with a vinyl release set for October 2025.
TWO WOLF also features LANCE LOPEZ, KRIS BELL, and RUSTY VALENTINE. Walker was also the cofounder and bassist for the Southern Rock act BLACKFOOT.
Highlights include:
-The formation of TWO WOLF
-Discussion of the new album
-The resurgence of vinyl
-Songwriting dynamics
-Mixing originals with BLACKFOOT songs
-Stories behind the singles
-Recording the album in a traditional studio
-Southern Rock Woodstock performances
-Appearing on the the Rock Legends Cruise 13 years in a row
-BLACKFOOT signing with Epic Records
-Signing with Atco Records
-The high points and low points
-The label trying to change them
-Falling out of favor with Atco
-Unreleased BLACKFOOT material
-His brief stint with LYNRYD SKYNRD
-Does he keep in touch with RICKEY MEDLOCKE
-His Indian heritage
-What inspired the band names BLACKFOOT & TWO WOLF
-And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews PANGAEA guitarist COREY SCHENCK and bassist RON POULSON about their latest album THE RECKONING. The now double album was recorded but shelved back in the early 2000s, and is now available with bonuses.
Highlights include:
-The reception their 2024 reunion album BEOWULF received
-Live performances that followed
-Why THE RECKONING was originally shelved
-Why it differs a bit from the rest of their catalog
-The differences between the two volumes of the album
-Corey’s “stacks of notebooks” for song material
-Contrasts between the two producers ROBERT BERRY & DITO GODWIN
-Jumping into the music streaming game after trying to avoid it
-Taking a break from live shows
-A lot of new PANGAEA in the pipeline
-And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews THE SQUIRTS bassist and vocalist MATT BISSONETTE about their latest album SQUIRTS III. The album is out now through F-Bomb Records.
MATT BISSONETTE has recorded and/or toured with numerous National music acts including ELTON JOHN, RINGO STARR, DAVID LEE ROTH, JOE SATRIANI, JEFF LYNN, SHEENA EASTON, KEVIN CRONIN, and more.
Highlights include:
-How the group was formed
-Convincing RICK SPRINGFIELD to let them open
-The long gap between album 2 & 3
-Discussion of the new album
-Songwriting dynamics
-Stories behind the singles
-Music streaming issues
-THE SQUIRTS live
-His current tour in KEVIN CRONIN’s band
-Working with DON FELDER
-His 10+ year run in ELTON JOHN’s band
-Missing out on a tour with JEFF LYNN
-His short stint with GINO VANNELLI
-Self-doubt joining the DAVID LEE ROTH band
-Auditioning & recording with OZZY OSBOURNE
-Working on a solo Jazz record
-A new album with THE REDDCOATS
-And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews PATRIARCHS IN BLACK guitarist and founder DAN LORENZO about their latest release HOME. The album is set for release on August 15, 2025 through Metalville Records.
PATRIARCHS IN BLACK was founded by Dan Lorenzo and Johnny Kelly (TYPE O NEGATIVE) and each of their four albums features guest musicians.
Highlights include:
-Wasting no time in releasing new music
-Discussion of the new album
-Musicians appearing for the 1st time
-Stories behind the singles
-Collaborating more with Mark Sunshine
-Trading album appearances with Daryl “DMC” McDaniel
-Plans for leftover music
-The difficulties of playing live
-Appearing on Ozzy’s Boneyard
-HADES live show re-release
-And much, much more!
*Solo photo credit Gina Lorenzo
George Dionne interviews CHOKESETTER vocalist JESSI MAULE about their self-titled debut. The album is out now through Pavement Entertainment.
Highlights include:
-How the band was formed
-The long road to getting album out
-New material already in the works
-Songwriting dynamics
-First single a tribute to FRANK ZAPPA
-Album artwork discussion
-Collaborating with DELCO DETENTION
-Live show plans
-Recent gigs with CROBOT
-Upcoming Thunder on the River appearance
-Best gig / worst gig
-And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews PUDDLE OF MUDD frontman WES SCANTLIN about their latest album KISS THE MACHINE. The album is out now through Pavement Entertainment.
Highlights include:
-Discussion of the new album
-Handling most aspects of the writing & recording
-Stories behind the singles
-Testng the new music while getting an oil change
-Trying to collab with former bassist Doug Ardito
-A new UMG project on the horizon
-Inspiration behind the album’s title
-KISS THE MACHINE on vinyl?
-Signing with Pavement Entertainment in 2019
-Their Boardwalk Rock Festival performance
-Future touring plans
-Memories of recording COME CLEAN (2001)
-Fred Durst (LIMP BIZKIT) and others helping them get signed
-Working briefly with Jimmy Page (LED ZEPPELIN)
-High point of PUDDLE OF MUDD’s 20+ years
-Last time he spoke with Fred Durst
-Offers to join other bands?
-And much, much more!
*Photos by Bryce Cain Photography & David “Doc” Abbott
George Dionne interviews CLAMFIGHT drummer/vocalist ANDY MARTIN about their latest self-titled album. The album is self-released and available now.
“It was lining up four very busy people’s schedules, plus the pandemic, that just made this recording process go on and on.”
Highlights include:
Origins of the band’s name
How they all came together
Discussion of the new album
Delays and restarts along the way
The passing of producer STEVE POPONI
Stories behind the singles
Album cover art inspiration
Releasing it without a record label
Performing at Popnipalooza ‘25 in PA
Future live performances
20 years of CLAMFIGHT
And much, much more!
*Photos by Dante Torrieri
George Dionne interviews JASON DEA WEST & THE SISKIYOU CREST frontman JASON DEA WEST and bassist AMIE ASTELLE about their latest album 8 MILES FROM RUSK. The album is out now through Anti-CorpMusic.
”We’re both Punk kids that started playing Folk and Country music sometime in our early twenties.”
Highlights include:
Discussion of the new album
How the group was formed
Recording in a short period of time
Working with producer DAN EMERY
Stories behind the singles
Artwork by VANESSA JO BAHAR
Signing with Anti-Corp Music
8 Miles From Rusk Tour
Opening for Grammy winner SIERRA FERRELL
Collaborations with DARIEN LANE
Growing up on and managing the family farm
And much, much more!
*Photos by Monika McFadden & Kenzie Marie
George Dionne interviews bassist JERRY PRUTZ of CIRKUS PRUTZ about their latest album MANEFESTO. The album is out now through Metalville Records.
Highlights include:
-Discussion of the new album
-Writing & recording the traditional way
-Working with Heavy Metal producer Peter Tagtgren (SABATON, PAIN, HYPOCRISY)
-Stories behind the singles
-Where the album title came from
-Live performances
-Tightness of the Swedish music community
-How he originally started the band with Christian Carlsson (THE QUILL)
-His work with WIRED ELECTRIC TENSION (W.E.T.) from 1991-1998
-Any issues with the current band W.E.T.?
-His other music ventures
-And much, much more!
*Photo by Kent Renaker
George Dionne interviews guitarist and vocalist JACOB DERAPS of DERAPS, about their latest album VIVA ROCK N’ ROLL. The album is set for release on May 23, 2025 through Metalville Records.
Highlights include:
-Discussion of the new album
-How long has they been working on it
-Stories behind the singles
-Long distance songwriting
-The album cover’s backstory
-Live performances
-Opening for BLUE OYSTER CULT & LEE AARON
-VAN HALEN’s influence on his music
-Has anyone in VAN HALEN commented on his sound?
-Best/worst material by VH
-Almost performing with TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
-And much, much more!
* Photo credits Nick Kozub & Louise Newiss
George Dionne interviews songwriter, producer, and Blues Rock solo artist ANTHONY KRIZAN about his latest album ‘Cool Shade of Blue’ and the re-release of his 2017 and ‘Dust & Bone’. Both albums are out now through Deko Entertainment. Krizan was a member of the SPIN DOCTORS in the mid ‘90s, and he has written music for LENNY KRAVITZ, JOHN WAITE, CONTRABAND, GRETCHEN WILSON, PAT TRAVERS, and the WWE.
Highlights include:
-Discussion of the new album
-Stories behind the singles
-Writing songs for film
-Settling on the album’s title
-The re-release of Dust And Bone (2017)
-Differences between both albums
-Signing with Deko Entertainment
-Marketing music in today’s landscape
-Live performances
-His Sonic Boom Studio in New Jersey
-Who he’s recorded and produced there
-His custom guitar pickups with Greenville Pickups
-Getting the gig with SPIN DOCTORS in 1994
-Auditioning with Alex Scolnik (TESTAMENT)
-Opening for the ROLLING STONES
-Writing songs for Michael Schenker supergroup CONTRABAND
-Working with LENNY KRAVITZ
-Writing music for Lillian Garcia of the WWE
-Auditioning for the BLACK CROWES
-AMPHIBIAN project with Tom MArshall (PHISH)
-Producing DOGS IN A PILE
-Plans to release archive material
-And much, much more!
*Photo credit Ron Adelberg
George Dionne interviews former GRAND FUNK RAILROAD guitarist/vocalist MARK FARNER about his first solo album in nearly 20 years, CLOSER TO MY HOME. The album is out now through Righteous Rock Records and was produced by Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER).
Highlights include:
-Discussion of the new album
-The importance of dancing
-What got him back into the studio after decades
-Working with producer Mark Slaughter
-Stories behind the songs
-Collaborating with Jim Peterik (IDES OF MARCH, PRIDE OF LIONS, ex-SURVIVOR)
-The comeback of music on vinyl
-Re-Recording “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)”
-Playing in the American standard
-Memories of recording 1970’s ‘Closer To Home’
-Live performances with MARK FARNER’S AMERICAN BAND
-His near-death experience
-The story behind the cover art for his self-titled 1970 solo debut
-And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews POISON drummer RIKKI ROCKETT about his latest project THE ROCKETT MAFIA. The group features vocalist Bradnon Gibbs (DEVIL CITY ANGELS), guitarist Mick Sweda (BULLETBOYS), and bassist Bryan Kimes.
-How the group was formed
-Their 1st cover “I Think I Love You”
-Covers & deep cuts in their live sets
-Working with Brandon Gibbs over the years
-Discovering Bryan Kimes
-1st gig at the Whisky A Go-Go
-Touring across the USA
-Clubs vs. Festivals
-Being inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame
-Why he missed the ceremony
-His time as an EMT
-POISON in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame?
-“Hair Metal” synonymous with POISON
-Shooting the cover for ‘Look What The Cat Dragged In’ (1986)
-The cover of ‘Open Up and Say…Ahh!’ (1988) having to be altered
-His upcoming book ‘Ghost Notes’
-Career highlights
-The future of POISON
-And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews AIR DRAWN DAGGER vocalist MAISIE MANTERFIELD about their debut full-length A GUIDE FOR APPARITIONS. The album is set for release on April 4, 2025 through Long Branch Records.
Highlights include:
How the group originally formed
Writing music in the back of a cake shop
Discussion of the new album
Stories behind the singles
Working with Tobi Duncan of TRASH BOAT
Producer Neil Kennedy
Dabbling in witchcraft
Singing with Long Branch Records
Album release show at The Corporation
Importance of theatrics on stage
2025 live performances
2024 SONGS TO FIGHT THE GODS acoustic EP
Her thoughts on the label “female fronted band”
What inspired the band’s name
And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews frontman DREW CAGLE of DREW CAGLE & THE REPUTATION about their latest album BAD ATTITUDE. The album was released on January 31, 2025 through Pavement Entertainment.
Highlights include:
-Discussion of the new album
-Stumbling blocks along the way
-Working with producer Matt Coles (EAGLES, ALICE COOPER)
-Stories behind the singles
-Competing with the local cover band scene
-A Hard Rock record with a Country based backing band
-Paying tribute to his Dad
-Easter eggs within the album art
-Signing with Pavement Entertainment
-2025 live performance plans
-The experience of opening for SLAUGHTER & GREAT WHITE close to home
-Hanging with STRYPER & MR. BIG
-And much, much more!
George Dionne interviews LORD OF THE LOST frontman CHRIS HARMS about his debut solo album 1980. The album is set for release on February 7, 2025 through Napalm Records.
“I kept telling myself for ten years now, if I keep waiting for the perfect moment, where there’s enough time [to record a solo album], I’m never gonna do it.”
Highlights include:
- Discussion of the new album
- Why is now the time for his first solo album
- Working on next LORD OF LOST album simultaneously with his solo album
- Collaborating with Corvin Bahn & Anthony J. Brown
- Stories behind the singles
- Shooting videos to mimic the 80s
- Guest musician Sven Friedrich (SOLAR FAKE)
- Selling out of multiple formats weeks before release
- Resurgence of vinyl albums
- Live performances for his solo music
- LORD OF THE LOST touring through 2026
- Their experience opening for IRON MAIDEN
- And much, much more!
