In this captivating podcast episode, we delve deep into the world of Steph Paynes, a rock legend in her own right, and her journey with Lez Zeppelin, an all-female band that has magnificently captured the essence of Led Zeppelin’s iconic music. Steph Paynes shares her incredible story, from the inception of the band in 2004 amidst skepticism in a predominantly male rock scene, to becoming a celebrated tribute to Led Zeppelin. The conversation is filled with tales of dedication, perseverance, and the sheer musicianship that propelled Lez Zeppelin to success, offering an inspiring glimpse into their enduring legacy.

Steph’s passion for music and her desire to form a band that celebrated Led Zeppelin’s spirit was the driving force behind Lez Zeppelin. Despite initial doubts and challenges, the band won over diehard fans with their powerful performances. Their journey was marked by meticulous preparation and rehearsals, ensuring they honored Led Zeppelin’s music with precision and personal expression. The band’s ability to blend classic rock techniques with their unique musical identity is a testament to their dedication and artistry.

The episode takes us inside the legendary Electric Lady Studios, where Steph and her band worked with renowned producer Eddie Kramer on their Led Zeppelin tribute album. Steph describes the serendipitous experience of collaborating with Kramer, who originally built the studio for Jimi Hendrix. The creative process involved experimenting with updated sounds while honoring classic rock techniques, such as Kramer’s famous left-right speaker effects. This chapter of the episode is a celebration of the classic rock era, shedding light on the magic of capturing Zeppelin’s spirit while forging a unique musical path.

Steph shares personal anecdotes of unexpected sound discoveries and nostalgic reflections on their musical influences. The episode also explores the band’s exhilarating performances, from the pressure of playing at Madison Square Garden to the unexpected spotlight at Bonnaroo. Steph recounts the emotional rollercoaster of performing before icons like Jimmy Page and the media frenzy that catapulted Lez Zeppelin into the headlines. These stories highlight the band’s commitment to honoring a legendary legacy while crafting their own musical journey.

The podcast episode wraps up with a discussion on dreams of collaboration and artistic fulfillment. Steph Paynes shares her aspirations for the band and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in their music. The episode is a captivating exploration of artistry, dedication, and the shared love of rock and roll, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of Lez Zeppelin. With engaging conversations and inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen for fans of classic rock and anyone interested in the power of music to transcend boundaries.

Join us for this fascinating journey with Steph Paynes, where passion and rock collide to create a unique tribute to Led Zeppelin. Discover the magic of capturing the spirit of one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and the incredible story of Lez Zeppelin’s rise to fame. This episode is a celebration of artistry, dedication, and the timeless appeal of rock and roll. Tune in and be inspired by the legacy of Steph Paynes and Lez Zeppelin.

In the latest episode of the podcast, listeners are taken on a profound journey with Corduroy Brown, a pop rock artist whose music resonates with the nostalgia of the 90s and 2000s. Corduroy’s story is not just about music; it’s about survival, connection, and the transformative power of a near-death experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Corduroy faced a life-threatening illness that placed him on life support, a harrowing experience that profoundly altered his perspective on life and creativity. This event deepened his understanding of love and human connection, themes that are intricately woven into his music. Corduroy’s unique blend of sounds, reminiscent of bands like Counting Crows, invites listeners to explore the intersection of music and healing.

Corduroy shares the evolution of his track “Doing my Best,” a song that started with a simple bassline and transformed into a full-fledged piece through collaboration with talented musicians like Jordan Dyer and co-producer Jeffrey McClellan. This creative process highlights the importance of effort and grace in both art and life. By incorporating elements like organ sounds and click tracks during live performances, Corduroy enhances the richness of his sound, offering audiences a dynamic and engaging musical experience. His emphasis on collaboration and flexibility underscores the magic that happens behind the scenes, bringing to life a track that resonates with authenticity and passion.

The vibrant music scene in Huntington plays a crucial role in Corduroy’s journey. The shared space where local musicians come together for rehearsals and recordings fosters a sense of community and creativity. This environment is instrumental in the production of the “Doing my Best” music video, a project filled with adventure and unexpected encounters with wildlife. Directed by local talents Dylan Smith and Sam Atkins, the video captures the essence of Corduroy’s music and the collaborative spirit of the Huntington music scene. Despite challenges like heat and wildlife encounters, the project brought together regional musicians and friends, creating a memorable and authentic representation of Corduroy’s artistic vision.

Corduroy’s musical journey is marked by his experiences playing with various bands and the unexpected joys of audience connections. Whether performing for a packed house or a group of children, Corduroy’s reflections on the impact of music on mental health are both honest and touching. The challenges of maintaining an online presence and the evolving landscape of the music industry are topics Corduroy navigates with resilience and creativity. His dedication to using music as a tool for connection and healing is evident, offering listeners valuable insights into the power of music to transcend personal and collective challenges.

As Corduroy continues to explore new musical landscapes, his story serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to connect, heal, and inspire. Through his journey, listeners are reminded of the importance of love, human connection, and the courage to embrace life’s uncertainties. Corduroy’s music, infused with nostalgia and creative resilience, invites us to reflect on our own journeys and the transformative potential of art in our lives. This podcast episode is a celebration of Corduroy’s artistry and the profound impact of music on our shared human experience.

In this captivating episode of the Jay Franzy Show, we are joined by Tom Locke, a renowned music historian and author, who takes us on a journey through the rich tapestry of music history. Tom shares insights from his latest book, “Moments in Time 2.0,” which draws inspiration from the vibrant musical eras of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. This episode offers a deep dive into the origins of beloved songs and the evolution of music over the decades.

Tom Locke discusses the inspiration behind his second book, fueled by the positive reception of his first publication. The book explores the timelessness of music, illustrating how modern hits often find their roots in earlier classics. For instance, Tiffany’s 1987 hit “I Think We’re Alone Now” was originally performed by Tommy James. This example highlights the cyclical nature of music and its ability to transcend generations. A groundbreaking feature of Tom’s book is the integration of QR codes, allowing readers to listen to songs while reading, thereby enhancing the music appreciation experience.

The episode also delves into the ever-evolving definition of “oldies” and the role timing plays in a song’s success. Tom shares a fascinating story about Tommy Edwards’ “It’s All in the Game,” which initially failed in 1951 but became a hit when re-released in 1958. This underscores the importance of timing and context in the music industry, where a song’s reception can vary significantly based on when it is introduced to the market.

In addition to exploring musical history, the episode honors Joel Whitburn, a monumental figure in music history known for his meticulous cataloging of chart records. Joel’s work has been a guiding influence on Tom Locke’s journey, and Tom recounts a poignant exchange with Whitburn, emphasizing the deep connections music fosters. This segment of the episode serves as a tribute to Whitburn’s contributions and highlights the impact of his work on music historians and enthusiasts alike.

Tom Locke also shares heartwarming stories from his interactive presentations in aged care communities, where he uses music as a therapeutic tool for individuals with Alzheimer’s. These experiences underscore the emotional power of music and its ability to evoke memories and create connections across generations. Tom’s presentations demonstrate how music can bring joy and comfort to individuals, highlighting its role as a universal language that transcends age and circumstance.

As the episode draws to a close, Tom Locke expresses his gratitude to the listeners and the Jay Franzy Show for providing a platform to share his stories and insights. The episode is a celebration of music’s enduring legacy and its ability to connect people across time and space. Listeners are encouraged to share this musical journey with friends and to join the Jay Franzy Show for more engaging conversations in future episodes.

Overall, this episode is a must-listen for music lovers and anyone interested in the rich history and emotional power of music. Tom Locke’s passion for music and storytelling shines through, making this episode both informative and entertaining. By weaving together stories from different eras and highlighting the connections between past and present, Tom Locke invites us to appreciate the timeless nature of music and its ability to enrich our lives.