Ever wonder what it’s like to stand backstage with rock legends? Jay takes us on a nostalgic journey to his youth when he and “Long-Haired Mark” watched Van Halen perform from the side stage during the Monsters of Rock tour. These personal memories frame a fascinating discussion about how band relationships evolve – and sometimes dissolve – over time, with Van Halen’s members unable to reunite even for a tribute to Eddie Van Halen after his passing.

The music industry conversation spans generations of artists, from established acts to emerging talents. We dive into Hailstorm’s upcoming album “Everest,” Linkin Park’s reinvention with a female vocalist, and Metallica’s massive world tour featuring an eclectic mix of supporting acts. As we discuss Shaboosie’s record-breaking 40 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country charts and the star-studded performances at Stagecoach Festival, the show explores how artists continuously evolve while staying connected to their roots.

The heart of the episode centers on our listeners’ passionate responses to the question: “What cover song is better than the original?” From Disturbed’s hauntingly powerful version of “Sound of Silence” to Guns N’ Roses’ energetic take on “Live and Let Die,” the conversation reveals how artists transform familiar works into something uniquely their own. We also spotlight independent duo Circe, examining how their DIY approach to music creation represents the changing landscape of artist development in today’s industry.

Whether you’re a longtime music fan or simply curious about the stories behind the songs, this episode offers a genuine, unfiltered look at the creative forces that shape the soundtrack of our lives. Join us at jfranzycom to continue the conversation!

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Virtually You: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/
• Sirsy: https://www.sirsy.com/

Step behind the curtain of the music industry with Jay Franze and Tiffany Mason as they blend personal stories, industry expertise, and entertaining banter in this captivating episode. 

Jay shares a touching memory of introducing his family to rock band Hailstorm, revealing how lead singer Lizzy Hale made a special connection with his daughter that continued years later. The hosts then offer their unfiltered take on Hailstorm’s new single “Darkness Always Wins,” appreciating the band’s talent while questioning the experimental direction of this particular track.

The conversation naturally flows through a landscape of music news, from Dave Grohl’s surprise Coachella appearance to Billy Idol’s collaboration with Avril Lavigne and Alice Cooper’s reunion with his original band after five decades. Throughout these discussions, Jay’s deep industry knowledge shines through, particularly when he breaks down what makes truly great music: the perfect combination of songwriting, performance, and production.

What truly sets this episode apart is the hosts’ chemistry and willingness to get personal. Their “Question of the Day” segment asking for the best songs to “make whoopee to” generates hilarious responses from listeners, ranging from Nora Jones’s romantic ballads to Metallica’s aggressive “Enter Sandman.” This playful interaction perfectly balances the more technical discussion where Jay explains different mixing philosophies, comparing the clean precision of engineers like Mike Shipley with the rawer “leave it all in” approach of others.

Whether you’re a music industry professional, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who appreciates the stories behind the songs, this episode delivers entertainment, education, and inspiration. As Tiffany reminds us at the end: “Every track you love was once just an idea. Don’t be afraid to chase yours.”

Links

• Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com
• Virtually You: https://www.virtuallyyouva.com/