The Hustle

Dec 19 2024 708 ep. 86 mins 795
The Hustle Podcast artwork

Every artist has a story. Whether big or small, they‘ve all seen the ups and downs and worked hard to maintain careers in music. We chat with some of the most interesting legacy artists in pop music and go in depth on their careers, how they feel about them, what it‘s like being a ”rock star” and also hear their best stories. If you‘re a music junkie you will love these long form conversations with beloved figures from your life.

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Deep Dive - Dave Gregory on XTC's Skylarking (1986)

Dec 19 2024 121 mins  
This is epic. XTC guitarist Dave Gregory returns to the podcast to give us all the scoop on the creation of XTC's 1986 masterpiece Skylarking. The album almost can't be listened to without an understanding of the behind the scenes stories - the animosity between Andy Partridge and producer Todd Rundgren chief among them. This essential album was recently given the Steven Wilson Dol

Episode 501 - Fonzi Thornton

Dec 17 2024 77 mins  
Whether you know it or not, you've been listening to Fonzi Thornton for almost 50 years. As teenagers he and Luther Vandross formed a lifelong friendship and devoting their lives to music pays off for both - Luther becomes a giant among giants and Fonzi becomes one of the most sought after backup singers ever. Starting in Listen My Brother with Luther and friends Carlos Alomar and

Book Club - Gary Graff editor of 501 Essential Albums of the 90s

Dec 15 2024 55 mins  
Who doesn't love a good list! Music nerds especially will spend hours debating one topic or another. Author Gary Graff returns to the show to discuss his new book - 501 Essential Albums of the 90s. Gary discusses the process for compiling the book, the writers involved, covering various genres and, most importantly, what was and wasn't included! Be sure to tell us what you would ha

Episode 500 - Ken Stringfellow

Dec 10 2024 101 mins  
WARNING: EXTREMELY SENSITIVE CONTENT Ken Stringfellow was a founding member of the Posies, who enjoyed a long career as one of the best power pop bands of the 90s and beyond. He also held down recurring gigs with REM, Big Star, Giant Sand and many others as well as a solo career. In 2021 this was all upended when three women accused him of sexual assault. Since then almost all of h

Episode 499 - Steven McDonald of Redd Kross and Director Andrew Reich

Dec 03 2024 78 mins  
Like it or not, this is the year of Redd Kross! This underappreciated power pop band is coming at you with an assault of good stuff in 2024. They have an incredible new self-titled album, a memoir called Now You're One of Us, and a fantastic new documentary called Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story. Jeff and Steven McDonald started out as pre-teens in the hardcore scene in Souther

Episode 498 - Peter Godwin of Metro/Solo

Nov 27 2024 81 mins  
This week is synth pioneer Peter Godwin! In the 70s he was a part of the very arty and European band Metro who are best known for being the originators of the song "Criminal World" that was covered by Bowie for the Let's Dance album. Peter went solo and recorded the worldwide hit "Images of Heaven" that still lives on today as well as an album and some EPs, but the rest of his care

Episode 497 - PJ Moore of the Blue Nile

Nov 19 2024 84 mins  
The Blue Nile would never be accused of being overly prolific. In 20 years of activity, they only managed four albums, two of which, 1984's A Walk Across the Rooftops and 1989's Hats, are absolute masterpieces. Ask Taylor Swift if you don't believe me. The hallmarks of their unique sound is part Paul Buchanen's soulful voice and part PJ Moore's wholly unique synth work. In 2023 PJ

Episode 496 - Dr. Fink of Prince and the Revolution

Nov 12 2024 83 mins  
We all miss Prince. It's a hole that will never be filled. Imagine what it would have been like to be a part of the Revolution during his peak 80s period. He can play every instrument better than his band members, but he's reliant on them to put on incredible concerts and keep his musical instincts in check. It's not an accident that he made his best music when he had them as colla

Book Club - Graeme Thomson author or Under the Ivy: The Life and Music of Kate Bush

Nov 10 2024 63 mins  
Author Graeme Thomson returns this week to discuss the updated release of his 2012 book, Under the Ivy: The Life & Music of Kate Bush. He had no idea when he finished that book 12 years ago how Kate's profile would change in the next few years. From induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, to the rediscovery of "Running Up That Hill" by millions of new fans, to her Before t

Book Club - Chris Charlesworth author of Just Backdated - Melody Maker: Seven Years in the Seventies

Nov 08 2024 78 mins  
Music writer Chris Charlesworth joins us to discuss his new book, Just Backdated, which depicts his years writing for Melody Maker in the seventies. Every music lover would kill for a job like this and Chris was the lucky guy that had it. He befriends his favorite band (the Who), sleeps with groupies, parties with everyone, lives the high life in NYC, goes to concerts every night,