Episode 468 - Fighting Depression Through 80s Metal with All Sinner's singer Mike Golarz and his inspiring story

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks – the podcast that battles depression one riff at a time. In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with the charismatic front‑man of the 80s‑metal‑infused outfit All Singers (aka Mike Golarz) for a deep‑dive into the healing power of music, the quirks of self‑teaching, and the raw joy of live performance.

We kick off with Mike’s origin story: a childhood of backyard jam sessions, a classically trained girlfriend who nudged his vocal chops, and a love‑letter to the acoustic guitar that still shapes his songwriting today. He shares practical tips for aspiring guitarists—why Tom Petty’s simple chords are the perfect launchpad, how to survive sore fingertips, and the surprisingly effective “belly‑rub” superstition he uses to keep his airflow in check while recording.

From there, we trace the band’s unlikely formation during the pandemic—how an 80s hair‑metal cover group morphed into All Singers, the serendipitous connections that landed them opening for legends like Ace Frehley, L.A. Guns, Queensryche, and even two versions of Queensryche. Mike reflects on the thrill of sharing the stage with his childhood heroes and the humility that keeps those icons grounded.

The conversation then shifts to their upcoming record “We Own the Night,” slated for a November 14, 2025 release, and the quirky rituals that fuel Mike’s creative process. He also reveals his “unskippable” album list — from Soundgarden’s Bad Motorfinger to James' pick "Black Sabbath’s Dehumanizer" — and the one record that still moves him to tears: Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Texas Flood.

Whether you’re a budding musician, a metalhead, or simply seeking a soundtrack for life’s ups and downs, this episode delivers a hearty mix of humor, honesty, and hard‑earned wisdom. Grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and let the music speak. 🎸✨