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. 🎸✨

Hey there, music lovers! I’m your host, James Cox, a professional therapist who’s also a bit of a country‑music junkie. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how songs can lift us out of the darkest moments and bring sunshine into our everyday lives.

We’re thrilled to welcome Re Mattei, a breakout country artist who’s already turning heads on the road and in the studio. From playing legends’ covers to writing heartfelt originals like “Mama Always Knows,” Re shares:

• How she used music as a lifeline during her own bouts of depression
• The magic of touring in Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and the U.S. military bases—where a simple “Elvis” concert can feel like a hometown event
• The story behind her latest love‑for‑moms anthem and the emotional truth behind a song dropped a day before Mother’s Day
• The everyday rituals that keep her creative birds flying—think acoustic guitar, a red Buckees cup, and a dash of “coffee at the kitchen table” vibe—plus what her guitar would say if it could talk
• Her upcoming album, set for a March drop, and the careful, soul‑searching choices that go into naming a record
• How authenticity is the secret handshake of Nashville’s music scene, and why you should stay true to yourself if you’re chasing a dream in Music City

We end the conversation on a tender note about the songs that can touch your soul without a single word—because sometimes, music is the only language that matters.

So if you’re looking for an honest, heart‑centered, and instant‑enchanting episode, hit play and let the music do the talking. 🌟🎸

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks—the show that battles depression one riff at a time. I’m your host, James Cox, a proud “handicapped” rocker on a mission to prove that music has no language barriers.

In today’s episode we sit down with Askhan, the visionary founder, vocalist, and creative force behind Nine Treasures, the Mongolian folk‑metal outfit that’s been turning heads worldwide. Fresh off the release of their new album and a landmark signing with Metal Blade Records, Oscar shares how the band fuses ancient Mongolian melodies—complete with the haunting horse‑head fiddle—into thunderous modern metal.

We’ll explore how Askhan balances reverence for his cultural heritage with personal storytelling, the Buddhist ideas that quietly shape his songwriting, and the collaborative shift that let his bandmates take the reins on half the new record. From his favorite global metal influences—Pantera, Megadeth, In Flames, and Children of Bodø—to his secret love of liquid drum‑and‑bass for relaxation, Askhan reveals the eclectic soundtrack that fuels his creative engine.

Finally, we ask the big “what‑if” questions: which dead‑or‑alive artist would he love to collab with (hint: think Limp Bizkit), what message he wants the next generation of Mongolian metal musicians to carry forward, and the most powerful fan moment that proved music truly saves lives.

Grab your headphones, settle in, and let the fusion of myth, metal, and mindfulness guide you through another powerful conversation—because when words fail, music always speaks.