In this enlightening episode of the Powered by Rock podcast, host Isaac Kuhlman sits down with the members of Crimson Riot to explore why some rock bands thrive in the industry while equally talented ones don't. Dispelling myths of luck and serendipity, the conversation focuses on the practical strategies and proactive steps bands can implement to build successful music careers.

The discussion delves into the intricacies of band dynamics, the importance of running a band like a business, and their creative process behind the new album, "Third Time's a Charm," underscoring the band's approach that balances fun with professionalism.

Throughout the episode, Crimson Riot shares valuable insights into maintaining longevity and success as an indie rock band. They emphasize treating band activities with a business-minded approach, engaging with both fans and fellow musicians, and continuously developing their craft.

The episode also highlights some behind-the-scenes stories from their recent tours and talks about the challenges faced along the way. Keywords like "independent band," "pop punk," "Las Vegas music scene," and "music career success" weave through their anecdotes, offering a robust guide for aspiring musicians.

Resources:

Follow Crimson Riot on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/crimsonriotband/

Get their new album - https://crimsonriot.com/

Check out their music videos - https://www.youtube.com/@UCi5XLnLJDIc4AtmhVOTYp2Q
Timeline:

0:00 The Path to Success for Independent Bands
1:57 Family Dynamics and Longevity in a Band
3:50 Balancing Art and Business for Musical Success
6:56 Crimson Riot's Journey and Success in the Las Vegas Music Scene
9:11 Creating a Unique Sound for a New Album
11:52 Timing Strategies for Indie Band Album Releases
15:05 Challenges and Triumphs in Music Releases and Vinyl Production
20:12 Innovative Pre-Order Strategies for Engaging Music Fans
24:48 Secrets to Success for Indie Rock Bands
28:40 Balancing Live Shows to Build a Sustainable Fan Base
30:37 Building Lasting Connections Through Touring and Band Etiquette
34:34 The Importance of Reputation and Respect in the Music Industry
36:39 The Punk Code: Supporting Touring Bands and Building Community
39:48 Balancing Band Life and Work in Las Vegas
41:56 Building a Supportive Music Community Through Good Music and Kindness
43:54 The Importance of Respecting Sound Engineers at Live Shows
48:24 Building Success Through Professionalism and Networking in Music
51:40 Creating Engaging Live Shows Through Unique Audience Interaction
59:07 Performing With Passion Despite Sparse Crowds and Challenges
1:01:52 Persistence and Patience Are Keys to Musical Success
1:04:48 Challenges and Determination in the Music Industry
1:07:32 Challenges of Selling Pre-Sale Tickets for Independent Bands
1:08:53 The Challenges of Touring Bands and Ticketing Fees
1:11:19 The High Cost of Concerts and Music Industry Challenges
1:16:22 Crimson Riot Discusses New Album and Touring Challenges

In this compelling episode, Isaac Kuhlman talks with Las Vegas musician A.J. Fucillo who is an independent rock musician and a prominent figure in the Las Vegas music scene. Known for his work with the band Wyatt and the Ashes, A.J. is celebrated for his dedication to authentic music creation, and for consistently delivering passionate performances.

They delve into the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and its potential to disrupt the music industry, specifically focusing on its impact on rock music. As Fucillo shares his insights, he highlights the crucial importance of passion and authenticity, the intrinsic value of human-driven art, and the existential threat AI poses by mass-producing music content.

Through a lively discussion filled with personal anecdotes and profound observations, Isaac and A.J. explore the challenges faced by independent musicians in a digital age dominated by AI.

Action Steps to Curtail AI:

1 - Go support independent musicians. Go to shows, buy merch, stream their songs.

2 - Send a message to Spotify (and any other service) to post audio tags and other notifications when music is created with AI -- contact Spotify here: https://support.spotify.com/us/contact-spotify-support/

3 - Go follow & listen to Wyatt & The Ashes at the links below.

Resources:

Follow Wyatt & The Ashes on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wyattandtheashes

Wyatt & The Ashes on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzn-zkX4GJD-azoytqRU5Wg

Previous Episode with A.J. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y6dzV8xMcs

In this insightful episode of the Powered By Rock podcast, host Isaac Kuhlman welcomes the legendary ska punk musician Chris DeMakes of Less Than Jake. The episode features an engaging conversation centered around Chris's upcoming guest museum tours at the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas, taking place from February 13th to 15th.

With a remarkable career spanning nearly four decades, Chris shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the punk rock scene, alongside being a successful podcaster interviewing fellow musicians on songwriting.

Throughout the episode, Chris reflects on the impact of ska punk music, exploring how bands like Less Than Jake and others helped expand the genre beyond hardcore fans, introducing suburban kids and a broader audience to punk.

The discussion touches on his experiences with the Punk Rock Museum, his approach to podcasting and the music industry's evolution. Chris also offers fascinating insights into his relationships with fellow musicians, what inspires him to keep creating music that resonates with fans, and how persistence and maintaining a positive attitude have played crucial roles in his enduring success.

Resources:

Join Chris for Guided Tours at the Punk Rock Museum (Feb 13-15, 2025) - https://www.thepunkrockmuseum.com/

Chris DeMakes a Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrDURREj4HiTCkAIC7AB71Q

Less Than Jake's UK Winter Circus Tour - https://myticket.co.uk/artists/less-than-jake

Hello and welcome to the Powered By Rock podcast where I am going to be speaking with Steve and Bryan of the Washington D.C.-based punk band American Television today.

The band has been releasing music since 2013, and their 2016 debut EP “Reaction” was a bombastic introduction onto the scene.

The band has put out another EP called “Adolescence” back in 2021 as well as a full-length in 2020 called Watch It Burn, and even better, they just released their brand new sophomore LP called Scars on September 22nd, and it is absolutely killer.

The album reminds me soundwise of The Copyrights last album Alone in a Dome which anyone who listens to this podcast may know won the 2021 Punk Album of the Year from the Powered By Rock Awards…so, that is some very high praise.

They also have a very cool video for their song “Bittersweet” that I am excited to play for you during the show today. So stay tuned for that.

Intro Music: ⁠⁠"Colorado" by Birds Love Filters⁠⁠

Outro Music: ⁠⁠"Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper⁠⁠

Donate to keep the Powered By Rock Podcast alive and well: ⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poweredbyrock⁠⁠

"Bittersweet" broadcast with direct consent from American Television

Checkout American Television's Links: https://linktr.ee/americantelevision

Checkout American Television's Recommendations - Samiam, Peak Bloom

Thanks to our sponsors:

⁠⁠https://diyrockcareer.com⁠⁠

https://www.brooklynbowl.com/las-vegas

https://www.instagram.com/blacksheep.booking/

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 - Intro

00:43 - Talking about American Television's brand new album Scars with vocalist Steve Rovery and drummer Bryan Flowers

28:40 - "Bittersweet" by American Television

31:01 - Asking American Television Some Hotseat Questions like what D.C. Band is their pick between Bad Brains, Fugazi and Minor Threat

54:43 - thediyrockcareer.com

55:15 - What's on the horizon for American Television?

Hello and welcome to the Powered By Rock Podcast!

Today I wanted to continue our DIY Rock Career conversations and speak directly to the musicians that listen to the podcast, and use my background in business to help give some good advice on what TO DO and what NOT TO DO in the music industry.

I think even non-musicians are going to enjoy the episode because I like to talk about how to achieve goals and make your dreams come closer to reality without sounding like a hype machine full of horseshit.

And I believe the concepts I talk about today can not only be applied to music, but to pretty much any business, any career or just to your everyday lifestyle.

In today’s episode, I want to spend some time talking about the topic How Do You Know What Being A Successful Musician Means?, and how you, as a musician, can apply the answer to that question to your music career right now to help make progress towards the end goal of making a living from your music without having to work a day job.

Download the FREE Vivid Vision Template to help you craft the future of your music career so that you can start to plan out how you are going to achieve that vision for yourself - https://diyrockcareer.ck.page/vivid-vision

Intro Music: "Colorado" by Birds Love Filters

Outro Music: "Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper

Donate to keep the Powered By Rock Podcast alive and well: https://anchor.fm/poweredbyrock

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://reverendguitars.com/

https://diyrockcareer.com

https://poweredbyrock.com

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 - Intro

00:44 - Segment 1 - What Does Success Mean to You in Your Music Career?

15:48 - Reverend Guitars

16:34 - diyrockcareer.com

17:08 - Take action to create your Vivid Vision of Success so you will be committed to your goal

25:50 - Outro

Hello and welcome to the Powered By Rock podcast where I am going to be speaking with Tony Conner of the Pennsylvania punk band 22. (twentytwo.) today.

The band has previously released an EP called “505 Palomar Pl.” in 2020 which came out just days into the pandemic which was definitely a big deterrent to growing any band’s visibility and fanbase during that time.

The band has a brand new EP coming out this year, and their first single called “The Sound” has just been released this month, and you can go check it out on your streaming platform of choice right now.

The song is high energy, and rips in the skate punk genre but with a slightly heavier sound to it, if you ask me.

Intro Music: "Colorado" by Birds Love Filters

Outro Music: "Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper

Donate to keep the Powered By Rock Podcast alive and well: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/poweredbyrock

"The Sound" broadcast with direct consent from twentytwo.

twentytwo.'s Links - https://www.instagram.com/twentytwo.punkrock/

Checkout Tony's Recommendations - Sun Spin and no longer active bands Fall From Heaven, Strikeback, The Minor Times, Inkling

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://reverendguitars.com/

https://diyrockcareer.com

https://poweredbyrock.com

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 - Intro

00:43 - Segment 1 - Talking with Tony Conner of the Pennsylvanina punk band twentytwo. about their new single "The Sound" and the style of punk that they play

22:38 - "The Sound" by twentytwo.

25:26 - Segment 2 - Hot seat questions for Dave Lake from Diesel Boy like, "What Led Zeppelin Song would Diesel Boy cover best?" and more...

42:17 - Reverend Guitars

43:08 - diyrockcareer.com

43:41 - Segment 3 - What are Diesel Boy's plans for 2023 and beyond as well as what new music does Dave Lake recommend?

53:00 - Outro

Hello and welcome to the Powered By Rock podcast where I am going to be speaking with Dave Lake (a.k.a. Diesel Dave) from the legendary punk rock band Diesel Boy today.

If you don’t know Diesel Boy from the name of the band, you almost certainly know the song “Twitty Twister” which appeared on the Survival of the Fattest compilation album that Fat Wreck Chords put out in 1996. I won’t disrespect the song by attempting to sing the chorus as it is an instantly recognizable song by almost any punk rock fan over the age of 35, but suffice it to say, I STILL get that song stuck in my head at random times in my life.

The band has been out of action for about 20 years now though, and they have a brand new album called Gets Old which comes out on July 28, 2023 via SBÄM Records.

I have had the chance to preview the whole album, and it is excellent, and we will dig into that and more.

Intro Music: "Colorado" by Birds Love Filters

Outro Music: "Snail Mail" by Speedway Sleeper

Donate to keep the Powered By Rock Podcast alive and well: https://anchor.fm/poweredbyrock

"Dirty Dishes" broadcast with direct consent from Diesel Boy

Diesel Boy's Links - https://linktr.ee/diesel_boy

Checkout Dave's Recommendations - Frenzal Rhomb, Jason Isbell, Phoebe Bridgers, Dave Hause

Thanks to our sponsors:

https://reverendguitars.com/

https://diyrockcareer.com

https://poweredbyrock.com

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 - Intro

00:43 - Segment 1 - Talking with Dave Lake of Diesel Boy about their new album Gets Old, the legacy of their song "Titty Twister" and why the band took a 20-year break

29:18 - "Dirty Dishes" by Diesel Boy

31:50 - Segment 2 - Hot seat questions for Dave Lake from Diesel Boy like, "What Led Zeppelin Song would Diesel Boy cover best?" and more...

45:20 - Reverend Guitars

46:10 - diyrockcareer.com

46:43 - Segment 3 - What are Diesel Boy's plans for 2023 and beyond as well as what new music does Dave Lake recommend?

54:41 - Outro