Off The Fret Episode 106: ANSON

OTF Episode 106: ANSON

OFF THE FRET, MORE MUSIC, MORE MUSIC TALK! If you’re like ME – MUSIC is everything! Since day one it’s been a passion of mine to create an opportunity to showcase amazing up-and-coming artists. The CHRIS COLLINS SHOW has interviewed some of the most incredible international and national bands out there—from Finland, the Philippines, India and UK—to NY, LA, Texas and Nashville—you name it. We are so fortunate to have this outlet to show you guys some of the most talented musicians out there today! There’s no other medium that brings people together like LIVE MUSIC. Join me and listen to our 6th installment, OFF THE FRET podcast. More Music. More Music Talk!—with ANSON! https://ansonofficial.com/

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Episode 1211: Bad Year, Midwest Punk Rock and Poe the Passenger, Alt-rock

2 kickass bands join STRIKE A CHORD this week to end our 12th season on a high note! From Los Angeles, California alternative rock band Poe the Passenger talks about their new LP “ALINEA.” AND Midwest punk rockers Bad Year breakdown how best songs are breakup songs.

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Episode 1211: Bad Year, Midwest Punk Rock

They’re called Bad Year—BUT they’re having a good time! Milwaukee punk rockers are holding the scene down with heartfelt tracks like “Killing Me.” “It’s a little personal—those are always the best songs, breakup… heartbreak songs.” Deep down everyone loves sad songs. The band opens up about leaving things open to interpretation. “Countless nights of letting the writing process flow and trying to come up with cool guitar lines.” “Black Out” is a track inspired by pyromania and serial killers. Talk about what not to put on your Tinder profile! Listen to these beautiful gentleman and rock out at: https://badyearmke.com

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Poe the Passenger, Alt-rock

“ALINEA” is Poe the Passengers second album and a new beginning for the band. “It’s bit edgier—we wanted to go a bit deeper emotionally.” AND they did!  The LA rockers hit the target on the bullseye featuring tracks about social problems, personal growth, community, etc. There’s a sense of urgency with this record. The band talks about writing the lyrics to this album within a 30-day writing challenge. Like many bands Poe the Passenger felt the weight of the pandemic pressure crushing down and with that much heat you’re going to form diamonds like “Strangers.” This high-energy track rocks hard with a deep message about feeling distressed and torn apart at the seams—BUT  it’s the music video that brings everything back together. If you can’t see Poe the Passenger live on stage, consider watching them in the Metaverse. The band teams up with the Time Lapse Project hosting a visual event space at Stageverse. Think the Sims meets Whiskey a Go Go! Follow, support and enjoy at: https://poethepassenger.com

Episode 1210: Transviolet, Drugs in California

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Episode 1210: Transviolet, Drugs in California

Sarah McTaggart lead vocalist of the pop-rock band Transviolet joins STRIKE A CHORD. In order to cut through the white noise you need crazy ideas to connect with people. How did the horror series Saw inspire their first single “Girls Your Age” –AND to help build a fan base? From a relatively unknown band to opening for 21 Pilots the band was thrown into the spotlight after some twitter love from Katy Perry and Harry Styles.  BUT how does “Girls Your Age” correlate to their new single “Love and Power?” It’s about reclaiming your voice and power.  Waves of orchestral strings and synth keys rumble over your ears.  It feels like the opening theme song to a David Fincher film. Take the diamond pill “Drugs in California” is another seductive track that puts you in a trance—accompanied by a music video that is just as tempting. What is the most addictive drug? You can’t snort or inject this one, it’s external validation.  Wanting to be wanted is an intoxicating libation to an artist. Follow, support and enjoy at : http://www.transviolet.com

Episode 1209: Omar Feliciano, House of Aragon

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Episode 1209: Omar Feliciano, House of Aragon

Omar Feliciano lead singer from the Phoenix Within returns to STRIKE A CHORD. Omar brings his new solo album titled “House of Aragon”—sounds like something from the Game of Thrones! BUT how did a child’s promise and a dog named Spunky inspire the album? “Sit the fuck down and be opened minded.” It’s more Omar and less Phoenix.  The “House of Aragon” touches on some pretty intimate themes—love and loss, racism, human rights, prison system, etc. “Momma Calls” is a rock track that hits hard.  Inspired by Omar’s own experience, anyone who’s had to deal with the difficulty of our prison system will instantly find a deep connection to this song. “Technically no stance, the song is there just to pose a question.” “Snap” is another track that smacks you right in the face! “Another white boy shoots a school, another white cop kills a black man, the war on drugs is rigged to jail us—AND to steal our voting rights. What do you say to the millennials who are disenfranchised with voting? “We gotta vote—just do what is right, that’s all.” And get it done before we SNAP! The “House of Aragon” has a hardcore message that can sink a ship—BUT keep faith in the family anchor, it will hold you down. Follow, support and listen at: https://thephoenixwithinrock.weebly.com/blog/house-of-aragon-by-omar-feliciano

Episode 1208: EC Mayne, 50 Acres and a Cadillac

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STRIKE A CHORD

Texas Rapper EC Mayne returns to STRIKE A CHORD flashing that grill for his new LP “50 Acres and a Cadillac.” Active and Attractive the Rapper confronts his inner conflicts during the pandemic, dealing with loss and celebrating a new collaboration with BMI (Broadcast Music Incorporated). Now that things are opening up from pandemic restrictions, where does a Texan Rapper go to cool off?—Los Angeles!  Like Tupac said “California, knows how to party!”  From the beaches to the hood the Strop God got the red carpet treatment. EC dropped his new LP “50 Acres and a Cadillac” on Juneteenth 2022. A powerful statement about Texas being the last state to emancipate slaves and were promised 40 acres and mule as reparations. Can’t put rims on a mule but you can put them on my Cadillac! We’ve got the WORLD PREMIERE of “All In My Emotions” a track about connecting with your inner Strop God—show love to get love—“that’s how to get those blessings.” Writing tracks is hard enough—BUT what’s with this trend of pressuring performers to change lyrics because the twitter mob got offended? Do you care about pleasing opinions or the quality of your music? Big energy, passionate lyrics and repping Texas. Follow, support and listen at: https://open.spotify.com/album/2sd9gvycp0OzPcCWnf1r1t

Episode 1207: HenricK The WrecK, Video Game Contributor, Top 2022 Games (so far)

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JUST TALKING

Our Video Game Contributor HenricK The WrecK takes off his Metaverse VR headset to join Just Talking. Press button A to begin with a multiple choice video-game quiz — remember the Konami code? It’s Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, START — it works on Chris but doesn’t on Marissa. That code is 13, 36, 45, 57, 67, 14, some lucky Mega Millions ticket-holder in Illinois will be celebrating 1.3 billion in winnings or hiding in a Minecraft. Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West continue to glue gamers to their gamepads but in the background the cat simulator Stray has been knocking all of your valuables off the shelves. Play as an alley cat, do the stray cat strut, hit robots in the head — the gaming world is loving it however not without controversy, many house cats have banned together claiming the game promotes “street paw” appropriation by felines world wide! Nostalgia drives deep, GTA (Grand Theft Auto) a franchise stealing cars since 1997 released remastered GTA 6 in Summer 2022 only to receive backlash from fans for a new female protagonist — are they going woke or broke? It’s been 15+ years, we all love games like Bully and Manhunt but do they need a sequel or a remastered version or is it just a studio cash grab? The hype train arrived at the station with sports celebrities investing heavily in e-sports but can they play the game? Microsoft Minecraft cancels NFT’s and bans private servers causing a shift in industry positions on where to put their building blocks. Follow, support and enjoy at :https://www.chriscollinsshow.com/henrick-the-wreck

Episode 1206: Catherine Barnes’ Radio Drama, "Trouble A Calamity Adventure." And Rock Band, Wolf Rd.

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JUST TALKING

Returning Guest Catherine Barnes joins JUST TALKING with her Folk Rock band entourage Calamity. When a Vegas club gig at the Cavern goes south the ladies make a break for the Mexican border in this comedy action radio play “Trouble a Calamity Adventure.” Nisha Catron and Cathryn Beeks started the project with Catherine Barnes after watching a James Bond solo show. Inspired by true shit hitting the fan it wasn’t difficult for the band to create an action, murder drama comedy radio play about calamity—it actually happened! Radio plays are making a revival.  Batman Unburied “baterangs” Joe Rogan from Spotify’s number 1 podcast—holy WTF Batman! “There’s something amazing about listening, painting an image in your mind, plus it's way cheaper than CGI — Calamitization!” Rumor has it there’s a Harry Styles rock musical in development. If it’s true he’ll fit in with Calamity’s 5 lady ensemble nicely. “Trouble… it always finds us…” Follow, support and enjoy at : https://www.opendoorplayhouse.org/plays/thecalling57-s9np6-fneh9

STRIKE A CHORD

Vocalist Chris Hoffman of Wolf Rd. joins STRIKE A CHORD to speak on love, loss and rock. Wolf Rd’s new single “Way Down” is about picking up the pieces after getting your heart broken during a pandemic relationship — where’s the vaccine for that? Everybody hates Chris… or is it everybody loves to break up with Chris? Whatever—social media can be a cruel reminder that your EX is having more fun without you in the Metaverse.  Technology can offer digital salvation in an analog world —BUT the future is “sex dolls!” When was the last time you had a good song? “As Good As It’s Gets” is a cathartic pop punk track—AND the music video has a hidden message for the fans. Here’s a hint. It’s a park in Chicago and #606. Follow, support and enjoy at: https://www.wolfrdband.com

Episode 1204: San Diego CA, Los Saints, Punk Rock

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Episode 1204: San Diego CA, Los Saints, Punk Rock

3 piece Mexican American Indie Alternative Rock Band from Chula Vista California, Los Saints joins STRIKE A CHORD. Love is a powerful emotional force which can unlock doors of affection or close them. Lead singer Angel opens up about their single “Lost You.” How does a millennial get over the fear of falling in love? The EP “Welcome to Confusion” was written in the aftermath of breaking up with an energy vampire—a powerful message about receiving and giving love on equal terms.  Angel started off as a single artist but found a family connection and an unlikely third member of the band when a mystical jam session unlocked the realm of Kick Ass music forming a trio known as Los Saints. Los Saints breaks down how overthinking can lead to mental chaos on their track “IDK” (I don’t know). Today’s bands need to compete on social media over likes and clicks but what about music videos? “Fouund You Somewhere” is one of the bands favorite music videos from the EP “Welcome to Confusion”—AND Angel’s music video directing debut!   BUT why 2 “U’s?” Was it just a typo? “When real love comes it will come at your front door!” Listen, watch and support at: https://www.instagram.com/lossaintsofficial

Episode 1203: Actress, Elizabeth Trieu, Erzulie

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Episode 1203: Actress, Elizabeth Trieu, Erzulie

Actress Elizabeth Trieu joins JUST TALKING to discuss her latest film ERULIE—a horror film. A jolly tale about 4 girlfriends enjoying their Holiday on the Bayou and decide to summon one pissed off mermaid for revenge!  Elizabeth shares her struggles as a working actress dealing with loss but stays grounded by having a sense of humor. What does it take to land a role? Casting directors will have a number of requests like kisses or frontal nudity.  BUT—what about getting coke snorted off your ass? Elizabeth earned a theater degree from The University of Texas at Austin, then bounced between Los Angeles, New York and Austin looking for work.  Asian women are getting put in a box—SO if Hollywood doesn’t want to step up—THEN writer/director Christine Chen will!  Elizabeth Trieu plays Violet Burns in the film ERULIE a role specifically written with Elizabeth as an Asian actress in mind. Show business is a cut-throat game, but if you keep calm and keep bleeding orange you’ll get there. Visit and support at https://www.erzuliefilm.com

Episode 1202: Sayreville New Jersey, Fracture NJ, Metalcore

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Episode 1202: Sayreville New Jersey, Fracture NJ, Metalcore

2 piece Sayreville, New Jersey band FRACTURE joins STRIKE A CHORD.  Mason Keith brings the METAL and Devin Hasselbrink brings the CORE—what’s that spell?—METALCORE!  Quick TRIVIA, Sayreville, New Jersey is also the hometown of Jon Bon Jovi and a tasty Pork Roll breakfast sandwich! The long argued controversial topic of Backing Tracks has resurfaced once again causing a “fractured’ metal community — Backing track or not to Backing track—that is the question.  Keep it real and raw! FRACTURE EP release “Reflections of Regret” is an angry record without a lot of forgiveness.  Hasselbrink had to get a lot off his chest—SCREAM his frustrations to the world!  We listened and head banged in agreement—church is out! “Crestfallen”

FRACTURE’s debut music video opens with a voice over: “and I do not hope for a better world for anyone, in fact I want my pain to be inflicted on others, I want no one to escape”—a line from Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho.  Damaged vocal cords are real when singing heavy metal.  Vocalists like M. Shadows from Avenge Seven and Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandria have both torn their vocal cords.  BUT Hasselbrink has an interesting solution to keeping his voice nice and crunchy. Fracture your neck!  It’s the new headbangers motto. Support and Listen to FRACTURE: https://linktr.ee/FractureNJ

Episode 1201: Creator, Producer, Performer - Bonnie He, A Terrible Show for Terrible People

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Episode 1201: Creator, Producer, Performer - Bonnie He, A Terrible Show for Terrible People

Welcome to the first episode of The Chris Collins Show Season 12, A Terrible Show for Terrible People. No, wait… that’s the title of our Just Talking guest; Actress, Writer, Performer — Bonnie He’s new theater performance! Summer 2022 has been blowing up; Russia’s launching missiles at the Ukraine, China censors Dumbledore’s love for a male wizard and Amber Heard is shitting on Johnny Depp’s bed for 10 million. Motionless in White drops their new album titled Scoring The End Of The World, the notorious Birmingham gang Peaky Blinders tops off their final season on Netflix and Apple adds an “unsend” option to text messages 10 years too late — all those regrettable dick pics.  

Bonnie He joins Just Talking to put pickles in our hands and laughs in our mouth. A Terrible Show For Terrible People @ the Hollywood Fringe Festival, is a show that defines a terrible person as someone who enjoys raunchy, dark, blue comedy. At the Chris Collins Show, that describes our entire staff but we’ve all been under a ton of COVID pressure, surely there’s room to loosen up. Hey Footloose 80’s community, it’s time to evolve, “if you can’t keep up with what the current trends are … be a better comedian.”  Actions speak louder than words, the show is 45 minutes long and there’s only two spoken lines. Don’t let that put you off, Bonnie’s physical comedy Clowning performance goes beyond boring repetitive stand up “talking points”. Can Gen Z’s watch a performance more than 30 seconds long before their Tic-Tok programing sets in? The audience needs to react to what I’m doing, get them involved, bring them on stage and make them part of the indecency. Listen, if you resonate with show’s description, A Terrible Show for Terrible People, you’re gonna like the show. Support and Follow at https://www.instagram.com/abonnielass/