Is Gothic Rock or simply GOTH back? Texas red jacket rocker Demi the Daredevil joins STRIKE A CHORD to discuss his latest EP My Purgatorium. A lot of bands have been dropping tracks about mental health issues—BUT what about the existential crisis of being? Demi the Daredevil has a solution! “Create a safe creepy place, talk about your weird life and not have any judgement.” Touring is the bread and butter of any band. Demi the Daredevil was on tour with Tiktok’s TX2 blasting through Texas—BUT how did this handsome devil end up in a Van Full Of Nuns traveling together? We all have a wild side that’s best suppressed under heavy medication OR can a daredevil come out on stage? “The Martyrs Crown” is a rock banger with a deep question. What is God and the purpose of religion? Is life your own purgatory? “We start in purgatory and we have to fight our way out. How do we do that? What are these laws of life we need to follow?” There’s been an ongoing debate about releasing singles or a full album — and just like that we’re back in music purgatory! Daredevil shines some heavenly wisdom on the subject. We all have a lot of questions about life that may never get answered. “Withering Heights,” My Purgatorium has the answer we need. Follow, listen and love: https://www.demithedaredevil.com/
Episode 1310: DVERSE Media CEO, Benny Pough and London Rocker, Niro Knox
Veteran Music Industry Executive and D.VERSE Media CEO, Benny Pough joins JUST TALKING to share his story about ON IMPACT: Life, Leadership, and Betting on Yourself. “GRINDING, GRINDING, GRINDING!” Benny’s been in the game for over 30 years—what’s changed? The title of his book ON IMPACT has a double meaning. It took a near death experience — you’ve got to hear this story. While recovering Benny developed the acronym IMPACT (Intuition, Mastery, Pivot, Authenticity, Connection and Teamwork), a journey from an 11 year old paperboy to current day CEO. We all start somewhere. Looking for an opportunity. Benny found his moment as a young standup comedian—BUT what’s more interesting is how not telling jokes catapulted his career. Benny has worked at Motown Records, Perspective Records (Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis), Arista Records, MCA Records and Def Jam Records — are there any record companies left? Love or hate it, it’s that time of the year. Christmas is around the corner and thanks to Benny one artist dropped a Christmas song that will be played to the end of time. Time to Pivot! Benny shares his experience leaving Def Jam to become the president at Roc Nation—" it was a natural fit, it was great, had some really big success—it was time to take a chance.” ON IMPACT is about Betting on Yourself. Radio’s not dead. It still has value. BUT how do today’s upcoming artists survive the streaming wars and social media demand? Keep in mind Taylor Swift sold millions of vinyl records—BUT who has a record player anymore?! “You’re not going to be IT today but definitely going to be IT tomorrow.” Young artists look for the opportunity to sell your artistry — it’s all part of the GRIND! Love, share and follow: https://www.bennypough.com
London Rock guitarist Niro Knox joins STRIKE A CHORD to discuss his upcoming album release. Niro’s been playing in rock bands since Slash has been shredding Guns N’ Roses; King Lizard, KilliT and Holloway Hell. Niro is now stepping front and center with his own LP. Spilling tea, sipping tea and just plain old tea time, Niro originally from Israel moved to London 19 years ago and found his guitar pick in the local rock scene. Inspired by rock legends of the time, it was natural to resonate with being a kick ass guitarist. Later Niro found a disconnect between music and songs—what does that mean? Niro worked with Rasmus Bon Andersen (Diamond Head) to prepare as lead singer on this new album—BUT how did a cheeky t-shirt link up the two artists? Record label or self-publish? Niro made a conscious decision to produce this album on his own—BUT why not join a record label for the extra support? What does it really cost to produce a track at a studio like Abbey Road or Fiction? Niro started a Kickstarter campaign to help fund this album. Listen to the demos. It’s time to have a cuppa and ROCK! Support this kick ass artist: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/niroknox/debut-album-21
Episode 1309: CONCEPTION Director Tarun Verma, Actress Simren Lalani and Connecticut Rock Band, American Thrills
JUST TALKING
Director/Writer/Cape Crusader Tarun Verma and Actress Simren Lalani join JUST TALKING to discuss their film CONCEPTION. The film hits on a number of sensitive issues when it comes to starting a family. According to experts the fertility rate is declining worldwide for a number of reasons directly affecting Millennials. “Making babies is the fun part, until you realize you just can’t have any. How far will you go to have a baby?” Tarun’s personal life as a fertility pharmacist inspired him to write this drama. BUT what motivated a comedy writer to produce such an emotional story? When getting pregnant doesn’t happen naturally or by accident, what’s the alternative? Infertility is a dirty secret no one wants to talk about. The cost of IV (In Vitro Fertilization) can hit six figures, plus the physical procedures and emotional strain on the couple. When it happens, it’s an absolute blessing but who delivers the bad news? Is there anything wrong with a 2-person millennial family? Actress Simren Lalani opens up about her family choice. What if you want to live the Bill Maher life, bachelor till you’re 50? Millennials, we need to talk about having children! Watch and support: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13680670
Strike A Chord
Connecticut's Rock Band American Thrills joins STRIKE A CHORD and it’s like a Bald Eagle knocking back a 30 rack of Budweiser sitting on a throne of glorious red, white and blue! It’s a patriotic band name or is it? Every band needs a hook, something to grab the audience's attention and separate them from the herd. American Thrills went with “New Country”—BUT what does that even mean? Is this like Jonathan Davis or Chad Grey from Mudvayne? New Country and Rock genres are you saying Hank The Third? We’re all inspired by something. “This was kinda our upbringing. Limp Biscuit and Deftones. It was MTV and that was a very influential time for us as young musicians.” Is Punk Rock even Punk Rock anymore? 20 years ago you'd think of the Descendents. Parted Ways is American Thrills debut LP. How was this release different from the EP “Old Things?” Bassist, Jamie Otfinoski breaks down their production process. “Misfires” is classic upbeat rock anthem, heavy guitars, loud drums and shouting lyrics, combine them all and you got a kick ass track. How are small bands competing with rising gas prices, dynamic venue ticket pricing and streaming services? “Old Things” is another track you easily fall in love with. It’s about getting older, enjoying old friends and the nostalgia of past years. American Thrills is releasing a limited edition vinyl record and a music video to celebrate Parted Ways and we can’t wait to enjoy it! Watch, Listen and Follow: https://www.americanthrills.com
WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL SOCIAL CALENDAR for: November 28th 2022 to December 4th 2022
SLIDE 2
Prepare for an emotionally charged week ahead. Whether it is dealing with the fallout of Thanksgiving drama or just short tempers with the realization that money is tighter than usual, it's going to be a doozy of a week.
SLIDE 3
Monday, November 28th: Mars retrograde in Gemini and Saturn in Aquarius harmonize, creating a dominant atmosphere in relationships that urges us to take control of matters.
If you have been feeling like someone's floor mat, you will finally start standing up to your aggressor. Boundaries are a MUST during the holiday season. Don’t be afraid to finally voice your opinion. Just do it in a way that minimizes emotional drama. Come at the problem with a cool and calm mindset.
SLIDE 4
Tuesday, November 29th: Mercury in Sagittarius opposes Mars retrograde while aspecting Saturn, which can lead to tremendous fights.
Same advice as on Monday, watch your temper and be prepared to walk away from a losing battle. Sometimes, it is healthier to acknowledge someone will not change and to make alternate arrangements in our life that help us avoid toxicity. Take care to step back from having to win the battle in order to prevent fallout.
SLIDE 6
Thursday, December 1st: Mercury squares Neptune retrograde in Pisces, mending the drama from earlier in the week.
Throw up the white flag and look for opportunities to mend the relationship. If someone wants to apologize to you, allow them to speak before deciding if you want to completely cut them out of your life. If the apology is insincere, then you know you are on the right path to eliminate /limit your association with them.
SLIDE 6
12/1- The same day, Venus opposes Mars retrograde and connects with Saturn, offering a fresh start within partnerships. Now is the time to start that project you have been mulling over. The right team will present itself to you and allow you to take the easy step forward in your new venture.
SLIDE 6
Saturday, December 3rd: Neptune turns direct in Pisces, ending the backwards journey that began on June 28th.
Now that you’ve woken up from the dream and seen the truth, it’s time to proceed with open eyes and hearts. 2023 is going to be chockfull of opportunities to advance your creative endeavors. With Neptune turning direct in its own sign, your dreams are closer than ever so act on them while the momentum is in your favor!
SLIDE 7
Hang in there this week! You just need to get past the first half of the week with your sanity in tack.
The weekend allows you to finally start putting 2022’s disaster in the dust as you focus on a happier and more fruitful 2023! Keep setting your boundaries and reach for the stars with your dreams. 2022 isn’t over yet so get those plans into motion so that you can end the year on a positive note.
Episode 1308: Video Game Contributor, HenricK The WrecK, The Gaming Awards and AUSTIN–based bedroom pop duo Solo Solo.
Video Game Contributor, HenricK The WrecK, The Gaming Awards
JUST TALKING
CCS Video Game Contributor, HenricK The WrecK joins JUST TALKING rockin’ new stylish glasses to keep Metaverse in focus. For all you video game fans let’s start off with a video game quiz. Who is Mario’s cousin from deep south state Tennessee? As 2022 retires the blinking red light on your xbox it’s time for the Video Game Awards Game of the Year 2022. Heavyweight competitors Elden Ring and God Of War Ragnarok go toe to toe while lightweight kitty simulator Stray knocks your controller off the table. Adapting video games into movies has always been a thing since Angelina Jolie motorboated her rack into Tomb Raider. GOTY 2022 now has the Best Adaption category—BUT which nominee will take it—Arcane: League of Legends, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, The Cuphead Show, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 or Uncharted? WAIT WHAT? There’s no Best Horror game category? Clearly the GOTY committee has dropped their controllers on this one. Video Game competition is the Meta Olympics? Zuckerberg has been heavily criticized for an uninspired Metaverse experience but who’s stepping up to challenge him? Enjoy past episodes of HenricK The WrecK: https://www.chriscollinsshow.com/henrick-the-wreck
Strike A Chord
AUSTIN based Bedroom POP duo Solo Solo joins STRIKE A CHORD to discuss their sibling album Pure Graffiti. Greg and John get the show running on the quantum universe road that connects galaxy to galaxy, so what’s the deal with the band’s name Solo Solo? Maybe Hans Solo had some kids we didn’t hear about? Sibling bands are either a hit or a miss. Bands like Oasis, ACDC, Kings of Leon or Radio Head all include kindred band members and family drama, so how does Solo Solo struggle to keep it together? Ticketmaster recently apologized for its ticket debacle with Taylor Swift but responds by saying “it’s in the artists best interest.” So if fans can’t get tickets how does that affect up-and-coming bands like Solo Solo? It takes just one friend to make a solo audience? Who are your idols? Inspired by Nick Drake, known for his one to two minute tracks, we did a song a week for like 20 weeks. The band’s “No Sleep”—“is sort of a short song you want to listen to again.” “At the end of the day the only thing that matters is what comes out of the speakers.” The brothers needed a little help settling on the EP’s name. Chris and Marissa immediately were on board to help. We came up with its Solo by Solo Solo. We’ll find out what the EP’s official title is later. Listen and Support these Bros: https://www.solosoloband.com/
Episode 1307: The Willowbrook, Writer/Director by Zach Koepp
“Good morning my Loves!”—to quote Ms. Lacey. Zach Koepp joins JUST TALKING to discuss his swiping social media thriller The Willowbrook. Once again the internet is pushing false hopes and pretenses after a renowned wellness influencer invites one of her recently overdosed followers to seek recovery at her small-town manor. The follower quickly realizes at The Willowbrook you LOG IN but you never really LOG OUT—until you're dead! Social media can be an addictive drug: “if we get sucked into that social media world—it’s like the elixir for giving up your individual power.” Writing this film as a thriller is “millennial.” Halloween Ends … horribly we might add. It feels like all of our greatest villains in the last 30 years of cinema have been put out to pasture one by one and now we have our new digital nightmare…social media cult followings. Mental health issues are a hot topic issue for millennials, but you’ll be surprised to find out what inspired Director Zach Koepp to make this film. From becoming online followers to staying at The Willowbrook the film takes time to explore each character’s final destination. Producer Jeffery Reddick (Final Destination franchise) came on board to remind us — you can’t cheat death. BUT how did Koepp’s prank on his younger brother turn into a win years later? This is our brave new world. You have to embrace it — or stay a luddite! Everyone eventually gives into the click and downloads. Remember kids, following influencers on social media will boost their egos. Following Lacey to The Willowbrook will get you killed! https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.da0862b4-42b7-4eb8-a5b1-6f08198f9475?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv-20
Episode 1306: Scottish Rock Band, Dancing On Tables
VARIETY names TOP 10 BRITS bands to watch—AND we got one! Scottish Rock Band, Dancing On Tables joins STRIKE A CHORD to celebrate their debut album Colour In The Grey. Lead Vocals and Keyboard Robbie McSkimming tells how this album was a wizard Harry Potter years in the making. Whit's fur ye'll no go past ye (whatever is meant to happen to you, will happen to you). From the band's humble school band beginnings, working with Nashville producers and getting the call of a lifetime from Green Day’s former manager Pat Magnarella—WHAT could be better? Beyonce said: “if you like it you should put a ring on it”—WHAT did Robbie do? It’s not the first time a band on STRIKE A CHORD has claimed writing songs during the pandemic—BUT OVER 100!? The band’s single “So What” almost didn’t make the cut! Robbie explains. “There’s always an EX or new beau to sing about.” Sometimes you need to break the middle and dedicate a song to your ocean-less true love and your forever future romance. After hearing this album it is easy to fall in love with this band. Listen and Support at https://www.dancingontables.co.uk/
Episode 1306: 2022 Midterm Elections… And NO, We’re Not Talking About Your Midterms | Chris Collins Show
What’s GOOD listeners! Host Chris Collins and co-host Marissa Pitts discuss the upcoming 2022 Midterm Elections… And NO, we’re NOT talking about your midterm exams! Will Millennials and the Gen Z come out to vote? Should the U.S. government spend less time scrutinizing Elon Musk acquiring Twitter and focus on banning TikTok? Has America outgrown Affirmative Action and have we been lied to about the Green Revolution? AND—what is the number one social issue our generation is focusing on today?
Episode 1305: Philadelphia Rockers SORAIA Lead Singer ZouZou
Philadelphia Rockers SORAIA lead singer ZouZou joins STRIKE A CHORD to celebrate their new album Bloom (2022) in both digital streaming and collector’s vinyl edition. Bloom was released on Friday October 28th, 2022 and featured LIVE on our show. The last album SORAIA produced was in 2019. This new release explodes from the pressure building up from the last 3 years of not screaming on stage! Lead singer ZouZou recalls the hurdles of getting this record to the studio—but it was worth it. This LP is powerful and passionate—"It’s the beginning of another great cycle of our career. We’re very excited. We’ve waited a long time for this one in particular.” AND Steven Van Zandt under Wicked Cool Records is IN on this band! What’s the success of your magic? The band’s latest single “Tight Lipped” is blowing up the charts! “I think you just persevere in anything you do… if you really want it… you don’t stop.” “I Seek Fire” OR should we all take the slow road to love? This track makes you think twice about dating apps. Falling in love is all about chemistry. Taking a shared risk in love is not easy. It should happen organically—BUT can we fight our biology? The pheromones are strong with this album! Support and listen: https://www.soraia.com
Episode 1304: Red River Road filmmaker, Paul Schuyler and Swedish Indie Rock Band, Bring the Hoax
JUST TALKING
Triple threat (Writer/Director/Actor) Paul Schuyler joins JUST TALKING to discuss his new film Red River Road. It’s Halloween time! The perfect excuse to watch scary movies or better yet—make one starring your own family. Your house becomes a movie set, the wife and kids are the characters, you’re isolated from society, and trapped in a room with psychotic humans — is this a movie or a documentary about Dad disconnecting the WIFI? An electronic pandemic virus starts infecting humans through the internet, distorting your ability to perceive reality. Writing the screenplay for Red River Road was all about taking things down a wormhole. Once you’re disconnected it’s a roller coaster ride into isolation. The film was produced during the COVID-19 pandemic, a story about an internet pandemic during a real pandemic. Could the internet be the worst thing to ever happen to humanity? Have we hit an addictive toxic extinction event? Is social media the virus attacking society just one river away? Watch for yourself, https://www.wytshark.com/
STRIKE A CHORD
STRIKE A CHORD connects with Swedish Indie Rock Band Bring The Hoax. It all started over a shared love for indie rock and red wine. You’ve got to bring your flavor to the game. Stand out from the pack with fuzzy guitar licks and cute firm melodies. After a quick Ancestry DNA test our Host Chris found out Karl was his long-lost Swedish cousin? They both have the same glasses and the same mustache—BUT Swedes look a lot sexier. So, Chris shaves it off LIVE! Hoax’s latest single is “Jonestown” referencing the mass murder-suicide by cult leader Jim Jones in 1978—but, this dark theme is still fun. The band’s Bring The Hoax EP addresses millennial issues about blindly following online celebrities, social media responsibility and self-worth. The revelution will be televised or maybe streamed on Peacock SOON! Support and listen: https://www.bringthehoax.com/
Episode 1303: Acid Test Writer/Director, Jenny Waldo and Modern Pop Rock, KULICK
Acid Test Writer/Director, Jenny Waldo
Writer/Director Jenny Waldo joins JUST TALKING to discuss her debut feature film “Acid Test.” Set in the 90’s “Acid Test” is a female coming of age rebellion story fueled by Riot Grrrl music, a dysfunctional family and LSD. Based on director Jenny Waldo’s personal life the film was part therapy and an opportunity to fill the void of missing female punk film directors since the days of Tank Girl. “Acid Test” is strong with the Riot Grrrl manifesto—heavily influenced by bands like Bikini Kill and lead singer Debbie Harry from Blondie. Watch for the 1990’s throwbacks! Follow and support https://www.acidtestfilm.com
Modern Pop Rock, KULICK
Pop rocker KULICK joins STRIKE A CHORD. What’s the secret to getting over 3 million streams on Spotify KULICK? Uncheck the box, get the record label off your back, indulge yourself into the music and the streams will flow! Pop formula music gets predictable. Every artist has the moment when they need to timestamp the label and go off script. The latest album Everyone I Know Will Die (Deluxe Edition) does just that. Pop or NOT to Pop, KULICK influences range from REO Speedwagon to Tom Petty. A very cool feature on the LP are 5 reimagined acoustic tracks with music videos. If you play guitar you get it. The strings count but what type of guitar strings are “Necessities (Stripped)” for that acoustic jam session — watch the video to find out? It’s said, music is a gift from God so how do you make music with a hearing disability? KULICK accepted the challenge and jumped the hurdle! “Time to Go” is another deep track about life being overwhelming: “I still don’t want to die because it’s too good, I want more life.” Don’t Ghost me Bro! Ghost song writers have always been a thing but is it time to accept facts and give credit? Support KULICK! Support and listen: http://kulickofficial.com
Episode 1302: HenricK The WrecK, Video Game Contributor and Charleston SC Indie Rock band, Whitehall
Just Talking
HenricK The WrecK joins JUST TALKING to talk all things GAMING. Cyberpunk developers CD Red have announced a sequel to Johnny Silverhand's storyline played by Keanu Reeves in Cyber Punk 2077 for the upcoming expansion update, Phantom Liberty. Netflix is working on a new season for The Witcher 3—I don’t remember watching season 2? Nintendo revealed the first trailer for Super Mario Bros. Movie, a CGI animated film starring Chris Pratt and a mushroom load of additional celebrity voices. The film is scheduled for release in April 2023. The big question is what game did Mario first appear in? A pause button of silence as Overwatch has been taken offline—BUT press the start button of relief because Overwatch 2 is here to keep gamers happy. Rockstar’s GTA 6 (Grand Theft Auto) game-in-progress version was leaked all over the internet. The binary oil spill caused massive virtual car traffic jams and catastrophic damage to the virtual META environment—the penguins from Happy Feet are protesting in choreographed dance patterns. BREAKING NEWS! The glory hole leaked new features such as weapons, upgrades and customizations—BUT gamers are excited about this feature the most, returning to Vice City not Reality City! Getting back to sweaty nerd reality. Twitch-Con is happening right now October 2022—AND there's also the early release of Scorn, a game inspired by H.R. Giger’s (Alien). The game is centered around bone and flesh, which coincidentally is what Twitch-Con is all about. https://www.twitchcon.com
Strike A Chord
Indie Rock band Whitehall joins STRIKE A CHORD. The 4 dudes with long hair in a white room with 3 pictures behind them from Charleston, South Carolina U.S.A says it all. Whitehall has their new album Maizy dropping next year 2023. Their lead single, “Rose” is a chill in the heart vibe with a peppery edge—perfect for the Cali dream, driving down a highway with the sun on your back. Making the album Maizy these guys pulled an old Rolling Stones move. They drove up into the mountains and cut an album — kick ass! The Maizy drew inspiration from their manager’s dog. The dog’s calming Gandhi-like presence helped ease anxiety, allowing connection through the cosmos and barking out the lyrics! WHAT does the lyric “drunken telephoner” mean? It’s a reference to Slaughter House 5 by Kurt Vonnegut — is this a dark metal band hiding in the shadows? Special congrats! “It changed our lives.” Whitehall is opening for the Goo Goo Dolls with their “Chaos In Bloom” Tour 2022. “It’s a childhood dream come true.” Oooh my-lanta this band knows how to bring bangers! Look out for the chaos in white: http://www.whitehalltheband.com