A-Sides

Episode 141 - Janel of Conquer Divide

Episode 141 of A-SIDES features special guest Janel Duarte, bassist and co-vocalist of Conquer Divide. They just released their sophomore album, Slow Burn, which has scored accolades from Metal Hammer, Sirius XM's Octane, and Loudwire. Janel shares her inspirations, favorite horror films, aspirations and goals, and looks ahead to more touring for Conquer Divide in 2024. Huge thanks to Janel and the Conquer Divide team for the conversation.
You can find their music on your favorite streaming platform, find tour dates and merch on their website, and follow along with the band on Instagram.
Thanks for listening!

Episode 140 - Dio Deep Dive Part 2

A-SIDES previously took a look at the career of DIO on Episode 127, starting with the acclaimed 1983 album Holy Diver through 1987's Dream Evil. Returning guest and friend Corey Rozzoni makes a follow-up appearance here to dissect several albums from the later period of DIO, sharing stories about Lock Up The Wolves, Strange Highways, and Killing The Dragon. Corey and Andy discuss the differences in changing guitar players, evolving the sound to fit the times, "Bone Tone", the aura of Jimmy Bain, keyboards in rock music, and more pizza analogies. Huge thank you to Corey, who has now made his 7th appearance on A-SIDES, and thank you to everyone who listens!

Episode 139 - Live Albums

There was an era when releasing a live album was a launching pad for a rock band, for artists such as KISS and Cheap Trick. They were later released to commemorate tours like the Family Values Tour, OzzFest, and festivals like Woodstock '99. A-SIDES welcomes back Patrick Kennison of Heaven Below, as he shares his favorite live albums, from the 70's into the early 00's. He also shares a few stories from his days touring in The Union Underground; attending the Power Trip music festival; and more!
Huge thanks to Patrick for making another appearance on A-SIDES. You can grab Heaven Below merch at their website here and also stream their music on your favorite music app. Thanks for listening to another episode of A-SIDES!

Episode 138 - Sleepwalker

Nashville-based rock band The Great Affairs dropped a smashing set of 10 songs (plus 1 original holiday song) this fall titled, Sleepwalker. Singer/songwriter Denny Smith, who also acts as my musical guide, joined A-SIDES for another appearance to discuss the new album, a few of his favorite soundtracks throughout the years, Paul Williams' catalog of hits, soothing sounds of the beach, and a certain bloated KISS record.
You can follow Denny and The Great Affairs on their website here and stream Sleepwalker on your favorite streaming service.
Thanks to Denny for his 8th appearance on A-SIDES and to everyone who listens!

Episode 137 - Type O Negative Songs

With a chill in the air and leaves on the ground, there's not a better band to have on your stereo than the spooky sounds of Type O Negative. The band from Brooklyn, NY known as "The Drab Four" combined elements of heavy metal and goth with a dark sense of humor, and we paid tribute to them with Episode 137. We not only share our favorite songs but also our origins of discovering of Type O Negative, along with stand-out lyrical moments, long forgotten shops from Central Illinois' past, and record store CD samplers. Grab your favorite black hoodie, dye your hair pitch black, and drop the needle on this 'Halloween-themed' episode of A-SIDES.

Episode 136 - Wes Horton

New heavy rock act Flat Black erupted onto the scene this summer, opening for Godsmack and releasing 3 ferocious singles, with their latest titled "Justice Will Be Done." Vocalist Wes Horton joined A-SIDES from a tour stop in Canada for a candid conversation about his vocal process and keeping himself in shape, cooking, and even being visited by rescue animals backstage!
Stay updated with Flat Black at their website, which has links to purchase merch as well as their tour dates. Huge thanks to Wes for taking time out of his schedule; thanks to the Flat Black team for making this happen; and thank you to everyone who listens!

Episode 135 - More With Freddy Herrera

Returning guest and friend Freddy Herrera chats with A-SIDES about the recent Everclear live album, Live At The Whisky A Go Go. The release celebrates the band's 30 year history and also includes new studio recordings of "Sing Away" and "Year Of The Tiger." Freddy also shares his thoughts on discovering new music and hungry young bands, family life, as well as a few stories from the road.
Many thanks to Freddy for taking time out of his touring schedule to chat and also thanks to everyone who listens. You can stay updated on all things Everclear through their website here.

Episode 134 - The Art of Marc Sasso

For many metalheads, a striking album cover is as integral as the music contained within, when debating classic albums. Episode 134 of A-SIDES features a conversation with one such artist, Marc Sasso, who has created amazing illustrations for Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford, and more. We not only learn about his backstory and making connections in the art world, but also hear about his techniques, his favorite bands, some of his favorite pieces, and even New York pizza!
You'll not only find Marc's work in the world of heavy metal, but also comics and pro-wrestling, through his website here. Huge thanks to Marc for sharing his stories on this episode of A-SIDES!