A-Sides

Episode 205 - Nikki Stringfield

Following the release of Heaven Below's latest album The Majestic Twelve, Nikki Stringfield returns to A-SIDES to share a few details behind the creation of the album. She also discusses the recent tour with her husband Patrick Kennison which featured them as an opening act for Marty Friedman; life at home between tours; the impact and influence of Ozzy Osbourne; and performing with The Iron Maidens.
For information on Nikki's tour schedule with The Iron Maidens, visit their website here. You can also purchase her solo albums and music with Heaven Below on her own website.
Huge thanks to Nikki for making her third appearance on A-SIDES, as well as thanks to Patrick Kennison, and you for listening to this newest episode!

Episode 204 - Matt from Dinosaur Pile-Up

Dropping on August 22nd is the fifth album from Dinosaur Pile-Up, titled I've Felt Better. Matt Bigland joined A-SIDES for Episode 204 to share a few details behind the new songs, meeting and working with acclaimed songwriter Scott Stevens, his favorite bands from the 90's, and what cassette tape was played repeatedly on a cross-country road-trip.
Huge thanks to Matt for being a guest on this latest episode of A-SIDES. Before I've Felt Better is released, you can check out their catalog on your favorite streaming platform, preview the band's 5 newest songs, and follow along with them on their website. Thanks for listening!
 

Episode 203 - Michael Rubin of King Falcon

After releasing their full-length debut in 2023 and sharing stages with acts like The Struts and Sublime With Rome, King Falcon is back with new single, "Plastic Crown." Michael Rubin from King Falcon shares his musical history, from listening to his parents' music, playing endless hours of Guitar Hero, to cutting his teeth as part of School Of Rock. Michael even shares his theory on the songs of Steely Dan, which can be broken down into three distinct categories.
It was an absolute blast having Michael as a guest on Episode 203 of A-SIDES. You can follow along with King Falcon on their website, social media @kingfalconband, and stream their music on your favorite app. Thanks for listening!

Episode 202 - Pilgrimage To The Beginning

July 5th 2025 was a monumental day for rock music as it was the farewell concert for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath titled "Back To The Beginning." From heavy metal icons such as Metallica to 21st century rock acts like Rival Sons, all performed and paid tribute to the founders of heavy metal with unique covers in addition to their own music. Zak Bellante from Death Comes Lifting was there to experience it all first-hand and he shares that experience on Episode 202 of A-SIDES.
Huge thanks to Zak for returning to the podcast to discuss that day in Birmingham, thanks to everyone who listens, and most importantly thanks to Ozzy and Sabbath for the innumerable hours of joy spent listening to their music.
You can find Zak online at Death Comes Lifting, which features online fitness classes, health and wellness programs, and an amazing supply of merch!

Episode 201 - The Majestic Twelve

In 2015, album release dates shifted from Tuesday to Fridays as the new standard to optimize music consumption on streaming platforms. Always one to buck trends, Heaven Below is releasing their new album, The Majestic Twelve, on Tuesday July 22, 2025. Patrick Kennison makes his fourth appearance on A-SIDES to share details on the album's creation, talks about the recent tour with Marty Friedman, drawing inspiration from movies, and even provides a teaser on upcoming releases from Heaven Below.
Huge thanks to Patrick Kennison for making another appearance on the podcast and thanks to all who listen! You can find Heaven Below on Facebook, purchase the new record here, or stream the album digitally on all platforms starting tomorrow!

Episode 200 - 70's Detroit Rock

DETROIT - known for fast cars, loud rock n roll, pizza, and the soulful "Motown" sound. Episode 200 of A-SIDES takes a look at the bands and artists of this Midwest mecca, from Bob Seger to Iggy Pop, Grand Funk Railroad, and even lesser known acts like Death and Sonic's Rendezvous Band. Paul Tincher makes a return appearance on the podcast to share his favorite bands, venues, and stories of the city, as well as how we uncovered our favorites and their connections to other musicians we love. 
Thanks to Paul Tincher for returning to A-SIDES, a huge thanks to all of our guests, listeners, the friends we've made through this podcast, and most of all the musicians who have given us endless hours of joy and episode topics!

Episode 199 - Cold Slither

In a 1985 episode of the original run of the GI-JOE: A Real American Hero cartoon series, COBRA created the fictional rock band, Cold Slither, to perform music with subliminal messages to control the masses. Forty years later, HASBRO and RPM have brought this band to life, with the Cold Slither album dropping on July 25, 2025.
Episode 199 of A-SIDES features a conversation Gus Rios, who has brought Cold Slither to life. He shares his love for GI Joe, his path to music, maintaining mental health, and why he was the perfect fit for the Cold Slither project.
If you want to read Gus' article in Decibel, you'll find it here. If you're in the San Diego area, you can see Gus bring Cold Slither to life before your eyes at Brick By Brick on the eve of the album's release. You can also find the Cold Slither record through the RPM label. 
Huge thanks to Gus Rios, RPM, and everyone who listens! Yo Joe!
 

Episode 198 - Nils from Velvet Chains

An emerging hub for all things entertainment is Las Vegas, which is also the home base for heavy rock band Velvet Chains. Hot on the heels of their new single "Ghost In The Shell", bassist and founder Nils Goldschmidt shares his musical journey from violin to bass, sharing stages in South America with his heroes of rock music, his many tattoos, and more in this latest episode of A-SIDES!
You can find Velvet Chains online for tour updates and merch at www.velvetchains.com.
Huge thanks to Nils for the conversation, PFA and the entire Velvet Chains team, and everyone who listens!