WTMusic Interview - Wicked

On this episode of We Talk Music, hosts Morten and Brett welcome back Dan Reed for a conversation about his latest musical adventure, Shogun Mojo, which features Dan Reed and KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer. The project combines funky rock grooves, blues-inspired guitar work, and a refreshing approach to songwriting that celebrates having fun with music.The result is a record packed with infectious grooves, vintage-inspired guitar tones, and plenty of attitude. Reed was determined to keep guitar solos front and center, challenging the idea that guitar solos are out of fashion. Thayer delivers expressive, bluesy, and funky performances that serve each song rather than simply showcasing technical ability.A Funky New Take on Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight"One of the project's boldest moves is its reimagining of Phil Collins' iconic hit "In the Air Tonight." Rather than copying the original, Shogun Mojo transforms the song into a more upbeat, celebratory rock experience.Reed explains the band's decision to leave out the famous drum fill as a sign of respect for Collins' signature performance. Instead, the band creates its own interpretation, with Tommy Thayer delivering a standout guitar solo.Beyond Music: Dan Reed's Creative UniverseThe conversation also explores Reed's ambitions beyond music, including his developing film project, Carousel 2084. Set in a dystopian future where rock and roll, social media, and communication are forbidden, the story examines the dangers of losing freedom, creativity, and access to information.Reed also discusses his interest in graphic novels, filmmaking, and artificial intelligence. While he recognizes AI's potential as a creative tool, he emphasizes the importance of keeping human collaboration, musicianship, and artistic expression at the heart of the creative process.From the funky rock sound of Shogun Mojo to his collaboration with Tommy Thayer and his ambitious film projects, Dan Reed offers plenty of insight into his creative world. Tune in to We Talk Music for an engaging conversation about rock music, songwriting, guitar-driven grooves, and why keeping the human element alive matters more than ever.

On this episode of We Talk Music, we sit down with Danny Marks, the longtime Toronto radio host, guitarist and blues musician who has spent 25 years sharing his passion for the blues on BLUZ.FM. From the music that first inspired him as a child to the stories behind the songs, Danny takes us on a journey through a lifetime of musical discovery.Whether you're a longtime blues fan, a musician or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind great music, this episode offers an engaging look at the life and influences of one of Toronto's dedicated blues ambassadors.Tune in to We Talk Music for a conversation with Danny Marks about blues music, his album Back to the Blues, radio, musical influences and a lifetime devoted to the power of a great song.

Actor and musician Courtney Gains joins We Talk Music for an in-depth conversation about his musical journey, songwriting, and the creation of his album Liberation Day. Best known to many fans for his acting career in such projects as Children of the Corn, The Burbs, Seinfeld and Back to the Future, Gains has also spent decades pursuing his passion for music.In this interview, Gains looks back at his musical roots in Los Angeles, where he began working on music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Then during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he took the opportunity to focus on what mattered the most to him and begin recording songs he had been writing for years.What started with an acoustic recording grew into a series of releases, including the Acoustic Games and Safe Haven EPs, along with four songs recorded with his former band, Ripple Street. These projects helped lay the groundwork for Liberation Day, a record developed over several years with the goal of creating music ready for radio. Gains discusses the collaborative songwriting process behind the album, including working with producer and songwriter Wal, and the effort to bring the material to a wider audience.The conversation also explores Gains’ creative process and the relationship between his work in music and his career as an actor. From years of writing songs to bringing those ideas into the studio, Gains shares insight into the persistence, collaboration, and creativity required to turn musical ideas into finished recordings.Whether you know Courtney Gains from the screen or are discovering his music for the first time, this episode offers a closer look at the artist behind the performances and the music that continues to drive him.

On this episode of We Talk Music, we sit down with acclaimed bassist, songwriter and musician Phil Soussan for a wide-ranging conversation about his music, songwriting process, recording projects and some of the remarkable artists he has worked with throughout his career.Phil Soussan has made his mark across the rock and metal world, including playing with Ozzy Osbourne, while continuing to explore new creative territory as a songwriter and musician. In this interview, Phil discusses his approach to writing music and the sometimes-unexpected way a song can develop.From Ozzy Osbourne and heavy metal to songwriting, bass playing, Fading Out, the new album Cosmo Fighter and working with William Shatner this episode offers a fascinating look inside the creative mind of a musician who continues to find new ways to make music.

Wicked Talks New Music, “Bones” and the Evolution of their Rock SoundRock music fans looking for a fresh dose of hard-driving guitar, big hooks and classic rock energy will want to check out our latest episode of We Talk Music, featuring members of Wicked. The band joins host Brett to discuss their new music, their songwriting process, and the story behind their latest single, “Bones.”Wicked describes themselves as a hard rock band, and that influence comes through in their approach to songwriting and recording. Drummer and skydiver Gunnar joins the conversation to talk about the band's creative process and the evolution of their sound.The new material represents another step forward for the band, combining the heavier rock sound they love with melody, songwriting and a wider variety of musical textures.For fans of hard rock, guitar-driven music and modern rock with classic influences, this conversation offers an inside look at how Wicked writes, records and develops its music.Listen to the full We Talk Music interview with Wicked to hear the band discuss “Bones,” “Go Rebel,” “Sunflower,” their songwriting process, their home studio and what comes next.

Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis joins the program to talk about the band’s new Best Of collection, the evolution of his legendary guitar style, his time with Ozzy Osbourne, life on the road, and what could be next for Night Ranger.Few guitarists have developed a sound and stage presence quite like Brad Gillis. As a longtime member of Night Ranger and one of rock’s most recognizable whammy-bar players, Gillis has spent more than four decades building a career that connects classic hard rock, melodic songwriting and innovative guitar work.In this episode of We Talk Music, Gillis sits down with hosts Brett and Morten for a wide-ranging conversation about Night Ranger’s music, his approach to the guitar, his unforgettable time playing with Ozzy Osbourne, and why he still approaches touring with the energy of a much younger musician.Hear Brad Gillis discuss Night Ranger, the new Best Of collection, remastering classic rock songs, his signature whammy-bar technique, Ozzy Osbourne, Randy Rhoads, touring, guitars and what's next for Night Ranger.Night Ranger continues to tour extensively, and Gillis promises that the band is still bringing everything it has to the stage.As he puts it, they're still “throwing down 110% every night.”

Alert... We may have a new We Talk Music Podcast nicest guy of all time in bass legend Billy Sheehan!A man who's skill is unquestioned, see his placement on Consequences of Sound's list of 100 greatest bassists at #33 as an example, Billy Sheehan has a catalogue of great stories to match his library of great songs he's played on, even though he tells us he doesn't believe in the concept of lead bass playing.Recently he's played with another We Talk Music favorite guest in influential drummer Carmine Appice for the band Cactus and Temple of Blues II: All-Stars album, reprising his role as bassist on some of the top tracks on the album just like he did on the Cactus Temple of Blues original album from 2024. It absolutely rocks as you would expect, as does this interview, so check it out!

We have a super fun interview for you today with singer Todd McTavish of Judge Jackson sharing tales of the band's history. He has so many hilarious stories including how he met the late, great band co-founder Lee Jackson, playing for bikers including at Sturges and for the Hell's Angels, the band's home that they nick named the Junkyard located in a sketchy neighborhood, and much more. Todd is a master at spinning a yarn, and their new collection album "Judge Jackson: Chapter One" features the band's very best from 1995-2000, including the single "Knucklehead". Give it a listen after hearing the interview, and find out why Judge Jackson's left such a lasting impression to so many.

Talented country singer Lily Heidinger is our guest on the newest episode of We Talk Music and we're so excited to share the music and style of this upcoming musician with you. A song writer with wisdom beyond her years, she makes music for misunderstood cowgirls, but it's universal appeal is sure to grab everyone. Listen to the interview to find out more and check out her singles "Miss American Cowgirl" and "Come Over".

On August 28th Night Ranger drops "Best Of", featuring newly remixed & remastered versions of classic hits like "Sister Christian", "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and “(You Can Still) Rock in America”, alongside some of their more top tracks from more recent albums such as "No Time to Lose" and "Truth".The album is incredible, and a lot of work went into making these recordings the best you've ever heard them. We talk about that process with keyboardist Eric Levy and cover his career in a fun interview, so check it out!