Wolfgang Van Halen | Interview

On this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, host Stephanie R. Myers sits down with Wolfgang Van Halen — the musician, songwriter, and driving force behind Mammoth — to talk about his new album The End. Already being celebrated as his most confident and cohesive work yet, The End finds Wolf refining his sound and stakes in a way that feels like a real artistic milestone. We dig into how the record came together, how his creative process has evolved across three albums, and the internal shifts that happen when you start enjoying exactly who you are musically. Along the way, Wolf also opens up about the lifelong challenge of forging his own path in rock while honoring — and redefining — a legendary family legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ring in the season with us with our 6th Annual Holiday Episode! Each year, we invite some podcast friends from the Pantheon Podcast Network to join us and share the songs that help soundtrack their holidays. You’ll hear from: I’m In Love With That Song My Weekly Mixtape Play That Rock n’ Roll Prisoners of Rock and Roll Ugly American Werewolf in London What Difference Does It Make From classic rock deep dives to alternative favorites and thoughtful music storytelling, these podcasts all approach music a little differently, which makes this episode such a fun listen. Expect great stories, unexpected picks, and maybe even a new holiday favorite for your playlist. Enjoy! And welcome to the annual Songfacts Podcast holiday tradition.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this new episode of the Songfacts Podcast, host Stephanie R. Myers is joined by one of the true architects of funk: the legendary Bootsy Collins. His sound is unmistakable — the cosmic basslines, the deep pocket, the joyful energy that defines generations of funk. Bootsy walks us through his new project, Album of the Year: #1 Funkateer, which he describes as a statement of “what funk is.” We talk about the spark that set this album in motion, what keeps his creativity flowing after decades in the game, and how his formative years with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic continue to shape his music. We’re also treated to a special cameo from his manager and wife, Patti Collins, who adds a behind-the-scenes story about one of the album’s tracks. If you’re a fan of Bootsy, funk history, or just incredible musical storytelling, this is one you won’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Keller has lived more than one musical life. He first made his mark as a guitarist and co-writer in Tommy Tutone — yes, the band behind “867-5309/Jenny.” But that was just the beginning. After years on the road, Jim shifted gears and built a remarkable career behind the scenes, managing artists like Philip Glass and helping shape the business side of some of modern music’s most distinctive voices. Now, he’s returned to his own songwriting roots with End of the World — an album that blends grit, humor, and heart in equal measure. In this episode, Jim talks about what it’s like to reinvent yourself in the music world, how his time with Glass changed the way he thinks about creativity, and the stories behind his new record. Listen in for a conversation that spans decades — from the neon glow of early ‘80s pop to the quiet persistence of an artist still chasing great songs. Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodpods⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Connect with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For the stories behind the songs, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Songfacts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Proud member of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pantheon Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, singer-songwriter Pete Droge joins us—a distinctive ’90s alt-folk voice known for jangly guitars, sharp humor, and melodies that stay with you long after the song ends. You might remember him best for his breakthrough single, “If You Don’t Love Me (I’ll Kill Myself),” a tongue-in-cheek anthem of romantic volatility that quickly became a cult favorite. But Pete’s creative journey has always gone deeper than one clever hook: his latest album, Fade Away Blue, unfolds as a cinematic, introspective narrative exploring themes like adoption, grief, identity, and healing. In this episode, Pete opens up about the deeply personal stories behind these songs, how his songwriting has evolved, how his health journey has impacted his music, and the surprise new twists he’s bringing to live versions of his early favorites. Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodpods⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Connect with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. For the stories behind the songs, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Songfacts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Proud member of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pantheon Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're interviewing the talented jazz vocalist and songwriter Andy James. Known for her expressive phrasing and flamenco-inspired flair, Andy has carved out a unique space in contemporary jazz, and her latest album, Happy People, is a radiant, genre-blending celebration of just that: joy, connection, and groove. Andy’s musical journey has taken her across the globe and into the studio with some legends, including the late, great jazz icon Chick Corea, a close collaborator.  Whether she’s interpreting a classic or crafting original compositions, Andy brings both soul and technical brilliance to everything she does. We talk about the inspiration behind Happy People, her songwriting process, and what blending jazz and flamenco has taught her as a musician. Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Goodpods⁠⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠! Connect with us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠. For the stories behind the songs, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Songfacts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Proud member of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pantheon Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Bass has spent the last 15 years shaping the sound of Shinedown, not just as their bassist, but as the producer behind their albums Attention Attention and Planet Zero. Now with his solo album I Had a Name, he brings us a sprawling, cinematic solo debut that marks a major shift. Written, performed, and produced entirely by Eric, the album is a dystopian concept record that plays like a rock opera, charting the story of a nameless hero on a surreal journey of identity and resistance. It’s also tied to a graphic novel that expands the universe he’s built. Eric opens up about the creative risks, personal revelations, and sonic experimentation that shaped I Had a Name, breaks down key tracks like “Mind Control” and “Azalia,” talks about Shinedown's unexpected musical collaboration with Sylvester Stallone, and more in this episode. Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Goodpods⁠⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠! Connect with us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠. For the stories behind the songs, go to ⁠⁠⁠Songfacts.com⁠⁠⁠. Proud member of ⁠⁠⁠Pantheon Podcasts⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're speaking with an artist whose musical journey is as compelling as his sound: A.J. Croce. While many recognize the name Croce from his father, the legendary singer/songwriter Jim Croce (who wrote classics like "Operator," "Time in a Bottle," "Bad Bad Leroy Brown," and many more), A.J. has carved out his own distinct path in the music world. With a career spanning over three decades, he's been a working musician since he was 15 years old, releasing more than 10 albums and collaborating with icons ranging from James Brown to Willie Nelson, showcasing his prowess as a virtuoso piano player and a versatile singer-songwriter. A.J.'s latest album, Heart Of The Eternal, produced by Shooter Jennings, is a testament to his evolving artistry. In our conversation, A.J. delves into the inspirations behind his new album, his experiences growing up in a musical household, and how he's embraced his father's legacy while continuing his own musical prowess. He shares insights into his creative process, the stories behind his songs, and the personal experiences that have shaped his music. Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Goodpods⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠! Connect with us on ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠. For the stories behind the songs, go to ⁠⁠Songfacts.com⁠⁠. Proud member of ⁠⁠Pantheon Podcasts⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Songfacts Podcast, we interview Steve Bardwil, who’s releasing his debut album Nothing But Time - a soulful, genre-blending record produced by 11-time Grammy winner Joe Chiccarelli. With tracks like “Wonder of It All,” Bardwil brings a reflective, heartfelt sound that’s clearly rooted in real experience. What makes his journey even more compelling is the path he took to get here. Before stepping into the studio, Steve spent over 20 years as chief counsel for Disney films, managing legal affairs for some of the biggest productions in Hollywood. But eventually, the pull of songwriting and storytelling took center stage. In this episode, we talk about the moment he knew it was time to leave the legal world behind, the process of creating his first album, and how an encounter with Jimmy Buffett inspired him to pursue his music career. Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Goodpods⁠, or ⁠Spotify⁠! Connect with us on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠X (Twitter)⁠. For the stories behind the songs, go to ⁠Songfacts.com⁠. Proud member of ⁠Pantheon Podcasts⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our 5th Annual Holiday Episode, we’re keeping the festive spirit alive with a special treat for you. We’ve invited some of our friends from across the Pantheon Network to join the celebration and share their favorite holiday songs. From deep dives into rock history to quirky musical explorations, these podcasts each bring a unique perspective to the songs we love. You’ll hear from:  Play That Rock n’ Roll  What Difference Does It Make The Barenaked ABCs Podcast  I’m in Love with That Song Prisoners of Rock n Roll Get ready to discover some new holiday classics, learn the stories behind these cherished tracks, and maybe even find a fresh favorite for your playlist. Enjoying the show? Please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts, Goodpods, or Spotify! Connect with us on Facebook and X (Twitter). For the stories behind the songs, go to Songfacts.com. Proud member of Pantheon Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices