Inside the Sonic Dorm: A Conversation with Joan Starwind

From my Sonic Dorm to yours...Writer & rock music aficionado Tim Durling joins me for a conversation about two fantastic books every hard rock fan should own: Down for the Count: The Y&T Album Review (featuring stunning cover art by the legendary Hugh Syme!) and Red on Black: The Listener's Guide to Sammy Hagar.If you enjoy celebrating great music, diving into album histories, & hearing the stories behind the artists, I think you'll really enjoy this one!

No rehearsed press-junket scripts. No glossy PR talking points.For this episode of Sonic Dorms, we're tearing down the studio walls and stepping directly into the room with (up & coming) alt-pop artist Sarah Krimson.Sarah brings an unfiltered edge to her songs that is refreshing to hear in today's musical landscape... this is a completely raw, unfiltered & unedited conversation about craftsmanship, sonic spaces & the grit it takes to go all-in on your own craft.From my Sonic Dorm to yours... step inside the room & press play.

Marco Pirroni is one of those rare guitarists and songwriters whose influence can be felt far beyond the records themselves. Emerging from the earliest wave of London punk, he first appeared onstage with Siouxsie and the Banshees at their debut performance at the 100 Club Punk Festival in 1976, then went on to help shape the sound of Rema-Rema before becoming Adam Ant’s defining guitarist and chief co-writer across multiple eras. What made Marco so singular was the way he fused raw punk attack with a more melodic, theatrical glamour — a guitar voice that felt dangerous, stylish, and instantly recognizable. As co-writer and guitarist for the classic Adam and the Ants lineup, he helped craft Kings of the Wild Frontier and Prince Charming, then remained Adam Ant’s key collaborator into the solo years, co-penning major hits including “Goody Two Shoes” and sharing two Ivor Novello Awards for “Stand and Deliver.” In this conversation, Marco reflects on the origins of his sound, the creative chemistry that kept drawing him back to Adam album after album, working with Sinéad O’Connor, The Wolfmen, & the long arc of a career that began in punk but never stayed confined by it. He remains one of the great architects of post-punk pop imagination: a player whose style, songwriting instincts, and tone helped define an era while still sounding utterly his own. Thank you for watching, & for supporting Sonic Dorms — a space for thoughtful, in-depth conversations with artists who have made a genuine impact.

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Des Barres to explore the legacy of The Power Station as the band’s 40th anniversary deluxe edition is released via Rhino Records.We talk about the rare chemistry that brought together Robert Palmer, Chic drummer Tony Thompson, and Duran Duran’s John and Andy Taylor — a true supergroup that fused rock, pop, funk, with a sublime swagger.Michael reflects on his key role in the band’s live history, stepping in as frontman for The Power Station’s performances after Palmer chose not to tour, aside from their iconic Saturday Night Live appearance in 1985. The deluxe edition finally gives fans an official release of the previously unreleased 1985 live show from Michael’s tenure, along with the band’s Live Aid performance, also featuring him on vocals.We also discuss the newly remastered debut album, raw instrumentals, remixes, and why this release is especially meaningful for longtime fans who have only ever known parts of this era through bootlegs.An insightful conversation about a lightning-in-a-bottle moment in music history — and why it still resonates forty years later.

From my Sonic Dorm to yours… 🎶🚪🎶I had the pleasure of welcoming Leah Martin-Brown back to Sonic Dorms — this time to celebrate her powerful solo debut album, Love & Other Crimes, now available across all streaming platforms.Discovered through my deep admiration for the legendary producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, Leah has helped craft an album that fuses rock grit with super-pop grandeur — a high-octane, emotionally charged collection that proves both timeless & fresh; ear-candy through & through. Alongside collaborators Tony Nilsson and Tommy Deander, she’s created a dynamic body of work brimming with cinematic hooks, sharp songwriting, and the unmistakable spirit of classic “Mutt” Lange craftsmanship.In our conversation, Leah and I dive into the making of Love & Other Crimes, the lessons learned through its creation, and how stepping into her own identity has redefined her as an artist and storyteller.A must-listen for fans of bold, melodic rock with heart & conviction.

From my Sonic Dorm to Yours…On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I reconnect with Whitney Tai — an artist whose music continues to defy boundaries and evolve with fearless honesty.Her brand-new album, American Wasteland, marks a bold new chapter: an emotionally charged, cinematic work that captures the tension between beauty and chaos, resilience & ruin.In our conversation, Whitney opens up about the stories behind American Wasteland, the creative rebirth that shaped it, and how her sound has transformed since our last talk.Step back into Whitney’s world — and discover the emotional landscapes of American Wasteland — available now on all podcast streaming platforms.

From my Sonic Dorm to Yours…On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I sit down with Joan Starwind — a rising artist who’s truly doing it all. From writing, producing, & engineering her music, to even directing and shooting her own music videos, Joan is building an entire universe from the ground up.Her debut EP The Stardust Soul (released in May) showcases that vision: a cosmic yet deeply personal journey that blends raw emotion with interstellar imagery & a Rock 'n' Roll attitude. In our conversation, Joan opens up about her creative process, the independence that fuels her work, & the stories behind the music.Tune in and step into Joan’s world — available now on all podcast streaming platforms.

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I’m joined by fearless singer / songwriter Kalie Shorr — an artist whose sharp, no-nonsense lyrics & emotionally direct delivery have made her one of the most exciting voices in music today. Ever since her debut, Kalie’s work has stood out for its honesty, wit, & unfiltered perspective. With her brand-new EP My Type out now on all streaming platforms, she continues to evolve with songs that balance vulnerability & strength in equal measure. In our conversation, Kalie opens up about her creative process, her growth as a writer, and the personal truths that fuel her music. We dive into what drives her as an artist & why her voice resonates so strongly with listeners searching for authenticity. Tune in for a grounded, engaging discussion with one of today’s most compelling storytellers in song.

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I sit down with bassist and singer/songwriter Julia Lage (Vixen) for an intimate conversation about her artistry, creative process, & the music that has shaped her journey.We dive into her experiences navigating the music world, the inspiration behind her songs, and the heartfelt perspective she brings to every performance. Tune in for an enlightening discussion with one of today’s most inspiring musicians, someone who truly speaks straight from the heart.

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I’m joined by the immensely gifted vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Pete Shoulder — known for his work with The Union, Winterville, and now, as one half of the stunning new project One More Satellite, alongside Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots. In this conversation, Pete opens up about the creative process behind the band’s debut album — a richly textured & emotionally resonant collaboration that pushes both artists into familiar yet bold new territory. We explore the vibrant synergy between Pete’s soulful, introspective songwriting & Dean’s iconic, exploratory guitar work, resulting in one of the most rewarding musical pairings of the year. Tune in for a thoughtful, in-depth discussion on inspiration, artistic chemistry, and the journey of crafting music that’s as heartfelt as it is sonically adventurous.