This week, my guests on The Talk Music Podcast are Darcy Ataman, Founder of Make Music Matter, and Caitlin Morrison, Executive Director of Matthew Perry House and sister of the late actor. Their organizations have joined forces to launch LIVE LOUD—a bold new partnership harnessing the power of entertainment and celebrity to amplify conversations around mental health and addiction.The initiative debuts with Live Loud LIVE, a benefit concert at Toronto’s Koerner Hall on November 14. The event will[...]

Hi everybody, I’m incredibly delighted to welcome STEVE HACKETT as my guest for this episode of The Talk Music Podcast.Steve is one of the most innovative and influential guitarists to emerge from the progressive rock movement. Born in 1950, he spent a year in Vancouver at the age of seven before growing up in the UK, eventually rising to prominence as a member of GENESIS, which he joined[...]

Hi, everybody! I’m thrilled that my guest for this episode is Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss, one of the most iconic rock photographers of the past four decades, whose lens has helped define the visual language of rock and metal!From capturing the raw energy of bands like Guns N’ Roses, Kiss, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen, Twisted Sister, Aerosmith and countless others, to shaping[...]

Hi everyone!My fascinating guest this week is Michael Bishop, a.k.a. Blöthar the Berserker from the legendary band GWAR! Formed in Richmond, Virginia in 1984, GWAR is known for outrageous sci-fi/horror costumes, over-the-top theatrical shows, and a wild intergalactic warrior backstory.They’re infamous for spraying audiences with fake blood, elaborate props, and comedic skits—blending metal music, B-movie aesthetics, and sharp social satire. Despite lineup changes, GWAR has thrived for decades, crafting DIY costumes and sets,[...]

Hi everyone!I’m really excited to share the latest episode of The Talk Music Podcast featuring one of the top concert promoters in the world — Nick Farkas.Nick is the Senior VP of Booking, Concerts & Events at Montreal-based Evenko, where he oversees an incredible 1,600+ shows a year — from intimate club gigs and major sporting events to large-scale concerts and seven flagship festivals, including the iconic OSHEAGA.[...]

Hi everybody,I’m thrilled to announce my guest this week is pianist, composer, arranger, and producer-extraordinaire BILL KING, whose recording and production credits include hundreds of releases across his five-decade career.Bill is a three-time JUNO nominee, and the list of artists he’s worked with is remarkable: Janis Joplin (as Music Director and keyboardist), Chaka Khan, Linda Ronstadt, Martha Reeves, The Pointer Sisters, Oscar Peterson, Sophie Milman, Pat LaBarbera, Ronnie Hawkins and many more. He has been instrumental in shaping[...]

Hi everyone! My guest on this episode of The Talk Music Podcast is John Corabi, lead vocalist of the powerhouse rock band The Dead Daisies, and former frontman for Mötley Crüe from 1992 to 1996.The current Daisies lineup is a who’s who of rock legends: Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake/Dio), Michael Devin (Whitesnake), David Lowy (Mink/Red Phoenix), and Tommy Clufetos (Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath). Along with John, they are one of the most electrifying live bands out there.Rooted[...]

Hi everybody, I’m thrilled to have as my guest this week singer-songwriter JULIAN TAYLOR. For over 25 years, Julian has been steadily building a strong reputation with his roots-driven sound, earning a devoted following and a catalogue of critically-acclaimed albums along the way.Back in 1996, he co-founded the rock band Staggered Crossing, and by 2001 (with the help of publisher Frank Davies) signed to Warner[...]

Hi everybody, I’m thrilled to do a deep dive with this week’s guest—Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter extraordinaire, film composer, author, and actor IAN THOMAS.Ian’s music has become part of the foundation of the Canadian musical landscape, a legacy recognized with a SOCAN National Achievement Award for Songwriting. He first made waves with his breakout hit “Painted Ladies,” in Canada and the US which then launched a string of chart-topping[...]

Hi everyone!I’m really thrilled to announce that my guest this week is Gavin Rossdale from BUSH!With over a billion streams, 20 million albums sold, and continued sold-out shows around the world in iconic venues and massive arenas, BUSH has truly earned their place in rock history. Since their explosive debut back in 1994 with Sixteen Stone—which sold six million copies and gave us iconic pop classics like “Comedown,” “Machinehead,” and[...]

Hi everyone, I’m thrilled to welcome a very special guest to this episode of The Talk Music Podcast—the twice GRAMMY-nominated flautist, RON KORB. Ron’s extraordinary music transcends genres, weaving together elements of Instrumental, World, Crossover, Classical, Latin, Soundtrack, and New Age. Deeply rooted in the cultural richness of his Asian-Canadian heritage, his compositions reflect a global journey—both musically and literally—as he’s traveled the world collecting indigenous flutes from Europe, Asia,[...]

Hi everybody, This Talk Music episode is a VERY special one for me personally. I am a Massive Pat Metheny fan, and vocalist extraordinaire DAVID BLAMIRES who sang and performed with Pat from 1986-1997 is my guest. David, for his vocal chops, took home 2 GRAMMY Awards for the albums Still Life (Talking) (in my top 5 desert albums of all time) and also We Live here. He also performed and sang on the Grammy award-winning album Imaginary Day. Our conversation took place[...]

Hi, everybody!Here’s PART 2 of my interview with RIK EMMETT, recorded live in the cozy confines of his studio loft. We take a deep dive into his legendary career as the songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist extraordinaire for Canadian rock icons TRIUMPH!Our conversation kicks off with Rik’s early days in Toronto, his decision to pursue music over sports, and his fateful first meeting with Mike Levine and Gil Moore, where[...]

My guest this week is guitarist/songwriter RIK EMMETT! After a dozen PLATINUM albums from ‘75 to ‘88 with TRIUMPH (who celebrated their legacy and rise to stardom with the documentary “Rock and Roll Machine”), Rik has now released 25 more solo projects. Six decades in the biz have landed him in five halls, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, along with a few Best Guitarist[...]

In part 2 of my feature on Interesting Estonian Personalities, my guest on the Talk Music Podcast is Mari Sild—an extraordinary artist and scientist who seamlessly blends both worlds to inspire, innovate, and make a difference:www.marisildmuusika.comBy day, as a Senior Project Manager in clinical research, she plays a key role in developing new medications for migraines, hemophilia, and cancer, with past experience spanning work[...]

Hi everybody, my truly special Talk Music guest for this episode is ESTONIAN PIANIST KRISTJAN RANDALU, who exists among the most sought-after piano players of his generation, carrying the torch in both the improvised world of jazz and the traditional realm of classical music. Between creating his own original blend of contemporary jazz as a leader and collaborating with several generations of respected musicians, Randalu has brought his[...]

Hi everybody, Happy New Year! I’m stoked to post this chat with my first guest of 2025: Mediterranean artist extraordinaire PAVLO! Born in Toronto to Greek parents, Pavlo’s amazing journey to touring concert halls around the globe is most impressive. Over his 20-year career, he’s released 17 albums and 4 PBS TV specials, including his latest which was filmed in Santorini! Two of his albums[...]

What a thrill and honour to interview an iconic Canadian music legend to end this season of the Talk Music podcast: BRUCE COCKBURN.Among his many achievements (including the release of 39 albums), the Ottawa-born artist has been honoured with 13 Juno Awards, an induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award and has[...]

Hi everybody, welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast!I’m thrilled to announce my guest is LES STROUD! Best known as the producer, creator and star of the hit TV series SURVIVORMAN, Les is also an accomplished musician/songwriter. His music is a rich tapestry of rock, world, prog rock, folk and blues, and it reflects his deep connection to nature. Steve Vai, Bruce[...]

Hi everybody and welcome to another episode of the TALK MUSIC podcast! My guest this week is BOB ROPER! This is a great, entertaining deep dive into his illustrious career. Bob has done it all! From booking concerts at university to doing major label promo, to working for top concert promoter MICHAEL COHL doing marketing. Bob then became an A&R guru at WARNER Music where[...]

Hi everybody and welcome to another episode of The Talk Music Podcast. I’m absolutely thrilled to post this wonderful chat with STEVE KANE, who just recently stepped down as PRESIDENT OF WARNER MUSIC CANADA where he orchestrated tremendous success for the label for over 20 years.Steve not only led the daily operations of the company, but also oversaw the signings of BILLY TALENT, SCOTT HELMAN[...]

Hi everybody and welcome to another episode of the TALK MUSIC podcast! My guest is music and film producer MARK BERRY. Mark has attained 36 international GOLD and PLATINUM record awards for the artists he's worked with as a producer, engineer and/or mixer. The list is impressive, including Grammy-nominated artists such as Carly Simon, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Boy George, Yes,[...]

Hi everybody, I have two wonderful guests on for this episode as I’m thrilled to welcome both AMY SKY and MARC JORDAN!This fun chat dives deep into Amy and Marc's beginnings and how they both grew up in Toronto, how Marc, in 1978, got a US record deal with WARNER Music, and that culminated in the hit song “Marina del Rey." Fast forward and[...]

I’m thrilled to announce my guest this week is JIM CUDDY from BLUE RODEO! In this fun interview, we dive deep on his entire career, starting from his early beginnings through all his solo albums, including his most recent called ALL THE WORLD FADES AWAY. We discuss Blue Rodeo’s early days, how they got signed to the Warner label and the upcoming Blue Rodeo Documentary. Jim’s[...]

Hi everyone! Here’s part 2 of my interview with Gordie Johnson from BIG SUGAR. In this episode we continue to go deep into his career, delving into all his albums after signing with A&M Records. With super radio-friendly songs such as Turn the Lights On, Diggin’ a Hole, The Scene, If I Had My Way, Better Get Used to It, Roads Ahead and the[...]

Hi everyone and welcome to another episode of the Talk Music podcast!WOW I’m so excited about this one as my guest is GORDIE JOHNSON from BIG SUGAR! Gordie Johnson has earned numerous gold and platinum records with his band Big Sugar, and as producer/musician with Gov't Mule, Taj Mahal, North Mississippi Allstars, Toots Hibbert, Dennis Alcapone, Leroy Sibbles, Willi Williams, Nashville Pussy, Joel Plaskett, The Trews[...]

Hi and welcome to another episode of the TALK MUSIC podcast. My guest this week is singer-songwriter extraordinaire, ROB LAMOTHE. He can sing anything and make it sound great! With an "out of this world soulful voice" (ROLLING STONE EUROPE), Rob is a “mercurial artist who slides effortlessly from rustic roots music to soulful country pop to full-blown rock balladry" (THE TORONTO STAR). Rob has released[...]

Super excited to post this fun, entertaining and informative chat with LEE AARON as we go deep into her entire career. A recent inductee into CANADA’S WALK OF FAME, she is one of Canada’s most iconic vocalists; a songwriter, producer, and fearless re-inventor. Our chat includes how, at the age of 19, she released her first album THE LEE AARON PROJECT and how in 1984[...]

Welcome to another episode of the TALK MUSIC Podcast! This week’s guest is THE SPOONS. I loved this fun chat with both SANDY and GORD, including their most recent release ECHOES featuring Alan Frew, Gowan, Strange Advance, Kon Kan, Jean Marc Pisapia (the Box) and others doing their own interpretations of some of the SPOONS most popular songs. I also go deep on their entire,[...]

Hi everyone! On this week’s TALK MUSIC podcast, I’m thrilled to interview Derbyshire, UK native and guitar ace, the legend CHRIS SPEDDINGHaving recently seen him play live with ANTON FIG on drums and KEITH LENTON on bass, I can vouch that, at 79 years young, Chris still has it! His illustrious career includes session work with Cream bass player Jack Bruce, Harry Nilsson, Elton[...]

For this new TALK MUSIC podcast I was thrilled to also have HARRY PIWERKA join me as a co-host. Harry and I went to high school together and reconnected a while back. As it turns out, he’s also a great musician and was a part of the Toronto's vibrant music scene in the 70’s as a member of the band MORNINGTON DRIVE. Harry is[...]

Hi everyone! On this new TALK MUSIC episode, we're going to do something I haven't done yet: go deep into the harder-edged genre of Metal and Hard Rock. My guest is MICHEL LANGEVIN, the founder/drummer extraordinaire of French-Canadian progressive sci-fi metal act, VOIVOD, who counts DAVE GROHL as a fan, has toured with RUSH, been featured on OZZFEST and once included ex-METALLICA bassist JASON NEWSTEAD[...]

Welcome to a new season of THE TALK MUSIC podcast! I just wanted to say BIG THANKS to all the guests who have chatted with me so far! Our episodes regularly chart in the Top 20 on Apple Podcast, so thanks SO MUCH to our listeners!I’m excited to kick off this 2024 season with Part 2 of my conversation with top music executive DEREK[...]

I’ve loved chatting with all my amazing guests this year, but for our Season 3 finale, this one is extra special. DEREK SHULMAN was the lead singer of my favourite band GENTLE GIANT. They, along with YES and GENESIS (among others), were pioneers known for the complexity and sophistication of their music. Our chat covers Gentle Giant's entire 11 studio album career, with stories[...]

This week's Talk Music Podcast features a really interesting chat with BARRY BERGMAN, a highly respected song expert who has published over 250 songs by major artists such as CHER, KISS, JOAN JETT, MICHAEL BOLTON and many others, including hits for hard rockers LEE AARON, HELIX and US act KIX where their ballad DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES sold 2 million copies. He’s also had[...]

On this week's podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome GARTH RICHARDSON and JOE PRIMEAU, two fantastic producer/engineers (and friends of mine) from the past. Garth's legendary producer dad JACK RICHARDSON mentored me, so we both chat about his influence. We also talk about how Garth, after landing in LA, ended up producing RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE's monster debut album, which sold 15 million copies, and[...]

On this week's podcast, my guest is DARYN BARRY, co-owner of one of the best studios in the world: The ORANGE LOUNGE RECORDING STUDIO in downtown Toronto. I recently had some of the most fun in years with Daryn as we chatted in his beautiful, vibing control room. Daryn was the first employee I hired at my Hypnotic label/studio many years ago, so we chat[...]

Hi everyone and welcome back to THE TALK MUSIC podcast, part 2 with BRIAN VOLLMER, lead singer of Canadian rock band HELIX. In this riveting episode, besides a fun GENE SIMMONS story and another when ROBIN WILLIAMS dropped in to say hi during a video shoot in LA, we talk about how Brian hit rock bottom and how he wound up sleeping on sofas,[...]

This week's interview is yet another really special one for me and The Talk Music podcast as it's with singer BRIAN VOLLMER from HELIX. I truly regard them as another fantastic band that I owe my success to as a producer as I was fortunate to produce 4 albums for them. I am so grateful that one went double platinum and two others platinum[...]

On this week’s podcast, I’m stoked to chat with David Diamond and Mister Zero from the band THE KINGS, who in 2020 celebrated the 40th anniversary of the release of their debut album, The Kings Are Here. On the album was a massive hit song called “This Beat Goes On/Switching to Glide” that exploded in Canada and the US and earned them an induction[...]

For this week's THE TALK MUSIC podcast, I’m beyond excited to feature my interview with ESTONIAN folk sensation MARI KALKUN. Her music is rooted in deep, ancient ESTONIAN traditions that I believe will resonate with new listeners, as will her singing voice which seems to speak directly from the heart of the ESTONIAN forest. Her new album titled STORIES OF STONIA, just released on PETER[...]

I’m honoured to welcome DERRY GREHAN from HONEYMOON SUITE on this week's THE TALK MUSIC podcast. Their music achievements are impressive indeed as they sit amongst the most successful Canadian acts to ever form in this country and they are still going as strong as ever! With double and triple platinum albums to their credit, along with a remarkable amount of hit songs that have[...]

On this week's Talk Music podcast, check out my fun chat with Renan Yildizdogan. He's the founder and owner of the super cool label GYPSY SOUL RECORDS, a full-service artist collective, distributed by Fontana North. Considered by many to be one of the most successful INDIE labels around, his artists are constantly on tour not only in Canada but in the US and Europe[...]

If you love indie RECORD STORES (and who doesn’t) and love VINYL, or perhaps are interested in why vinyl sales are booming everywhere, check out this week's THE TALK MUSIC podcast as I go deep into a fun chat with owner Mike Clasen about his SUPER COOL Records on Wheels shop located in Dundas, ON. Hear how he got started 38 years ago, how[...]

For this week's THE TALK MUSIC podcast, I’m so excited to release this entertaining interview with NU-folk duo PUULUUP. Like myself, they are proud ESTONIANS and, as a relatively small country, ESTONIA breeds and exports some truly incredible artists! Mixing surrealism and modern folklore with the talharpa, a bowed lyre popular in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages, PUULUUP playfully combine these traditional instruments with[...]

This week my feature is a wonderful long chat with musician, artist and producer extraordinaire COLIN LINDEN. We talk about his love of producing other artists (140 so far), his prestigious sideman gigs with BOB DYLAN and BRUCE COCKBURN and he’s played on over 500 albums! We also chat about his 25 year career as a member of BLACKIE and the RODEO KINGS, his[...]

The TALK MUSIC podcast this week features a great fun chat with guest DARRYL HURS who has a 30 plus year history in the music business. Darryl runs one of Canada’s largest artist showcase festivals and conferences, INDIE WEEK and recently founded an additional 3 music conferences to help artists and anybody interested in a career in music navigate the biz. Our conversation includes[...]

This weeks guest is JAYMZ BEE who’s known to many in Toronto as the “MAN ABOUT TOWN” and he is definitely one of our most visible colourful characters!He’s a singer, bandleader, raconteur, producer, concert promoter, mentor, MC, an author of two books and for 21 years now has been the ultra likeable face of JAZZ.FM91. On the station he is the morning show co-host,[...]

This weeks guest is Kevin Hearn who has been a member of the Canadian Hall of Fame inductees Barenaked Ladies since joining them in 1995. Kevin has worked with some of the world’s best musicians and artists such as Neil Young, Tanya Tagaq, Elvis Costello, Tom Jones and for his last six years Kevin was Music Director and keyboardist for Lou Reed who was one[...]

Season 3 starts off with a bang with singer-songwriter extraordinaire and monster talent Terra Lightfoot. She’s been nominated for a Polaris Music Prize, a Juno award, and received a special Road Gold touring award for travelling millions of miles on tour promoting her music. She’s released 4 albums internationally, toured with Bruce Cockburn and Blue Rodeo and just recently completed a cross-Canada tour with[...]

This week our featured guest was the singer, guitarist and keyboard player  with some iconic Canadian Bands.... Coney Hatch, April Wine and The Guess Who.Carl Dixon is considered to have one of the best and most distinctive voices in Canadian rock.He also has a solo career and written a book (and is an inspirational speaker )about his life and in particular about recovering from[...]

What does it take to make a great stage show? Why are cover bands unappreciated? What are immersive shows and where do they go next? These are only a few of the topics a hugely successful Promoter, Manager and Producer covers this week.Wayne Thompson promoted world tours and concerts for Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, George Burns, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Beach Boys, Moody Blues,[...]

This week’s guest is Harrison Kennedy who had the first million selling single by a black Canadian artist as part of a Detroit group. Find out what happened to him then and how he has reinvented himself at least twice leading to a remarkable comeback as a Juno winning recording artist on a European tour decades later.As well Tom reviews a Canadian Gem by[...]

Guitar Riffs. From Whole lotta Love to  sunshine of your love to Louie Louie...what are the guitar riffs you love the most and are the most memorable? Also a new doc about Shania Twain and BBC  goes all in on the lives of the Rolling Stones.The guys have  a discussion about "Session" musicians.Talking about people who used to do this or used them on[...]

From Red Rider to Serena Ryder ...this week a conversation with Fraser Hill who for years was an A and R man with Capital and Universal records discovering and signing bands and artists  like the Northern Pikes, Serena Ryder and Elijah Woods .  Starting out he even recorded Red Rider with Tom Cochrane the very first time he did a recording  by himself in[...]

Feature interview with Alfio Annibalini  currently in a project with Alex Lifeson of Rush  and Andy Curran of Coney Hatch called Envy of None . A sound engineer and musician he is also working with The Arkells arguably Canada's  biggest rock band today. In the past he has worked with Blue Rodeo, Sons of Otis, Big Sugar, h3o, Andy Curran on Soho 69 ,Gypsy[...]

To start a new season the guys discuss the best rock bands. Who is your pick and what makes a truly great rick experience ? From the Foo Fighters to Van Halen, from Deep Purple to Rush. Who had the best front man, the best drummer, which era were they best in and who keeps bringing it? Andrew reviews the movie Elvis...is it worth a[...]

In the season finale we talk about why Canadian Music has punched above its weight on a worldwide basis. Is it something about being a country of distinct regions each with a music style and history? What are they and why? A top Canadian music exec who produced The Stones, Peter Gabriel and Black Sabbath, Gary Muth , wades into the discussion as well[...]

Tom and Andrew talk about the Music Publishing business. For young musicians and writers how do you protect yourselves? What do you own rights to? Do you get paid for co writing a song? What about cover songs..who makes money? They also discuss Taylor Swift's re-recordings and the amazing value of catalog salesTom finds another artist who has flown Under the Radar but deserves a[...]

The tastemakers of the past and present from Radio to MTV , Mags to You Tube , Spotify to TikTok.How do you get discovered?There are a couple of amazing new Canadian artists  found in unusual ways.A Multi Platinum music producer/manager and a music super fan talk music. The focus is both Global and Canadian.Tom Treumuth and Andrew Schalk argue over who is the best[...]

What's the importance of the relationship between the artist and the manager? Good ones , bad ones, who got ripped off and who made the money?  How does it work well and how does it go wrong? Who fired theirs?  First big break: How did bands get theirs?Your most important Gig . How people get discovered.  Great stories about artists big breaks including a long[...]

Tom Treumuth and Andrew Schalk talk about what makes a great live venue and a great concert. From Massey Hall to Wembley ,The Commodore Ballroom  to the House of Blues who does it right?They also debate -is Rock Music is dead? Can anybody break in as a Rock band these days? Record executive Gary Muth ,who signed some of the great Rock acts of[...]

A conversation with Tom Wilson not just about his music with Blackie and The Rodeo Kings and Junkhouse but his powerful personal story about family secrets ,addiction and rebirth. Tom discovered in his mid 50's that he was adopted and is of Mohawk heritage. An author and now the subject of a new documentary called Beautiful Scars he has used his own life experiences[...]

This first episode features a piece of music history....The first ever Digital Rock Recording. The marketing tag for it was "Tomorrows Sound Today." The story of the challenges of making and how hard it is to create a hit album are it is fascinating.Co-host Tom Treumuth's band ,True Myth ,released the Warner Album in 1979 and he discusses making the pioneering Prog rock album[...]