Performance Anxiety

This guest has just fulfilled a long-term dream. Welcome stalwart of the NYC music scene, George Usher to the podcast. But before moving to New York, he was stealing Beatles songs in Cleveland. He moved to NYC knowing no one and waited a year before playing out. But once he did, he played some legendary venues like CBGB’s and Max’s Kansas City. He became a hired gun in the 80’s and reveals the difficulties of marketing yourself, pre-internet. And’s that’s when his Stephensonville project began. George explains why it’s taken 30 years for the album to come out and the circumstances that gave it life after so long. With it taking so long, it is practically required listening. That means going to bandcamp and buying the limited edition vinyl because it isn’t available on streaming services yet. Follow himon Facebook for more information. Go to @PerformanceAnx to follow us. Go to performanceanx.threadless.com for merch or ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety to send us monet, presumably for coffee. And I hope you enjoy this satisfying story of a fulfilled dream with George Usher on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.

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This episode is Truly unique. I’m welcoming back an early guest (episode #3) and a new guest because they are in the same band. Welcome back Robert Roth and welcome for the first time, Hiro Yamamoto. Truly is a band everyone should know. Not only is the pedigree amazing, they write the music to back it up and have for 35 years. Robert and Hiro talk about their musical backgrounds; Robert with Storybook Krooks & Hiro with Soundgarden, They both talk about the state of flux in the Seattle music scene in 1989. Robert talks about almost joining Nirvana and Hiro discusses his departure from Soundgarden. But they met through mutual friend and Truly drummer, Mark Pickerel. The band has gone through almost every trial and tribulation imaginable and they are more excited than ever about touring and recording new music. Hiro’s also a 2x Hall of Fame inductee. There are so many stories packed into this episode. Follow Truly @truly_band on Instagram or go to trulyband.com for more information, music, & merch. Speaking of merch, get ours at performanceanx.threadless.com or just send money at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. I hope you’re as excited as I was for Truly on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.

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As the episode title says, this episode is all about the band Genesis. My brother Scott has written two in depth articles about the band’s early years for The Strange Brew blog. Both he and long-time podcast friend Jordon Zadorozny of Blinker The Star join me to discuss the history of Genesis, from Peter Gabriel all the way through Ray Wilson. Check out Scott’s work at scottsheaauthor.com. Check out Jordon’s music at blinkerthestar.bandcamp.com. Follow them on socials (@scottsheaauthor & @blinkerthestar). Follow us @PerformanceAnx. Merch is at performanceanx.threadless.com. Support us with caffeine at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Without further ado, Scott Shea & Jordon Zadorozny on Genesis on the Pantheon Podcast Network.

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Today’s guest is deliberate. He’s that way with his music, his lyrics, and his touring. Welcome singer/songwriter Robert Deeble to the podcast. He’s recently released his latest album, The Space Between Us, and it’s a very easy listen. Robert talks about the themes behind the album, how he wrote the music, and who else is on it.

Growing up, he struggled with music in several different ways; from playing piano from memory to his unusual entry into singing, to being a hot shot drummer who could solo like mad but had trouble slowing down. He changed his instrument and his approach and has never looked back. He’s had some great musical influences and collaborators like Victoria Williams. He’s now considered literary folk pop and I’m here for it. Check out robertdeeble.com for ways to hear the album, social media links, and to join the email list. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on socials. Grab merch at performanceanx.threadless.com or support our coffee habit at ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now slow down and listen to Robert Deeble on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.

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Today’s guest is fiery. And I have to thank Ian Ottaway for introducing me to her. Welcome Erika Switchblade from The Devils to the podcast. Erika is Italian, in southern Italy. International episodes are always interesting. And Erika sets expectations early. She’s pretty sure this will be the worst podcast I’ve ever done. I disagree.

Erika talks about the first song she ever remembers hearing, playing in her own bands by 14, and then getting kicked out of them. She met her current bandmate, Gianni Blacula and formed The Devils so they couldn’t get kicked out of any more bands. They’ve been together for over 10 years and we talk about how the band has changed. 

We talk about the appearance of Mark Lanegan, the influence of Alain Johannes, and the importance of Magic Sam. Check out their latest album, Devil’s Got It. It’s a wild collection of blues and soul covers. Follow them on Instagram @thedevilsinsta. Follow us @PerformanceAnx on socials. Merch is at performanceanx.threadless.com. Send money to ko-fi.com/performanceanxiety. Now say some prayers because I’m talking with Erika Switchblade of The Devils on Performance Anxiety on the Pantheon Podcast Network.

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