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Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it. Janis Ian

From the Vaults: Devo

Devo founders Mark Mothersbaugh and Jerry Casale discuss their peculiar brand of subversive performance art, and why they licensed their songs for commercials.
Devo

N.W.A vs. the World

They were detained in Detroit and one of the first acts to get a Parental Advisory sticker, but authorities in the UK took particular offence at N.W.A
N.W.A vs. the World

The Real Nick Drake

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music, including the common misconception about Nick as a songwriter. The Real Nick Drake

Songs Discussed in Movies

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka, and of course, American Psycho. Just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder. Songs Discussed in Movies

From the Vaults: Kerry Livgren of Kansas

A chat from the '80s where the Kansas frontman talks about turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind." Kerry Livgren of Kansas

The "Down So Low" Story

Tracy Nelson of Mother Earth reveals the heartbreaker behind the song "Down So Low." And yes, he's famous. "Down So Low"

From the Vaults: Randy Newman

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job. Randy Newman

Hit Bass Player Scott Edwards

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile." Scott Edwards

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Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Back with Lonestar, Richie talks about their massive hit "Amazed," and what to listen for on their new album. He also explains how his 4-year-old son inspired another Lonestar hit that resonated with anyone separated from a loved one: "I'm Already There."
» Richie McDonald interview

John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls

A member of the Songwriting Hall of Fame, Rzeznik tells us that he'll take that honor over the rite of being a Rock Star. We talk about his craft, the new Goo Goo Dolls album Magnetic, and how he came up with "Iris."
» John Rzeznik interview

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

As guitarist with Thin Lizzy, Scott wrote many of their songs with the group's ill-fated frontman Phil Lynott. Scott talks about how the band wrote, the songwriters Lynott looked up to, and what it was like watching his friend and writing partner move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.
» Scott Gorham interview

Toby Lightman

Now on her own label, Toby talks about her bevy of television and movie placements (Vampire Diaries, Bones, Desperate Housewives...), and what it was like opening for Train, Marc Cohn and, on one very special evening, Prince.
» Toby Lightman interview

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

After making a name for himself in the rock band Dust with Marky Ramone, Richie was asked to produce a new band: Kiss. He told us about working on those first two albums (Kiss and Hotter Than Hell), and what it was like working with these nascent Rock Stars.
» Richie Wise interview

Kristian Bush of Sugarland

The non-Nettles member of the Sugarland duo explains how he crafts their songs and comes up with ideas. It means writing a chorus so it redefines the story, and in some cases, writing a song backwards. He also breaks down the Sugarland song "Steve Earle," which got a thorny response when he tried to let its namesake know about it.
» Kristian Bush interview

Tonio K

His biggest hit is "Love Is," recorded by Vanessa Williams & Brian McKnight, but Tonio is the universal donor of songwriting, collaborating with The Crickets, Brian Wilson, Burt Bacharach and Dr. Dre.
» Tonio K interview

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg has made an impact not only as the frontman for King's X, but also with a variety of side projects, including one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam. He also made a recording with Dimebag Darrell that he recently posted on YouTube.
» dUg Pinnick interview

Jon Anderson of Yes

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes. He also shares his thoughts on his return to the band in the '80s, when they became unlikely hitmakers and, briefly, video stars.
» Jon Anderson interview

Lou Gramm on "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

The former Foreigner frontman tells us about the song that had the greatest impact on his career: "Waiting For A Girl Like You." Written and recorded in bursts of inspiration, it became a highlight of their live shows, but it also led to more ballads - not an easy transition for a rock singer.
» Lou Gramm: They're Playing My Song

Amy Grant

The top selling Contemporary Christian artist of all time, Amy had her biggest hits in the early '90s with "Baby Baby" and "Every Heartbeat." She doesn't always share the gospel, which is something she learned from Johnny Carson.
» Amy Grant interview

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