Episodes

  • Ep. 57: Antimai - The Dear Hunter

    Ep. 57: Antimai - The Dear Hunter
    Mar 15 2025

    What do Indigo children, class structures, and science fiction all have to do with one another? Perhaps Destin and Drew can elucidate as they wrangle yet another concept album. But not just any concept album. The hosts introduce their audience to one of the most ambitious outfits in progressive rock today. On an initial playthrough, The Dear Hunter's Antimai draws listeners with memorable melodies, rhythmic punctuation, and futuristic synthesizers resulting in a sound akin to space funk. One will pick up bits of lore and story on each successive playthrough to be enchanted by impressive world building and intrigued by ties to other albums in the band's catalog. After a decade of telling one continuous narrative spanning across five albums or "Acts", The Dear Hunter embarks on a new sci-fi saga starting with an overview of an isolated, dystopian city typified by wealth inequality, social hierarchy, and organic scarcity. Destin and Drew get a little carried away as they poke and prod every nook and cranny of this rich musical and lyrical landscape, but one will forgive their verbosity after hearing all that Antimai has to offer.


    Check us out HERE!



    **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.
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    1 hr and 51 mins
  • Ep. 56: Constellation Plus - Arcane Atlas (feat. Rachel Brown)

    Ep. 56: Constellation Plus - Arcane Atlas (feat. Rachel Brown)
    Oct 15 2024

    Destin and Drew return after a long hiatus to share the album responsible for their absence from the mics of the favored prog rock podcast. In a delightful twist of roles, our typical hosts appear as members of Arcane Atlas to illuminate listeners about the significance of their most rent project, which was ten years in the making - Constellation Plus. Rachel Brown returns as a guest interviewer to prompt personal stories and perspectives about the album which many have described as a unique fusion of Pink Floyd and Rush. This offers listeners the chance to hear from the Destin-Drew duo as creators rather than reviewers as they explain the history, process, and purpose behind music that spans back to their teenage years. From album artwork to studio anecdotes to favorite songs, this episode sheds light on why this particular album has been foundational to the bond between the charismatic Prog Notes personalities.


    Listen to Arcane Atlas HERE!

    Learn more about Prog Notes HERE!



    **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • BONUS: Destin's Gems of 1970-1979

    BONUS: Destin's Gems of 1970-1979
    Jul 21 2023

    Destin takes us through a tour of underground 1970s gems. Spanning across electronica, jazz, soft rock, blues, folk, Canterbury, RPI, and more, these albums all incorporate pieces of prog rock here and there while still maintaining identities that are fully independent of the traditional "prog rock" sound. Destin briefly explains the unique characteristics of each album to give listeners a taste of what the 1970s has to offer. Get ready for a panoramic perspective of music from 1970 - 1979!


    Check us out HERE!



    **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.


    1970: Affinity by Affinity

    1971: Samurai - Samurai

    1972: Per Un Amico - PFM

    1973: Grand Hotel - Procol Harum

    1974: Sea Son - Secret Oyster

    1975: Ambrosia - Ambrosia

    1976: Time Robber - Omega

    1977: Forse le Lucciole non si Amano Più - Locanda Delle Fate

    1978: The Man-Machine - Kraftwerk

    1979: One of a Kind - Bill Bruford
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    43 mins
  • Ep. 55: Interview with Steve Hackett (Foxtrot at Fifty Tour)

    Ep. 55: Interview with Steve Hackett (Foxtrot at Fifty Tour)
    Apr 15 2023

    For this very special episode, Destin and Drew are graced with the presence of legendary guitarist Steve Hackett. In addition to being the lead guitarist for Genesis in their prime as one the most influential bands of the progressive rock genre, Steve has also had a very successful solo career, releasing dozens of albums with material encompassing a multitude of genres, including classical, blues, and world music. In 2022, the 1972 Genesis classic Foxtrot celebrated its 50th anniversary, and to celebrate that fact, Steve has been touring the world performing the entire album end-to-end. While chatting with Destin and Drew, he reveals the personal significance of Foxtrot, its timeless quality, and the joy of playing it live as it was originally intended. He also gives insight into the early years of progressive rock, recalling that bands were blending rock music with a variety of other musical styles and new technology all while aiming to tell great stories. Listeners are sure to appreciate Steve's perspective as he talks about the powerful force that is music. He encourages young musicians to embrace their unique voice rather than blindly following the instructions of others or becoming a stale imitation. That's the spirit of progressive rock!


    Check us out HERE!



    **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.
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    26 mins
  • Ep. 54: Hope - Klaatu

    Ep. 54: Hope - Klaatu
    Mar 15 2023

    Destin presents a cautionary tale for emerging bands: Being mistaken for a band, even a band as great as The Beatles, could have adverse effects on your success. It certainly didn't do any favors for Canadian prog-rock trio Klaatu after releasing their 1977 space rock opera, Hope. While this cult classic is considered unappreciated by many devoted fans drawn to this album's eclectic ensemble of instruments, theatrical flair, and sci-fi world-building, the conspiracy surrounding their identity ultimately led them down a path to obscurity. However, this beloved record does strengthen the tie between science fiction and prog rock. Could science fiction be the music of prog-rock? Or could prog-rock be the music of science fiction?

    Check us out HERE!


    **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Ep. 52: What If - Dixie Dregs

    Ep. 52: What If - Dixie Dregs
    Jan 15 2023
    Prog rock with a country twang... Is that a thing? Perhaps The Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd skirt that line, but they don't really bring prog rock to mind. However, What If, the critically acclaimed second album by the Dixie Dregs, peppers in a healthy dash of Southern rock amidst an album full of prog rock elements. The virtuosic skill of each player, a variety of synthesizers, and unconventional song structures all combine together to create a 40-minute listening experience that nods to progressive rock. While the bluegrass vibes might have been what our Prog Notes hosts first noticed about the Dregs, they firmly argue that this album covers a wide range of musical styles, making it quite difficult to categorize. Symphonic rock, jazz fusion, and heartland rock all make an appearance here, resulting in an eclectic collection of songs deftly performed by true musical masters that is sure to keep listeners on their toes. It's no wonder that Destin and Drew were simultaneously thrilled and perplexed by this record. Check us out HERE! **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Ep. 51: Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory - Dream Theater

    Ep. 51: Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory - Dream Theater
    Nov 15 2022
    If there's a word that one would never attribute to Dream Theater, it's tame. Unfortunately, that's the kind of impression that Falling Into Infinity left on fans and critics alike in 1997 as the trailblazers of progressive metal succumbed to pressure from new management at their record label to write more commercial and accessible songs. Eager to get back to their progressive rock roots, they burst forth with a wave of creative energy and produced what many credit as the band's masterpiece: Metropolis, Pt. 2: Scenes From A Memory (1999). In addition to sharing the history behind one of the most beloved albums in the Dream Theater catalogue, Destin and Drew identify several musical references to other notable progressive rock albums woven throughout this prog metal classic. As it is a concept album, the hosts of Prog Notes summarize the clever, albeit somewhat convoluted, story which presents themes of reincarnation, infidelity, hypnotherapy, and murder. Destin even reveals his own interpretation of the ending, which has repercussions on the rest of the plot. Does his theory hold water? That's for the listener to decide! Check us out HERE! **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.
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    1 hr and 46 mins
  • Ep. 50: Revolver - The Beatles

    Ep. 50: Revolver - The Beatles
    Oct 15 2022
    Fifty episodes! Woohoo! Destin and Drew analyze the significance of the earliest album they have ever covered on the show: Revolver by The Beatles. Released in 1966, this record proved to be a veritable musical playground for the international pop stars as they abandoned their restrictive touring lifestyle and instead embraced a spirit of innovation and uninhibited creativity with the studio and all of its various recording technologies being viewed as another instrument to contribute to their artistic visions. While many may not think of The Beatles when referring to progressive rock, Destin and Drew argue (as do many other music historians) that the experimentation with studio technology, the psychedelic sounds, the inclusion of Indian and symphonic instruments, the profound lyrical evolution, and the hand sketched album artwork were all major steps toward the Golden Age of progressive rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s. For that reason, this beloved Beatles classic positions itself comfortably in a category known as proto-prog, home to the earliest forms of progressive rock. Destin provides keen insights into the remarkable sound engineering, Drew explains how their lyrics matured from their previous work on Rubber Soul, and both hosts share a variety of interesting tidbits in another segment of Get Busy With The Facts. One doesn't have to be as big of a Beatles fan as Drew to enjoy this special episode. It is sure to fascinate, and perhaps enlighten, listeners with facts and perspectives that show how the Liverpudlian lads and their ubiquitous influence would soon steer the world of modern music into new and exciting territories. Check us out HERE! **Prog Notes is a podcast dedicated to the genre of progressive rock. Each episode Destin and Drew tackle an album and delve into the different musical compositions, lyrics, and concepts that make it prog rock. They maintain that progressive rock is still very much alive and kicking, whether it be highlighting key moments from the early years or tracking the evolution of the genre to today's more modern groups. With each new episode, these two childhood friends encourage more people to investigate this unique, sometimes forgotten genre of music and find an album or band they can enjoy.
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    1 hr and 41 mins