• Jesse Welles - Folk Hero or Folk Phoney?
    Nov 13 2025

    The conversation explores the emergence of a folk singer who gains immense popularity through social media, raising questions about the authenticity of their music versus the potential commercialization of their brand.

    Takeaways


    The rise of social media has transformed how artists gain popularity.

    Authenticity in music is often questioned in the age of branding.

    Folk music can serve as a powerful form of protest.

    The line between genuine artistry and calculated marketing is blurred.

    Grammy nominations can influence public perception of an artist.

    The music industry is evolving with new platforms for exposure.

    Fans often seek authenticity in the artists they support.

    Commercial success can sometimes overshadow artistic integrity.

    The narrative around an artist can be as important as the music itself.

    Understanding the context of an artist's emergence is crucial.




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    8 mins
  • From Mouse Ears to Moral Outrage: The Art of Trading Disney for Debauchery
    Nov 11 2025

    We dive into Sabrina Carpenter's journey from playing Maya Hart on Disney's Girl Meets World and releasing early albums that "plateaued", to becoming the provocative pop star of her dreams. This episode dissects how achieving "newfound freedom from Disney restrictions" paved the way for explicit content and controversial album art, like the divisive cover for Man's Best Friend, proving that a little controversy is the best ingredient for a number one debut

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    10 mins
  • Why Was Zevon’s Tribute Stellar and Outkast’s Off?
    Nov 10 2025

    Join us as we break down the highs and lows of the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, focusing on the contrasting tributes given to Warren Zevon and Outkast.Warren Zevon's segment was highly emotional and provided some memorable moments, despite criticisms that he deserved more than one song. The late singer-songwriter was inducted by his "longtime friend" David Letterman, who shared jokes about Zevon's childhood study with Igor Stravinsky and the names of his parents. Letterman also recounted the deeply personal story of Zevon giving him his gray guitar during his final Late Show appearance. The sources indicate that The Killers did an "amazing job" and "crushed" their tribute performance, which featured Zevon’s guitar, playing hits like "Lawyers, Guns and Money". While many enjoyed Zevon's induction, Letterman’s speech itself was criticized by some as "rambling and it went way too long," suggesting it "just needed an editing pass".The tribute to rap duo Outkast, inducted by Donald Glover, delivered a mixed bag of results. The performance medley included Big Boi, Janelle Monáe, Doja Cat, JID, and Tyler, the Creator, but was generally described as "a bit underwhelming", a "mess", and even "sucked so bad" by some viewers. Critics highlighted several "very notable weak points", including Doja Cat's obvious "flub" during "Ms. Jackson", which may have resulted from forgetting a line or technical issues. Janelle Monáe's performance of "Hey Ya" was also panned, with her vocals seeming "off" and one viewer calling her a "cringe lord who can’t sing". Although André 3000 was present for the acceptance speech, he chose not to perform. The only consistently praised moment was Tyler, the Creator's "stellar" and "awesome" rendition of "B.O.B." (Bombs Over Baghdad). Overall, the Outkast segment was deemed frustratingly disorganized, leading one attendee to snarkily suggest they "would have cut the outcast performance by one more Warren Zevon song"

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    12 mins
  • Fleetwood Mac - The Drama Continues
    Aug 1 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Steve Yusko interviews Steven Prisco about the New York Roots Music Association (NYRMA) and its impact on the local music scene.

    They discuss the origins of themed shows, particularly the Elvis tribute show, and how it evolved into a platform for various musicians.

    The conversation delves into the challenges of planning shows, the audience experience, and the evolution of Fleetwood Mac, highlighting the band's journey from a blues band to a rock phenomenon. The episode concludes with excitement for an upcoming show, emphasizing the camaraderie among musicians and the audience.Event Tickets (August 16th)

    Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:12 New Chapter00:17 The Birth of NYRMA02:40 The Evolution of Shows05:09 The American Legion Partnership07:47 Show Themes and Planning10:11 Fleetwood Mac: A Musical Journey15:06 The Legacy of Fleetwood Mac19:56 Looking Ahead to the Upcoming ShowReady to uncover the captivating stories behind your favorite music, musicians, entertainment and discover incredible new artists, venues and live performances? 🤔 Welcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music, comedy, drama and entertainment discovery truly begins!TakeawaysNYRMA showcases a wealth of musical talent on Long Island.The Elvis tribute show started as a charity event.Themed shows attract diverse audiences and musicians.Finding the right venue is crucial for show success.Planning shows involves collaboration and creativity.Fleetwood Mac's history is rich and complex.The band evolved from blues to rock over the years.Internal drama often accompanies musical success.Live music fosters community and connection.Upcoming shows promise surprises and memorable experiences.Videos from past NYRMA Shows:https://youtu.be/IBtxqf5krLI?si=3GOQK2Jxon_xvGvrhttps://youtu.be/WCFhpFyKqMQ?si=A72UKjMidpmf37imhttps://youtu.be/kFfFdqlHkiY?si=T46FcHGAMNYBgnmGAre you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of artists, singer-songwriters, entertainers and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.Hit play and join the adventure! 👇 We do deep dives into the venues and events that bring you the best in entertainment, not just on Long Island and in New York City, but what's happening around the United States of America. Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶

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    24 mins
  • Billy Joel: 5 Decades of Backstage Stories You’ve Never Heard!
    Jul 15 2025

    Ready to uncover the captivating stories behind your favorite music and discover incredible new artists? 🤔 In this engaging conversation, Steve Yusko and Steve Cohen explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and personal relationships in the music industry.

    They discuss the use of AI in podcast production, the evolution of Cohen's long-standing partnership with Billy Joel, and the importance of lighting design in live performances.


    The dialogue also delves into the making of a documentary about Joel, the challenges of live performance, and the significance of storytelling in music. Throughout the discussion, themes of trust, vulnerability, and the timeless nature of music are highlighted, providing listeners with a rich understanding of the artistic process.Welcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music discovery truly begins!

    Are you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of singer-songwriters and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.Hit play and join the adventure! 👇Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶Chapters00:00 Leveraging AI for Podcast Preparation02:47 The Evolution of a Creative Partnership05:25 Lighting the Stage: A Journey with Billy Joel08:17 Navigating the Music Industry11:02 The Role of Trust in Creative Collaborations13:47 Behind the Scenes of a Documentary16:33 The Courage to Share Personal Stories18:57 The Making of a Billy Joel Documentary21:41 Artistic Integrity and Personal Reflection29:34 The Timelessness of Billy Joel's Music32:00 Billy Joel's Artistic Freedom and Legacy33:50 The Impact of the Documentary on Billy Joel's Artistry37:52 The Role of Technology in Live Performances45:11 Collaborations and Career Evolution49:52 The Shift from Live Performance to Storytelling

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    56 mins
  • Pun-derful: A Comedy Show That's Just A Bit Pun-ishing
    Jul 9 2025

    Can You Handle the "Punderdome"?

    Side-Spliting Pun Standup #Comedy #Entertainment

    In this engaging conversation, Fred Firestone shares the origins of the Punderdome, a unique pun competition he created with his daughter Joanna. Fred explains how the event has evolved into a vibrant community that fosters creativity and connection through humor.

    Fred explains how he integrates his business acumen into the entertainment world, creating an engaging experience for both participants and the audience. The conversation highlights the importance of community, audience engagement, and the joy of punning. The conversation explores the innovative ways Punderdome engages participants and audiences, particularly focusing on how to involve newbies in pun competitions, the evolution of tournament formats, and the global expansion of the event. Fred highlights the diverse backgrounds of punners, the importance of creating a safe and enjoyable environment, and the unique experience of attending a Punderdome event. The discussion also touches on the significance of audience engagement and the recent introduction of streaming options to make the event more accessible.We Dome again on 7/9! Show will be LIVE & LIVESTREAMED!

    (Note: LIVESTREAM will be available to view for 48 hours from start of show - 8PM Eastern!)

    LIVE and LIVESTREAM Tics:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/punderdome-nycs-comedy-pun-slam-compuntition-july-9-tickets-1358601235869?aff=oddtdtcreatorChapters00:00 The Birth of Punderdome05:28 Building Community Through Comedy10:36 Integrating Business and Entertainment19:31 Engaging the Audience: The Punderdome Experience22:02 Engaging Newbies in Punderdome25:19 Innovative Tournament Formats26:12 Global Expansion of Punderdome28:26 Diverse Styles and Backgrounds of Punters30:01 Creating a Safe and Fun Environment31:43 The Experience of Punderdome36:12 Fostering Audience Engagement40:13 Streaming and Accessibility of Punderdome Ready to uncover the captivating stories behind your favorite music and entertainment discover incredible new artists and live performances! 🤔 https://www.youtube.com/@punderdomehttps://www.youtube.com/live/HJm44l7As2s?si=kZQS-ZC3ZH61TeGSWelcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music & entertainment discovery truly begins!Are you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of singer-songwriters and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.Hit play and join the adventure! 👇Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶

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    42 mins
  • Willie Nile: NYC's Best Kept Secret
    Jun 19 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Willie Nile shares his journey from classical piano to rock music, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He reflects on the challenges of navigating fame, the importance of family and community, and his philanthropic efforts. Nile emphasizes the significance of songwriting and the joy of performing, while also touching on the impact of New York City on his artistry. The discussion concludes with insights on aging, wisdom, and upcoming projects.Https://WillieNile.com

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Overview of Willie Nile's Career

    01:38 Transition from Classical to Rock and Roll

    03:55 The Muse: Inspiration Behind Songwriting

    06:45 The Impact of Early Recognition and Fame

    09:31 Challenges in the Music Industry

    12:19 The Role of Fans in Supporting Artists

    15:02 Reflections on Personal Growth and Lessons Learned

    18:13 The Journey from Clubs to Arena Performances

    25:08 Opening for The Who: A Fearless Experience

    26:49 The Essence of Music: Songs Over Fame

    27:47 Empathy and Social Justice: A Family Influence

    30:41 Human Kindness: The Foundation of Politics

    32:21 The Power of Music: Spreading Joy

    32:56 Supporting Causes: The Light of Day Charity

    36:19 Life Lessons: Caring for Loved Ones

    37:43 Aging Gracefully: Wisdom from My Father

    40:40 Art and Culture: The Day the Earth Stood Still

    45:52 The Impact of Covers: Tribute Albums

    49:33 Closing Thoughts: Generosity and Joy


    Welcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music discovery truly begins!Are you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of singer-songwriters and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.Hit play and join the adventure! 👇


    Scott Houston / Piano Guy Mentioned in the Podcast: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Houston_(musician)


    Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶TakeawaysWillie Nile transitioned from classical piano to rock music after discovering his passion for songwriting in college.His inspiration for songwriting often comes spontaneously, waiting for the right moment to strike.Nile emphasizes that fame was never his goal; instead, he focuses on the love of music and connecting with people.He faced significant challenges in the music industry, including management issues that led him to step away from the business for a time.Nile believes that the struggles he faced made him a better artist and songwriter.His upbringing in a large, loving family instilled in him a sense of empathy and compassion for others.Nile's experiences in New York City have greatly influenced his music and perspective on life.He actively participates in philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting Parkinson's research through the Light of Day charity.Nile reflects on the wisdom gained from his 107-year-old father, who continues to inspire him.He finds joy in sharing his music with fans and believes in the power of live performances to uplift spirits.

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    52 mins