Welcome to “When Words Fail, Music Speaks,” the podcast that battles depression one riff at a time.

In this episode, host James Cox—a proud “professional handicapped” broadcaster who knows a thing or two about turning struggle into song—sits down with Krysis, the charismatic front‑man of the newly‑emerging metal‑core collective Under Black Sky.

Together they explore:

• Why music is a lifeline for anyone navigating life’s highs and lows.
• The genre‑spanning influences that shape Krysis' songwriting—from hard‑rock roots to a love of country.
• The immersive world‑building behind Under Black Sky’s mythic lore, complete with prophetic titles like “The Prophet,” “The Executioner,” and “The Redeemer.”
• How the band’s debut concept album, Bad Blood Chapter 1—dropping on October 24th— is more than a collection of songs; it’s a narrative experience, a visual codex, and soon, a limited‑edition crimson‑red vinyl.
• Their strategy for cutting through the streaming noise, fostering fan participation through a Discord‑style “Codex” community, and confronting the harsh realities of the music‑industry pay‑scale (Spotify vs. Apple Music, the value of live shows, etc.).
• The importance of authentic connection—from the stage’s raw energy to the personal stories fans share about how a single lyric can change a life.

Whether you’re a die‑hard metal head, a country‑playlist addict, or simply someone looking for a musical boost, this conversation offers a vivid snapshot of a band determined to turn darkness into light—and invites you to join the saga before it even hits the speakers.

Stay tuned, press play, and let the next chapter of Under Black Sky’s story begin. 🎸✨

Welcome back to the When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast, where we dive into the power of music to lift us out of depression, break genre walls and rewrite the rules of the industry.

In today’s episode, host James Andrew Cox sits down with Seattle‑based, multi‑award‑winning singer‑songwriter Lady Miranda—a soulful vocalist who fuses R&B, rock, hip‑hop, and more into a sound that’s unmistakably hers. We’ll hear how she turned childhood poetry into a career that’s as boundary‑defying as it is deeply personal, and why she refuses to follow anyone else’s “songwriting template.”

Beyond the music, Miranda opens up about her late‑life diagnoses of autism and ADHD, sharing how hyper‑focus fuels marathon‑writing sessions while also posing everyday challenges—from stage lighting to studio fatigue. She also spotlights ISSA (the International Society of Artists & Musical Professionals with Disabilities), an organization fighting for a more inclusive music world.

From grunge‑era Seattle roots and favorite bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden, to surprise rap verses tucked into her tracks, Miranda’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and community. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a mental‑health advocate, or simply a fan of genre‑bending music, this conversation will inspire you to let the melody speak where words fall short.

Stay tuned—your next dose of musical inspiration starts now. 🎧✨

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where we explore how melody, rhythm, and lyrics become lifelines in our darkest moments. In today’s episode host James Cox sits down with the enigmatic industrial‑metal duo behind Deadly Apples—vocals‑guitarist Alex Martel and powerhouse drummer Antoine Lamothe.

The conversation roams from the raw energy of playing massive arenas (remember that 80,000‑strong show opening for Ozzy in Mexico?) to the intimate intimacy of cramped clubs, where the band feels the weight of every single fan’s stare. Alex and Antoine break down their genre‑bending sound—dark, heavy, yet surprisingly melodic—explaining why they refuse the “industrial metal” label and how they weave ambient, love‑song moments into a single, unclassifiable vibe.

Listeners will get a behind‑the‑scenes look at touring with legends like Rammstein, Rob Zombie, and Korn, hear the surreal lessons learned on the road, and discover the band’s personal mental‑health playbook: staying fit, skipping substances, and carving out rest amid relentless travel.

We also dive into their upcoming opus Distress, slated for a December 2025 release, and the strategic dance between dropping singles versus unveiling a full‑album narrative in today’s fast‑paced streaming world.

If you’ve ever wondered how a modern metal act balances colossal stage productions with the quiet struggle of anxiety, or how a horror‑film‑loving drummer crafts scores for the screen, this episode has the answers.

Tune in, and let the conversation remind you that when words fall short, the music—and the stories behind it—always speak.

In today’s episode we sit down with visionary filmmaker Wilson Hickman, the writer‑director‑editor‑cinematographer‑drone‑pilot behind the faith‑infused fantasy proof‑of‑concept series “The Lost Healer.” Wilson shares how a Bachelor of Science in Film Production, countless YouTube tutorials, and a whisper of divine nudging converged into a visually stunning, award‑winning pilot that’s now touring the festival circuit.

We’ll dive into his creative workflow—from crafting dialogue‑light scripts that let music and images carry the narrative, to the challenges of editing massive amounts of footage and deciding what stays on the cutting‑room floor. Wilson reveals the story behind that unforgettable opening drone shot, the practical magic of Adobe Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects, and how his first collaboration with composer Ben Devine shaped the episode’s emotional heartbeat.

Along the way we’ll hear about his journey from teenage novelist to classroom filmmaker, the importance of a solid crew, the role of a certified drone license, and the music that fuels his own spirit—Jeremy Camp’s Deeper Waters and rising artist Natalie Lane.

If you’re a budding filmmaker, indie composer, or anyone who loves fantasy that deepens the spiritual fight between good and evil, stay tuned. We’ll also share how you can support “The Lost Healer,” catch the pilot at thelosthealer.com, and keep the conversation going on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Grab your headphones, press play, and let the story—and the music—speak. 🎙️✨

Welcome back to When Words Fail – Music Speaks, the show where we explore how melody, rhythm and lyrics become lifelines for anyone battling the ups and downs of life. I’m your host, James Andrew Cox, and today we’re diving deep with the powerhouse rock trio behind Lands Down—guitarist and co‑founder Shaun Lichtenstein and front‑man John Ritchie.

From their early days grinding out shows in Boston to headlining for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, LandsDowne has turned raw, heartfelt songwriting into a conduit for connection—whether it’s a Roomba‑building robotics firm, an NFL broadcast, or a gritty battlefield stage. In this conversation they break down the evolution of the music business, the creative spark behind their albums Blue Collar Revolver and Medicine, the thrill of writing for other artists like Pop Evil, and the gritty reality of life on tour. Most importantly, Sean and John share personal strategies for using music as a mental‑health tool—tips that can help anyone push through depression, anxiety, or that “stuck” feeling.

Stay tuned as we uncover the stories behind their most beloved tracks—“Holding On,” “Four‑Wheeled Freedom,” and the new single set to drop next spring—while getting candid advice on balancing art, business, and everyday life.

Grab your headphones, press play, and let the music speak. 🎧✨

Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Speaks, the podcast where we battle the darkness of depression with the undeniable power of music. I’m your host, James Cox, a self‑declared “professional handicapped” champion of mental‑health advocacy, and today we’ve got a truly inspiring guest who lives the mission we preach.

Joining us is Craig Jamieson—the creative force behind the Canadian pop‑rock outfit Craig Jamison & the Lucky Winmore Band. Craig blends 80’s synth nostalgia, modern hooks, punk‑edge chords, and indie‑rock flair into a sound that’s as eclectic as his influences— from Bon Jovi and Michael Jackson to The Weeknd’s synth‑wave vibes.

In this episode we’ll:

• Dive into Craig’s latest releases—the bright, hook‑laden single “Honey,” the heartfelt follow‑up “Get to You,” and the mantra‑driven anthem “Come Around,” which serves as the theme for his Dance Away Depression charity event.
• Explore his personal journey with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression, and how songwriting became his lifeline—turning depersonalization and chemical‑imbalance battles into lyrical mantras that help listeners “weather the storm.”
• Highlight his partnership with radio‑promo guru Caden Gordon and Big Records, the upcoming “Perfect Timing” track, a forthcoming Christmas EP, and a mysterious, world‑concern‑driven song titled “Doomsday.”
• Spotlight his mental‑health work with the Canadian nonprofit Mind Your Mind and the Dance Away Depression fundraiser, showing how music can raise both awareness and resources for youth battling depression.
• Uncover his creative process, from the 80’s posters that still line his teenage bedroom walls to the way he lets each song’s vibe dictate genre—pop‑punk, synth‑wave, folk, even swing‑jazz.

Whether you’re a fan of nostalgic synths, a songwriter looking for a mental‑health ally, or simply someone who believes “when words fail, music speaks,” this conversation is a reminder that a single chord can connect, move, and heal.

Stay tuned—because after this interview you’ll hear snippets of Craig’s tracks, learn how you can support his charitable events, and get the exact URLs to stream “Honey,” “Get to You,” and “Come Around.”

Let’s turn the volume up and let the music do the talking. 🎧✨

Welcome back to When Words Fail Music Speaks, the show that proves that when words fall short, music says it all. In this episode, host James Cox sits down with longtime friend and blue‑grass powerhouse Carolyn Routh for a deep‑dive into the moments that shaped her life and career.

• From church choirs in Siler City, N.C. to the national blue‑grass stage – Carolyn recounts her first “two‑front‑teeth” talent‑show debut, the high‑school musical years, and the pivotal switch from contemporary Christian music to the blue‑grass world of New Blue.
• Trials and triumphs – a 2003 stroke that stole her speech and mobility, the grueling rehab that birthed the anthem “Make Me Whole Again,” and the gospel‑driven “Nail‑by‑Nail” that marked her comeback.
• The art of the song – why a good song matters more than genre, her love for everything from contemporary Christian, bluegrass, and even a reluctant respect for rap, plus the “caramel‑colored” timbre of her voice.
• Behind the scenes – the family‑run restaurant legacy, the quirky band dynamics (the “quick‑shower” Daniel, banjo‑player Austin, mandolinist Justin), and the creation of Bluegrass Ridge TV, the world’s largest blue‑grass TV channel.
• Favorites & “can’t‑tell‑me‑how‑I‑feel” moments – from the haunting “Resurrection Song” to the “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” cover that started a fan‑favorite tradition.

All this and more—tour dates, a caramel‑sweet dessert, a caramel‑colored voice, and a promise that the road never stops—are waiting for you. Grab your headphones, press play, and let the music do the talking. 🎙️✨

In today’s episode host James Cox sits down with veteran rocker David Ellefson—a guitarist whose love affair with music began at eleven, when the bass line of Bachman‑Turner‑Overdrive’s Not Fragile sparked a lifelong obsession. From those early needle‑drops to the thunder of KISS‑era amps, David walks us through the soundtrack of his life: the grind of marching‑band sax, the thrill of early cover‑band gigs, and the relentless quest to chase the songs that saved him from the darkness of depression.

We dive deep into David’s recent projects—his “No Cover” collection of beloved cuts, the hard‑rock collaboration with Jeff Scott Soto on the new album Unbreakable, and the behind‑the‑scenes stories from legendary Battery Studios in London, the very rooms that birthed Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and even the original Nevermind console. Along the way, we hear anecdotes about the Trans‑Siberian Orchestra, Megadeth’s “Big Four” saga, and a poignant moment recording a video right as the world mourned Ozzy Osbourne’s passing.

If you’ve ever found solace in a guitar solo, a soaring vocal, or the simple act of pressing play, this conversation is for you. Tune in as we explore how music not only fuels a career but also becomes a lifeline—one chord at a time. 🎸✨