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The Hook and Bridge Podcast

All of the Amazing People

Here you will find all of the amazing guests we have had on the show. Each one has the episode linked to their guest profile!

Annette Smith

The host of the amazing Music Junkies Podcast. Stories from amazing people & extraordinary ways music has influenced their life linktr.ee/Musicjunkies

Art Alexakis - Everclear

Arthur Paul Alexakis (born April 12, 1962[1]) is an American musician best known as the singer-songwriter and guitarist of the rock band Everclear.[2] He has been a member of several other bands in addition to his own work as a songwriter for other artists. Alexakis has founded several record labels throughout his career and worked as an A&R representative for major record labels between and during his own musical projects. Later he became a political activist and lobbied for special concerns which include drug awareness policies and support for the families of the military.

Ashes Reign

Ashes Reign is a melodic metal band from central Virginia. Formed in 2010 when guitarist and lyricist Vinny Carrion met bassist Ryan Neurauter, the band began writing music combining modern metal influences with progressive elements. Carrion and Neurauter also sought a drummer and vocalist which became a years long effort. This led them to write songs with a drum machine and, after unsuccessfully trying out several singers, impelled Vinny to permanently take on vocal duties in 2017. With lyrics so personal, it turned out his voice was a key piece for Ashes Reign to move forward as a band.

Belmont

The band first formed in 2014[1] while band members were still in high school.[2] The band was formed by frontman and lead vocalist Taz Johnson, and after a series of early lineup changes, stabilized with guitarist Sam Patt, bassist Alex Wieringa, and drummer Brian Lada.[2] Belmont self-released their debut EP titled Vicissitude which was produced by Mat Kerekes of Citizen and his brother.[3] In 2016, after solidifying their lineup, Belmont announced their signing to Mutant League Records and released the EP Between You & Me.[4][5] In 2017, Belmont released a music video for a new single "Step Aside".[6]

Brad Roberts - The Crash Test Dummies

Crash Test Dummies are a Canadian rock band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Anchored by Brad Roberts (vocals, guitar) and his distinctive bass-baritone voice, the other band members have fluctuated over the years. Its most prominent line-up consisted of Roberts, Ellen Reid (co-vocals, keyboards), Brad's brother Dan Roberts (bass guitar, backing vocals), Benjamin Darvill (harmonica, mandolin), and Mitch Dorge (drums, percussion). The band is widely known internationally for their 1993 single "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm" and in Canada for the 1991 single "Superman's Song".

Brendan B. Brown

Brendan B Brown / Guitar & Vocal. Matthew Milligan / Bass. Brandon Ticer / Keyboards. Joey Slater / Backing Vocal. Gabrielle Sterbenz / Backing Vocal. It's hard to believe it's been over 20 years since Wheatus released their debut album and still ubiquitous single "Teenage Dirtbag.” Yes, that’s right - Dirtbag is no longer a teenager. In honor of this anniversary, Wheatus are releasing a new and expanded edition of their now classic debut album. Says Brendan B Brown, “We found demos of ten more songs from throughout the band’s history, that had such an album-one vibe that they never made it on to our more recent records. So now we’re giving them a proper chance to be heard. The twenty-song version of the album will feature the originally-conceived track listing and sequence, plus the extra ten songs that have finally found a home on a record.” Pandemics notwithstanding, the band continues a seemingly endless tour cycle. 2019 took Wheatus on a coast-to-coast, almost entirel…

Brian Vander Ark

Brian Vander Ark is the lead singer and songwriter for The Verve Pipe. His solo career includes four studio albums. In 2007, he created the Lawn Chairs and Living Rooms House Concert Series, and has played over 800 shows in the homes of his fans. Brian also released an album of cover songs June 2016, and an additional album of songs written with actor/musician Jeff Daniels, released in the winter of 2017. Brian is also a speaker, traveling the country throughout the year telling his story to financial institutions, schools, non-profits, and more.

Cedars Brothers

Americana/ Folktronica/ Ambient Rock poplme.co/1LmEEQnP

Chris Housman

If Harlan Howard was right when he said “country music is three chords and the truth”, then Chris Housman is one of the best qualified artists working in Country today. Beyond the classic twang, rich six string backed sound, and disarming Kansas baritone, his offerings in the genre gently, yet unapologetically, speak his truth at every turn. As an openly gay country artist, he thoughtfully marries two worlds that, to many, are at odds with one another. Whether it’s the fable-like “Drag Queen” which celebrates a small town teacher of the year who goes from Michael to Michelle after hours, or the viral sensation “Blueneck”, a welcoming homespun manifesto that proudly declares “y’all means all”, Housman’s music offers a musical bridge in a divided time. Called “irresistible” by Rolling Stone, with Good Morning America praising him for “making waves”, and Billboard staunchly affirming him as a saving grace for “outcasts in the genre,” Housman’s message, embodied in his upcoming debut albu…

Dameon Aranda from the band Aranda

Dameon Aranda singer songwriter guitarist producer father. There is very little this man has not done! Check out the band Aranda an incredible Midwest rock group!

David Cook

David Cook (and yes, the same David Cook who launched into stardom following his American Idol Season Seven win – breaking several Billboard chart records when 14 of his songs debuted on the Hot Digital Songs chart and 11 of his songs debuted on the Hot 100) certainly knows his way around a good song. His first album, Analog Heart, came out pre-Idol, and his last album, Digital Vein, nicely book-ended that chapter of Cook’s career, a chapter during which he sold more than 2 million albums (including his platinum-certified eponymous album) and, collectively, more than 5 million tracks (including two platinum-certified singles) worldwide.

Glen Phillips

Glen Phillips is an American songwriter, lyricist, singer and guitarist. He is best known as the lead singer and songwriter of the alternative rock group Toad the Wet Sprocket. Phillips also records and performs as a solo artist.

Greg Leatherman

Based out of Minneapolis, the first full game that Greg designed and produced is Glitter Hearts - a magical transforming heroes RPG. Having played RPGs for most of his life, he has brought that knowledge, love, and understanding of fun collaboration to his projects. You can catch him with his brilliant co-hosts on the actual play podcast, Very Random Encounters - vre.show.

Ivan Doroschuk - Men Without Hats

Ivan Eugene Doroschuk (/ˈdɒrəstʃʌk, ˈdɒrəʃʌk/, French pronunciation: [ivɑ̃ øʒɛn dɔʁɔʃyk]) (born 9 October 1957) is an American-born Canadian musician.[1] He is the lead vocalist and founding member of Men Without Hats, best known for the songs "The Safety Dance" (1982) and "Pop Goes the World" (1987).

Jaret Reddick

is an American musician, singer, songwriter, composer, podcaster and actor, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the rock band Bowling for Soup. As a voice actor, Reddick is known for his work on Phineas and Ferb, and he is also the current voice of Chuck E. Cheese.

Jason Paige

A vocal powerhouse with a career spanning decades, Jason has electrified audiences worldwide! As lead singer for legendary band Blood Sweat & Tears, he toured extensively, laying the foundation for a remarkable career. His iconic performance as the rap soloist on Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” at the Madison Square Garden 30th Anniversary concert, broadcast live on CBS, solidified his status as a premier vocalist. Jason’s versatility knows no bounds. His rich tone can be heard on hits like Foreigner’s “Cant Slow Down” and Meat Loaf’s “Bat Outta Hell 3,” while his dynamic range shines in collaborations with rock titans The Scorpions and Aerosmith. From the silver screen to animated worlds, his voice has captivated audiences in films such as “The Jersey Boys” and television shows like “Rick and Morty.” With a discography that includes work with Frankie Valli, Billy Joel, Roger Daltrey, Kiss, and Smokey Robinson, Jason’s talent is undeniable.

JR Richards

Over the past three decades JR has been at the top of the music industry, JR has sold millions of records, penned chart-topping hit songs and performed around the world. His achievements, include the US #1 hit 'Counting Blue Cars' (written by JR and performed by Dishwalla) that won the Billboard award for 'Rock Song of the Year 1996 and two ASCAP Awards for "Song of The Year" in both 1997 and 1998. Along with his Dishwalla bandmates, he released 5 definitive records, including the Platinum-selling 'Pet Your Friends". Now JR is an Independent Artist with 4 solo albums under his belt and is currently working on his 10th album.

Julie Williams

Fearlessly forging ahead down country roads, CMT Next Women of Country Julie Williams carries her mixed-race heritage proudly, just as she carries her tunes. Raised in Florida, Julie is turning heads in Nashville’s americana music scene with her compelling blend of country storytelling, soft-yet-powerful vocal performance, and indie folk production. Music has always been a part of Julie’s life - honing her singing talent in church and beach bars and belting national anthems before packed stadiums. She grew up listening to everyone and everything, from The Chicks and James Taylor, to Gladys Knight and Michael Jackson. Even though she was drawn to the storytelling of country music, she never quite found the sound that spoke to everything she was: Black, white, Southern, a woman, hopeful, truthful. So naturally, it was up to Julie to make this sound. “My music is mixed like me,” is how she describes it, “I want to tell the stories that need to be told.”

Just Happy To Be Here

"You just gotta check them out they are incredible!" - Harley

Keep Flying

Keep Flying is an alternative pop punk band with members from NJ, NY, & PA. The band rose from the ashes from some of the members former band Survay Says! had broken up. They are currently signed to SmartPunk Records.

McKenna Michels

McKenna Michels Proudly Presents her new EP Revolution Five Songs That Resonate with Personal Significance Revolution is the title of the new EP by McKenna Michels. It continues to explore the themes of her previous outings: Renaissance (2021) and Enlightenment (2022). “I’ve been a fan of the fashion of the 1600-1800s, starting when I watched Phantom of the Opera for the first time,” Michels said. “I wanted to incorporate those elements into the way I express my artistry, so I’ve chosen to name the albums after historical periods. The Renaissance was a moment in time known for the birth of revolutionary art, music, and culture, hence it being my first release. The age of Enlightenment was known for its massive social change, which I felt applied to my work during this time as I began refining my skills to better communicate the depths of myself. “While the Revolutionary period was part of the Enlightenment, this EP stands on its own, and separate, from its predecessor. Durin…

Mike Finoia

Mike Finoia is a standup comedian based out of New York City. He is a writer / producer for TruTV's Impractical Jokers and Co-Host of the chart topping podcast "Comes a Time" alongside Dead & Company / Allman Bros. alum Oteil Burbridge. Mike also can be found nationwide touring with the Impractical Joker's live "Tenderloins" tour. He has been seen on TruTV and heard on Sirius XM Radio.

MIMS

Shawn Maurice Mims (born March 22, 1981), known mononymously as Mims (backronym for Music Is My Savior), stylized as MIMS, is an American rapper. Born and raised in New York City, he is best known for his 2006 commercial debut single "This Is Why I'm Hot", which reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following the success of his hit single, Mims' debut album, Music Is My Savior, was released in March 2007.

Pollyanna

Pollyanna, a four piece New Jersey band consisting of power-pop, loud rock, bubble grunge, and punk influences consists of lead singer and guitarist Jill Beckett, drummer Daniel McCool, bassist Brandon Bolton, and guitarist Jack Rose. Their name directly derives from the dictionary definition, “to be unreasonably or illogically optimistic” - perfectly describing front-person Jill Beckett’s ‘stuck in 2017’ incredibly optimistic attitude. After meeting in the first grade, Dan and Jill started the band at just 13 years old, eager to create and play music that would reach audiences beyond the confines of Jill’s open garage doors. Brandon made them a trio in early 2019, bringing 90’s femme punk influence to the group. At the start of 2021, Jack completed the bands’ lineup, adding his elemental stabby guitars and love for shoegaze and metal into the mix. After completing almost 5 tours around the east coast and the midwest, Pollyanna has won over a following in the New Jersey music scene al…