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Date: January 7, 2026
Name of Podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S10: E1: Austin Ingerman (Gunshine) - Gunshine From Sunshine State


SHOW SUMMARY:
Big riffs, big hooks, zero apologies. That’s the energy we chase with guitarist and songwriter Austin Ingerman of Gunshine, a Florida-born player who balances swagger with sharp songcraft. From Daytona beginnings to LA’s Musicians Institute and arena tours as a hired gun, Austin shares how those miles shaped a band built for choruses you can shout and guitars that actually feel dangerous again.

We talk origin stories the honest way: how a pandemic pause pushed Austin home, how early tracks came together before a singer was even in the room, and why the search for a voice with an X factor took years. When Jordan walked in from a dueling-piano bar, the chemistry clicked fast. The result is Gunshine’s “swampy” identity—Southern edge, modern punch—rooted in influences like Boston, Def Leppard, AC/DC, and a touch of early GNR. The name Gunshine nods to Florida’s nickname and the band’s sunburned grit, not a retro costume.

Songwriting sits at the center. Austin often starts with melodies and riffs captured on voice memos, while Jordan brings a Nashville-honed lyric lens and the number system to keep structures tidy. We break down “Bayou,” which began as Jordan’s country-leaning sketch and morphed into a layered modern rocker with a ramping chorus. The home-studio pipeline is real: tracks built in Austin’s space, files shipped to Chris Collier for mix and master, and a sound that still hits like a room full of amps. Theory helps in the background—tension, resolution, the occasional Mixolydian wink—but the rule is feel first.

Grand Rising, a 13-song album, arrives with more colors: piano textures, heavier corners, and a stealth seven-string thickening the choruses without stealing the spotlight. We dig into touring momentum after a successful run through venues like the Whisky and Sturgis, plus the realities of booking while transitioning agencies. Austin’s parting wisdom is pure working-musician truth: pick one job a day, finish it well, and let the songs lead everything else.

If you crave straight-ahead rock with big melodies and no filler, hit play, follow Gunshine on socials, and watch for the first single on January 23. Enjoy the conversation, then subscribe, share, and leave a quick review so more rock fans can find the show.

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Artist(s) Web Page

www.gunshineband.com

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Randy Hulsey

Let Us Know What You Think of the Show!

Date: December 17, 2025
Name of Podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S9: E11: Kendall Beard (Love & Chaos) - When Grit Meets Grace


SHOW SUMMARY:
The story starts on Texas backroads and winds through Opry houses, a teen pop deal, and a reality TV spotlight before landing in an Austin room where sparks fly. Kendall Beard joins us to share how that winding path led to Love & Chaos, her electrifying duo with AJ Vallejo, and why the most interesting music often lives between labels.

We dig into the early hustle—weekend shows, VHS audition tapes, and a family that said yes when the dream demanded long drives. Kendall opens up about the label collapse around the Napster era, stepping back for college, and a detour into the business side that confirmed she needed to be on the creative front lines. You’ll hear a candid look at American Idol’s true timeline, the contract strings that stall momentum, and the unexpected upside: a loyal Texas fan base and new doors for songwriting and production.

Then the chemistry kicks in. A one-off duet with AJ turns into Love & Chaos, a project where country storytelling collides with rock muscle and a hint of Latin rhythm. We trace their four-year Saxon Pub residency, the craft behind their live duo setup with a suitcase kick drum, and the evolution of Rather Be Alone from sprawling art piece to tight radio edit without losing its pulse. Kendall breaks down their writing process—sometimes 50–50, sometimes whoever has the spark—and why inspiration shows up on runs, in dreams, and in those moments when life refuses to sit still. She also talks about balancing motherhood with touring, choosing fewer but more meaningful shows, and what’s next: a Texas radio tour, new singles, sessions at AJ’s new studio in Gruene, and fresh solo writing.

If you love Americana’s open borders, Texas grit, and songs built to breathe on stage, this conversation delivers. Follow Love & Chaos, spin the new single, and tell us which track caught you by surprise. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more music fans find us.

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Website - backstagepassradio.com and randyhulsey.com

Artist(s) Web Page

www.loveandchaosmusic.com

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Randy Hulsey

Let Us Know What You Think of the Show!

Date: November 26, 2025
Name of podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S9: E10: dUg Pinnick (Kings X / Grinder Blues) Motown Roots to Metal Truths


SHOW SUMMARY:
A voice that can shake a room and a bass tone you can feel in your ribs—dUg Pinnick of King’s X joins us for a candid, wide-open conversation about art, survival, and building a sound that refuses the mold. From a childhood spent glued to record players to the thunder of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, dUg traces how Motown roots and gospel grit fused with heavy riffs to form the King’s X blueprint. We talk about the business as he’s lived it—70 years of evolution and disruption—why validation culture can starve the soul, and how a band can stay small on charts yet massive in people’s lives.

dUg breaks down his uniquely architectural approach to writing: drum groove first, guitars and bass next, and lyrics last, pulled straight from lived emotion. He opens the hood on tone design, too—signal splitting for grit and chime, frequency carving that lets bass feel huge without drowning guitars, and why a 12‑string bass keeps his hands honest. We revisit the Dogman era with producer Brendan O’Brien, tuning choices that made the record hit like their live show, and the stubborn love that fuels a cult following decade after decade.

There’s warmth and wit here—AC/DC dinner stories, the joy of seeing U2 at the Rose Bowl, and the humility of knowing fans bring their own history to every chorus. dUg shares what’s next: final tweaks on his solo record, the spark of a rock-and-roll cooking show, and a stack of ideas ready for the next King’s X chapter. If you care about songwriting, bass tone, heavy music history, or simply staying true when trends shift, this conversation delivers depth you can use and heart you can feel.

If this moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more music fans can find it.

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Facebook - @backstagepassradiopodcast @randyhulseymusic
Instagram - @Backstagepassradio @randyhulseymusic
Twitter - @backstagepassPC @rhulseymusic
Website - backstagepassradio.com and randyhulsey.com

Artist(s) Web Page

www.kingsxrocks.com

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Randy Hulsey

Let Us Know What You Think of the Show!

Date: November 5, 2025
Name of podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S9: E9: Annika Catharina - Finding A Voice After The Fall


SHOW SUMMARY:
The high you chase onstage feels different after you’ve had to fight for your voice. That’s where our conversation with Canadian country artist Annika Catharina begins: a moped crash in Southeast Asia, a shattered jaw, months of silence, and a slow, stubborn climb back to singing. What could have ended a dream turned into perspective that colors every line she writes and every chorus she belts.

We walk through Annika’s roots on a BC farm—sports teams, family skits, and a house filled with Elton John and classic rock—then hit the turning point: discovering Patsy Cline’s delivery before she even called it “country.” From there, the sound evolved. Indie and alt-rock influences blend with modern Nashville polish, giving her debut EP, You and Me, a clean, hook-forward lift. She breaks down her hybrid writing process—ideas alone, voice memos and simple chords, then co-writes that unlock angles she’d never find solo. And we go deep on Love and Hate: the reality-TV spark, the teenage push-pull energy, the producers who heard a hit in a bare demo, and the radio momentum that followed.

Annika also shares how national recognition changed the game. As a Top 8 artist in SiriusXM’s Top of the Country, she recorded at Bryan Adams’ Vancouver studio, shot a pro performance video, and saw doors swing open across Canada. She lights up describing the first time a friend texted “You’re on the radio,” and the community pride that came with it. Then we look ahead: Undercovers, the new single Better Hands that finally lets her sing about the love she’s living, and the next era of confident, sassy, stage-ready tracks. There’s a dream stage, too—Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom on February 14—proof that the grind, the gut checks, and the gratitude are paying off.

If you love country storytelling with a modern edge, honest lyrics, and choruses that land clean, you’ll connect with Annika’s journey. Hit play, save your favorite song, and tell us which lyric hit hardest. And if you’re feeling the show, subscribe, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder to keep going.

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Backstage Pass Radio Social Media Handles:
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Twitter - @backstagepassPC @rhulseymusic
Website - backstagepassradio.com and randyhulsey.com

Artist(s) Web Page

www.annikacatharina.com

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Randy Hulsey

Let Us Know What You Think of the Show!

Date: October 18, 2025
Name of podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S9: E8: Jim Odom (LeRoux) - The Presonus Matermind


SHOW SUMMARY:
Ever wonder how a touring guitarist becomes a tech founder, sells to Fender, then jumps right back into producing records? That’s the arc we trace with Jim Odom—guitarist for Louisiana’s LeRoux and co‑founder of Presonus—who opens up about the craft of recording, the grit of the Gulf Coast scene, and the magic that only happens when players share a room and a downbeat.

We dig into the making of a new album with blues powerhouse Jonathan “Boogie” Long, why Jim still chases the sound of a real console, and how a smart session band can lift a song in a single take. Jim pulls back the curtain on Studio One’s origins, the rocket ride of a NAMM breakthrough, and the decision to sell Presonus to Fender after years of global growth. The stories stretch from pine‑lined Studio in the Country, where Kansas and Dirty Dancing cuts took shape, to present‑day plans with Miracle Media, his label focused on honest performances and songs built to last.

LeRoux fans get a feast: memories of Jeff Pollard’s soaring voice, Fergie Frederiksen’s effortless high notes, and the late Tony Haselden’s razor-sharp lyrics. Jim teases a vintage live release from the late 70s, and shares why the band is refreshing its show toward the rock energy of Up and So Fired Up with current singer Jeff McCarty. We also wade into AI’s impact on music—training on copyrighted catalogs, the uncanny feel of generated tracks, and why listeners will keep seeking the human touch in phrasing, tone, and time.

If you love the crossroads where songwriting, recording, and innovation meet, you’ll feel right at home. Tap play, follow LeRoux on Facebook and www.leroux.band, and if the conversation hits a chord, share it with a friend and leave a quick review—what LeRoux era do you want to hear live next?

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Backstage Pass Radio Social Media Handles:
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Twitter - @backstagepassPC @rhulseymusic
Website - backstagepassradio.com and randyhulsey.com

Artist(s) Web Page

www.leroux.band

Call to action
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Thank you for being a part of Backstage Pass Radio

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Randy Hulsey

Let Us Know What You Think of the Show!

Date: October 3, 2025
Name of podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S9: E7 - Russ DeLeon - Sticks & Kicks


SHOW SUMMARY:
The visual timekeeper sits back on his throne, reflecting on a life measured in beats, fills, and grooves. "Every show I ask myself what am I doing?" confesses Russ DeLeon, drummer for tribute bands Double Vision and Miracles. "I should be at home, but after we play—oh yeah, it was great."

This profound duality defines Russ' musical journey, which began in Houston's Northside neighborhoods, where his siblings brought home Led Zeppelin and Kiss albums that sparked his percussion passion. From witnessing Metallica's Kill 'Em All tour at legendary Cardi's to joining metal band Hellstar and touring Europe where they "treated us like rock stars," Russ' story traverses four decades of Houston's vibrant music scene.

With refreshing candor, Russ discusses the physical demands of drumming at 56, the surprising joy of performing drum solos he once dismissed, and the technological evolution that's transformed how musicians learn. "Kids these days have it made," he observes. "You can see a 10-year-old that is so awesome." Yet there's wisdom in his approach to balancing music with family life—returning home from tours to take out garbage and walking the dogs with his supportive wife Shelly, who surprises him with personalized drumsticks and understands his need to perform.

Now splitting his time between Double Vision (Foreigner tribute) and the newer Miracles (Jefferson Starship tribute), Russ finds renewed purpose in each performance. "We're getting older, let's keep jamming as much as we can," his bandmate reminds him—words that resonate with musicians everywhere who refuse to set down their instruments despite life's mounting responsibilities. Because when that final cymbal crash fades and the crowd roars, the answer to "why keep doing this?" becomes crystal clear.

Tune in for an intimate conversation about perseverance, passion, and finding balance between the spotlight and everyday life. The beat goes on—and so does Russ De Leon.

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Backstage Pass Radio Social Media Handles:
Facebook - @backstagepassradiopodcast @randyhulseymusic
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Artist(s) Web Page
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/russell.shelley.deleon
Miracles - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557569377448
Double Vision HTX - https://www.facebook.com/doublevisionhtx

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Randy Hulsey

Let Us Know What You Think of the Show!

Date: September 17, 2025
Name of podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S9: E6: Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns & Roses, Asia, Sons of Apollo, Art of Anarchy) - Guitar Wizardry Unleashed


SHOW SUMMARY:
Guitar virtuoso Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal takes us behind the curtain of his creative process, sharing the fascinating story of his latest instrumental album "Bumblefoot Returns" and the innovative techniques that have defined his distinctive sound. Released in January 2024, this album marks his first fully instrumental release since his 1995 debut and features collaborations with legendary musicians including Brian May of Queen, Steve Vai, and Guthrie Govan.

The conversation delves deep into Bumblefoot's journey with the fretless guitar – an instrument he describes as "learning a different language" that transformed his approach to melody and expression. He reveals the origin of his signature metal thimble technique, which allows him to access notes beyond the traditional fretboard limitations. These innovations began when a 12-year-old Ron first heard Eddie Van Halen and realized "there are no limits to how you could make a string vibrate and make it speak."

Beyond his musical innovations, Bumblefoot shares insights into the challenges facing touring musicians today, where merch sales and direct fan support have become essential for survival. He's found creative ways to make his album release an event rather than just another digital drop – offering vinyl with special artwork, CDs with fold-out posters, cassettes, transcription books with backing tracks, and even a free retro video game based on the album's artwork.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Bumblefoot discusses his award-winning hot sauce line, including the infamous "Bumblefucked" – once ranked the third hottest sauce in the world at 4-6 million Scoville units. He hints at plans for new hot sauce flavors named after songs from his album and a forthcoming comic book project that will bring the album's artwork to life in new ways.

For aspiring musicians and longtime fans alike, Bumblefoot's passion for experimentation and artistic growth shines through every story. Whether he's discussing his upcoming performance at a festival in Jakarta or his role as a counselor at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, his enthusiasm for connecting with other musicians and fans remains as vibrant as his innovative playing style. Tune in for a master class in creative thinking from one of guitar's most original voices.

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Artist(s) Web Page
Web - www.bumblefoot.com

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Let Us Know What You Think of the Show!

Date: September 3, 2025
Name of podcast: Backstage Pass Radio
S9: E5: Little Bihlman (John Fogerty, Jelly Roll, Grinder Blues) - Sonic Evolution


SHOW SUMMARY:
Ever wonder what happens when a multi-instrumentalist with four Emmy Awards decides to channel Pink Floyd through a modern rock lens? Little Bihlman's upcoming album "Heavy Head" answers that question with authority.

Returning to Backstage Pass Radio, Little Bihlman shares the creative journey behind his darkest, most ambitious record to date. Having toured and recorded with legends spanning from BB King to Ted Nugent, Hank Williams Jr. to Jelly Roll, and even Pink, Little Bihlman brings decades of musical expertise to this Floyd-influenced collection. "I'm a rocker," he admits, despite his versatility across blues, country, and other genres.

The conversation takes us deep into the making of "Heavy Head," set for release through V13 Music with its first single dropping August 8th. Little Bihlman previews "Fade Away," a straight-ahead rocker featuring guitar work from Shrapnel Records founder Mike Varney, while explaining why his favorite track remains the Floyd-esque title song. For an artist who's played countless sessions and toured extensively, this record represents a personal milestone—one where he follows his "goosebumps" rather than chasing trends.

Beyond music, Little Bihlman reveals his recent role as a mobster in the upcoming Nicolas Cage film "Spider-Man Noir" and discusses his forthcoming memoir. He offers candid insights about the modern music industry, advocating for independent approaches over traditional record deals unless "they're gonna blow you out." It's a masterclass in artistic sustainability from someone who's survived and thrived across decades of industry changes.

Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, Little Bihlman's blend of technical prowess, storytelling, and authentic rock energy promises something special with "Heavy Head." Follow him on Instagram and Facebook, or visit scottbihlman.com to stay updated on release dates, tour information, and merchandise availability. Ready to hear what happens when classic influences meet modern production? This is your invitation.

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Backstage Pass Radio Social Media Handles:
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Artist(s) Web Page
Web - www.scotbihlman.com

Call to action
We ask our listeners to like, share, and subscribe to the show and the artist's social media pages. This enables us to continue pushing great content to the consumer.

Thank you for being a part of Backstage Pass Radio

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Randy Hulsey