Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how melody and rhythm become lifelines for those battling depression and anxiety. In today’s episode, James sits down with Kyle Thomas—the raw‑voiced frontman of New Orleans thrash legends ExHorder!!

Together they journey from the gritty beginnings of the band in the mid‑80s through four pivotal albums, unpacking the evolution of Kyle’s lyrics—from teenage outrage at organized religion to today’s more nuanced, honest storytelling. A rapid‑fire “lightning round” reveals Kyle’s unexpected love for Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, his philosophy that metal should stay fun rather than take itself too seriously, and the crucial lesson that technical fireworks mean nothing without genuine connection.

Listeners also get a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse of Pat O’Brien’s (Ex Cannibal Corpse) comeback with Exploder, the band’s shift toward streamlined songwriting, and Kyle’s personal ritual of turning pain into cathartic verses. As the conversation winds down, Kyle shares the one album that still pulls at his soul—Black Sabbath’s debut—reminding us that even the darkest riffs can hold a timeless, soul‑shaking resonance.

Tune in for an honest, high‑energy deep‑dive into how heavy music can both weaponize aggression and heal the heart, proving once again that when words fall short, the music always finds a way to speak.

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the show where we explore how melody, rhythm, and lyric can lift us out of the darkest moments. I’m your host, James Cox, a lifelong believer in music’s healing power, and today I’m thrilled to sit down with an artist whose honesty, faith, and genre‑blending spirit make every track feel like a conversation with the soul.

Meet Kenneith Perrin – a true “music mutt” who began his journey at eight, first behind a drum kit and later as a vocalist in his dad’s church. From early days mimicking Soul‑Train performances to head‑lining clubs, festivals, and worship services, Kenneith’s story is a testament to staying curious, staying authentic, and never letting anyone box you in.

In this episode we’ll:

• Trace his musical roots – how a bassist‑dad, a church debut, and an early love for disco, funk, R&B, and later new‑wave and rock shaped his sound.
• Dive deep into his 2020 pandemic anthem “Erased by Mercy.” Kenneith explains the song’s raw confession of repentance, the grace he found in surrender, and why it still resounds for listeners battling doubt.
• Talk tour life – preview his upcoming 2026 Melodic Heart & Soul tour, from the Garden Grove Fest to Fire Forge Brewery in Greenville, SC, and how he blends intimate worship with high‑energy club gigs.
• Unpack his musical DNA – from MC Hammer, Sister Sledge, and Missing Persons to modern gospel, country, metal, and even guilty‑pleasure pop (Backstreet Boys, Beach Boys). He shares the moments when fans—whether in a church pew or at a Whiskey A Go‑Go—have told him his songs saved them.
• Reflect on faith & purpose – how his Christian walk informs every lyric, and the simple yet powerful message he hopes every listener walks away with: “You’re never alone; there’s always a song that can lift you up.”

Whether you’re a struggling artist, a music lover searching for hope, or just curious about the crossroads of faith and creative expression, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight. Grab your coffee (or a Bones‑flavored brew), press play, and let Kenneith’s story remind you why, when words fail, music always finds a way to speak.

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how music can lift us out of depression and open doors to imagination. In today’s episode, James sits down with the multitalented composer‑author Christopher Kaufman—a Brooklyn‑based classical composer, storyteller, and environmental sound‑artist whose work fuses symphonic scores, natural soundscapes, and illustrated fantasy.

We’ll hear Christopher describe life in his peaceful Brooklyn neighborhood, the eclectic musical “vibes” that swirl from jazz ensembles to full‑blown orchestras, and how his lifelong love for Stravinsky, Metallica and classic fantasy literature fuels his creative engine. Through a rapid‑fire “lightning round,” he reveals his artistic rituals—ink versus instruments, favorite mythic creatures, and the superpower he’d pick for a day (perfect emotional pitch).

Christopher then takes us inside his magnum opus, Tales of the Ocean City, a series of eight immersive “audio‑books” that blend orchestral storytelling, original illustrations, and video‑book experiences. He explains how musical tension and resolution shape narrative arcs, how his telepathic Pegasus‑like “Parianths” echo his childhood bond with a beloved dog, and why an organ‑driven theme for King Brohuyn and an electric‑guitar leitmotif for the bard Elah perfectly capture each character’s spirit.

We’ll also explore his belief that imagination can literally heal: by turning the gray sameness of modern life into vivid, musical worlds, we can push back against depression and find hope. Finally, Christopher shares upcoming projects—book 8 of the series, his “Fantastic Theater” performances, and the ever‑growing sound‑artist community on SoundArtists.com, Instagram, and Facebook.

Stick around for a sneak‑peek audio excerpt from Tales of the Ocean City, and discover why, for James and Christopher, when words fall short, music tells the whole story. 🎧✨