On today's episode I'm joined by Rody Walker, vocalist and lyricist of Protest the Hero, ahead of their return to Atlantic Canada in November.

We talk about their new record, Within, the childhood friendship connecting “Liberty Spike” and “Led Astray,” and getting older without getting jaded. Rody explains how he writes vocals over the band’s complicated instrumentals, why he values character over technical perfection, and what it’s like putting more of himself into his lyrics.

We also get into politics, fatherhood, coaching his son’s undefeated baseball team, a Leafs playoff disaster in New Brunswick, some Moosehead research, and Rody shopping for an I Was a Spy CD.

Topics include:

• Touring Atlantic Canada with Choke and Kaonashi

• The band’s punk roots and East Coast memories

• The story behind “Liberty Spike” and “Led Astray”

• Grief, gratitude and growing older

• Politics, parenthood and YouTube

• Writing lyrics, vocal melodies and arrangements

• Vocal characters and “Grandfather’s Axe”

• Coaching an undefeated baseball team

Within is available now. Music, merch and tour dates: https://protestthehero.ca/

Protest the Hero photo credit: Sandra Lee Layden

Modifications made (cropping and graphic design).

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Singer-songwriter James Leclaire joins me on the first anniversary of his decision to pursue music full time. We revisit his punk rock beginnings in Renfrew, Ontario, talk about skateboarding and creative confidence, and trace his career in animation as co-founder of Jam Filled Entertainment, whose work includes Clone High and Final Space.

We get into his latest album, The Deal, the personal stories behind “The Sound of You Gone” and “If Ever,” and how songs can take on new meaning as life changes. James also shares his plans to record in New Orleans with producer Mark Howard, and we find some unexpected common ground over Wes' Chps.

Catch James at Harmony House in Saint John, NB, on October 10 with The Co-Conspirators.

Find James and his music: https://jamesleclaire.com/

Cait and Cherise from Strange Grooves join me in the CD library at Local 107.3 FM for a collaborative episode of The Radical Fabulatorium and Strange Grooves.

We trade stories about how our shows began, revisit the Saint John music scene, and talk about interviewing, creative burnout, perfectionism, and the importance of having people around you who support your work. We also explore how music helps us reconnect with ourselves and each other, and share some listening favourites, including Baie, Rolo Tomassi, and Turnstile.

Find Strange Grooves:

https://www.strangegrooves.com/