Crash Chords – Page 34 – Music is Life… and Life is Good

Every album a contender. Every song a debate.

Hosted by Matt aka Stormageddon, Matt chats with guests from all different walks of life. He dives deep into influence, creative process, inspirations and more. Tune in every other Tuesday for a brand new episode and remember music is life and life is good.

The Crash Chords Podcast (CCP)

The Crash Chords Podcast is an eternal war for artistic scrutiny. Follow along with our intensive album analyses by diving into the album yourself first — using our Spotify play buttons, when available — and then join us in asking the hard questions. Expect guest panelists, broader topics concerning music as an art form, episode specials, and surprise performances.

Every album a contender. Every song a debate.

Each episode we embark down a different road. No two albums are alike, and so neither are their discussions.

So go ahead. Review our reviews!

Support Stormageddon on Patreon

Stormageddon is a host, DJ, podcaster and producer hailing from Brooklyn, NY. He deejays shows for Wormwood Burlesque, Metropolis Burlesque, Rabbit Hole Productions, D20 Burlesque and of course he is the official DJ of the Nerdlesque Festival and Eat Me! A Variety Show. He also hosts, deejays and is a producing member of Magical Girl Burlesque. He has 4 different podcasts he hosts, CC: Autographs - a bi-weekly interview podcast and the "Fun" and Games Podcast - a bi-weekly video game discussion and analysis podcast with co-host Geoff Moonen. Screen Snark - a movie podcast, for movie lovers by movie lovers with co-host Rachel Schenk. Reignite - a deep dive into the sci-fi universe of Mass Effect with co-host MJ Bradley. All of his podcasts can be found on most podcast hosting providers.

CRASH CHORDS is a website devoted to expanding how we think about music as an art form.

Our goal is to foster an atmosphere of subjective debate in which the relevance of a single note can be argued beside an entire repertoire’s sphere of influence. In our site’s content, we try to delve into as diverse a selection of music as possible; we explore the intricacies of composition, the circumstances surrounding a musical work’s place in our time, and the broad, ineffable questions that concern how art touches us emotionally.

Crash Chords: Autographs

Our dedicated one-on-one interview series, hosted by Matt Storm aka Stormageddon.

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The Crash Chords Podcast

Comprehensive album analyses, topics, and guests.

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CCP "At-a-glance" Podcast Archive

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Site updates, articles, and other media.

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Aside from music's humble role as the commuter’s soundtrack, or the partygoer’s mood-setter, it also shapes the way we think, act, and react to the world around us. We connect with the familiar, and we’re challenged by the unknown. So, as newer styles of music are brought down to us, it’s only natural to be a little open-minded and a little suspicious at the same time. We may also question whether these new styles will stand the test of time—or whether they’re destined for the dustpan. Often there are unseen factors that steer our most cherished works to and from the public eye, everything from a lucky break to the pervading cultural zeitgeist or groupthink. Well, here at Crash Chords, we take nothing for granted. While the threat of cultural homogeneity is always looming, our ideal environment is one where the tug-of-war for artistic scrutiny remains spirited and eternal.

CCP Ep. #113: True Blue by Madonna | Featuring Rashmi

A time warp has thrown us today, specifically to a time when “Pop Goddess” could only conjure up one name: Madonna. In welcoming today’s special guest Rashmi, an actress and musician in her own right, she has us take a look at Madonna’s breakthrough album, True Blue. And then we shift to Rashmi herself. Raised in Dallas, Texas, her music is a blend of country folk tinged with the pleasing lilts of traditional Indian ornamentation. Not only do we find out when her style took shape, but we get to hear it for ourselves — as do you! Ears open, everyone.

Ep. #6 – Feat. Marian Call

This week Matt chats with the singer-songwriter from Juneau, Alaska — and Rennaissance woman of lyrical subjects — Marian Call. After the release of her newest record, Marian Call Sings the Classics Vol. 1, she is well on her way through her Autumn Tour from Portland to Portland. She’ll find herself in NYC on October 19th at 6pm, performing at Rockwood Music Hall at 196 Allen St. She can also be found on MC Frontalot’s new record Question Bedtime, in the song “Mornings Come and Go.” Today, she shares her thoughts on the process of making a new record, with various “nerdigressions” from comic books to Doctor Who.

CCP Ep. #112: Songs of Innocence by U2

Analyzing a free album may seem a bit harsh, but as Groucho Marx said: “Art is art, isn’t it? Still, on the other hand, water is water. And east is east and west is west, and if you take cranberries and stew them like applesauce they taste much more like prunes than rhubarb does.” Case in point, we’re doing it anyway. The altruistic album, by U2, is called Songs of Innocence and is available to all (with an Apple ID). Then, a few thoughts on a curious term: “Anthemic Pop.” What’s wrong with feelin’ good all the time?

CCP Ep. #111: This Is My Hand by My Brightest Diamond

Never at a loss for notes, Shara Worden of My Brightest Diamond is at it again, this time with a brazen tell-all album called This Is My Hand. Join us as we pick apart the nuances of this latest work in our weekly review. After this musical onslaught, we took some time to discuss the impact of “person” in an album. Whether invited to place oneself in someone else’s shoes, or to accept a foreign narrative, this simple literary choice guides our experience of the tale… but does it ever affect the intensity of the experience?

Ep. #5 – Feat. Justin Doyle of ADAGE

Dipping into a slightly heavier rock scene and burgeoning talent, Matt shares his time this week with Justin Doyle of ADAGE. A relatively young band from Winston-Salem, their debut came as recently as August 19th, in the form of Defined, an EP that showcases what they have to offer the world of music. Vying for that coveted listenership (and a lump sum to boot), they’ll be performing in a Battle of the Bands concert at Ziggy’s Main Hall in Winston-Salem this October 10th. Hear about Justin’s musical upbringing, his thoughts on the EP, and even his love for cars — all here on Crash Chords: Autographs!

CCP Ep. #110: A Vivid Memory by Set and Setting

If you like musical paint strokes, then you may like a group called Set and Setting, a post-rock band from Florida that’s all about the moods and impressions. This week we take their latest impression, ironically titled A Vivid Memory, and put it up for review. But don’t forget to stick around for the big question… How does one get famous?! This age-old question has plagued many an aspiring artist, especially those seeking validation for their work. Once we drop the walls of humility, the path is as uncertain as it ever was; still, hear us address the various paths that other artists have taken, while debating their success rates.

3 Years Hollow Is Breaking Ground With The Cracks

The band 3 Years Hollow is just breaking into the mainstream rock scene. They have a lot to say, and they refuse to be ignored. They are hitting the scene hard with their debut LP, The Cracks, released through the well-known label, Imagen Records. The album features their singles, “Chemical Ride,” “Hungry”, and “For Life” (feat. Clint Lowery). The band hails from the Quad Cities, Iowa–Illinois, and is made up of lead vocalist, Jose Urquiza, guitarist Tony Reeves, guitarist and vocalist Neil Kuhlman, bassist Dex Digga, and drummer Chris Cushman. Even for a debut, this five-piece rock ensemble can get you going from the first riff.

CCP Ep. #109: Everyday Robots by Damon Albarn

This week we explore the much-awaited solo project of Damon Albarn, the English singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist behind such projects as Gorillaz and Blur. His album is called Everyday Robots, and we’re breaking it down. Afterwards, we discuss the conflicts of passion and fluidity in songwriting, particularly with respect to concept albums. Often conceived from a singular inspiration and executed with a singular ambition, it’s easy for artists to overlook aspects of their work when a theme takes center-stage. Does this leave audiences wanting more or does it blow over with the more concept-minded clique?

Ep. #4 – Feat. Coolzey

If you’ve never heard an interview from a gondola lift before, now’s your chance! The Indie rapper/rocker Coolzey took some time out of his sky-high excursions to speak with Matt about his current musical endeavors. Having released his latest album Hit Factory, Coolzey now also has two new music videos to promote: “Want It The Most” and “Glasses.” The latter features his fellow rapper and touring mate, Schaffer the Darklord, who accompanied him on the Fam Fiction Tour along with MegaRan and Fresh Kils & Uncle Fester. Listen in for discussions on nature, horror flicks, and of course for the gondola portion as this guest is surely taking interviews to new heights.

CCP Ep. #108: They Want My Soul by Spoon

Raise your glasses and call a toast with today’s musical homage to silverware! (The reference is Spoon.) Having established themselves as a staple of the Alt Rock community, Spoon has released their eighth studio album, They Want My Soul, which we take on for this week’s review. As Alternative Rock often harbors some of the most diverse artists, we then take some time to discuss Alt as both a name and a movement. Is the genre merely an aggregate of misfits branded under a careless label, or has it in fact grown a definitive character of its own?