The Hustle

You won't find a list of "bands that should have been huge" that doesn't include The Producers. Their debut album from 1981 stood perfectly at the crossroads of power pop and new wave and should have birthed multiple hits. They even performed at the very first MTV's Rockin' Eve. Unfortunately, it just didn't happen and neither did the excellent follow up, You Make the Heat with "She Sheila". Eventually the guys took the hint and broke up, but anyone who's heard them is utterly confused. What more could you ask for?! Drummer Bryan Holmes joins us this week to tell the whole story. Thankfully, the tide is turning as the band are included on this year's Totally Tubular bill that also includes Thomas Dolby, Men Without Hats and more. If any band deserved success, it's them. Enjoy!

www.totallytubularfestival.com
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

We love talking about Simple Minds around here. Their road has been diverse, rocky, drama-filled, and also wonderful. One of the key members was founding keyboardist Mick MacNeil. His revolutionary playing was a huge part of the fabric of those game-changing early albums. After 1989's Street Fighting Years, Mick decided to leave and has never really looked back. He recently released the gorgeous solo album, Themes From Glory Days, which is largely reimagined versions of the songs he originally played in that band. In this conversation we discuss his current status with Jim and Charlie, his feelings about the trajectory of the band, the writing process and tons more. We're so lucky to hear from him! 
 
www.th3minds.com
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod?vanity=user

In his nearly 84 years on earth, Swamp Dogg has seen some stuff. He was born Jerry Williams and recorded under that name before taking on the Swamp Dogg persona in 1970 as a way to better express himself and his unique view of the world. He's been a legend ever since. Over his long career he's tried on almost every genre of music (including a couple recent albums heavy on the Auto-tune. His latest sees him grappling with what's next in Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife and you know he has some wisdom to pass along. We get into a lot - his friendship with John Prine, his lovelife, his recent documentary Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, and the secretly profound advice he has for staying vital and working hard in your later years. We're honored to hear from him! 

www.theswampdogg.com
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Breathe were one of the leaders of that sophistopop movement in the late 80s and scored five big hits over two albums for their work, including the enduring ballads "Hands to Heaven" and "How Can I Fall". Unfortunately, after those two albums they disappeared and have never been heard from again, especially the uber-talented front man David Glasper. That leaves guitarist Marcus Lillington as the only former member able to provide some details, but even he can be reluctant about it, which is why it's such a huge boon to have him join us this week. He explains as best he can what happened to the band, the degree to which they were "manufactured" and what happened to Dave. We're extremely honored to welcome Marcus this week and be reminded of this special group. Enjoy! 

www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod

Dirty Vegas were shot out of a cannon in 2002 when their song "Days Go By" was selected by Mitsubishi to soundtrack their new ad campaign. The song was everywhere and suddenly there was a culture shift with artists and their music as it relates to advertising. This gave Steve Smith from the band a career that's taken some unexpected turns, but has never let up. Dirty Vegas released a couple albums, then he went solo, and for the last several years he's been a member of Squeeze and is featured on their new album, Trixies, and on their current world tour. Dirty Vegas is still at it too, releasing new music in 2024. Steve lays out this journey for us this week. Enjoy! 

www.stevesmithmusic.com
www.patreon.com/c/thehustlepod