Tuna on Toast with Stryker

Tuna on Toast with Jerry Heller (NWA Ruthless Records Ice Cube Dr. Dre Eazy-E)

Ted Stryker unearths an interview heard by very few people with the late Jerry Heller (recorded in 2011)

Jerry Heller was a music manager, music agent and a business man.

In this Tuna on Toast episode, Ted Stryker asks Jerry about is career before his NWA and Eazy-E days.  Jerry worked with bands like The Standells, Elton John and Pink Floyd just name a few.  Jerry also names the one artists that rubbed him the wrong way! 

Jerry goes into detail about the circumstances that led to Jerry meeting Eric Wright AKA Eazy-E.  Jerry and Stryker talk about JJ Fad, the song Supersonic, The L.A. Dream Team, Rudy Pardee, the great radio station KDAY and the amazing personalities/DJ's on KDAY.  Jerry mentions guys like Juilo G, Tony G and Greg Mack! 

Jerry tells a great story of his first meeting with Eazy, MC Ren was also there and the guys pulled up in a Suzuki Samurai. 

Jerry Heller answers all of Stryker's questions about Ruthless, who owned the company, and about how it was determined how much the NWA members got paid. 

Jerry discusses not only his thoughts on why Ice Cube left the group, but also talks about his feelings towards Ice Cube after the release of the song "No Vaseline".  Jerry talks about his encounter with Suge Knight at Monty's restaurant. 

Jerry Heller then answers questions about Dr. Dre leaving the group, his importance to Ruthless Records and how exactly Jerry feels about Dr. Dre as a talent! 

Stryker asks Jerry about his relationship with Eazy, what was it like both working and personal throughout their years together. 

Jerry is a wonderful story teller who was sharp as a tack the day we recorded this interview back in 2011.  There are a ton more little nuggets you will hear!  

Thanks for listening, sit back and enjoy Jerry Heller on Tuna on Toast. 

Tuna on Toast with Third Eye Blind Stephan Jenkins

It's a funny intro before the interview! Things went haywire in the house before Stephan arrived....had a plumbing situation...Stephan refers to the plumber as my roommate!

Stephan reveals some if his favorite songs from 2021! It's a rainy day in LA this day and the guys talk about good manners and Stryker asks Stephan about his love for LA (he's a bay area guy)

The guys talk about the new album called Our Bande Apart and the process of how it was recorded here in Los Angeles. Stephan and Stryker discuss the Third Eye Blind documentary which is available on youtube called "How We Hold Each Other Right Now".

Stephan tells Stryker that his mindset has changed, he doesn't care about metrics, streams, radio play or Grammy's and as a result, he's made much more music! Stephan also shared that he had another full album ready just as the pandemic hit, but the songs didn't feel right to release which is what lead lead them to the very honest and imperfect album.. Our Bande Apart. Stephan explains what an imperfect album means.

Stephan tells a beautiful story about knitting himself back together from the traumatized 6 year old boy that he was. Stephan brings up the saying....Comparison is the enemy of joy. The guys also discuss tension in the recording studio. Stephan tells Stryker that yes, absolutely that is important in the process. Stephan recounts a great story about producing Vanessa Carlton while Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were working in a different studio, Stephan walked right in and asked to borrow them for a song!

Stephan says to Stryker that Third Eye Blind is an indie rock band who are saddled with a lot of hits, he also tells Stryker about his love for Rancid and The Interruptors. It was just a few years back that they all met at a show....The KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas in Los Angeles.

Stephan talks to Stryker about his love of playing drums from a very young age and being a professional musician by the time he was 17. Stryker learns that Stephan went to Cal Berkeley for college and actually had a great time!

The guys then chat about getting a record deal, and why in the 90's it was so important to have a deal, that entire experience led to the writing and recording of the song "Graduate".

Stephan reveals that after the chat he's going to rehearsal and the guys are already making a new Third Eye Blind album, Stephan is not even close to slowing down and living off previous success.

Make sure to find the guys on the road, 2022 is going to be another huge year for the band! It was a super fun time hanging with Stephan, he's a very very talented guy, sit back relax, and enjoy another episode of Tuna on Toast with Stryker

Tuna on Toast with The Aquadolls

In this episode, Ted Stryker welcomes The Aquadolls to the Tuna on Toast studio!

The Aquadolls are Melissa Brooks, Keilah Nina and Jackie Proctor.

This is a band that's played Warped Tour, Lollapalooza and Ohana fest. 

 

Why should you listen and watch this episode?  It's such a great reminder of how hard it is to be a young band, and, how fun it is to be a young band!

 

Learning of how this version of The Aquadolls came to be is a great story! 

 

I love this episode because this is a group that is young and talented that I personally wanted to know who the hell they are in every way! There songs rule so much!

 

It's a wonderful get to know The Aquadolls podcast.

 

We learn where they are from, the history, and how they met.  It's all here! 

The Aquadolls and Stryker discuss how these three musicians create their songs and the process they go through.

 

The band is a fan of No Doubt and Lady Gaga, and gives Olivia Rodrigo a ton of kudos.

 

The Aquadolls also detail how at some of their shows, there are those who cannot fathom that they are actually the band (three young women and a tour manager who is also a female)  This lead to them writing and recording the song "Suck on This".

 

The trio also revealed that they've been working with Fat Mike from NOFX including the song "Disappearing Girl".

 

The Aquadolls also talk to Stryker about life on the road, renting a van and packing everyone in a room or two. The Aquadolls tell Stryker the only people that drive the van are Jackie and Melissa (it's because the others aren't old enough)

 

Stryker and The Aquadolls also talk about their version of the holiday song...Christmas Wrapping. Both El Hefe and Fat Mike from NOFX and Angello from Fishbone played on the song.

 

You've been looking for a new band?  Well, here they are!  It was such a fun afternoon hanging with these three very talented and strong women. 

Sit back and relax another great episode of Tuna on Toast with The Aquadolls.

 

 

Tuna on Toast with Walk the Moon Nicholas Petricca

Ted Stryker welcomes Nicholas Petricca from Walk the Moon to the Tuna on Toast studio.

 

Make sure to check out the new Walk the Moon album!  It was released on November 12th and it's titled HEIGHTS...it's a great album! 

 

This episode begins with Stryker reading a tweet he sent to Walk the Moon back in 2012, it was all about the song "Anna Sun" and their concert way back then at The Echo Plex.  

 

Nicholas tells the history of the song "Anna Sun" and how it helped propel them to the next level, Stryker learned that Anna Sun is named after a professor Nicholas had in college.

 

Stryker asks Nicholas about Walk the Moon's first show in Los Angeles! He tells Stryker it was at the Bootleg and he called the audience "San Francisco"!

 

Stryker asks Nicholas about his time at Kenyon College and what his interests were at that time.

 

Nicholas discusses getting signed to a major label, RCA Records, and what the factors were that lead up to that.

 

Nicholas then talks about the Walk the Moon live performances and how his brain works creatively when writing songs.

 

Stryker and Nicholas have a chat about the first band they ever opened up for....Grouplove was the first and then it was Fitz and the Tantrums who Nicholas said changed their lives.

 

The guys talk about pressure or lack thereof when making the new album Heights and how the pandemic affected the entire process which included not being in the same room for much of the recording. 

 

Nicholas also shared that Meg Myers became one of his best friends.

 

Nicholas shares a very heartwarming and fun story about celebrating Thanksgiving this year with his Mom in an RV in SO CAL. 

 

Stryker asks Nicholas about his Father, this leads to a very emotional story about the loss of his Dad.

 

As the hangout comes to a close, Nicholas talks to Stryker about coming out in July of last year, what lead to that, and, how loving and supportive so many have been.

 

Nicholas is a smart, talented, caring and good guy, he and his band deserve all the success they have earned, sit back, relax, and enjoy another great episode of Tuna on Toast with Stryker. 

 

Tuna on Toast with Davey Havok AFI Blaqk Audio Dreamcar

In this episode, Ted Stryker welcomes Davey Havok to the Tuna On Toast studio to celebrate life and 30 years of AFI!  

For this episode, it's the Avocado on Toast studio :)

 

Stryker and Davey cover so much ground, from AFI, Blaqk Audio and Dreamcar, to funny late night Hollywood stories and a ton more! 

 

Davey tells Stryker how he injured his throat during quarantine, what the diagnosis eventually was, and how it's healed.

 

The guys talk about the big New Years Eve Blaqk Audio Show coming up and Davey actually surprises Stryker with his answer to the question about Blaqk Audio rehearsals (or lack thereof).  He explains how he and Jade Puget get ready for their BA shows.

 

Davey tells Stryker a great story of his Katy Perry encounter including a situation that went down at her show when Davey was rocking a beautiful raspberry red Marc Jacobs suit.

 

Davey then explains to Stryker why he constantly creates, where that passion comes from, and what album he received for his 5th birthday.

 

Davey discusses with Stryker growing up in Ukiah with guys like Adam Carson, Jade and Nic 13 and the life journey that took him there. 

 

Davey tells another great and funny story about the time he met Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in Hawaii. 

 

Davey and Stryker talk about when AFI moved to Berkeley, and the first time playing 924 Gilman Street and jumping on stage to play a few songs during a Rancid show. 

 

Stryker and Davey then discuss early AFI albums and what the legendary concert booker Stormy Shepherd told Davey when he asked her to book AFI. 

 

Both Stryker and Davey attempt to recall a night many years ago in Hollywood that involved supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio and the very fun Chambers Brothers. 

 

Davey talks about meeting with and signing to a major label and what that experience was like.

The guys chat about the All Hallow's EP, the Total Immortal video, The Art of Drowning, Sing the Sorrow and decemberunderground and what the avalanche of success was like. 

 

Davey and Stryker also chat about Dreamcar and the possibility of creating more music with Tony Kanal, Adrian Young and Tom Dumont. 

 

Davey reveals to Stryker his favorite AFI album and the guys talk about the upcoming AFI bodies tour. 

 

The new AFI merch (some designed by Skinhead Rob Aston) is fantastic, be on the lookout for the different releases to celebrate 30 years of AFI.

 

So much ground was covered, the above text are just a few of the highlights of the interview.

 

Davey is such a powerful and sweet man that has always stuck to his guns. 

 

He is a true artist and a great dude. Thank you so much for watching this episode of Tuna on Toast.....Avocado on Toast. 

Tuna on Toast with Bishop Briggs

In this episode, Stryker welcomes Bishop Briggs to the Tuna on Toast studio.

Bishop Briggs surprises Stryker by letting him and the world know she is engaged to Landon Jacobs from Sir Sly!  

This episode is filled with so much emotion! 

It starts out with Bishop Briggs talking about new music, the album is done, she's been working with Zakk Cervini!

Bishop Briggs talks about how tough the last year has been, the toughest anyone can imagine after losing her amazing sister Kate McLaughlin to cancer. Kate was so much more than just a sister as you will hear.  

Bishop talks about how this heartache does not match any other types of heartache. 

In this Bishop Briggs interview, Stryker asks about Bishop's move to Los Angeles at 17 years old, her time at The Musicians Institute, and her experience opening up for Coldplay before she had an album out! 

Bishop tells a very touching story of playing Red Rocks Amphitheater and having a spiritual experience especially during the song "Someone Else".

Bishop Briggs is beyond talented and strong.  She is also such a great person!

There is so much to take in! Sit back and enjoy, thanks for watching and supporting Tuna on Toast with Stryker.

Tuna on Toast with Lars Frederiksen Rancid

In this episode Ted Stryker welcomes punk rock legend Lars Frederiksen to the show. Stryker and Lars discuss Rancid, Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, U.K. Subs, and of course his new solo project "To Victory" and a whole lot more!

Lars talks about his last two non music jobs he had before he joined Rancid full time, and the day when Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman came to his work to ask how much money he needed to leave his current job. Lars discusses his childhood which includes how his Mom would take in punk rockers....she would let disenfranchised youths stay at their place and feed them..including Social Distortion way back in 1982. 

Stryker and Lars discuss his brand new project called "To Victory". Lars goes into detail on why he chose these songs for the EP and why he covered the KISS track called "Coming Home". Lars also reveals there will be 4 more EP's that will include original Lars Frederiksen music!

Lars and Stryker talk about Brett Gurewitz and what he has meant to Rancid and to Lars both professionally and personally. Lars discusses achieving a few bucket list items including playing the Oakland Coliseum, Saturday Night Live, and playing Madison Square Garden.

Lars also lists his top 5 wrestlers of all time, he answers the question.."do you watch Squid Game?" and has a great take on the TV show Curb Your Enthusiasm. Overall, this is a music education mixed with a great story of achievement and how sticking to your guns is always the way to go! Lars is smart, thoughtful, and super talented, sit back and enjoy another episode of Tuna on Toast with Stryker

Tuna on Toast with Palaye Royale

In this episode, Stryker welcomes Palaye Royale to the Tuna on Toast studio.  Emerson, Sebastian and Remington discuss all things past, present and future including revealing for the first time, the name of their upcoming 4th album, Fever Dream .

In this interview with Stryker, Palaye Royale talk about fighting amongst themselves, what lead to it, and how they have resolved the tension. 

The guys talk about playing early shows with Stone Sour and touring non stop city to city for very little money with no team behind them helping.  

Producer Chris Greatti has been extremely important in all ways.

The band also talks about what a tough decision it was to cancel their huge European tour, and instead tour with Yungblud.  Palaye Royale tell a great story about meeting Yungblud for the first time on Warped Tour and how he as a frontman influenced them.  

Remington tells the story of Dave Grohl approaching him after a performance and how much that meant to him. 

Stryker and Palaye Royale chat about how great and important their fans are.  And...how influential bands like Jet, Panic! At the Disco, Hanson, and INXS have been for them.  Palaye Royale also discuss their time under the Disney umbrella and what they learned all those years ago.

Palaye Royale have done an amazing job building their career on blood, sweat and tears, one show at a time and one new fan at a time. Also, huge kudos to their wonderful Mom Stephanie.  

There is so much to take in!  Sit back and enjoy, thanks for listening and supporting Tuna on Toast with Stryker. 

Tuna on Toast with Dave Gahan

Ted Stryker welcomes to Tuna on Toast, one of the greatest frontman and songwriters of all time, Dave Gahan.

The episodes begins with Stryker telling the story of how this interview almost never happened as a result of Stryker not having his glasses on and misreading an email.

When Dave joins the episode, he reveals to Stryker that he loves Seinfeld and watched and watches quite often when he's not on the road (Depeche Mode or Soulsavers).

Dave reveals why he chose the 12 songs on the Imposter album to cover and the pressure to do the original artists justice.  Dave talks about Mark Lanegan's reaction in particular. 

Dave and Stryker talk about the process of recording these songs in Malibu at Rick Rubin's beautiful Shangri-La Studios, Dave tells Stryker it's the first time that the Soulsavers have ever recorded an album in the same room.

Stryker asks Dave about potentially performing these 12 songs live, "yes" is what Dave says, live shows are coming our way! 

Dave talks about his enthusiasm for recording and singing these songs as well as is overall excitement mixed with a couple nerves to release them all to the public.   He tell Stryker that this process to record Imposter started before the pandemic.

Stryker asks Dave if he watches the Netflix hit show Squid Game :)

This quick but fun chat ends with Stryker congratulating Dave on Depeche Modes induction into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

Dave Gahan is better than ever, he's smart, charming and overall just an electric dude! 

Good vibes all around! 

 

Tuna on Toast with M. Shadows Avenged Sevenfold

M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold joins Ted Stryker for another episode of Tuna on Toast.  It starts with M. calling Stryker on his way to the house to let him know that he's 5 minutes away.  In this interview, M. Shadows discusses the early days of Avenged Sevenfold, including playing the Warped Tour and creating the very famous Deathbat logo.  M. talks about how much an influence Southern California was on their music.

M. Shadows also shares the great story of meeting their manager many many years ago at The Rainbow in Hollywood and how early on, Avenged didn't want a manager. 

The guys do a deep dive on the brand new just announced Death Bats Club and what that means for the band and fans around the globe.   

Stryker asks M. Shadows about new Avenged Sevenfold music and when we could possibly hear it, AND, when will there be Avenged Sevenfold shows!?

Stryker asks about the City of Evil album and how the band went next level.  M. shares a story of how Good Charlotte helped the band..it's a wild story! 

Stryker and M. Shadows also have a really nice moment talking about the late great Jimmy Sullivan aka The Rev. 

This pod flies by, M. Shadows is a kind, selfless and cool dude who is also a super duper rock star! Thanks for listening!