For Songs - Episodes Tagged with “Punkrock”

Episode 81: A Return Conversation with James Fearnley of the Pogues, Walker Roaders

Rob Thormeyer — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 15:45:00 -0400

“What’s missing…is Shane.” Buckle up for a special episode of For Songs Singles! In this episode, James Fearnley, original accordion player for the legendary Irish/English punk band the Pogues, returns to talk about the band’s recent run of reunion shows celebrating the 40th anniversaries of their first two records, Red Roses for Me and Rum Sodomy and the Lash. Together with founding Pogues members Spider Stacy and Jem Finer, the trio is leading an ensemble production across the globe reimagining the fire and spirit of those heady early days. James talks about how this effort came together and what it’s like giving these old songs new life. We wrap up with an in-depth discussion about his new band the Walker Roaders’ blistering latest single Singing School, released in late 2025. So go grab a pint and listen in!

Episode 72: A Return Conversation with Peter Argyropoulos of Sons of Silver

Rob Thormeyer — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0500

If you are looking for an album so definitive of our times—an album that exquisitely captures the chaos, the churn, the despair, and ultimately the hope of our world—look no further: LA-based Sons of Silver’s newest release Runaway Emotions is absolutely the one. Lead singer/songwriter Peter Argyropoulos has always been a bit of a soothsayer, as the band’s first two EPs so clearly demonstrated. On Runaway Emotions, however, he takes it to a new level. In this episode, Peter joins me again to detail Runaway Emotions, his hopes and fears for the band and world, and so much more. We focus on four songs in particular—Running Out of Words, Nobody Minds, Hold Tight, and Friends. The album is rough, edgy, abrasive, yet tender. We dish on the state of the world, the music industry, and, of all things, wine. Check out this interview, then check them out on tour! Buckle up, ‘cause this one’s a doozy!

Episode 70: For Songs Singles! Speedway, The Scarlet Goodbye

Rob Thormeyer — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Buckle up everyone—it’s milestone time! This episode of For Songs is the nice, big, round number of 70! That’s right, 7-0! And helping me celebrate is the most popular guest I’ve had—Minneapolis singer/songwriter/guitarist Dan Murphy. A co-founding member of one of Minnesota’s biggest rock band Soul Asylum, Dan is making his third appearance on the show. In this episode of For Songs Singles, Dan discusses the first single from his new band’s forthcoming album. The song is Speedway, the band is the Scarlet Goodbye, and the album is El Camino Adios, set for release in January. The band’s second album, El Camino Adios marks a departure of sorts for Dan and his songwriting partner Jeff Arundel. As exemplified by the undeniably catchy Speedway, El Camino Adios is a character/story driven album, inspired by everyday life in rural America. Dan talks how he and Jeff approached the album and made a conscious effort to evoke stories and write outside the first person. Dan also details how a few years of playing live together brought a greater cohesion to the songs. So sit back, crack a beer, and enjoy Dan’s third appearance on the show!

Episode 67: For Songs Singles! Find Your Way, Tim Easton

Rob Thormeyer — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Some folks are just a natural for this show. Nashville-based veteran singer/songwriter Tim Easton certainly fits the bill. A renowned tunesmith, Easton has lived a quintessential troubadour life—busking in Europe and living in L.A., New York, and many places in between. Now calling Nashville home, Tim is back with a new album Find Your Way. Tim’s solo work dates back to the late 90s, back when the major labels bet big that so-called alt.country or Americana would be the next thing. In this episode of For Songs Singles, Tim talks about how those big bets never paid off. We cover quite a bit here, but mostly we discuss the first single from the album, the ethereal title track Find Your Way. The song deals with a life-changing near-miss traffic incident, caused by Tim being a bit under the influence. Tim opens up about how the incident caused him to reevaluate his lifestyle. We also discuss his career and influences, and long-time listeners of this show will appreciate Tim’s love of both the Clash and Johnny Cash, the Louvin Brothers and Elvis Costello. So sit back and enjoy as Tim Easton joins me for For Songs.

Episode 62: A Conversation with James Fearnley

Rob Thormeyer — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0500

Thirty years ago, I popped in If I Should Fall From Grace with God by the London-Irish punk band the Pogues, and my life changed forever. I was 17, socially awkward, and a bit of a loner, but discovering the Pogues opened a whole world for me. Finding their brand of traditional Irish music blended with punk rock was like discovering a new home—comfortable yet dangerous, familiar yet mysterious. So it is such a tremendous honor to welcome Pogues founding member and accordion player James Fearnley to For Songs. James, hailing from outside Manchester, England, joined the band at the beginning, enlisted because if he could play the piano, surely he could play the accordion. I spoke with James via Zoom from his L.A. home. We tackle a few obligatory Pogues questions but spend most of our time discussing James’ latest venture, The Walker Roaders. The Walker Roaders, which released their first record in August 2019, are a Celtic punk supergroup, featuring not only James from the Pogues, but Ted Hutt from Flogging Molly and Marc Orrell from the Dropkick Murphys. We talk about the band’s songwriting prowess, lessons James has picked up from being around amazing artists like Shane MacGowan, Jem Finer, Joe Strummer, among others. Yeah, you’re gonna wanna listen to this one. So sit back, grab a pint (or two) and welcome James Fearnley to For Songs.

Episode 53: A Return Conversation with Lisset Diaz of the Sweet Lizzy Project

Rob Thormeyer — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 16:00:00 -0500

If you love music, if music changed your life, if music made you feel things you’ve never felt before, then this is the interview for you. Joining me once again is Lisset Diaz of the Cuban-by-way-of-Nashville-based Sweet Lizzy Project. We discuss the band’s newest and long-awaited album Pirate Radio/Radio Pirata. Simply stated, this is album for the ages. Pirate Radio is a concept album that traces the life and consequences of a fictional character in Cuba who goes to great lengths to listen to rock and roll music. In doing so, this character becomes almost an accidental prophet of sorts and at the end faces a life-or-death decision. While loosely based on their own story, Pirate Radio is, sadly, the story of all too many Cubans. We talk about four songs from the record—Pirate Radio, Black Water, Slip Away, and Shake the Walls. Like the album itself, this is an as emotional, powerful interview. Lisset opens up about the pressures and stresses she felt in writing and recording Pirate Radio, along with the consequences she and her band may face for simply sharing their beliefs. My only hope is that this interview does justice to their cause, so please sit back, buckle up, and welcome Lisset Diaz back to For Songs.

Episode 48: Another Conversation with Peter Argyropoulos of Sons of Silver

Rob Thormeyer — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 18:00:00 -0400

Peter Argyropoulos has a way with words. The lead singer/songwriter of the LA-based hard-rock band Sons of Silver has his finger on the pulse on what’s happening across the country and, indeed, the world. On his band’s debut EP Doomsday Noises, he presaged the pandemic, the social unrest, and the decaying fabric of society that has been our existence the last two years. Now, a year and half later, the band is back with a blistering follow-up EP called Ordinary Sex Appeal. In this five-song set, Peter and the band capture the angst, divisions, and frustrations that seem to be a part of our everyday lives. But there’s also a little hope included, if you listen closely. Peter joins me for the third time to discuss the new EP, when/how it was recorded, the magic of drummer Dave Kruzen’s playing, and much much more. As much as this is a commentary on society, this interview is also a clear love letter to the power of music. So sit back, get on your thinking caps, and welcome Peter Argyropoulos back to For Songs.

Episode 44: Another Conversation with The Pug--Talking the Clash, Joe Strummer, Big Audio Dynamite & Much More!

Rob Thormeyer — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 14:00:00 -0400

It’s been a rough two years, to say the least. Music is one of the few things keeping us together, and for some of us, The Clash have been doing the heavy lifting. In this unique episode, Tony from the Pug joins me for an enthralling conversation about music, the Clash, and so much more. The general theme of this conversation is as follows: What Big Audio Dynamite/Joe Strummer solo songs would’ve been great Clash songs? We tried to put in some ground rules, but those quickly went out the door. Aside from the Clash we talk about Poguetry, go-go music, cow punk, ska, and you name it. So rather than sum it up, it’s better if you just listen in. And join us online for an ongoing conversation! What songs would you pick? Ping us on Twitter--@thepugdc & @forsongs2!