Sonic Dorms

No rehearsed press-junket scripts. No glossy PR talking points.

For this episode of Sonic Dorms, we're tearing down the studio walls and stepping directly into the room with (up & coming) alt-pop artist Sarah Krimson.

Sarah brings an unfiltered edge to her songs that is refreshing to hear in today's musical landscape... this is a completely raw, unfiltered & unedited conversation about craftsmanship, sonic spaces & the grit it takes to go all-in on your own craft.

From my Sonic Dorm to yours... step inside the room & press play.

Marco Pirroni is one of those rare guitarists and songwriters whose influence can be felt far beyond the records themselves. Emerging from the earliest wave of London punk, he first appeared onstage with Siouxsie and the Banshees at their debut performance at the 100 Club Punk Festival in 1976, then went on to help shape the sound of Rema-Rema before becoming Adam Ant’s defining guitarist and chief co-writer across multiple eras.

 What made Marco so singular was the way he fused raw punk attack with a more melodic, theatrical glamour — a guitar voice that felt dangerous, stylish, and insta...

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Des Barres to explore the legacy of The Power Station as the band’s 40th anniversary deluxe edition is released via Rhino Records.

We talk about the rare chemistry that brought together Robert Palmer, Chic drummer Tony Thompson, and Duran Duran’s John and Andy Taylor — a true supergroup that fused rock, pop, funk, with a sublime swagger.

Michael reflects on his key role in the band’s live history, stepping in as frontman for The Power Station’s performances after Palmer cho...

From my Sonic Dorm to yours… 🎶🚪🎶

I had the pleasure of welcoming Leah Martin-Brown back to Sonic Dorms — this time to celebrate her powerful solo debut album, Love & Other Crimes, now available across all streaming platforms.

Discovered through my deep admiration for the legendary producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, Leah has helped craft an album that fuses rock grit with super-pop grandeur — a high-octane, emotionally charged collection that proves both timeless & fresh; ear-candy through & through. Alongside collaborators Tony Nilsson and Tommy Deander, she’s created a...

From my Sonic Dorm to Yours…

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I reconnect with Whitney Tai — an artist whose music continues to defy boundaries and evolve with fearless honesty.

Her brand-new album, American Wasteland, marks a bold new chapter: an emotionally charged, cinematic work that captures the tension between beauty and chaos, resilience & ruin.

In our conversation, Whitney opens up about the stories behind American Wasteland, the creative rebirth that shaped it, and how her sound has transformed since our last talk.

Step back into...

From my Sonic Dorm to Yours…

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I sit down with Joan Starwind — a rising artist who’s truly doing it all. From writing, producing, & engineering her music, to even directing and shooting her own music videos, Joan is building an entire universe from the ground up.

Her debut EP The Stardust Soul (released in May) showcases that vision: a cosmic yet deeply personal journey that blends raw emotion with interstellar imagery & a Rock 'n' Roll attitude. 

In our conversation, Joan opens up about her creative process...

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I’m joined by fearless singer / songwriter Kalie Shorr — an artist whose sharp, no-nonsense lyrics & emotionally direct delivery have made her one of the most exciting voices in music today. Ever since her debut, Kalie’s work has stood out for its honesty, wit, & unfiltered perspective. 

With her brand-new EP My Type out now on all streaming platforms, she continues to evolve with songs that balance vulnerability & strength in equal measure. In our conversation, Kalie opens up about her creative process, her growth as a writer, and the personal truths that fuel he...

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I sit down with bassist and singer/songwriter Julia Lage (Vixen) for an intimate conversation about her artistry, creative process, & the music that has shaped her journey.

We dive into her experiences navigating the music world, the inspiration behind her songs, and the heartfelt perspective she brings to every performance. 

Tune in for an enlightening discussion with one of today’s most inspiring musicians, someone who truly speaks straight from the heart.

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I’m joined by the immensely gifted vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Pete Shoulder — known for his work with The Union, Winterville, and now, as one half of the stunning new project One More Satellite, alongside Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots. In this conversation, Pete opens up about the creative process behind the band’s debut album — a richly textured & emotionally resonant collaboration that pushes both artists into familiar yet bold new territory. 

We explore the vibrant synergy between Pete’s soulful, introspective songwriting & Dean’s iconic, exploratory guitar work, resulting in one of the...

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, we’re joined by the incredibly talented independent artist Ciel Gloss, whose sound is steeped in the shimmering textures of ‘80s New Wave while still feeling current. It was a true pleasure diving into her creative process, learning more about her backstory, and uncovering what fuels her artistic drive in today’s ever-evolving musical landscape.

Tune in for a conversation that celebrates nostalgia, individuality, & the bold pursuit of sonic identity in the modern era.

From my Sonic Dorm to yours… I’m beyond excited to welcome back the incredibly talented Dani Hagan for her long-awaited return—three years after our first conversation! This time, we dive into her brand-new EP, Deeper, and talk about her creative process, artistic evolution, and the emotions fueling her songwriting.

It’s an insightful & inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, I’m joined by the incredibly talented producer and photographer Rocco Guarino. With a career spanning decades, Rocco has worked with some of the most iconic names in music—Elton John, Juliette Lewis, Scott Weiland, and members of Weezer, Pearl Jam, Guns N’ Roses, and Velvet Revolver, just to name a few.

We dive deep into his journey as a creative force, from capturing legendary artists through his lens to shaping sound behind the boards. Rocco shares fascinating insights on collaboration, the ever-evolving music industry, and the magic of raw artistic expres...

In this very special episode of Sonic Dorms, I am thrilled to welcome renowned music producer and engineer Stephen W Tayler. With an impressive portfolio that includes landmark projects such as Rush's "Presto", SAGA's "Worlds Apart", the first 4 albums by The FIXX and "The Other Side of the Mirror" by Stevie Nicks!

Stephen brings a wealth of experience & insight into the music industry. Join us as we explore his creative process & the stories behind these iconic recordings.

Host Max Davallo welcomes first-time guest & absolute legend in the hard rock world: Don Dokken to the show to share some fascinating & inspiring stories from his incredible history & how it all ties into the songs crafted for the new Dokken album: "Heaven Comes Down".

Now available on all streaming platforms!

► Check out DOKKEN
Website: https://dokken.net/

Welcome returning guest/guitarist Harrison Marcello, & lead vocalist Zach Allen of TEMPT, who join in to talk about all the hard work that went into crafting their new album (available now!). This is a band that have truly proven themselves to know their way around an explosive hook, melodies, songwriting, and stunning guitar-work all around; successfully crossing over strong pop-infused sweetness with hard rock edge & flair.

► Check out TEMPT
Website: https://www.temptband.com/

On this electrifying episode of Sonic Dorms, host Max Davallo proudly presents the sensational singer/songwriter Robin Taylor Zander as he graces the show. Prepare to be blown away as we delve deep into his momentous debut LP: "The Distance" and uncover the very essence of what fuels his artistic brilliance, not to mention his unforgettable experiences while collaborating with the iconic Cheap Trick.

► Check out Robin Taylor Zander
Website: http://robintaylorzander.com/

LISTEN! As host Max Davallo welcomes back lead vocalist Peter Summit of Las Vegas, Nevada Rockers: Crashing Wayward to discuss their stunning debut "LISTEN!", an album with well-crafted songs from top-to-bottom.

► Crashing Wayward
Website: https://crashingwayward.com/

Welcome the one & only Michael Wilton, guitarist & founding member of progressive metal titans Queensrÿche to Sonic Dorms!

Michael shares stories on his earliest days as an aspiring musician, opening for DIO, and the incredibly well-received latest Queensrÿche album: "Digital Noise Alliance".

► Check out Queensrÿche
Website: http://www.queensrycheofficial.com/

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, host Max Davallo welcomes first-time guest: the incredibly rocking Lorraine Lewis, current vocalist of 80s rockers: Vixen and known for her past as the front-woman of Femme Fatale. 

During this fantastic in-depth chat: Lorraine gets into her musical upbringing, taking risks to pursue her Rock 'n' Roll dream, and the honor of fronting Vixen, amongst other things!

On this episode, host Max Davallo welcomes back the immaculate Charlie Risso to the show to discuss her new EP: "The Light", which contains her most refined collection of songs yet.

► Check out Charlie Risso
Website: https://www.charlierisso.com/
"The Light" - Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puZH4...

Welcome fledging singer/songwriter Whitney Tai to Sonic Dorms, to discuss the transcendental effect music has on her, the art of the album listening experience, as well as her collaboration with Chuck Wright (of Quiet Riot fame) on his recently released solo album "Chuck Wright's Sheltering Sky".

Whitney's journey as an artist is no doubt one to inspire those wanting to follow their dreams.

► Check out Whitney Tai
Website: https://www.whitneytaimusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyTaiMu...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitneytai/...

We're pleased to welcome another quality independent musician on the rise: Cody Brooks to Sonic Dorms.

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Cody brings to mind the raw electric guitar chaos of legends like Robert Johnson and Jack White . Vocally he channels a similar gruffness to Tom Waits , while delivering his streetwise poetry.

During our chat, we get into the desire to continue to seek out artists with a raw human element to their music, Cody's own musical journey and the influences that pour into his work.

His new album, titled: "First World Problems" is...

On this incredibly exciting episode of Sonic Dorms, host Max Davallo welcomes first time guest: dUg Pinnick of King's X !

dUg is currently promoting the first King's X album in fourteen years, titled: "Three Sides of One", and during the conversation dUg discusses the journey towards crafting this top-tier album as well as his early days discovering the moving magic of music, alongside other incredibly interesting insights on what drives his spirit.

► Check out King's X
Website: https://www.kingsxrocks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KingsXofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ki...

One of the all time greatest vocalist/frontmen: Michael Sadler of legendary cult Progressive Rock band SAGA joins host Max Davallo on this incredibly noteworthy episode to talk about his inspiring lifelong career in music & what it takes to stay in the game.


► Check out SAGA
Website: https://sagagen.com/
SAGA 40th anniversary album Reissues: https://www.ear-music.net/sagareissues/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAGAgeneration
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saga_band/?...

► Check out Progject
Website: https://www.progject.com/main/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/35826...
...

Host of Sonic Dorms, Max Davallo proudly welcomes lead vocalist of Romeo's Daughter: Leigh Matty to the show to discuss the impact music had on her at an early age, her time collaborating with legendary producer/songwriter Robert John "Mutt" Lange, as well as the upcoming new album from Romeo's Daughter.

Formed in the mid-80s, Romeo's Daughter was one of many bands that should've been huge, as they had the perfect combination of elements at their disposal.

To this very day, their debut album (released in 1988) is a hidden gem that continues to sound...

We proudly welcome first time guest: singer/songwriter Dani Hagan to Sonic Dorms.

Without a doubt, Dani Hagan is a vital part of the LA music scene. She spent many years honing her craft, while gigging at famed LA venues, such as The Viper Room, Molly Malone's, The Mint, and others.

What's immediately striking about Dani Hagan's songwriting is its concise focus on telling a singular narrative with incredibly dynamite vocals that sell the story being told, word for word.

During the discussion between Max & Dani, they discuss her origin story, varied approach...

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, we welcome back independent singer/songwriter Dandelyin, but this time she's joined by underground hip hop artist Xavi Suede, who together have collaborated on a series of alternative/hip hop singles that really pop!

On this episode, we welcome first time guest Paul Taylor, well known as an accomplished guitarist/keyboardist who has worked with countless artists as a composer & musician over the decades, most famously with Winger.

During our conversation, we deep dive into some stories about Paul Taylor's early days working with Alice Cooper (in the mid '80s), the beginnings of his collaborations with Kip Winger, as well as his time working with the immaculate Steve Perry.

We also briefly discuss his recent time working with Dave Sabo & Rachel Bolan (of Skid Row) on their new...

In this episode, we welcome first time guest: iconic music journalist & curator Larry Flick (Billboard/Sirius XM/Vero) to Sonic Dorms! Join us as we discuss his gateway into being an incredibly passionate tastemaker for various types of music, his inspiring journey into music journalism (working as a single reviewer and Senior Talent Editor for Billboard Magazine) as well as his recent VERO True Social show #LetsTalkMusic, where he invites various artists to openly discuss their multifaceted outlooks in the wide-world of music.

► Check out Larry Flick & #LetsTalkMusic
Official website: https://vero.co/veromusic
Facebook: ht...

In this episode, we welcome back spellbinding singer/songwriter Maiah Wynne to Sonic Dorms! Join us as we discuss her incredibly exciting & sonically enriching project in collaboration with legendary guitarist Alex Lifeson (of Rush), bassist Andy Curran, and guitarist/producer Alfio Annibalini, simply known as "Envy of None".

► Check out Envy of None
Official website: https://envyofnone.com/
Look Inside - Official Music Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QF-lf...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/envyofnone_...

► Check out Maiah Wynne
Official Website: https://www.maiahwynne.com/
Instagram: https://www...

In light of Jazz appreciation month, today is a better day thanks to our very special guest: Jazz guitar legend Norman Brown!

The Grammy award winning artist himself discusses what sparked his immense commitment to the divine power of music, as well as his latest work from the heart: "Let's Get Away" ! (new album, available now on all streaming services).

► Check out Norman Brown
Official website: https://www.normanbrown.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normanticmusic/?hl=en

On this very special episode of Sonic Dorms, we're featuring our very first representative of Jazz/Black-American Music with multi-instrumentalist/producer Masha Davey! She's an absolute prodigy, and a modern day Quincy Jones in the making that we are beyond elated to have on the show. 

Her debut EP "Into the Night" is now available for your listening pleasure on all streaming services.

► Check out Masha Davey
https://mashajdavey.com/

It is our pleasure to welcome first-time guests Mel Medina & Paul Kirk of Mel Machete! Straight out of Richmond, Virginia-- they're delivering Rock 'n' Roll spun out of their very own influences in mid-70s Glam & punk, when Hard Rock music was written & performed with grit & glamour!

On this episode, we discuss their origin story, musical influences, & mission statement.

► Check out Mel Machete
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melmachete/...

On this episode, we welcome first-time guest Viji to the show to discuss what influences the confessional & open-ended Alternative-pop music she creates in spades, as well as her upcoming EP 'Cali', out March 11th via Dirty Hit.

► Check out Viji
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vijiwater/?...
Mercy (Music Video) - Single:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDLgD...

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, we welcome underground punk rock duo "Atheena" to the show, to discuss the fierce Chicago punk scene that they are surrounded by, their musical roots as well as what drives their need to make music in the current landscape.

► Check out Atheena
Bandcamp: https://atheena.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareatheena/

For our 50th episode, we welcome vocalist Biff Byford of the incredibly influential legacy metal band SAXON to the show to discuss some of their history (as leaders of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal in the late 70s/early 80s), as well as their stellar new album, titled "Carpe Diem" (available worldwide February 4th).


► Check out SAXON
Website: https://www.saxon747.com/

Join co-host of Sonic Dorms, Max as he welcomes first time guest: Peter Summit of the band Crashing Wayward to the show. 

Based out of Las Vegas, Nevada: Crashing Wayward are an up & coming alternative hard rock band who show a lot of promise through their hooks, songwriting and immediacy, which include soaring vocals that encapsulate the positive lyrical messages of their songs.

During the episode we run through Peter Summit's musical origin story, his love of The Cult's seminal  "Electric" album,  and lots more.

► Check out Crashing Wayward
Instagram: https://www.insta...

Join co-host of Sonic Dorms, Max Davallo as he welcomes first time guest DJ and music curator Hesta Prynn to the show. Based out of New York City, Hesta Prynn is everything you could ever want out of a trusted ear with an incredibly eclectic taste for music. She's had a well-respected career which ranges from her involvement in the hip hop/indie rock group Northern State ( in which she worked with music legends such as Adam Horovitz and DJ Muggs, amongst others) to her recent creative endeavors as a Air Host on SIRIUSXM Radio.

During the...

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, we welcome back Kelsi of "The Darkroom Mixtape"  to the show for our 2021 Wrap-Up Special, where we discuss our favorite music memories of the year: including our favorite albums, the shows we were fortunate to attend and more!


*For all fans of alternative/darkwave/post-punk/new wave: Join host Kelsi every Thursday at 10am/10pm EST.*

Listen for free!

https://live365.com/station/The-Jukebox-Graduate-a45215

► Check out "The Darkroom Mixtape"
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarkroommixtape
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarkroommixtape/

On this episode of Sonic Dorms, we welcome Kelsi of "The Darkroom Mixtape"  to the show, to discuss her well-crafted alternative/dark-wave internet radio show, the origin story to her major admiration for music, as well as the passion she has for her favorite all-time band Depeche Mode.


*For all fans of alternative/darkwave/post-punk/new wave: Join host Kelsi every Thursday at 10am/0pm Eastern.*

Listen for free!

https://live365.com/station/The-Jukebox-Graduate-a45215

► Check out "The Darkroom Mixtape"
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedarkroommixtape
Instagram: https://www...