Strung Out

Hosted by Martin McCormack

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Episodes

271

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to STRUNG OUT. The show is an eclectic mix of topics ranging from music, to art, to themes of the day to the supernatural to how to better this world we live in. If you like interesting conversation, along with some original music, we got your back. Martin McCormack resides in Chicago. He is known not only for his music, but for his writing and artwork. McCormack's entire catalogue of works can be viewed at www.MartinMcCormack.com. You can also see McCormack's involvement in the duo Switchback by visiting the website www.waygoodmusic.com.

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60 recent

May 31, 20261 hr 28 min

Strung Out Episode 270: THE PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY-An Interview with Molly Lenz

Send us Fan MailMolly Lenz grew up in Rogers Park, Chicago and from early on, her ambition was to be involved in music. That passion resulted in a career as a DJ for a station in New Jersey, where she met her husband, who had of all things, a record store. Molly was able to curate her own tunes there at the station, bringing listeners unheard of musicians who were not mainstream. The record store literally a gathering place of new artists and the occasional live performance. After her husband's passing, Molly channeled her grief by having a concert in her New Jersey home. The community that developed, along with the amazing shows made her understand that it was presenting concerts that best represented her ability to promote bands she loved, while giving those bands an audience that trusted her musical tastes. Lenz decided to return back to Illinois and brought along her house concert, Molly's House Concerts to Lincolnwood, a few miles down the road from her old Chicago stomping grounds. There she refined her talent for finding independent audiences and matching them with an audience intent on listening and being part of the evening and not just observers. That was key in the success of her concerts, which has led to an amazing 18 major shows a year. It also highlights the importance to the independent music community of having a venue like Molly's---a place that was free of the control that bigger venues exert on musicians, and a place where an audience could pay for energetic music, given up close and with intention. House Concerts, like Molly's are the "keystone" of the independent music scene. No one is there to get rich, except in Joy and celebration of live, independent music. It is no wonder that such venues are often in the crosshairs of the music industry, looking for ways to extract money from independent artists and independent audiences. This is the first of a two part series in which the community can learn from Molly's experiences in running a house concert and how to create independent concert venues for the benefit of player and audience alike. Her website is www.mollyshouseconcerts.comSupport the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

May 16, 202651 min

Episode 269: “Every Song’s a Little Different." HOW JAMES WEIGEL SERVES THE MUSE

Send us Fan MailJames Weigel is a journeyman musician. He devotes much of his time working at the local music shop, Flatts and Sharpe, teaching students on a variety of instruments. He then also spends a great deal of time performing for various venues throughout Chicago. These venues range from the local watering hole to more listening friendly rooms. Those lucky enough to be able to listen to Weigel's songs will be struck by the thorough work he puts into each word he chooses for a lyrical phrase. Not trying to be clever, but done with a sincere outlook on his path in life and his own observations of the world he lives in. Inspired by other great songwriters, like Willie Nelson and Woody Guthrie, Weigel's songs have that beautiful weight of words in every line. Those words are straightforward and simple, but in total create a song that can pack an emotional and thought-provoking punch. Like many independent singer-songwriters, Weigel has almost an aversion to the notion of pursuing fame and notoriety. He instead seeks out playing for those willing to listen to his words and songcraft. In this interview, Weigel touches on how he goes about creating songs and how his melodies can be first or last depending on the situation. Great insight and advice from someone who is naturally a performer and, lucky enough for students in Chicago, naturally a teacher. His websites are: https://www.ensembleschools.com/flatts-and-sharpe/staff/james-weigel/https://www.facebook.com/JamesWeigelUnderTheFloorboardsMusic/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

May 3, 202657 min

Strung Out Episode 268: JAMES WEIGEL'S NEIGHBORHOOD

Send us Fan MailWhen James Weigel left his home in Metamora, Illinois for Chicago, he brought along his central Illinois, no-nonsense rural outlook on life and choosing a musical path. Central Illinois is rich in great musical traditions--from REO Speedwagon to Alison Krauss to the late Dan Fogelberg. Weigel draws from that tradition and has made a home for himself up north, while keeping that downstate sense of steadfast determination to make his music work for him. An avid player of many stringed instruments, Weigel by day can be found at the northside musical temple of Flatts and Sharpe (where Martin bought his first bass guitar) providing lessons, participating in occasional sessions and having a finger on the pulse of the local performing venues. His network of venues varies from the local watering holes to listening rooms. Weigel's songs are also varied for the occasion, fitting easily into the neighborhood setting without compromising any of his integrity. The result is a man who can travel but chooses to make his neighborhood his castle keep for his musical ambitions. Excellent song crafting and musicianship guarantees that this farm boy from Metamora is not casting his musical pearls to any swine any time soon.Learn more about James by visiting:https://www.ensembleschools.com/flatts-and-sharpe/staff/james-weigel/https://www.facebook.com/JamesWeigelUnderTheFloorboardsMusic/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

April 19, 20261 hr 1 min

Episode 267: To Build the Temple-the Creative Destruction of Justin Gillam

Send us Fan MailJustin Gillam is a member of the Chicago area-based Americana band, the Mudflapps. He also studied literature and is an avid painter. He is also a brilliant solo artist and lyricist. Gillam's lyrics are about the human condition--the idea that to build something beautiful and worthwhile also requires a willingness to destroy what is there. In other words, creativity is not just about creating, but destruction of that which inhibits growth and expression. Gillam's own personal life serves as a model. His songs have a lot to do with vulnerability, lost loves, death of loves. But he is not a morose human being. Far from it. He surveys life with a cautious, but whimsical eye. His story of spending $90 to see Kris Christopherson and Merle Haggard perform for 45 minutes is both funny, but insightful. He may have been cheated on the show, but he was able to ingest the depth and songwriting sincerity of both of his idols during that brief concert. Gillam is a damn fine songwriter in the way he brings honesty and uniqueness to his songs. He is an excellent model to study and many more temples are out there to build and destroy. His website is www.justingillam.com.https://www.themudflapps.com/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

March 29, 20261 hr 7 min

Strung Out Episode 266: THIS IS ME, I SWEAR-JUSTIN GILLAM

Send us Fan MailEvery so often, one comes across a person who is "the real thing" living an authentic life, with little regard to fame, fortune, family or even food for that matter. Enter Justin Gillam, a person who lives for his passion, creating music that is raw, honest and blunt. There is no clever wording, no symbolism hidden behind a word. Gillam writes from his heart, from his experience of loves won and lost, alcohol, being in a band and being a loner. He represents the far outlier of Americana music, the real musical frontiersman, creating songs with no expectation other than to get the song off his chest. A refreshing lyricist and no-frills deliveryman of sound on a duct-taped guitar, Gillam is the real deal. www.justingillam.com. Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

March 15, 202657 min

Strung Out Episode 265: BARRETT TASKY WRITES AGAIN

Send us Fan MailBarrett Tasky is one of those rare gems you discover right in your back yard. Tasky has an amazing broad base of music, recording and performance that culminates in his latest project, Barrett's Hidden Agenda. The man literally plays a multitude of instruments. His studio has everything from a standup bass to a Hammond B3. He is adept at mandolin, guitar, saxophone---the list goes on. Tasky writes songs in the Americana vein of songwriting. His style is personal and inspirational. In this episode Tasky lifts the curtain on his writing routine. We get to discover how he creates through the use of self-imposed deadlines. Even a wonderful idea surrounding the creation of a song in celebration of his birthday. Thoughtful, funny and inspirational, Barrett Tasky is a good person for any aspiring songwriter to study and also reach out to for advice. https://www.barrettshiddenagenda.com/https://thebarbandbarrettshow.com/https://superheroaudio.com/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

March 1, 20261 hr 3 min

Strung Out Episode 264: A PYRAMID OF BARRETT-THE MUSIC OF BARRET TASKY

Send us Fan MailBarrett Tasky is one of those rare gems you discover right in your back yard. This episode title (based on a comment of Barrett's) is accurate in that, like a pyramid of Egypt, Tasky has an amazing broad base of music, recording and performance that culminates in his latest project, Barrett's Hidden Agenda. The man literally plays a multitude of instruments. His studio has everything from a standup bass to a Hammond B3. He is adept at mandolin, guitar, saxophone---the list goes on. Tasky writes songs in the American vein of songwriting. His style is personal and inspirational. "When you are looking down, that's when you know you are flying" is just one of the great lyrics people will be able to delight to when listening to this interview. He is a true craftsman in more than one way. Not only performing music in various groups, including a duo with his wife Barb, but keeping "an ace in the pocket" with running a woodworking business (http://thewoodwizzard.com) handed down to him by his father. Creative and challenging work for anyone who has had a beloved piece of furniture refinished or reupholstered. You want the right sort of artist in charge. Tasky takes that tradition and applies it to all of his musical endeavors, including working with the founders of the Steel Bridge musical group in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Like a pyramid, Tasky has a lot of secret chambers, hidden halls and is a great artist to discover. And just like Howard Carter looking in on Tutankhamen's tomb for the first time, you are going to be treated to some "wondrous things!" https://www.barrettshiddenagenda.com/https://thebarbandbarrettshow.com/https://superheroaudio.com/Support the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

February 15, 202654 min

Strung Out Episode 263: A MAGICAL BEAST-HERSHYL EDWARD'S CREATIVE PROCESS

Send us Fan MailTake a drum teacher, add songwriting, arranging and divide between an eclectic marching band and a duo that does looping, bass lines vocally and rocks as full band would. Keeping true to the beat of his drum, Hershyl Edwards is a powerhouse, performing with Macca Pazza, whose Wikipedia page describes as "an interdisciplinary instrumental music and performance ensemble." As part of a group that can number 30 players, Edwards has written pieces for the group, such as "Stupid Icarus" that flares with energy drums, vocal bass, loops, vox and Jesse Crydeman playing guitar, loops, and vox as well. It is a rich auditory concoction that explores different genres of music and sound. Both groups perform regularly in Chicago and throughout the world. But there's also Edwards the instructor, mentoring students as he himself had been mentored at the University of Illinois. He teaches at Musical Expressions of Naperville on the kit as well as instruction in voice. This first interview delves into his background, growing up and how he ended up pursuing a musical path. Another strong example that independent musicians can create their journey, make a living from it and deserve recognition and respect for being artisans in a world (especially in the US) that dismisses such ingenuity. In this second interview, Edwards talks about how he goes about writing his music. He reveals the various methods of capturing melody, as well as lyric writing. These skills are also passed along to the students he teaches. For Edward's teaching, go to:https://www.ensembleschools.com/musicalexpressions/staff/hershyl-edwards/ https://www.facebook.com/hershyl.edwards.2025/https://bifunkal.bandcamp.com/https://www.facebook.com/muccapazzaSupport the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

February 1, 202656 min

Episode 262: THE BEAT OF HIS DRUM-THE DYNAMISM OF HERSHYL EDWARDS.

Send us Fan MailTake a drum teacher, add songwriting, arranging and divide between an eclectic marching band and a duo that does looping, bass lines vocally and rocks as full band would. Keeping true to the beat of his drum, Hershyl Edwards is a powerhouse, performing with Macca Pazza, whose Wikipedia page describes as "an interdisciplinary instrumental music and performance ensemble." As part of a group that can number 30 players, Edwards has written pieces for the group, such as "Stupid Icarus" that flares with energy drums, vocal bass, loops, vox and Jesse Crydeman playing guitar, loops, and vox as well. It is a rich auditory concoction that explores different genres of music and sound. Both groups perform regularly in Chicago and throughout the world. But, there's also Edwards the instructor, mentoring students as he himself had been mentored at the University of Illinois. He teaches at Musical Expressions of Naperville on the kit as well as instruction in voice. This first interview delves into his background, growing up and how he ended up pursuing a musical path. Another strong example that independent musicians can create their journey, make a living from it and deserve recognition and respect for being artisans in a world (especially in the US) that dismisses such ingenuity. For Edward's teaching, go to:https://www.ensembleschools.com/musicalexpressions/staff/hershyl-edwards/ https://www.facebook.com/hershyl.edwards.2025/https://bifunkal.bandcamp.com/https://www.facebook.com/muccapazzaSupport the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...

January 18, 202654 min

Strung Out Episode 261: PLUMB THE SOUL-THE CREATIVE FORCE OF DOCTORSTARCRUMBS

Send us Fan MailNic Nepomiachi (aka DoctorStarcrumbs) in his second interview, lifts the curtain on his creative process in making a song. Nepomiachi is a great songwriter, arranger and performer. The song takes front seat when it comes to how to present it. Therefore, one can hear various influences in service to the lyrics and mood Nepomiachi wants the listener to hear. He also creates with a great sensitivity to the artists who have come before him. It is one thing to write a song in the style of Dr. Hook or Leon Redbone. It's an entirely different thing to record in New Orleans to deliberately channel the energy of that town into the music. Nepomiachi's story is intriguing as his music is eclectic: Running a club in Telluride, Colorado with his dad. Playing drums in different bands in Colorado. Opening a club in Chicago. Closing that club in Chicago. Playing in bands in Chicago. Collaborating on albums. Writing solo albums. He is a quiet, reticent individual that when first talking to him, you would have no idea of where he has been and where next he wants to go. And in between songs and gigs he and his wife are raising a family. A great example of what it takes to be an independent musician. Don’t let his soft-spoken demeanor fool you. He is definitely one of the more authentically lived artistic lives I have had the pleasure of hearing about in a long time. His latest album on his Spotify page (there are five featured offerings to pick from there) Horse Shirt has an Americana slant to it. He is not afraid to channel Dr. Hook or Leon Redbone for a New Orleans-style song, like Winds in China on his self-titled Starcrumbs album (which you can hear on his YouTube channel) and his lyrics are witty and self-reflecting. His Facebook page is where you can track the comings and goings of this artist. Where his next show will be and who he will be with. Or it may just be a picture of him being a dad. Whatever you do, take the time to listen to his music and enjoy an authentic craftsman who is not afraid to experiment, borrow, improvise and call Chicago home.https://www.facebook.com/nicolas.nepomiachiSupport the showWe are always grateful to have you listening to STRUNG OUT. Here are some important links:SUPPORT THE SHOW:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MartyfineaKMARTIN'S WEBSITE:http://www.MARTINMcCORMACK.COM (note---you can get my weekly bulletin when you sign up on the list!)MARTIN'S MUSIC: Music | Martin Laurence McCormack (bandcamp.com)Martin McCormack | SpotifyMARTIN'S YOUTUBE CHANNELMartin McCormack - YouTubeFACEBOOKFacebook...