Billy Preston

Referenced in 3 episodes

#249: Balthazar De Ley

February 26, 2026

Balthazar De Ley, founding member of Menthol and former Hum guitarist, discusses the Champaign music scene's evolution, the band's major label struggles with Capitol Records, and his current work building and repairing guitar amplifiers after spending a decade with Smashing Pumpkins. The episode includes a "best debut records" segment where the hosts and guest debate classic first albums from Jesus and Mary Chain, Violent Femmes, Iron Maiden, and others.

Listen to EpisodeView Transcript

🎸 Replacements

#133: Steve Berlin

September 1, 2023

Steve Berlin, saxophone player for Los Lobos, discusses his early music career in the LA punk/roots rock scene of the late 70s and 80s, playing with bands like The Blasters, Top Jimmy, and producing acts like Faith No More. He shares how he joined Los Lobos and helped shape their eclectic sound on albums like Kiko, and talks about his later production work with indie rock band Deer Tick and the band Diamond Rugs. Throughout the conversation, Berlin reflects on his fortunate music career collaborating with many renowned artists.

Listen to EpisodeView Transcript

#1: Ben's Bits #1 - Waiting for Steve Tulipana

December 7, 2021

Scott, Gabe and Ben engage in a wide-ranging conversation while waiting for guest Steve Tulipana to arrive. They discuss topics including the new Beatles documentary Get Back, albums by the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, and various movies and TV shows. The conversation is filled with tangents, inside jokes and playful arguments between the hosts.

Listen to EpisodeView Transcript