Sonic Impact

Buffalo Tom frontman Bill Janovitz reflects on the musical path that took him from Long Island kid with a Fisher-Price record player to frontman of Buffalo Tom and best selling author of books about The Rolling Stones and The Cars.A major thread of the conversation was influence: the Cars, R.E.M.the Replacements and the rich Boston/Amherst scene of the 1980s all helped shape Buffalo Tom. He also unpacks the origins of key Buffalo Tom songs like “Taillights Fade” and shares standout moments from his career like performing “Taillights Fade” with with Pearl Jam at Fenway Park.Janovitz’s second creative life is as an author, where he has written acclaimed books on the Rolling Stones, Leon Russell, and the Cars. Throughout, Janovitz comes back to gratitude: for his band’s longevity, for family, and for a career rooted in passion rather than spectacle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this in depth interview, Mickey Thomas reflects on his remarkable journey from singing the iconic vocal on Elvin Bishop’s “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” to becoming the powerhouse frontman for Jefferson Starship and later Starship. He shares stories from his early days in the Georgia rock and soul scene, the unexpected breakout success of “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” and how that moment launched him into one of rock’s most recognizable voices. Thomas walks through the transition from Jefferson Starship—known for hits like “Jane,” “Find Your Way Back,” and “No Way Out”—to the re-formed Starship era, where he helped deliver some of the biggest pop-rock anthems of the 1980s. He talks candidly about the whirlwind success behind chart-toppers such as “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and the Oscar-nominated “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” and offers insight into the band’s evolution, reinvention, and enduring legacy. The episode highlights Thomas’s signature voice, his resilience through band changes and industry shifts, and the stories behind the songs that helped define multiple eras of American rock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode Lzzy Hale of Halestorm sits down for a conversation that's as powerful as her legendary vocals. She takes us behind the curtain of the absolute metal event of the year—the final Black Sabbath tribute—where rock gods gathered, and she stood as the only female performer invited to honor Ozzy Osbourne. What's the real story behind her name's secret connection to the Prince of Darkness himself? Lzzy gets raw and real, sharing how she went from a kid on a Pennsylvania farm to an icon, channeling what she calls the "beautiful panic" of the stage and the defiant spirit it takes to lead as a woman in hard rock. This isn't just an interview; it's a lesson in legacy, a blueprint for creative survival, and the untold story of a journey fueled by passion and a little childlike wonder. You have to listen to believe it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Sonic Impact, we sit down with the voice of a generation, Kevin Martin, the iconic frontman of the multi-platinum Seattle rock band Candlebox. We unpack the raw, unfiltered story of a band that felt like an outsider in their own hometown, even as their debut album exploded across the globe. Kevin takes us on an incredible journey from his punk rock roots that gave his teenage anger a voice, to sharing a stage with Henry Rollins at his very first concert. You’ll hear the deeply personal and emotional origin story behind their smash hit "Far Behind"—a tribute that defines a legendary moment in music history—and what it was really like being signed by Madonna. This isn’t just about the music; it's about the moments that shaped the man, the blessings and the curses of sudden fame, and the surprising reason he still gets nervous every single time he walks on stage. You think you know Candlebox? You have no idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Raised in Erie, PA, Train frontman Pat Monahan was inspired by the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin to pursue his rock n' roll dreams. Without any musical training, Pat learns how to sing, moves to San Fran, forms Train and against all odds goes on to write and record some of the biggest hits of the past 25 years - including "Soul Sister," "Drive By," "Marry Me," "Drops of Jupiter" and climbs the heights of rock stardom. Years later Pat will record a Led Zeppelin 2 tribute album to honor his musical heroes, which gets the stamp of approval from the band. Humble and low key, Pat continues to pass on his love of his British rock gods, and his musical gifts to his 12 year old son who is now a talented singer in his own right. As Train goes out on the road this summer with REO Speedwagon, this career retrospective captures Pat Monahan at the perfect moment, still rockin' and rolling and still searching for new ways to move and inspire his fans through his lyrical and vocal talents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Considered one of the greatest songwriters of his generation, Neil Finn has been writing brilliant melodic pop masterpieces for nearly 50 years. First as a member of the influential New Zealand avant garde band Split Enz, then in 1986 breaking through the pop stratosphere with the trio Crowded House. But it was the early influence of the Beatles that can be heard throughout Finn's masterful catalogue, with classics like Message To My Girl, Weather With You, Better Be Home Soon , Distant Sun and the iconic Don't Dream It's Over. Dont Dream was covered by U2 as a tribute to freedom and Alexei Navalny's widow. Recently, Neil was inspired to reform his beloved band Crowded House , and as is often the case with the Finns, has become a family affair- adding sons Liam (guitar) and Elroy (drums) to the line up. From a small town in New Zealand to pop superstardom, Neil Finn brings his life story and musical journey to Spin Sonic Impact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rapper Killer Mike recounts how Ice Cube’s music and message inspired him as a teenager to pursue his dreams of becoming a Hip Hop star. After making his mark with Outkast, Run The Jewels, and as a solo artist, Killer Mike goes on to live out his childhood dream by recording with and earning the respect and friendship of his musical hero, Ice Cube. Passionate, honest, and hilarious, Killer Mike takes us on an unforgettable journey through the key moments of his life and career, and the indelible impact that Ice Cube has him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1981, a 21 year old DJ pulls off the stunt of a lifetime... he snags an exclusive interview with Mick Jagger. He then convinces Mick to get the Rolling Stones to play an intimate club gig in Worcester, Mass where the young DJ gets the thrill of a lifetime, introducing his idols on stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Mirkovich has been the Band Leader of The Voice for over 20 seasons. But as a kid he had rock star dreams as a member of the Kiss Army, idolizing the band. Those dreams came true in 2006 when he was asked to go on tour with one of his musical heroes Paul Stanley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Eliot Goldberg becomes the guest and tells his Sonic Impact story. He gets the opportunity of a lifetime when he meets and gets to play a song with one of his musical heroes, Neil Finn of Crowded House. His co-host and daughter Olivia takes over the interviewing chores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bruce Springsteen's Born To Run inspires a fifteen year old boy to escape his small town. As an adult, The Boss' music helps him get through the key moments of his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A young rock guitarist who grows up worshipping Eddie Van Halen, years later gets to spend a "lost weekend" in Cabo with his guitar hero and the rest of the band. The highlight of the weekend is seeing his Eddie perform up close in a tiny Mexican club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An middle schooler performs as Boy George in an 80s Lip Sync contest. 30 years later, he gets to personally thank the singer for inspiring him to become his true self. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices