• Willie Nile: NYC's Best Kept Secret
    Jun 19 2025

    In this engaging conversation, Willie Nile shares his journey from classical piano to rock music, discussing the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He reflects on the challenges of navigating fame, the importance of family and community, and his philanthropic efforts. Nile emphasizes the significance of songwriting and the joy of performing, while also touching on the impact of New York City on his artistry. The discussion concludes with insights on aging, wisdom, and upcoming projects.Https://WillieNile.com

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Overview of Willie Nile's Career

    01:38 Transition from Classical to Rock and Roll

    03:55 The Muse: Inspiration Behind Songwriting

    06:45 The Impact of Early Recognition and Fame

    09:31 Challenges in the Music Industry

    12:19 The Role of Fans in Supporting Artists

    15:02 Reflections on Personal Growth and Lessons Learned

    18:13 The Journey from Clubs to Arena Performances

    25:08 Opening for The Who: A Fearless Experience

    26:49 The Essence of Music: Songs Over Fame

    27:47 Empathy and Social Justice: A Family Influence

    30:41 Human Kindness: The Foundation of Politics

    32:21 The Power of Music: Spreading Joy

    32:56 Supporting Causes: The Light of Day Charity

    36:19 Life Lessons: Caring for Loved Ones

    37:43 Aging Gracefully: Wisdom from My Father

    40:40 Art and Culture: The Day the Earth Stood Still

    45:52 The Impact of Covers: Tribute Albums

    49:33 Closing Thoughts: Generosity and Joy


    Welcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music discovery truly begins!Are you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of singer-songwriters and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.Hit play and join the adventure! 👇


    Scott Houston / Piano Guy Mentioned in the Podcast: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Houston_(musician)


    Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶TakeawaysWillie Nile transitioned from classical piano to rock music after discovering his passion for songwriting in college.His inspiration for songwriting often comes spontaneously, waiting for the right moment to strike.Nile emphasizes that fame was never his goal; instead, he focuses on the love of music and connecting with people.He faced significant challenges in the music industry, including management issues that led him to step away from the business for a time.Nile believes that the struggles he faced made him a better artist and songwriter.His upbringing in a large, loving family instilled in him a sense of empathy and compassion for others.Nile's experiences in New York City have greatly influenced his music and perspective on life.He actively participates in philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting Parkinson's research through the Light of Day charity.Nile reflects on the wisdom gained from his 107-year-old father, who continues to inspire him.He finds joy in sharing his music with fans and believes in the power of live performances to uplift spirits.

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    52 mins
  • How This Singer’s Voice Reached Millions!
    Jun 13 2025

    His voice has been heard by Millions! Eugene Ruffolo is an in-demand studio vocalist and musician. You've heard his voice now meet the man!https://eugeneruffolo.com/He reflects on his experiences in the competitive New York music scene, the lucrative world of jingles, and his unique recording experiences in Europe. Eugene also highlights his collaborations with notable artists and the impact of music on culture and social change, including his work for the Barack Obama campaign. Dive deep into the incredible career of Eugene Ruffolo, a New York City-based singer, songwriter, and highly sought-after session musician. His distinctive voice has reached millions through hundreds of radio and television commercials, including serving as the solo voice on 43 national TV spots and being featured in the most widely aired TV campaign ad for Barack Obama's bid for the White House.Beyond commercial work, Eugene is a critically acclaimed recording artist with nine studio albums, including his latest, Ten Good Sermons. His debut album, A Fool For Every Season, produced by Grammy winner Ben Wisch, received rave reviews in the U.S. and Europe. He has also released albums on Germany's audiophile label, Stockfisch Records, including a collaborative project inspired by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with Dennis Kolen and Shane Alexander.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Eugene Ruffalo02:00 Exploring 'Ten Good Sermons' Album06:03 Navigating the New York Music Scene09:58 The Jingle and Commercial World13:59 Recording in Europe: A Unique Experience17:56 Collaborations and Notable Experiences25:58 The Impact of AI on Music34:57 Future Directions in Music CareerEugene's versatility as a vocalist has led him to work in the studio and perform live with a diverse range of prominent artists, including Garth Brooks, Tony Bennett, Kenny Loggins, David Wilcox, Run DMC, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Lori Lieberman, Spyro Gyra, Cheryl Wheeler, and Livingston Taylor. He shares insights into the session world, the skills required, and the unique experience of working with artists across various genres.Learn about his work on Hollywood soundtracks such as The Stepford Wives, Mission to Mars, and The Corpse Bride, and his experiences collaborating with acclaimed directors and composers like Ennio Morricone, George Lucas, and Brian DePalma.Eugene is also a multiple award-winning songwriter, having won prestigious competitions like Telluride Bluegrass and Merle fest. He also received recognition from the Public Domain Foundation for writing notable songs of social significance. A passion for children's music has earned him multiple Parent's Choice Awards for projects like "Teddy Bear Tunes" and work with The Songs of Love Foundation, creating personalized songs for terminally ill children.In this interview, Eugene discusses the concept behind his Ten Good Sermons album, influenced by his residency playing music at a Unitarian Church. Join Steve Yusko on The Long Island Sound Podcast for this insightful conversation with a true music industry veteran, sharing stories from his diverse and accomplished career.Ready to uncover the captivating stories behind your favorite music and discover incredible new artists? 🤔 Check out the "Cosmic Orchestra" at the Soulful Sundown Event Each month:https://uucsr.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2939514Hear Eugene by following these links:https://youtu.be/Rb-5zT5jKUY?si=_O4KzHwrz35gjtx8https://youtu.be/7debDg40Ivc?si=RHiHdPGkL7fqz1HWhttps://youtu.be/zhtrI6f4gxU?si=svY20wdpgvghrUzWhttps://youtu.be/B2P6nT-oCU4?si=XF4kSvdb57QhQUU3Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶

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    42 mins
  • Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling: Music, Mirth and Howard Stern
    Jun 12 2025
    Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling: Music, Mirth and Howard Stern Welcome to the Long Island Sound Podcast, your destination to the captivating world of music discovery and the stories behind the artist. Https://linktr.ee/thelongislandsoundpodcast https://linktw.in/IE30HU Summary Jackie Martling, the famed writer and comedian for the Howard Stern show, shares his journey from music to comedy. He started as a musician in a band and transitioned to telling jokes on stage. He eventually caught the attention of Howard Stern and became a regular on his show. Jackie discusses the challenges and successes of his career, including his involvement with the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. He also talks about touring and the regional differences in audience reactions. The conversation concludes with a discussion about his documentary and the importance of transparency in his life. In this conversation, Jackie Martling discusses various aspects of his comedy career. He emphasizes the importance of putting things in perspective and finding humor in the challenges of aging. Jackie also talks about the consistency in his branding and how he has adapted to audience preferences over the years. He shares stories from his time performing in Vegas and his interactions with comedy legends like Buddy Hackett. The conversation touches on the use of stereotypes in comedy and the structure of Jackie's act. He also discusses how he handles hecklers and crafts a killer ending to his shows. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the complexity of being funny and the misconceptions people may have about comedians. Takeaways Finding humor in life's challenges can help put things in perspective. Comedy can serve as a break from the realities of aging and health issues. Consistency in branding is important for comedians to establish their identity. Adapting to audience preferences is crucial for a comedian's success. Handling hecklers requires a balance of wit and crowd control. Crafting a killer ending to a comedy show involves timing and audience engagement. Comedians have a complex and multifaceted personality beyond just being funny. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:32 Transition from Music to Comedy 06:18 Early Life and Music Career 13:19 Transition to Comedy and Success on Howard Stern Show 19:51 The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame 28:40 Touring and Regional Differences 39:03 The Documentary and Transparency 47:09 Putting Things in Perspective 48:00 Comedy as a Break from Aging 48:45 Consistency in Branding 49:35 Adapting to Audience Preferences 50:00 Politically Incorrect Comedy 50:54 Performing in Vegas 51:31 Wild Times in Vegas 52:00 Buddy Hackett and Comedy History 52:50 Polish Jokes and Stereotypes 53:30 The Structure of Jackie's Act 54:53 Dealing with Hecklers 57:53 Crafting the Killer Ending 59:00 The Art of Timing and Rhythm 59:54 Handling Drunk Hecklers 01:03:39 The Longevity of Jackie's Joke Line 01:06:17 The Complexity of Being Funny
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Music Formats that Changed Everyting!
    May 16 2025

    In this episode, Lou Vaccarelli, a veteran of the music industry, shares insights into the evolution of music formats from vinyl to digital. He discusses the history of record production, the significance of album packaging, and the varying degrees of artist control over their work. The conversation highlights the challenges and changes within the industry, including the transition from vinyl to cassettes and CDs, and the resurgence of interest in vinyl records today. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolution of music distribution, the impact of radio play, and the challenges faced by modern artists in the digital age. They discuss the importance of storytelling in both music and faith, and how personal experiences shape their understanding of community and creativity.Chapters00:00 The Evolution of the Music Industry11:36 Transitioning Formats: From Vinyl to Digital22:35 Regional Variations in Music Production25:58 The Global Music Market Dynamics26:52 The Evolution of Airplay and Promotion31:08 The Impact of Streaming on Artists32:55 The Journey of Persistence in Music36:05 Transitioning from Music to Television40:44 The Role of Storytelling in Music and Faith46:30 Finding Community Through Music and FaithReady to uncover the captivating stories behind your favorite music and discover incredible new artists? 🤔 Videos Discussed in this episode:Community Church Babylon, NYhttps://youtu.be/dHmsajRDNkQ?si=ffsznMiqZG9tF6Fbhttps://youtu.be/AidZeA8zG6Y?si=gLiIdyCvxDsSIDvBThe Garden Worship Center:https://youtu.be/Y8FT1Y-Pr30?si=Igb_SJw6PqjZAWL2https://normanleeprayon.com/press-releasehttps://youtu.be/8zOJi_jyxI8?si=sxvn5K4ELhRbUNooWelcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music discovery truly begins!Are you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of singer-songwriters and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.Hit play and join the adventure! 👇Sound Bites"Vinyl records have a limited lifespan.""Special editions enhance marketability.""The biggest market in Europe is Germany.""Radio legitimizes music.""You have to write and write every day.""It's about writing a story.""Accidents and successes are a big deal.""It's like a Ted talk every week.""Jesus was a storyteller, basically."Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶

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    49 mins
  • Watch This Blues Artist Share His Incredible Musical Story!
    May 13 2025

    In this episode of the Long Island Sound Podcast, host Steve Yusko welcomes back blues artist Kerry Kearney to discuss his musical journey, the impact of the pandemic on live performances, and his experiences performing in Russia. They delve into the differences between theater and bar gigs, the significance of audience engagement, and the long process of creating Kerry's new album. The conversation highlights the importance of cultural exchange through music and the excitement surrounding upcoming performances at the Great South Bay Music Festival. In this engaging conversation, the speaker delves into the essence of authenticity in music, exploring the emotional depth and mood that blues music embodies. They discuss the concept of 'Psychedelta,' a fusion of blues and psychedelia, and emphasize the importance of live performance in capturing the magic of music. The conversation also highlights the unique music scene in Long Island, showcasing the camaraderie among musicians and the wealth of talent in the area. Finally, the speaker shares insights into their upcoming projects and the passion that drives their musical journey.Looney Tunes Gig - In Store Performancehttps://www.looneytuneslongisland.com/product-page/the-kerry-kearney-band-cd-in-store-performance-6-9-25Great South Bay Music Festival https://greatsouthbaymusicfestival.com/project/kerry-kearney/Ready to uncover the captivating stories behind your favorite music and discover incredible new artists? 🤔 Chapters00:00 Introduction and Musical Journey02:51 Post-Pandemic Performance Landscape06:01 Experiences in Russia and Cultural Exchange08:57 Transitioning from Side Stage to Main Stage14:04 New Album and Upcoming Performances22:54 The Pursuit of Authenticity in Music25:32 Psychedelta: A Fusion of Blues and Psychedelia29:39 The Power of Live Performance36:24 The Unique Long Island Music Scene44:01 Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavorshttps://youtu.be/zEEuZy5-Lak?si=rIj8JKQTkzILBmxKhttps://youtu.be/s5xNI4vDAnM?si=P4eZFFiQi0HObOrGhttps://youtu.be/nBXfW9Yv9Sk?si=jSY3Ps6C8u_H8iPbWelcome to The Long Island Sound, your go-to place where music discovery truly begins!Are you curious about the journeys, inspirations, and hidden gems within the world of singer-songwriters and musicians? We delve deep to bring you the backstories you won't hear anywhere else.Hit play and join the adventure! 👇Don't forget to COMMENT below with your favorite artist or who you'd love to hear more about! And if you're hungry for more musical insights and discoveries, SUBSCRIBE now so you never miss an episode! Let's explore the sound together! 🎶

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    47 mins
  • The Hidden Stories Behind Bob Dylan's Most Mysterious Album
    Apr 30 2025

    The Hidden Stories Behind Bob Dylan's Most Mysterious AlbumIn this episode, Scarlet Rivera returns to discuss her journey as a pioneering violinist in contemporary music, her experiences working with Bob Dylan, and her transition to a solo career. She shares insights about the recording process of the Desire album, memorable moments from the Rolling Thunder Revue tour, and her interactions with iconic artists like Joni Mitchell and Muddy Waters.

    Scarlet also reflects on her recent performances in Europe and her upcoming projects, including her new album 'Full Circle' and the tribute album 'Dylan Dreams'.

    Tickets to see Scarlet Rivera at My Father's Place, Roslyn, NY:

    https://www.mfpproductions.com/event-details-registration/scarlet-rivera-friends**Don't miss out!** Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the latest episodes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Scarlett Rivera02:54 The Evolution of the Violin in Contemporary Music06:07 Playing with Bob Dylan: A Unique Experience09:06 Recording the Desire Album and Hurricane11:53 The Rolling Thunder Review: A Memorable Tour14:54 Interactions with Joni Mitchell and Muddy Waters18:01 Transitioning to a Solo Career21:04 Performing in Europe: A Different Audience Experience24:01 Dylan Dreams: Honoring a Mentor26:51 Future Projects and CollaborationsLong Island Music, New York Music, Music Industry, Music Production, Songwriting, Indie Music, Americana, Rock Music, Folk Music, Interview, Podcast, Music Interview Podcast, Music Podcasthttps://youtu.be/wbtoO7k74PU?si=DKpIcO7OKYTY_ROfhttps://youtu.be/IQzRAGtuxbk?si=VEthRT2i7j8_HcgFhttps://youtu.be/AykeA4Ip_E0?si=_XVkGmz0iN-VN6koSubscribe now to join the fun, enhance your music knowledge, and discover the captivating backstories of your favorite artists. Let the music trivia games begin on The Long Island Sound Podcast! 🎙️🎉 🎶 Join us as we delve into the tales behind talented musicians, their creative processes, and the vibrant tapestry of the music industry. 🎤Discover original melodies, explore the artist's backstory, and gain insight into their artistic inspirations. We also sit down with music industry insiders from across the United States for exclusive interviews that unveil the secrets of the trade. 🎙️

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    33 mins
  • Building A Community Changed EVERYTHING For This Artist!
    Apr 24 2025

    Building A Community Changed EVERYTHING For This Artist!


    MikeBorgia.com

    Spotify:

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/3PNtKy0DAmMbaLaTVqCbNf?si=dUrMXHvJQMWk_faeIGND8w

    Get ready to dive deep into the world of music with The Long Island Sound Podcast!

    In this episode, we sit down with Mike Borgia], a talented musician, producer, songwriter from New York City. In this episode, Mike Borgia shares his unique journey as an Italian-American singer-songwriter, discussing his early influences, the evolution of his musical style, and the challenges of navigating the music industry as a solo artist.

    He reflects on the importance of live performance, the impact of social media on music careers, and his commitment to authenticity in his artistry. In this conversation, Mike Borgia discusses the evolution of music careers, emphasizing the importance of building genuine connections with audiences and the cultural differences he has experienced while performing in Europe.

    He contrasts the roles of artists and entertainers, highlighting the significance of authenticity in music. Borgia shares his future aspirations in music, focusing on creating meaningful experiences for his audience and the importance of community engagement.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Mike Borgia's Unique Musical Journey

    02:59 Early Musical Influences and Family Background

    05:52 The Evolution of Mike's Musical Style

    09:10 The Transition from Band to Solo Artist

    11:55 Navigating the Music Industry and Touring Experiences

    14:54 The Impact of Social Media on Music Careers

    21:10 The Evolution of Music Careers

    24:09 Building and Engaging with Your Tribe

    26:12 Cultural Connections: The European Experience

    30:09 The Artist vs. The Entertainer

    34:09 The Future of Music: A Personal Journey

    38:05 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

    https://www.youtube.com/mikeborgiahttps://youtu.be/boQURfZu1KU?si=Als9J-f3HgBoguDK

    Https://linktr.ee/thelongislandsoundpodcast

    In each episode, we bring you engaging stories spanning across genres and decades, from legendary bands to rising stars. Whether you're a casual listener or a devoted music aficionado, there's something for everyone! 🕰️✨

    Takeaways

    Mike emphasizes the importance of live performance and audience connection.He believes in working smarter, not just harder, in the music business.Pure Volume played a crucial role in his early exposure and success.The advent of smartphones has drastically changed the music landscape. The music industry has shifted from traditional careers to seeking viral moments.Building a community or 'tribe' is essential for artists today.Nostalgia can hinder creativity; it's important to focus on new opportunities.Engagement with fans is more valuable than sheer numbers.Artists should prioritize genuine connections over commercial success.Cultural awareness enhances the artist-audience relationship.Music serves as a universal language that connects people.The distinction between artists and entertainers is crucial in understanding music careers.Hope alone is not a strategy for a successful music career.

    Community engagement and local events are vital for artists. Subscribe now to join the fun, enhance your music knowledge, and discover the captivating backstories of your favorite artists. Let the music trivia games begin on The Long Island Sound Podcast! 🎙️🎉

    🎶 Join us as we delve into the tales behind talented musicians, their creative processes, and the vibrant tapestry of the music industry.

    Discover original melodies, explore the artist's backstory, and gain insight into their artistic inspirations.

    We also sit down with music industry insiders from across the United States for exclusive interviews that unveil the secrets of the trade. 🎙️

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    41 mins
  • Watch This Rising Star's Journey From Stage Fright to Spotlight!
    Apr 24 2025

    Follow Sarah Gross's inspiring journey from stage fright to the spotlight at Dreamland Studios.

    Learn about resilience, personal growth, and the power of storytelling in this captivating video.

    Her resilience and storytelling will leave you feeling motivated and empowered!

    Watch This Rising Star's Journey From Stage Fright to Spotlight!

    Get ready to dive deep into the world of music with The Long Island Sound Podcast!

    In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Gross, a talented musician, songwriter] from Patchogue, NY.

    In this engaging conversation, Sarah Gross shares her musical journey, from her early influences and the evolution of her songwriting process to her experiences with stage fright and emotional vulnerability in music. She recounts a memorable performance at UBS Arena and discusses the importance of mentorship and education in her career. Sarah's insights into the music industry and her passion for storytelling through song make for an inspiring dialogue. In this engaging conversation, Sarah Gross and Steve Yusko explore the vibrant music scene of Upstate New York, discussing the importance of resilience in the face of naysayers and the journey of self-discovery regarding queerness and identity. They delve into the creative process behind music-making, emphasizing storytelling and personal experiences, while also touching on the significance of venues like Dreamland Studios.

    YouTube.com/@sarahgrossmusic

    Https://Sarahgrossmusic.com

    https://youtu.be/XUMpAnDnBok?si=F23p7zMMwHcBzTOP

    https://youtu.be/Bt3fHLMYJfM?si=w-PqzHBKb28KbhmG


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    02:57 Sarah's Musical Journey

    06:04 Songwriting Philosophy and Process

    09:00 Emotional Connection in Music

    12:07 Stage Fright and Overcoming Fear

    14:56 The UBS Arena Experience

    18:00 Mentorship and Relationships in Music

    20:59 Education and Audio Engineering

    23:57 Future Plans and Collaboration

    26:45 Exploring Upstate New York's Music Scene

    29:14 Resilience in the Face of Naysayers

    34:20 Understanding Queerness and Personal Identity

    43:10 The Journey of Music Creation and Storytelling


    Long Island Music, New York Music, Music Industry, Music Production, Songwriting, Indie Music, Americana, Rock Music, Folk Music, Interview, Podcast, Music Interview Podcast, Music Podcast

    Https://linktr.ee/thelongislandsoundpodcast

    In each episode, we bring you engaging stories spanning across genres and decades, from legendary bands to rising stars. Whether you're a casual listener or a devoted music aficionado, there's something for everyone! 🕰️✨Subscribe now to join the fun, enhance your music knowledge, and discover the captivating backstories of your favorite artists. Let the music trivia games begin on The Long Island Sound Podcast! 🎙️🎉 🎶 Join us as we delve into the tales behind talented musicians, their creative processes, and the vibrant tapestry of the music industry. 🎤Discover original melodies, explore the artist's backstory, and gain insight into their artistic inspirations. We also sit down with music industry insiders from across the United States for exclusive interviews that unveil the secrets of the trade.

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins