The SoCal Setlist | Podcast en RSS.com

The SoCal Setlist

The SoCal Setlist

por Brian Jensen

Temporada 1

Meet David Mills: Hearing What the Song Needs

David Mills begins every production with a deceptively simple question: What’s the goal? That question shapes everything that follows. Does the artist want an honest recording of the song exactly as they wrote it, or are they trying to create something that can compete on radio? How much input do they want? Are they willing to change a melody, rewrite a lyric or remove a part that isn’t serving the song? David developed that perspective through years of playing live, touring and working as a session musician. The Lake Elsinore guitarist formed his first band at 11 or 12 and stayed with it for roughly 14 years. After learning pedal steel, he went from one long-term band to becoming an in-demand hired gun, eventually touring Southern California and Canada with Daring Greatly. His session work includes pedal steel on Jelly Roll’s “She.” The part that made the record was only three notes - an example of one of the most important lessons David has learned: great musicianship isn’t about filling every available space. It’s about hearing what the song needs and having the restraint to stop there. Today, David brings that same ear to Mills Production Studios, where he works as a producer, recording engineer and musician. We talk about the difference between producing and simply recording a band, building enough trust to challenge an artist, finding the right pocket, playing for listeners instead of other musicians and why the ultimate test is whether people can feel the music. In This Episode How David started playing guitar and formed his first band in Lake Elsinore Why learning pedal steel transformed his career How a local recording session led to playing on Jelly Roll’s “She” Touring Southern California and Canada with Daring Greatly The difference between a recording engineer and a producer Why David begins every project by asking, “What’s the goal?” How producers earn enough trust to challenge an artist’s song The difference between being a great live musician and a great session player Why playing less can make a recording more powerful How Kings of Karma’s “Again and Again” found its missing hook Why feel, pocket and restraint matter more than technical complexity What David listens for when studying other producers and recordings Connect With David Mills Mills Production Studios: https://millsrecords.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_david.mills_/ Image Credit: https://www.facebook.com/KennethRaySeals/ Sponsor Thanks to Tsunami Cables for sponsoring The SoCal Setlist. Built by musicians here in Southern California, Tsunami Cables deliver clean signal transfer, low noise and reliable tone, and every cable is backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit https://tsunamicables.com/ and use code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off through May 29, 2027. Follow The SoCal Setlist for more conversations with the artists, musicians, producers and venue owners shaping music across Southern California.

Sandy Lee Casey Was Always Going to Sing

Sandy Lee Casey has spent most of her life finding a way to keep music in it. She began singing at a Somerville, Massachusetts country bar at 15, toured New England in cover bands, and later spent 16 years with Boston wedding band Double Vision. A move to Los Angeles led to a job at Warner Bros.-owned Amigo Studios, where she met artists including Alice Cooper and Gladys Knight and joined a small group of staff members singing background vocals for a track on Metallica's Master of Puppets album. Sandy also recorded for Red vs. Blue and RWBY, including “Red Like Roses – Part II” with her daughter, Casey Lee Williams. Now based in Murrieta, she performs across the Temecula Valley as a solo artist and with Sandy Lee Casey & Friends. She talks with Brian about protecting her voice, choosing songs other cover bands overlook, moving between Boston and Southern California, and why she still tries to learn one new song every week. In This Episode How Sandy taught herself guitar and started playing paid gigs at 15 Why she chose cover bands over Boston's pay-to-play original scene The audition that led to 16 years with Double Vision What she learned while working at Warner Bros.-owned Amigo Studios How she became part of a background-vocal session for Metallica's Master of Puppets album Recording “Red Like Roses – Part II” for RWBY with Casey Lee Williams Building Anyone's Guess Band and moving into Sandy Lee Casey & Friends Connect With Sandy Website: https://sandyleecasey.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandyleecasey/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SandyLeeCasey/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sandyleecasey1 Listen to “Red Like Roses – Part II”: https://open.spotify.com/track/13qjycCLStZb9sJje6v0MC Thanks to Tsunami Cables for sponsoring The SoCal Setlist. Built by musicians here in Southern California, Tsunami Cables deliver clean signal transfer, low noise and reliable tone, and every cable is backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit https://tsunamicables.com/ and use code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off through May 29, 2027.

Meet Tori Green: American Idol, Viral Covers and “Sad Girl Music”

Tori Green is a Corona-based singer and songwriter who performs throughout Southern California as a solo artist, in an acoustic duo and with the Tori Green Band. In this episode of The SoCal Setlist, Tori shares how she went from singing in childhood talent shows to earning a Golden Ticket on Season 21 of American Idol with her performance of “Cry Pretty” by Carrie Underwood. Tori talks about the long American Idol audition process, preparing for Hollywood Week and the advice from Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie that changed how she approaches a performance. She also shares the story behind her first paid show at The Bobber, how the Tori Green Band came together and why the band loves mixing pop, rock, R&B, country and funk. We also discuss: Her original songs “Point of View” and “Boy Bye” Her new song “Late Night Nonsense” and plans for more original music The karaoke video of “Hurt” that earned millions of TikTok views Booking shows and building an audience through social media Her work at a mortuary and new role in forensic toxicology Her goal of touring, opening for established artists and pursuing music full time Follow Tori Green on Instagram: @toriiggreenn Listen to “Point of View” and “Boy Bye” on Spotify and Apple Music. This episode is sponsored by Tsunami Cables, proudly built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty. Use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off.

Meet Robert Rauch: The Work Behind Every Gig

Robert Rauch moved 1,500 miles from Arkansas to Lake Elsinore in 2024 with plans to build a music career in Southern California. He arrived without a local music network and spent his first week visiting venues, introducing himself and asking for an opportunity. Temecula Wine and Beer Garden gave Robert his first local show on April 20, 2024. He has since performed throughout the region at venues including Wilson Creek Winery, Miramonte Winery, Pechanga and Yaamava’. In this episode, Robert shares how growing up in a musical family shaped him and why he chose to pursue music as a career. We talk about building the Robert Rauch Band, developing a show that moves between pop, rock and R&B, and learning from the musicians around him. Robert also explains why a three-hour gig gives a band five hours to connect with an audience. The show begins while people watch the band set up and continues after the final song when he stays to meet the crowd. “If you have a three-hour gig, you’ve got five hours to hook them.” Reading the room is another important part of Robert’s approach. If the audience isn’t responding, he’ll adjust the set list on the fly. During one show, he shifted from R&B and pop to classic rock because that was what the room wanted. Robert also tells the story of earning his opportunity at Wilson Creek Winery. He accepted the solo rate for a full-band audition and paid his musicians from his own pocket. That performance led to more dates and an invitation to play a private event for 700 people. “It’s easy to get the gig, but it’s hard to keep the gig.” Robert’s humility shows in the way he credits the musicians around him and welcomes honest feedback from his bandmates and other players. He also remains grateful to the venues that gave him an early opportunity. “If somebody is going to take the time to say something that’s going to make you better, listen to it.” We also discuss Robert’s original music, including his EP Breakthrough, the album The Journey and the personal story behind “One Life for All of Us.” Follow Robert Rauch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertrauchofficial/ Website: https://www.robertrauchmusic.com/ This episode is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. Proudly built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty, Tsunami Cables are made for musicians who care about reliable tone and gear that can handle gig after gig. Visit https://tsunamicables.com/ and use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off.

Tied to the Strings: David Garcia on Building a Life in Music

David Garcia’s relationship with music began with fear. At eight, a Twisted Sister video sent him running from the room. Curiosity pulled him back. Years later, David walked out of a Metallica concert and told his parents he wanted to stop playing guitar and become a bass player. More than 30 years and thousands of live shows and studio sessions later, David has become one of Southern California’s most in-demand working bassists. For much of that time, he built a career in operations management while continuing to perform. After moving to Temecula during the pandemic, his phone started ringing as live music returned. Keeping both careers going began affecting his health, so David walked away from his job and made music his full-time work. He calls it one of the most terrifying decisions he has ever made and the best decision he ever made. In this episode, David shares: Why seeing Metallica on January 11, 1992, changed his path How he prepared to leave a successful career and pursue music full time The work behind learning several hours of material on short notice Why he runs through an entire set before leaving for a show How his notes for approximately 1,200 songs help him stay prepared What he learned from Cheez Whiz, Get Down Party and other SoCal musicians Why unfamiliar music and intimidating gigs still excite him What success means at 50 when his identity is tied to the strings Follow David: Instagram: @feedthebassplayer Website: FeedTheBassPlayer.com The SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. Use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off your order.

Chris Gates of Kings of Karma: “I’ve Never Taken a Break from Music”

Chris Gates planned on a future in politics until his aunt introduced him to the Beatles during a trip to Washington, D.C. Hearing “Love Me Do” changed his direction. He got his first guitar on his 10th birthday, taught himself Beatles songs and worked on his voice with his mother, a singer who held him to a demanding standard. At 14, Chris played his first show with Burning Bridges at the Hemet Christmas Parade. He says he hasn’t taken a break from music since. Today, Chris is the singer, rhythm guitarist and frontman for Kings of Karma. He and bassist Joe Berry have spent more than a decade building the band, including years of cover gigs around Temecula. Chris shares how they found their original sound, wrote about 80 percent of their original album "Bite the Bullet" during a 12-hour session in Joshua Tree, and later re-recorded the album from scratch in seven days. He also discusses songwriting, life as an independent band and the next Kings of Karma single, “Nothing Without You.” In this episode: Hearing the Beatles for the first time Teaching himself guitar and working on his singing with his mother Playing his first show at 14 Building Kings of Karma with Joe Berry Writing and re-recording Bite the Bullet Moving from cover gigs toward original music Winning a Hollywood Music in Media Award Building consistency as an independent band Connect with Chris and Kings of Karma: Kings of Karma: https://kingsofkarma.com Kings of Karma on Instagram: https://instagram.com/kingsofkarmaofficial Chris Gates on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rubber_soul_16 Thanks to our sponsor, Tsunami Cables. Their cables are built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit https://tsunamicables.com and use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off.

Kate Morris: Building a Country Career Around Motherhood

Kate Morris has been writing songs since childhood, and her path to the stage took shape after years as a stay-at-home mom to her two daughters. Once both girls were in school, she began performing her originals publicly and found a place in Southern California’s country scene. In this episode of The SoCal Setlist, Kate talks about growing up in a musical family in small-town New Hampshire and getting her first shot at a Writers' Round Orange County when another performer offered her one of his slots. She shares how motherhood has shaped her writing, including “Little Hands,” an unreleased song about her daughters that has moved audience members to tears. Kate also explains the family story behind “Preach” and how a Chris Stapleton chord helped spark “Tumbleweeds,” arriving August 14. She talks about performing at writers rounds in Nashville, building her full band and making room for gigs in the middle of family life. “Performing in general fills my cup.” Follow Kate on Instagram: @katemorrismusic Listen to “Preach” on Spotify. Support for this episode comes from Tsunami Cables. Their cables are built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit TsunamiCables.com and use code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off. Follow The SoCal Setlist for more conversations with the artists shaping Southern California’s live music scene.

Meet Greg Boulet: The Bassist Behind Indica Roots and Eastlake Rhythm Section

Southern California bassist Greg Boulet discovered the electric bass almost by accident after spotting it on a middle-school instrument list. Within a year, he was playing his first show at the Old Town Temecula Theater at just 13 years old—and headbanging through nearly the entire performance. That early experience began a musical path through marching band, jazz band, Palomar College, original projects and regular trips to perform in San Francisco with Lunar Hand. Today, Greg holds down the low end for reggae-rock band Indica Roots and Eastlake Rhythm Section, a Temecula-based collective performing classic rock, funk, pop and yacht rock favorites. Greg also teaches at Leading Note Studios in San Marcos, where he directs the Rock Band Program and helps young musicians become more confident performers. Brian and Greg discuss what makes a rhythm section work, how bass and drums create the pocket, learning from live performances, recovering from mistakes and why the ultimate goal is always to make the audience feel the music. In this episode How Greg discovered the electric bass in middle school Performing his first show at 13 at the Old Town Temecula Theater How marching band and jazz band shaped his musicianship The private lessons that changed how he approached the fretboard Finding a supportive original-music community in San Francisco with Lunar Hand Joining Indica Roots and helping expand the band’s sound Forming Eastlake Rhythm Section with longtime friends What makes a tight rhythm section—and Greg’s definition of “the pocket” Teaching students not to fear mistakes Learning from Marcus Miller, Jaime Preciado and Tony Kanal Recording social-media tracks for Ampeg and building his live bass rig Connect with Greg Greg on Instagram Indica Roots on Instagram Eastlake Rhythm Section on Instagram Eastlake Rhythm Section website Greg at Leading Note Studios Sponsor The SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. Proudly built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty, Tsunami Cables are made for musicians who care about clean signal transfer, reliable tone and gear that can handle real wear and tear. Visit TsunamiCables.com and use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off. Offer valid through May 29, 2027.

Meet Gary Stanionis: Four Decades in Music and the Story Behind SoleMusiq

Gary Stanionis has spent nearly four decades building a life in music—as a drummer, world percussionist, vocalist, touring musician, record label executive and artist manager. His journey began at 17, when his mother discovered one of his graffiti pieces and asked what it would take to make him stop. His answer was simple: a drum set. Within months, Gary had started his first band and was performing professionally by 18. From the Southern California funk and acid-jazz scene to smooth-jazz tours, megachurch stages, recording sessions and artist management, Gary has experienced almost every side of the music business. He also helped musicians working with artists such as Stevie Wonder secure endorsements and build their careers. Today, Gary has returned to the stage with SoleMusiq - a deeply personal solo project shaped by his late mother, her song recommendations and his desire to bring people together. With hundreds of songs, no setlist and no breaks, Gary reads the room and creates what he calls a “soundtrack of connection.” In this episode How a graffiti piece led to Gary’s first drum set Discovering funk, jazz and the idea that “everything has a groove” Starting the original funk and acid-jazz band Middle Earth Devoting five years to learning world percussion Performing on the smooth-jazz circuit and major church stages What Gary learned from working as a professional sideman Why he left his record-label position to protect an artist’s music Launching GÁM Representation and helping touring musicians build their careers How his mother’s song recommendations inspired SoleMusiq Why Gary performs for three hours without a setlist or break Finding a second chance in Temecula’s live-music community Why Gary believes musicians are ultimately there to serve the audience Connect with Gary Gary Stanionis: https://www.instagram.com/garystanionis/ SoleMusiq: https://www.instagram.com/sole_concert/ The SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. 🌊 When your signal matters, your cable matters. Use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com

Meet Anthony Necerato: From Rock Band Drums to Those Guys

“If you can’t dance, they can’t dance.” That line really sums up how Anthony Necerato approaches performing. Playing shirtless, standing on the drum throne, throwing sticks and pointing at people in the crowd, Anthony has the kind of stage presence that pulls people into the show. His bandmates in Those Guys describe him as a “frontman drummer,” - he isn’t just there to provide a backbeat - he’s there to help turn every show into a party. In this episode, Anthony talks about growing up in Murrieta, finding his feel for the drums through the video game Rock Band, getting his first kit from Kyle Hudson and his dad, and helping build Those Guys from their first show at The Cove into one of the most fun and respected bands in the local SoCal scene. He also talks about being a dad and keeping that balance, his bowling league, and how rewarding it’s been to watch Those Guys keep growing - playing bigger stages for bigger crowds. As Anthony put it, “We stuck with it.” Anthony plays in the pocket. And a big part of that is the connection he has with Steven - locking into accent hits, catching each other’s changes, and sometimes looking at each other mid-song like, “that was sick.” He plays for the room. He watches the crowd. He wants people to dance, forget their problems for a few hours, and feel like they’re part of the party. “The reason I’m having such a good time is other people are having a good time.” Meet Anthony Necerato. Follow Anthony on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/anthonynecerato/ The SoCal Setlist is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. 🌊 When your signal matters, your cable matters. Use promo code SOCALSETLIST at checkout for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com.

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