The SoCal Setlist

The SoCal Setlist

by Brian Jensen
Music
Season 1

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
S1 · E25
Jul 20, 2026
1:16:24

Meet Angel Vega: RubbaSoul, Headbangers Ball and a Life in Music

Angel Vega is a Southern California singer, songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist who performs solo as RubbaSoul and fronts the 80s powerhouse rock tribute band Headbangers Ball. In this episode of The SoCal Setlist, Angel talks about growing up in Orange County, discovering guitar after one of his brother’s friends played a Batman riff, and later teaching himself through YouTube videos, tabs, classic rock songs, and a lot of trial and error. Early influences included Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Eagles, and the heavier bands that made him want to pick up an electric guitar — Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer. Angel also shares how he got started playing in bands, from garage rock and surf-inspired original music in San Marcos to the thrash metal project Xypher after moving to Murrieta. Along the way, he played house shows, backyard parties, skate parks, and dusty mosh-pit gigs that helped shape his confidence as a performer. The conversation also digs into Headbangers Ball, the 80s hard rock and metal tribute band where Angel takes on songs from artists like Iron Maiden, Ozzy, Judas Priest, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, Skid Row, Scorpions, and Guns N’ Roses. Angel talks about building setlists like a rollercoaster, opening with “Mr. Crowley,” reading the crowd, and why those songs still connect with people who grew up hearing them. Angel also talks about launching RubbaSoul after an open mic at Bailey’s, realizing he already had the songs, gear, and drive to start booking solo shows. He shares the story behind his album Delusions, which he recorded at home using GarageBand, a Blue Yeti mic, and a Focusrite interface. The Beatles are a major influence on Angel’s songwriting, and the name RubbaSoul is a play on his favorite Beatles album, Rubber Soul. This episode is about self-teaching, taking chances, putting yourself out there, and staying connected to the feeling that made you want to play music in the first place. Follow Angel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rubbasoul/ Follow Headbangers Ball on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headbangersballmusic/ 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.
Jul 14, 2026
51:27
Season 1

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.
S1 · E24
Jul 12, 2026
51:48

Michael D’Santi: Blues Rock, B-Sides and Growing Up in Southern California’s Music Scene

“For me nowadays, when we get together and play, it’s like a celebration of just being together.” For Michael D’Santi, that togetherness has lasted for more than 30 years. The Southern California blues-rock guitarist started D’Santi with his brother and friends he met in high school. After decades of gigs, changing music scenes, families, careers, and everything that can pull a band apart, they are still playing together. They know each other so well that they rarely need to make eye contact onstage. Everyone already knows where the music is going. As Michael put it, “People pick up on that. They see that we’re enjoying it rather than trying to make money or be famous.” But before D’Santi, there was a house filled with instruments. Michael’s father was a guitarist who played around Los Angeles during the late ’60s and early ’70s. He introduced Michael and his brother Paul to everything from jazz, R&B, and funk to Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Cream, Jeff Beck, Albert King, and B.B. King. Michael originally started on drums, but while accompanying his brother to drum lessons, the guitars hanging on the music-store walls kept catching his attention. Once he picked one up, everything changed. By 13 or 14, Michael was already gigging with older musicians. By 1989, D’Santi had begun taking shape, blending guitar-driven blues rock with elements of funk, reggae, R&B, and the sound of ’70s bands like Humble Pie and the Faces. They also developed a reputation as what Michael calls a “B-side cover band,” choosing deeper cuts instead of playing the same familiar songs audiences hear every weekend. The goal was not to follow the crowd. It was to stay true to themselves. In this episode of The SoCal Setlist, Michael talks about growing up in the Los Angeles and Inland Empire music scenes, watching Albert King and B.B. King as a kid, seeing Stevie Ray Vaughan twice, and learning guitar by listening closely to the musicians around him. He also shares stories from his years as a full-time working musician, including opening shows for major artists, performing on USO tours, recording and touring with Nickelodeon star Drake Bell, and spending years driving between San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County, and the desert for gigs. Michael also talks about D’Santi’s original music, playing with the Honey Lickers, teaching guitar, building a simple but expressive guitar rig, and why tone has far more to do with a player’s personality and touch than the equipment they use. As Michael explains, five guitarists can play through the exact same rig and still sound completely different. The episode also gets into one of the hardest parts of making music: keeping a band together. Even after decades of friendship, Michael says it still takes patience, trust, compromise, and a shared commitment to keep moving forward. From touring the country to returning to the stage with his brother and lifelong friends, Michael’s story is a reminder that a successful life in music is not always measured by fame. Sometimes it is measured by the people still standing beside you when the next song begins. Meet Michael D’Santi. 🎧 Full episode out now. Link in bio. Follow D'Santi on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063541774004 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.
S1 · E23
Jul 6, 2026
1:08:48

Shred Sean: Blessed by a Broken Heart, Those Guys, and a Life Built on Guitar

“I can’t stop. I’ll stop when I die.” That line sums up Sean Maier’s story. Known to many as Shred Sean, Sean is a guitarist, songwriter, teacher, and performer whose life with music started the way so many great stories do: with one song that changed everything. For Sean, that song was Bush’s “Glycerine.” He heard it as a kid, picked up the guitar, and never really put it down. What started with a seventh-grade guitar class and a few power chords quickly turned into hours of practice, a deep dive into players like Eddie Van Halen, Yngwie Malmsteen, George Lynch, Nuno Bettencourt, and Paul Gilbert, and a lifelong obsession with getting better. In this episode of The SoCal Setlist with Brian Jensen, Sean talks about growing up in Long Island, working in his parents’ deli, trading sandwiches for VHS shred guitar lessons, building confidence through small wins, and eventually joining Blessed by a Broken Heart after answering a MySpace bulletin looking for a shred guitar player. By 21, Sean had left New York to join the band in Montreal, and by 22 he was touring Europe, signing record deals, recording in major studios, and touring with the band globally. But this conversation is not just about the highlight reel. Sean also talks about the grind: sleeping on floors, touring out of vans, dealing with criticism, watching opportunities come and go, and learning that a career in music requires serious thick skin. As he puts it, people are going to doubt you, and you have to really believe in yourself. From playing large stages in front of thousands, to finding new ways to keep his original music alive, Sean’s story is a reminder that the path is rarely straight, but the people who last are the ones who keep finding a way. This is the story of someone who has passion, purpose, and relentless drive. In This Episode Sean and Brian talk about: How Bush’s “Glycerine” sparked Sean’s love for guitar Growing up in Long Island and working in his parents’ deli Learning guitar in seventh grade and getting laughed at during an early performance Building confidence through small wins Discovering Van Halen, Yngwie, George Lynch, Nuno Bettencourt, and Paul Gilbert Trading deli sandwiches for VHS shred guitar lessons Joining Blessed by a Broken Heart through MySpace Leaving New York for Montreal at 21 Touring Europe and signing international record deals Recording Pedal to the Metal Playing in Japan Why musicians need thick skin Why Sean says he’ll keep playing music no matter what His current work with Those Guys and his own original music Follow Sean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shredstarz/ Watch the official video for "Megadrive" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9MZlI5Ux94 SoCal Soundcheck is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. SoCal Soundcheck is proud to be sponsored by Tsunami Cables. These are high-quality, dependable cables built for working musicians, serious players, and anyone who values gear that performs night after night. When your signal matters, your cable matters. Use promo code SOCALSOUND at checkout for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com.
S1 · E22
Jun 29, 2026
1:30:09

Chris Lozano: From a Coal Mining Town to Nashville’s Studio C

Country-rock artist Chris Lozano didn’t come from a music industry family. He grew up in Paonia, Colorado, a small coal mining town where his graduating class had just 40 people - and where hard work wasn’t a slogan, it was a way of life. In this episode of SoCal Soundcheck, Chris shares the story behind his journey: singing Motown and classic country as a kid, getting pulled out of middle school detention by a choir teacher who heard something in his voice, meeting the woman who would become his wife, serving in the Marine Corps, and eventually finding his way into country music. Chris also talks about how his military background shaped his songwriting, especially on songs like “Boots on Sacred Ground,” written for the Marines, military members who never came home, and the Gold Star families who carry that loss every day. In one of the most emotional moments of the conversation, Chris explains that he doesn’t write to impress everyone — he writes so the people the song is meant for can feel seen. The episode also goes deep into Chris’s Nashville recording experience at Historic RCA Studio C, working with producer Eddie Gore, and learning from the kind of session musicians who have played with major artists across country, rock, and Americana. Chris shares stories about walking the same halls as legends, tracking with Nashville players, and learning how small changes in songwriting, phrasing, production, and performance can turn a song into something that connects. Chris also opens up about the grind of booking, building a band, getting rejected, and staying persistent: “For every yes I’ve got, I’ve gotten probably like 20, 30 no’s. So don’t take the no’s as you’re a failure.” That mindset runs through the whole conversation - from Paonia to the Marine Corps, from karaoke nights to Nashville, from local shows to national stages. In this episode Growing up in a small coal mining town in Colorado How Chris first discovered his voice Meeting his wife in middle school Serving in the Marine Corps and learning guitar while stationed in Hawaii Writing songs with emotional weight and personal meaning The story behind “Boots on Sacred Ground” Recording at Historic RCA Studio C in Nashville Working with producer Eddie Gore Nashville takeaways, session players, and songwriting lessons The reality of booking shows and hearing “no” again and again Building the Chris Lozano Band and taking country-rock on the road Featured/mentioned: Chris Lozano Band, Eddie Gore, Historic RCA Studio C, Bekka Bramlett, Tim Buppert, Steve Mackey, Dane Bryant, Tyler Cain, Jared Kneale, Erik Peterson, Toby Keith, Jason Aldean, Billy Gibbons, Eric Clapton, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson. Follow Chris on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrislozanocountry/ Website: https://chrislozanoband.com/ SoCal Soundcheck is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. SoCal Soundcheck is proud to be sponsored by Tsunami Cables. These are high-quality, dependable cables built for working musicians, serious players, and anyone who values gear that performs night after night. When your signal matters, your cable matters. Use promo code SOCALSOUND at checkout for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com.
S1 · E21
Jun 24, 2026
56:54

Brian Gaylord: “I Have Three Hours to Make You Love Country Music"

“I have three hours to convince everybody in the room that they love country music.” That line says a lot about Brian Gaylord. On this episode of SoCal Soundcheck, Brian Gaylord joins the show alongside Eric Davis of the Brian Gaylord & Country Star Band for a conversation about country music, rodeo grit, original songs, Nashville recording, and the standard behind building a serious live band. Before he was fronting a country band, Brian was a professional rodeo cowboy — traveling, competing, and living inside the culture that would eventually shape his sound. Country music was always there, playing on the radio, becoming part of his voice, his style, and his identity. After knee surgeries and being told he might never ride again, Brian had to figure out what came next. Music became more than a side passion. It became the next arena. That same competitive mindset carried into his recording career. Brian talked about flying to Nashville, working with high-level musicians, recording at the home studio of a Rascal Flatts member, and building songs with players connected to artists like Morgan Wallen and Tim McGraw. That standard also defines the Brian Gaylord & Country Star Band. Brian is intentional about the musicians he brings onstage — players who can deliver a polished, full, real country sound. With Eric Davis on guitar and a lineup that includes top-tier players, pedal steel, multiple guitarists, and backing vocals, the band is built to sound big, professional, and unmistakably country. The episode also digs into the challenge of bringing country music into Southern California venues, especially rooms that may not think of themselves as country audiences. Brian’s goal is not just to entertain the crowd. It is to win them over. Brian and Eric also performed live in the studio, giving the episode a stripped-down look at the musicianship behind the stories. In this episode, Brian Gaylord and Eric Davis talk about Brian’s rodeo background, the knee injuries that tested his determination, trading a saddle for his first guitar, recording original music in Nashville, working with top-level producers and session players, building the Brian Gaylord & Country Star Band, winning over non-country audiences, playing original songs live, Eric’s guitar approach, and live in-studio performances. Brian Gaylord on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brian_gaylord_music/ Brian Gaylord & Country Star Band on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briangaylordcountrystarband/ Eric Davis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericdavissd/ SoCal Soundcheck is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. SoCal Soundcheck is proud to be sponsored by Tsunami Cables. These are high-quality, dependable cables built for working musicians, serious players, and anyone who values gear that performs night after night. When your signal matters, your cable matters. Use promo code SOCALSOUND at checkout for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com.
S1 · E20
Jun 19, 2026
56:54

Press Rewind’s Matt Rivera on Guitar, Confidence, and the Temecula Music Scene

Matt Rivera’s story starts with a box of cassette tapes. Growing up in Southern California, Matt discovered bands like Van Halen, Aerosmith, Stryper, and Scorpions through his dad’s music collection. His dad played guitar, the songs hit hard, and somewhere in that mix of classic rock riffs and cassette-era discovery, Matt found the thing that would stick with him for life. In this episode of SoCal Soundcheck, Brian Jensen sits down with Matt Rivera, guitarist and backup vocalist for Press Rewind, a SoCal dad rock cover band playing classic rock, ’90s, and 2000s alternative rock around the Temecula Valley. Matt talks about growing up in the Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, and Temecula area, starting on piano before switching to guitar, learning early songs like Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” and Papa Roach’s “Last Resort,” and forming his first band with longtime friend Chris Merchant. The conversation also gets into the story behind Press Rewind, playing with a live band at local open mic nights, learning songs on the fly, and the musicianship that comes from being able to support different singers, players, and requests in real time. Of course, there’s plenty of guitar talk too. Matt breaks down his EVH guitars, PRS Custom 24, LTD George Lynch model, Martin acoustic, 5150 amp, DigiTech Drop pedal, EVH effects, noise gate setup, and why tube amps still have a sound that’s hard to replace. But at the heart of the episode is something every musician can relate to: confidence. When asked about the hardest obstacle he’s had to overcome as a musician, Matt said: “Believing in myself and enjoying what I do. If you’re having fun doing it, that’s all that matters.” That’s the thread running through the whole conversation - from a kid digging through cassette tapes to a guitarist still chasing that same feeling on stage. Follow Matt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicnerd/ Follow Press Rewind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pressrewind_band/ SoCal Soundcheck Sponsored by Tsunami Cables Great tone starts with great gear, and great gear has to be reliable. Whether you’re on stage, in the studio, or setting up for a podcast, your cables are the last thing you want to worry about. That’s why SoCal Soundcheck is proud to be sponsored by Tsunami Cables. These are high-quality, dependable cables built for working musicians, serious players, and anyone who values gear that performs night after night. When your signal matters, your cable matters. Use promo code SOCALSOUND at checkout for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com. Offer valid through May 29, 2027.
S1 · E19
Jun 18, 2026
32:30

Apollo Spalding of Hypno Sapo Isn’t Interested in Copies of Copies

In this episode of SoCal Soundcheck, Brian sits down with Apollo Spalding, guitarist and songwriter for the psychedelic alt-rock band Hypno Sapo. Apollo’s approach to music is anything but one-dimensional. His sound and technique are shaped by a wide range of influences, from Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, the Sex Pistols and Prince to Chicago blues, Delta blues, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Celtic/gypsy jazz, Russian composers like Shostakovich, Eastern sounds, reggae, funk and more. But what makes Hypno Sapo stand out is not just the range of influences. It is what Apollo does with them. The band’s music may feel psychedelic, unpredictable and strange, but it is not random. Apollo talks about writing with different modes, tunings, voice leading, tone, dynamics and the details that make each song feel alive. His guitar parts are built with intention, helping give Hypno Sapo a sound that feels original, creative and uncompromising. Apollo also shares how Hypno Sapo came together, what it is like writing and performing original music in a local scene dominated by cover bands, why recording the band live mattered, and why supporting local original artists is so important. Meet Apollo Spalding of Hypno Sapo. Follow Apollo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fwrad_radikal/ Hypno Sapo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypno.sapo/ Listen to Hypno Sapo's self-titled debut EP on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htNcyLahWDA&list=PL8KM0L4kq-n_pZVkDHiZ4tPr0t168J-Cz SoCal Soundcheck Sponsored by Tsunami Cables Great tone starts with great gear, and great gear has to be reliable. Whether you’re on stage, in the studio, or setting up for a podcast, your cables are the last thing you want to worry about. That’s why SoCal Soundcheck is proud to be sponsored by Tsunami Cables. These are high-quality, dependable cables built for working musicians, serious players, and anyone who values gear that performs night after night. When your signal matters, your cable matters. Use promo code SOCALSOUND at checkout for 10% off your order at TsunamiCables.com. Offer valid through May 29, 2027.
S1 · E18
Jun 9, 2026
58:18

Charli Brewer Was Born to Rock

Charli Brewer Was Born to Rock Charli Brewer didn’t casually pick up the guitar. Once it clicked, it became a daily obsession. A SoCal guitarist, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter, Charli has built a large and engaged online following through rock and metal guitar solo covers, performing with the kind of energy that makes it clear she is not just playing the notes. She is living inside them. In this episode of SoCal Soundcheck, Charli talks about growing up surrounded by music, from Jerry Lee Lewis and The Beatles to Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, Megadeth, Metallica, Motörhead, System of a Down and Pink Floyd. She shares how a dusty, out-of-tune guitar with old strings eventually became the instrument that pulled her in for hours a day, every day. Charli also breaks down how she studies guitar players, why she often goes beyond tabs and tutorials, how live performances help her understand a guitarist’s feel, and why learning songs by ear can be so satisfying. The conversation also gets into her gear, including Jackson King V guitars, EMG pickups, Floyd Rose systems, her Gibson Les Paul, Blackstar amps, her Boss GT-1000 setup, and the artist relationships she has built with Blackstar Amplification and EMG. Charli talks about becoming a Blackstar Amplification artist, being endorsed by EMG, playing NAMM, and how tone, feel and versatility shape the way she plays. Beyond the guitar talk, Charli opens up about building her Instagram audience, staying consistent, engaging with fans around the world, and treating social media as a modern version of the gig: every post is a chance for someone to stop, listen and connect. She also shares where she wants to go next: original music, a real band, collaboration, gigging, and eventually releasing a catalog of songs she has been writing for years. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up as a SoCal musician with Texas blues influence The Beatles “light bulb” moment Discovering Sabbath, Zeppelin, Van Halen, Megadeth, Metallica and System of a Down The old guitar, dead strings and System of a Down song that pulled her back in Learning guitar through YouTube, tabs, live videos and ear training Why Charli studies guitarists instead of just copying solos Practicing three to four hours a day Guitar as therapy, outlet and creative fuel Jackson King V guitars, EMG pickups, Floyd Rose systems and her Gibson Les Paul Becoming a Blackstar Amplification artist Being endorsed by EMG Playing NAMM and connecting with the music gear community Using Instagram to build a worldwide guitar audience Why consistency, authenticity and engagement matter Her unreleased original music and future band plans Why she wants collaboration, chemistry and a real band behind her next chapter Follow Charlie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charli_b_music/ Follow Charlie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CharliBrewerMusic SoCal Soundcheck proudly sponsored by Tsunami Cables Tsunami Cables are built for musicians who care about clean signal transfer, lower noise, reliable tone, and gear that can handle real wear and tear gig after gig. They’re made by musicians, for musicians, proudly built in SoCal, and backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit TsunamiCables.com and use promo code SOCALSOUND for 10% off.
S1 · E17
Jun 5, 2026
1:00:00
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