Post-punk Heartstrings

A discussion of the post-punk music that moves us and how it affects our lives and causes us to self-reflect and dig deeper. This podcast marries the raw, honest, and artistic style of post-punk and indie music with insights and life experiences of listeners and creators. The goal is to share from a place of vulnerability that leads to relation of trust and encouragement.

Post-punk Heartstrings is a music podcast hosted by JimmyJames S Butler, with 57 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

JimmyJames S Butler hosts Post-punk Heartstrings, a music show with 57 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #54

  054- Blueburst: Craig Douglass Miller and the Long Return

  May 7, 20262h 20mS4

  Episode Summary After more than two decades away from releasing music, Craig Douglass Miller —frontman of the 90s Dallas band The Reach and now the creative force behind Blueburst —joins us for a deep, funny, and vulnerable conversation about rediscovery, mentorship, depression, and the long road back to making art. Craig opens up about the years he spent convinced he was“done,” the advertising career that took over, the drinking that diverted him, and the quiet creative ember that never fully went out. He talks candidly about the emotional through‑line from The Reach to Blueburst and the longing thatshaped both eras. And of course, we get into the pivotal role of MartyWillson‑Piper , whose guidance, friendship, and gentle pressure helped Craig rebuild confidence, finish songs, and step back into the musical life he thought he’d lost. Key Topics Craig’s 20‑plus‑year hiatus from releasing music How COVID, stillness, and a guitar‑filled house cracked thedoor open Mentorship, accountability, and the creative partnershipwith Marty Willson‑Piper The emotional DNA connecting The Reach to Blueburst Depression, confidence, and the fear of failure The 90s Dallas scene, mailing cassettes to college radio,and the strange gap between industry interest and tiny crowds Why echo pedals never stopped being cool Writing personal lyrics vs. character‑driven songs (thatstill end up being personal) Reflections on aging, contentment, and the themes behindSupernova Blueburst — Official Links Website: https://blueburst.band/ Bandcamp: https://blueburst.bandcamp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blueburstmusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blueburstmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueburstmusic Connect with Post‑punk Heartstrings Post‑punk Heartstrings explores artists who lead withemotion, commitment, and originality—following the deeper threads that connect sound, memory, and meaning. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PostpunkHeartstrings/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Post-punkHeartstringsPod-wf5kp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kngtZ8HsbDL0YFt4m6otZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postpunkheartstrings

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  Episode #53

  053 – Aaron “A-Train” Smith — Beat of Sacred Noise

  Mar 9, 20262h 6mS4

  In Episode 53 of Post-punk Heartstrings , we sit down with legendary drummer Aaron “A-Train” Smith , whose career spans alternative rock, new wave, and influential Christian music scenes from the 1980s onward. Aaron shares stories from his time with The 77s , his work in the post-punk/new wave world with Romeo Void , andrecording sessions with artists like Rich Mullins , Charlie Peacock , Chris Taylor and Ojo Taylor. Along the way we talk about musical influences, Nashville sessions, and the unique intersection of alternative music and faith-based communities. Aaron also reflects on his early musical upbringing, learning drums as a kid, and the winding path that led him fromNorth Carolina to Sacramento and eventually Nashville. If you enjoy deep dives into alternative music history and behind-the-scenes musician stories, this is an episode youwon’t want to miss. Episode Highlights • Aaron’s early musical influences and learning drums in North Carolina • Joining The 77s and the band’s creative peak in the late 80s and early 90s • The famous drum solo in the live version of Mercy Mercy • Playing with Vector, Romeo Void and The 77’s during the new wave era • Recording and touring with Rich Mullins and the Ragamuffin Band • Nashville session work with Charlie Peacock and Margaret Becker • Recording stories and studio memories with Steve Scott • Working on projects including recordings with Chris Taylor and more recently Ojo Taylor’s BEHOLD album Songs Featured in This Episode • Caught in an Unguarded Moment –The 77s https://open.spotify.com/artist/2S6tJwZf8kzP0bQm7m4VqW • Desperately – Vector https://open.spotify.com/search/vector%20desperately • Higher Ground – Chris Taylor https://open.spotify.com/search/chris%20taylor%20higher%20ground Artists & Projects Discussed The 77s https://open.spotify.com/artist/2S6tJwZf8kzP0bQm7m4VqW Romeo Void https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IbXhW2hYhI8M2YF3yJf9Y Rich Mullins https://open.spotify.com/artist/6zZySmcFZ2zvR3yQY7dF9V Charlie Peacock https://open.spotify.com/artist/3y2YhKkK8QbP8S9Pq7Z3t3 Margaret Becker https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qF2iV7R7E4kP9hGQeW0k0 Steve Scott https://open.spotify.com/search/steve%20scott%20music Post-punk Heartstrings explores artists who lead with emotion, commitment, and originality—followingthe deeper threads that connect sound, memory, and meaning. Facebook ⁠https://www.facebook.com/PostpunkHeartstrings/⁠ YouTube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Post-punkHeartstringsPod-wf5kp⁠ Spotify ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3kngtZ8HsbDL0YFt4m6otZ⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/postpunkheartstrings/ . 🎵 Songs & Artists Featuredin This Episode • A Girl in Trouble (Is a TemporaryThing) — Romeo Void https://open.spotify.com/search/A%20Girl%20in%20Trouble%20Romeo%20Void • Caught in an Unguarded Moment —The 77’s https://open.spotify.com/search/Caught%20in%20an%20Unguarded%20Moment%2077s • Higher Ground — Chris Taylor https://open.spotify.com/search/Higher%20Ground%20Chris%20Taylor • The Altars — Ojo Taylor https://open.spotify.com/search/The%20Altars%20Ojo%20Taylor • Mercy Mercy (Live) — The 77’s https://open.spotify.com/search/Mercy%20Mercy%20Live%2077s • Minor Characters — Steve Scott https://youtu.be/zty_menBhBc?si=65FbRRslKjIgSvRl • Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone — TheTemptations https://open.spotify.com/search/Papa%20Was%20a%20Rollin%20Stone%20Temptations • Sunshine — Ray Charles https://open.spotify.com/search/Sunshine%20Ray%20Charles • Desperately — Vector https://youtu.be/F1oT8W5tY_I?si=oWi57SUjYj0WswQ2 • What Is the Mystery — SteveScott https://youtu.be/elC06ATHkro?si=aUE3I2_HcjcyqAEC

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  Episode #51

  051 - The Swoon – When the Spook Was There: Transcendence and the Long Echo

  Feb 26, 20262h 7mS4

  In this episode of Post-punk Heartstrings , we sit down with Emmett and Daniel of The Swoon for a deep, candid conversation about their origins, their music, and the strange, beautiful path that led them from a town of 800 people to national stages and legendary studios. We start at the very beginning — childhood friendships, next-door neighbors, and the formative experiences that shaped their creativity long before a band existed. From riding bikes at night and playing Dungeons & Dragons to discovering music through parents’ record collections and late-night video programs, Emmett and Daniel trace how imagination and curiosity fueled everything that followed. The conversation explores: Growing up in Cottonwood, Minnesota, and how isolation sharpened creativity Family influence, especially poet parents and homes filled with literature and music Early musical experiments, homemade drum kits, and first rehearsals in basements, garages, attics, and church buildings Playing shows at youth groups, American Legion halls, and early festivals The awkward, chaotic reality of first gigs — and how perseverance slowly turned embarrassment into confidence Pivotal moments include: Winning Battle of the Bands competitions at Falcon Heights, Sunshine Festival, and Cornerstone Festival The excitement — and disappointment — of a record deal that fell apart during negotiations How religious expectations and denominational differences unexpectedly derailed a label contract The turning point when Charlie Peacock stepped in, leading to sessions at Neverland Studios in California Inside the Neverland Studios recordings: Charlie Peacock’s role as producer and creative guide The collaborative influence of Derri Daugherty (The Choir), including studio support and sonic shaping The realities of analog recording, limited time, and expensive tape Song selection, production decisions, and the band’s growing confidence in their artistic voice We also discuss: The evolution of the band’s name, from Restricted Access to The Swoon The literary roots of the name, inspired by Emmett’s mother’s poetry Early influences including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Men at Work, and U2 Comparisons to U2 and the band’s embrace of performance, commentary, and emotional intensity in live shows Throughout the conversation, Emmett and Daniel reflect with humor, honesty, and humility — sharing not just the highlights, but the missteps, doubts, and near-misses that shaped The Swoon’s legacy. This is a rich, heartfelt episode about friendship, faith, creativity, and what it means to keep making art even when the path forward isn’t clear. Follow The Swoon Website: https://theswoon.band/ SWOONTube: https://theswoon.band/video/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJ2i66WETgYaSQDFSc5Khw/videos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theswoonband Remember The Swoon (Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/2412843425690573 Follow Jeffrey Kotthoff (Lo-Fidelity) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.kotthoff Bandcamp (Lo-Fidelity Records) https://lo-fidelityrecords.bandcamp.com/ Related video Austin Dacey – What I Did on My Summer Vacation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8ZBNmBQTQo&list=RDv8ZBNmBQTQo&start_radio=1 Follow Post-punk Heartstrings Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PostpunkHeartstrings/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Post-punkHeartstringsPod-wf5kp Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kngtZ8HsbDL0YFt4m6otZ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postpunkheartstrings/

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  Episode #53

  052 – Ronnie Martin: Chasing the Perfect Song

  Feb 16, 20262h 16mS4

  In this episode of Post-punk Heartstrings , we sit down with Ronnie Martin —the visionary songwriter and producer behind Joy Electric and Dance House Children . Ronnie reflects on a lifetime of chasing songs rather than trends, committing to pure analog synthesis, and staying faithful to a sound long after it stopped being fashionable. We talk about songwriting over technology, isolation versus influence, and the idea of pursuing a perfect song —one that may never fully be written. A recurring touchstone throughout the conversation is The Sun Always Shines on TV by A-ha —a song that represents longing, restraint, and emotional clarity, and one that continues to inspire Ronnie’s creative pursuit. This episode explores: Growing up surrounded by music, from crooners to classic rock to early alternative The origins of Dance House Children and the Blonde Vinyl era Building Joy Electric around pure analog synths The importance of not quitting, even without validation Why feeling always matters more than perfection Joy Electric – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/search/Joy%20Electric Dance House Children – Spotify https://open.spotify.com/search/Dance%20House%20Children “The Sun Always Shines on TV” – A-ha https://open.spotify.com/search/The%20Sun%20Always%20Shines%20on%20TV Post-punk Heartstrings explores artists who lead with emotion, commitment, and originality—following the deeper threads that connect sound, memory, and meaning. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PostpunkHeartstrings/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@Post-punkHeartstringsPod-wf5kp Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3kngtZ8HsbDL0YFt4m6otZ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/postpunkheartstrings/

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  Episode #50

  050 - The Julies - Shimmering Through the Years: Lovelife to Always & Always

  Dec 28, 20252h 13mS4

  The Julies join Post-punk Heartstrings to reflect on their history, influences, and enduring impact. The conversation begins with a mention of The Holy Hour , the All-Cure podcast they recently appeared on, before diving into how each member discovered music. Chris recalls exploring his parents’ record collection—The Beatles, The Monkees, Dylan—and discovering Run DMC, Erasure, New Order, The Cure, and The Smiths. Patrick shares how a “good weird uncle” introduced him to The Cure and The Police, opening the door to The Clash and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Before The Julies, Chris ran sound for their precursor band, Garden Party . From there, The Julies formed, developing a sound shaped by shared influences, experimentation, and evolving tastes. They discuss The Church as an influence and soccer as an unexpected point of connection. The band recalls playing in the Philadelphia scene , crossing paths with bands like The Ocean Blue , and early live favorites like “Wake Up Christine” and “Wish” . They reminisce about creating their first self-made cassette, Discovery , and reflect on growing up in fundamentalist homes. Landing on Flying Tart Records allowed them a better creative fit than larger labels. Recording the January EP was formative, with Patrick excited by the studio experience. Working with Bill Campbell of The Throes captured their live energy—“Friday and Faithless” is highlighted as a standout. The feedback at the start of “Wake Up Christine” was a happy accident. The discussion moves to The Lost Mixes , with Dave Barbe of Sugar producing two tracks for a rawer sound. They then dive into the Lovelife EP, noting its unusual post-breakup release and enduring fan resonance, with stories of nationwide fans sharing its impact at the Always & Always release party. After the breakup, some members continued as Riviera , while Patrick relocated to Philadelphia and played with other bands. The Lost in Ohio reissue of Lovelife helped inspire new music as The Julies. They discuss recording Always & Always with producer Kyle Pulley at Headroom Studios, including its artwork and thematic ties to New Order’s Power, Corruption & Lies . Patrick jokes that if Heaven exists, it should have a dance floor—communal joy over streets of gold. Songs from Always & Always are explored: “Black Metal” — a B-side born from file-trading; Chris highlights the “black metal lyric sheet” line “The Weight of Your Hand” — guitar tones and textures “Symmetry” — imperfection, beauty, and emotional imbalance “Angels of the Underground” — a tribute to formative artists “Summermouth” — the song that moved the band as listeners as much as creators, guided by Alex’s musical leadership Their upcoming album (planned for February 2026) is intentionally sequenced as “a book” . Live shows remain uncertain, though fan interest is high, and Patrick’s project Tugboats gets a brief nod. The episode closes by revisiting the mystique of The Julies—the emotional weight and enduring impact of their music remain as strong as ever. Original members: Chris Newkirk – vocalsJohn Bada – bassGreg Hohman – drumsPatrick Zbyszewski – guitar Current members: Chris Newkirk – vocalsPatrick Zbyszewski – guitarAlex Yost – bass / multi-instrumentalist 👉 Follow The Julies • Bandcamp: ⁠https://thejulies.bandcamp.com/music⁠ • Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/39TjpeRcKdR13572B3XHPm?si=omC1VfleRzGgLPaDmaeq1A⁠ • Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/thejuliesofficial/⁠ • Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thejuliesofficial/?hl=en⁠ 👉 Follow Post-punk Heartstrings • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PostpunkHeartstrings/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Post-punkHeartstringsPod-wf5kp • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kngtZ8HsbDL0YFt4m6otZ?si=584433f19b9448b8 • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postpunkheartstrings/

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