On this episode of We Talk Music, hosts Morten and Brett welcome back Dan Reed for a conversation about his latest musical adventure, Shogun Mojo, which features Dan Reed and KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer. The project combines funky rock grooves, blues-inspired guitar work, and a refreshing approach to songwriting that celebrates having fun with music.The result is a record packed with infectious grooves, vintage-inspired guitar tones, and plenty of attitude. Reed was determined to keep guitar solos front and center, challenging the idea that guitar solos are out of fashion. Thayer delivers expressive, bluesy, and funky performances that serve each song rather than simply showcasing technical ability.A Funky New Take on Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight"One of the project's boldest moves is its reimagining of Phil Collins' iconic hit "In the Air Tonight." Rather than copying the original, Shogun Mojo transforms the song into a more upbeat, celebratory rock experience.Reed explains the band's decision to leave out the famous drum fill as a sign of respect for Collins' signature performance. Instead, the band creates its own interpretation, with Tommy Thayer delivering a standout guitar solo.Beyond Music: Dan Reed's Creative UniverseThe conversation also explores Reed's ambitions beyond music, including his developing film project, Carousel 2084. Set in a dystopian future where rock and roll, social media, and communication are forbidden, the story examines the dangers of losing freedom, creativity, and access to information.Reed also discusses his interest in graphic novels, filmmaking, and artificial intelligence. While he recognizes AI's potential as a creative tool, he emphasizes the importance of keeping human collaboration, musicianship, and artistic expression at the heart of the creative process.From the funky rock sound of Shogun Mojo to his collaboration with Tommy Thayer and his ambitious film projects, Dan Reed offers plenty of insight into his creative world. Tune in to We Talk Music for an engaging conversation about rock music, songwriting, guitar-driven grooves, and why keeping the human element alive matters more than ever.

On this episode of We Talk Music, we sit down with Danny Marks, the longtime Toronto radio host, guitarist and blues musician who has spent 25 years sharing his passion for the blues on BLUZ.FM. From the music that first inspired him as a child to the stories behind the songs, Danny takes us on a journey through a lifetime of musical discovery.Whether you're a longtime blues fan, a musician or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind great music, this episode offers an engaging look at the life and influences of one of Toronto's dedicated blues ambassadors.Tune in to We Talk Music for a conversation with Danny Marks about blues music, his album Back to the Blues, radio, musical influences and a lifetime devoted to the power of a great song.

Actor and musician Courtney Gains joins We Talk Music for an in-depth conversation about his musical journey, songwriting, and the creation of his album Liberation Day. Best known to many fans for his acting career in such projects as Children of the Corn, The Burbs, Seinfeld and Back to the Future, Gains has also spent decades pursuing his passion for music.In this interview, Gains looks back at his musical roots in Los Angeles, where he began working on music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Then during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he took the opportunity to focus on what mattered the most to him and begin recording songs he had been writing for years.What started with an acoustic recording grew into a series of releases, including the Acoustic Games and Safe Haven EPs, along with four songs recorded with his former band, Ripple Street. These projects helped lay the groundwork for Liberation Day, a record developed over several years with the goal of creating music ready for radio. Gains discusses the collaborative songwriting process behind the album, including working with producer and songwriter Wal, and the effort to bring the material to a wider audience.The conversation also explores Gains’ creative process and the relationship between his work in music and his career as an actor. From years of writing songs to bringing those ideas into the studio, Gains shares insight into the persistence, collaboration, and creativity required to turn musical ideas into finished recordings.Whether you know Courtney Gains from the screen or are discovering his music for the first time, this episode offers a closer look at the artist behind the performances and the music that continues to drive him.