From Greenville, South Carolina, Edwin McCain is going on over 30 years of hits and worldwide touring. He has been called a “street corner prophet” by the USA Today, an “aching tenor” by Slate Magazine, and a “great American romantic” by the New York Times, but Edwin is much more than those things. After a long ride on a wave created by recording two of the biggest love songs in the history of music (“I’ll Be” and “I Could Not Ask For More”), and producing and starring in a tv series (Flippin’ Ships on Animal Planet); Edwin slowed his road schedule to dedicate more time to his primary roles as husband to his wife and father to their three young teenagers. His hit songs, authentic spirit and surprisingly affable sense of humor keeps everyone coming back time and time again.

Well, the kids are grown-ish and Edwin’s fans are still clamoring for more. Not that Edwin’s music ever slows down. “American Idol” and “The Voice” contestants still turn to Edwin’s ballads year after year to help them win over judges and fans. Edwins shares, “The 15-year-old me would have crawled through a river of fire to be the singer/songwriter that I am today, and I remember that. I am incredibly grateful to be able to do this.” Millions more have been turned on by pop icons Justin Bieber and Charlie Puth who have both covered Edwin’s hit songs.

Links mentioned in this episode:

My TikTok breakdown of "I'll Be": https://www.tiktok.com/@rodkimrocks/video/7268801572505931054?q=rod%20kim%20edwin%20mccain&t=1727276851182

My TikTok breakdown of "I Could Not Ask For More": https://www.tiktok.com/@rodkimrocks/video/7268801572505931054?q=rod%20kim%20edwin%20mccain&t=1727276851182

Edwin McCain tour dates: https://edwin.com

Edwin's new music: [not yet released, will update here when it is]

Rock/emo icons All-American Rejects have surprised fans with their high-energy reimagination of Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta,” available now on all DSPs worldwide via Virgin/SPIN. The four-piece cornerstone of 2000s alternative is officially having fun again, as fully evident in their latest offering. The track was birthed from late-night bus lounge hangs on 2023’s Wet Hot All-American Summer Tour, which sold over 200,000 tickets to hungry fans as their first headlining tour in a decade.

"We've always felt that if an idea survives a hangover, then it’s probably a good one," says the band on the track.

"'Flagpole Sitta' was such an idea, born of a late-night, post show, adrenaline-fueled drive. We recorded it because we wanted to see how it would fall out of us on the floor - either like a hot bag of shit, or a vibe. It was also a good excuse tosee if the 4 of us could stand each other for a week in the studio after 7 years of silence. Turns out it was alright.”

Feeling rejuvenated to be in a band again, AAR’s busy 2024 has included appearances at UK’s Slam Dunk Festival, Brazil’s I Wanna Festival, Ocean’s Calling (9/27), and the highly-anticipated When We Were Young Fest (10/19-20), where they’ll play their greatest hits alongside emo legends My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, & countless others.

Formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1999, AAR quickly rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their infectious blend of pop-punk and emo rock. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, featured the hit single "Swing, Swing," which propelled them into the mainstream. This success was followed by the 2005 album Move Along, which achieved 3 chart-topping singles - "Dirty Little Secret," "Move Along," and "It Ends Tonight." 2008 brought When the World Comes Down, featuring the stratospheric and generational smash hit "Gives You Hell” - the band’s most successful single to date, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band's fourth studio album, Kids in the Street, came out in 2012, showcasing a more mature sound while still retaining their signature style.

Currently, the Rejects continue to create and perform, solidifying their place as one of the most beloved bands of their genre. Their journey from early 2000s hitmakers to enduring rock icons is a testament to their talent, resilience, and deep connection they share with their fans.

“As for what’s coming next, we will leave that up to the divine feminine,” the band goes on to say. “If she wants it, she’ll get it."

Links mentioned in this episode:

My TikTok breakdown of "Gives You Hell": https://www.tiktok.com/@rodkimrocks/video/7326288962740325675

My TikTok breakdown of "Flagpole Sitta": https://www.tiktok.com/@rodkimrocks/video/7416352312446192926

Brandon Carswell's "Worktapes" Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/09AOfDwdDyDhvQ4K2fAdQa

EP 1 debuts Sept 13, 2024!

What started as an elder millennial sharing random 90s and Y2K music pop culture on TikTok is now a podcast where Rod gets to sit down and talk to the actual songwriters and artists about their hit nostalgic songs. Get in the mood by burning some CDs, collecting cassingles and dialing up a transparent neon cordless phone...