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Music Makers San Diego

Amplified Studios, Gary Lee, Gabe Dagrezio, Marc Polit·186 episodes

ArtsPerformingInterviewsMusicCommentary

Broadcasting from Amplified Studios in Southern California, a number of hosts create weekly podcasts meant to amplify other local musicians in SoCal. There is "Amplified Radio" which is an interview show with audio engineers, local artists, and music business professionals with tips on how to use social media, how to book gigs around San Diego, and an ending segment on this week's best SD shows. Each episode also includes some silly games related to being an asshole about music and what politicians listen to in their free time. There is also "Music Makers San Diego" hosted by long-time radio guy...

Episodes

34 min
Mar 27, 2026Episode 180
Music Makers San Diego 179 - Lauren Reznik

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Lauren Reznik about her biggest inspiration, advice she once received from her creative writing professor, the most challenging part of the songwriting process for her & much more. Lauren also performs three of her original songs during the conversation, accompanied on guitar by her bandmate, Jon Aycock. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/thelolorez https://laurenreznik.com https://www.instagram.com/drunctionalfunks

33 min
Mar 20, 2026Episode 179
Music Makers San Diego 178 - Camille Sallave

In this episode, Gary talks with Camille Sallave about her musical family, her first solo singing performance when she was in junior high school, her take on writing relatable songs & much more. Camille also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/camillesallave

34 min
Mar 13, 2026Episode 178
Music Makers San Diego 177 - Durell Anthony

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Durell Anthony about how his being in the church band & choir when he was younger helped him get to where he is musically today, where he gets his inspiration from for his songs, his experience as a contestant on The Voice & much more. Durell also performs three of his original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/durellanthonysings https://www.durellanthony.com

38 min
Mar 6, 2026Episode 177
Music Makers San Diego 176 - Shea Givens

In this episode, Gary talks with Shea Givens about how music was a big part of her life growing up, her musical heroes & influences, what themes or topics she's drawn to most when writing & much more. Shea also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/sheagivensmusic https://sheagivensmusic.com

32 min
Feb 27, 2026Episode 176
Music Makers San Diego 175 - Dixie Maxwell

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Dixie Maxwell about her time living in Nashville, who she would credit the most with influencing her sound & songwriting style, how songwriting is therapeutic for her & much more. Dixie also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/dixiemaxwell

32 min
Feb 20, 2026Episode 175
Music Makers San Diego 174 - Deidre

In this episode, Gary talks with Deidre about how being in musical theater has impacted her to this day, what performing does for her on a personal level, what she likes most about songwriting & much more. Deidre also performs three of her original songs during the conversation. https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssd https://www.instagram.com/deidre.music

34 min
Feb 13, 2026Episode 174
Music Makers San Diego 173 - Crescent Blue

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Bobby Jameson & Derek Murphy from the band Crescent Blue about their first introduction to music, the band's songwriting process, what it was like to play the world famous Whiskey A Go Go & much more. Bobby & Derek also play three of their original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/crescent_blue_band

32 min
Jan 23, 2026Episode 172
Music Makers San Diego 172 - Ms. Connie

In this episode, Gary talks with Ms. Connie about her book of romantic erotic poetry, how she learned to express emotion through dancing, what she hopes to achieve through her songwriting & much more. Connie also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/ms.conniemusic

17 min
Jan 16, 2026Episode 171
Music Makers San Diego 171 - Anna Ballew Update

In this latest episode, Gary catches up with past guest Anna Ballew to see what she's been up to since she was first on the show. The two talk about why Anna moved back to Montana for a while, her upcoming album & more. Anna also performs two of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/anna_ballew_musichttps://www.annaballew.com

36 min
Jan 9, 2026Episode 170
Music Makers San Diego 170 - Lee Coulter

In this episode, Gary talks with Lee Coulter about the music his parents introduced him to, what the various accolades he's received means to him as an artist, what he does to get into the zone to write & much more. Lee also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/leecoulterhttps://www.leecoulter.com

41 min
Jan 2, 2026Episode 169
Music Makers San Diego 169 - Tristan Brooks

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Tristan Brooks about what music does for him on a personal level, where he gets his inspiration from for his songs, the time of day when he's more creative & productive & much more. Tristan also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/tristan_brooks

33 min
Dec 19, 2025Episode 168
Music Makers San Diego 168 - Raena Jade

In this episode Gary talks with Raena Jade about the first song she wrote, what it was like studying music at The New School in New York City, what she feels is the most rewarding part of the songwriting process & much more. Raena also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/raenajade

35 min
Nov 28, 2025Episode 167
Music Makers San Diego 167 - David Beldock & Peggy Watson

In this latest episode, Gary talks with David Beldock & Peggy Watson about how they became songwriting partners, who they would credit with helping to shape how they write, the philosophy behind their songs & much more. David & Peggy also perform three of their original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://beldockandwatson.com

36 min
Nov 21, 2025Episode 166
Music Makers San Diego 166 - Brandon Dominguez

In this episode, Gary talks with Brandon Dominguez, aka Some Guy Bran, about where is love for songwriting & storytelling comes from, what it was like to play in his mother's band at the age of 16, what he feels sets him apart from other songwriters & much more. Brandon also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/someguybranhttps://someguybran.com

42 min
Nov 14, 2025Episode 165
Music Makers San Diego 165 - Claire King

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Claire King about her favorite era of music, how she came to write her first song, what setting suits her best for songwriting & much more. Claire also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/nobody_claires

35 min
Nov 7, 2025Episode 164
Music Makers San Diego 164 - Steve Skiano

In this episode, Gary talks with Steve Skiano about how he came to write 52 songs in a year, his work in the mental health field, where he draws his inspiration from for his songs & much more. Steve also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/steveskianomusichttps://steveskiano.com

37 min
Oct 24, 2025Episode 163
Music Makers San Diego 163 - Kimiko

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Kimiko about her experience going to the School of Rock, what one reviewer's comments about her entry in the NPR Tiny Desk Contest meant to her, what her first song was & how her songwriting has evolved since then & much more. Kimiko also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/kimiko_music

33 min
Oct 10, 2025Episode 162
Music Makers San Diego 162 - John Katchur

In this episode, Gary talks with John Katchur about his residency at Java Joe's in the early 90s, his song about a girl killed by a local California Highway Patrol officer, what he sees as a challenging part of the co-writing process & much more. John also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/johnkatchurhttps://johnkatchurmusic.com

36 min
Oct 3, 2025Episode 161
Music Makers San Diego 161 - Mangosauce

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Jordan, aka Mangosauce, about how taking Polynesian dance when she was younger helped to shape how she views artistry, who she credits with influencing her current sound, how themes of sustainability & social justice factor into her songs & much more. Jordan also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/mangosauce_j

29 min
Sep 26, 2025Episode 160
Music Makers San Diego 160 - Miro Imani

In this episode, Gary talks with Miro Imani about how his taste in music has changed over the years, how his guitar playing helps shape how he writes, his goal of writing a song a day for a year & much more. Miro also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/miroguy

37 min
Sep 19, 2025Episode 159
Music Makers San Diego 159 - Paul Yoon

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Paul Yoon about his favorite songwriters, his bachelor's degree in music, topics he likes to write about & much more. Paul also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/paulyoonmusichttps://paulyoon.bandcamp.com

38 min
Sep 12, 2025Episode 158
Music Makers San Diego 158 - The Calabio Twins

In this episode, Gary talks with Kris & Marq Calabio, The Calabio Twins, about their first introduction to music, the band that helped to change the way they thought about music, how the songwriting process works for them & much more. Kris & Marq also perform two of their original songs as well as their spin & arrangement on a song from a band that has inspired them to make the kind of music they make.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://shorturl.at/0Tpzyhttps://calabiotwins.bandcamp.com

38 min
Aug 22, 2025Episode 157
Music Makers San Diego 157 - Chris Avetta

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Chris Avetta about her musical heroes, what helps her to come up with lines for songs, her project The Morning Room & much more. Chris also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/chrisavettahttps://www.instagram.com/themorningroommusic

31 min
Aug 15, 2025Episode 156
Music Makers San Diego 156 - Maxwell The Great

In this episode, Gary talks with Max Doty, aka Maxwell The Great, about his first concert experience, what made him decide to drop his studies in environmental engineering, how he handles writer's block & much more. Max also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/maxwellthegreatmusichttps://www.maxwellthegreat.com

37 min
Aug 8, 2025Episode 155
Music Makers San Diego 155 - Anna May

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Anna May about the music she listened to growing up why she prioritizes the lyrics over the melody, her love for the art of improvisation & much more. Anna also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/annamayfolkhttps://annamaymusic.com

20 min
Aug 1, 2025Episode 154
Music Makers San Diego 154 - Eric Neilson

In this episode, Gary talks with Eric Neilson about what he's been up to since he was first on the show a couple years ago, including his YouTube channel & Dharma Den Sessions, his vision for creating a new & innovative community based cannabis cafe for creatives & veterans, his new album & much more. Eric also performs two new songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/ericneilsonhttps://www.neilsonmusic.comhttps://www.instagram.com/dharmadensessions

35 min
Jul 25, 2025Episode 153
Music Makers San Diego 153 - Jeff Brinkman

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Jeff Brinkman about how music affects him on a personal level, his experience on season three of the X Factor, the three seasons of his creative process & much more. Jeff also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/jeffbrinkmanhttps://www.jeffbrinkmanmusic.com

31 min
Jul 18, 2025Episode 152
Music Makers San Diego 152 - Bonnie Nicholls

In this episode, Gary talks with Bonnie Nicholls about what inspired her to be a songwriter, the monthly song circle she co-hosts, how her songwriting has evolved since she first started writing & much more. Bonnie also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/banichollshttps://bonnienichollsmusic.comhttps://www.birdsonatrain.com

37 min
Jul 11, 2025Episode 151
Music Makers San Diego 151 - Sophie London

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Sophie London about her experience at a Green Day concert, the first song she ever wrote, the best advice she's received about her songwriting & much more. Sophie also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/sophielondon

35 min
Jul 4, 2025Episode 150
Music Makers San Diego 150 - Heatherlyn

In this episode, Gary talks with Heatherlyn about how her spirituality transfers to her music, her work with the organization Peace Jam, what rituals she uses to get her into the zone to write & much more. Heatherlyn also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/heatherlynmusichttps://www.heatherlynmusic.comhttps://www.patreon.com/HeatherlynMusic

29 min
Jun 27, 2025Episode 149
Music Makers San Diego 149 - Michael Gilas

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Michael Gilas about why he put off his dream of making music until recently, what songwriters influenced the way he writes, how music & songwriting saved him after a near death experience & much more. Michael also performs three of his original songs during the conversation, accompanied on keyboard by Allan Phillips.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/michaelpaulgilashttps://michaelgilas.com

36 min
Jun 20, 2025Episode 148
Music Makers San Diego 148 - DALL/Haley Montgomery

In this episode, Gary talks with Haley Montgomery, aka DALL, about her past involvement in the Christian music scene; her nonprofit, The Table Art Society; her songwriting process & much more. Haley also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/haleymontgomerymusichttps://www.instagram.com/what.a.dallhttps://thetableartsociety.com

35 min
Jun 13, 2025Episode 147
Music Makers San Diego 147 - Derren Raser

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Derren Raser about when he discovered his musical voice, what song of his stands out as a turning point in his career, why his latest album was such a special project for him & so much more. Derren also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/derrenraserhttps://www.derrenraser.com

32 min
May 30, 2025Episode 146
Music Makers San Diego 146 - Mark Montijo

In this episode, Gary talks with Mark Montijo about his time meeting Kris Kristofferson, how his first album after taking a break from music for several decades came about, what it was about songwriting that sparked his interest & much more. Mark also performs three of his original songs during the conversation, accompanied by Lenny Bole on banjo & vocals.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/rabbithavenmusichttps://markmontijo.com

34 min
May 23, 2025Episode 145
Music Makers San Diego 145 - Pat McBride

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Pat McBride about the music being played in his house when he was growing up, how he learned to play the guitar, a song he recently wrote for an upcoming movie & much more. Pat also plays three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/mcbride_music

33 min
May 16, 2025Episode 144
Music Makers San Diego 144 - Alex Bergan

In this episode, Gary talks with San Diego Music Award winner, Alex Bergan, about what winning an SDMA means to him as an artist, what he considers to be his most valuable trait as a songwriter, a story of one woman's reaction to a song of his & much more. Alex also performs three of his original songs during the conversation, including the one that won him an award this year.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/alexbergan_official

14 min
May 9, 2025Episode 143
Music Makers San Diego 143 - Seawall Prophet

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Aaron Markland, AKA Seawall Prophet, about what he & his band have been up to since he was on the show last a couple years ago, their upcoming new album & upcoming tour. Aaron also performs two new songs during the conversation, accompanied on vocals by band member, AJ Price.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/seawallprophethttps://seawallprophet.com

36 min
May 2, 2025Episode 142
Music Makers San Diego 142 - Ryan Gray

In this episode, Gary talks with Ryan Gray about his first introduction to formal music training, his take on turning poems he's written into songs, how he stays motivated & focused on his songwriting when faced with obstacles & setbacks & much more. Ryan also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/ryangraymusichttps://www.ryangraymusic.net

37 min
Apr 25, 2025Episode 141
Music Makers San Diego 141 - TJ Moss

In this latest episode, Gary talks with TJ Moss about his first introduction to music, what his purpose is as a songwriter, his experience performing for the Dalai Lama & much more. TJ also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/tjmossmusichttps://tjmossmusic.com

39 min
Apr 18, 2025Episode 140
Music Makers San Diego 140 - Brian Allan White

In this episode, Gary talks with Brian Allan White about when the music bug first hit him, his take on performing solo versus in a band, why writing about the struggles of exploited laborers & farmers is so important to him & much more. Brian also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/brianallanwhitemusichttps://www.instagram.com/ulstandardhttps://violaandthebrakemen.com

34 min
Apr 11, 2025Episode 139
Music Makers San Diego 139 - Jesse LaMonaca

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Jesse LaMonaca about the genres of music he's drawn to most, how living in Sweden helped to shape & influence his music today, how his songwriting has evolved since he wrote his first song & much more. Jesse also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/jesselamonaca

34 min
Mar 28, 2025Episode 138
Music Makers San Diego 138 - Grace Jackson

In this episode, Gary talks with Grace Jackson about some of her favorite artists, her time in band & choir in high school, what songwriting does for her on a personal level & much more. Grace also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/gracecjackson

43 min
Mar 21, 2025Episode 137
Music Makers San Diego 137 - Aly Rowell

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Aly Rowell about her church worship leader & how he was such a great mentor to her, the music program she was in prior to going to college, how she deals with writer's block & much more. Aly also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/alyrowell

34 min
Mar 14, 2025Episode 136
Music Makers San Diego 136 - Monica Larrea

In this episode, Gary talks with Monica Larrea about how her music therapy studies impact her music today, why it's important for her shows to be interactive, how she deals with frustration, if at all, during the songwriting process & much more. Monica also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/musical.monica

36 min
Mar 7, 2025Episode 135
Music Makers San Diego 135 - Lauren Ong

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Lauren Ong about her poetry phase as a teenager, why she wanted to be a songwriter, the best advice she received about songwriting & much more. Lauren also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/rightorwr.ong

33 min
Feb 28, 2025Episode 134
Music Makers San Diego 134 - Sasha Ortega

In this episode, Gary talks with Sasha Ortega about the impact her jazz studies had on her music, where she draws her inspiration from for her songs, what she does to keep her songs from getting stale & predictable & much more. Sasha also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/sashaortegamusic

36 min
Feb 21, 2025Episode 133
Music Makers San Diego 133 - Cadre Scott

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Cadre Scott about her love for 70s music, how conflict inspires her to write, why she writes for herself & not with a particular audience in mind & much more. Cadre also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/cadrescotthttps://www.cadrescott.com

37 min
Feb 14, 2025Episode 132
Music Makers San Diego 132 - Jeff Livingstone

In this episode, Gary talks with Jeff Livingstone about what he looks for in a song, his business degree in Entertainment & Hospitality Management, what the most challenging part of the songwriting process is for him & much more. Jeff also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/jefflivingstonemusichttps://jefflivingstone.com

34 min
Feb 7, 2025Episode 131
Music Makers San Diego 131 - Michael Hill

In this latest episode, Gary talks with Michael Hill about his first introduction to music, what method he uses to improve his singing, what impact he hopes his songs have on his listeners & much more. Michael also performs three of his original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/michaelh.musichttps://michaelofficial.com

38 min
Jan 24, 2025Episode 130
Music Makers San Diego 130 - Celina Rescott

In this episode, Gary talks with Celina Rescott about her early musical journey, her different singing styles, why she never goes back to change a song once it's done & a lot more. Celina also performs three of her original songs during the conversation.https://www.instagram.com/musicmakerssdhttps://www.instagram.com/celina_rescotthttps://www.instagram.com/celinaandtheembers

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