Out of the Main
231 episodes Last Updated: Jun 26, 25
“Out of the Main” is a podcast celebrating one of the most proficient and accomplished eras of musicianship and studio production, including yacht rock, west coast AOR, and related sophisticated music from the 1970s and 80s. “Out of the Main” was launched by two of the era's biggest fans—both musicians themselves—who, like a growing wave of aficionados all around the world, have been exploring the history, the enjoyment, and now the future potential of the West Coast sound, even as it continues to this day.
Join the revelry. Partake in the nostalgia. Tune in to artist interviews. Discover
Episodes
Jun 26, 2025
S6.E13: Flying Solo, Five on Five
Did the art of the solo in pop/rock music peak between 1975 and 1985? And why did it become something of a lost art thereafter? John and Tom discuss the history and importance of the solo (any instrument) in modern music history, each sharing five of their favorite solos for purposes of demonstration and admiration. What do you think are the elements of a quintessential solo in pop/rock music? And where have all the good times gone? Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Jun 12, 2025
S6.E12: Artist Focus: Ned Doheny
Where does Ned Doheny fit into this ongoing conversation? Might he be one of four on yacht rock’s Mt. Rushmore of under-the-radar solo acts? With that often “proto”-identifying sound…definite embrace of the yachty R&B vibes…that omnipresent acoustic guitar rooting down the rhythms? He’s a bit of an enigma, which is why Tom and John took a deeper dive 🛎️ into the life, career and musical stylings of one Ned Doheny. Special album focus on Hard Candy.Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
May 29, 2025
S6.E11: Ghost Stories
Were there ghosts in the music machine back in the 70s and 80s? Most certainly…more than you know. This week, John and Tom share their favorite ghost stories: uncredited session performances on some of music’s most famous tracks, no less — and likely, some of which you never knew were there! It's Halloween in May! (or something)Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
May 15, 2025
S6.E10: You Still Don’t Know Rick Springfield
Part 2 of our exploration into the storied career of Rick Springfield examines the post-heyday chapter. Tom was shocked how much he liked a certain three-album run from this era of his story. Perhaps you will be too!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
May 08, 2025
S6.E9: You Don’t Know Rick Springfield
How well do you really know Rick Springfield? What about Tim Pierce, Mike Baird, Jerry Hey, Richard Page and Tommy Funderburk? There’s a lot to like and a lot that gets unfairly dismissed about the man with more than 20 charting hit singles to his name. If all you think of when you hear “Rick Springfield” is “Jessie’s Girl,” allow Tom and John to open your eyes and ears to the depths beneath the surface…Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Apr 24, 2025
S6.E8: Turning the Pages
Tom and John take a tour through the long and storied careers of Richard Page and Steve George. Beginning with their early careers as session vocalists, through the three-record run Pages had, all the way through the game-changing band that was Mr. Mister. Quite the evolution for two of music’s hardest-working but underrated geniuses.N.B.: The Inside Musicast interview with Richard Page, Steve George, and John Lang.Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Apr 10, 2025
S6.E7: Modern Smooth, with Super db
J-M Sutcliffe, vocalist and guitarist with Super db, joins the podcast to discuss the band’s history, influences and trajectory. Of course, the boys can’t resist talking about “single-note” rhythm guitar, an essential element of smooth, west-coast-influenced pop rock. With notes of funk, R&B and yacht rock, Super db’s hooks and rhythms are irresistible, so treat yourself if you haven’t already! Who doesn’t like a band of brothers resurrecting the sounds of the 70s and 80s?!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Check out Super db on BandcampYachty! Official music video to Open Line to Me Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Mar 27, 2025
S6.E6: The End of the Road to the Vinyl Four
Kevin Sucher, founder and vocalist with yacht rock tribute band The Docksiders, joins Out of the Main to help John and Tom finish off the madness that was their March 2025 tournament of champions: The Vinyl Four!What was the biggest, baddest, most important album from (roughly) 1975 to 1985 in (mostly) the genres we cover on the podcast? Tune in to hear our picks, and leave your disputes and corrections in the comments on Facebook or X!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Mar 20, 2025
S6.E5: The Madness Continues, Round of 32
The Road to the Vinyl Four continues apace. On the line: What is the “biggest” album of our era? This week’s guest judge: Russ Fitzpatrick, vocalist with Page99.Next up: The Sibilant 16! (?)Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related:Playlist of songs featured on Out of the MainJohn’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistTom’s Spotify Yacht Rock PlaylistIntro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow:The Mainland: OutoftheMain.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcastTwitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemainYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemainSupport the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”
Mar 13, 2025
S6.E4: It’s March! Time for Some Madness!
The Road to the Vinyl Four continues in earnest. This March, we’ll finally settle the score: What is the “biggest” album of our era? This week’s guest judge: Tom Bieniewicz, lead singer of August Red.Let’s do this!Listen and Subscribe:Find the podcast platform of your choice here.Referenced and Related: Playlist of songs featured on Out of the Main John’s Spotify Yacht Rock Playlist Tom’s Spotify Yacht Rock Playlist Intro/outro: Stock Music “We’re Here” composed by John H. Nixon (BMI)Find and Follow: The Mainland: OutoftheMain.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yachtrockpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/outofthemain YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@outofthemain Support the Podcast: patreon.com/OutoftheMain“Born at Sea. Raised on Radio.”