The Velvet Blue Music Podcast features in-depth conversations with artists from the indie label Velvet Blue Music. Hosted by Joey & Kirsty Esquibel and Cody Landefeld, the show explores songwriting, recording, creativity, and the stories behind the music. Tune in for thoughtful interviews, rare insights, and a closer look at one of indie music’s most enduring labels.
Joby Harris of Crash Rickshaw - Velvet Blue Music Podcast
Host Joey and Cody interview musician and designer Joby Harris about Crash Rickshaw's formation and their new release, "Big Sir."
30 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT
Frank Lenz Part 2 - Velvet Blue Music Podcast
Drummer Frank Lenz and hosts Joey and Cody explore music, life, and drumming techniques in this insightful interview.
27 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT
Gileah Taylor of Leem of Earth, Solo Work - Velvet Blue Music Podcast
Host Joey and Cody interview musician Gileah Taylor about her solo EP, exploring her creative process and musical inspirations.
30 May 2026TRANSCRIPT
Adios Cometa's Emanual and Pablo on Un Destello de Luz - Velvet Blue Music Podcast
Host [Host Name] interviews Emanuel Mora and Pablo Matamoros of Adiós Cometa about their new release "Un Destello de Luz," exploring Latin American rock and music gear.
1 May 2026
GVTH DVDDY's Kevin Robinson on Doom Kitty/GVDV - Velvet Blue Music Podcast
In this episode, we talk with VBM artist Kevin Robinson (GVTH DVDDY) about his creative approach to song writing, his favorite gear and recording techniques. We also discuss the recently released track “Doom Kitty” and the much anticipated full-length release GVDA. Come join the fun!!
2 Apr 2026
Slow Salvation's Travis Trevisan on "Gemini" - Velvet Blue Music Podcast
In this episode, Cody Landefeld and Joseph Esquibel sit down with Travis Trevisan of Slow Salvation for an in-depth conversation about his latest release, Gemini. We dive into the creative process, Travis’ recording techniques, songwriting approach and meaning according to Joseph. Learn of Travis' gear and hear him answer fan questions in this episode of the Velvet Blue Music Podcast.
28 Feb 2026
Fepeste's Eric Jett on "This World Ain't Mine To Change" - Velvet Blue Music Podcast
Joey and Cody interview Eric Jett from the band Fepeste, diving into his latest album "This World Ain't Mine to Change," including discussions on the album artwork, his three most-streamed songs on Spotify, and the music equipment he uses. They also cover how Eric met Jeff Cloud and became part of the Velvet Blue Music family, along with his future endeavors in music.
30 Jan 2026
Fine China’s Rob Withem on “I Felt Called” — Velvet Blue Music Podcast
The Velvet Blue Music Podcast sits down with Rob Withem of Fine China to talk through the band’s latest album, I Felt Called, released on the long-running indie label Velvet Blue Music.In this episode, hosts Joey Esquibel and Cody Landefeld dive into a curated selection of tracks from the record — including “Television,” “I Felt Called,” and “Fraught with Danger.” Rob discusses the songwriting process behind the album, the themes that shaped the lyrics, and the music equipment and production choices that helped define the band’s sound.Along the way we explore stories about friends, family, and the creative life that continues to fuel Fine China more than two decades in. Whether you’re new to the band or a longtime listener, this episode offers a thoughtful look into an artist whose work remains quietly influential within indie music.
10 May 2022
Bonus - MAP Secrets by the Highway Deluxe Cassette Release / Album Review
LIMITED RUN! ORDER MAP - SECRETS BY THE HIGHWAY ON CASSETTE TAPE TODAY WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! (https://velvetbluemusic.com/shop/map-secrets-by-the-highway/?fbclid=IwAR1T01xZF4GwWv-DNmNka7pvV9CJt9rBbWIiZlkXryPOsWTIHFUb1vzYgJI)
Only at velvetbluemusic.com (//velvetbluemusic.com)
Instead of exploring an artist’s entire career in a single episode, we’re going to focus on one particular release in the VBM collection; one of Jeff Cloud’s favorite projects. We’re excited to announce the first cassette release, starting today, of Josh Dooley’s 2004 album, “Secrets by the highway”
It might be smart to reserve your copy right now at velvetbluemusic.com (https://velvetbluemusic.com/shop/map-secrets-by-the-highway/?fbclid=IwAR1T01xZF4GwWv-DNmNka7pvV9CJt9rBbWIiZlkXryPOsWTIHFUb1vzYgJI) before they’re sold out.
Eighteen years ago, Riverside, California native Josh Dooley embarked on creating one of his most meaningful projects to date. Although he had recently lost his bandmates after a massive breakup during his “eastern skies western eyes” tour, he contacted Jeff Cloud in the hopes of working with an up and coming gifted producer and engineer, Richard Swift. Swift, with the help of the legendary Frank Lenz, set out to capture Josh’s musical magic in their small Huntington beach apartment studio in 2003. Ultimately, the talent combination of Lenz, Swift and Dooley couldn’t have been better expressed than in the 2004 VBM release, “Secrets by the highway”.
We’re honored to promote this particular record and so For now, sit back, relax and enjoy another one-on-one with Joey and Josh Dooley, as they chat about one of his most popular records. Listen as he gives us insight, song by song, into this VBM masterpiece on today’s Velvet Blue Music Podcast episode!
Song list:
Everything is bad for you
Lay down the law
Beautiful friend
Love and magazines
Riverside
Tell me
Dancing girl
Ugly girl
Strange girl
Is this Goodbye?
2 Aug 2021
Gary Murray of LN
Things started to get interesting when Gary discovered a local music store called “The Mad Hatter”. He would constantly rummage through bargain CDs and tapes discovering cool bands like Slowdive, Cocteau Twins, Sonic Youth, and The Red House Painters (to name a few). He was intrigued by the noisy guitar layers, which really spoke to him and they were breath of fresh air compared to the mainstream music played on the radio at that time. With his new musical influences, he knew that sitting at home with an old acoustic guitar just wasn’t enough now. He made some local musician friends and soon, he would begin to contribute his new-found guitar skills with a local band noise/punk called “Vacuum Star”.
We all know Gary Murray as a writer of some of the most somber, melancholy music on VBM, and “Vacuum Star” was far from that. Funny enough, some members would eventually become long-term contributors to his music in the future. It was while participating in this band Gary gained experience playing side by side with other musicians, keeping his guitar tuned throughout an entire set, and enjoying the energy of a crowd for the first time.
After playing for a few years in the band, he would occasionally collaborate with Vacuum Star guitarist Torey Freeman, drummer Nathan Abel and bassist Denny Kopp to focus solely on songwriting. One memorable night happened at a party in Bellevue, where they would write a full album’s worth of songs in a single evening. I guess you could say Gary was being prepared to become the future frontman of one of VBM’s much loved bands.
Velvet Blue Music Podcast is produced by Joey and Kirsty Esquibel
VBM Podcast theme song written by Josh Dooley
Song list:
Pale Light , Pale Eyes - LN
Raspberry Beret - Prince
Billy In The Low Ground - Stanly Brothers
Theme from Love Story - Frances Lai
Hoovering Around Your Room - LN
The Translator - Starflyer 59
Kisses - LN
Ride That Pony Down - LN
California - LN
Minotaur - Gary Murray & LN
Stars Did Shine - LN
Niagara - LN
Gary Murray's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/g.edgar.murray/ (//)
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21 Nov 2020
Eric Campuzano of Lassie Foundation, Charity Empressa
He didn’t have a ton of musical influence growing up as a child, but he became interested in music after attending a last-minute ski trip in Big Bear, California in the late 1980s. He would soon fall in love with the guest band performing at the resort that weekend, setting his sights on becoming a professional musician. For almost 3 decades, he has been a fan favorite, capturing the attention of major record labels and being featured in popular music magazines. He has co-written songs for the veteran VBM band “Lassie Foundation” and the much loved “Prayer Chain”. He would soon be the prominent songwriter for VBM’s own “Charity Empressa'', and is currently a partial owner of Northern Records. You can also hear his music on popular tv shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”. Nowadays you'll be able to catch him on stage with his current band “Stranger Kings”. Let’s give a big warm welcome to Eric Campuzano! A true legend of 90’s indie music, and an original of the VBM family.
Let’s listen to Joey and Eric chat about the beginnings of Lassie Foundation and the current projects he’s working on.
Song list:
Bumpers - I can be her man, Lassie Foundation
I'm stealing to be your one in a million, Lassie Foundation
Dive Bomber, Lassie Foundation
Golden Gate, Charity Empressa
Let your boy come back, Lassie Foundation
Don't stop your heart, Lassie Foundation
Jetstreams, Lassie Foundation
All of Everything, Stranger Kings
ad music: You won't be coming home, Air Review
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16 Oct 2020
Jeff Cloud - Origins of Velvet Blue Music
Growing up, spending many hours at his favorite indie record store in Riverside, CA, Jeff developed a love for music that was above and beyond the standard mainstream fare. His dream of one day owning a record label would finally come true in the mid 1990s. Little did he know that one day he would sell thousands of records and have songs featured on popular TV shows such as Homeland, Boston Legal, American Idol and American Horror Story and also work with organizations such as Apple, Pacifico Beer, Nike and Disney. As other record labels dropped like flies around him, Jeff continued to invest in top-shelf musicians and release new music for over 25 years!
Music
Puppy hearts and phone calls - Pony Express
We'll last so long - Rainbow Rider
Transparent with Blue Eyes - Pony Express
Be what I need - Bon Voyage
John the Madman - Jupiter James
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14 Sept 2020
Frank Lenz - Drummer for the late Richard Swift, Weepies, Solo Projects...
We’re very honored to introduce this month’s guest. Everybody knows him as the legendary drummer of rock band Fold Zandura, and you might also know of his contributions to The Lassie Foundation, Headphones, and Starflyer 59. Later in his career, He would help break “The Weepies”, bringing world-wide commercial success including 2 songs high on billboard 200! Let’s not forget his critically acclaimed solo projects which would grab the attention of The Huffington Post, New York Times, This American Life, and Comedy Central’s Colbert Report. Did I mention he has written original scores for popular documentaries?
Let’s give a nice warm welcome to Frank Lenz...drummer extraordinaire, producer, songwriter, and a personal hero of Joey.
Joey had the pleasure of digging deep into Frank’s music and analyzing his motivations and inspiration throughout his VBM releases. Let’s listen to Frank and Joey discuss all things Frank Lenz!
Want to donate a buck a month to the VBM Podcast? Click here: https://anchor.fm/vbmpodcast/support (https://anchor.fm/vbmpodcast/support)
Want to win a free t-shirt? Click below and leave a 5 star review and a nice comment and you'll automatically be entered to win a free VBM Music t-shirt! Drawing will take place at the end of September. Follow us on Facebook and we'll give you further details when the time comes.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/velvet-blue-music-podcast/id1517329826 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/velvet-blue-music-podcast/id1517329826)
Song list:
Dog Loves Pony - Vacation (intro/outro)
Trevin Family Overdrive - Conquest Slaughter
Padre - VileLenz and Thieves
Can't Go Back Now - Hideaway (The Weepies)
Carrying Cash - Holy Rollers Soundtrack
Can't Go On Like This - Vaction
Oh Key Dough - Water Tiger
Tiger Beat Singalong - Pyramid
11 Aug 2020
Heather Heywood of Kissing Cousins, MAP, Vicious Cousins
Heather Heywood had her hand in many projects from MAP to Kissing Cousins. Her friendship with the late Richard Swift has resulted in one of the most anticipated VBM releases, Kissing Cousins’ Pillar of Salt. Not only has her music been praised by many critics, but it can also be heard on some popular TV shows. And as if that isn’t enough, she also runs her own record label and loves to work with up-and-coming artists in Southern California. We’d like to welcome Heather Heywood! A true friend to the VBM staff and fans alike.
Song List:
One eye'd woman - Kissing Cousins/EP3
War within us - M@rvel
Vixen - MAP/Think like an owner
Silhouettes - Kissing Cousins/EP1
Let you down - Kissing Cousins/EP2
Don't look Back - Kissing Cousins/Pillar of Salt
You bring me down - Kissing Cousins/Unfortunate End
Eat my grits - Vicious Cousins/All Disappearing
2 Jul 2020
Josh Dooley of MAP, Starflyer 59, Fine China
Growing up in Riverside, CA, Josh grew to love bands such as The Smiths and Pet Shop Boys and dedicated himself to learning and mastering guitar and songwriting. Little did he know he would share the stage with bands like Dwight Yokum, Pinback, The Sea and Cake, Damien Jurado and The Cold War Kids.
Listen to Josh discuss with Joey his victories and challenges as a VBM artist!
Hosts: Joseph and Kirsty Esquibel
Songs used in this episode:
San Francisco In The 90s - San Francisco In The 90s
The Smile Summer Forgot - Teaching Turtles to Fly
Lazy Susan Serenade - Eastern Skies Western Eyes
Lay Down The Law - Secrets By The Highway
Legal and Tender - Think Like an Owner
Monk with a Gun - Monk with a Gun 7”
Rachel Dreams - San Francisco In The 90s
Lucky Cat - Speechless
Skills to Rebuild - Hello Singularity
7 Jun 2020
Rob Withem of Fine China, The Foxglove Hunt
Joey Interviews Rob Withem (Fine China, The Foxglove Hunt) about his music origins, projects and latest releases.
Track List:
No One Knows - Fine China, Know One Knows EP
Comforting, Gondoliering - Fine China, Rialto Bridge
We rock harder than you ever knew - Fine China, When the World Sings
Hug Every Friend - Fine China, You make me hate music
Don't Frown - Fine China, The Jaws of Life
A Building Collapsing - The Foxglove Hunt, Stop Heartbeat
Anybody Else - Fine China, Not Thrilled
Inside a recent episode
Joby Harris of Crash Rickshaw - Velvet Blue Music Podcast
Published 29 Sept 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] I was a model maker for that park. Um, and finally about three, three weeks in a production designer was like, wait, you live here. You've never been to Disneyland. Like, okay, you need to go. Here's some passes. And so I went and changed my life. I came back and I was like, I work at Disney Imagineering. You've never heard of it. We do Disneyland. And so I worked there, uh, as a model maker for a good number of years on the park, which is still there and thriving. It's a beautiful park, Tokyo Disney scene. […]
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