When Words Fail...Music Speaks

Episode 476 - Unmasking Metal Myths: Kyle Thomas from ExHorder Discusses Honesty, Aggression, Healing in Songwriting

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how melody and rhythm become lifelines for those battling depression and anxiety. In today’s episode, James sits down with Kyle Thomas—the raw‑voiced frontman of New Orleans thrash legends ExHorder!!Together they journey from the gritty beginnings of the band in the mid‑80s through four pivotal albums, unpacking the evolution of Kyle’s lyrics—from teenage outrage at organized religion to today’s more nuanced, honest storytelling. A rapid‑fire “lightning round” reveals Kyle’s unexpected love for Depeche Mode and Duran Duran, his philosophy that metal should stay fun rather than take itself too seriously, and the crucial lesson that technical fireworks mean nothing without genuine connection.Listeners also get a behind‑the‑scenes glimpse of Pat O’Brien’s (Ex Cannibal Corpse) comeback with Exploder, the band’s shift toward streamlined songwriting, and Kyle’s personal ritual of turning pain into cathartic verses. As the conversation winds down, Kyle shares the one album that still pulls at his soul—Black Sabbath’s debut—reminding us that even the darkest riffs can hold a timeless, soul‑shaking resonance.Tune in for an honest, high‑energy deep‑dive into how heavy music can both weaponize aggression and heal the heart, proving once again that when words fall short, the music always finds a way to speak.

Episode 475 - Healing Through Beats: Kenneth Perrin’s Journey from Childhood Drummer to Faith‑Driven Songwriter

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the show where we explore how melody, rhythm, and lyric can lift us out of the darkest moments. I’m your host, James Cox, a lifelong believer in music’s healing power, and today I’m thrilled to sit down with an artist whose honesty, faith, and genre‑blending spirit make every track feel like a conversation with the soul.Meet Kenneith Perrin – a true “music mutt” who began his journey at eight, first behind a drum kit and later as a vocalist in his dad’s church. From early days mimicking Soul‑Train performances to head‑lining clubs, festivals, and worship services, Kenneith’s story is a testament to staying curious, staying authentic, and never letting anyone box you in.In this episode we’ll:Trace his musical roots – how a bassist‑dad, a church debut, and an early love for disco, funk, R&B, and later new‑wave and rock shaped his sound.Dive deep into his 2020 pandemic anthem “Erased by Mercy.” Kenneith explains the song’s raw confession of repentance, the grace he found in surrender, and why it still resounds for listeners battling doubt.Talk tour life – preview his upcoming 2026 Melodic Heart & Soul tour, from the Garden Grove Fest to Fire Forge Brewery in Greenville, SC, and how he blends intimate worship with high‑energy club gigs.Unpack his musical DNA – from MC Hammer, Sister Sledge, and Missing Persons to modern gospel, country, metal, and even guilty‑pleasure pop (Backstreet Boys, Beach Boys). He shares the moments when fans—whether in a church pew or at a Whiskey A Go‑Go—have told him his songs saved them.Reflect on faith & purpose – how his Christian walk informs every lyric, and the simple yet powerful message he hopes every listener walks away with: “You’re never alone; there’s always a song that can lift you up.”Whether you’re a struggling artist, a music lover searching for hope, or just curious about the crossroads of faith and creative expression, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight. Grab your coffee (or a Bones‑flavored brew), press play, and let Kenneith’s story remind you why, when words fail, music always finds a way to speak.

Episode 474 - How Music and Imagination Saved Me: Chris Kaufman’s Creative Journey

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where host James Cox explores how music can lift us out of depression and open doors to imagination. In today’s episode, James sits down with the multitalented composer‑author Christopher Kaufman—a Brooklyn‑based classical composer, storyteller, and environmental sound‑artist whose work fuses symphonic scores, natural soundscapes, and illustrated fantasy.We’ll hear Christopher describe life in his peaceful Brooklyn neighborhood, the eclectic musical “vibes” that swirl from jazz ensembles to full‑blown orchestras, and how his lifelong love for Stravinsky, Metallica and classic fantasy literature fuels his creative engine. Through a rapid‑fire “lightning round,” he reveals his artistic rituals—ink versus instruments, favorite mythic creatures, and the superpower he’d pick for a day (perfect emotional pitch).Christopher then takes us inside his magnum opus, Tales of the Ocean City, a series of eight immersive “audio‑books” that blend orchestral storytelling, original illustrations, and video‑book experiences. He explains how musical tension and resolution shape narrative arcs, how his telepathic Pegasus‑like “Parianths” echo his childhood bond with a beloved dog, and why an organ‑driven theme for King Brohuyn and an electric‑guitar leitmotif for the bard Elah perfectly capture each character’s spirit.We’ll also explore his belief that imagination can literally heal: by turning the gray sameness of modern life into vivid, musical worlds, we can push back against depression and find hope. Finally, Christopher shares upcoming projects—book 8 of the series, his “Fantastic Theater” performances, and the ever‑growing sound‑artist community on SoundArtists.com, Instagram, and Facebook.Stick around for a sneak‑peek audio excerpt from Tales of the Ocean City, and discover why, for James and Christopher, when words fall short, music tells the whole story. 🎧✨

Episode 473 - From 12‑String Bass, New Songs & Upcoming 2026 Tour: Tim King’s Journey with Soil

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Speaks, the podcast where we harness the healing power of music to lift the soul. In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with Tim King who was literally on the road, pulling over in the dark‑lit front seat of his car—to chat with SOiL’s longtime bassist Tim King.Tim walks us through the band’s upcoming UK return in October‑November 2026, the back‑story behind their wildly popular Play It Forward covers album, and the creative process that finally pushed SOiL back into the studio for a brand‑new record slated for 2026. He also shares the quirkiest of tidbits—from his 12‑string Hamer/Thunderbird experiment and his signature “up‑pick” technique to the personal posters that once covered his bedroom walls.Between anecdotes about the band’s evolving lineup, a rapid‑fire “tone or technique” rapid‑fire round, and a surprising confession about “How I Live Without You” from Con Air, Tim gives us a behind‑the‑scenes look at life on the road, the challenges of being an indie‑label artist, and why every genre—metal, hip‑hop, country, or pop—has its own vital place in the human experience.Grab your headphones, press play, and get ready to hear why, when words fail, music always finds a way to speak. 🎧✨

Episode 472 - Music, Wine, and Community | The Brian Culbertson Story

In today’s episode, host James Cox sits down with Chicago‑born jazz virtuoso Brian Culbertson – a multi‑instrumentalist, composer, producer, and the man behind the acclaimed album “Day Trip.”From Brian’s early days tinkering on piano at eight, picking up trombone in the school band, and discovering the magic of a home studio at twelve, to his modern‑day workflow that blends live horns, synth‑laden beats, and the Output Arcade plug‑in that sparked the track “Sandcastles,” the conversation drifts through:The instrument journey: why piano became his songwriting hub, how drums shaped his groove sense, and the challenge of playing piano passages that push his limits.Music theory & learning: a down‑to‑earth take on why theory is “baby steps” and how a good teacher can make it approachable for anyone.Creative influences: everything from Earth, Wind & Fire and Tower of Power to classical, EDM, Mongolian metal (The Hu) and dark hip‑hop—showing how eclectic listening fuels fresh ideas.Production vs. performance: why the studio feels like home, the painstaking process of polishing a record, and the tricks he uses to translate studio vibes to a live stage.The “Day Trip” story: how nine songs were written in just four days with co‑writer Nicholas Cole, and the emotional contrast between rapid bursts of inspiration and years‑long labors of love.Beyond the music: Brian’s passion for wine, the creation of his signature blends, the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway he co‑hosts, and the balance of artistry with entrepreneurship.Get ready for a deep dive into a musician’s mindset, a handful of quirky anecdotes (no secret studio rituals—just a shower and a good vibe), and plenty of tips for anyone who dreams of turning a musical spark into a polished record.Press play, lean back, and let the conversation remind you why, when words fall short, music always finds a way to speak.