New Episode: Chris Barron of The Spin Doctors

Super Familiar with The Wilsons - Chris Barron: Behind Face Full of Cake - The Spin Doctors New Album

We chat with Chris Barron, lead singer of the Spin Doctors, about their new album "Face Full of Cake" and explore his journey through music, stagecraft, and discovering photography as a healing art form.

Chris shares the story behind the Spin Doctors' new album "Face Full of Cake," detailing how the band's communal living arrangement during recording created an organic, truthful sound. The album's creation mirrors classic recording sessions like Exile on Main Street, where musicians lived together while creating their masterpieces. Barron explains how starting with low-pressure "demos" ultimately resulted in the finished product, creating space for authenticity to flourish.

Ever wonder what makes a rock frontman leap across stage with such abandon? Chris opens up about the surprising origins of his trademark high kicks (hint: it wasn't who you think), and the psychology behind commanding a stage. "A big part of performance is basically the assertion: I can do something that you cannot do," he reveals, explaining how he developed his unique style without seeing many rock legends perform live.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Chris discusses discovering black and white film photography following his brother's passing last year. He describes how the darkroom process became not an escape from grief but a perfect companion to it: "I found that it wasn't a distraction from being sad about my brother dying. It was like I could be a sad guy with a camera in my hand." His description of finding presence in complete darkness while developing film offers a powerful metaphor for finding one's way through loss.

Chris leaves us with this creative wisdom: "Whatever it is you are obsessed with, just go with it. Dive in both feet, just see where it takes you, because that's what creativity is all about."

Listen to this episode for an intimate glimpse into the artistic process and the healing power of creative expression.