KISS's Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley Unpack the Importance of Songwriting

Today on the Track Star Podcast, we are joined by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS to talk about rock and roll songwriting, the New York City music scene, and what it really takes to make a song, or a band, truly great. 

With a collection of songs spanning American and English rock, punk, Motown, and more, Paul and Gene share their thoughts on how different artists and movements engage with the craft of songwriting and balance the art of the song with the energy of performance and the demand of the public. 

Gene and Paul join us today for a crash-course on rock and roll songwriting, emphasizing, as they have throughout their careers, that the most important thing is the song. 

This Episode’s Tracklist: 

00:00 - Intro

00:12 - I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles

03:54 - Then He Kissed Me - The Crystals

05:20 - Then She Kissed Me - KISS

09:35 - I Can’t Explain - The Who

13:52 - Personality Crisis - New York Dolls

18:37 - Rock & Roll - The Velvet Underground

23:35 - Cum On Feel The Noize - Slade

24:58 - Ballroom Blitz - Sweet

26:16 - Bang a Gong (Get It On) - T. Rex

29:18 - The Tracks Of My Tears - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

30:44 - New York Groove - Ace Frehley

New episodes of The Track Star Podcast drop every week. Let us know what artist, theme, or unexpected guest you want us to explore next.