Episodes

  • Marty Friedman on Playing Tanahashi To The Ring For NJPW for Wrestle Kingdom 8, His New Album Drama
    Feb 2 2025

    Guitar legend Marty Friedman shares his experiences in music and wrestling, particularly his memorable performance playing Tanahashi to the ring at NJPW's Wrestle Kingdom 8 against Shinsuke Nakamura.

    He discusses the importance of entrance themes in wrestling, the preparation involved in live performances, and the connection between music and wrestling. The conversation also delves into the differences between Japanese and Western music influences, culminating in a discussion about his latest album, Drama, which he describes as a culmination of his artistic journey.

    -

    🔔Subscribe To The Show! https://www.youtube.com/@ropesnriffs?sub_confirmation=1

    Email me! ropesnriffspodcast@gmail.com

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    📣$10 or more will get you shouted out on the next episode!


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    Listen to Ropes N Riffs wherever you listen to podcasts! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more!


    🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3upFt8nCe2ONsS29jtjzA0?si=81198fdfdfe84019

    🎧Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ropes-n-riffs/id1781702913


    About The Show:

    Do you like wrestling? Do you like music and stories from the road? Join John Kiernan, wrestling entrance theme song composer, and professional musician of over 10 years for stories and interviews with your favorite wrestlers, rock stars, and personalities!


    About the Host:

    John Kiernan is a wrestling entrance theme song composer with over 150 themes written for wrestlers in various promotions such as NJPW, WWE, ROH, MLW, and many more. As a professional musician, a veteran in the podcasting space, an avid pro wrestling fan and wrestling personality by way of creating the soundtracks for your favorite wrestlers, John Kiernan forges his latest podcasting venture into diving into stories of music, stories from the road, and wrestling from all walks of life from your (and his) favorites of all time.

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    31 mins
  • PJ Black on His Favorite Theme, Friendship with Bray Wyatt, Lucha Underground, WWE Entrance Music
    Jan 28 2025

    PJ Black, known for his dynamic wrestling career and innovative entrance themes, discusses his journey through the wrestling industry, focusing on his musical influences and character development. From his early days in WWE to the evolution of his persona into Dr. Black, PJ shares insights into the creative process behind his entrance themes such as You Will Believe In Me, the importance of character in wrestling, and the impact of social media on modern wrestling storytelling.

    He reflects on his friendship with Bray Wyatt and the collaborative nature of wrestling creativity, emphasizing the need for unique and compelling characters in today's wrestling landscape. In this conversation, PJ Black reflects on his experiences in Lucha Underground, the evolution of wrestling theme music, and his future in the wrestling industry. He discusses the unique storytelling approach of Lucha Underground, the impact of theme music on a wrestler's persona, and his aspirations to redefine his character as PJ Black.

    🔔Subscribe To The Show! https://www.youtube.com/@ropesnriffs?sub_confirmation=1

    Email me! ropesnriffspodcast@gmail.com

    Follow Ropes N Riffs on social media:

    🤘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘X: https://www.x.com/ropesnriffs

    💰Support the show via PayPal! https://paypal.me/ropesnriffs

    📣$10 or more will get you shouted out on the next episode!

    📹 I use Riverside.FM to record and edit my shows!

    • Sign up today: https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_2&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-kiernan

    Listen to Ropes N Riffs wherever you listen to podcasts! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more!


    🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3upFt8nCe2ONsS29jtjzA0?si=81198fdfdfe84019

    🎧Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ropes-n-riffs/id1781702913


    About The Show:

    Do you like wrestling? Do you like music and stories from the road? Join John Kiernan, wrestling entrance theme song composer, and professional musician of over 10 years for stories and interviews with your favorite wrestlers, rock stars, and personalities!


    About the Host:

    As a professional musician, a veteran in the podcasting space hosting shows to over 200,000+ downloads and beyond with Podcasting Smarter, The Armchair Bookers Podcast, and working with Global Wine Partners, and both an avid pro wrestling fan and wrestling personality by way of creating the soundtracks for your favorite wrestlers, John Kiernan forges his latest podcasting venture into diving into stories of music, stories from the road, and wrestling from all walks of life from your (and his) favorites of all time.

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    59 mins
  • Reby Hardy on Broken Hardys Bound For Glory Entrance, Bray Wyatt Piano Version, Music In Her Life
    Jan 20 2025

    🔔Subscribe To The Show! https://www.youtube.com/@ropesnriffs?sub_confirmation=1

    Reby Hardy and John Kiernan talk about Reby's unique journey through music and wrestling, discussing her classical piano upbringing, her pivotal role in the Broken and Woken Universes, and the creative processes behind her performances. Reby discusses her Bound For Glory live entrance performance for Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy with the Broken Universe, her aspirations for future music projects, and the influence of her eclectic musical tastes.

    Reby and John also talk about what went into creating her heart wrenching piano version of Bray Wyatt's theme, Live In Fear, and how she was able to create an awesome version of theme under crunch time conditions! Reby's passion for music and storytelling shines through as she connects her artistic endeavors with her personal life and experiences in the wrestling world. Enjoy the conversation!


    Email me! ropesnriffspodcast@gmail.com


    Follow Ropes N Riffs on social media:

    🤘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘X: https://www.x.com/ropesnriffs


    💰Support the show via PayPal! https://paypal.me/ropesnriffs

    📣$10 or more will get you shouted out on the next episode!

    Listen to Ropes N Riffs wherever you listen to podcasts! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more!

    🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3upFt8nCe2ONsS29jtjzA0?si=81198fdfdfe84019

    🎧Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ropes-n-riffs/id1781702913


    About The Show:

    Do you like wrestling? Do you like music and stories from the road? Join John Kiernan, wrestling entrance theme song composer, and professional musician of over 10 years for stories and interviews with your favorite wrestlers, rock stars, and personalities!

    About the Host:

    John Kiernan is a wrestling entrance theme song composer with over 150 themes written for wrestlers in various promotions such as NJPW, WWE, ROH, MLW, and many more. As a professional musician, a veteran in the podcasting space, an avid pro wrestling fan and wrestling personality by way of creating the soundtracks for your favorite wrestlers, John Kiernan forges his latest podcasting venture into diving into stories of music, stories from the road, and wrestling from all walks of life from your (and his) favorites of all time.

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Adam Page Theme Composer Vincent Pedulla on Hangman Adam Page, Composing for Netflix, Serj Tankian
    Jan 10 2025

    Adam Page's AEW theme song composer Vincent Pedulla discuss the intricacies of creating entrance music for professional wrestlers. They explore Vincent's diverse background in music composition across various media, the evolution of Adam Page's themes from Ghost Town Triumph to Black Hat, and the essential elements that make Adam Page's theme resonate with audiences. The discussion also touches on the emotional impact of music in wrestling and how it reflects the character's journey.

    John Kiernan and Vincent Pedulla explore the intricate relationship between music composition and wrestling themes, particularly focusing on the evolution of Hangman Adam Page's entrance music. They discuss the musical dynamics, the creative process behind the themes, and the impact of covers and interpretations on the original compositions. The dialogue highlights the importance of character development in wrestling and how music plays a crucial role in shaping a wrestler's persona and narrative. Vincent and John also talk about his work with Serj from System Of A Down and working with him on a variety of projects.

    🔔Subscribe To The Show! https://www.youtube.com/@ropesnriffs?sub_confirmation=1

    Email me! ropesnriffspodcast@gmail.com


    Follow Ropes N Riffs on social media:

    🤘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘X: https://www.x.com/ropesnriffs


    💰Support the show via PayPal! https://paypal.me/ropesnriffs

    📣$10 or more will get you shouted out on the next episode!


    Listen to Ropes N Riffs wherever you listen to podcasts! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more!


    🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3upFt8nCe2ONsS29jtjzA0?si=81198fdfdfe84019

    🎧Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ropes-n-riffs/id1781702913


    About The Show:

    Do you like wrestling? Do you like music and stories from the road? Join John Kiernan, wrestling entrance theme song composer, and professional musician of over 10 years for stories and interviews with your favorite wrestlers, rock stars, and personalities!


    About the Host:

    John Kiernan is a wrestling entrance theme song composer with over 150 themes written for wrestlers in various promotions such as NJPW, WWE, ROH, MLW, and many more. As a professional musician, a veteran in the podcasting space, an avid pro wrestling fan and wrestling personality by way of creating the soundtracks for your favorite wrestlers, John Kiernan forges his latest podcasting venture into diving into stories of music, stories from the road, and wrestling from all walks of life from your (and his) favorites of all time.


    #music #wrestling #ropesnriffs #johnkiernan

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Emily Whitehurst on Tsunami Bomb, Survival Guide, Her New Cocktail Drinks Book, Twitch and Patreon
    Dec 28 2024

    🔔Subscribe To The Show! https://www.youtube.com/@ropesnriffs?sub_confirmation=1

    John Kiernan interviews Emily Whitehurst, formerly Agent M of Tsunami Bomb, a multifaceted artist known for her solo project, Survival Guide. They discuss Emily's new cocktail book, Death Drinks, which pairs cocktails with songs from her album Death Dreams. The conversation delves into her creative process, the evolution of her music, and her experiences transitioning from a band member to a solo artist.

    Emily shares insights on her favorite instruments, unique soundscapes, and the challenges of live performances in the modern music landscape. In this engaging conversation, Em Whitehurst discusses her journey through various musical projects, the evolution of her audience, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in performance. She reflects on her experiences with covering songs, the impact of platforms like Patreon and Twitch on her career, and her future projects.

    Em also shares insights into the dynamics of performing for different audiences and the unique blend of cocktails and music in her latest work.

    Email me! ropesnriffspodcast@gmail.com


    Follow Ropes N Riffs on social media:

    🤘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘X: https://www.x.com/ropesnriffs


    💰Support the show via PayPal! https://paypal.me/ropesnriffs

    📣$10 or more will get you shouted out on the next episode!


    Listen to Ropes N Riffs wherever you listen to podcasts! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more!


    🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3upFt8nCe2ONsS29jtjzA0?si=81198fdfdfe84019

    🎧Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ropes-n-riffs/id1781702913


    About The Show:

    Do you like wrestling? Do you like music and stories from the road? Join John Kiernan, wrestling entrance theme song composer, and professional musician of over 10 years for stories and interviews with your favorite wrestlers, rock stars, and personalities!


    About the Host:

    John Kiernan is a wrestling entrance theme song composer with over 150 themes written for wrestlers in various promotions such as NJPW, WWE, ROH, MLW, and many more. As a professional musician, a veteran in the podcasting space, an avid pro wrestling fan and wrestling personality by way of creating the soundtracks for your favorite wrestlers, John Kiernan forges his latest podcasting venture into diving into stories of music, stories from the road, and wrestling from all walks of life from your (and his) favorites of all time.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Lince Dorado on Building his Lucha Lit Brand, His Entrance Theme, Working with WWE on His Theme, CWC
    Dec 17 2024

    🔔Subscribe To The Show! https://www.youtube.com/@ropesnriffs?sub_confirmation=1

    🎧Listen anywhere you listen to podcasts: https://ropes-n-riffs.captivate.fm/listen

    Lince Dorado and John Kiernan delve into the significance of music in wrestling, exploring how themes contribute to character development and audience connection. They discuss the evolution of wrestling music, the disconnect between wrestlers and their themes, and the personal journey of Lince in crafting his unique sound. The dialogue highlights the importance of music in setting the tone for performances and the cultural influences that shape musical tastes.

    Lince Dorado and John Kiernan explore the integral role of music in wrestling, discussing how themes can enhance a wrestler's character and presentation. They delve into the creative process behind crafting unique wrestling themes, the importance of personal branding, and the art of gear making. Dorado shares his journey of self-sufficiency in creating his own gear and music, emphasizing the value of professionalism in the wrestling industry. The discussion highlights the significance of music and gear in shaping a wrestler's identity and the impact it has on their performance.

    Email me! ropesnriffspodcast@gmail.com


    Follow Ropes N Riffs on social media:

    🤘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘X: https://www.x.com/ropesnriffs


    💰Support the show via PayPal! https://paypal.me/ropesnriffs

    📣$10 or more will get you shouted out on the next episode!

    Listen to Ropes N Riffs wherever you listen to podcasts! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more!

    🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3upFt8nCe2ONsS29jtjzA0?si=81198fdfdfe84019

    🎧Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ropes-n-riffs/id1781702913

    About The Show:

    Do you like wrestling? Do you like music and stories from the road? Join John Kiernan, wrestling entrance theme song composer, and professional musician of over 10 years for stories and interviews with your favorite wrestlers, rock stars, and personalities!

    About the Host:

    John Kiernan is a wrestling entrance theme song composer with over 150 themes written for wrestlers in various promotions such as NJPW, WWE, ROH, MLW, and many more. As a professional musician, a veteran in the podcasting space, an avid pro wrestling fan and wrestling personality by way of creating the soundtracks for your favorite wrestlers, John Kiernan forges his latest podcasting venture into diving into stories of music, stories from the road, and wrestling from all walks of life from your (and his) favorites of all time.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Mega Ran on Shelton Benjamin's AEW Theme, New Day Usos Rap Battle , Meeting Okada at WWE Raw
    Dec 10 2024

    🔔Subscribe To The Show! https://www.youtube.com/@ropesnriffs?sub_confirmation=1

    Joining us today is none other than Mega Ran! Mega Ran is a multifaceted artist known for his work in music, wrestling themes, and education. John Kiernan and Mega Ran discuss his journey, his collaborations with wrestlers such as how MVP tapped him to rap on Shelton Benjamin's AEW theme, and how he navigates his diverse passions.

    The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity in creative work, the impact of music on wrestling, and the significance of community in the creative process.

    Mega Ran shares insights into his experiences working with notable figures in wrestling and music, including his contributions to AEW and his memorable moments during the Uso's and New Day rap battle, meeting Okada backstage at WWE RAW, and merging all of his amazing musical passions into what you know and love as the one and only Mega Ran.

    -

    Email me! ropesnriffspodcast@gmail.com

    Follow Ropes N Riffs on social media:

    🤘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘X: https://www.x.com/ropesnriffs


    💰Support the show via PayPal! https://paypal.me/ropesnriffs

    📣$10 or more will get you shouted out on the next episode!


    Listen to Ropes N Riffs wherever you listen to podcasts! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more!


    🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3upFt8nCe2ONsS29jtjzA0?si=81198fdfdfe84019

    🎧Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ropes-n-riffs/id1781702913


    About The Show:

    Do you like wrestling? Do you like music and stories from the road? Join John Kiernan, wrestling entrance theme song composer, and professional musician of over 10 years for stories and interviews with your favorite wrestlers, rock stars, and personalities!


    About the Host:

    John Kiernan is a wrestling entrance theme song composer with over 150 themes written for wrestlers in various promotions such as NJPW, WWE, ROH, MLW, and many more. As a professional musician, a veteran in the podcasting space, an avid pro wrestling fan and wrestling personality by way of creating the soundtracks for your favorite wrestlers, John Kiernan forges his latest podcasting venture into diving into stories of music, stories from the road, and wrestling from all walks of life from your (and his) favorites of all time.


    #music #wrestling #ropesnriffs #johnkiernan #megaran #sheltonbenjamin

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Kevin Lacerda on Will Ospreay's Theme, Working with Mikey Rukus, Entrance Music, The Jericho Cruise
    Dec 2 2024

    Kevin Lacerda of It Lives, It Breathes and Damn Nation and John discuss...what else? Music in wrestling! Kevin talks about creating Will Ospreay's theme, Elevated, wanting to play Will Ospreay to the ring, as well as lending his voice to Action Andretti and Johnny TV's AEW entrance themes. Kevin also touches on getting to work with AEW music composer Mikey Rukus on those tracks and what his dream performance would be. They also talk about co-writing Brian Myers' Theme, The Ride, for TNA Wrestling Impact Wrestling.

    Kevin and John also talk about the evolution of character development and the significant role of music in wrestling culture. They discuss the impact of AEW, the importance of collaboration in music production, and the emotional connections that wrestling songs create with fans. The conversation also delves into memorable moments in wrestling history, as well as what makes wrestling fans some of the best fans in the world.

    -

    🔔Subscribe To The Show! https://www.youtube.com/@ropesnriffs?sub_confirmation=1

    Email me! ropesnriffspodcast@gmail.com

    Follow Ropes N Riffs on social media:

    🤘Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘X: https://www.x.com/ropesnriffs

    🤘TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/ropesnriffs


    💰Support the show via PayPal! https://paypal.me/ropesnriffs

    📣$10 or more will get you shouted out on the next episode!


    Listen to Ropes N Riffs wherever you listen to podcasts! Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and more!


    🎧Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3upFt8nCe2ONsS29jtjzA0?si=81198fdfdfe84019

    🎧Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ropes-n-riffs/id1781702913


    About The Show:

    Do you like wrestling? Do you like music and stories from the road? Join John Kiernan, wrestling entrance theme song composer, and professional musician of over 10 years for stories and interviews with your favorite wrestlers, rock stars, and personalities!

    About the Host:

    John Kiernan is a wrestling entrance theme song composer with over 150 themes written for wrestlers in various promotions such as NJPW, WWE, ROH, MLW, and many more. As a professional musician, a veteran in the podcasting space, an avid pro wrestling fan and wrestling personality by way of creating the soundtracks for your favorite wrestlers, John Kiernan forges his latest podcasting venture into diving into stories of music, stories from the road, and wrestling from all walks of life from your (and his) favorites of all time.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins