Mr. Big meets Iron Maiden – or at least one member each of their former lineups. On 26th March 2021, two big names of the rock and metal business join forces for a remarkable album project: Adrian Smith, the legendary guitarist of Iron Maiden, and Richie Kotzen do nine songs togetehr. The album name is not that creative – Smith / Kotzen. This could not prevent me from having a listen.
Adrian Smith – About The Artist
Adrian Smith was born on 27th February 1957 in Hackney, East London. He joined Iron Maiden in 1981. He left the hard rock legends in 1990, but came back in 1999. He is still one of the band’s three guitar players.
Richie Kotzen – About The Artist
This is already the second Flyctory.com review of a Richie Kotzen album. In February 2020, I reviewed his amazing album 50 for 50, which he released to his 50th birthday. I already did some bio information about the Pennsylvania artist. Kotzen became majorly famous as a guitar player at Mr. Big and Poison.
Smith & Kotzen – Smith/Kotzen – Track by Track
The nine song album lasts 47 minutes.
1. Taking My Chances
Taking My Chances was one the singles before the album release – and it is a clear statement: these guys deliver just what you expect them. How could the guitar riffs be bad with this combined talent? But they also cooperate well on the vocal side. A really powerful hard rock song.
2. Running
Running is an amazing rock track. One fun fact about this one: Richie Kotzen is drumming this track on his own – he is not just a great one on the strings. Catching vocals and amazing work on the guitars as well.
And in the end I guess I’m running, yeah I’m running from myself
So I can feel alive
Yeah in the end I guess I’m running, yeah I’m running down myself
Until I feel alive
3. Scars
These guys are real die-hard rockers. You can see it not only by the sound of their songs, the tracks also come with a certain rock duration. The predecessor of Scars, Running was the shortie on the album (with express 4:19 minutes) – song number three is giving you over three minutes of rock enjoyment. The song is a bit softer, comes with the spirit of the ballad and a touch of the blues. When there is a nice solo towards the end of this track, you feel that Scars is still too short.
4. Some People
Some People comes with a nice bass vibe. The song feels very easy and slack. These guys spread the spirit of a rising, motivated late-teenage duo, who want to conquer the world of music with their precise riffs. Mr Kotzen, Mr Smith – you are at the top already!
5. Glory Road
Glory Road is a nice fusion of blues sound and spirit and hard rock elements. Just when you are into the song’s groove, these guys finally blast you with a melodic chorus. Love it!
6. Solar Fire
Iron Maiden support at the Solar Fire: For this song, Smith and Kotzen acquired Nicko McBrain at the drums. Crashing, powerful riffs and a nice vocal collaboration in this song, which is pure rock and does not touch other genres.
7. You Don’t Know Me
You may bang your head to You Don’t Know Me, but you have to do it smoothly and slow. The seventh song is the extremely emotional and touching power ballad on Smith/Kotzen. Not too bad to don’t be too wild with your upper fur and your skull – the song will give you a seven minute enjoyment – too heavy movements would leave severe neck pain here. The song is magical.
8. I Wanna Stay
Stay emotional: I Wanna Stay is significantly shorter than You Don’t Know Me, but the song is sad and touching. Two hard rockers with a good heart. Lovely track.
9. ‘Til Tomorrow
‘Til Tomorrow has a dark touch and even has a slight does of Alternative spirit to me. A great way to finish this album.
Smith & Kotzen – Smith/Kotzen – Spotify
Here is the album on Spotify:
Smith & Kotzen – Smith/Kotzen – My View
Not too surprisingly, likely: I love Smith/Kotzen. I expected these guys to be extremely good on their guitars, but the way they plot their songs, the harmony, the way they complement their strengths is amazing. The result is a nine song album, which has a touch of a real masterpiece. I want more! Please don’t let this project be a one-album show.
2021 Top Pick! Media Reviews
Here are all my 2021 released Media Reviews, which lead to a Top Pick! rating:

Spell Songs – Spell Songs II: Let The Light In
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Johannes Scheurich – Mehr Davon
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Al Lewis – Moving On Moving Past EP
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Emma Longard – Quieter Pt. 2 EP
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Incredible Pack – Time For Decisions
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Hämatom – Die Liebe ist Tot
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Lordi – Lordiversity (Full Box Review)
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Lordi – Humanimals (from: Lordiversity)
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Roxette – Joyride (30th Anniversary Edition)
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Nick Walker – It’s All South From Here EP
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Lucinda Williams – Have Yourself A Rockin’ Little Christmas (Lu’s Jukebox Vol. 5)
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Wade Bowen – Where Phones Don’t Work EP
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Alex Diehl – Die Songs, die ich nie schreiben wollte EP
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Gov’t Mule – Heavy Load Blues
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Michael Patrick Kelly – B.O.A.T.S
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Dieter Hallervorden – 80 plus
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Greyhound George Band – Get Up And Walk!
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AHI – Prospect
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Michael Heppes – Achtung Leben
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Running Wild – Blood on Blood
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Emily Scott Robinson – American Siren
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Skinny Lister – A Matter of Life and Love
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Dave Hause – Blood Harmony
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Elton John – The Lockdown Sessions
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Alcatrazz – V
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Ryan Hurd – Pelago
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MEDLZ – (das) Läuft bei uns Vol. 2
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Tom Morello – The Atlas Underground Fire
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Toby Keith – Peso In My Pocket
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Santiano – Wenn die Kälte Kommt
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Roland Kaiser – Weihnachtszeit
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The Record Company – Play Loud
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Naraka – In Tenebris
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Paule – Wunderschön unperfekt
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Break Point – The Story of the “Indian Express”
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Logan Mize – Welcome To Prairieville
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Billy Strings – Renewal
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Nox Holloway – If Only The World Didn’t Spin So Much EP
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Mickey Guyton – Remember Her Name
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Wolfgang Petry – Auf das Leben
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Adrian Sutherland – When The Magic Hits
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Saint City Orchestra – Unified
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Charley Crockett – Music City USA
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Peter Maffay – So Weit
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Billy Idol – The Roadside EP
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Rage – Resurrection Day
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The Vaccines – Back In Love City
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Samantha Fish – Faster
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Riddy Arman – Riddy Arman
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Ashland Craft – Travelin’ Kind
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Echo Bloom – Wake
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Danko Jones – Power Trio
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Freakstorm – Storm Inside My Heart
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Beatrice Egli – Alles Was Du Brauchst
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Ray Wilson – The Weight Of Man
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Kool & The Gang – Perfect Union
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James McMurtry – The Horses And The Hounds
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Annie Chops – Level Up
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Jayne Denham – Wanted
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The Killers – Pressure Machine
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Clare Dunn – In This Kind Of Light EP
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Perlregen – Drei
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Chris Young – Famous Friends
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Laci Kaye Booth – Laci Kaye Booth
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Jim Lauderdale – Hope
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Grizfolk – Grizfolk
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Ryan Kinder – Room To Dream
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Clay Walker – Texas To Tennessee
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Los Lobos – Native Sons
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Jolina Carl – Mexican Overdrive
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Ida Mae – Click Click Domino
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Sarah Straub – Tacheles EP
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Gary Kemp – INSOLO
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Eliza Shaddad – The Woman You Want
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Helge Schneider – Die Reaktion – The Last Jazz Vol. II
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Lauren Jenkins – Miles On Me, Part 1 EP
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The Wallflowers – Exit Wounds
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LANCO – Honky-Tonk Hippies EP
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Riley Green – Behind The Bar EP
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Kat Eaton – Talk To Me
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Gary Allan – Ruthless
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Meghan Patrick – Heart On My Glass
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Buckcherry – Hellbound
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Razz – Might Delete Later EP
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Jim “Kimo” West – Ka Honua Maluhia (Peaceful World)
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Helloween – Helloween
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pez – All Lowercase EP
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Karlie Apriori – Seelenpassagier EP
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Kylie Morgan – Love, Kylie EP
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Joe Bonamassa – Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman
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Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real – A Few Stars Apart
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Anchors & Hearts – Guns Against Liberty
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Black River Delta – Shakin’
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SILVER LAKE by Esa Holopainen – SILVER LAKE by Esa Holopainen
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Blackberry Smoke – You Hear Georgia
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Pop Evil – Versatile
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Blake Shelton – Body Laguage
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Noah Levi – Indigo EP
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Allison Russell – Outside Child
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Kicker Dibs – Vagabund
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Jesse Keith Whitley – Breakin’ Ground
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Dillon Carmichael – Hot Beer EP
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Levara – Levara
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The Steel Woods – All Of Your Stones
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Emma Moore – the table EP
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Emma Longard – Quieter Pt. 1 EP
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Sing meinen Song – Das Tauschkonzert Vol. 8
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Durch & Durch – Nice Aber Nutzlos
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Wincent Weiss – Vielleicht Irgendwann
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Thomas Rhett – Country Again: Side A
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Priscilla Block – Priscilla Block EP
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Klee – Trotzalledem
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Robert John Hope – Plasticine Heart
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Elvie Shane – County Roads EP
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Fury in the Slaughterhouse – now
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Diane Weigmann – Die Wahrheit liegt irgendwo dazwischen
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Eric Church – Soul
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Eric Church – &
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Eric Church – Heart
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Brett Kissel – What Is Life?
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Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band – Dance Songs For The Hard Times
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Jon Randall – Neon Texas EP
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Canaan Smith – High Country Sound
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The Fratellis – Half Drunk Under A Full Moon
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Tyler Braden – What Do They Know EP
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The Dust Coda – Mojo Skyline
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Silent Winter – Empire of Sins
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Billy Lockett – Reflections EP
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Ego Kill Talent – The Dance Between Extremes
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Thunder – All The Right Noises
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Blutengel – Fountain of Destiny
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Chez Kane – Chez Kane
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Bad Temper Joe – One Can Wreck It All
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Pete Murray – The Night EP
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Dreamshade – A Pale Blue Dot
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Kaylee Bell – The Red EP (EP)
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Hayden Joseph – Different
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Nino de Angelo – Gesegnet und Verflucht
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Willie Nelson – That’s Life
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Alice Cooper – Detroit Stories
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Cassadra Jenkins – An Overview On Phenomenal Nature EP
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Carly Pearce – 29 EP
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Lainey Wilson – Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’
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Tobacco Rd Band – Worth Fighting For
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Sonor Teutonicus – Morgenrot
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Korpiklaani – Jylhä
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Aaron Lee Tasjan – Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!
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Jake Hoot – Love Out Of Time EP
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Jimmy Weber – Black & Blue Heart
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Willie Jones – Right Now
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Bow Anderson – New Wave EP
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Chelsea Berman – Can You Just Not EP
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The Dead Daisies – Holy Ground
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Petric – Flashbacks
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John Diva & The Rockets Of Love – American Amadeus
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Aaron Watson – American Soul
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Understanding Train Station – A Podcast on Living Abroad and Cultural Differences
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com Interviews
Here are all postings of my interview section Spotlight:

Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Martina (27th April 2023)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Jessica Lynn (March 2023)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Julian Taylor (February 2023)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Michael Nova of X: THC (January 2023)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Vic Allen (19th January 2023)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meet Zye Ca$h (January 2023)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Milky Chance (17th November 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Nik Wallner (November 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Jon “Bermuda” Schwartz (6th October 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Carly Pearce (September 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Lindsay Ell (before her Cologne Show in Aug 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Hannah Strumner (August 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Tomas Rimeika (14th June 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Upsahl (25th April 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets CJ of Paleface (29th March 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Angie Flare (22nd February 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Rickie Lee Kroell (8th February 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Jesse Slack (1st Feb 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Brittany Brodie (27th January 2022)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Rusty Stone (8th December 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Presley Aronson (23rd September 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Stephanie Ryann (20th September 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Lori Rayne (14th September 2021)
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Spotlight – Sylvia Aimee about her new single, “Identity” (19th May 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Linda Mar (11th May 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Kristen Foreman (5th May 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Christina Taylor (22nd April 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Emma Stevens (4th February 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Ann Doka (1st February 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Brian John Harwood (25th January 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com Meets Frances Luke Accord (21st January 2021)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Carrie Welling (3rd December 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com Meets Tristan Cole (30th November 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com Meets Nikita Skogen (23rd November 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets DanaMaria (13th October 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Ryan Laird (7th October 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Tori Martin (5th October 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Emily Lockett (16th September 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com Meets Riley Whittaker (6th September 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Jackie Therrien (3rd September 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Jim “Kimo” West (13th August 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Tiffany Johnson (12th August 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meet Sandra North (10th August 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Roderick August (28th July 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Carolyn Miller (10th June 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Kimi Most (6th June 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Lucy LaForge / Lucy & La Mer (31st May 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Tommy Atkins (18th May 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Rob Favotto (11th May 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Sylvia Aimee (5th May 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Frank Renfordt / The Cumberland River Project (30th April 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Lauren Jenkins (19th April 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Lerocque (15th April 2020)
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Spotlight – Interview with Jake Aldridge (9th April 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Nik Wallner (12th March 2020)
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Spotlight – Flyctory.com meets Van De Forst (5th March 2020)
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