Ep. 267: Nick Wheeler discusses The All-American Rejects “Gives You Hell”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 21 July 2025

⏱️ 94 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this week’s episode, Nick Wheeler of The All-American Rejects joins Chris to unpack the wild and rewarding process behind their 2008 chart-topper “Gives You Hell.” From its uncertain beginnings to becoming the band’s biggest hit, Nick shares how quirky chords, a tongue-in-cheek lyrical edge, and a shift from punk roots to pop polish shaped the track’s identity. He reflects on recording to tape at Skywalker Ranch, the calculated choices that made the song stick, and the unforgettable, booze-fueled gang vocal session that gave it raw energy. And yes—producer Eric Valentine even brought a paint can into the mix. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Calling all less than Jake fans.
0:03.0	The second leg of the summer circus 2025 is happening soon.
0:07.4	We'll be starting out west in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday, July 25th, and taking it all the way through until Saturday, August 16th, where we wrap it all up in Nashville, Tennessee.
0:17.6	Join us for a night of rambunctious ska punk music with our friends
0:21.0	Fishbone.
0:21.7	And cat bite.
0:37.2	Talked, talk, talk, talk, talk.
0:41.4	Grab your tickets now at less than Jake.com.
0:46.7	The summer circus 2025 is almost here.
0:49.8	Limited VIP tickets are available for each stop as well.
0:53.2	Those two can be found at less than Jake.com.
0:56.5	Bring your dancing shoes along with your circus theme outfits.
0:59.7	We can't wait to see you.
1:05.4	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
1:07.9	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
1:16.6	Hey everyone.
1:18.5	Today's guest is Nick Wheeler,
1:22.2	guitarist and backing vocalist for the Stillwater Oklahoma rock band,
1:23.9	All American Rejects.
1:26.7	Together we dissect the writing, recording,
1:29.5	and inspiration behind the massive hit single, Gives You Hell, taken from their third full-length album, 2008s, When the World Comes Down. Nick's been
1:36.8	here before on Krista Makes a podcast, and it was an absolute pleasure to have him back. His music
	...

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