Ep. 275: Chris Fafalios discusses Punchline’s “Focus On Yourself”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 15 September 2025

⏱️ 65 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

On this episode, Punchline’s Chris Fafalios (who also happens to produce Chris DeMakes A Podcast) sits in for the first time as the GUEST to talk about the writing and recording of “Focus On Yourself,” the closing track from the band’s 2025 album Somewhere To Land. Chris details the song’s initial inspiration, its lyrical themes of self-care, and the way multiple vocal layers and orchestral textures shape its powerful sound. He reflects on the collaborative spirit behind the track, the personal experiences and friends’ struggles that inspired it, and how the band continues to evolve while staying true to their mission of creating music that connects on a deep level. 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	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:03.0	Hey, hey, have you heard?
0:05.4	I'm going back to Las Vegas and the Punk Rock Museum to give guided tours.
0:09.5	This happens to coincide with the When We Were Young Festival.
0:12.6	I'll be there over the course of four days, October 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th.
0:18.2	Two tours a day, one at 1.30 p.m.
0:22.2	And one at 4.30 p.m.
0:23.8	These tours will sell out.
0:25.0	Space is limited.
0:28.6	So grab your tickets now at the punkrockmuseum.com.
0:32.4	I got stories for days, and I can't wait to share them with you.
0:37.6	So don't miss your chance to walk the halls of the museum and share punk rock memories with me.
0:41.1	Head over to the punkrockmuseum.com and get your tickets now.
0:42.2	See you soon.
0:52.2	Hey everyone.
0:58.3	For today's episode, we have a very special guest, and it's only taken five and a half years to get him on the show.
1:05.2	I'm talking about none other than Chris Fafalius, bassist and vocalists from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania rock band, Punchline.
1:09.9	And you know him as our trusted producer and co-host here on Krista Makes a Podcast. Chris and I break down the
1:11.8	writing, recording and inspiration of the brand new punchline single, Focus on Yourself,
1:17.2	taken from their brand new album, Somewhere to Land. This track is impressive. All five band
1:23.2	members sing on the song with Chris taking lead on most of the tune. The initial inspiration
1:28.4	for the song came from Steve, who had introduced Chris to a song by a band called Gang of
	...

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