15 Minutes of Fame

Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast comes to a close with the ultimate punk rock drummer, Dougie Tangent of The Putz (and many other bands). We talk Ramones drummers and their impact on the sound of the band and eras of their music, thoughts on the latest installment in the G.I. Joe film franchise universe ("Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins"), as well as the premier of the track "Clutter" from his new project Norcos Y Horchata. Listen to The Putz here: https://theputz.bandcamp.com/music

The second-to-last episode of Season III is here, featuring a conversation with front-man/singer and CT hardcore punk hooligan Jonny Miller of Cry Havoc! We chat about the impact that the Internet has had on the way we consume music, what different aspects of the region in which a band operates out of shapes their sound, and I learn just how good GBH was when the band got to open up for them on their "Momentum" album tour. Check out their music here: https://diehipsterrecords.bandcamp.com/music

The last leg of Season III is underway, featuring a conversation with vocalist/guitarist Sebastian from the German-based pop-punk band, Bad Advice. We chat about his first trip to the United States to play a show with the other 2/3 of the band (the first time he'd been to the US), why he chooses to write and sing in English versus the native German, and we talk about beer. Check out the music and merchandise for Bad Advice here: https://bapunk.com/

Season III of the "15 Minutes of Fame" travels to my home-city of Syracuse, NY to chat with three ex-punkers (Bob, Chris & Greg) that formed the surf band Underwater Bosses out of sheer love for the music (and possible boredom). We chat about each of their respective origin stories in relation to rock'n'roll, who in the band can surf (or who would be most likely to surf), and we gush over CNY pizza (in all of its glory). Listen to the melodious music of Underwater Bosses here: https://underwaterbosses.bandcamp.com/music

As Season III nears completion, the "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast takes a virtual visit to the great state of Maine to chat with multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter Dave Strong. Although he's launched a solo career recently, he's manned bass duties for the past four years with The Cryptics when they perform sets with Wimpy Rutherford featuring music of The Queers. We chat about growing up a rocker in New Hampshire, his current solo project, and why the album cover of Ozzy Osbourne's "Blizzard of Ozz" freaked him out as a kid. Listen to Dave's music here: https://laptoppunkrecords.bandcamp.com/

Episode 28 of Season III's "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast brings us back to the Big Apple for an interview with veteran metal musician Mike McWilliams, the singer and guitarist of NYC's Vandalizer. We chat about the best spot in the city to score breakfast burritos, I hear about how he met Bobby Steele (of Misfits and The Undead fame) literally on the street, and how his old group were once Kelly Osbourne's backing band. Listen (and get merch) from Vandalizer here: https://vandalizer1.bandcamp.com/music

Long Island-based punk rock drummer and singer Ricky Rochelle (of both The Young Rochelles and The New Rochelles) joins me on the "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast! During the interview we talk about what it was like growing up an hour away from the Amityville Horror House (and no, they didn't talk about it in their History classes in school), what new tips and tricks he's learned throughout the process of recording and releasing solo material, and we chat about his music video for "Yeti in the Snow." Listen to all his projects at the following URLs: https://theyoungrochelles.bandcamp.com/music / https://thenewrochelles1.bandcamp.com/ / https://rickyrochelle.bandcamp.com/

A "15 Minutes of Fame" alumni returns to the show to celebrate 20 years of The Prozacs! That's right, vocalist and guitarist Jay chats with me about how influential the show "Fringe" was in the writing process for the album "...Exist!," shares with me a story about having rocks thrown at their tour van while in Arizona, and what the song selection process was like for The Prozacs most recent compilation album "Fan Faves and Wannabe Hits!" Listen to their music here: https://theprozacs.bandcamp.com/music

Season III of the "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast reconvenes with Brad, mastermind behind the Toronto-based punk rock band, School Damage. We talk about coffee and how to rip it, playing goth clubs in Germany, as well as talk shop in regards to his favorite character(s) from the HBO show "Eastbound & Down." Listen to the music of School Damage here: https://schooldamage.bandcamp.com/music

Fellow Lürking Class bandmate and drummer-elite Mikey joins me on the "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast, as we ramble on with Season III. We chat about why movies were so important to him at a young age, he spills the beans on which Marvel film from Phase 1 generated the weakest character(s), and we finally reveal the truth as to why he chose to write a song about "Eric" from the show "Entourage." Listen to their music here: https://lurkingclass.bandcamp.com/music

Traveling virtually to the Garden State, the "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast holds court with Sara and Chris of Fool Saint! We chat about overplayed songs at weddings (although we may love them), tracks that should never be attempted via karaoke (ever), and enjoy listening to us fawn over the sonic joy that is Radiohead. Listen to their music here: https://foolsaint.bandcamp.com/music

The train that is the "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast continues to roll through Season III, hosting another conversation with The Agonizers front-man Brian. The voice of the Massachusetts / Connecticut punk super group chats the first concert experience had that was a complete letdown, the importance of Michael Jackson's 1979 album "Off The Wall," and we brainstorm on who the band should dress up as for an upcoming Halloween 2021 show. Stream their music here: https://theagonizers.bandcamp.com/releases

Yet another alumni of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast returns for Season III, specifically singer/guitarist Dom from the New York-based pop punk band Scotchka. We delve into the running joke that is "new music from Scotchka," just what is going on at Makeout Reef (a DIY house venue co-run/owned by Dom), as well as a moderate overview of what the philosophy of Stoicism means to Dom. Stream their music: https://scotchkascotchka.bandcamp.com/music

Episode 20 of Season III (of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast) features former New York State resident Kevin, the mastermind behind the pop punk band, No More Death Stars, who are allegedly a "futuristic space cult that's not evil." The conversation reaches such depths as to discussing if Tim Burton has ever incorporated a real sex scene into one of his films, what makes a memorable concert memorable, and how the needle-fingered/pizza-faced Freddy Kruger can be utilized to assist in lucid dreaming. Stream the bands discography here: https://nomoredeathstars.bandcamp.com/music

We travel to our "Neighbors to the North" yet again, as Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast continues with alumni Jimmy, punk rock veteran and mastermind behind the Canadian band, The Vapids. We chat about his DIY record store/concert venue "Reigning Sound," his time spent with Dee Dee Ramone, and the reception of his latest solo album "K I L L M A T I C." Stream all his solo material here: https://jimmyvapid.bandcamp.com/music

Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast visits the hosts "hometown" of Syracuse, NY and showcases a chat with Jamie and Thao, members of the two-piece street punk band, The War Lovers. We dive into the pros and cons about being a band in the "Salt City," chat about the origin story of their DIY venue "The Mouse Trap," and we talk about some of the big misunderstandings people have about punk rock music. Check out their music here: https://thewarlovers.bandcamp.com/music

We go back to the Big Apple as Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast features front-man The KWE from the NYC hardcore band, Point Blank. I get some historical insight on the beauty of the scene from days past, how everyone wanted to be Bad Brains, and we discuss their latest single "Negative 2 Positive." Listen to the aforementioned single and more here: https://pointblanknyhc.bandcamp.com/music

Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast features a foursome with New York City punkers, The Lousekateers. We chat about lice infestations as children, driving through a desert (twice) while on tour, and how the band discovers new music in a Internet-dominated world of streaming that we currently reside in. Check out the bands latest album "Life After Mandals" (and their other material) here: https://thelousekateers.bandcamp.com/music

We press on in Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast, featuring a newcomer from a band that's been featured twice on this discombobulated show- Tyler (guitar) from the noise-rock band, Black Mesa. We chat about his audio effect-fueled influences, how he describes the music of Black Mesa when he's not in the mood to explain the soundscapes they create, as well as the Internet-wide premier of his latest project SUPERGHOST. We're fortunate to have honor to premier the first single SUPERGHOST single called "Death Calling." Check out the music of Black Mesa here: https://blackmesany.bandcamp.com/music

Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast continues with drummer/fiend Johnnie Plague from the Baltimore, MD horror punk band, Meteor King. We talk about the joys of "Halloween III: Season of the Witch" (including the steamy scene between Dr. Challis and Ellie Grimbridge), the amount of time it takes him to sweat off all that makeup while playing, and we discuss his history working haunts around Halloween around Maryland. Listen to their music here: https://meteorking.bandcamp.com/music

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast brings back a member of one of my favorite bands to see live in the North East, bassist and singer Brian of the Massachusetts-based punk band, SkyTigers. We talk about what family gatherings are like with a gang of Irish-American Massachusetts residents (spoiler; they're LOUD), his most memorable/traumatic concert-going experience as a kid, and I get his insight on the higher-education industry that's impacted students throughout the United States. Hear the music of SkyTigers here: https://skytigers.bandcamp.com/music

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast features 1/3 of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer-influenced pop-punk band, drummer Michael from the California-based Sunnydales. We chat about just what about Buffy the Vampire Slayer helped fuel an entire band, the denial he faced when first hearing the band had secured a spot on the lineup of the 2021 Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas, and just who helped organize a four-way split album (crazy, right?). Check out their music here: https://sunnydales.bandcamp.com/music

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast is graced again with the presence of guitarist and singer Knuck, of the Seattle-based punk band The Scoffs. We go a bit deeper into his resentment of Nirvana (and who he recommends checking out instead), why rock 'n' roll music has remained a constant in his life, and we chat the latest three-way split with Goners U.K. and The Shivers. Listen to their music here: https://thescoffsband.bandcamp.com/music

Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast continues with Amaru, vocalist of the NYC-based hardcore band Non Residents. We talk about what the music scene was like in Chile (and the major differences between the scene in NYC), songwriting in English when it's not your primary language, and why topics like society/politics are now as important as they've ever been. Check out their music here: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/non-residents/1553601256

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast welcomes back yet another alumni, the hardest working bread-slinger this side of the Rocky Mountains, Jeffrey Thunders of both Die Hipster! Records and The Ratz (among others). He gets his shot at the newest game segment "Alphabet Soup," the merch table at the Marky Ramone/Andrew W.K. show (it was believed that the patent Marky Ramone pasta sauce was available for purchase), and his latest split (as Jeffrey Thunders and the Scabs) with J. Prozac. Listen to The Ratz here: https://theratz.bandcamp.com/music

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast features the EXTREMELY busy, multi-instrumentalist creative force that is Matt from The Vapids and Flesh Rag. I learn what his definition of a "rock 'n' roll animal" is (as that's who he writes music for), I learn about the historicity of his relationship with fellow-Vapid Jimmy, and the joy he's had introducing music to his daughter. Check out The Vapids here: https://the-vapids.bandcamp.com/

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast features it's first faux-"super-group" episode of the season, with Brad and Craig of The Suck. I get the inside scoop on why Pennsylvania music fans are so...unique, the birth of the song and branded material "Fantasy Beer League," as well as the challenges of exposing coworkers to your music. Check out their music (and killer merch) here: https://momsbasementrecords.bandcamp.com/

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast features it's first "foursome" of the season, with Kurt, Chris and Rosie from the Texas-based punk band Hans Gruber and the Die Hards. We chat about the worst medical advice they'd ever received. which of the band members was responsible for their chip-tune album "Hans Gruber and the Die Hards: The Game OST" (you've got to hear it, check it out), and we discuss Mothman erotica. Check out their music here: https://hansgruberandthediehards.bandcamp.com/

This Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast installment features Alex and Andy, the rhythm section of the Cali-based punk band, Atomic Jellyfish. They explain to me what make a pop-punk song "quality" (versus just "good"), what lessons they've learned from being a band in LA, and what they thought was the worst thing about being stuck in LA in the midst of a pandemic. Check out all their music and merch here: https://atomicjellyfish.bandcamp.com/releases

Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast continues to roll, featuring another alumni, vocal genius of the Philadelphia-based hardcore band, Pithair. We discuss our mutual love of pit bulls, I learn a bit about the process that went behind filming their video for "Stone" (as well as how cold that rotisserie chicken was), and just why clown art/dolls are important to TT. Check out their latest release, "Sick Set," here: https://pithairphl.bandcamp.com/album/sick-set

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast brings back Season I alumni, vocalist Steve of the Connecticut-based ska band Sgt. Scag. We discuss a possible candy-jingle that he'd like to create, I learn about they were thrown into the 1999 "Conan O'Brien College Band Search" (despite knowing the outcome), and we theorize about which cult probably had the best food options available for their devotees. Check out their tunes (and latest release) here: https://sgtscag.bandcamp.com/

Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast continues with a threesome featuring 2/3 of the Canadian trio Deadwolff, Tommy and Bobby. I get the inside scoop on their Instagram segment "Talking Tapes," they share with me what it takes to be considered a "Canadian Staple" musically, and they tell me why horror films and metal/punk rock pair together so well. Check out the debut EP from Deadwolff here: https://deadwolff.bandcamp.com/album/deadwolff

Season III of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" podcast kicks off with a chat featuring Ivan, the mastermind dark wave producer behind the LA-based Amor de Paris. We discuss weird tour memories from his past (yes, it gets strange), why the constant release of singles versus full-lengths, and what the music scene in California was like pre-pandemic. Check out the music of Amor de Paris here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0qokO42jxGlhzBP9Z8OQ8q

We conclude Season 2 of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast with an XL episode featuring beat-keeper Dougie Tangent of the Indiana-based power-pop trio, The Putz. We discuss everything "G.I. Joe." I mean, literally. We talk about "G.I. Joe" for basically an hour. There's also some Michael Bay hate thrown in for good measure. Check out the wonderful music from The Putz here: https://theputz.bandcamp.com/

The second-to-last episode of Season 2's Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast features Tony, the Upstate NY-born mastermind/evil-genuis of the California-based indie-rock band, Broken Field Runner. Throughout the episode we talk about misconceptions about the California music scene, the worst places to dine while on the road touring (it's about what you'd expect), and I hear about the sketchiest place he and the band had to (attempt to) sleep following a show. Check out Broken Field Runner here: https://brokenfieldrunner.bandcamp.com/music

DD of the infamous Australian-punk band, The Thorazines joins me again for another Season 2 installment of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast. We discuss the importance of the band Venom, have some much needed Britney Spears gossip time (and throw down on the most recent "Framing Britney Spears" documentary), and we chit-chat about his collaboration with the infamous Hayley Crusher. Check out that track and more here: https://thethorazines.bandcamp.com/

As Season 2 of of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast nears the season finale, I had the pleasure to once again feature bass master Josh from the Albany-based surf band, The Jagaloons. We talk the reworking of famous TV theme songs to the tune of surf music, the joys of a well-crafted pop song, the 2021 New York Mets (and the Colorado Rockies), and my suspicions are confirmed on the meaning of a "Tijuana Sauna." Check out that track and more here: https://thejagaloons.bandcamp.com/music

We travel virtually back to Canada in this XL episode of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast to chat with Danny, Curtis, and Paul from the Saskatchewan-based pop punk band, Hiding From Humans. Throughout the episode (which is the longest to-date), we talk about Canadian radio, make fun of Nickelback, jive about the pandemic recording process, I learn what the Regina music scene is like, and I learn a bit about the bands most memorable live-music experiences were. Check out the bands first EP here: https://hidingfromhumans.bandcamp.com/releases

We travel virtually to Europe in this episode of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast to chat with Alberto, Luca, Stefano, and Francesco, members of the Italian punk band, Billycock. Throughout the episode we chat about how the lockdown has impacted the band, why they chose to sing songs in English versus their native language Italian, the challenges a band that sings all-original songs has getting a stage versus a cover band, and I get the inside scoop on some truly terrifying nightmares each of the members of the band has had. Check out the bands music here: https://billycock.bandcamp.com/

As Season 2 of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast nears completion, episode 27 features a conversation with the complete lineup of the Indiana-based sci-fi pop-punk trio, Covert Flops. Agents Adam, Chad and Billy chat covert musical influences, their take on the David Byrne and Brian Eno side projects (among others), what Brian Wilson live convert experiences consist of, we hash ideas on why the Ramones are such a timeless band, and we discuss the cinematic beauty that is "Halloween III: Season of the Witch." Check out the bands debut album "Defcon 1-2-3-4" here: https://covertflops.bandcamp.com/

Season 2 of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast features a redemption episode after some technical difficulties rendered the recorded material from the first attempt to chat with Tino from the New Hampshire-based punk bank, The Cryptics, unusable. Throughout this "XL" episode, we discuss bands making polarizing statements (and why some are hesitant to do so), fun touring stories that may-or-may-not-left Tino feeling unsafe, and we chat about the importance of video game scores plus the mains in "Super Smash Brothers." Check out music from The Cryptics here: https://thecrypticsofficial.bandcamp.com/music

Keepin' it local with Episode 25 of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast, featuring vocalist and guitarist Max Medina from the Albany, NY-based ska-punk band, Fresh Herbs. We talk about his infamous pedal board skateboard, I learn a bit about what debuting the current lineup via a livestream was like, and how important his father was in shaping his music taste. Check out all of Max's music here: https://soundcloud.com/max_medina

Season 2 of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast travels back to the West Coast of the United States to feature Shane and Ryan, guitarists and vocalists from the Washington punk band, Bored With Fire. We chat about the infamous DIY show of old, the decision to wear steam punk outfits during a music video (and how warm it was), and we talk about secret musical influences. Listen to the all the current Bored With Fire releases here: https://boredwithfire.bandcamp.com/music

Season 2 of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast continues with a special extended episode featuring the New Hampshire-based punk rock "jack-of-all-trades," Geoff Palmer. We talk about the history of Lego and their brilliant marketing plan, some Wimpy Rutherford-related conversation, the historic phone call he received from Joe Queer (who was staying at his mothers house at the time), and I learn about his "shut-up-and-play-the-hits" moment that inspired him to pen the all-too-relatable track, "All the Hits." Check out his entire discography here: https://geoffpalmer.bandcamp.com/

For some reason, the New Paltz-based multi-instrumentalist Cam (of multiple projects including The Pom Pom Girls and The Pretty Lips) joins the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast again. We chat about his latest project John's Cult Train, the Britney Spears conservatorship controversy and the much-discussed New York Times documentary "Framing Britney Spears," and I get some insight on the choices that led to the amazing cover of the Princess of Pop's 1998 hit single "...Baby One More Time" for the John's Cult Train inaugural release, "American Breakfast." Listen to that cover (and the rest of the album) here: https://awfulhouse.bandcamp.com/album/american-breakfast

The second season of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast gets a taste of Philadelphia, featuring the rhythm section of the metal band WITCHING, comprised of Tatiana (bass) and Miles (drums). We discuss how their music gets described to other people, why Tatiana hates "Dirty Dancing," why Miles was terrified of "Candy Man" as a child, the joys of Wawa, and what tracks off their latest album "Vernal" they think best represent the band as a whole. Get into their music here: https://witching.bandcamp.com/music

We travel to the "Green Mountain State" of Vermont in this Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast interview to chat with Andrew and Matt of the ethereal noise band, Void Bringer. We have an excellent conversation regarding the events of the past four years politically and why some artists refuse to take a stand, followed by some insight on how coworkers react to their music, and we delve into the trials and tribulations associated with being a hardcore band in Vermont. Listen to all their music here: https://voidbringer802.bandcamp.com/music

In this special Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast interview, I chat with fellow Lürking Class bandmate Joey (guitar/vox) regarding songwriting, the perils of playing in four bands simultaneously, who was one of the best actor/actresses he's had the pleasure of meeting at conventions, and how he approaches writing lyrics (something that's very new for him). Check out the Lürking Class inaugural self-titled EP here: https://lurkingclass.bandcamp.com/

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast Season 2 concludes a two-banger with vocalist Zac Buzzkill from the St. Louis-based punk band The Radio Buzzkills. In Part 2 we launch a new segment called "Movie Star Mustaches, Maxi-Pads and Madness," we discuss eyeliner and Robert Smith's breakfast regiment, and in a first for the series we premier a brand-new, unreleased Buzzkills song called "Brazilian Bubble Gum." Stream their music here: https://theradiobuzzkills.bandcamp.com/music

The Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast Season 2 features yet another two-part episode with vocalist Zac Buzzkill from the St. Louis-based punk band The Radio Buzzkills. In Part 1 we launch a new segment called "Don't F@cking Think About It," I learn the difference between the entire state of Missouri and the city of St. Louis, the story behind the band recently signing to the illustrious ProRawk Records, and we chat about Zac's cartoon spirit animal. Stream their music here: https://theradiobuzzkills.bandcamp.com/music

Season 2 of the Bürgerkrieg Productions "15 Minutes of Fame" Podcast continues at a breakneck pace, landing yet another conversation with the synth overlord/vocal titan Nathan from the Hudson Valley-based punk rock noise outfit, Black Mesa. Over the the course of our chat, I get some insight into the mysterious "Gooey Gus" posts that litter his Instagram page, we swap stories about the impact the military industrial complex has had on members of our immediate family, and we brainstorm a possible 2021 Fourth of July celebration with Black Mesa ("The Black Mesa Backyard Barbecue and Bullshit"). Listen to their music here: https://blackmesany.bandcamp.com/album/let-me-see-your-kidneys-ep