Cedar Rapids Music Scene

Hey everybody... it's been awhile. I have some info to share. Tune in!

Great conversation with Ben Hilzinger, who is currently the drummer for Eve 6, host of the Big Fat Five Podcast and all-around nice guy. We chat about how he developed a love for music, what led him to becoming the drummer for Eve 6, how he started the Big Fat Five Podcast, interviewing some huge musical icons and much more! Check out Ben's podcast out here- https://linktr.ee/bigfatfivepodcast Ben's Website- http://benhilzinger.com/ Big Fat Snare Drum- https://www.bigfatsnaredrum.com/ Eve 6- http://eve6.com/

If you run the social media accounts for your band or if you care deeply about improving your brand and online presence, this is the most important podcast episode you could listen to. I did a 3-month long experiment on whether quality is more important than quantity on Facebook. The results are intricate and important. Give this a listen to hear about the difference in results between 15 and 39 monthly posts, the role that quality plays in all of this, how bad it is to go a month without posting anything and what times of day and what day of the week get the best results. Click here to listen to The Confused Breakfast Podcast. http://confusedbreakfast.com

Casey Klein, one of the hardest working musicians in the State, joins the podcast. We discuss the quality of amazing musicians in our area, how we can make the community and scene better, the difference of being a solo artist vs a member of a band, his new album that was just released, making people like music that they said they hated and so much more! Check out Casey on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/guitarpie123 Check out Casey on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/guitarpie123

On this episode, I discuss two talking points that have been weighing on my brain. First, is now the time to start a cover charge revolution in Iowa? Second, I give a detailed social media application rundown and why you should be using all of them.

On this episode, I sit down with Cooper and Sam from Not Quite Brothers. Before our shows at Oktoberfest Adventureland, we talk the formation of their band, pros/cons of being a younger band, influences, what's next for the band and much more. Join us!

Two good friends of mine join the podcast to talk about their fundraiser to help raise money for the Cedar Rapids area. It's called New Roots Grow and is the true definition of "music saves." Our great music community is using their talents to help raise money. Enjoy this conversation about how it came about and the amazing artists involved.

On this episode, I get to have a great chat with TC VanHooreweghe, the manager for B2wins. They are an amazing band and one of the most popular acts in the State. He tells us about the amazing origin story of the band, as well as some talk about branding, advice on getting to the next level, advantages of having a manager and how they have dealt with 2020 in a positive way.

Mike and AJ discuss the weird limbo world we live in. Is it ok to play shows? What should we be doing to ensure that the music business doesn't die? Why can't we all just get along? Someone give us the answers!

Episode #47- Nassor Cooper and Tim Frazier- "We Are Products Of Our Environment" by Iowa Music Podcast

Well, the governor lifted the restrictions on the remaining counties in Iowa, and many places are allowed to open. But who is allowed to open, what are the restrictions, will people go out and how does it affect musicians locally?!

Local venue owner Cale Henderson joins the podcast. The boys talk about how serious this is becoming for the music industry, especially locally, as well as how it's going to work as we tip-toe out of quarantine and into summer.

Episode #44- Mike, AJ and Dick Prall Ponder The Future of Music by Iowa Music Podcast

In the light of how serious the coronavirus pandemic is getting, Mike sat down in his kitchen and gave some thoughts about how it affects everyone in our music communities. He also talks about what you can do over the next couple months, so that you can not only stay relevant now, but be better than ever when the pandemic dies down.

Jason Shadrick of Premier Guitar and The Bamboozlers joins the podcast. We discuss how he got involved with Premier Guitar, crazy stories about interviewing Brian May of Queen, Rush, Roger Waters, Conan O'Brien, hanging out on set of Saturday Night Live, NAMM experiences, playing around the country with The Bamboozlers and much more. Mike and AJ also discuss if tribute bands are illegal in the intro segment.

Ian Draves of Soul Sherpa and Birdchild joins the podcast. We discuss his musical upbringing, the different things he has learned from being in an original band and a cover band, how to make a living as a professional musician and if we have any hope left for the Cedar Rapids Music Scene FB page.

Mike and AJ are joined by Josh Misener of All But Screaming, JMB, Strays and Janey Rocket. Josh is one of the most respected vocalists and multi-instrumentalists in the Cedar Rapids area.

Mike and AJ have officially made the change. This podcast is now known as the Iowa Music Podcast. With our listenership picking up throughout the state, not just the Cedar Rapids area, we felt that the change was necessary to continue to grow our musician community. In this episode, we interview Shawn Jaxx of Skin Kandy. Shawn is a long-time veteran in the music business and he breaks down his career path and all his choices.

In maybe the most important episode of this podcast that we have done, Mike and AJ talk about mental health and self care as it relates to not only musicians and bands, but humans in general. The boys share some personal stories and ways that they have been trying to help themselves.

Mike, AJ and Dusty Baker reminisce about MySpace, Mike tells us his childhood nickname and explains why he is stepping away from the music scene group, Carson King and how cancel culture affects your band.

Mike and AJ are joined by Dusty Baker of Tom’s Top 8. They discuss Dusty’s musical background and upbringing, his original band projects, how he transitioned into the cover band world, state of the original music scene in Cedar Rapids and the differences between cover bands and original bands as a musician.

Evan Stock of the Evan Stock Band joins the podcast and we discuss touring with B2wins, how the band formed, how he learned how to play music, naming the band after himself, being prepared for every show, recording new album, covers vs originals, the business side of music, surviving an arson and crazy meth head encounter, vinyl vs digital.

Mike and AJ take us thru a recap of some previous scene happenings including the Rumors debacle, Ozzy Osborne is not relevant, Travis Scott inspiration, dangers in setting goals, Mike’s unpopular opinion, 10 things you shouldn’t say on stage and how your band is using Facebook wrong.

Mike and AJ take us thru a recap of summer so far and some of our previous podcasts, Tom’s Top 8 debut show, Tailgators Metal Fest, pros and cons of tribute acts and festivals, cover charge debate, 7 reasons why no one is coming to your show, over-abundance of shows in the area at the same time, pay to play thoughts, local bands on the big stage and more.

Dan Ray and Adam Johnson of Cover Band Confidential join the podcast today. These guys started a facebook group and podcast dedicated strictly to cover bands and conveying information and knowledge about this world. On the episode today, we talk about a lot of great topics including how they got started playing in cover bands, why they started the cover band confidential group, differences between cover band central and cover band confidential, comparing their local music scenes to our scene, thoughts on tribute bands, pay scales in their towns, bar/venue relationships and cover charge.

Mike and AJ sit down and chat with Josh Ross of The Want. We discuss alcohol consumption as a musician, Josh's musical journey and background, making connections with fans, covers vs originals, CRMS forum issues, original music in local venues, the importance of having a good product and Josh and Mike's Unpopular Opinions.

Episode #31- The Boys Are "Killing It" On This Episode by Iowa Music Podcast

Kevin BF Burt talks about almost playing in the NFL, how he got his start in music and learned the guitar, gaining momentum as an artist, being a musician in today's political climate, cover bands vs original bands and what venues are doing wrong today.

A great interview with Amy Friedl Stoner. She talks about how she got involved in cabaret, the amazing talent and venues we have in Iowa, being prepared for every performance, playing Carnegie Hall, musician jealousy and insecurities, being a woman and having a family while in the music business and much more.

Mike and AJ chat about how alcohol tastes better in Europe, are there too many venues in our town, horrible band biographies, promoting your show in the wrong places, Facebook tips and tricks, tribute band territory wars and much more.

Mike and AJ chat about how dumb you look when you are hating on Games of Thrones and popular music, the brand new "Mike’s Unpopular Opinion" segment, future of music venues and musicians, and we review and critique local music submissions.

Nick Booth, formerly of Avoid. and currently in Ghost Key, joins the podcast to chat about ending a successful band and joining a new one out of his comfort zone, using music as a social platform, how to put value into your music/product and so much more.

On this episode, I get to chat with Steve Witschel, who is the founder of Cover Band Central and a full-time gigging musician on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. We chat about the evolution of his Facebook page, the importance of cover bands, advantages to gigging out of town and whether or not you should take liberties with your cover versions.

Sean Prior of Friendly Fire: On, A Casual Affair and Janey Rocket joins the podcast to discuss many topics including the importance of videos when it comes to music and experiencing music as both a fan and a musician when it comes to covers vs originals.

Dick Prall and Billy Barton of Iowa-based band Dickie, join the podcast to discuss their career as musicians, crowd-funding projects and whether or not new music venues can make it around here.

Mike and AJ are back in the studio and dive deep into social Media usage, cover charge debates, local musician entitlement, battle of the bands and more. Some would call a few of the statements controversial.

Mike Schulte and AJ Vens record the podcast episode live from Tailgators during the CRMS 1 year anniversary meet up. We look back on the last year and are joined by Maxx Mitchell, Terry McDowell, Ian Draves, Jeff Roggendorf, Shane Lunsford and Cale Henderson.

Elizabeth Moen, Iowa-based singer/songwriter joins the podcast to discuss her life as a full-time musician.

Matt Rissi, a techno DJ from Cedar Rapids, IA, joins us on the podcast to talk about the dance music world and how it compares to live music and how special events can be the next step for an artist.

Jeff Roalson of Iowa original band, Halfloves, joins the podcast and we discuss the challenges of the local original band scene and how Halfloves have found their way.

Brook Hoover of Surf Zombies, Flaming Camaros and Meerkats joins us on the podcast to discuss different ways to earn money in the music business. W

Producer AJ Vens turns the tables on host Mike Schulte and we discuss Mike's experience with being in an original band, the importance of those experiences and how it shaped who he is today. We also discuss Mike's trip to Europe and what he learned about music scenes overseas.

Alisabeth Von Presley is an iconic mainstay in the Cedar Rapids music scene. In this episode, we discuss her story and how she developed into the musician she is today. We dive into playing originals vs covers, her time on American Idol, dealing with internet hate, booking a tour and much more.

Curt Burgess of Slap n Tickle joins the podcast and we talk about some recent bad music experiences and go down a very diverse road of lots of different topics, thoughts and tools on today's music scene.

Caleb Ryder, a solo original artist and singer for Rockinfreakapotamus, joins the podcast to chat about a ton of things. From his upbringing in music and recording his own albums to now being an adult and seeing things from a different perspective, we have a great conversation on this artist spotlight.

Episode #12- State of the Scene Address & Newbo Evolve by Iowa Music Podcast

William Elliott Whitmore is a folk musician from SE-Iowa who is one of the most successful and hardest-working musicians from our state. He has released 9 full length albums since 2003 and continues to tour the world as a full-time musician. Joel Anderson was the guitar player for The Vidablue/Ten Grand from 1998-2003. As a hardcore band from Iowa City, they toured not only the United States but many countries in Europe as well. In this episode, we dive deep down the retrospective path of forming their bands, developing songs, finding success and of course everything in between. Don't miss this one.

Cory Talbot, of The Pork Tornadoes and Towncrier, joins the podcast and we dive deep into the scary world of negotiation, booking and contracts.

Dustin, Jacob and Ethan from Faces Turned Ashen join the podcast to discuss the state of original bands in our area and why they love writing music.

Jeremy Jacobs and Shane Lunsford of Fresh Fighters join the podcast to discuss a wide variety of things, including why tribute bands have become so popular.

Ian Draves of Soul Sherpa and Curt Burgess of Slap'n'Tickle join the podcast to discuss what bands should expect to get paid and different avenues of making money as a band.