No Wristbands! We Drink For Free

Stacey & Erik join us to talk over their plans for the fourth edition of fForest Fest in Morris, IL. They filled us in on the entire musical lineup, the move to two stages in 2025 and all the other great things to do in Goold Park - food trucks, cool vendor market and lots of green space to play. Bring the whole family out for a wonderful day of music and fun! Saturday, June 7th - gates open at noon. $10 cash at the gate (kids 5 and under are free).https://fforestfest.com/Time stamps:1:30: How did fforest fest 3 go?5:35: fforest fest is a true labor of love. how many stages do we have this year?7:12: Let's talk about our bands9:45: We are getting Pet Needs!16:21: Make sure you remember your ID - story time!23: Make sure you buy merch!27:33: Sponsors to thank31:21: What's your favorite thing about running fforest fest?33:30: Inside tip - Liam Kyle Cahill and Kasey Christensen are playing a bar in town the day after fforest fest

Mario Cannamela (vocals & guitars) joins us to talk about his Chicago-based band Bottom Bracket. Originally formed in Springfield, IL, the band released their first EP Dreamland in 2017. Near the end of 2021, Mario said "fuck it" and moved to Chicago. Along with Tim Recio (bass/vocals) and Rob Diaz (drums), the band released their fantastic second LP, I'm So Afraid Of Where on Count Your Lucky Stars Records in November of 2024. We talked with Mario about all of that, plus so much more - including his thoughts about our wonderful city of Chicago. Time stamps:2:23: How are you doing today Mario?5: When did you get your first guitar?9:30: Fuck it! Let's move to Chicago! How did you meet Rob and Tim?12:25: Tapping is in a lot of your songs, how do you utilize it?14:51: Did you feel like you were making the leap when recording I Am So Afraid of Where?17:30: How do you think Chicago has influenced the band?20:44: Do you feel like you belong in Chicago?22:11: What is your creative process like?23:41: Do you write with a theme in mind?26:35: How did the everything come together with the record and label?28:43: Do you have a song on the record you are most proud of?'32: What do the next six months look like for the band?33: Who were some of your gateway bands in the emo universe?39: How did the Subt show come together?41:30: The bike is a significant thing for the band, and you like riding, where do you like to ride in Chicago?43:20: Thin crust or deep dish pizza fan?45:19: Favorite venue to play/see shows at?47: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?50: How has the response to the new album been?51: What have you been listening to lately?52:45: What is your go to cheap drink?54:30: Anything to plug on the way on out of here?

Born in Memphis is 1974, Cory Branan has been releasing albums since The Hell You Say in 2002. He released three great records on Chicago's Bloodshot Records - Mutt, The No-Hit Wonder and Adios) and his most recent LP (his 6th overall) is the excellent When I Go I Ghost in 2022. Many of his musician friends - Jason Isabel, Brian Fallon, Laura Jane Grace, Craig Finn, Jody Stephens, Ben Nichols, Sadler Baden & more - have appeared on his records. We talked with him about all of that, about his songwriting process, his Chicago experiences and his upcoming tour with his buddy Chuck Pagan. Enjoy!Time Stamps:2: Was it hard for you to have Rollingstone rewrite your history naming you a best new artist over 10 years into your career?7:25: How did you find John Prine? What stands out to you about him?13:50: When listening to a great songwriter, are you able to enjoy it, or are you analyzing it?17:45: What is your creative process like now?20:30: How does your OCD impact your writing?24: How do you choose who you work with?28:30: Being from Memphis, is it surreal to play with Lucero and Jody Stephens?53:15: Did Bloodshot Records end up paying you?53:45: Deep dish or thin crust?55:30: Favorite venue to play in Chicago?58:40: What makes Chicago a unique music city?61:30: What is your go to cheap drinks?62:23: Anything you'd like to plug on the way on out of here?

Matt Spiegel is a music guy. His bands have included Brother Brother (a 10-piece funk band with his brother Jon), Tributosaurus and Sonic45 (with Len Kasper) and has recorded a 3-song 7" with Steve Albini. He was the producer for Sound Opinions with Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis. He's also a huge baseball fan and in his spare time he works as a sports radio talk show host at 670 The Score. We talked with Matt about his love of music and Chicag and more. Time Stamps:3:20: Where'd you grow up?7: Working in a record store and turning people on to Pavement10: What was the first rock band you played in that made you want to make it your career?13:30: Any chance of Brother Brother playing together again?17:20: When did you decide that music wasn't going to be your long term career?19: Tales from Sound Opinions24: How did you get involved with Sound Opinions?26:45: How did Tributosaurus come together?33:04: How much time is there between the idea being formed and when you perform that band's music?37:24: Is there a band you want to do that you haven't done yet?40:40: Do you have imposter syndrome with being a musician while doing radio work?43:30: Do you enjoy something more when it is an avocation versus a vocation?45: Is there a secret text chain amongst Chicago sportscasters about their music projects?48:13: Why are there so many sports people in Chicago who love music?51:28: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?62:15: What's your favorite place to play in Chicago, and where's your favorite place to see a show?65:51: Thin crust or deep dish?69: What have you been listening to lately?76:35: Your go to cheap drink?79: What would you like to plug on the way on out of here?

Peter Jesperson has had an incredible career in music. Initially inspired by watching The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, Peter took a job at legendary record store Oar Folkjokeopus in 1973 and became the primary DJ at Jay's Longhorn in 1977. He was a co-founder of Twin / Tone Records the following year. Along the way, Paul Westerberg dropped off the famous demo tape for The Replacements. Peter eventually became the manager for the 'Mats and spent time of the road with R.E.M. After overcoming some personal issues (he's now been 33 years sober!), Peter moved to LA and worked with New West Records and with artists like Vic Chestnutt, Jack Logan, The Flatlanders and many more. Most recently, he has written a fabulous new book, Euphoric Recall. We talked about his life and threw in some Chicago stories. Thanks for listening!Time Stamps:2:45: What was the impetus to write your book/how do you even start?4: What is the arc of putting your life's work to paper?9:15: When did you decide you wanted to make music your life?12: You got your start at Oar Folkjokeopus, that had to have helped, right?19:44: How did the founding on Twin/Tone Records come about?26: Are streaming services a good thing? Is the lower barrier of entry a good thing?31: Tell us about meeting Paul Westerberg41:45: When did you know The Replacements were going places?50: What is it like trying to manage The Replacements?53: What do you think separates Midwestern scenes versus more coastal cities?60: How did The Replacements find out about The Vertebrats?64: You've worked with some pretty successful bands, as they are on the way up, what is that ride like?70:45: Did the success of R.E.M. bother/impact Paul and The Replacements?82:45: Any thoughts on why Paul Westerberg wasn't more successful as a solo artist?87:30: Has anything surprised you about the reception to Euphoric Recall?95:40: Thick or thin crust pizza?96: Do you have a favorite venue in Chicago?96:20: What do you think makes Chicago a unique music scene/city?98: Any music that will make your end of the year best of list?101:38: What is your go to cheap drink?102:20: Anything you'd like to plug on the way on out of here?

Mike Maples started Liquid Mike in 2021. In that short time, the band has already put out five albums of songs - including their most recent one, Paul Bunyan's Slingshot. Hailing from Marquette, Michigan (that's the Upper Peninsula, folks), Mike balances his job as a mailman with writing a ton of songs, playing guitar, singing and touring. You can check them out in Chicago at Concord Music Hall on 12-11-2024.Time Stamps:2:20: So many different ways to describe your music, how do you describe Liquid Mike's sound?4: Is the shortened length of songs inspired by any musicians?9:30: When did you start playing guitar and writing your own songs?13:45: How has the relative geographic isolation of living in the U.P. impacted your music?16:31: What was it like to be out on your first big tour?19: How is your first Chicago show at Riot Fest?21:13: Have you been approached by any labels?23:30: Are there other great bands playing in the U.P.?28: What was it like when your music started blowing up?31:40: Are you intentional about not being intentional about your use of social media?38: How did your upcoming tours come together?44:10: How many times have you been to Chicago?45: Deep dish or thin crust pizza?49: What does Chicago music mean to you?51:33: Did you stick around Riot Fest and check out any bands?54:08: What is your go-to cheap drink?58: Anything else you want to plug on the way on out of here?

Very excited to welcome Elizabeth Moen to the show! Originally from Iowa, she now calls Chicago home. Her self-titled first album was released in 2016 and her latest, Live at Lincoln Hall came out earlier this year. She's working on a new one with Spencer Tweedy producing. We talk about that, as well as her story about meeting Eddie Vedder, her current tour with Jeff Tweedy and her love for Bruce Springsteen's music. She also has a new single out in advance of her big show at the Empty Bottle on 11/16. As always, we talk about her thoughts on Chicago!Tickets for the Empty Bottle show on 11/16 --https://www.ticketweb.com/event/elizabeth-moen-family-junket-empty-bottle-tickets/13606304Time stamps:2: Elizabeth is in Woodstock6:18: What was the first song that you felt like you mastered?9:22: Was your amazing voice evident early on?15: Please share your story about meeting Eddie Vedder!18:30: Tell us about the first open mic in Iowa City. Is there a scene in IC?20: Was Chicago always on your radar in terms of where you wanted to move?23: Spencer Tweedy is producing Elizabeth's next album28:21: How close is the band to who appeared on your live album?30:45: How do you balance going out alone versus having the band together?34: Are you more collaborative in the music process or do you drive what is created?38: Do you want to do it all, or do you think you'd be more successful if you stuck to one type of music?41:17: Are you playing any of the new songs on tour, how has tour been going so far?43: Do you feel like you are learning anything watching Jeff Tweedy perform every night?48: What is it about Bruce that you like, and what's your favorite Springsteen album?55:21: Thin crust or deep dish?58: What is your favorite show to see a show at, and what is your favorite venue to play in Chicago?67:45: What makes Chicago such a unique music city?72:20: What is your go to cheap drink?78:18: What else do you want to plug on your way out?

Ian Robinson has been performing as Black Guy Fawkes for almost ten years now. He joins us on the podcast to talk about his musical journey, meeting Frank Turner, his challenges as a black artist and the battle to maintain positive mental health. Ian is working on a new album and also has a great podcast called "Fawkes & Friends". He'll be playing the Color Club in Chicago in October.Time stamps:2: What was your introduction to music, when did you decide music was going to be your thing?6:41: What is the scene like on Cumberland?8:44: How do you overcome a scene where you don't necessarily feel like you belong in?11:37: How difficult is it to get together and plan a tour?14: Do you take your new friends in stride, or is it like what the fuck is going on?17:15: How do you handle the highest of highs and then the lowest of lows?20: How have your musical influences inspired you as a songwriter and performer?22:40: Being a black musician in a music scene that's not thought of as a traditionally black genre, does that present challenges to you, do you feel extra pressure being black in that scene?28:44: How surreal was it meeting Frank Turner? How cool did you play it?33:45: Are we working on any new music?37: Tell us about Fawkes & Friends42: What can someone expect at one of your shows?44: PNOTS and Black Guy Fawkes at Color Club in Chicago on 10/4!45:50: Deep dish or thin crust?47: Where did you play when you've played in Chicago?47:30: What do you think makes Chicago a unique music scene?49:35: What's your go to cheap drink?51:45: What else would you like to plug on the way on out of here?55: What's your favorite Bob album?

It's our 50th episode! Time for a celebration!We are very pleased to have Abby Monroe and Josh Dihle on the show for our 50th. Abby and Josh are the owners of Color Club, a Chicago venue that hosts an eclectic array of events. In 2020, they purchased the building on Elston Avenue that previously was home to the Chicago Latvian Association. Their intention was to create "a gathering space for Chicago's creative community." We talk about how they have done just that - hosting all sorts of events - poetry, dance, art, music and more. And, of course, we talk about how they came to open "The Sugar Hole" - the world's only puppet powered ice cream walk-up window. And they also tell us what they love about Chicago.We like the space so much that we our hosting our 50th episode celebration party at Color Club in September. Email us if you need an invite!Time Stamps:2:07: How and when did we decide we wanted to take on this experiment?5: How haunted is Color Club?6:15: What are some of the learnings you have found in working together over the past couple of years?7:30: How did people react to your ideas for the space?9: What is the process like for renting space at Color Club?12:30: What is a typical day in the life like for you?14: Walk us through buying the space right as Covid was starting.17:31: Have there been any moments where you've felt like you were in over your head?20: What are some of the oddest ideas people have presented to you?25: How did you come up with the name Color Club?29: What does the future of Color Club look like several years down the line?30: How do you find the balance between being a couple and being coworkers?32:45: Do the two of you consider yourself music fans?34: Do you have a dream event to host at Color Club?36: What about Chicago makes it such a good art scene?38: Deep dish or thin crust pizza?40: Favorite venues to see art at in the city?42:30: What do the next six months look like for Color Club?

John Mohr and Mike Greenlees have been playing music together for a long time. They first got together in Dekalb, Illinois at Northern Illinois University in 1983 with the band Blatant Dissent. In 1988, they transitioned to the post-hardcore band Tar, based in Chicago. And now, in 2024, they've released a fantastic new album with their latest quartet, Deep Tunnel Project, with Jeff Dean and Tim Midyett. We talked with John and Mike about how this all happened - and shared our mutual love of Chicago!Time stamps:3: How did you meet?8: how would you describe the career of Blatant Dissent? 9:10: was there a conversation where you decided to keep making music full time?12: how did you end up on Touch & Go?17:30 how did the decision to end Tar come about?18:30: how did you start working with Steve Albini?25:22: how did it go from Tar to Deep Tunnel Project?31: at what point do you bring in other people to play with you?33: why was it important to you to have Chicago musicians?42: was it the intention to always put out an album?44: is there a song on the album that you feel is the most representative of the band?47:45: favorite song to play from the album?50: how did you end up on Comedy Minus One?51:30: what's the response been like to the record?55: what are the next steps for Deep Tunnel Project?62:40: deep dish or thin crust pizza?64: favorite venue to play at?67:40 what makes Chicago such a unique music scene?72:38: go to cheap drink?74:40: anything to plug on the way out?

We are excited to have Dean Zelinsky on the show. While still in his teens, Dean founded his first guitar company, Dean Guitars, starting it from scratch. He talks to us about how a couple of trips to the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan inspired his dream. After setting up his first factory in Evanston, Illinois, Dean went on to build iconic guitars for musicians like Dimebag Darrel, Billy Gibbons, Michael Schenker, Leslie West and Brad Paisley. Dean later moved on and currently builds guitars as Dean Zelinsky Private Label Guitars. He shares with us some of the innovations he's incorporated into his latest designs. We also talk about a few crazy stories and some of his favorite things about Chicago. Dean also has his own podcast, The Dean Zelinsky Show and you can hear even more stories about his guitar journey at https://www.deanzelinskyguitars.com/pages/podcast.Time Stamps:2:15: when did you first show an interest in guitars?4:36: When did you first start to tinker with how guitars worked?7:40: Did you really think you could figure out how to repair a guitar?10:30: What in you made you a doer?12:30: What was the reason behind the Gibson Guitars tour?17: How did you start the company?21: How much back and forth to make the guitar perfect?25:13: How do you start to build the company/approach guitar stores to sell your guitars?32:35: What is your mindset as things are taking off?35: What changed everything for Dean Guitars?42: Is this the time that you decide you wanted to sell the company?45:16: When did you get rock stars playing your guitars/how did you sell guitars backstage?54:37: How did the fur guitars come to be?60: What's still driving you to make guitars?70: Favorite venue to show your guitars, favorite venue to see a show?71:30: thin crust or deep dish fan?73:35: What makes Chicago unique?76:30: What's your go to cheap drink?79:25: Anything you'd like to plug on the way out?

Taylor Hales is the studio manager and recording & mixing engineer at the world-famous Electrical Audio recording studio. He also fills a bunch of other roles at the studio. We talked with Taylor about how he got his start in music and his internship at Electrical Audio. He filled us in on the inner workings at the studio. And he shared many stories about his employer, co-worker and friend, Steve Albini. This was a very emotional episode and we are so grateful to Taylor for sharing this with us.Time stamps:3:45: How did you first meet Steve and start working at Electrical Audio?8:45: How often does an intern actually get hired here?9:45: What was your life like leading up to working at Electrical Audio?11:55: At what point did you decide that you wanted to make your passion your career?15:18: Was your start at Electrical Audio what you expected?17:16: Did you pick people's brains while you were interning?18:26: What was day one like here as an intern?20:07: What does a studio manager do at Electrical Audio?25:07: Was your intention with the internship to get to stay forever?28:34: Have you thought about what it was about you that led to you getting a job there?29:45: It seems like your experience with Steve was different than how people viewed him32:18: Have you learned anything about Steve that has surprised you since he passed?34:45: How did Steve's disdain for money translate into how you helped him run a studio?36:09: What are some of your favorite albums Steve produced?40:21: What are some of the things you've taken away from Steve with how you record a band?43:11: Did Steve actually think producing was an important job?46:45: What are some magic moments you've had at Electrical Audio?48:45: How do you honor Steve moving forward?52:38: From a recording engineer perspective, what are some of the things that Steve made a lasting impression on?55: What is it about Steve and Chicago that fit so well together?57: When you think about Chicago music, what do you think about?58: Have you become an audio snob from working at Electrical Audio, and do you have a favorite Chicago venue?61:43: Deep dish or thin crust fan?62:35: What happens with Shellac moving forward?63:36: What is your go to cheap drink?64:35: Anything you think people should know about Steve that we haven't talked about?

Brandon Lewis of Punkerton Records joins us for the latest After Hours episode. Brandon's record label is out of Ohio and supports a number of awesome punk rock bands. It's a labor of love for him and he works hard to provide full support to his bands - from recording, to artwork, to tour bookings and more. Four Punkerton Records bands will be playing the upcoming fForest Fest in Morris, IL on June 1st - Bad Year, The Boy Detective, KNIVES and Middle-Out. Come on out and check out some great punk music - 12 bands for only $10.Time stamps:2:15: How did you get started in music?15:50: It seems like things happened in reverse for you19: It's good to hype up all the other bands on the label22:10: How did you develop a relationship with Stacey and Eric from fforest fest?27:34: Tell us about the bands. that are plying fforest fest37:48: The whole fforest fest team is unbelievable42:50: Looking forward to seeing you out there

Stacey Dee is a singer and guitar player in the California punk band Bad Cop / Bad Cop. She's also known affectionately as Stacy Fucking Dee because, well, she's a badass! She's been playing in punk bands for a while now and Bad Cop / Bad Cop is one of the best. They've already put out 3 great LP's - Not Sorry, Warriors and The Ride - and they've got a new one in the works. Stacey shared some great stories here, including some of her struggles, and how she's in a great spot now. Fuck yeah!!!Time Stamps:2:18: Bad Cop/Bad Cop - How did the band come together?7:10: What is your creative process like?9: What are some of your earliest musical influences?13:11: Did you ever get to tell The Go-Go's your story?17: Has playing music exclusively with women been a deliberate choice?18:23: As women in music, what are some of the challenges you've faced?26:50: Fat Mike, what's it been like working with him?29:33: There is a new album on the way!?34: What has it been like going into the studio with someone new?36: How do all these festival dates come together?41: Anything you'd like to share about Frank Turner?42: What are some Bad Cop/Bad Cop songs that really encapsulate the band?45: When you think of Chicago and Chicago music, what do you think of?45:45: Are there things you always want to do when you come to Chicago?50:17: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?52:10: Do you have a favorite venue in Chicago?54: Who are some of your favorite Chicago bands?59: What is your go to cheap drink?

Jon Snodgrass has a unique way of looking at life. He joins us on this episode and we talk about his philosophy about music, money, baseball and so much more. Jon has a lot of friends and sometimes has them play on his records - like Frank Turner. And Jon has a new record out, barge at will with Bill Stevenson (Descendents) on drums & bass. We also talk about all the things that Jon loves about Chicago. Time stamps:1:50: How are you doing today Jon?2:30: What about Chicago makes it your favorite American city?5:00: How long ago did you play Chicago for the first time?7:54: Is it safe to say you plan your tours around ballparks?15:14: When did you decide that you wanted to be a musician?26:44: You are a DIY guy, how do you frame success?39:16: How did you get connected with Frank Turner?51:12: In 2030 should we be looking for Buddies 3: Old Buddies?60:31: What excites you about playing Fforest Fest?66: What is your favorite place to play a show at in Chicago?68: Favorite Chicago pizza?73:10: What is your go to cheap drink?

Growing up in Mattoon, IL, Rick Sims (guitar, vocals) spent his early years drinking beer, smoking dope and practicing in the chicken shed in Sullivan, IL with his brother Brad (drums). Joined by Doug Evans (bass), they put together some crazy-ass music and the Didjits were born! From 1986 thru 1993, they put out five great records, including Hey Judester. We talk with Rick about how those records came to be made and we also get into some stories about the intensely crazy live Didjits shows. And we are all stoked about the new Didjits Record Store Day release of Strictly Dynamite: The Best of Didjits coming out 4/20/2024. Of course, we also talk about all things Chicago - and ... is Rick going to play live again???Time stamps:2:00: Starting a punk band in Mattoon, IL (really a Sullivan, IL)3:15: Did you ever eat at the original Burger King in Mattoon?5:10: What were some of your original influences?7:45: Dave Landis did all the Didjits record jackets and shared a lot of cool punk rock with the band.10:15: Touch & Go didn't like the first record Fizzjob.10:45: What did you like about the 50's crazy performers like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis.14:00: How did you end up getting hooked up with Iain Burgess who produced your first 3 records?16:00: How did you get the great sound on Hey Judester?17:00: How did you connect with Touch & Go?19:40: Hornet Piñata recording experience?22:15: Did your success catch you off guard?24:45: Did Doug & Brad encourage the Rick Sims wild-man persona?27:35: Did your crowd-baiting ever get you in trouble?29:15: Did you get crap from your lyrical content and could you write those same songs today?34:00: How did you decide to switch over to Steve Albini for the last two records?37:05: How did you come to live in Chicago?38:40: How did The Offspring end up putting "Killjoy Powerhead" on their mega-album Smash in 1994?41:05: The Didjits breakup is a messy one.43:35: Record Store Day -- Strictly Dynamite: The Best of Didjits. How did this happen?47:25: Is it surreal that people are still interested in something that you did 35 or 40 years ago?50:15: Rick's post-Didjits career.54:35: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?55:24: Favorite Chicago venues to play and to see shows?58:50: What do you show off in Chicago when friends come to town?61:30: What makes Chicago unique?64:00: What's your favorite "go to" cheap drink?65:00: Are you a Chicago lifer?66:55: Will you play Didjits music live again?

Sean O'Keefe joins us for episode number 42. Growing up in Wilmette, IL, Sean dropped out of Columbia College in Chicago to record his friends' bands. We talk about how he came to produce Take This To Your Grave for his friends, Fall Out Boy. We discuss what's involve in producing, engineering and mixing a record. Sean has also worked with a ton of other bands, including Hawthorne Heights, Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound and Beach Bunny and co-produced "Hey There Delilah" for Plain White T's. He's currently working on the new record for Beach Bunny. Can't wait to hear that one!Time stamps:2: What do producers, engineers, and mixers do?11:33: When you work with a band do you come to them with your thoughts or are you in service of the band?23: How do you get on Fall Out Boy's radar? How did you come together to make Take This To Your Grave?33: While recording Take This To Your Grave did you realize how special it was?38:11: If I want to hire you, what is that process like?42:45: How did Beach Bunny get on your radar? How did you start working together?47:45: Has the ease of producing/releasing music impacted your production method/style?54: What advice would you give a newer band coming into the studio/what kind of common mistakes do you see?59:48: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?61:40: Favorite venue to see shows at in Chicago?63: What do you think makes Chicago and Chicago music special/unique?67:37: What is your go to cheap drink?68: Are you a Chicago lifer?

Jason Narducy has carved out quite a career for himself in music. His first band, Verboten (which he began as a pre-teen), was influential in getting Dave Grohl in started music. Subsequently he formed the acoustic duo Jason & Alison, Verbow, Rockets Over Sweden and his current project, Split Single. He's also played with or toured with the likes of Bob Mould, Superchunk, Sunny Day Real Estate, Robert Pollard, Eddie Vedder, Liz Phair, The Pretenders and more. He's got some big 2024 plans, including a tour booked with Michael Shannon where they perform R.E.M.'s Murmur album.Time stamps:2: We are here with Chicago music lifer Jason Narducy3:30: How did you like growing up in Evanston?4:32: What are some of your earliest Chicago music memories?6:15: When did you decide you wanted to learn music?8: How old were you when you formed your first band?11: Are you surprised you are still talking about Verboten?15:30: Were you aware of how unique the music scene was in Chicago in the 90s?17:22: How did you happen in to what you are doing?23: May I ask you for a top Bob Pollard story?30:50: How do you decide your next project?33:45: What musician has been the most influential for you?37: Are you constantly evolving with what you are doing with Split Single?40:40: Have you been surprised by the response to your Michael Shannon Murmur collaboration?47:44: How did you end up getting into the Sunny Day Real Estate orbit?53:30: Deep dish or thin crust pizza fan?54:45: Favorite venue to see a show at, and favorite venue to play?60:50: What is your go to cheap drink?61:45: Are you a Chicago lifer?

Welcome to 2024 and our 40th episode everyone! We're so happy to be talking with Ken Draznik and James Wald from one of our favorite bands of all-time, The Vertebrats from Champaign, IL. We talk about how these guys got together with Matt Brandabur and Roy Axford and helped create a vibrant DIY music scene in Champaign-Urbana. We also talk about how their short 3-year career created a legion of fans that have continued to love them and influenced a generation of C-U bands. In recent times, Kenny and Jimmy have recorded music as The Surly Bells and are looking for an avenue to release their new music.Time stamps:2:25: How did you get into music?7:45: When do the two of you meet?9:40: Jimmy did you see this as an opportunity to get in the band?14: Did playing Mabel's as frequently as you did help increase your musical output?18: Was it always your goal to play original music?22:35: Were there other Champaign bands that you were fans of?25: Why did we stop after 3 years?30: What brings you back together to make music together again?33:40: If you'd gotten a record deal, would that have extended the life of the band?38: Why isn't your music on streaming?44: What are your aspirations for The Surly Bells?54: Thick or thin crust pizza fans?56: Do you have a favorite Chicago venue?61: When you think of a Chicago band, what bands come to mind?63: What is your go to cheap drink?64: Anything you'd like to plug on your way out the door?65: Thoughts on Jeff Evans

Did you ever wish you had your own music festival? Well, our friends Stacey & Erik Olson are living the dream! In 2022 they put together the first fForest Fest in Morris, Illinois with a few of their favorite punk/folk/Celtic bands. We talked with them about what it takes to run a festival, what makes fForest Fest different and what plans they have as they grow this thing. And they are announcing their 2024 lineup here - see you in Morris on June 1st, 2024!Time stamps:1:44: What in you made you think you could pull off a festival?2:25: What is your background?4: What's the biggest hurdle to doing your own festival?7: How far out do you start planning the festival?9:18: Year three, what are we doing differently?11:15: Let's talk about the name of fforest fest12:30: How do you start putting this together?14:51: Are there any festivals you look to for inspiration?16:25: What are things you had to overcome with the city to hold the festival?18:41: What's the furthest people have traveled to attend the festival?22:30: Who's playing fforest festival 2024?30:50: Can we say how much this costs?32:45: What is your go to cheap drink?34:40: Any band you'd like to try and get on the lineup? name of fforest fest

Bruce Finkelman decided on a late night drive down Western Avenue to open his iconic Chicago music club, The Empty Bottle. So he took the $942 he had in savings and made the plunge. Thirty years later, he's transformed that into the hospitality collective, 16 on Center, which includes a host of music venues and restaurants. Thalia Hall, SPACE, The Salt Shed, Longman & Eagle, Dusek's, Revival Food Hall and much more. We talked with Bruce about his love of music and how this all came about. And, of course, we talked about Chicago.Time Stamps:2: Walk us through the idea of opening The Empty Bottle5:37: How do you start to build momentum at The Empty Bottle?10: How did you find the next location for The Empty Bottle?12: When did you feel like The Empty Bottle became a thing?14:45: Why do you think people revere The Empty Bottle so much?19:40: When did you decide The Bottle isn't challenging enough for me, I need to add some more things to my plate?22:16: Have you ever chosen a space that ended up not working?25: I like that on your website you list other places in the neighborhood of your venue26:10: How did you originally get connected with Craig?31:54: How does what Salt Shed looks like now differ from what your initial vision of it was?34:05: How do you decide when it's time for the next project?36: Now that you've done a lot of projects, does it get easier working with the city of Chicago?37: Does the city of Chicago appreciate the independent music club owners?39: How is Chicago staying as independent as it is when it comes to venues?42:26: Merch cuts - How do you handle that?45:45: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?47:45: Favorite venue to see a show at in Chicago?48:15: What makes the Chicago music scene unique?50:19: What is your go to cheap drink?53: Anything you want to plug on your way on out of here?

In our latest episode of No Wristbands! After Hours, we got a chance to talk with two of our favorite people over at CHIRP radio - Jenn Sodini and Shawn Campbell. Jenn is the host of the fantastic CHIRP in-person storytelling and music event, The First Time. We chatted with Shawn and Jenn about what's involved in putting together that quarterly show. The next live performance is Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 pm at Martyrs'. You can get more info about the show here: https://firsttime.chirpradio.org/.Time stamps:2: How do you arrive at the theme for each show?3:30: How do you find your six participants?6: How much work goes in behind the scenes to pull off a production of this size?10:30: Let me explain the whole premise of the show13:50: Jenn, how did you become the host of The First Time?16: How do you thread the needle through all the different stories during The First Time?19: Any stories that have gone off the rails?21:50: Do you ever have people who have gone rogue and told a completely different story?24:45: How does The First Time fit into the bigger picture of CHIRP's mission?29:22: What can people expect from the next The First Time show?31:26: Are you a thick or thin crust pizza fan?32:38: Anything you'd like to plug on our way out the door?

Milwaukee emo band Barely Civil joins us for No Wristbands! episode 36. Connor Erickson (vocals, guitar), Isaac Marquardt (drums) and Alex Larsen (lead guitar) share their thoughts on their great new single "Coasting Mostly", making new music, surviving the pandemic, the Milwaukee music scene and, of course, a few Chicago questions. Enjoy!!Time stamps:2:40: What have you guys been up to?5: Is Coasting Mostly a good indicator of a new direction? Is there a new album on the way?7: Are you thinking of themes as you are writing, or that's just what comes out?10: Does the music propel you into a theme or the lyrics could exist outside of the music you've created?11:45: The timing you needed to know at the time of each release has been bizarrely different. How have you navigated that? Do you feel like you have a great game plan now?14: What has the response been like for Coasting Mostly? Has any of it surprised you?17: Was there ever any thought of delaying I'll Figure This Out because of the pandemic?20: Which member of the band is the taste maker?26:33: Is it safe to say you are American Football fans?28:16: If I'll Figure This Out is a fall album, what season is the new album?29:45: Was the response on I'll Figure This Out surprising?31:18: What was it like when you could start playing shows again after Covid?33:12: What's the stance on not playing North Newhall live?38: Tell us about the Milwaukee music scene?43: What has surprised you about fan reactions to your songs?46:07: Are you thick or thin crust pizza fans?47:20: Favorite venue to play at in Chicago?48: What do you think of when you think of the Chicago music scene?51: Any other Chicago bands you'd like to shout out?53: What have you been listening to lately?56: Favorite cheap drink?59: Anything you'd like to shout out/are looking forward to over next couple of months?

Kenn Goodman joins us to talk about the long history of Pravda Records. 2024 will be the 40th anniversary of Pravda and Kenn explains how it got this far. We also talk about his musical history and, of course, we chat about all things Chicago.Time stamps:2: When did you start playing music?6:11: You were sneaking into shows as a fake Rolling Stone reporter.10:35: I can do this (make a record label), why not?11:28: Young bravado, or you'd do it all over again?14: When did Pravda become a label that released records for people outside of your band?18:40: Any good Billy Corgan stories?22:15: How do you strike the balance of running the label and playing in bands?25:21: How did you navigate the changing music industry?29:11: With the 90's ethos of not wanting to sell out, was it hard to convince bands to put their music into tv shows and commercials?32: Did you have anybody who was influential in helping you navigate the label waters?35:30: What is your process like for deciding what to put out?40: Have there been releases that you loved that didn't pan out the way you wanted?41: What is a day in the life like for you in running the label?48: If someone puts out a good single, does it really make a difference?49:15: Anything special planned for your 40th anniversary?51:25: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?53: Favorite venue to play shows and favorite venue to see a show at in Chicago?55:21: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?59:20: What is your go to cheap drink?60:23: Are you a Chicago lifer?61:05: When you have friends come to town, where are you taking them? (edited) Message podcast

We are so damned excited to have Frank Turner join us for this one. We talk about his upcoming visit to Chicago to play Riot Fest, his opening gig for Bruce Springsteen, his thoughts on songwriters Jeff Tweedy, Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, his Lost Evenings festival in Anaheim, CA, his favorite Chicago music venue, his relentless touring and much more.Time stamps:2:05: Two rules.2:50: What's it like to open for Bruce Springsteen?4:10: Choosing the set list for the show.6:30: How do you judge the crowd response?8:30: Frank's thoughts on opening bands.12:20: Why did it take so long to get around to playing Chicago?14:50: Playing Riot Fest in September. Memories of playing shows in Chicago?17:40: Butch Walker & Scott Hutchison at the G-Man Tavern.19:10: Songwriting books and Jeff Tweedy. 21:55: Bob Dylan's early songwriting magic and Frank's respect for Dylan and Leonard Cohen.24:00: Working on 15 songs for new album.24:55: What's your songwriting process?28:30: You're known for relentless touring, but as you get older, what does the future look like?31:45: Dream locations for future tours?32:35: Lost Evenings in Anaheim. Sold out is good right?34:45: Is Chicago a future site for LE?35:25: Logistics of putting on Lost Evenings?38:40: Writing Punches after Lost Evenings.39:30: Is the Boston accent real?40:40: Is hanging out with fans important to Frank Turner?47:00: Is it Poncho or Pancho? Discussing the English language.49:00: Deep dish or thin crust pizza?49:25: Favorite Chicago venue to play?49:45: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?50:40: Favorite cheap drink?

Deanna Belos joins us to talk about her great Chicago punk band Sincere Engineer. Deanna is the songwriter, singer and guitarist in the band and began putting out records in 2017 with the album Rhombithian. Along with bandmates Kyle Geib (guitar), Nick Arvanitis (bass) and Adam Beck (drums), Sincere Engineer released Bless My Psyche in 2021 and their incredible new album, Cheap Grills is due out 9-22-23. We talk about her love of The Lawrence Arms and Alkaline Trio, the upcoming Lollapalooza slot, the Sandburg Eagles and the best things about Chicago.Time stamps:2:20: We are here with Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer5:20: When do you start getting into music?6:40: What bands turned you on to punk?9: How did you find Alkaline Trio and The Lawrence Arms?10:20: How do you find your community and fellow punks?11:40: What's your best Lawrence Arms Brendan Kelly story?16:45: What song do you feel like you wrote that you felt like you were getting it and were proud of what you'd made?19:45: Forming a band seems relatively seamless, has it felt that way?20:45 : Did you feel a sense of protection about your songs, or was it hard to let go and let people interpret them differently than how you'd envisioned them?22:20: Has any of the collaboration changed now that the band has been together for awhile?26: Are you pushing your vision or do you have trust in the band to get to where you ultimately want to be?27:30: What is your writing process like?30: When people connect with your personal songs, what is that feeling like?31:45: Are you pretty discerning about what you agree to do?34:30: What does Chicago mean to you?36: What excites you the most about Cheap Grills?39:50: Has there been a moment that's been surreal that you think I'm doing this thing!?42:15: Deep dish or thin crust pizza fan?43:20: How do you choose your album art?44:10: Favorite venue to play at, and favorite place to see a show at?46: What to you makes Chicago a unique music scene?48: Any other Chicago bands that people should check out?50:14: What is your favorite cheap drink?52:20: Are you a Chicago lifer?53:15: What else are we excited about over the next couple of months?

Leor Galil is a senior staff writer for the Chicago Reader and has written there for a dozen years. His work as a freelance culture and music journalist has appeared in numerous publications, including Pitchfork, Rolling Stone.com, The Washington Post, Forbes.com and many others. We had a great time talking with Leor about what it's like being a journalist these days, what he sees in the Chicago music scene and all the things he loves about Chicago!Time Stamps:3:50: How do you choose the subjects you write about?9:30: How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a writer?20:34: When did you decide writing was going to be what you went to grad school for?24: When you move to Chicago, what is your knowledge of the Chicago music scene?26:21: How do you end up at The Reader?28:27: Are you surprised that Algernon Cadwallader has resonated as much as they have?37: Are you still pitching ideas?38: Do you go to shows all the time?40: Has writing about music influenced the way you experience a show?42:15: Is the music writer community as friendly as the music scene?47:25: What's the current status of The Reader?49:15: What has made you stay at The Reader?51:13: Is there a story you've wanted to do that you haven't had the chance to do yet?54:37: Are you working on book ideas as well?55:33: Was there a moment when you'd thought you'd made it/were living your dream?57: Are you a Chicago lifer?57:45: Are you a thick or thin crust pizza fan?59: Favorite venue to see a show at?60:15: What makes the Chicago music scene unique?64: What have you been listening to lately?66:25: What is the one thing you have to show people when they come to Chicago?68: What is your go to cheap drink?69:24: Anything to plug on your way out?

We're very excited that we got the opportunity to talk with Beverly Rage (vocals/guitar) from queer garage-pop band Bev Rage & the Drinks for episode 31. We talk about Bev's musical journey from Canton, Ohio to Chicago, what it's like playing original music in drag and the challenges presented by today's political environment. We also cover Bev's favorite Chicago things!Time Stamps:2:40: How old were you when you started playing music?3:50: What are we listening to growing up?5:41: Did you always know you wanted to be a musician?7: Did you have friends who were also interested in playing music/form a band?9: How do you get from Canton to Chicago?10:30: How old were you when you joined your first band?11:53: How long did it take you to feel like you'd found your musical community in Chicago?14:36: Did you feel an immediate connection to queercore?18: Have you always dressed in drag to perform?21: When you started dressing in drag, did it alter how you created music, did it impact the crowd/people you were attracting?24:17: Are you doing your own booking?26:30: Who were inspirations to you in your costuming?29: Does a state's laws towards members of the LGTBQ+ community impact your desire to play shows in their state?35:14: What advice would you give a young queer person who is unsure of themselves?37:08: What is the best way we can be an ally right now?39:45: What is Chicago doing right, and what can it do better?45:15: What were some of the breaks you've gotten with the band?47: Thick or thin crust pizza?48:39: Favorite place to play a show/favorite place to see a show in Chicago?50:45: Are there any specific places you always have to take friends when they come to visit?52:25: What makes Chicago unique as a music scene?54:30: What have you been listening to lately?56:33: What is your go to cheap drink?57:50: What are you most excited about over the next six months?

Bridget Stiebris and Haley Blomquist from OK Cool are back with us After Hours to discuss their new ep Fawn. We go track by track and also talk about what they got coming up on tour. Time stamps:3:15: Let's talk about fawn, track by track breakdown3:45: Track 1: 3336:10: What are the themes you are laying out in 333?8: Track 2 normal c - When you are writing, are you writing to write or with the intention of them being lyrics?12: Track 3: 4 what???14:45: Track 4: nissanweekends15:15: Do either of you actually own a Nissan?17:40: Track 5: mud - how did mud come together?19:20: When you have a song in your head, and you have an idea in your head, do you just go record it, or does it evolve as you go through the process?24:22: Track 6: whiplash - how did this come together?26:20: Track 7: treat me nice - why didn't you think it fit on the album?28:40: Track 8: soaked in - what can you tell us about this song?31: What has the response been like since fawn came out?33:25: Do you find yourself reading the reviews and texting eachother and saying can you believe they said this, or hey they liked this?34: What were people saying to you at the Schubas show?36: What are you most excited about over the next couple of months?

We had a great time talking with long-time Chicago musician Brian Case for episode 29. We talk about his musical history with 90 Day Men, The Ponys and Disappears. And we get into detail with his current band FACS and their new record Still Life In Decay. We also talk about record labels, touring and his son's band Lifeguard. And, as usual, all things Chicago. We hope you enjoy this one!Time Stamps:1:45: When did you know you wanted to be a musician?3: How old were you when you started playing music?4:25: When did you start playing your own music?5:22: Tell us about how you got to 90 Day Men?7: Take us on your journey to how you developed your sound.11: When did you move to Chicago?13:15: Describe that energy in Chicago in the mid 90's?16: Was there ever a doubt that you were going to make a go of it with music?18:45: 90 Day Men ends, how long did it take you to find your new group, and start playing music again?22:45: When did The Disappears start to happen?25: What is your creative process like?27: How do you think about playing the guitar?30:30: Disappears and FACS have been on influential Chicago labels, was this deliberate or just worked out that way?33: Was there ever a thought that you'd continue on as Disappears versus rebranding as a new band?37: Still Life in Decay - Is this an apt description of the band, and was it the same recording process as normal?40: Walk us through the process of getting ready to put out the new album and prepping for touring.42: How much has touring changed over the years?44: What is the ideal setting for a FACS show?45: What kind of advice are you giving your son, who's in the band Lifeguard?48: Favorite venue to see show at in Chicago?50: What makes Chicago unique to you?51: Thick or thin crust pizza?52: Friends in town, where are you taking them?53: What are some Chicago bands that you like?55: What have you been listening to lately?57:30: Favorite cheap drink?58:30: What are you most excited about over the next 6 months?

We are beyond excited to have Glenn Kotche on the show for episode 28. It's a dream come true (although Glenn said we have to have bigger dreams than that!). We talk about how he got started as a drummer, his early career, meeting Jim O'Rourke, playing in Loose Fur, joining Wilco, his solo projects and a whole lot more. Of course, we also talk about Chicago. We hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.Time stamps:2:20: When did you start playing drums?4: Did you always have tunnel vision that you wanted to be a professional musician?6:45: DId you have anybody who inspired you growing up?10:55: Who were some of your musical influences growing up?17:30: What is Chicago like when you come back after graduating college? What's your plan?20:34: Is the culture that exists in Chicago unique to Chicago or was that happening everywhere?24:55: What's your best Jim O'Rourke story?27:36: When did you start getting the urge to make your own percussion instruments?30: How'd you meet Jeff Tweedy?36:20: Was there an immediate attraction to how Jeff creates, or did this just feel like another gig?38:09: Is there going to be a Loose Fur 3?40: How long did it take you to feel accepted by the band?41:29: Did you recognize right away that the music you were recording for Yankee Hotel Foxtrot was a big leap forward?43: How has Wilco's creative process evolved over the past 20 years?48: When you are getting ready to go on tour, what's the process like?50: Are there songs that you are really looking forward to playing?54:45: What's a typical non-touring day like for you?56: How do you decide what you are going to work on?57:45: Are you in demand? Do you get a lot of requests to play with people?59: Thick or thin crust pizza?60:30: Where is your favorite place to play in town, and where is your favorite place to see a show?62:30: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?63: Who are some of your favorite Chicago bands?65:25: Anything you've been listening to lately?66:36: What's your favorite cheap drink?67:30: What are you excited about for the rest of the year?

Haley Blomquist and Bridget Stiebris from local Chicago band OK Cool join us for episode #27. We talk about how they got together to form a band, what their songwriting and creative process looks like and what we can expect from their new ep Fawn. Of course, we also ask them about their favorite Chicago things!Time Stamps: 2: Hello, we are joined by the band Ok Cool3:45: Bridget, you had to have felt that a year later that Haley reached back out to you5: Was there an initial moment where you two connected musically?7:15: How long did it take you to feel comfortable playing music together?9:25: Were you writing your own songs at this point?10:35: Who are some drummers that are influential for you?12:30: How did the writing process work with Weekend Run Club?14:30: How has the reaction to your music been for you?18:20: What's been the reasoning behind the conciseness of your music?20:55: At what point were you like guess we are doing this thing? Was that scary for you two?22:30: How does your creative process like?26: Do you feel like you have to have a deadline to be creative?26:55: Do you have a song where you feel like you nailed it?29:30: You are putting out music on your own label, was that always the plan?33:45: How did you find your community in Chicago?36: What are your favorite venues to play and favorite venues to see shows at?37:26: What does genuine allyship look like to you?38:20: Do you feel like you have to battle to not get labeled in the scene with what you are doing?40:22: How easy is it for you to get up on stage and perform when you have anxiety?43: How did the 8 songs from Fawn come together to be an EP? Is there a general theme?46: Thick vs. thin crust pizza?47:51: What makes the Chicago music scene unique?48:30: Is it pretty easy to find gigs in Chicago?50: Who are some of your favorite Chicago bands?51: What have you been listening to lately?52:30: Favorite cheap drink?54: What are you most excited about for Ok Cool in 2023?

Bruce Adams joins us for episode # 26. He co-founded kranky records and recently authored a wonderful book, You're with Stupid: kranky, Chicago, and the Reinvention of Indie Music. We talk about Bruce's early history working at Kaleidoscope, Touch and Go and Cargo Records. We also cover his history with kranky records and then talk about how he came to writing You're with Stupid. And, of course, we talk about Chicago.Time Stamps1:39 - Guest host Wade Iverson joins the show today1:45 - Welcome Bruce Adams2:25 - Bruce moves to Chicago in 1987 and begins working at Kaleidoscope. How did that inform your music history?7:00 - Nick the Greek - music or money?7:30 - Corey & Lisa from Touch & Go set the tone and had some great parties!8:45 - Were there kranky parties?11:30 - How did your relationship with Joel Leoschke begin?14:30 - Wax Trax Records provides some useful lessons 17:15 - How compatible were you with Joel?18:10 - How many ECM records do you own?20:30 - Talk about Steve Tibbetts23:30 - Did kranky supply recording budgets to your bands?27:15 - How do you describe Bowery Electric?31:15 - How did you work together with your bands to succeed?33:40 - Did you work together with other labels to share ideas?37:20 - Are people in the music industry good business people?39:10 - How did you decide to move on from kranky in 2005?42:10 - Will you switch from the Maize & Blue to the Fighting Illini?44:00 - What were your formative musical influences?48:00 - How did Chicago impact indie labels like kranky, Drag City, Thrill Jockey and Bloodshot?51:50 - How influential was Labradford?57:25 - Did Monster Truck Five ever release a record?58:40 - When did you start writing You're with Stupid?65:00 - Who plays Bruce Adams in the movie version of You're with Stupid?66:15 - Favorite band of all time, favorite kranky show, did Billy Corgan ever invite a kranky band on tour?67:15 - Mimi Parker / Low memory?72:00 - All the usual Chicago questions

Bill Roe of Trouble In Mind Records joins us for episode #25. Bill and his spouse Lisa played together in the garage band CoCoComa and in 2009 they started releasing records on their Trouble In Mind label. They are still busy putting out great stuff today. Bill shares with us what it's like to run a record label, what music he's listening to and, of course, what he loves about Chicago.Time Stamps:1:30 - Welcome Bill2:15 - When did you get the itch to learn and play music?3:50 - When did you decide you wanted to go on tour and make music of your own?5 - What is the Chicago 90's era indie music scene like?6:30 - How are you judging your success as you go along?10:45 - What was the conversation like to start Trouble in Mind Records?12:30 - What in you made you push from an idea to implementation?16:11 - Does everybody get with the program when it comes to working with you?18:25 - What has been the most eye opening thing for you in operating the label over the past 14 years?20:30 - What are some examples of records that have outperformed your expectations?23 - What were the core tenants of the label when you started?24:30 - Do you two generally have similar music taste?25:45 - How far or close do you think you are to what you though the label would be when you started?28:20 - How do you decide what to put out?29:45 - Would you say supply chain issues have been the biggest issue since Covid?33 - How is 2023 looking for you?35:15 - Is it easier to work with a local band?36:31 - Is it important to put out Chicago bands or is it just putting out whatever you like?39:30 - You ever look back at something you put out and think what was 2012 Bill thinking?40:35 - Deep dish or thin crust pizza fan?40:50 - Favorite venue to see and play shows in Chicago?43:45 - What makes the Chicago music scene unique?46:42 - Name some Chicago bands that have made a big impact on you over the years47:45 - What have you been listening to lately?49:45 - Favorite cheap drink?

Dan Ozzi - author of the national bestseller SELLOUT - The Major-Label Feeding Frenzy That Swept Punk, Emo, and Hardcore 1994-2007 - is our guest for episode #24. He also co-authored (with Laura Jane Grace) TRANNY - Confessions of Punk Rock's Most Infamous Anarchist Sellout. He joined us to talk about those books, how he got started as a music writer and his thoughts on Chicago. Plus he shares his love of soda. Time stamps:2:45: How did you get started in music writing?6: Was music something you'd ever written about before?8:30: How did the book with Laura Jane Grace come together?11:20: When did you zoom out and realize this era was worth writing a book about?12:20: Where do you jump in and follow the scene in real time?20:38: When you were writing Sell Out were there any bands that you hadn't intended to write about that during research really stood out, and you had to write about?21:52: Where do you start when you start writing a book?27:41: Any surreal moments working on the book?31:20: How does it feel to write about someone who did something that wasn't always the best thing to do?33:45: Any revelatory moments from anyone interviewed in the book?35: The idea of selling out seems like an outdated concept, do you think this is a good thing to not be held to the same standard as those bands from the past?40:38: Was there a band you appreciated more after writing about them?44:31: What has the response to the book been like?48:30: What are you working on next?49:20: When you think of Chicago music, what do you think about?53: Think or thin crust pizza fan?55:10: Favorite spot to see a show in Chicago?56: What makes the Chicago music scene unique to you?58:45: What have you been listening to lately?61:49: What is your go to cheap drink?

John Rossiter joins us to talk about his latest release Shepherd Head, as well as his 2020 record Welcome to Conceptual Beach. We discussed his songwriter process and how his music has evolved. And, of course, we talked about all things Chicago, including his upcoming show at the Empty Bottle. Time stamps: 2:15: How long did the album take to come together? 3:12: Is this a new approach to making music for you? 5:28: DId the new approach simply or complicate things for you? 7:40: Has the audience dialogue changed with the new record? 11: What in you helps you have the confidence or courage to put your vulnerable thoughts out there? 12: What did Conceptual Beach tell us? 15: Did you feel like the band had taken it as far as you could have? 17:55: What was the first song on Shepherd Head that proved your new process worked? 21: Was there ever a thought about retiring the name Young Jesus due to the new record being a mostly solo project? 24: When did you realize your voice was as powerful as it was? 26:30: Are you always writing? 29:30: Did not having a band in mind when making this record, did that open up what this album could be? 35:55: Do you feel like you are experiencing a burst of creativity right now? 37:40: How do you feel like Chicago has influenced the music you make? 41:51: Do you find that LA is supportive of you and your music? 44:18: Is there an album or musician that had the biggest impact on you wanting to be a musician? 46:35: Are you more a deep dish or thin crust pizza fan? 47:20: What makes Chicago such a unique music scene? 50:20: Favorite venue to play/favorite venue to go to a show in Chicago? 52:45: What have you been listening to lately? 56:40: Go to cheap drink? 58:45: What can we expect at your show at the Empty Bottle in November?

Peter Gill, leader of the band 2nd Grade and guitar player in the band Friendship, joins us to talk about his music history, his songwriting and more. And, of course, we talk about his favorite things about Chicago. Time Stamps: 2:30: How easily did Easy Listening come together for you? 3:50: At what point did you decide you wanted to be a musician? 5:53; What music was inspiring you on your way up? 12: Do you intentionally write short songs? 13:28: When did you decide you wanted to make your own music versus writing for Friendship? 16:45: Is the reissue of Wish You Were Here Tour a new work or is Hit to Hit now LP 1? 18: Has your creative process changed since the band is a band now? 22: Is Friendship more of a collaborative effort or more driven by one person? 24: Recording "Alive Twice" had to have been unexpected 25:45: Would you like to set the record straight about Tom Petty being a power pop musician? 27: When you write are you writing for a power pop framework? 29:50: Do you have a song that you feel like you nailed the power pop formula? 32:30: How do you go about writing your lyrics? 33:51: What's your favorite Bob album? 36:46: Are the 90's cool again? 39:46: How close are we to LP 4? 42: Do you hold the LP to be above all else? 45: How did the tour with Slaughter Beach, Dog come together? 47: Deep dish or thin crust pizza fan? 48:30: Do you have a favorite venue to play in Chicago? 49:10: What makes Chicago music unique to you? 52:45: What have you been listening to lately? 53:50: What's your go to cheap drink? 56:40: Anything you'd like to plug on the way out?

Journalist/author Bob Mehr joins us to talk about our favorite rock book, Trouble Boys. He shares stories about The Replacements and what it took to write the book. He also tells about writing the liner notes for the new Yankee Hotel Foxtrot 20th anniversary release. And, of course, we chat with the former Chicago Reader critic about what he likes about Chicago. Great stuff here! Time stamps: 4:40: Let's talk about The Replacements 5:20: What was your relationship with The Replacements like before you decided to write the book? 11: Was it important to you to get The Replacements buy in to do the book? 17:45; What is the process like of writing a book? 23: How important was interviewing Peter Jesperson? 24:30: Anybody in the band's reaction surprise you? 29:30: Do you feel any sheepishness for winning a Grammy? 30: Did your relationship to their music change over the course of writing the book? 32: Most surreal moment since the book came out? 35: Why Chicago was important to The Replacements? 40:30: How did you get tapped to do the liner notes for the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot reissue? 44: Did you have an idea of how you were going to approach writing the liner notes? 51:50: What's your favorite Wilco album? 56: How did it go talking to Jeff about Jay Bennett? 59:45: Thick versus thin crust pizza? 61: Favorite place to see a show in Chicago? 62:45: What makes Chicago a unique music town? 65:25: What have you been listening to lately? 67: What's your go to cheap drink? 70: What if anything are you working on right now? (edited) 

In our inaugural episode of No Wristbands! After Hours, Andy Weber updates us on all the cool things that are happening at Smashed Plastic. We talk about the latest developments in the vinyl business, their new partnership with Jeff Tweedy and the upcoming music fest - Smashed Plastic Live Vol. 1 on October 1st, 2022. Time Stamps: 1:53: Where are we at with getting a second press? 4:45: Do you want to continue to help smaller bands/labels out? 6: Has lead time gone down over the past year and a half? 7:30: Are you still color agnostic? 8:40: Has your role changed as you've expanded production? 9:30: Tell us more about Smashed Plastic Live Volume 1? 13:50: How much has the event changed from initial vision to what it is now? 15:26: How'd you choose the bands? 18: What are the logistics like for an event like this? 20: How did you get Jeff Tweedy involved with Smashed Plastic? 22:35: What does success look like with Volume 1? 24:30: What are you most excited about with Volume 1?

Johnny Marriott from the UK punk band Pet Needs shares some great stories about their recent extended US tour with Frank Turner and The Bronx. We also talk about their 2021 album Fractured Party Music and their upcoming new one Primetime Entertainment. He also reveals his favorite Chicago pizza. We had a lot of fun with this one! Time stamps: 1:35: How you doing Johnny? How did the band get started? 6:15: How did growing up in Derby influence your music? 9: Has the band been the core 4 the whole time? 11: What was Covid like for the band? 14:30: How did you get on a record label? 17:24: What is your songwriting process like? 19:30: How did you get involved in Frank Turner's 50 shows in 50 states in 50 days tour? 25:46: Why are venues attempting to take a cut of band's merch? 32:16: What was your experience like in the US? 36:12: What were some of the highlights of the tour? 47:42 - What can you tell us about Primetime Entertainment? 52: Thick or thin crust pizza? 54:25: What were your musical associations with Chicago prior to coming here? 55:45: What have you been listening to lately? 60: What's your go to cheap drink?

Sam Wegrzynski (vocals, guitar), Henry Shields (bass, vocals) and Edgar Viverous (lead guitar) of Ben Quard joins us to discuss what it's like to be a band in Oklahoma City. We talk about their new record, I'm Scared That's All There Is, how they were received on their recent tour, what's next and what they'd like to do when they come to Chicago. Enjoy! Time Stamps: 1:45: How did you guys meet? 3:40: Did you start putting music out right away? 6:12: What is the Oklahoma music scene like? 7:20: Where do you guys go when you want to get exposure outside of okc? 11:10: Are you Oklahoma lifers? 12:20: How do you self identify your music? 15: Who have been your biggest musical influences? 20:40: What is your musical process like? 22:09: How long were you writing music before you put out your first songs? 23:20: How did you come up with the name Ben Quad? 25:40: How did you know you had enough material for an album? 27: Are you currently working on new music? 28:20: Has the response to your album been as rapid as it appears from the outside? 30:55: How did the guest vocalist on Joan of Hill come about? 32:22: What caused your hiatus, and what brought you back together? 34:30: Sam, was it scary to be the lead singer now? 37:09: How did the tour come together, and were the shows what you expected? 41: Did you feel added pressure with packed shows? 43: What's next? 44:10: Any surreal moments since the album came out? 47: Deep or thin crust? 48: What do you think of when you think of Chicago? 50:50: What have you been listening to lately? 52: Favorite cheap drink? 53: Anything you want to plug on your way out?

Tony Assimos knows what it takes to run an independent record store. He opened Tone Deaf Records in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago in 2019. He talks about the good times and the challenges, including navigating COVID with a new business. And, of course, he tells us what he loves about Chicago. Enjoy! Time stamps: 1:26: We are here with Tony Assimos from Tone Def Records 2: How did you get your start owning a record store? 3: Buying collections off of people, how does that work? 4: Are you looking for specific records or just taking what you can get? 5:34: Greatest find in buying record collections? 8:07: How did you get the word out about the record store? 9:34: What are the challenges you face? 11:32: What pushed you to make owning a record store a reality? 13:37: Was there a local record shop in the Bay Area that was instrumental in your music education? 16: What does success look like to you? 19:30: How is it having shows at the store? 21:45: How did you come up with the name of the store? 22:45: What is the process like of acquiring new music? 24:10: How does the process work of getting involved in Record Store Day? 27:50: How did you navigate the Covid waters? 31: What is the process like of a local band selling their album at your store?/Why is it important to support local bands? 36:40: How do you get the guy wondering the shop for hours to leave the store? 38:17: Favorite part of owning and running a record store? 39:45: Tell us a story of weird encounters of buying records from people 43:40: Do you have a holy grail album? 46:40: Any dream band to get to play in the shop? 47:45: Thick or thin crust pizza? 48:40: Favorite music venue? 50: What makes the Chicago music scene unique? 53:40: What have you been listening to lately? 55:45: Favorite cheap drink?

Really stoked to get the opportunity to sit down with Jon Ginoli to discuss his musical journey from his jangly power pop band The Outnumbered in Champaign, IL to his openly gay punk rock band Pansy Division in San Francisco. We talked about touring with Green Day, what Jon's musical future looks like and, of course, some of his favorite memories of Chicago. Time Stamps 1:40 How'd you get into music? 2:30: How did Champaign Urbana help with your musical development? 6: Did you feel like you felt a community in Champaign? 8:40: Walk us through how you became a musician 13:26: Looking back, what are your thoughts on The Outnumbered? 16:10: How did the band end? 25: Were there things you wanted to do in The Outnumbered that you just couldn't do? 27: What was your biggest learning from The Outnumbered that you brought to Pansy Division? 37: Did you ever have a fear about how people were going to react to your music? 40: Was it very intentional to be DIY? 43:30: What's come out after Pansy Division that you are proud of? 44: What's your favorite album of yours that you've put out? 47:30: Thick or thin crust pizza? 48:40: Favorite Chicago venue? 51:41: What makes Chicago stand out as music town? 54:30: What have you been listening to lately? 60: Favorite cheap drink? 62:30: Working on any new music?

Snow Ellet woke up one day to find that Pitchfork had given his 2021 ep suburban indie rock star a fabulous 7.1 rating. We talk about how he made that record, the impact of the Pitchfork review and his new ep Glory Days. And of course, our usual Chicago questions. Check him out on Spotify and we hope you enjoy this one. Time stamps: 1:33: We are joined today by Snow from Snow Ellet 2: How'd you get your start in music? 4: Was it scary to put out music on your own? 5:21: Was this to amuse myself or was it your intention to make it big? 8: Was it more difficult to write the new EP after the success of Suburban Indie Rock Star? 9:50: Are there plans to release the songs that didn't make it onto Glory Days? 10:45; How has it been working with Wax Bodega? 11:45: What was the thought behind going with a label this time? 14: At what point did you have the desire to play these songs live? 15:15: Is there currently a formal Snow Ellet band? 16:30: What was the Pitchfork experience like? 19: Did you feel like the Pitchfork review got what you were trying to do? 21: What's your writing process like? 23: Love the idea of repping the suburbs 25: There is this movement for shorter power poppier songs, are you intentionally keeping this concise? 27:20: Influences on Spotify - What inspired you to put these playlists out on Spotify? 30: What band has had an influence on you that people might not know? 31: Is it a conscious choice to put out EP's over LP's? 33: Did the theme of Glory Days present itself as you went along or was it an intentional choice? 35: where are you taking this from here? 38: What would you deem to be "success" with Glory Days? 40:20: What was it like to have your star rise in the music scene? 42:42: Deep dish or thin crust? 44:50: Favorite music venue? 47:12: What makes Chicago unique as a music scene? 48:42: Favorite record store? 50: What have you been listening to lately? 53: Favorite cheap drink? 55:45: Anything you'd like to plug?

Hugo Reyes has spent that last 10 or 15 year listening to music and going to shows in Chicago. He's also been writing in-depth articles about the emo, punk and hardcore scenes for places like The Alternative (@GetAlternative), Twitter (@hvreyes5) and his Medium page (hugoreyes-36858.medium.com). You can also catch him on the podcast "Watch Me Pod". We're excited to talk with Hugo about his love of music, what he's listening to and writing about and the things he loves about Chicago. Time Stamps: 1:40: We are joined today with Hugo Reyes 2:15: How'd you get involved in the music scene? 10: Occasionally a toxic place like Twitter can be a place for good 11:45: There is so much information at you out there, hard to find bands at times 15: What was your first a ha punk moment in chicago? 17:20: Was there anyone along the way in the scene who helped show you the ropes? 20:45: Pre-pandemic how many shows were you going to a week? 22:30: How do you choose what you are going to write about? 29:31: Let's talk about emo - when did the perception of emo change? 34: As a writer, do you want to write about things you love and feel passionate about, or do you like writing about stuff you don't like? 39:50: What bands are exciting to you at the moment? 43: Deep dish or thin crust? 45: Favorite venue to see shows at? 46:55: What makes the Chicago music scene unique? 48:55: Favorite record store? 51:40: What have you been listening to lately? 55: Favorite cheap drink? 57: Brendan Kelly story 58: Tell us about Watch Me Pod

We got the chance to track down Fake Fruit at their recent shows at South By Southwest in Austin earlier this year. And from there, we convinced Hannah D'Amato (vocals & guitar) and Alex Post (guitar) to join us on the show. We talk about their self-titled Fake Fruit debut album, being on the road and, of course, visiting Chicago. Check them out at Sleeping Village on May 9th. Time stamps: 1:38: We are joined today by Hannah and Alex of Fake Fruit 2:50: How did you start playing music? how did you start working together? 4:20: Alex, were you playing music already when you two met? 5:10: What helped bridge the musical gap for you? 6:15: Can you walk us through the different permutations of Fake Fruit? 9:45: Alex, was it weird stepping in to play music you hadn't written? 12:20: Have crowds reacted differently than you anticipated to your music? 13:30: Has your relationships to your songs changed over the years? 14:30: Why did you re-record your record? 16:20: Alex, what is the process like now of music being created with a set, steady lineup? 18:40: When did it go from this is a fun thing to let's make this a thing? 21: Where are we at with the new record? 24:45: What was your SXSW experience like? 26:50: Did you know the Pitchfork review was happening? 29:45: How did the Spanish version of No Mutuals come to be? 31:45: Is it easier to control your image and destiny now than it may have been previously? 34:45: Oh shit, this is really happening! 37:20: When you think of Chicago, what do you think of? 39:35: Are you down to try deep dish? 42:30: Anything you need to see while you are in Chicago? 43:40: How did this tour come together? 46:50: What's your go to cheap drink? 49:44: What recording or event has had the most profound impact on you wanting to be a musician? 53:30: Anything you'd like to plug on your way out?

We've been working really hard to make this one happen! Katie Tuten from The Hideout and Jennifer Estlin from Annoyance Theatre join us to discuss what it's like to own and run their historic venues in Chicago. They also get into detail about how CIVL (the Chicago Independent Venue League) was formed and how it helped all our treasured community venues band together to survive a devastating pandemic and live to tell about it. Our Chicago music community is coming back stronger and more diverse because of women like Katie and Jennifer. Support your local music scene! Time Stamps: 1:12: We are joined today by Katie Tuton and Jennifer Estlin 1:30: How did you get involved in The Hideout? 4:15: We own the bar, one beer at at time 6:15: How did you get involved with The Annoyance? 11:05: What makes your community so unique (The Annoyance)? 12: What about your community (The Hideout)? 14:30: When did both hit your stride and feel like "this is going to work"? 16:31: Is that community feel unique to Chicago? 21:30: Jennifer, do you remember the first time you heard about CIVL? 25:20: We should have done this sooner 27:15: Get ready to be annoyed! (Know Before You Go) 29:55: CIVL has been very action oriented, did that come easily to the group? 33: Has joining together through CIVL helped with your interactions with the city? 37:45: What is something you've taken away from CIVL that you've brought back to your space? 39:45: Is what you thought CIVL was going to be versus what it ended up being different? 42:30: What are some ideas that you've taken from the pandemic and decided to implement moving forward? 45:50: What was that level of communication like between clubs like prior to CIVL? 47:40: What things are you most excited about with your venue in the next year? 50: Deep dish vs. thin crust? 50:40: Favorite space to see music/a comedy show (aside from your own club)? 53: What do you think makes Chicago so unique? 55:21: What have you been listening to lately? 57:28: Favorite cheap drink? 58:45: Anything you'd like to plug on your way out? (edited) 

Donnie Biggins wants to book your band. The owner of Chicago music venue Golden Dagger has a lot of experience - he's done it at places like Subterranean, Lincoln Hall, Tonic Room and Fitzgerald's. And he'd also love to have you stop in to his Lincoln Park location to hang out and talk and have a coffee. We talk about all that, plus being sober, playing music and, of course, his favorite things about Chicago. Time stamps: 1:15: We are here with Donnie 2:10: Tell us about your background, how'd you get started? 6:10: Did you have different approaches for trying to get booked at different clubs? 10:10: What is so important to you about bringing the community together? 11:35: Was there a moment where booking clicked for you? 13:45: What does a talent buyer do? What's a day in the life? 17:50: How do you end up at Fitzgerald's? 25:40: What did your wife say when you told her you were buying a bar? 31:42: Why was it important for you to rename Tonic Room as Golden Dagger? 34: Was it hard to take a step back and let Zoe do the booking? 43:35: What was it like having your first show back at Golden Dagger? 48:22: How is the community amongst small venue/bar owners? 51:55: You've celebrated 2 years sober, and you own a bar, care to elaborate? 60:56: Thick or thin crust pizza? 62:22: What is your favorite venue to see a show at in Chicago aside from Golden Dagger? 64:55: What makes Chicago a unique scene to you? 68:55: Favorite record store? 70:43: What have you been listening to lately? 74:23: Favorite cheap drink? 76:42: Anything you'd like to plug on your way out?

No Wristbands! goes to Amsterdam to talk with guitar slinger / teacher mellow fellow Jimmy Tomasello. Jimmy T. recently retired from the Old Town School of Folk Music and he takes the time to tell us what makes the Old Town such a Chicago treasure. From his early days working at the music store, teaching scores of students to play guitar, expanding the course offerings and helping to save the Armitage location, Jimmy T. has made a lasting impression. As always, we talk about things that make Chicago great. Watch for Jimmy to be busking on the streets of Amsterdam soon. Time stamps: 1:10: We are here with Jimmy T today 2:40: How did you decide to pursue a career in music? 4:40: How did you start being a music teacher? 5:30: How did you first experience Old Town? 8:35: Were you able to create your own classes at Old Town? 12:05: Right place right time or more to it with your work at Old Town? 14:40: Was there an approval process for classes at Old Town? 16: What do you think the benefit of Old Town is? 17:45: Did they always put on shows? 20:40: When do you feel like Old Town changed? 24:12: How did you feel about the talk about closing the Armitage location? 26:30: Why was it important to keep the Armitage location? 29:52: A lot of thrash at Old Town, has that always existed, or is it a newer thing? 31:45: What are some things you are most proud of from your time at Old Town? 34:45: When do you know it's time to pick the instrument back up? 39:20: What do you think the future of Old Town is? 43:21: Thick or thin crust pizza? 44:08: Favorite venue to see a show? 46:45: What's your preferred genre of music to play? 48:26: What do you think makes Chicago unique as a music scene? 50: Favorite record store? 52: What have you been listening to lately? 54: What would be an uncovered Chicago band or album that isn't on people's radar but should be? 55:30: Favorite cheap drink? 57:30: Anything you want to plug on your way out of here?

Very excited to welcome Julia Steiner of Chicago's very own Ratboys to the show. We talk about the origin of the band in South Bend, Indiana and the evolution in Chicago. Making music, the 10th anniversary of Happy Birthday, Ratboys and so much more. And of course, we discuss the things she loves about Chicago! Time Stamps: 2: We are here with Julia Steiner from Ratboys 5:40: You go to Notre Dame and meet Dave. Who brought up playing music together first? 7:20: South Bend isn't an indie hotbed, how'd you find your community? 8:40: Natural progression to writing your own music? 11:30: Have you seen Get Back/did it resonate with you? 13: Was recording music together another natural progression? 14:30: How'd you end up in Chicago? 18:30: Was it scary to tell your parents you were going to do music full time? 20: What's it like revisiting Happy Birthday, Ratboy? 23:40: Did any themes show up in revisiting the album that you hadn't thought of in the moment when you recorded it originally 10 years ago? 26: What are you currently working on/what's your creative process like? 28:45: Do you feel like Printer's Devil is an evolution from your old work? 35: How complex was it behind the scenes canceling tours and everything associated with Covid? 40:45: Who's idea was the Virtual Tour? 43:40: How long did it take for you to gel with Sean and Marcus? 51:45: Was there a moment in the past couple of years where you were like "Shit, this is really happening now"? 56:11: What makes the Chicago music scene special/unique? 59:30: What is it about the Chicago music scene that helps foster women fronted bands? 63:45: Deep dish or thin crust? 65:30: Favorite venue to play in Chicago? 66:40: What are some Chicago bands you've been digging lately? 72:42: Do you have a favorite cheap beverage? 76:10: What are you looking forward to the most with the band next year?

Spencer Tweedy joins us to talk about all the cool stuff he has been doing. Finishing up the new Case Oats record with Casey Walker. How he put together the Mirror Sound book project. Playing drums after school with Dad. Learning drums from Glenn Kotche. Playing with Norah Jones and Mavis Staples. Starring in The Tweedy Show. And so much more! Plus lots of things he loves about Chicago. Time Stamps: 1:22: Hello Spencer 2:02: Case Oats record in the works 4:30: How did Covid effect the recording process? 6:50: Fun to do this process on your own as a band? 9:07: Was Mirror Sound a Covid project as an outlet to be creative during lockdown? 12: How'd you go about figuring out who to put in the book? 14:50: Have you seen Get Back? 17:20: Making music together is almost a commitment 22:10: How do you pick projects? 26:15: At what point did it get "serious" making music with your dad? 30: How much leeway are you given when drumming with people? 35:26: Did you feel extra pressure playing music with your dad? 38: Did watching Glenn Kotche play drums help shape your drumming style? 42: Why is it important for smaller venues to exist and thrive? 44:12: What makes the Chicago music scene unique? 46:20: Does it feel normal to be playing shows again? 50:30: How cool is it knowing Mavis Staples? 52:42: How long did it take for it to feel normal inviting people into your home (The Tweedy Show)? 55:35: Deep dish or thin crust? 57:10: Favorite cheap drink? 57:45: Chicago bands that are standing out in your mind? 59:50: What have you been listening to lately? 61:16: What are you most excited about music wise for yourself or people around you in the next coming year?