The MC Lars Podcast

This week, MC Lars delves into the vibrant world of video game music, with a particular focus on the groundbreaking Commodore 64 computer system from the 1980s. Joining him is Cowboy Coder, a contemporary musician profoundly influenced by the chiptune sounds of the era. Throughout their conversation, they explore the innovative and iconic characteristics of the Commodore 64, especially its revolutionary sound chip, the SID, which allowed for intricate music and sound effects. Cowboy Coder elaborates on the significant resurgence of the chiptune genre in modern times, especially within the indie gaming scene and electronic music, and the influence this has had on his new EP "Stardust." This collection serves as both an homage to the C64 era and a testament to the enduring legacy of its music, bridging the gap between the nostalgic past and the innovative present. Special Guest: Cowboy Coder.

In this episode of the MC Lars Podcast, Lars and Snax sit down with the legendary Esham to delve into his latest album, "Purgatory". With a career spanning over three decades, Esham, the pioneer of Acid Rap, remains a dynamic force in hip-hop. The hosts explore the connections between his new album and Dante's "Divine Comedy", discuss the evolution of Hip-Hop culture through Esham's lens, and touch on his collaborations with Psychopathic Records. They also get a sneak peek into his upcoming projects. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of hip-hop's most influential and enigmatic artists! Special Guests: Esham and MC Snax.

For today's episode, I catch up with my old friend Brandon Patton to talk about the early years of nerdcore, his solo career, and how fatherhood has altered his perspective. We also talk about Seattle, the pandemic, his time opening for MC Frontalot, and how being in a headlining artist's band can be both easier and harder than touring as a solo artist. We talk about his game design and how he balances obligations with hobbies. An awesome talk - thanks Brandon! As I finish up my new album, the podcast will be in hiatus but we will resume soon. Thank you everyone for your continued support! Special Guest: Brandon Patton.

An interview with my former kindergarten classmate Trevor Parham, who I also attended high school with for one year. We talk about his time at Penn, and his work with Oakstop and the Oakland Black Business Fund. We reminisce about the time he let me borrow his breakbeat record and how our careers have had a few surprisingly similarities. An awesome interview with an inspiring man, thanks Trevor! http://oakstop.com https://oaklandblackbusinessfund.org Special Guest: Trevor Parham.

I met Ceschi Ramos briefly when he played a show after mc chris, Mega Ran, Adam WarRock and me in Brooklyn in 2011. Since then we have crossed paths at SXSW and most recently at a benefit for the late rapper Alias and his family. This week on the podcast, we realize we both have shared memories of growing up in the Bay Area, the Oakland A's and the Simpsons. An awesome interview with a fantastic musician, thanks Ceschi! Special Guest: Ceschi.

This week on the podcast, I catch up with Devo Spice (Tom Rockwell) to talk about his work with Dr. Demento, his love of the Fat Boys, and the FuMP. We also talk about fatherhood, YouTube, and what drives to keep being so prolific. He talks about the early days of the internet, and what may have been one of the first ever compilations by internet artists, the "alt.rap.unsigned.tape". An awesome interview with a legend in both the comedy and rap scenes, thanks Devo! Special Guest: Devo Spice.

An interview with litigation attorney Scott Sholder, of Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard. We talk about misconceptions about fair use, memes, and the future of copyrights in a post-COVID world. We also talk about his love for black metal, and I ask him some novel questions about what happens to a band's trademark when its members murder each other. An intriguing conversation with a brilliant young lawyer, thanks Scott! Special Guest: Scott Sholder.

Juggalo YouTuber ChildsPlayNinja is no stranger to controversy.  This week on the podcast, we talk about how he built his popular YouTube channel, the origins of his Insane Clown Posse fandom, and his thoughts on a possible Dark Lotus reunion.  We also talk about the time he visited the office building of ICP's protégés Twiztid, and what happened when he live-streamed the event.  He shares his knowledge of how to navigate YouTube's new algorithm and his future plans for his channel.  Thanks CPN! Special Guest: ChildsPlayNinja.

Following a disagreement with their mentors Insane Clown Posse, Twiztid started Majik Ninja Entertainment, a move that led to an acrimonious split and years of public feuding. George Vlahakis got his start working with ICP and booking the Gathering of the Juggalo, later helping Twiztid start their own label and launch Astronomicon, their annual pop culture convention in Michigan. This week on the podcast, Vlahakis talks about his philosophies on branding. business and what it takes to grow an underground horrrocore label in the shadow of a pop culture institution like Insane Clown Posse. Thanks George! An awesome interview. Special Guest: George Vlahakis.

An interview with DJ Clay, known to the Juggalos as Insane Clown Posse's DJ. He talks about his early memories of falling in love with music, what he learned working with ICP, and his new hot sauce. He also talks about getting and recovering from COVID-19 and AR Entertainment's upcoming projects. We talk about what it's like recording in the studio during quarantine, and how he works to make sure he gets the best songs and performances he can from his artists. An awesome interview! Special Guest: DJ Clay.

I met Theosyn (Brad Theophila) through Hand Job Academy's Clara Bizna$$, when we met at one of her shows after she started playing solo gigs. Brad and I would later collaborate on many projects, including our parodies and "The Dewey Decibel System" with Mega Ran. This week on the podcast, we talk about the early years of mp3.com, his time at RIT and how he linked with underground rap legends Cannibal Ox. We also talk about how he balances his production work for others with his solo material, as well as how he compartmentalizes his side hustles. Thanks Brad! Special Guest: Theosyn.

I discovered Baltimore's Height Keech in 2006 through Grand Buffet, a Pittsburgh rap duo known for their over-the-top live shows and tours with Wesley Willis and Grand Buffet, This week on the podcast, Height and I discuss sample clearing, how COVID may change the industry, and how his group Shark Tank scored a gold single in Canada. We also talk about the history of the Baltimore "think break" and how this helped to define the sound of electronic Maryland music. I also learn he had some guest verses on one of my favorite records from the early 00s, Cex's "Tall, Dark & Handcuffed". Be sure to check out Height's new record "Wild Height Keech". Thanks Height! Special Guest: Height Keech.

This week, I catch up with Minnesota's MC EVOL, who was the first student in the MC Lars Lit-Hop Academy. We talk about how we linked, how writing has been therapeutic, and how her literary and engineering background helped her become a rapper and producer. We also talk about how she discovered nerdcore, and what it has been like being enrolled in the MC Lars Lit-Hop Academy for over a year. We debut our new song, “COVID Express”, featuring Mike Russo and Ash Tell Em and talk about how we came up with our first collaboration. Be sure to follow MC EVOL's work here: https://mcevolnation.com Special Guest: MC EVOL.

Matt Furie and I linked after I wrote a song about his Boy's Club comic, which he posted on his Tumblr a few years ago. We caught up to talk about his new book "Mindviscosity", as well as fatherhood and other upcoming creative projects. I learned about his love for the Cure, how Venice Beach inspired him to create his early famous characters, and about his collaborative relationship with his wife. We also discuss his wide range influences, from Hieronymus Bosch to Martin Hanford, and how he is able to stay positive during the pandemic. Thanks Matt! Special Guest: Matt Furie.

This week on the podcast, I talk to Renaissance man Richie Branson about his career in both music and marketing. When it comes to the intersection of late capitalism and new media econimics, Branson talks about how being "extreme" content is the only way to gain traction. He also talks about the time mc chris kicked out a fan for making fun of Richie on Twitter, and the repercussions of this for both Branson and chris. We talk about the origin of his name, his new album, and fatherhood. A wonderful interview with a brillaint dude, thanks Richie! Special Guest: Richie Branson.

This week, our format is a little bit different! Schäffer and I pay tribute to Tom Scharpling and Jon Wurster's classic "Rabid B. Hatchetman" WFMU "Best Show" episode. We listened to this perfect gem of comedy countless times on our February tour and decided to do our own spin on the dup's amazing 2009 radio bit on the Insane Clown Posse, the Juggalos, and the Gathering. Special guest appearance by MC Snax, where we talk about our Hatchet Chat YouTube series and why we've both found Detroit's most famous rap duo so endlessly appealing. Thank you Snax and Schäffer! Special Guests: MC Snax, Rabid B. Hatchetman, and Schäffer the Darklord.

This week on the podcast, LEX the Lexicon Artist and I talk about her time studying at UC Berkeley, her childhood, and why she started rapping. We also talk about how sexism in nerdcore and how fan interactions can be difficult when fans are drinking or not reading social cues. We discuss the differences between the Bay Area and New York, and talk about how MAGFest helped open doors for LEX, as did her recent tour with mc chris. An interesting conversation with a young and intelligent rapper in the scene, thanks for being on the show LEX! Special Guest: LEX the Lexicon Artist.

This week on the podcast, anticon co-founder Sole (Tim Holland) and I talk about independent hip-hop in the early 2000s, how he helped build his brand, living in Maine, and being a father. We also talk about anarchism, permaculture, being a vegan and the time Jermaine Dupri tried to sign him. He talks about the effect the pandemic has had on his life and how the results of the 2020 election might bring us hope. An awesome interview with a prolific and inspiring friend, thank you Sole! Special Guest: Sole.

This week on the podcast, I talk to Coheed & Cambria drummer Josh Eppard for the third and final part of our epic three-part conversation. We talk about political centrism, anti-vaxxers, UFOs, and the role of record labels in 2020. We also talk about his upcoming project with Upgrade HipHop! We speculate on post-COVID touring and how the world has changed, but in some ways, has remained the same. We talk about the importance of not taking oneself too seriously and how not to get discouraged as an artist. Thanks Josh! Special Guest: Weerd Science.

This week on the podcast, I catch up with my friend Josh Eppad, who I performed with on my first ever Warped Tour in 2011. We talk about the details of sleep paralysis, how his band Coheed & Cambria has always had a sense of humor, and his "Red Light Juliet" trilogy. We also talk about the time when the Blood Brothers opened for Coheed, an innocuous compliment from Eppard sparked some unexpected controversy. Final Weerd Science episode coming next week! Special Guest: Weerd Science.

When he's not playing drums in Coheed & Cambria, Kingston, New York's Josh Eppard raps under the moniker Weerd Science. Eppard and I connected in 2010 when we discovered that we were both mutual fans of each other's work. After one of his other bands Terrible Things played a college show that my guitarist Mike Russo had booked, we collaborated and tour the UK and US together on the VANS Warped Tour. This week, we discuss his love of horror movies, Game of Thrones and how Coheed does in fact have a sense of humor. Special Guest: Weerd Science.

This week on the podcast, I catch up with one of the titans of nerdcore, mc chris. We talk about fatherhood, his upcoming projects, and what he has been up to during the pandemic. We also discuss our past tours, why things haven't always gone smoothly in our friendship, and how gratitude can be a motivating factor for full-time artists. This week's episode was both cathartic and inspiring; and I could not think of a better guest for the milestone 100th episode! Special Guest: mc chris.

From ages 13 to 16, I played in a band called Horris. Though the group's members rotated over the years, our last lineup consisted of seven members by the time we played our fourth and final show on New Year's Eve, 1998. This week, I talk to the only other member who was part of the project from its middle school genesis to its breakup in high school, Shawn Levin. We also talk about the time we went to see ICP in Palo Alto in March of 2000 and why camping in Big Sur is amazing. Thanks Shawn! Awesome catching up! Special Guest: Shawn Levin.

This week on the podcast, I talk to placentologist / nerd musician Dr. Jess F. Hebert about midwestern accents, crowdfunding, and why eating placenta meat might not be the best idea. We also talk about the merging of sciecne and art, and how performers like Tom Lehrer helped pave the way for irreverent, smart, transgressive music. Dr. Hebert talks about how science is for the enthusiastic, which I thougth was a genisu way to put it. She's had an awesome journey so far, and she was really fun to talk to. Thank you Dr. Hebert! Special Guest: Dr. Jessica F. Hebert.

Dr. Jeb Middlebrook, PH.D. (a.k.a. Jus Rhyme, a.k.a. Privilege) and I met in 2008 while he was working towards his PhD at USC. I had heard about his anti-racist activist work in Jason Tanz's “Other People's Property”, and had seen him on VH1's “White Rapper Show”. We talk about his journey from the music industry, to academia to becoming a successful realtor! Middlebrook has always been there to inspire and educate me, and was one of the best dancers as Ash and my wedding in 2018. Thanks Jeb! Special Guest: Jus Rhyme.

When he's not running his @beavisandbuttheadcollector Instagram, Sean Beard performs in his one-man band noise project, Waves Crashing on Piano Chords. On today's podcast, he talks about spending over $50k on his Beavis & Butt-Head collection, his online friendship with Mike Judge, and why certain episodes of the series were never commercially released after being aired. An awesome interview. Thanks Sean! Special Guest: Sean Beard.

This week on the podcast, I talk to a friend I met online 25 years ago, Douglas Burke (Phone Freak), who when he's not podcasting or doing standup comedy, works for a school district in Michigan. We reminisce about first meeting online in 1995, our shared love for cartoons and prank call tapes, and what he's been up to the last quarter of the century. An awesome talk with a great friend, today's episode shows that online friendships can be real and long lasting! Special Guest: Phone Freak.

I met Akira the Don in 2003 when he interviewed me for his internet radio show on my first UK tour, promoting my “Radio Pet Fencing” album. Since then, he opened for me in the UK in 2011, and has invented his own genre of music called Meaningwave. On this week's episode, we talk about his creative workflow, fatherhood, and memories of growing up in Wales in the pre-internet 90s. Special Guest: Akira the Don.

This week on the podcast, I talk to Brandon Arnovick of the Rondo Brothers about working with Hoodie Allen, COVID19 and how he got involved in the Bay Area music industry. We also reminsce about the time we recorded "Hot Topic Is Not Punk Rock" in a day. He talked about the differences between running a bakery and running a studio and how fatherhood has made him a better artist. A great conversation with an optimsitic and talented friend, thanks Brandon! Special Guest: Brandon Arnovick.

I met Jim Greer when the Rondo Brothers produced “Hot Topic Is Not Punk Rock” with the Matches and me in the fall of 2005. Since then, we have recorded dozens of songs and spent a lot of time in their Bay Area studios. This week, Jim talks about growing up in Ohio, his friendship with Liam Lynch, his philosophy on production and why being positive and flexible are both important attributes. Special Guest: Jim Greer.

This week on the podcast, I talk to Stephen Bracket (a.k.a. Brer Rabbit) of Denver hip-hop crew Flobots! We talk about their hit “Handlebars”, how the group got its name, and how he uses comic books to educate people in prisons and classrooms. He also draws on his experience to talk about the group's switch from a major label to becoming independent, and ways bands can communicate better. We end with a discussion about the fallacy of blind optimism, and he shares some info on the group's upcoming projects. Thanks Stephen! Special Guest: Stephen Bracket.

I met Maximus Skaff through Hand Job Academy, and he later directed the music video for my song with Watsky, “Never Afraid”. On today's episode, he talks about how some of his art has been inspired by his transgender identity, his origins in West Virginia, and how New York has changed during the COVID19 pandemic. We also talk about his upcoming projects and he drops some knowledge of how he markets his music through Spotify. A wide-reaching and very dope interview, thanks Max! https://vimeo.com/399315775 https://unclemeg.bandcamp.com Special Guest: Maximus Skaff.

This week on the podcast, I sit down with Hand Job Academy's Clara Bizna$$ to talk about the origin of her band, life in West Virginia, her Filipino heritage, and her creative process. We also talk about the international tours her band went on, how to keep a group together, and the differences between Los Angeles and New York. A great interview with a talented writer and artist, thanks Claire! instagram.com/clarabiznass twitter.com/clarabiznass Special Guest: Clara Bizna$$.

I met Ash Wedsnesday when her band Hand Job Academy played the nerdcore showcase at SXSW in 2015 at the Flamingo Cantina. Two years later, we got engaged; three years later we were married; and five years later, we had a son. On this podcast, we talk about the origin of her band, what it was like touring the UK with Wheatus, and how Hand Job Academy went viral. We also talk about the hopes and dreams for our son. A great interview, thanks Ashley! Special Guest: Ash Wednesday.

This week on the podcast, MC Snax and I delver further into our thoughts on different sects of Christianity, his upcoming projects, and Violent J's autobiography. We also talk about our recent show together in Columbus and what the hip-hop scene in Newfoundland underground rap scene is like in 2020. A great conversation with a wonderful rapper. Thanks for being on the show MC Snax! Special Guest: MC Snax.

I met Canadian nerdcore Juggalo rapper MC Snax years ago when we collaborated on a song for one of his projects. Since then, we have become homies, and he recently opened for Schäffer the Darklord, the Doubleclicks and myself in Columbus, Ohio on the Baby Yoda 2020 Election Campaign Trail! We talk about C.S. Lewis, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and his collaboration with Anybody Killa! A great interview with an awesome dude, stay tuned next week for part two! https://mcsnax.bandcamp.com/ Special Guest: MC Snax.

One day, my guitarist Mike Russo was talking to me about my podcast and said he'd love to interview me for an episode! Initially hoping to record this IRL, we ended up doing the interview remotely during the COVID19 shut down. On today's episode, we talk about "Do the Bruce Campbell", ICP, punk rock and Cartel. We also reminisce about the time a Wild Cherry song inspired me to dance wildly in a Philadephia bar. Thanks Mike! Awesome talking to you!! Special Guest: Mike Russo.

This week on the podcast, I catch up with K-Murdock, a.k.a. Kyle Murdock, longtime collaborator of Mega Ran and professor of audio. We talk about the time we went on tour with mc chris in 2011, our UK adventures and his collaborations with Mega Ran. We also talk about his love for A Tribe Called Quest, Double Dragon and how to stay optimistic during the quarantine. Thanks Kyle!! Special Guest: K-Murdock.

When he's not rapping under the moniker Former Fat Boys, Ben Garbe has made a career editing and promoting viral videos for many different clients. On this week's podcast, we talk about Nerdapalooza, our many collaborations, and how he believes Star Wars jumped the shark. We also talk about what it feels like to be an OG rapper in the scene and feature a track from his new album "Nerdvana". A great interview with an inspiring guy, thanks Ben! Special Guest: Ben Garbe.

This week on the podcast, I chat with Atlanta's Tribe One (Niles Gray) about life as an internationally touring rapper, his family and his day job as a teacher. We also talk about his Amiibo collection and the Silver Surfer, and why he chose to become an English major at Morehouse. We also talk about his favorite albums and Devil Dinosaur... his favorite comic book character of all time! I learned a lot from this amazing person and friend. Thank you Niles! Special Guest: Tribe One.

This week on the MC Lars Podcast, I speak to sustainability educator Zak Vetter about his entrepreneurialism, his work with the Dry Climate Forum and the time his brother asked Steve Jobs about his favorite kind of underwear. We also reminisce about the early years of MC Lars and discuss the concept of truth. A great inteview with a Carmel Valley legend, thanks Zak! Special Guest: Zak Vetter.

This week on the MC Lars Podcast, I talk to Aubrey Turner of the Doubeclicks! We talk about our tour together, marketing and what it was like studying at the Berklee College of Music. We also talk about the time she heard an ICP song mixed in surround sound for one of her production classes and the way she and her sibling Laser collaborate remotely. A very special episode with a talented and kind woman, thank you Aubrey for being on the show! Special Guest: Aubrey Turner.

This week on the podcast, I talk to lyricist, guitarist and singer Laser Malena-Webber, one half of The Doubleclicks! We discuss their songwriting process, Los Angeles, our tour, and their crowdfunding book "Crowdfunding for Musicians". We also talk about some of our influences and how cisgender people can transgender non-binary allies. An awesome talk with a talented friend, thanks Laser! Special Guest: Laser Malena-Webber.

This week, I catch up with Gaby Alter, frontman of Yes Gabriel. We talk about his work in musicals, the times he toured with Frontalot and me, and his new solo project. We also talk about his musical philosophy, the first records that changed his life, and I quiz him about his favorite philosophers he studied at Wesleyan. Thanks Gaby! Special Guest: Gaby Alter.

This week, I talk to film director Stewart Hendler, who is also my first cousin! We talk about the time he directed the “iGeneration” video, what it was like working with Carrie Fisher on his movie “Sorority Row”, and fatherhood. We also talk about how he got his start in the industry and how he balances family life with traveling for work. A great conversation with one of my favorite people in the world! Special Guest: Stewart Hendler.

This week, I talk to Matt Milligan of Wheatus about what it was like studying music with Lady Gaga at NYU, touring with Soul Coughing and how when we first met, we were both wearing Mindless Self Indulgence t-shirts. A great conversation with a thoughtful and wonderful artist, thanks to Matt for playing so many shows with me and for all of your time this week. Special Guest: Matt Milligan.

This on the podcast, I talk to Brian from the Gothsicles about Wax Trax! Records, the midwestern industrial music scene, the Boston noise scene and the upcoming Gothsicles shows and albums. We also talk about how he got started making music on his Yamaha QY10 sequencer and his affiliation with the Dr. Dements-inspired FuMP community. Thanks Brian! Special Guest: The Gothsicles.

This week on the podcast, I talk to Marshal Carper, who I met while he was working at Synersteel Studios. His group released two MC Lars rhythm games, and over the years, we became friends. We talk about Carper's books, his consulting business, and his involvement with Mega Cat Studios. We also talk about the practicality of having a writing degree and his memories of studying on the Big Island of Hawaii. A great interview with an inspiring dude, thanks Marshal! Special Guest: Marshal Carper.

I first met Doctor Popular in the fall of 2008 while YTCracker and I were finished "the Digital Gangster LP". He collaborated on a few tracks, but after that, we did not see eachother much (other than a show where he opened for me in 2013). On this week's podcast I catch up with Doc to talk about his new game KnifeTank, his upcoming, life in San Francisco, chiptune and his day job at WordPress. A great conversation with a very talented guy! Thanks Doctor Popular! Special Guest: Doctor Popular.

This week, I catch up with Fishbone's Angelo Moore, while he was reherasing in Berkeley for his New Year's Eve show. We had mad on the VANS Warped Tour in 2011, and reminscied about the festival and its leagacy. We also talked about KRS-One, Roland TR-808 drum machines, and what 2020 means to him. We premiere Angelo Moore & the Brand New Step's new single "Los Angeles" and talk about his future projects. Thanks man! Special Guest: Angelo Moore.

This week on the podcast, I sit down with a very special person... my big sister Sarah! We talk about childhood memories, Disney and the time I pooped in the yard. We also discuss adoption and how online DNA tests have revealed some surprising things about Sarah's origin story! A great conversation with my favorite tutor and mentor, thanks for being on the show Sarah! Special Guest: Sarah Nielsen.