Podcast appearances and mentions of Laura Ballance

For the 30th anniversary of Superchunk's fourth album, FOOLISH, we take a detailed look at how it was made. After Superchunk got their start in Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 1989, they were becoming known for their catchy punk anthems and busy touring schedule. Mac McCaughan and Laura Ballance had been a couple and formed Merge Records initially as a way to release their early singles, while releasing their full-length albums on Matador Records. Around the time of their third album, ON THE MOUTH, McCaughan and Ballance ended their romantic relationship, causing tension and uncertainty about the future of the band, as well as Merge. The inner-band turmoil impacted the songs they were writing, as McCaughan wrote lyrics from a vulnerable place while they also worked to expand their sound, incorporating more dynamics, new guitar textures and slower tempos. They booked studio time at Pachyderm Studios in Cannon Falls, Minnesota with Brian Paulson, who they had wanted to work with after hearing records he made with Slint and Unrest. Their breakneck three-day session resulted in FOOLISH, eventually released in 1994. In this episode, Mac McCaughan describes his intention to do something different musically with this record and how he was incorporating more clean guitar tones and space than ever before. Laura Ballance talks about hearing McCaughan's lyrics for the first time in the studio and how she felt attacked as she interpreted them as being about her or about their relationship. Jim Wilbur gives his perspective on this tumultuous time in the band's history, but how they were able to remain collaborative as a unit and write many songs quickly. From treating the band like a job to losing a day in the studio to writing on acoustic guitars to an ambitious and tense video shoot to the story behind the album cover to a breakup record with some of Superchunk's most enduring songs, we'll hear the stories of how the album came together.

From the ………. Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Wednesday, September 4th and Happy Birthday to Mark Ronson   I'm Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. AROUND TOWN: Honoring a 'Friend' Who Has Left An 'Enduring Mark' On Suwanee This Peachtree Corners-based company just surveyed the Titanic wreck — Here's what it found Gwinnett Chamber Honors Moxie Award Winners Plus, my conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Kombucha All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: KIA MOG   STORY 1:  AROUND TOWN: Honoring a 'Friend' Who Has Left An 'Enduring Mark' On Suwanee Today's highlights include: Randy Redner Awarded: Randy Redner received the Friend of Suwanee Award for his significant contributions, including leading a successful $1.2 million fundraising effort for Suwanee's Town Center on Main Park. Redner, a senior consultant with Wellspring Nonprofit Resource, Inc., has been a pivotal figure in various community projects. Food Fight Challenge: Suwanee and Sugar Hill are competing to collect the most food for the North Gwinnett Co-op. The contest begins with Suwanee Fest on September 21 and ends with Sugar Rush on October 22. The city with the highest donations by weight will win. Essential items and monetary donations are encouraged.   STORY 2:   This Peachtree Corners-based company just surveyed the Titanic wreck — Here's what it found A recent dive to survey the RMS Titanic wreck by Peachtree Corners-based RMS Titanic Inc. yielded mixed results. The positive news was the rediscovery of the ship's bronze "Diana of Versailles" statue, last seen in 1986. However, the survey also revealed significant deterioration, notably the loss of a key portion of the ship's bow railing, a prominent feature in media representations and the 1997 film *Titanic*. This railing, seen in place as recently as 2022, is now on the sea floor next to the ship. The survey, involving over 2 million high-resolution images and advanced mapping technologies, underscores the fragility of the Titanic wreck. RMS Titanic Inc. remains committed to preserving the ship's legacy while documenting its current condition. For more details, visit expedition.discovertitanic.com.   STORY 3: Gwinnett Chamber Honors Moxie Award Winners The Gwinnett Chamber hosted its 2024 Moxie Awards on Friday, recognizing the achievements of women professionals with over 620 attendees, the largest audience in the event's history. The awards celebrate women making a significant impact in their workplaces and communities. Seven winners were honored from 130 finalists across categories like leadership, innovation, and community advocacy. The winners included Tami Wilder of Positive Impact International and Laura Ballance of the Hudgens Center for Arts and Learning. The keynote speaker, Emmy Award-winning journalist Monica Pearson, spoke on “Unapologetic Empowerment,” emphasizing the value of authenticity over societal expectations.   We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We'll be right back Break 2: Tom Wages   STORY 4:   Lawrenceville Accepting Applications for Board Vacancies The city of Lawrenceville is seeking applicants for around 45 volunteer board positions for 2025. Openings are available across various boards, including the Development Authority, Financial Review Citizen Committee, Heritage Trail Medallion Committee, Hooper-Renwick Legacy Preservation Committee, Lawrenceville Arts Commission, Lawrenceville Housing Authority, Planning Commission, ReCAST Advisory Board, and Storm STORY 5:   'Disease Detective'— Peachtree Ridge grad serving fellowship with the CDC  Lindsay Dahora Hein, a Laboratory Leadership Service Fellow at the CDC, is known as a “disease detective” with a deep passion for studying invisible threats like viruses. Growing up in Suwanee, she developed her interest in science through various school subjects, eventually focusing on microbiology and immunology. After earning degrees from Georgia Tech and Duke, and a post-doctoral stint at North Carolina, she joined the CDC in 2023. Dahora Hein works on HPV vaccine research and recently contributed to lead contamination studies in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She hopes to continue at the CDC, aiming for long-term involvement and leadership in scientific projects.     We'll be back in a moment   Break 3:  INGLES  9   STORY 6: LEAH MCGRATH And now here is the conversation with Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Kombucha   STORY 7: LEAH MCGRATH ***LEAH MCGRATH INERVIEW***   We'll have final thoughts after this.   Break 4: GWINNETT COUNTY FAIR Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com/ Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. www.wagesfuneralhome.com  www.psponline.com  www.mallofgeorgiachryslerdodgejeep.com  www.esogrepair.com www.henssler.com  www.ingles-markets.com  www.downtownlawrencevillega.com  www.gcpsk12.org  www.cummingfair.net www.disneyonice.com www.downtownlawrencevillega.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After last week's all-Memphis lineup (Episode #134) it's time for a little North Carolina love as we welcome Superchunk founders Mac McCaughan and Laura Ballance to talk about their little indie label that could, Merge Records, as they celebrate 35 years with the big MERGE 35 festival in Chapel Hill, NC, July 24-27. Meanwhile over in Raleigh, RSD co-founder Carrie Colliton speaks fondly of her neighbors and praises their eclectic roster.  The Record Store Day Podcast is a weekly music chat show written, produced, engineered and hosted by Paul Myers, who also composed the theme music and selected interstitial music.    Executive Producers (for Record Store Day) Michael Kurtz and Carrie Colliton. For the most up-to-date news about all things RSD, visit RecordStoreDay.com)   Sponsored by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery (dogfish.com), Tito's Handmade Vodka (titosvodka.com), RSDMRKT.com, and Furnace Record Pressing, the official vinyl pressing plant of Record Store Day.   Please consider subscribing to our podcast wherever you get podcasts, and tell your friends, we're here every week and we love making new friends.

This week Rob sits down with a friend of 30+ years, musician Pete Gordon, to talk Chapel Hill NC indie rock titans Superchunk and their 1993 release, 'On The Mouth'. "Have you got a minute?..." Songs discussed in this episode: From The Curve (Live in Montreal 1993) - Superchunk; Worry Wart - Radiobaghdad; A New Hope - Amboog-A-Lard; Seed Toss - Superchunk; Alpha Dog - Irish Car Bomb; Precision Auto - Superchunk; Precision Auto - Jimmy Eat World; Precision Auto - Les Savy Fav; Bringin' It Down - Judge; Sometime To Return - Soul Asylum; Still Waiting - Dag Nasty; Merchandise - Fugazi; From The Curve - Superchunk; Raining Blood - Slayer; For Tension, Mower, Package Thief, Swallow That, I Guess I Remembered It Wrong - Superchunk; Helicopter - Bloc Party; New Low - Superchunk; A Weird Place To Look For Gold, But OK - Cede The Clouds; Untied - Superchunk; Undone-The Sweater Song - Weezer; The Question Is How Fast, Trash Heap, Flawless, The Only Piece That You Get - Superchunk; What's Your Theory Doctor? - Cede The Clouds

North Carolina-based label Merge Records, inarguably one of America's most influential and prolific purveyors of indie-rock, is on the cusp of turning 35 -- a landmark that co-founders Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan likely couldn't fathom when they started the label in 1989. Then, Merge was simply a DIY avenue to release tunes by their scrappy quartet Superchunk. But along the way, as the band's jangly but caffeinated power-pop caught on with an international audience, Merge evolved from a modest method of putting out music by Mac and Laura's friends into the beloved home of cult acts like Neutral Milk Hotel, Spoon, The Magnetic Fields and countless others, eventually becoming the first indie label to garner an Album of the Year Grammy, for Arcade Fire's 'The Suburbs' in 2011. On this week's show, Mac reflects on Merge's early years, the label's new vinyl-centric web series Digging For Something, as well as Superchunk's latest compilation of singles, demos and other oddities dropping this week, titled 'Misfits & Mistakes.' Visit mergerecords.com to shop for your favorite releases, and follow @macsuperchunk or @mergerecords on Instagram.

Laura Ballance, Media Relations Manager for the PNE and principal at Laura Ballance Media Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Ballance, media relations with PNE

Laura Ballance, Principal of the Laura Ballance Media Group explains why those visiting the PNE this summer should be excited to try out the brand-new ride. 

Laura Ballance, Media Relations for the Pacific National Exhibition tells us what new rides we can expect at Playland this year!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it's in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere. Laura Ballance/Hudgens Center for Art & Learning Laura Ballance, who has grown a reputation for creative thinking, development and innovation within the arts community, was named Executive Director of the Hudgens Center for Art […] The post Laura Ballance, Executive Director of the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it's in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere. Laura Ballance/Hudgens Center for Art & Learning Laura Ballance, who has grown a reputation for creative thinking, development and innovation within the arts community, was named Executive Director of the Hudgens Center for Art […] The post Laura Ballance, Executive Director of the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it's in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere. Laura Ballance/Hudgens Center for Art & Learning Laura Ballance, who has grown a reputation for creative thinking, development and innovation within the arts community, was named Executive Director of the Hudgens Center for Art [...]

Celebrating Powerhouse Women salutes and recognizes women who are making an impact, whether it's in business, philanthropy, public service, or elsewhere. Laura Ballance/Hudgens Center for Art & Learning Laura Ballance, who has grown a reputation for creative thinking, development and innovation within the arts community, was named Executive Director of the Hudgens Center for Art […]

Laura Ballance is the bassist of the band Superchunk as well as a co-founder of Merge Records. Nearly 10 years ago, she stopped touring with Superchunk because of a hearing condition she developed from being exposed to loud sounds and music. Ballance talks about how her hearing issues have impacted her career in music.   “If I'm around loud noises, which can be as minor as people talking too loudly when there's more than a few people in a room, it hurts my ear. I get sort of a staticky feedback thing going on in my right ear. Being around drums or guitar amps is intolerable,” Ballance says.   Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/sound/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode from NPR's How I Built This with Guy Raz, Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan talk about how, as college students in the late '80s, they created one of the most influential indie labels of all time, Merge Records

As college students in the late 1980s, Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan launched two projects that came to define their trajectories as entrepreneurs: the "punky but poppy" band Chunk, and the scrappy record label, Merge. For decades, the partners juggled the demands of managing their own band while negotiating record deals and recording dates for other indie artists. But the two worlds also collided in happy ways: touring in their own band was a great way for Mac and Laura to discover new talent, and they also learned that musicians tend to trust a label more if its founders play in a band. Today, Chunk is still going strong as Superchunk, and Merge has morphed into one of the most influential labels in indie music, with bands like The Mountain Goats, Spoon, and Arcade Fire.

Laura Ballance, spokesperson for the PNE

For longtime indie rock fans, it's kinda hard to believe that Mac McCaughan has been making music for more than 25 years. Soon after leaving Columbia University in 1987, the Durham, North Carolina native both formed Superchunk and co-founded Merge Records - alongside bassist and savvy financial manager Laura Ballance - in 1989. And since then, Superchunk has released ten albums and countless singles -- and several more records with his on-again/off-again project Portastatic. And Merge has grown to become one of the most respected independent labels, with bands like Arcade Fire, Mountain Goats, and Magnetic Fields among the names on its impressive roster. With 2015's Non-Believers, the songwriter and guitarist eschewed his trademark punk-ed up pop and blistering guitar lines, and debuted an electro-rock and synth-infused sound that's more minimalist than Superchunk, yet more polished than Portistatic. That said, McCaughan's fearless ambition remains intact. His songs are still built around that same boyish-turned-gravelly voice and those same biting, smartly-crafted lyrics. On Non-Believers, McCaughan's music sounds more personal, intimately reflecting on his life as a husband and father. Yet no matter the setting, McCaughan proves he's got a way with hook, and a simple, yet affecting turn of phrase. (From the Archives, 2015.) Set List: "Lost Again" "Come Upstairs" "Hello Hawk"

I'm speaking to one of my favourite ever songwriters on this episode – it's only bloody Mac McCaughan of Superchunk, Portastatic and – alongside bandmate Laura Ballance – the legendary Merge Records! The reason we're talking today is because Mac is due to release his very good – and surprisingly eclectic - second solo album The Sound Of Yourself on September 24th, but we cover loooooooads of ground. Most interesting to me was the part of our conversation where we got into the stark reality of making and releasing independent rock music in the year 2021. I've been thinking about that stuff a lot lately, and there's few brains I wanted to tap more than Mac's. Interesting stuff, like I say. Maybe even depressing stuff. I dunno. I'm a glass half full guy. I came away from our conversation with a bit more hope than I went into it with.The James McMahon Music Podcast is a Spoook Media production. Spoook is also a record label, a promoter, a shop, a Substack - it's many things. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. And please do Like, Review and Subscribe - it actually really helps people find our podcasts!

With the announcement of the restart plan, it means there is hope on the horizon for the PNE. Laura Ballance tells us more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Ballance, PNE Spokeswoman

Chapter 1: Justice Minister David Lametti unveiled legislation to legalize single-event sports betting in Canada, marking a change in direction for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government.  The planned changes would allow provinces to issue licenses for companies to accept wagers on all sporting events except horse racing, which will remain under a separate system. It is currently illegal to bet on single games under Canadian law. Guest: Kevin Waugh, Conservative Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Grasswood. Chapter 2: U.S. President Joe Biden declared Wednesday night in his first address to a joint session of Congress that “America is rising anew,” and pointed optimistically to the nation’s emergence from the pandemic as a vital moment to rebuild the U.S. economy and fundamentally transform government roles in American life. Guest: Reggie Cecchini, Global News Washington Correspondent. Chapter 3: After Ontario Premier Doug Ford promised “one of the best” paid sick day programs in North America, the provincial government is announcing workers who have been impacted by COVID-19 will be able to access three paid sick days. Guest: Laird Cronk, President BC Federation of Labour Chapter 4: Vancouver City Council approved a partnership with Montreal-based OSS Group to bring Formula E, the battery-electric car racing event based on Formula 1 racing to Vancouver. This will be at no cost to the municipal government. The decision was 9-1 in favor of the new event. Guest:  Sarah Kirby-Yung, Vancouver City Councillor. Chapter 5: What the BC Hospitality Foundation is doing to fundraise for those out of work in the industry. Guest: Dana Harris, Executive Director, BC Hospitality Foundation Chapter 6: Laura Ballance, the PNE/Playland spokesperson stated that they would have been able to open safely this weekend.  However, we check with Michael Brauer, UBC professor in population and public health, if this was the case. Guest: Michael Brauer, UBC prof population and public health, Chapter 7: Rich Coleman, former B.C. Liberal gaming minister testified that he didn’t turn a blind eye to repeated warnings of suspected drug-money laundering in B.C. casinos or influence the RCMP to steer clear of casinos, while they ballooned into a $1.6 billion annual revenue-machine for the province. Guest: John Hua, Global News BC Investigative Reporter. Chapter 8: Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan makes the announcement for a review of military sexual misconduct, and plans for an independent reporting system. Guest: Amanda Connelly, Global News Reporter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Granville isn't looking so hot lately. Is that going to change anytime soon? We're joined by Laura Ballance, Spokesperson for the Hospitality Vancouver Association  

This has nothing to do with restrictions for the current pandemic, but once we see the light after the pandemic.   We talk to Laura Ballance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chapter 1: The vaccine approved by Health Canada yesterday was created on January 13th, months before the pandemic reached critical mass.  David Wallace-Wells is the deputy editor at New York Magazine and he has written a fascinating piece on the timing of all this.  Guest: David Wallace-Wells, Deputy editor at New York Magazine. Chapter 2: Ocean researchers believe they’ve discovered a new species of whale off the coast of Mexico.  Guest: Dr. Jay Barlow, biological oceanography researcher. Chapter 3: To talk about the impact of a covid-19 outbreak at a mink farm in Canada we’re joined by the former executive vice president of the Fur Council of Canada Guest:  Alan Herscovici, former executive vice president of the Fur Council of Canada Chapter 4: It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for, Health Canada approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine yesterday and don’t forget there’s a local company that played a BIG role in its development.  Vancouver-based Acuitas Therapeutics provided their lipid nanoparticle delivery system – a key element – in the development of this vaccine.  Guest: Dr. Thomas Madden, President and CEO of Acuitas Therapeutics. Chapter 5: You should probably act now if you want a chance to see the Winter Lights event at the PNE this year.  They just added more dates after completely selling out, we’re joined by Laura Ballance for more on what to expect and how fast these tickets are selling! Guest: Laura Ballance, Media Relations with PNE. Chapter 6: Front-line health workers will be first to get COVID-19 vaccine in B.C.  How will the government be distributing the vaccine and what do you need to know about getting one. Guest: Adrian Dix, Provincial Health Minister See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PNE unfortunately won't be the gathering place for people all around the Province, this summer. Eric caught up with Laura Ballance, spokesperson with PNE. 

Joyce and Seana talk to Laura Ballance from Merge Records and the band Superchunk.

Craig decided to fine tune things a bit & focus on a record label this week, so all 3 artists featured today are on Merge Records.William Tyler - Goes WestHiss Golden Messenger - Terms of SurrenderBob Mould - Sunshine Rock Merge Records Website

Episode 90 celebrates the 30th birthday of one of the best independent labels in the biz, Merge Records! The label is in the midst of a weekend long celebration down in North Carolina to commemorate its founding by Superchunk members Mac MaCaughan and Laura Ballance back in 1989, so I decided to have my own little celebration by compiling my favorite songs by Merge artists. The episode starts in the early years of the label with some great 7-inch releases from Superchunk and Archers of Loaf, then travels into the mid-to-late 90s with some classics by East River Pipe, The Ladybug Transistor, and more. Then, the playlist touches on some early aughts indie pop, and enters the 2010s with some great releases from Hospitality and Times New Viking from the 2010s. The episode concludes with a song from 2019 by the inimitable Mountain Goats.30 looks good on you, Merge! Here’s to many more!

As the legendary indie label Merge Records prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary later in Chapel Hill, its founders — Superchunk’s Mac McCaughan and Laura Ballance — join LSQ to talk about the evolution of the imprint, and their separate experiences growing up as punk rock kids in the Eighties. Plus, Helium/Wild Flag/Ex Hex’s Mary Timony explores the influences that forged her current approach to songwriting.

Merge Records est un label indépendant américain de Durham en Caroline du Nord. Le label a été créé en 89 par Laura Ballance et Mac McCaughan deux membres de Superchunk dans le but de produire leur groupe même si Superchunk n’a rien sorti sur Merge avant 92. Merge a fini à par se diversifier au fil du temps ils ont produit des tas groupes et des albums mythiques jusqu’à devenir un label réfèrent de la musique indé. A l’occasion de leur 30 ans nous vous avons concocté une playlist aux petits oignons. Sugar/Gift The Clean/Point That Thing Somewhere Else Times New Vikings/Want to Exist Guv'ner/Break A Promise Imperial Teen/Shim Sham Caribou/Can't Do Without You Waxahatchee/Bonfire Polvo/Right The Relation Ex Hex/Good Times Superchunk/Black Thread

How often do you get to talk to the boss of your record label, bass player in one of your favourite bands & one of the first people to ever hire you in the music biz? Well, this once in a lifetime confluence happens to Damian this week when he welcomes LAURA BALLANCE OF MERGE RECORDS / SUPERCHUNK on to the show show!!! Listen in as the two discuss Laura’s journey, why MERGE gets it in a way some other label can't & the night in London twenty years ago when Damian had to work the merch table for Superchunk.  Also Touched On:  Big Sister’s record collection as a gateway Adam Ant on late night tv and a sexual awaking Was it Prince & The Revolution  on Purple Rain OR Bad Brains & Neon Christ for the first show? ATL Alternative Culture Unity The difference between Raleigh and Atlanta’s punk scenes the uniqueness of the various hardcore scenes in NC Learning to overcome stage fright Starting Merge Gerard’s stamp of approval Not being proud of the early stuff You can’t be discerning if you’re going to be prolific Erectus Monotone: pre- Double Negative not liking the bands that signed to major labels Jon Wurster: the punkest motherfucker you ever did see AND MORE!!!!!!

Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan, co-founders of Merge Records, talk to Seth Stevenson about running a record label in the era of streaming music, the advantages of operating in Chapel Hill, NC, and what goes into a record contract with a band these days.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan, co-founders of Merge Records, talk to Seth Stevenson about running a record label in the era of streaming music, the advantages of operating in Chapel Hill, NC, and what goes into a record contract with a band these days.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mac McCaughan is a talented and influential songwriter, musician, and singer based in North Carolina. Renowned for his prolific output in bands like Superchunk and Portastatic, McCaughan also co-founded Merge Records, one of the world’s most resilient and tastemaking independent labels. In the face of Republican cuts to programs that cruelly impact women and other disenfranchised people, McCaughan and his bandmates in Superchunk just released a limited edition single called I Got Cut with all proceeds benefitting Planned Parenthood. They also worked with local visual artists who custom made artwork for a handful of singles that are up for auction until June 28 on the site, Paddle8.com. Again, all proceeds from the auction benefit Planned Parenthood. Mac and I recently had a conversation about what motivated this new single, the political landscape in North Carolina and how it relates to the rest of U.S., the state of progressivism, his early exposure to political punk and seeing Van Halen in the early 1980s, how his Merge Records partner and fellow Superchunk member Laura Ballance has been doing since leaving the road behind in 2013, Arcade Fire’s departure from Merge for Columbia Records, and much more. Sponsored by Pizza Trokadero, the Bookshelf, and Planet Bean Coffee.   

Laura Ballance, spokeswoman for the PNE tells Carmel Kilkenny about the evolution of an event that is still a family tradition for so many.

This week laura Ballance joins us in Carrboro, NC to talk about Superchunk and Mergefest 25, the 25th anniversary concert for Merge Records.