For our final interview of the year, we decided to bring in friend of the show + Tulsa royalty Chad Malone. This dude has done time in:
Self Destruct
Concept Of Nonsense
The Kids Who Never Learned How To Color Inside Of the Lines
Brother Inferior
Assembly Of God
Welfare
The Leveling
Raparee
Larkin
Bring Down the Hammer
The Shame
Local 630
Senior Fellows
Union Of a Dying Sun
He goes over all of his bands, what the scene was like in Oklahoma when we was first getting involved, his influences (and his influence on other bands) and just about everything else. For a guy with a musical career going back over thirty years, Chad has some unique experiences and stories and he is willing to share it all.
He was an amazing guest and an amazing human and you definitely won't want to miss this one.
https://unionofadyingsun.bandcamp.com/album/union-of-a-dying-sun
https://audioblasphemy.bandcamp.com/album/anthems-94-97
https://seniorfellows.bandcamp.com/
Bringing it back to the Midwest for a very special conversation with Daisy Caplan, the man behind the bass (and sometimes guitar) for Ayin and Foxy Shazam and then the drummer extraordinarie for Lung.
We discuss his early days in Louisville, how he got into the scene, the gradual evolution of Ayin and how the band changed once he joined, then to him doing double-duty once he joined Foxy Shazam up to the hiatus / breakup (depending on who you ask) of Foxy to his permanent residence in Cincinnati and the formation of Lung.
Daisy has been around and has a ton of good stories and experiences to share and he's not afraid to hold back. We hope you enjoy!
Both songs used in this episode are Lung songs:
"Brock" taken off the "All the King's Horses" LP
"The Swimmer" taken off the "The Swankeeper" LP
Get you some Lung music here:
https://lunglunglung.bandcamp.com/
Or here:
https://www.lungtheband.com/
Some Ayin here:
https://ayin.bandcamp.com/album/fear-of-tigers
https://brightskull.bandcamp.com/album/ayin-nothing-islands
Some Foxy Shazam here:
https://www.foxyshazam.com/merch
We're staying in the Northeast to bring you Grant Johnson, the man behind such bands as:
Blood Jinn
Set In Motion
Easter Rising
Eternal Youth
Herman Dekalb
Spark Lights the Friction
The Funeral
AWOL
Knife Fight
Dirty Girls
Broken Patterns
Night Owls
Missing Skull
Difficult
Bent Limbs
And he's STILL going with music. That's an impressive pedigree.
Anyhow, Grant was kind enough to come on and talk music and Syracuse and just about anything. He was insightful and knowledgeable and this was a fun episode.
Get you some Grant music at all these links:
Night Owls:
https://nightowls.bandcamp.com/album/rapture-ep
https://hexrecords.bandcamp.com/album/night-owls-s-t-ep
Bent Limbs:
https://bntlmbs.bandcamp.com/album/soft-mind
The Difficult:
https://difficult.bandcamp.com/album/tea-with-the-times
https://difficult315.bandcamp.com/album/to-heal?label=2983238955
The Funeral:
https://hexrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-funeral-discography-2001-2004
And follow his current project - Bent Limbs on Instagram here:
https://www.instagram.com/bntlmbs?igsh=ZGwzeWwyY3Q1azZz
Randy Larsen was kind enough to come back to discuss everything there is worth knowing about how the Cable - "Gutter Queen" album came to be. Randy was brutally honest about the internal struggles the band was facing around this time. In addition, we discuss how Clinton St. Blues (Eric's favorite off this album) came to be an inflection point and a start of a new chapter for the band's sound.
Randy has a lot of fond memories as well as a lot of conflicted emotions around this era of the band but it was a great and informative conversation. You won't want to miss this one at all.
Both songs from this episode were taken from Cable's "Gutter Queen" LP (duh):
"Clinton St. Blues"
"Human Interest Story"
We're traveling way into the Northeast for this one to bring on the legendary Randy Larsen who has done time in:
Cable
Empty Flowers
Isis
Slow Death
Tombs
Come To Grief
Randy's stories of his attempts to focus entirely on bass and shift away from vocals through some of the more turbulant times of Cable make this episode truly special. Of special note is his story for how Cable came to be parted from Hydra Head and you will definitely want to hear this one!
Hope you enjoy this one - it's definitely worth the listen!
The two songs featured in this episode are both Cable bangers:
Time Big Rock - from "Northern Failures"
Gulf Of Texaco - from "The Failed Convict"
Get all your physical Cable music from Translation Loss here:
https://translationloss.com/search?q=cable&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
Bandcamp for all your digital needs:
https://cable3.bandcamp.com/music
Find him at ALL THESE LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/cabletheband
https://www.facebook.com/cabletheband
https://www.instagram.com/translationlossrecords
Ryan comes back onto the show to discuss all things Coliseum's 2004 Self-Titled Debut. When this album first dropped it was like an explosion in the heart of Louisville and 20+ years and two milestone reissues later this album is still just as strong as it was back then.
You'll learn about everything that went into the original album, the original line-up, how the remasters came together (and Ryan's opinions on them) and so much more.
Both songs from this episode were taken from Colseium's Self-Titled LP (duh):
"This Mind Locked Inside This Body"
"Give Up and Drive"
We're staying in the Midwest but traveling a bit south to Louisville to discuss all things music and art with Ryan Patterson who has done time in:
Fotocrime
Mirrorless
Aon Brasi
Coliseum
Black God
Black Cross
Whips/Chains
The National Acrobat
The Enkindels
Along with his label work with Initial Records and Auxiliary Records, plus Shirt Killer and Cat Magic Punks. Basically, if this man graces your band with his presence, it's a stamp and a seal that the music is going to be good.
Hear about Ryan's absolute commitment to art and making his pursuit of art into his life's passion and (spoiler alert) this one turns out to be a happy ending. I have no idea the size of the well from which he draws his inspiration, creativity, and drive from, but I'm glad it's there.
Hope you enjoy this one - it's definitely worth the listen!
The two songs featured in this episode are:
Fotocrime - Cautious from the "Cautious / Crack Up" EP Mirrorless - Ultraviolent from "Mirrorless" EP
Order that Mirrorless EP here:https://equalvision.com/products/mirlmirlpw-lp (if you like purple)https://equalvision.com/products/mirlmirlgb-lp (if you're more into green)Music links:https://fotocrime.bandcamp.com/https://mirrorlessband.bandcamp.com/Find him at ALL THESE LINKS:https://www.instagram.com/ryanmichaelpattersonhttps://www.instagram.com/thehouseoffoto/https://www.instagram.com/fotocrime/https://www.instagram.com/coliseumband/https://www.instagram.com/aonbrasi/https://www.instagram.com/catmagicpunks/https://www.instagram.com/shirtkiller/https://www.instagram.com/mirrorless.band/
One of Eric's favorite bands of all time is Chicago's very own Stabbed By Words so it was honestly exciting and rewarding to bring Jay back to discuss everything there is to know about the band. We discuss their approach to songwriting, Dave's contribution to guitar, how the band evolved over time, and where the road might have taken them if not for their untimely break-up.
You'll learn about the revolving road trips for band practice and how the band was able to overcome the challenges of having everyone in the band spread out to still write and practice and record.
This is one for the storybooks and we truly hope you enjoy it.
Both songs from this episode were taken from Stabbed By Words' Self-Titled LP (duh):
"Sing! Sing!"
"Pills We Sell"
Staying in the Midwest for Episode 061 so we could have a nice, long conversation with the man behind the guitar in so many legendary Chicago (and New York!) bands - Jay Jancetic doing his thing in:
Plagued With Rage
Half Mast
Nevermore
Extinction
Sever the Cord
Arma Angelus
Stabbed By Words
Holy Roman Empire
Harm's Way
Black X
Atonement Theory
Contempt
Almost Always
Left Of Heaven
You might be surprised like I was to find out he originally hails from New York before he recognized just how amazing Chicago is and made the move that forever changed not only his own musical path but charted a new path through all of the influential bands he has done time in.
Jay had so many great stories and has led such an interesting life this made for an amazing episode.
The two songs featured in this episode are:
Left Of Heaven - Halo From the Upcoming (yet-to-be-fully-titled) EP
Harm's Way - Docile Bodies from "Rust"
Aside from being the shredder and voice behind Cadillac Blindside, did you know Zaq had a more singer-songwriter side? If you somehow missed out or slept on this or whatever else, check this episode out because Zaq us back to give us the complete oral history behind ...And We Danced. He discovers the theme behind the album, how it came to be (and how it was almost only made for him) and just how much this project meant to him.
There are few things more satisfying than having a guest on and realizing that music never left their hearts and their souls and Zaq embodies this just as well as anyone else. He takes all of that heart and history and wraps it up in a genuine story with some sprinkled in humor, exactly like the phenominal songwriter that he is.
This episode was a blast to record and we sincerely hope you enjoy the listen or the watch.
Both songs from this episode were taken from ...And We Danced's Self-Titled release (duh):
"The Ring"
"Little Streetlight"
Back to the Midwest for Episode 059 so we could have a nice, long conversation with the man both behind the guitar and the microphone - Zaq Zrust doing his thing in Cadillac Blindside, And We Danced, FUELtheFIRE, plus more.
Hear about his early years around his parents, his love for writing music, finding (and continually improving) his voice, learning guitar, and everything else. You'll be shocked at the work ethic and effort that Zaq put into Cadillac and how that translated to their continued popularity to this day.
This episode is also (completely unplanned) timely as Cadillac Blindside is playing three shows next month for FEST in Gainesville, FL.
We hope you enjoy the Midwest wisdom Zaq is about to share.
The two songs featured in this episode are:
FUELtheFIRE - I Got the April Epidemic... Now it Burns When I... from the split with The April Epidemic
Cadillac Blindside - Just Pull the Trigger from "Read the Book Seen the Movie"
Emily was kind enough to come back and discuss what life was like behind the microphone (and the pen!) while providing vocals for the absolutely amazing Holy Roman Empire's "The Longue Durée."
Hear about how her vocal journey and time in the studio made her into the powerful singer she is, her many contributions to the songs and how the dynamic of the band changed once she had create control over her lyrics, and how everything came together perfectly to craft this album that showed the band at the top of their game.
It was an absolute pleasure to have Emily on and hear her perspective.
Both songs from this episode were taken from Holy Roman Empire's "The Longue Durée" album (duh):
Action Figures
Take It Outside
For episode 057 we travel back to the lovely Midwest (specifically Chicago) to have a conversation with the talented and versatile Emily Schambra, singer extraordinaire.
Find out about her move to Chicago, early bands, vocal training, her time in Engines, Longdistancerunner, Holy Roman Empire, and more! Emily was kind enough to share all kinds of stories about her experiences navigating the music scene while developing her skills as both a writer and a singer.
As with all of our episodes, you won't want to miss this one!
The two songs featured in this episode are:
Longdistancerunner - Anger Management from "Competition Of Martyrs"
Engines - Metempsychosis from "Every Cell"
We were fortunate enough to get Thomas back on to talk all things Vorstellungskraft from the point of view of the four-strings. Hear about the legendary studio, how the songs came together, the writing and recording process, the tour, and everything else you ever wanted to know.
Thomas brings his unique insight and wit to the conversation to tell the story of how Vorstellungskraft came together and eventually became the album that I love.
Check out his most recent release where he recorded bass for Mortal Form here:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6TLvPWfJYbyXL6dUk4bs2i?si=Go3FmwBtTLqiDqNq58FLVg
Man the Change:
https://manthechangehc.bandcamp.com/
Man Vs. Humanity:
https://manvshumanity.bandcamp.com/
The Tidal Sleep:
https://thetidalsleep.bandcamp.com/
Both songs from this episode were taken from The Tidal Sleep's "Vorstellungskraft " album (duh):
Thrive & Wither
Smoke & Mirrors
We're back with another amazing international guest - this time we brought master bassist (and master of all things stringed, actually) Thomas Bretcher to talk all things music, Germany, and everything that goes into being a talented musician in an amazing band. This is actually an exceptionally amazing episode for me because when I first heard The Tidal Sleep around a decade ago there was just something about their energy and their emotion and their music that really spoke to me and as with all my guests, I'm beyond humbled that anyone would take time out of their busy schedule to sit down for way too long and talk to me.
You'll hear about Thomas' entry into music and what drew him into the scene, how effortlessly he was able to set down the guitar and pick up the bass, and follow that thread through Man Vs. Humanity, Man the Change, The Tidal Sleep, and even current day with him doing music with some of his favorite people and playing bass for Mortal Form. I honestly don't know where people get the time.
Either way, like all of my episodes, this is one of my favorites and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. Thomas is an amazing guy (he's my hero!) and it was such a wonderful talk.
Check out his most recent release where he recorded bass for Mortal Form here:
https://open.spotify.com/track/6TLvPWfJYbyXL6dUk4bs2i?si=Go3FmwBtTLqiDqNq58FLVg
Man the Change:
https://manthechangehc.bandcamp.com/
Man Vs. Humanity:
https://manvshumanity.bandcamp.com/
The Tidal Sleep:
https://thetidalsleep.bandcamp.com/
Both songs from this episode were taken from The Tidal Sleep's "Be Water" album:
Undertows
Footsteps
Greg Daniels comes back for the second part of our conversation where we do a deep dive on Vaux's "There Must Be Some Way To Stop Them."
Hear Greg's stories about how this album was conceived, what touring and popularity was like for them during this era, and so much more. Stay tuned for the fancy vinyl reissue coming to a turntable near you in the future!
The two songs used in this episode are both off "There Must Be Some Way To Stop Them" (Duh)
Set It To Bloe
Ride Out Bitch
https://www.instagram.com/drop.to.pop/
https://www.instagram.com/vaux_band/
https://www.instagram.com/gregdaniels/
Denver Institution and all-around nice guy (and better than he gives himself credit for guitarist) Greg Daniels of Vaux / Glass Hits / Drop To Pop came onto the show to discuss all of the things that makes him the person he is.
Want to hear the story about how he ALMOST was in a band with friend of the show Chuck Coffey? Or how many bands he juggled at once? Or how massively large his record store is? You'll discover all that and then some during our conversation with one of the creative forces behind some amazing bands.
https://www.instagram.com/drop.to.pop/
https://www.instagram.com/vaux_band/
https://www.instagram.com/gregdaniels/
The two songs used in this episode are Glass Hits songs:
"Better Never Than Late" Off the album Better Never Than Late
"Action Potential" Off the Split with Accordion Crimes
In this chaotic conversation, Demian & Shane come back on the show as a dynamic duo (you won't believe how dynamic) to discuss noise as a "genre."
Although the conversation bounces around, we discuss some of the origins of noise, its connections to outsider performance art, some of the dangerous historical trends and fads associated with it, and what that noise ethos means to Shane and Demian.
If you were like me and were curious about noise but were too afraid to ask, I don't know if you would've asked this question, but you'd definitely get a few answers.
The songs used in this episode are intended to be representative of noise and are
Throbbing Gristle - "Hamburger Lady"
Merzbow - "Woodpecker No. 1"
Rich Lippold is back for the second part of our conversation where we do a deep dive on The Deadly's "Phantoms In the Frequencies"
Since this is the band's first material right out of the gate after being fully formed, the making of this album is closely tied into their origin story and Rich shares his insight into everything that went into creating this EP.
Find out how they got signed, how the album got recorded, and so much more. If you've never given this EP a proper listen, first listen to how it was made then put it on and enjoy something that has been missing from your life.
The two songs used in this episode are both off "Phantoms In the Frequencies" (Duh)
Nevada Audio
The Notion's Lit
https://hawthornestreetrecords.bandcamp.com/album/phantoms-in-the-frequencies
Rich's upcoming publication:
https://www.schlock.co.uk/
We don't know if Rich pulled the short straw or what, but he's the lucky guy that made it on episode 50! I can't believe this is something that actually happened.
Either way, Rich discuses his early years, what got him into music, his early attempts to move away (and what kept him there) and eventually the chain of events that led him to the Emerald Isle.
It's always great to have anyone from the Philadelphia scene on the show to discuss everything that was going on in that magical time and place. Like every other Philadelphia musician we've had on here, every band sounds completely unique and interesting and Rich was the rule, not the exception in this case. He is truly a great dude and we're lucky he graced us with his presence.
https://hawthornestreetrecords.bandcamp.com/album/phantoms-in-the-frequencies
https://plutorecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-wolves-are-here-again
Rich's upcoming publication:
https://www.schlock.co.uk/
The two songs used in this episode are both The Deadly songs off "The Wolves Are Here Again"
These Are Cherry Blossoms
Danger Endanger