Iconic guitarist Kid Congo Powers (Cramps, Nick Cave, Gun Club) talks storied career (Episode 1076)

Kid Congo Powers is an iconic punk guitarist, wildly inventive solo artist, author, and storyteller. 

 

His resume includes legendary runs playing guitar in Gun Club, the Cramps and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He’s also been doing his own thing for decades, most notably with Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds.  He’s a prolific recording artist whose discography is super deep, varied, innovative, fun, and screaming for repeat visits. I think rock and roll has become harder to define as the years have advanced, but whatever that definition is, he fits it.

 

Before he played at Beat Kitchen, Kid jumped in the car and talked about:

 

*His prolific output. I mean, music just pours out of him.

*The forthcoming release with Naim Amor, “Tuscon Safari” (check out the video for “Surf Sirens,” mentioned in the interview.

*Where the next generation of “Kid Congos” is coming from.

*Music fandom.

*Kid’s history with, and affection for, the Cramps.

*The second life of “Goo Goo Muck.”

*The horror tip he got from Siouxsie Sioux.

*The key to building a band “brand” - bringing fans along into your world.

*His must-read memoir, Some New Kind Of Kick.

 

Kid Congo is a true one-of-a-kind, and an easy conversationalist. I left the interview wanting more, and I suspect you’ll feel the same way. Thank you for listening/watching.

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation: 

 

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle. 

 

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

 

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

 

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

 

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

 

##

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

 

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.  

 

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between. 

 

They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list). 

 

Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices. 

 

Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or go to their website or email [e-mail] to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.