Fans With Bands

In this episode, I talk with Pat and Bob from The City Lines. Their new album Prescribed Fires is a gem of pop punk with stellar songwriting that speaks to Pat’s background as a firefighter. Our conversation covers how Pat and Bob joined forces to write these compelling songs. Along the way we chat about influences and pizza toppings.

The City Lines

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Fans With Bands

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In this episode, I talk with Todd and Brandon of All Over The Shop. We talk about the dreaded question: what does your band sound like? I of course had my own thoughts, but it is always interesting to get the band’s perspective. Our conversation also included working with Geoff Michael at Big Sky in Ann Arbor to record their most recent EP - Every Ounce Of Energy. Along the way we talk about songwriting, influences, first concerts ...

In this episode, I talk with Mike Walker of Bogue. Mike shares the story of Bogue who were at the center of Detroit’s garage rock scene in the 2000s. They soon recorded a demo with Jim Diamond in Detroit. Sadly tragedy struck when guitarist Dan Maister committed suicide. A couple of years later, drummer Matt Blake passed away due to a heart attack. Thankfully, Mike Walker persevered and has recently released Bogue’s demo on vinyl. ...

In this episode, I chat with Heath, Dustin, Andy, and Greg from Blind Haven. These purveyors of seismic doom happen to be four friends who wanted to jam together as one of them neared death. Thankfully, they have persevered and continue to turn the pain of existence into brutally heavy music. I love this band and had a fabulous time talking with these guys about their origin story, songwriting, first albums and first concerts. Blin...

In this episode, I had a great time talking with Mitch, Matt, and a bunch of fans of the alt-rock band Jesus Chrysler Supercar. Besides having a fantastic name, this band plays some excellent alt-rock music loaded with hooks and melodies. The thing is they had formed in the 90’s and called it quits for over 20 years. Recently, they have gotten back together to create new music and haven’t lost a step. Check out new songs “Get Out o...

In this episode, I’m talking with the legendary Mark Farner. You may know him from Michigan’s Grand Funk Railroad. Today, Mark is on his own crafting music with Mark Farner’s American Band. It was a real treat to talk with Mark about his new album Closer To My Home which includes a bunch of new music as well as a celebratory re-recording of the classic “I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home)”. In addition to the new music, we talk about...

In this episode, I’m talking with Alan and Phoenix from Iron Times. This new band is forging their own path while building on a foundation of massive riffs laid down by such influences as Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, and Black Sabbath. It is great to meet the next generation of musicians who are keeping the fire of heavy music alive. Be sure to follow their socials to stay up to date on new music and shows.

Iron Times

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In this episode, I’m talking with Bronson, Ryan, and Cody from the Filthy Heathens. This southern rock band from Dayton, Ohio is a force to be reckoned with. Their new album Etheridge captures the band playing a mix of heartfelt country and hard rock. True road warriors, the Filthy Heathens are spreading the gospel of southern rock far and wide. Be sure to follow their socials to see when they will be in your neck of the woods.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Caleb, Miles, and John from Low Phase. This band from Grand Rapids is one to watch. They play beautifully layered and thoughtful music akin to bands such as Pavement and Broken Social Scene with touches of Radiohead and Bright Eyes. Their new single, “I Saw You First” is a wondrous song which captures the mixture of fear and comfort that new love brings. Low Phase has only just begun to create and ...

In this episode, I’m talking with Chino and Jeff from Supreme Mystic. This band blurs the lines of heavy music with a unique blend of hardcore and grunge that seeks to uplift as well as entertain. It was awesome to talk with these guys about their impressive paths through music which ultimately led to the formation of the band. As you would expect, we also talked about origin stories, first concerts, and pizza toppings. Supreme Mys...

In this episode, I’m talking with Stu and Sean from Pulphonics. Just last April 2024 I had the honor of talking with these guys. They are back this year with their new album Sonic Umami Vol 2. We talk about the new music and how fearlessly they seek to expand their horizons. The album builds off of last year’s release (Sonic Umami Vol 1) while finding them exploring new realms of jazz, hip-hop, and ambient music. Hit their website ...

In this episode, I’m talking with Patrick and Jeff from Solar Monolith. It took me way too long, but I finally got a chance to talk with these awesome people about their heavy hitting music. We talked about how the band came to be and the creation of their excellent new album The Crooked Path. In addition to chatting about song writing and musical influences, we talked about one of my favorite subjects: pizza.

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In this episode, I’m talking with Jake from Moon Orchids as well as fans Jessica and Jeremey (who also plays on the album). I had a fantastic time talking with Jake about the Moon Orchids new self-titled album. Jake reveals the story behind the band, his approach to songwriting, and how the band got their name. As you would expect, we also talk about musical influences, first concerts, and you got it, pizza.

Moon Orchids

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In this episode, I’m talking with Chris “Box”, Tony, and Marc from Mazinga. I’ve been a huge fan of Mazinga since seeing them for the first time back in 2009. It was outstanding to finally talk with them and learn about the origins of the band as well as chat about their new epic album called Chinese Democracy Manifest - Greatest Hits Vol. 2. The story behind the album name and some of the tunes on this album are pure gold. As usua...

In this episode, I’m talking with Tommy, MIke, Matt, and new guy Trey of Slumlord Radio. It was great to meet Trey who now gives Slumlord Radio a twin guitar attack. We talked about how Trey made his way into the band and the work they have been doing together to write and record new music. During our chat, Ira Briggs from the Deck in Muskegeon stopped by as he is working with Slumlord Radio on the new record. On top of recording n...

In this episode, I’m talking with Brandon, Rich, and Joey from Cullossus. This was such an easy and awesome conversation - I could have talked with these guys for hours. In addition to talking about the origins of Cullossus and their super heavy music, it was a lot of fun talking about great shows they have seen, our shared love for Black Sabbath, and guitars. During our chat we also got into how each of them got into music and of ...

In this episode, I’m talking with Tony, John, Matt and Jarret from Absentees. I had a blast talking with these guys about their journey into crafting their own brand of heavy hitting punk rock. We chatted about their latest EP called All the Hertz: Volume 1 which was recorded and produced by Jon-Mikal of the Idiot Kids (who are Fans With Bands alumni). Our conversation included favorite tunes on the new EP, the recording process wi...

In this episode, I’m talking with Jacob from The American Hotel System. Having seen them at the Sounds Like Michigan fundraiser for the Michigan Music Alliance, I immediately wanted to chat with them about their music. Their alt-rock music features great hooks and extremely thoughtful lyrics. You can experience their evocative songwriting on their recent EP called Can You Hear It? I had a great time talking with Jacob about his pat...

Tales from the Crypt!

I had to reschedule my guest who was supposed to be on this week for Fans With Bands, which left a hole in the normal release schedule. However, this is a bit of a blessing in disguise! You see, when moving the podcast to Substack, there is an undocumented limit of 100 episodes that can be imported. Fans With Bands had 121 episodes, so 21 episodes from the first season are not here on Substack.

So, to fill the v...