Fans With Bands

When I moved over to Substack to host the Fans With Bands podcast, I was limited to 100 episodes. This means that the beginning of the podcast is not here on Substack until NOW! Enjoy this episode from Oct 26, 2020 (the very FIRST episode!)

Show Notes:

A chat with Clint the vocalist for the Lansing, Michigan extreme metal band Recorruptor and Nick a fan of band. On this episode, we talk about Nick’s first experience with the ba...

Chuck and Nuno are back to discuss their earliest memories of music videos, the golden era of MTV, and legendary concert footage. We share stories about discovering heavy metal and rock bands on late-night TV, the evolution of music video production, and the sometimes comedic (and dangerous) history behind classic shoots.

Episode Highlights

* Catching Up: Nuno fills in Chuck on his busy season at work and his shift toward writing re...

In this episode of Fans With Bands, we sit down with Kevin Kay (Detroit Music Collective) to analyze the results of the recent Greater Detroit Music Census. We were joined by singer-songwriter Julianne Ankley, who shared her perspective as a working musician in Detroit.

The conversation dives into the financial realities facing local artists, venue shortages that cause touring acts to bypass the city, the perception of elitism in th...

In this episode, I Ryan, Don, Brandon, and Victor from Void The Light. Their latest album, Speaking With Gods, is an amalgamation of heavy riffs, progressive vibes, and flat out hard hitting tunes. We spent some time talking about their approach to music, what inspires the storyline that runs through their sound. As always, we can’t help but talk about pizza too.

Void The Light

Check out their music

Follow on Facebook, Instagram...

In this episode, Chuck and Nuno are talking about 1984. Not the dystopian novel by George Orwell, but the Metal Storm listing of top metal albums for 1984. We worked our way from the bottom to the top provide our commentary and metal memories along the way .

1984 - Metal Roundup

* #20: Cirith Ungol - King of the Dead

* A long-time favorite of Chuck and a new edition for Nuno. A great heavy album which leans into doom territory.

* Kick ...

In this episode, I talked with Ian from Coyote Man. Their new album Prosthetic Memories, is about to be released and it is another masterpiece in heavy, progressive, instrumental music. Although, there is a surprisingly wonderful track with vocals. Ian and I chat about the making of this new album, what sets it apart from their other creations, and plans to spread the word far and wide.

Coyote Man

Check out their music

Follow on Faceb...

In this episode of Fans with Bands, Chuck and Nuno dive deep into the world of guitar players. From the world changing playing of Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen to 80s metal heroes, 90s grunge icons, and today’s modern virtuosos, this episode covers the players who we dig and some we maybe weren’t the most keen on. However, they all jam.

Below is the ultimate cheat sheet for every artist, band, album, and track mentio...

In this episode, I talked with Caving Grounds from Negaunee / Marquette. This Upper Peninsula band channels the ferocity and brutal beauty of where they live into relentless hardcore. Titanic riffs, pummeling rhythms, and menacing vocals characterize their music. I had a great chat talking about the origin of the band’s name, their music, pizza, and their new album Become Soil, which you can pick up today.

Caving Grounds

Check ...

In this special crossover episode, Chuck and Nuno (Needle in a Substack and Nuno Babo Youtube) sit down with legendary drummer Shannon Larkin. In a highly candid conversation, Shannon takes us through his incredible 40-year journey in the music industry. From the early club days with Wrathchild America and the label bidding wars of the 1980s, to finding his groove with Souls at Zero Ugly Kid Joe and ultimately, Godsmack, Shannon h...

In this episode, Chuck sits down with the legendary Chuck Billy of Testament to discuss his upcoming autobiography, Holding My Breath: The Two Testaments of Chuck Billy, dropping November 10th. We dive into the process of translating a Chuck’s fiercely private life into an open book, and how his journey is split cleanly into the “Old Testament” (his early life, athletic background, and the early days of Testament)...

In this episode, I had the fellas in Drift. Thanks to my old friend Bill Fitzpatrick for sharing the music of this new metalcore band from Detroit. They are playing powerful music that will definitely appeal to fans of Wage War, I Prevail, and Misery Index. We talked about how these guys got together, their prolific songwriting, and plans for the future. As usual, we got into origin stories and pizza toppings.

Check out Drift’...

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Ron and Zach from Widetrack. I’m so happy to have found the powerful, emotive, and deeply satisfying music from this father and son duo. I very much enjoyed talking with them about how they got started and their respective musical journeys. Of course, we talked a bit about their future plans and pizza.

Be on the lookout for shows this summer with Widetrack. In the meantime, I...

In this episode, we are back with another installment of Music Notes with Nuno. Chuck and Nuno reunite across the globe to dive into a special assignment. Chuck’s buddy Vic from the Michigan-based label Dystopian Dogs Productions sent over a brand new 12-track compilation vinyl titled Wrong Way Rockers: Peninsular Metal. They dive into the record, admire the old-school artwork, and give a track-by-track breakdown.

Album Spotli...

In this episode, I had a chance to chat with Ashleigh and Cody of Blockhouse Valley. It was a joy talking with them about how they came together to form their band, how they approach making music, influences, and so much more. They mix their love of Americana, show tunes, and jazz into a delightful amalgam of music..

Be sure to pick up a copy of their latest album It’s Alright and be on the lookout for their new album coming s...

In this episode, I had a chance to chat with Cory, Megan, and Bryan of Casket Robbery. They craft seriously heavy and brutal horror themed death metal with a bit of secret sauce. We talk about how the band got started, their secret sauce that lends eerie tones to their tunes, influences, and more.

Casket Robbery are headed out west for Vegas Un Alive Fest (March 20) and a string of other shows. They are also part of the fantastic li...

In this episode we are back with our feature where Nuno and Chuck talk about music, life, and whatever else they can think of! In this episode we’ve got a LOT to talk about!!!

Topics & Bands:

* Rogue Male: Nuno’s recent Substack interview subject.

* Kreator: Discussing their consistent catalog and the divisive Cause for Conflict album.

* AC/DC: The impact of Malcolm Young, varying drum lineups, and Axl Rose’s stin...

In this episode, I’m talking with Curvey from Custard Flux. The latest from Custard Flux called Enter Xenon is amazing. Some of the best progressive rock in the world and it starts here in Michigan. I completely enjoyed talking with Curvey about his musical odyssey and the evolution of Custard Flux. As you might guess, our chat included notes on influences, songwriting, recording and you guessed it — pizza.

Custard Flux

C...

In this episode, I’m talking with Chandler from Ness Lake. Their new album Normal Speed is a sonic treat of post-punk and indie rock. The lush songwriting and thoughtful songwriting is both evocative and ethereal. Our conversation covers the formation of the band, the songwriting and recording process, as well as influences and pizza toppings.

Ness Lake

Check out their music

Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Spotify

Fans Wi...

In this episode, I’m talking with Kevin Kay (Detroit Music Collective / K2 Artist Management) about the Greater Detroit Music Census. Kevin shares what the census is all about, who it is for (everyone!), and how you can be part of the census. In a nutshell, the Greater Detroit Music Census is for everyone within a 75 mile radius of Detroit that is involved in some way with the Detroit area music industry. You don’t have...