Best Wxrt Podcasts (2024)

1
Estonian band Evestus gets dark and heavy with ‘Post Hate Teen Depression’ (Episode 944) 39:05

1h ago39:05

39:05

Ott Evestus of Estonian industrial band Evestus joins me for a virtual chat from across the globe to talk about the new album (“Post Hate Teen Depression), industrial influences, coming out of a coma (!) and the looming specter of Russia on Estonian culture. Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@…

1
Stiff Little Fingers prepare for final U.S. tour (Episode 943) 36:00

3h ago36:00

36:00

Stiff Little Fingers hits the road for their final U.S. tour next month, and that run will find the band at Metro on Friday May 10. The legendary Irish band was there at the beginning of punk rock, burning bright for six years before breaking up (eventually restarting in 1987). Stiff Little Fingers frontman Jake Burns joined me virtually for this c…

1
Episode #166 - Hot Wheels (4/17/23) 1:00:00

3d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
Deep Tunnel Project’s John Mohr eats Chicago dogs, talks S/T release (Episode 942) 33:43

3h ago33:43

33:43

Shortly after the release of the self-titled debut from Deep Tunnel Project, returning guest John Mohr comes on Car Con Carne to talk about it. Besides John, the band is rounded out by: Mike Greenless (TAR) Jeff Dean (lots of things) Tim Midyett (Silkworm) We dive into the album at length during our chat. Also, if you have a “Chicago musician bingo…

1
Episode #165 - Shame On Me (4/10/24) 1:00:00

5d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
Masonic Wave at Estelle’s (Episode 941) 29:09

7d ago29:09

29:09

Chicago noise rock band Masonic Wave joined me for a chat outside Estelle’s (2013 North Avenue). Bruce Lamont (vocals), Fritz Doreza (bass), Clayton DeMuth (drums) and Scott Spidale (guitar) talked about the new self-titled album, the band’s evolution, their other bands and the release show at Live Wire (4/13/24). Thanks to Estelle’s (2013 North Av…

1
Episode #164 - Daddy Rollin' Stone (4/3/24) 1:00:00

12d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
North side favorite Reed’s Local celebrates 10th year (Episode 940) 18:49

15d ago18:49

18:49

Reed’s Local (3017 W. Belmont) hits its 10th anniversary mark on April 10. To celebrate, owners Melissa and Joel jumped in the car to talk about its relationship to the Avondale neighborhood, how the bar was launched, whether “dive bar” is a negative term, and the upcoming REED’S FEST: 4/25 (TH) - Reverse Cowboys, VInny, Cartoon Graveyard, The Base…

1
East Moon meets on West Side for macarons (Episode 939) 34:24

15d ago34:24

34:24

With their fantastic new EP, “End Transmission,” out Friday, East Moon members Jacob, Tera and Santi met me outside the Burlington for a highly enjoyable interview. Make a point of seeing the band at Burlington on April 12! To help the conversation along, we got a personal delivery of Bad Channel macarons. Horror movie-themed macarons? Only in Chic…

1
Episode #163 - The Very Last Time (3/27/24) 1:00:00

19d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

1
John Lennon Songwriting Grand Prize winner Jared Rabin talks shows, plans (Episode 938) 21:42

22d ago21:42

21:42

Jared Rabin’s songwriting talent scored him the Grand Prize at the 2023 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Beyond that, you’ve likely seen or heard him mentioned by American Songwriter, Bluegrass Today, NPR and more. As he gets ready to play Madame Zuzu’s Acoustic Brunch on April 7 and SPACE (opening for John Hiatt) on May 6, we met outside Zuzu’s to…

1
Impulsive Hearts eat Taco Bell, making them ‘Fit 4 the Apocalypse’ (Episode 937) 31:45

25d ago31:45

31:45

Danielle Sines, Adele Nicholas and Rachael Farinella of Impulsive Hearts make a run to the border with me, as we do an interview outside the Taco Bell in Avondale. As the third full-length, “Fit 4 the Apocalypse,” is about to be released (with a release show at Liar’s Club on 4/4/24), we talked about: *The band’s evolution across the three albums *…

1
Episode #162 - Until We Sleep (3/20/24) 58:00

26d ago58:00

58:00

1
Industrial musicians come together for ‘Thrashnetic’ mental health benefit (Episode 935) 24:30

1M ago24:30

24:30

For this episode, I’m joined by Jim Marcus (Die Warzau, Go Fight), Karen Righeimer (Bellhead) and David Schock (concert promoter). All of them are involved with “Thrashnetic - The Josh Russo Memorial Benefit for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention,” happening Saturday, April 6, from 4-11 p.m. at X-Ray Arcade in Milwaukee. Check out this …

1
Episode #161 - Do It Again (3/13/24 - "Locals Only" Special) 58:00

1M ago58:00

58:00

1
Pita Inn with singer/songwriter Rachel Drew (Episode 936) 26:10

1M ago26:10

26:10

Singer/songwriter Rachel Drew joins me for falafel and hummus at Pita Inn (Skokie) as we talk about her new release, “Old Sky New,” and preview her upcoming show at Fitzgerald’s (3/28). Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most…

1
Long after Bush, guitarist Nigel Pulsford surprises with ‘Losing Track’ (Episode 934) 28:43

1M ago28:43

28:43

Guitarist Nigel Pulsford earned his reputation as a lead guitarist through his years in Bush. He was there through the “hitmaking years” for the band, performing on the first four albums (Sixteen Stone, Razorblade Suitcase, The Science of Things, Golden State). We talked at length about his recent(ish) solo album, “Losing Track” (streaming everywhe…

1
Episode #160 - Destroyer (3/6/24) 58:00

1M ago58:00

58:00

1
Car Con Blarney with THE TOSSERS (Episode 933) 24:41

1M ago24:41

24:41

It’s Car Con Blarney! Tony Duggins, Aaron Duggins and Mike Pawla joined us for a chat from Million Yen Studios on Chicago’s Northwest Side. (Thanks to Andy Gerber for the hospitality.) In advance of the Tossers’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Metro. The show’s happening on Saturday 3/16 with openers Scott Lucas & The Married Men, Totally C…

1
Cinephile Stephanie Sack shares cineplex alternatives for March (Episode 932) 17:45

1M ago17:45

17:45

Cinephile Stephanie Sack returns to the podcast to promote cool, non-mainstream, movie events for you to check out in March! Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube (@TheAlexRossArt) to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and celebrated creators. ****** I’m teaming up wit…

1
#Blessed: Liar’s Club introduces ‘Sunday Church’ (Episode 931) 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

Liar’s Club (1665 W. Fullerton) just kicked off “Sunday Church with Reverend Herb,” a weekly event aimed at “old schoolers, Sunday day drinkers, saints and sinners.” Returning favorite (and LIar’s Club owner) Herb Rosen joined me just as the first event was kicking off to talk about what’s in store at Liar’s Club for future Sundays. In short, you n…

1
Episode #159 - Child of the Wild Blue Yonder (2/28/24) 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

1
I:Scintilla singer Brittany Bindrim goes solo with ‘Vellela Velella’ (Episode 930) 22:54

2M ago22:54

22:54

Darkpop, darkwave, electropop artist Brittany Bindrim joins me to talk about her first-ever solo album, “Velella Velella” (out March 8). As we eat tacos from La Traspasada in Avondale, we also talk about: Brittany’s non-music hobbies Why the members of I:Scintilla won’t be bothered or distracted by Brittany’s solo effort. This is Brittany's first t…

1
Catching up with superstar Tiffany (Episode 929) 30:08

2M ago30:08

30:08

Tiffany’s one of my favorite people to interview, and I was delighted to catch up with her after her recent show at Austin’s Fuel Room in Libertyville. We talked a lot about her approach to club shows, which I told her makes me uncomfortable. We also talk about her run as the Eiffel Tower in the UK version of the Masked Singer, her current music tr…

1
Episode #158 - Acid on the Dancefloor (2/21/24) 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

1
Sybris at DMen Tap (Episode 928) 32:36

2M ago32:36

32:36

Chicago favorites Sybris have returned! I’m joined outside DMen Tap (2849 W. Belmont Ave.) by all four members of the band: Angela Mullenhour (vocals, guitar) Phil Naumann (guitar) Shawn Podgurski (bass) Clayton DeMuth (drums) We talk about their soon-to-be-released, many-years-delayed, third album, “Gold on Hold,” as well as their upcoming show wi…

1
Episode #157 - Electric Love (2/14/24) 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

1
Rami Atassi brings eclectic sounds and influence to Forest Park (Episode 927) 23:16

2M ago23:16

23:16

Chicago Magazine says Rami Atassi’s music shows an “eclectic range of influences—desert guitar, jazz, Tropicália, samba, Arabic folk music, and Afrobeat.” And it’s true: Rami is one of a kind, making truly unique world-flavored music. Rami met me at Gene & Jude’s to talk about his sound, his group (the Cosmic Dance Band) and his upcoming show at Ro…

1
Episode #156 - The Real Thing (2/7/24) 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

1
Meet ‘first listen’ Chicago band Friko (Episode 926) 20:40

2M ago20:40

20:40

Friko was a “first listen” band for me… a band that’s pop smart, experimental, noisy, contemplative, bombastic and shoegazy… sometimes within the same 4-5 minute song. And the vocals… oh man. Niko Kapetan (vocals/guitar) of Friko joins me for Thai food from Thai Lagoon in Wicker Park. We get into the debut Friko full-length album (“Where We’ve Been…

1
From Juiceboxxx to Rustbelt: John Chiaverina (Episode 925) 23:59

3M ago23:59

23:59

I’m joined by John Chiaverina (FKA Juiceboxxx), as his new project, Rustbelt, is taking off. I met the Milwaukee-based star at an appropriately “Wisconsin” locale: A Milwaukee Culver’s parking lot. Discussed in this episode: *Why John moved away from his Juiceboxxx past, and whether there were any challenges with introducing a new concept. *The new…

1
Episode #155 - Original Sin (1/31/24) 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

1
Smashed Plastic celebrates 5th anniversary of pressing vinyl in Chicago (Episode 924) 23:13

3M ago23:13

23:13

Car Con Carne is officially part of the Q101 Podcast Network! I make the announcement during the first few minutes of the show; but to reiterate, it’s nice to be home. I’m joined for this episode by Andy Weber and Steve Polutnik of Smashed Plastic, as they celebrate their fifth year of making records in Chicago. We grabbed slices for the chat, whic…

1
Episode #154 - Love and Anarchy (1/24/24) 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

1
Rob Dickinson of Catherine Wheel - ARCHIVE INTERVIEW (Episode 923) 8:54

3M ago8:54

8:54

This episode is a dive into my archives; no car or food for this one. Instead, I’m sharing a chat with Rob Dickinson of Catherine Wheel. Catherine Wheel delivered five full lengths in their day, starting with Ferment in 1992 and wrapping up with Wishville in 2000. Back in August 2006, Catherine Wheel frontman Rob Dickinson joined me for a chat when…

1
Celebrity chefs collab with Piece Pizzeria & Brewery for PAWS (Episode 922) 26:20

3M ago26:20

26:20

Bill Jacobs (Owner, Piece Pizzeria & Brewery) returns to the show to talk about Piece’s Slice To Meet You pizza collaboration benefit for PAWS Chicago. Every time you order one of their celebrity chef featured pizzas, $50 gets donated to PAWS Chicago. With featured collaborations with Stephanie Izard and Rick Bayless waiting in the wings, Bill and …

1
Episode #153 - Can’t Believe We’re Here (1/17/24) 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

1
Legendary blues DJ Tom Marker talks Harlem Avenue Lounge benefit at Fitzgerald’s (Episode 921) 22:34

3M ago22:34

22:34

Tom Marker’s been playing the blues on Chicago radio since 1975. He’s probably best known for his time on-air at WXRT radio, where he hosted the “Blues Breakers” specialty show for close to 40 years. These days, you can listen to Tom weekly on “Blues Time with Tom Marker,” Saturdays 7-9 p.m. on WDCB. Tom will be the emcee for “A Blues Benefit for H…

1
Last minute guest/podcast MVP: Dr. Daryl Wilson of the Bollweevils (Episode 920) 31:16

3M ago31:16

31:16

Sunday, January 14 in the Chicago area was, by all accounts, miserable. The windchill dipped well below zero and it was the kind of day where no one wanted to leave the warmth of their home. I had a rescheduled podcast interview planned for the afternoon; so, weather be damned, I was going to make the trip to the west suburbs to get it done. Unfort…

1
Episode #152 - Stars Will Lead the Way (1/10/24) 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

1
‘Chair’ comes off the bench for Sister Soleil (Episode 919) 26:55

3M ago26:55

26:55

This episode marks the return of Sister Soleil (Stella Katsoudas). Back in the mid-late 90s, Sister Soleil exploded on the Chicago scene, selling out shows (and thousands of copies of the independent release “Drown Me In You”) A major label run for Stella followed, with two albums released by Universal. Neither captured the spirit, soul (pun uninte…

1
Everclear (Episode 918) 27:37

3M ago27:37

27:37

Art Alexakis of Everclear joins me for a special episode of Car Con Carne. Everclear returns to the greater Chicago area for two shows at the end of January: Thursday, January 25: Des Plaines Theatre Friday, January 26: Arcada Theatre I’ve interviewed Art a handful of times since my early Q101 days, dating back to the “Sparkle and Fade” era. What I…

1
Episode #151 - Less Than Zero (1/3/24) 58:00

3M ago58:00

58:00

1
Pop-punk vets go power-pop: Hot Alice (Episode 917) 19:04

4M ago19:04

19:04

This episode was recorded outside Doctor Dogs in Roselle (Note: do not trust Doctor Dogs in the event of a medical emergency; please contact an actual doctor if you need immediate help). I’m joined by ¾ of Hot Alice: Chris Pagnani - Drums Chris Rogner - Vox & Guitar Tim Rogner - Vox & Guitar We talk about their history in the scene (the guys are ex…

1
Episode #150 - The Fab 14 of 2023 (12/27/23) 58:00

4M ago58:00

58:00

1
Looking for non-mainstream movies in January? Cinephile Stephanie Sack has recommendations (Episode 916) 20:40

4M ago20:40

20:40

Burnt out on the same menu of Wonka/Aquaman/etc. currently playing at the local cineplex? Returning guest and known cinephile Stephanie Sack highlights non-traditional January options, specifically focused on the Music Box Theatre’s “Giallo January”: January 1 -- House of Psychotic Women January 8 -- Closed Circuit January 13 -- Blow Out January 15…

1
Wrong War at BuckleDown Brewing (Episode 915) 23:21

4M ago23:21

23:21

Pat Keenan from the band Wrong War and Ike Orcutt, Head Brewer/Owner of BuckleDown Brewing, jumped in my car for a fun chat focused on music and beer (naturally). See Wrong War at BuckleDown (8700 47th St. Lyons, IL 60534) on January 12. Also appearing: Bed Maker, The Mons and Deep Tunnel Project! Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit …

1
‘I Don’t Wanna Go Fest’ curated by Speed Babes (Episode 914) 13:25

4M ago13:25

13:25

Speed Babes are celebrating their ninth anniversary as a band by curating the upcoming “I Don’t Wanna Go Fest” at Reed’s Local (1/4/24-1/7/24). The four nights are stacked, including sets from: Daarling / Heet Deth / Watermelon / Precocious Neophyte / Repent / Nightfreak / Voidclass / Miniskirt / Damage Dames / Jurassic Kong / Tuff Sudz / 96 Cougar…

1
Episode #149 - Holiday Extravaganza 2023 (12/20/23) 58:00

4M ago58:00

58:00

1
The Usuals rev up for new music in 2024 (Episode 913) 8:42

4M ago8:42

8:42

I got caught up with the Usuals before their Punk Rock Tacos performance in December, 2023. They talked about their new album, which is ready to go, the “Godspeed” tribute album, and “the royal weeeee.” Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit Alex Ross on YouTube to keep up to date with one of the comics industry's most important and cel…

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