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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 *…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

Saturday January 20 sees a fantastic double bill of independent local headliners at Thalia Hall. Marina City and Night Spice top the bill, with Muted Color and Grayson Dewolfe also performing. Joining me for this episode are Kevin Singleton of Night Spice and Ryan Argast of Marina City. Ryan and Kevin talked a lot about their years of knowing each …

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 celebrated creators. The members of the Run Around jumped in the car before performing at Punk Rock Tacos in Villa Park. It had been over three years since we last chatted, so we took the opportunity to get…

Robin Taylor Zander (Cheap Trick) joins me for this episode to talk about his debut album, “The Distance.” The album’s a welcome and familiar mix of sounds. As Zander says on the album’s back cover: “You may hear something that reminds you of a different time or a different place… hopefully this record makes you feel a certain kind of way, whicheve…

Before the Queers headlined Punk Rock Tacos at Cemitas Poblanos, Joe Queer jumped in the car for an honest, unapologetic and fun interview. We talked about the benefits of being a touring band in the present day, the pros/cons of the internet, the joys of being a music fan, being a “glass half full” person, and building a live setlist on the fly. C…

John San Juan (Hushdrops, Josh Caterer) joins me for a chat in advance of his solo show happening December 29 at the Hideout (also featuring Outronaut and Depravos De La Mour). We talk about the status of Hushdrops (all systems go!), newly-recorded music, Spinal Tap, John’s potentially-AI-created band member, and the Hushdrops “hit” that may not ma…

This year-end retrospective 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 celebrated creators. With the year winding down, we’re taking a look back on some of 2023’s highlights, including your “top ten” interviews (as voted in a recent online survey). Literally ever…

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 celebrated creators. The Claudettes return for a Chicago show at Old Town School of Folk Music on Saturday, December 9. See the band that the Minneapolis Star-Tribune described as “A skewed cabaret band of …

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 celebrated creators. It’s been decades … literal decades … since Woolworthy was an active band. Now, in 2023, they’ve returned with the guitar-driven power pop album, “Electric Heartbreak.” The release is l…

Capital Soiree headlines Subterranean on Black Friday (11/24/23). It’s one of the best deals you’ll find: Capital Soiree, Violet Crime, Pink Squeeze and Teen Blush for a reasonable $15. James Kourafas and Dean Sinclair from the band joined me to talk about the show, the band’s evolution and their excellent 2023 releases (including the recent single…

Mars Williams, the incredibly talented saxophonist best known for his work with Liquid Soul and Psychedelic Furs, was diagnosed with ampullary cancer just under a year ago. The cancer is awful, brutal and unforgiving, and his friends and collaborators are rallying behind him. Music for Mars is a benefit happening 11/25 at Metro, featuring Liquid So…

Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Support Alex at alexrossart.com, and be sure to follow his YouTube page! Blind Adam and the Federal League returns to the podcast on the heels of the release of the band’s third album, “The Fields We Know.” We met at Dante’s Pizzeria (3028 W. Armitage), and talked about the new release, activism, the upc…

Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Support Alex’s YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTPXeCUinfh6RDdmcn1co9g Robert Fleischman’s career has been fascinating. Most famously, he was brought in to be Journey’s lead singer as work started on the “Infinity” album. He was only in the band for five months, before he was replaced b…

Welcome to Episode 900, presented by Alex Ross Art. For this landmark moment, I hosted a roundtable of friends at Epic Deli (2616 Schaid Ct, McHenry, IL): Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer, Josh Caterer of Smoking Popes, Daryl Wilson of the Bollweevils and Tom Higgenson of Plain White Ts. As we eat each others’ signature sandwiches (an idea that cam…

Just as Chicago indie band Chicken Happen gets ready to release its fourth full-length (IV), Lilly Choi jumps in my car for hot dogs and a chat about the band and the new album. IV releases on 11/10. Make a point of seeing the band at SubT for the record release show! Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Subscribe to Alex’s YouTube channel,…

With Halloween fast approaching, I made a visit to the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb (135 North Second Street) to interview directors/cast members of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” “shadow cast.” I’m joined by Elliot Lubicz, Josh Chesser, and returning favorite Birdy Vee (of Chicago punk band Sweetie). We talk about why “Rocky Horror” continues to en…

All October long, Car Con Carne is featuring Halloween-related interviews and locations. This episode finds me back at 13th Floor Haunted House (5050 River Road, Schiller Park). Joining me for a trip through the haunt is returning guest Patrick Brower, co-owner of Challengers Comics + Conversation (1845 N. Western, Chicago). Patrick and I talk abou…

Get ready for a live event unlike anything else happening in Chicago this season: Sideshow Villains’ Deviant Cabaret is happening at Alhambra Palace (1240 W. Randolph) on Sunday, October 22. Described as “a mix of dance, circus, and cabaret acts designed to disturb and delight,” the show will feature Sideshow Villains as well as aerialists, a juggl…

Plus-sized Kiss tribute band Phat Kiss plays Livewire (3394 N. Milwaukee) Halloween night. Half the band joined me at Cobra Lounge to talk about the show, and everything relating to Kiss. Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Subscribe to Alex’s YouTube channel, and visit his website at alexrossart.com! Car Con Carne is also sponsored by In …

Cinephile/Giallo expert Stephanie Sack returns to Car Con Carne to talk about some Giallo events happening in Chicago during this Halloween season. The centerpiece of that list is a special appearance by “Suspiria” actress Barbara Magnolfi at Chicago’s horror-themed cafe, the Brewed. Ms. Magnolfi will be there on October 14 from noon to 5pm for sel…

Every year, Halloween fans scramble to find the perfect masks and costumes to represent themselves through Spooky Season. For decades, a local mask maker has been there for them. Zagone Studios in Melrose Park has been making handmade (!) masks since the mid-70s. Their business continues to grow and thrive, thanks to an innovative and creative spir…