Ken Draznik and Jimmy Wald from The Vertebrats & The Surly Bells
Manage episode 392885864 series 2949287
Welcome to 2024 and our 40th episode everyone! We're so happy to be talking with Ken Draznik and James Wald from one of our favorite bands of all-time, The Vertebrats from Champaign, IL. We talk about how these guys got together with Matt Brandabur and Roy Axford and helped create a vibrant DIY music scene in Champaign-Urbana. We also talk about how their short 3-year career created a legion of fans that have continued to love them and influenced a generation of C-U bands. In recent times, Kenny and Jimmy have recorded music as The Surly Bells and are looking for an avenue to release their new music.
Time stamps:
2:25: How did you get into music?
7:45: When do the two of you meet?
9:40: Jimmy did you see this as an opportunity to get in the band?
14: Did playing Mabel's as frequently as you did help increase your musical output?
18: Was it always your goal to play original music?
22:35: Were there other Champaign bands that you were fans of?
25: Why did we stop after 3 years?
30: What brings you back together to make music together again?
33:40: If you'd gotten a record deal, would that have extended the life of the band?
38: Why isn't your music on streaming?
44: What are your aspirations for The Surly Bells?
54: Thick or thin crust pizza fans?
56: Do you have a favorite Chicago venue?
61: When you think of a Chicago band, what bands come to mind?
63: What is your go to cheap drink?
64: Anything you'd like to plug on your way out the door?
65: Thoughts on Jeff Evans
50 episodes