The MC Lars Podcast

This week, MC Lars delves into the vibrant world of video game music, with a particular focus on the groundbreaking Commodore 64 computer system from the 1980s. Joining him is Cowboy Coder, a contemporary musician profoundly influenced by the chiptune sounds of the era. Throughout their conversation, they explore the innovative and iconic characteristics of the Commodore 64, especially its revolutionary sound chip, the SID, which allowed for intricate music and sound effects. Cowboy Coder elaborates on the significant resurgence of the chiptune genre in modern times, especially within the indie gaming scene and electronic music, and the influence this has had on his new EP "Stardust." This collection serves as both an homage to the C64 era and a testament to the enduring legacy of its music, bridging the gap between the nostalgic past and the innovative present. Special Guest: Cowboy Coder.

In this episode of the MC Lars Podcast, Lars and Snax sit down with the legendary Esham to delve into his latest album, "Purgatory". With a career spanning over three decades, Esham, the pioneer of Acid Rap, remains a dynamic force in hip-hop. The hosts explore the connections between his new album and Dante's "Divine Comedy", discuss the evolution of Hip-Hop culture through Esham's lens, and touch on his collaborations with Psychopathic Records. They also get a sneak peek into his upcoming projects. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of hip-hop's most influential and enigmatic artists! Special Guests: Esham and MC Snax.

For today's episode, I catch up with my old friend Brandon Patton to talk about the early years of nerdcore, his solo career, and how fatherhood has altered his perspective. We also talk about Seattle, the pandemic, his time opening for MC Frontalot, and how being in a headlining artist's band can be both easier and harder than touring as a solo artist. We talk about his game design and how he balances obligations with hobbies. An awesome talk - thanks Brandon! As I finish up my new album, the podcast will be in hiatus but we will resume soon. Thank you everyone for your continued support! Special Guest: Brandon Patton.

An interview with my former kindergarten classmate Trevor Parham, who I also attended high school with for one year. We talk about his time at Penn, and his work with Oakstop and the Oakland Black Business Fund. We reminisce about the time he let me borrow his breakbeat record and how our careers have had a few surprisingly similarities. An awesome interview with an inspiring man, thanks Trevor! http://oakstop.com https://oaklandblackbusinessfund.org Special Guest: Trevor Parham.

I met Ceschi Ramos briefly when he played a show after mc chris, Mega Ran, Adam WarRock and me in Brooklyn in 2011. Since then we have crossed paths at SXSW and most recently at a benefit for the late rapper Alias and his family. This week on the podcast, we realize we both have shared memories of growing up in the Bay Area, the Oakland A's and the Simpsons. An awesome interview with a fantastic musician, thanks Ceschi! Special Guest: Ceschi.

This week on the podcast, I catch up with Devo Spice (Tom Rockwell) to talk about his work with Dr. Demento, his love of the Fat Boys, and the FuMP. We also talk about fatherhood, YouTube, and what drives to keep being so prolific. He talks about the early days of the internet, and what may have been one of the first ever compilations by internet artists, the "alt.rap.unsigned.tape". An awesome interview with a legend in both the comedy and rap scenes, thanks Devo! Special Guest: Devo Spice.

An interview with litigation attorney Scott Sholder, of Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard. We talk about misconceptions about fair use, memes, and the future of copyrights in a post-COVID world. We also talk about his love for black metal, and I ask him some novel questions about what happens to a band's trademark when its members murder each other. An intriguing conversation with a brilliant young lawyer, thanks Scott! Special Guest: Scott Sholder.

Juggalo YouTuber ChildsPlayNinja is no stranger to controversy.  This week on the podcast, we talk about how he built his popular YouTube channel, the origins of his Insane Clown Posse fandom, and his thoughts on a possible Dark Lotus reunion.  We also talk about the time he visited the office building of ICP’s protégés Twiztid, and what happened when he live-streamed the event.  He shares his knowledge of how to navigate YouTube’s new algorithm and his future plans for his channel.  Thanks CPN! Special Guest: ChildsPlayNinja.

Following a disagreement with their mentors Insane Clown Posse, Twiztid started Majik Ninja Entertainment, a move that led to an acrimonious split and years of public feuding. George Vlahakis got his start working with ICP and booking the Gathering of the Juggalo, later helping Twiztid start their own label and launch Astronomicon, their annual pop culture convention in Michigan. This week on the podcast, Vlahakis talks about his philosophies on branding. business and what it takes to grow an underground horrrocore label in the shadow of a pop culture institution like Insane Clown Posse. Thanks George! An awesome interview. Special Guest: George Vlahakis.

An interview with DJ Clay, known to the Juggalos as Insane Clown Posse’s DJ. He talks about his early memories of falling in love with music, what he learned working with ICP, and his new hot sauce. He also talks about getting and recovering from COVID-19 and AR Entertainment’s upcoming projects. We talk about what it’s like recording in the studio during quarantine, and how he works to make sure he gets the best songs and performances he can from his artists. An awesome interview! Special Guest: DJ Clay.

I met Theosyn through Hand Job Academy's Clara Bizna$$, when we met at one of her shows after she started playing solo gigs. Brad and I would later collaborate on many projects, including our parodies and "The Dewey Decibel System" with Mega Ran. This week on the podcast, we talk about the early years of mp3.com, his time at RIT and how he linked with underground rap legends Cannibal Ox. We also talk about how he balances his production work for others with his solo material, as well as how he compartmentalizes his side hustles. Thanks Brad! Special Guest: Theosyn.

I discovered Baltimore's Height Keech in 2006 through Grand Buffet, a Pittsburgh rap duo known for their over-the-top live shows and tours with Wesley Willis and Grand Buffet, This week on the podcast, Height and I discuss sample clearing, how COVID may change the industry, and how his group Shark Tank scored a gold single in Canada. We also talk about the history of the Baltimore "think break" and how this helped to define the sound of electronic Maryland music. I also learn he had some guest verses on one of my favorite records from the early 00s, Cex's "Tall, Dark & Handcuffed". Be sure to check out Height's new record "Wild Height Keech". Thanks Height! Special Guest: Height Keech.

This week, I catch up with Minnesota’s MC EVOL, who was the first student in the MC Lars Lit-Hop Academy. We talk about how we linked, how writing has been therapeutic, and how her literary and engineering background helped her become a rapper and producer. We also talk about how she discovered nerdcore, and what it has been like being enrolled in the MC Lars Lit-Hop Academy for over a year. We debut our new song, “COVID Express”, featuring Mike Russo and Ash Tell Em and talk about how we came up with our first collaboration. Be sure to follow MC EVOL’s work here: https://mcevolnation.com Special Guest: MC EVOL.

Matt Furie and I linked after I wrote a song about his Boy's Club comic, which he posted on his Tumblr a few years ago. We caught up to talk about his new book "Mindviscosity", as well as fatherhood and other upcoming creative projects. I learned about his love for the Cure, how Venice Beach inspired him to create his early famous characters, and about his collaborative relationship with his wife. We also discuss his wide range influences, from Hieronymus Bosch to Martin Hanford, and how he is able to stay positive during the pandemic. Thanks Matt! Special Guest: Matt Furie.

This week on the podcast, I talk to Renaissance man Richie Branson about his career in both music and marketing. When it comes to the intersection of late capitalism and new media econimics, Branson talks about how being "extreme" content is the only way to gain traction. He also talks about the time mc chris kicked out a fan for making fun of Richie on Twitter, and the repercussions of this for both Branson and chris. We talk about the origin of his name, his new album, and fatherhood. A wonderful interview with a brillaint dude, thanks Richie! Special Guest: Richie Branson.

This week, our format is a little bit different! Schäffer and I pay tribute to Tom Scharpling and Jon Wurster’s classic "Rabid B. Hatchetman" WFMU "Best Show" episode. We listened to this perfect gem of comedy countless times on our February tour and decided to do our own spin on the dup's amazing 2009 radio bit on the Insane Clown Posse, the Juggalos, and the Gathering. Special guest appearance by MC Snax, where we talk about our Hatchet Chat YouTube series and why we've both found Detroit's most famous rap duo so endlessly appealing. Thank you Snax and Schäffer! Special Guests: MC Snax, Rabid B. Hatchetman, and Schäffer the Darklord.

This week on the podcast, LEX the Lexicon Artist and I talk about her time studying at UC Berkeley, her childhood, and why she started rapping. We also talk about how sexism in nerdcore and how fan interactions can be difficult when fans are drinking or not reading social cues. We discuss the differences between the Bay Area and New York, and talk about how MAGFest helped open doors for LEX, as did her recent tour with mc chris. An interesting conversation with a young and intelligent rapper in the scene, thanks for being on the show LEX! Special Guest: LEX the Lexicon Artist.

This week on the podcast, anticon co-founder Sole (Tim Holland) and I talk about independent hip-hop in the early 2000s, how he helped build his brand, living in Maine, and being a father. We also talk about anarchism, permaculture, being a vegan and the time Jermaine Dupri tried to sign him. He talks about the effect the pandemic has had on his life and how the results of the 2020 election might bring us hope. An awesome interview with a prolific and inspiring friend, thank you Sole! Special Guest: Sole.

This week on the podcast, I talk to Coheed & Cambria drummer Josh Eppard for the third and final part of our epic three-part conversation. We talk about political centrism, anti-vaxxers, UFOs, and the role of record labels in 2020. We also talk about his upcoming project with Upgrade HipHop! We speculate on post-COVID touring and how the world has changed, but in some ways, has remained the same. We talk about the importance of not taking oneself too seriously and how not to get discouraged as an artist. Thanks Josh! Special Guest: Weerd Science.

This week on the podcast, I catch up with my friend Josh Eppad, who I performed with on my first ever Warped Tour in 2011. We talk about the details of sleep paralysis, how his band Coheed & Cambria has always had a sense of humor, and his "Red Light Juliet" trilogy. We also talk about the time when the Blood Brothers opened for Coheed, an innocuous compliment from Eppard sparked some unexpected controversy. Final Weerd Science episode coming next week! Special Guest: Weerd Science.