No Wristbands! We Drink For Free

Rob Miller co-founded Bloodshot Records in 1993 and ran the label until it was sold in 2021. He recently published a great new book, The Hours Are Long But the Pay is Low - A Curious Life in Independent Music. Rob joined us to talk about his history with Bloodshot and to share his thoughts on the book. We spent a lot of time talking about our mutual love for Chicago.You can find out more about Rob and his book at his website: www.robmillerwriting.comRob also has a couple of events coming up in April:Milwaukee event 4/15 - www.eventbrite.com/e/rob-miller-author-of-the-hours-are-long-but-the-pay-is-low-tickets-1982587294969?aff=oddtdtcreatorChicago event 4/16 - www.oldtownschool.org/classes/detail/?courseid=8056

Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy (and their musical friends) have definitely tapped into something with this "play R.E.M." thing. Mike & Jason originally started this exercise by playing album sets of some of their favorite artists like Neil Young, The Modern Lovers, The Smiths and more. But when they picked out Murmur by R.E.M. in 2023, the whole concept took off in a big way. After playing Fables of the Reconstruction last year, they are heading out on a big tour playing Lifes Rich Pageant. Both shows at the Metro in Chicago are sold out, but there are plenty of other dates available, including a September show at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago. Definitely worth checking them out!Time stamps3: How did the musical project come together?5:21: Are you a big R.E.M. fan?10: You got R.E.M. together!11:30: What part did Chicago play in getting this project going?15:30: What was the reception like as your project started taking off more and more?19: How did you enjoy Sky Blue Sky?21:08: There are parallels between acting and singing in a band, but in most cases, you aren't getting an immediate audience response, how do you feel about that difference?25: Have you had any insights into the difference between the four R.E.M. albums you've covered?30: Any stories from having spent time with the band?38: What else do you have going on aside from the upcoming show?

The first Art Brut album, Bang Bang Rock & Roll, came out in 2005. The buzz started slowly, but then Pitchfork gave it an 8.9 rating and things took off from there. Four more LP's followed from 2007 to 2018. We got a chance to talk with bandleader Eddie Argos about his musical career and his love for Chicago. Art Brut is touring this spring, playing that first record as well as a few more greatest hits. They hit the Subterranean in Chicago on April 15th.Time Stamps:2: What are some of your favorite musical memories from growing up?4: Did you always want to be in a band?5:30: How did you make your way to London?9:30: Is it odd for you to feel like the driving force, but you don't play an instrument?11:30: What was the original plan for Art Brut?12:30: The Pitchfork review - positive fallout from that review.16:40: When Bang Bang came out, did it feel like everything was falling into place, or was it more complicated than that?20:30: Did you feel internal pressure following up Bang Bang Rock & Roll?24:30: Are you feeling pressure and comparing yourself against your peers in the art-wave scene coming out of London?26:15: When recording the follow up are you the driving force telling people what your vision is and say we need to make this happen?27:35: Do you have any regrets or things you'd wished you'd done early during the early stages of the band?29:30: Did you feel like you had to keep going and couldn't afford to take any time off?30:25: Being a comic book fan, how has it impacted your music?32:11: How do you hook up with Frank Black?37:50: Art Brut is a band that a lot of musicians love, who are some artists that you have been surprised love your band?39:45: Talk to us about how your upcoming tour came together.42: What do you love about Chicago?45:23: Are there plans for any new music?46:10: What is your writing process like?47:20: Are you ever surprised by the bands that you've inspired?49: Thick or thin crust pizza?50:10: What is your favorite venue to play in Chicago?52:30: What do you think makes Chicago such a unique music scene?53:40: What is your go to cheap drink?54:50: Anything you want to plug on the way on out of here?

John Perrin is an incredible Chicago drummer and has toured or recorded with an impressive list of artists, including NRBQ, JD McPherson, Young Fresh Fellows, The Smoking Popes, Jake La Botz, Rodney Crowell, Jim Boggia, The Hushdrops and many more.We talk about how he got his first drum set at the age of two and played in his first band with his dad & brother at the age of ten. We also covered his love of record collecting, his incredible New Year's Eve experience and his love of Chicago.Time Stamps:1:40: What happened on New Years?9: How did you find your way into the Chicago music scene?16:22: Is it by choice that you tend to play with people older than you?21: NRBQ talk!25: Who wouldn't want to be friends with Scott McCaughey?28:50: Tell us your engagement story!32: Talk to us about the life of a session musician?41:20: You are about the experience - you want the spontaneity46: What is a dream project for you?65:25: Thick or thin crust pizza?66:40: Favorite venue to play a show and favorite venue to see a show at?68:14: What makes Chicago so unique as a music town?70:10: What is your go to cheap drink?72: What do we have going on over the next couple of months?

Dag Juhlin has done it all - well, almost all. He's been in too many bands to count & played with nearly everyone in the Chicago music community. The Slugs. Poi Dog Pondering. Sunshine Boys. Expo '76. Courtesy Patrol. Young Fresh Fellows. R.E.M. Tribute band. He'll most certainly be playing at a Chicago club near you very soon!!!Time stamps:3:13: When did you know you wanted to be a musician?10:17: Were The Slugs your first "real" band?14: What's your best Kenn Goodman story?16:27: There was a big Chicago DIY scene in the 80s. Who did you play with?18:30: How did you take to songwriting?24:30: Do you know what project you are writing for when you write a song?29: How did you make it into Jason Narducy's orbit?37:11: You reunited R.E.M.!41: Is it hard to set aside time for all your disparate activities?42:13: How did you end up in Poi Dog Pondering?52: Let's talk music docs!60:21: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?64:45: Favorite venue to see a show, and favorite venue to play?72:55: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?74: What is your go-to cheap drink?76: What do you want to plug on the way on out of here?

Miranda Winters grew up in Providence, RI - but she's all in on Chicago. She plays guitar and sings in Chicago noise rock quartet Melkbelly (along with her husband, Bart Winters). Her most recent project was the all-female band Mandy wich released the LP Lawn Girl last year. Look for Melkbelly out on tour in the next few months.Time stamps:1:30: What are some of your earliest musical memories?3:50: What were some of your gateway bands?5:30: At what age did you decide you wanted to be a musician?7: How and when do you get to Chicago?8:10: What were your first impressions of Chicago?10:12: How long did it take you to find your Chicago music community?15: What's it like working creatively with your husband?18: Talk to us about Mandy20: What is your creative process like?23: Is Melkbelly working on anything right now?27: What was it like being inside the hurricane as people were saying Melkbelly was blowing up at SXSW?30: Did you cry the first time you went to Electrical Audio?31:30: Song destroyers - how did you come upon that process? how does that process work?34: Has the reaction to the Mandy record surprised you at all?37:30: The two most recent Melkbelly songs are very different, how did these songs come to be?39: How long does the process usually take with recording?40:45: What makes the Chicago scene so special?43:35: Favorite place to play shows/see shows in Chicago?47:20: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?50:45: What are some Chicago bands that are near and dear to your heart?52:30: What is your go to cheap drink?54: What are you excited about coming up over the next couple of months?

Rick Sims and his new bandmates, Beanz Decatur and Billy Fury, share how this upcoming Riot Fest gig came about. The last Didjits gigs happened back in 2006 - so we are all in for a treat as the band gets ready to play Riot Fest on Friday 9/19 and the Empty Bottle on Sunday 9/21. Time Stamps:1:36 - Pavement & Didjits re-form - are The Smiths next?3:20 - How did the Riot Fest gig come together?5:30 - Beanz & Billy join the band.6:20 - How did Beanz & Billy get together?7:50 - Were Billy & Beanz familiar with the Didjits?8:55 - How did the practices go?12:36 - How long have you been practicing together?13:33 - How about playing Riot Fest?15:25 - How does it feel to be playing these songs after so long?16:35 - How will this compare to previous Didjits shows?18:45 - Excited to play the Empty bottle?19:35 - Is this a one-off or will there be more Didjits?21:02 - More Didjits music?23:45 - Strictly Dynamite response?27:20 - Is Brad Sims coming out for the shows?28:20 - What's on your "To Do" list when you're in Chicago?

Matt Walker has always wanted to play the drums. It was his first instrument and he took to it immediately. He's now made a wonderful career of it - playing in an amazing list of incredibly bands. Morrissey, Smashing Pumpkins, Filter, Garbage and more. His band, Cupcakes, put out a major label record, but broke up too soon. Nowadays, Matt puts out his own work as of1000faces. We talked about Matt's career, as well as his thoughts on Chicago.https://of1000faces.bandcamp.com/Time stamps:3:07: Was it always your intent to play drums, or did you learn something else and segway into drums?4:21: Who were some of your earliest drumming influences?6:51: Did you learn anything from your dad about listening to music critically?10:52: At what point do you start to expand your music playing from the blues scene into more rock type acts?15:16: What was that band that clicked for you that you played in?17: How do you get tapped to audition for Filter/what is an audition like?21:30: You enter The Smashing Pumpkins at a super tumultuous time, what is that tumult like?28:24: How quickly did you have to learn The Pumpkins songs before going on tour with them?35:15: What led to you leaving The Pumpkins?39:28: Tell us more about Cupcakes43: Did you take more ownership because this was your band?44:19: How do you get hooked into the Morrissey orbit?49:13: Is it stressful to be in a band with Morrissey?51: What is it like going in the studio with Morrissey?53: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?55:05: Favorite venue to see a show and favorite venue to play a show?56: What makes Chicago music scene unique?58: How did the of1000faces project come to be?59:48: What is your go to cheap drink?61:20: Anything you'd like to plug on the way on out of here?

Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have been writing about Chicago and music for a long time. Greg was the rock music critic at the Chicago Tribune from 1990 to 2020. Jim spent 15 years as the music critic at the Chicago Sun Times. Both have written several great books - Greg's published books include Wilco: Learning How to Die, I'll Take You There Mavis Staples and Ripped: How the Wired Generation Revolutionized Music. Jim's titles include Let It Blurt: The Life and Times of Lester Bangs, Staring at Sound: The True Story of Oklahoma's Fabulous Flaming Lips and Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly. But they may be best known for the long-running podcast Sound Opinions which celebrated its 1,000th episode in 2025. We loved getting the chance to talk shop with Jim & Greg about what it has been like to cover music for so long, how things have evolved over the years and what they like (and dislike) about Chicago. As a disclaimer - Jim's views on Chicago pizza are his alone and do not reflect the opinions of No Wristbands (and he's clearly wrong!). https://www.gregkot.com/https://jimdero.com/Time stamps:3: What's the biggest misconception people have about being music journalists?10: What are some of your greatest music discovery moments you've experienced in Chicago?14:30: What has changed throughout your time as being a music journalist?17:45: With the rise of online music publications, did that have any impact on how you wrote and/or talked about music?28: People should get paid to be music journalists.32: Who are some bands/artists from Chicago that you felt like never hit as big as they should have?35:25: What makes Chicago such a good and unique music scene?45: What keeps you going with Sound Opinions?48:44: Thick or thin crust pizza fans?51:45: What are some of your favorite venues to see shows at in Chicago?

Hell Yeah, we got Brendan Kelly from The Lawrence Arms on the show!! Chicago Punk Legend! We go deep into the history with one of Mark's all-time favorites. Slapstick, The Broadways, The Falcon, the Wandering Birds, The Lawrence Arms, Nihilist Arby's and so much more. We went a little long with this one because it's so fucking good. Enjoy it!Time Stamps:3:30: How you doing Brendan?5:30: Despot talk!10:19: What are some of your earliest music memories?13:30: Cool babysitter who was on SST17: Growing into liking punk rock via Reckless Records19: Gladhands and the start of Slapstick22: Is it weird for you for people to deify Slapstick, something you did so long ago?25:30: Cap'n Jazz/Slapstick crossover event27:52: You go from Slapstick to The Broadways30: Did your experience in The Broadways inform your time in The Lawrence Arms?33:45: How did you get your first Lawrence Arms album out on Asian Man Records?37:40: When I think of The Lawrence Arms, I think of The Fireside43:25: How long did it take to fill the void of The Fireside closing?45:23: Did any musicians take you under their wing as you were coming up?51:13: Has the process of how you create music changed over the years?53: When you write do you know what project it is for as you are writing?57: You were just on a song with Sincere Engineer. How do you try to help cultivate the next wave of Chicago musicians?64:06: You've seen a lot of Chicago bands, are there bands that you feel didn't get their due?66:18: What do you think has changed between when The Lawrence Arms were starting out and today?73:18: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?77: What makes the Chicago music scene unique?83:30: What other cities are big Lawrence Arms cities?86: What is your go-to cheap drink? Mark's L&L story93:30: Are you working on anything right now?

Stacey & Erik join us to talk over their plans for the fourth edition of fForest Fest in Morris, IL. They filled us in on the entire musical lineup, the move to two stages in 2025 and all the other great things to do in Goold Park - food trucks, cool vendor market and lots of green space to play. Bring the whole family out for a wonderful day of music and fun! Saturday, June 7th - gates open at noon. $10 cash at the gate (kids 5 and under are free).https://fforestfest.com/Time stamps:1:30: How did fforest fest 3 go?5:35: fforest fest is a true labor of love. how many stages do we have this year?7:12: Let's talk about our bands9:45: We are getting Pet Needs!16:21: Make sure you remember your ID - story time!23: Make sure you buy merch!27:33: Sponsors to thank31:21: What's your favorite thing about running fforest fest?33:30: Inside tip - Liam Kyle Cahill and Kasey Christensen are playing a bar in town the day after fforest fest

Mario Cannamela (vocals & guitars) joins us to talk about his Chicago-based band Bottom Bracket. Originally formed in Springfield, IL, the band released their first EP Dreamland in 2017. Near the end of 2021, Mario said "fuck it" and moved to Chicago. Along with Tim Recio (bass/vocals) and Rob Diaz (drums), the band released their fantastic second LP, I'm So Afraid Of Where on Count Your Lucky Stars Records in November of 2024. We talked with Mario about all of that, plus so much more - including his thoughts about our wonderful city of Chicago. Time stamps:2:23: How are you doing today Mario?5: When did you get your first guitar?9:30: Fuck it! Let's move to Chicago! How did you meet Rob and Tim?12:25: Tapping is in a lot of your songs, how do you utilize it?14:51: Did you feel like you were making the leap when recording I Am So Afraid of Where?17:30: How do you think Chicago has influenced the band?20:44: Do you feel like you belong in Chicago?22:11: What is your creative process like?23:41: Do you write with a theme in mind?26:35: How did the everything come together with the record and label?28:43: Do you have a song on the record you are most proud of?'32: What do the next six months look like for the band?33: Who were some of your gateway bands in the emo universe?39: How did the Subt show come together?41:30: The bike is a significant thing for the band, and you like riding, where do you like to ride in Chicago?43:20: Thin crust or deep dish pizza fan?45:19: Favorite venue to play/see shows at?47: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?50: How has the response to the new album been?51: What have you been listening to lately?52:45: What is your go to cheap drink?54:30: Anything to plug on the way on out of here?

Born in Memphis is 1974, Cory Branan has been releasing albums since The Hell You Say in 2002. He released three great records on Chicago's Bloodshot Records - Mutt, The No-Hit Wonder and Adios) and his most recent LP (his 6th overall) is the excellent When I Go I Ghost in 2022. Many of his musician friends - Jason Isabel, Brian Fallon, Laura Jane Grace, Craig Finn, Jody Stephens, Ben Nichols, Sadler Baden & more - have appeared on his records. We talked with him about all of that, about his songwriting process, his Chicago experiences and his upcoming tour with his buddy Chuck Pagan. Enjoy!Time Stamps:2: Was it hard for you to have Rollingstone rewrite your history naming you a best new artist over 10 years into your career?7:25: How did you find John Prine? What stands out to you about him?13:50: When listening to a great songwriter, are you able to enjoy it, or are you analyzing it?17:45: What is your creative process like now?20:30: How does your OCD impact your writing?24: How do you choose who you work with?28:30: Being from Memphis, is it surreal to play with Lucero and Jody Stephens?53:15: Did Bloodshot Records end up paying you?53:45: Deep dish or thin crust?55:30: Favorite venue to play in Chicago?58:40: What makes Chicago a unique music city?61:30: What is your go to cheap drinks?62:23: Anything you'd like to plug on the way on out of here?

Matt Spiegel is a music guy. His bands have included Brother Brother (a 10-piece funk band with his brother Jon), Tributosaurus and Sonic45 (with Len Kasper) and has recorded a 3-song 7" with Steve Albini. He was the producer for Sound Opinions with Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis. He's also a huge baseball fan and in his spare time he works as a sports radio talk show host at 670 The Score. We talked with Matt about his love of music and Chicag and more. Time Stamps:3:20: Where'd you grow up?7: Working in a record store and turning people on to Pavement10: What was the first rock band you played in that made you want to make it your career?13:30: Any chance of Brother Brother playing together again?17:20: When did you decide that music wasn't going to be your long term career?19: Tales from Sound Opinions24: How did you get involved with Sound Opinions?26:45: How did Tributosaurus come together?33:04: How much time is there between the idea being formed and when you perform that band's music?37:24: Is there a band you want to do that you haven't done yet?40:40: Do you have imposter syndrome with being a musician while doing radio work?43:30: Do you enjoy something more when it is an avocation versus a vocation?45: Is there a secret text chain amongst Chicago sportscasters about their music projects?48:13: Why are there so many sports people in Chicago who love music?51:28: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?62:15: What's your favorite place to play in Chicago, and where's your favorite place to see a show?65:51: Thin crust or deep dish?69: What have you been listening to lately?76:35: Your go to cheap drink?79: What would you like to plug on the way on out of here?

Peter Jesperson has had an incredible career in music. Initially inspired by watching The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, Peter took a job at legendary record store Oar Folkjokeopus in 1973 and became the primary DJ at Jay's Longhorn in 1977. He was a co-founder of Twin / Tone Records the following year. Along the way, Paul Westerberg dropped off the famous demo tape for The Replacements. Peter eventually became the manager for the 'Mats and spent time of the road with R.E.M. After overcoming some personal issues (he's now been 33 years sober!), Peter moved to LA and worked with New West Records and with artists like Vic Chesnutt, Jack Logan, The Flatlanders and many more. Most recently, he has written a fabulous new book, Euphoric Recall. We talked about his life and threw in some Chicago stories. Thanks for listening!Time Stamps:2:45: What was the impetus to write your book/how do you even start?4: What is the arc of putting your life's work to paper?9:15: When did you decide you wanted to make music your life?12: You got your start at Oar Folkjokeopus, that had to have helped, right?19:44: How did the founding on Twin/Tone Records come about?26: Are streaming services a good thing? Is the lower barrier of entry a good thing?31: Tell us about meeting Paul Westerberg41:45: When did you know The Replacements were going places?50: What is it like trying to manage The Replacements?53: What do you think separates Midwestern scenes versus more coastal cities?60: How did The Replacements find out about The Vertebrats?64: You've worked with some pretty successful bands, as they are on the way up, what is that ride like?70:45: Did the success of R.E.M. bother/impact Paul and The Replacements?82:45: Any thoughts on why Paul Westerberg wasn't more successful as a solo artist?87:30: Has anything surprised you about the reception to Euphoric Recall?95:40: Thick or thin crust pizza?96: Do you have a favorite venue in Chicago?96:20: What do you think makes Chicago a unique music scene/city?98: Any music that will make your end of the year best of list?101:38: What is your go to cheap drink?102:20: Anything you'd like to plug on the way on out of here?

Mike Maples started Liquid Mike in 2021. In that short time, the band has already put out five albums of songs - including their most recent one, Paul Bunyan's Slingshot. Hailing from Marquette, Michigan (that's the Upper Peninsula, folks), Mike balances his job as a mailman with writing a ton of songs, playing guitar, singing and touring. You can check them out in Chicago at Concord Music Hall on 12-11-2024.Time Stamps:2:20: So many different ways to describe your music, how do you describe Liquid Mike's sound?4: Is the shortened length of songs inspired by any musicians?9:30: When did you start playing guitar and writing your own songs?13:45: How has the relative geographic isolation of living in the U.P. impacted your music?16:31: What was it like to be out on your first big tour?19: How is your first Chicago show at Riot Fest?21:13: Have you been approached by any labels?23:30: Are there other great bands playing in the U.P.?28: What was it like when your music started blowing up?31:40: Are you intentional about not being intentional about your use of social media?38: How did your upcoming tours come together?44:10: How many times have you been to Chicago?45: Deep dish or thin crust pizza?49: What does Chicago music mean to you?51:33: Did you stick around Riot Fest and check out any bands?54:08: What is your go-to cheap drink?58: Anything else you want to plug on the way on out of here?

Very excited to welcome Elizabeth Moen to the show! Originally from Iowa, she now calls Chicago home. Her self-titled first album was released in 2016 and her latest, Live at Lincoln Hall came out earlier this year. She's working on a new one with Spencer Tweedy producing. We talk about that, as well as her story about meeting Eddie Vedder, her current tour with Jeff Tweedy and her love for Bruce Springsteen's music. She also has a new single out in advance of her big show at the Empty Bottle on 11/16. As always, we talk about her thoughts on Chicago!Tickets for the Empty Bottle show on 11/16 --https://www.ticketweb.com/event/elizabeth-moen-family-junket-empty-bottle-tickets/13606304Time stamps:2: Elizabeth is in Woodstock6:18: What was the first song that you felt like you mastered?9:22: Was your amazing voice evident early on?15: Please share your story about meeting Eddie Vedder!18:30: Tell us about the first open mic in Iowa City. Is there a scene in IC?20: Was Chicago always on your radar in terms of where you wanted to move?23: Spencer Tweedy is producing Elizabeth's next album28:21: How close is the band to who appeared on your live album?30:45: How do you balance going out alone versus having the band together?34: Are you more collaborative in the music process or do you drive what is created?38: Do you want to do it all, or do you think you'd be more successful if you stuck to one type of music?41:17: Are you playing any of the new songs on tour, how has tour been going so far?43: Do you feel like you are learning anything watching Jeff Tweedy perform every night?48: What is it about Bruce that you like, and what's your favorite Springsteen album?55:21: Thin crust or deep dish?58: What is your favorite show to see a show at, and what is your favorite venue to play in Chicago?67:45: What makes Chicago such a unique music city?72:20: What is your go to cheap drink?78:18: What else do you want to plug on your way out?

Ian Robinson has been performing as Black Guy Fawkes for almost ten years now. He joins us on the podcast to talk about his musical journey, meeting Frank Turner, his challenges as a black artist and the battle to maintain positive mental health. Ian is working on a new album and also has a great podcast called "Fawkes & Friends". He'll be playing the Color Club in Chicago in October.Time stamps:2: What was your introduction to music, when did you decide music was going to be your thing?6:41: What is the scene like on Cumberland?8:44: How do you overcome a scene where you don't necessarily feel like you belong in?11:37: How difficult is it to get together and plan a tour?14: Do you take your new friends in stride, or is it like what the fuck is going on?17:15: How do you handle the highest of highs and then the lowest of lows?20: How have your musical influences inspired you as a songwriter and performer?22:40: Being a black musician in a music scene that's not thought of as a traditionally black genre, does that present challenges to you, do you feel extra pressure being black in that scene?28:44: How surreal was it meeting Frank Turner? How cool did you play it?33:45: Are we working on any new music?37: Tell us about Fawkes & Friends42: What can someone expect at one of your shows?44: PNOTS and Black Guy Fawkes at Color Club in Chicago on 10/4!45:50: Deep dish or thin crust?47: Where did you play when you've played in Chicago?47:30: What do you think makes Chicago a unique music scene?49:35: What's your go to cheap drink?51:45: What else would you like to plug on the way on out of here?55: What's your favorite Bob album?

It's our 50th episode! Time for a celebration!We are very pleased to have Abby Monroe and Josh Dihle on the show for our 50th. Abby and Josh are the owners of Color Club, a Chicago venue that hosts an eclectic array of events. In 2020, they purchased the building on Elston Avenue that previously was home to the Chicago Latvian Association. Their intention was to create "a gathering space for Chicago's creative community." We talk about how they have done just that - hosting all sorts of events - poetry, dance, art, music and more. And, of course, we talk about how they came to open "The Sugar Hole" - the world's only puppet powered ice cream walk-up window. And they also tell us what they love about Chicago.We like the space so much that we our hosting our 50th episode celebration party at Color Club in September. Email us if you need an invite!Time Stamps:2:07: How and when did we decide we wanted to take on this experiment?5: How haunted is Color Club?6:15: What are some of the learnings you have found in working together over the past couple of years?7:30: How did people react to your ideas for the space?9: What is the process like for renting space at Color Club?12:30: What is a typical day in the life like for you?14: Walk us through buying the space right as Covid was starting.17:31: Have there been any moments where you've felt like you were in over your head?20: What are some of the oddest ideas people have presented to you?25: How did you come up with the name Color Club?29: What does the future of Color Club look like several years down the line?30: How do you find the balance between being a couple and being coworkers?32:45: Do the two of you consider yourself music fans?34: Do you have a dream event to host at Color Club?36: What about Chicago makes it such a good art scene?38: Deep dish or thin crust pizza?40: Favorite venues to see art at in the city?42:30: What do the next six months look like for Color Club?

John Mohr and Mike Greenlees have been playing music together for a long time. They first got together in Dekalb, Illinois at Northern Illinois University in 1983 with the band Blatant Dissent. In 1988, they transitioned to the post-hardcore band Tar, based in Chicago. And now, in 2024, they've released a fantastic new album with their latest quartet, Deep Tunnel Project, with Jeff Dean and Tim Midyett. We talked with John and Mike about how this all happened - and shared our mutual love of Chicago!Time stamps:3: How did you meet?8: how would you describe the career of Blatant Dissent? 9:10: was there a conversation where you decided to keep making music full time?12: how did you end up on Touch & Go?17:30 how did the decision to end Tar come about?18:30: how did you start working with Steve Albini?25:22: how did it go from Tar to Deep Tunnel Project?31: at what point do you bring in other people to play with you?33: why was it important to you to have Chicago musicians?42: was it the intention to always put out an album?44: is there a song on the album that you feel is the most representative of the band?47:45: favorite song to play from the album?50: how did you end up on Comedy Minus One?51:30: what’s the response been like to the record?55: what are the next steps for Deep Tunnel Project?62:40: deep dish or thin crust pizza?64: favorite venue to play at?67:40 what makes Chicago such a unique music scene?72:38: go to cheap drink?74:40: anything to plug on the way out?