In Weird Cities

Bit Brigade joins us to talk about what makes Athens, GA so artist-friendly. We also chat about classic NES games, video game performance art, the benefits of screen time (for kids and adults), and and how to create a life around the things you love. Bit Brigade's gamer Noah McCarthy is here with band mate Luke Fields (who also plays in Double Ferrari and We Versus The Shark), along with Joel Hatstat (of Cinemechanica and Pegasuses-XL). These conversations were recorded in May 2019, so it's a little blast from the pre-pandemic past. You can learn more and support the band at www.bitbrigade.com.

Here's something uplifting: In May 2019, I sat down with two young Athens rappers and learned about the power of hip hop in a 5th grade classroom and the inspiring force of a middle school step team. Linqua Franqua (a.k.a. County Commissioner Mariah Parker, a UGA Ph.D. candidate in language and literacy education) and Squalle (a.k.a. Torrance Wilcher, engineer and step coach) met through the Athens hip hop scene and have reached across genres to bring the entire Athens community together.

Last spring, I sat down with Bill Berry of R.E.M. in his country house outside of Athens, Georgia. We talked about his life, his favorite chef, and how his musical career began, way back in the 3rd grade. Bill shared some surprising thoughts about being a drummer and talked about the project he's working on now. Bill is the best. He is warm and kind, and he's a guru when it comes to staying safe at home. If you know an REM fan, you might want to pass this along and brighten their day.

Listen to the story of a city, as told by the musicians who live there. Writer and host Kara Zuaro introduces herself and mentions what's coming up next: A trip to Athens, Georgia with a visit to the home of Bill Berry of R.E.M.