White Reaper is a wonderful band you need to discover. We talked backstage at Riot Fest after their set on Day Three and discussed:

• The haunted areas of their hometown of Louisville.
• White Reaper supports the limbless.
• New White Reaper stuff on the way!
• The White Reaper sound.
• What's the role of the guitar in pop culture, moving forward.

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston

This week, it's two guests in one car: Joshua, owner of Passion House Coffee Roasters, and Justin and Emily from indie band Engines. We all met outside the Logan Square Passion House location and discussed:

• The house-made Passion House coffee syrups are phenomenal.
• "My State of Mind," the new charity cold brew done in collaboration with SocialWorks (Chance the Rapper's charity). It's light and really easy to drink.
• The Car Con Carne car is a safe space.
• How Joshua grew (and continues to grow) Passion House.
• The band's heads turned at the mention of "nearby head shop."
• Pinball is the best game ever.
• Engines band history.
• Emily's voice is awesome.
• The curious current status of Engines: "You're still a band, right?" There are some personnel questions.
• How does an independent coffee establishment like Passion House compete against all the other coffee choices out there?

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston

This week, it's two guests in one car: Joshua, owner of Passion House Coffee Roasters, and Justin and Emily from indie band Engines. We all met outside the Logan Square Passion House location and discussed:

• The house-made Passion House coffee syrups are phenomenal.
• "My State of Mind," the new charity cold brew done in collaboration with SocialWorks (Chance the Rapper's charity). It's light and really easy to drink.
• The Car Con Carne car is a safe space.
• How Joshua grew (and continues to grow) Passion House.
• The band's heads turned at the mention of "nearby head shop."
• Pinball is the best game ever.
• Engines band history.
• Emily's voice is awesome.
• The curious current status of Engines: "You're still a band, right?" There are some personnel questions.
• How does an independent coffee establishment like Passion House compete against all the other coffee choices out there?

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston

Well, this was challenging: I interviewed Surfer Blood just as Anthrax took the stage and completely overpowered our interview. Surfer Blood is a fantastic band, and it was great to chat with them, regardless of context.

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston

Well, this was challenging: I interviewed Surfer Blood just as Anthrax took the stage and completely overpowered our interview. Surfer Blood is a fantastic band, and it was great to chat with them, regardless of context.

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston

If you're looking for the textbook definition of "cool," look no further than The Selecter.

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston

If you're looking for the textbook definition of "cool," look no further than The Selecter.

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston

(Featured photo taken by Zach Spangler)

The Hu was one of the most exciting and fresh-sounding acts at this year's Riot Fest. With the help of a translator, I talked with them after their set.

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston

(Featured photo taken by Zach Spangler)

The Hu was one of the most exciting and fresh-sounding acts at this year's Riot Fest. With the help of a translator, I talked with them after their set.

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston

The Struts are walking, talking and... strutting personifications of rock and roll. They chatted with Car Con Carne before their set at Riot Fest.

Car Con Carne is presented by the Autobarn Mazda of Evanston!