CORE

Mile of Music is back — and this year it's officially a nonprofit! With Mile 13 less than a month away, Fox Cities Core host Andy McNamara sits down with three of the people who make it happen: founder Dave Willems, Director of Talent & Partnerships Ian Thomson, and Venue & Artist Relations lead Melissa Freeman.In this episode of Fox Cities Core — Code Zero Radio's weekly deep dive into the Fox Valley live music scene — the team breaks down what's new for Mile 13, including the shift to full 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as Mile of Music Inc., the ongoing search for the perfect August festival weekend, the strict 5-mile artist radius rule protecting downtown venues, why the Mile Bus won't be rolling this year, and how they balance genres beyond the festival's Americana roots — including the hardcore punk legends The Crosses. They also dig into the wild story of Mile One (60 planned artists turned into 107), the Artist Care Program that keeps musicians coming back, and why "more music, better community" drives everything they do.Mile of Music 13 takes over downtown Appleton, Wisconsin this August with hundreds of original artists across dozens of venues — bars, coffee shops, theaters, and parking lots all turned into stages for one unforgettable weekend of musical discovery.
#MileofMusic #Appleton

Ryan Vander Sanden — General Manager and Entertainment Director at EPIC Event Center in Green Bay — joins Fox Cities Core on WCZR Code Zero Radio for a wide-open conversation about the business of live music, the stories behind the shows, and why Northeast Wisconsin's concert scene is better than ever.Ryan pulls back the curtain on everything from his first (hilariously disastrous) national booking — an LA Guns show where he bought every item on the rider, including the band's socks — to landing Megadeth and Obituary for the only two Wisconsin dates on their farewell tour. If you've ever wondered why your favorite band skipped Green Bay, why ticket prices are what they are, or what really happens backstage after the show, this episode is for you.HIGHLIGHTS:- How Ryan got his start in the music business — with zero experience and even less idea what "backline" meant- The behind-the-scenes reality of booking national acts: routing, rider riders, production costs, and why not every band can play every market- Landing Megadeth + Obituary for two exclusive Wisconsin stadium shows (August 1)- The story behind the Marilyn Manson show — protesters in the parking lot, a smoke machine that tripped the fire alarm, and fans who didn't flinch- GWAR on Easter. Marilyn Manson on Mother's Day. The cleanup crew. The Faygo. All of it.- EPIC's Friends of Epic Display — how stage-worn memorabilia from Jesse Dupree (Jackyl) to Corey Taylor ends up in the venue (and why it stays there)- Sleep Token as an opening act, and other "lightning in a bottle" moments before a band blows up- The origins of Behind the Curtain, EPIC's podcast with co-host Don Jamieson (That Metal Show), featuring guests like Wolfgang Van Halen, Chad Gray, Edwin McCain, and Ricky Rachman- Why Buddy Guy (October 9) might be your last chance to see a living blues legend — and why you shouldn't sit this one out- Lynyrd Skynyrd with Mark Farner and The Beach Boys — September 3, fully seated outdoor show- Napoleon Dynamite interactive screening — what to expect from the cast Q&A- Why EPIC has free parking, some of the lowest ticket fees in the region, and a liquor selection that rivals venues twice its size- Gene Simmons. Ozzy Osbourne. Wayne Newton's guitar inscription. The Avatar singer who wiped out mid-show. Rock and roll is still very much alive.Fox Cities Core is a live interview program on WCZR Code Zero Radio, an independent streaming rock station based in Appleton, Wisconsin. New episodes feature in-depth conversations with artists, industry insiders, and the people who make the regional music scene run.EPIC Event Center: https://www.epicgreenbay.comBehind the Curtain Podcast: Search "Behind the Curtain EPIC" wherever you listen#EPICEventCenter #GreenBayMusic #LiveMusic #FoxCitiesCore #WCZRCodeZeroRadio #BehindTheCurtain #RyanVanderSanden #Megadeth #BuddyGuy #LynyrdSkynyrd #MarilynManson #WisconsinMusic #ConcertVenue #MusicIndustry #FoxCities #Appleton #GreenBay #RockMusic #LiveMusicWisconsin #ConcertBooking

Kalamazoo noise rock duo Bronson Arm — Blake Bickel (baritone guitar/vocals) and Garrett Yates (drums) — stop by the studio in Appleton, Wisconsin for a wide-ranging conversation on Fox Cities Core, the weekly live interview show on WCZR Code Zero Radio, hosted by Andy McNamara. The band is on the road supporting their latest album Casket Schwagg (Learning Curve Records).In this interview, Blake and Garrett break down how two guys from opposite coasts ended up forming a powerhouse two-piece in Kalamazoo — meeting through their kids' school and a chance conversation at a brewery. Garrett opens up about a decade-long drumming hiatus while serving in the Navy on submarines, and how Blake immediately knew something special was there within the first 30 seconds of Garrett sitting back behind a kit. Blake reflects on his previous band The Great Goddamn in Seattle, his background in audio engineering and pedal-building, and his BFA in visual arts — which directly informs Bronson Arm's creative, concept-driven music videos.The conversation covers recording their self-titled debut in Blake's basement during COVID lockdown, the meaning behind the album title Casket Schwagg, their prolific music video output (including a burning couch, a karaoke dive bar, and a darker disclaimer-worthy clip), touring logistics as a DIY two-piece, playing to a click track live, and plans to take their sound to new territory on the next record. Plus — they're headed to Fest in Florida with 350 bands.Stick around for Ryan Fluke joining as a surprise co-host, comparisons to White Stripes, Black Keys, Sonic Youth, and Rage Against the Machine, and Blake revealing the KARP lyric behind the band name.

Follow Bronson Arm:Website: bronsonarm.com

Instagram: instagram.com/bronson_arm_noise

Facebook: facebook.com/bronsonarm.noise

Sam and Tony from Horace Green stop by Code Zero Radio's Fox Cities Core with host Andy McNamara to talk all things Powerlounge — their brand new full-length album dropping June 6th, recorded entirely in their own home studio over the course of two-plus years.

In this episode, the guys break down the origins of their self-invented genre "Powerlounge" (yes, they looked it up — they're the first), the marathon 600+ hours of recording sessions, and how dialing in the drum sound for lead single "Nighttime Boi" set the tone for the rest of the album. They also talk about the other singles — "Cream" and "Hush" — and tease their upcoming fourth single, "Cosmic Bodies" (don't ask Tony what it's about).

Plus, the big news: Stone Arch Brewery has brewed a limited-run Horace Green cream ale exclusively for the album release show — on tap for one night only.

Album Release Show — June 6thGibson Community Music HallWith Scorched Waves & Hang TenLimited Horace Green Cream Ale on tapVinyl & CDs available at the show

Tickets are moving fast — grab yours now before the door sells out!

Fox Cities Core airs on Code Zero Radio, your home for local Fox Cities music.

YouTube Chapters:

0:00 Intro – Horace Green Returns to Code Zero Radio Fox Cities Core0:30 New Album "Power Lounge" – Release Date & Album Release Show June 6th1:47 How Does the Band Feel With the Album Finally Done?2:16 Singles "Nighttime Boy," "Cream," and "Hush" – What to Expect on the Album2:38 What Is "Power Lounge"? Horace Green Invents a New Genre7:04 Band Photography & Visual Aesthetic Behind the Power Lounge Era8:14 The "Summer of Cream" & "Fall of Cream" – Fan Reaction8:45 Horace Green Gets Their Own Craft Beer from Stone Arch Brewery13:05 Recording "Power Lounge" in Their Own Home Studio14:35 How Long Did It Take? The $30,000 Recording Decision15:32 How a Horace Green Song Is Born – Tony's Songwriting Process18:29 10 Years of Horace Green – Surviving the "Great Filters" of Band Life19:43 West Coast Tour Announced – Dates, Cities & Jam in the Van (LA)22:54 Atwood Festival Madison 2026 & the Fox Cities Music Scene29:33 Live Band Setup – Keys, Todd the Utility Player & the Four-Piece Era33:34 Ghost Ko – Horace Green's Secret Side Project with 100 Unreleased Songs35:01 Does a Band Still Need a Website in 2025?36:44 First Full Vinyl Release – Behind the Scenes of Pressing "Power Lounge" on Vinyl47:14 Mile of Music Announcement & What Makes the Festival Special49:26 Bucket List Goals – Playing the Sphere, the Moon & Dream Collaborations52:18 New Single "Cosmic Bodies" Out This Friday53:36 Tickets, Cream Ale on Tap & What to Expect at the June 6th Show54:53 Thanks & Outro

Tim Schweiger talks about his early days with Yesterday's Kids — how a homemade Everly Brothers pop-punk tape landed them a deal on Ben Weasel's Panic Button Records — and the lessons learned from years of grinding tours, before finding his footing as a solo artist and frequent collaborator with Tommy Stinson of The Replacements.Tim digs into the realities of the modern music industry, the rotating cast of musicians that make up the Middlemen, the joy of slipping covers (Madonna's "Borderline," The Beatles' "Hey Bulldog") into live sets, and talks about an unreleased track featuring Dan McMahon. He also opens up about raising a musically gifted daughter, his 75 voice memos worth of songs waiting to be recorded, upcoming shows in Milwaukee and Madison, and a summer run of dates back on the road with Tommy Stinson.Plus: the Fox Cities band Tim wishes would reunite and what he says makes a show — or a song — truly successful.https://timschweigerandthemiddlemen.bandcamp.com0:00 Introduction & Tim's Background1:11 Coming Out of Hibernation Post-COVID2:14 Yesterday's Kids & The Obsoletes: Are They Done?4:02 Panic Button Records & the Realities of Early Touring4:33 Has Touring Changed? Playing with Artists Who Have Hits5:19 Justin Perkins: Still in Touch?6:18 Early Songwriting with Justin — Learning from Records7:05 The Mission Statement: Ramones Meet the Everly Brothers8:04 How an Everly Brothers Tribute Tape Got Them Signed9:03 Throwing Covers into the Set — Madonna's "Borderline"10:02 Tribute to Dan McMahon10:27 Owning the Covers: "Hey Bulldog" & Slide Guitar11:06 Getting Ready for a Show — Vocal & Finger Warmups11:50 Can You Tell If a Show Will Be Good Before It Starts?12:36 Watching Other Bands (Or Not) & Musician Egos14:10 Daughter Beatrix — Saxophone State Competition15:15 Growing Up in the Fox Cities Music Scene16:48 Meeting Justin Perkins & Learning First Chords17:24 Collaborating with His Daughter & Horn Arrangements18:16 Analog vs. Digital Recording Through the Years20:28 The Upside of Being an Independent Musician on Bandcamp22:01 Tim Schweiger & the Middlemen — A Rotating Cast of Friends23:47 Recording at Smart Studios & the Blueheels24:43 Drumming for Walt Hamburger: Guitar vs. Drums26:13 The Year He Played 100+ Shows & Needed to Decompress27:23 Music His Daughter Introduced Him To — DJO & Mitski28:44 The Fox Cities Band Tim Wishes Would Reunite: Vesicular Basalt31:17 What Makes a Song Last? The Legacy of Good Art31:34 How Tim Writes a Power Pop Song — The Voice Memo Process33:37 How Long Should a Song Be? Hey Jude vs. Bohemian Rhapsody34:20 One Song to Nuke Forever: Mustang Sally34:51 Upcoming Shows in Milwaukee & Madison36:03 The June Tour with Tommy Stinson37:37 Merch Plans for the Tommy Tour — CDs, Shirts & Tote Bags45:24 Playing with Tommy — His Work Ethic & Calling Audibles47:01 Tommy Stinson's Fanatic Fans on the Road47:37 Were You a Replacements Fan Growing Up?48:45 Dream Collab: Tim Picks Jack Black50:20 Actors Who Make Music — Keanu Reeves, Kevin Bacon & Dave Grohl52:14 Reigniting the Creative Spark — 75 Voice Memos & New Music53:13 What Does Success Look Like to Tim?54:19 Will New Music Sound Different from the Power Pop Days?55:47 Where to Find Tim & the Tommy Stinson Tour Dates57:15 Final Words & Sign-Off

Reverend Norb, Paul #1, Paul #2 and Ric Six appeared on Code

band talks about their upcoming benefit show for Dan Dillon — former singer of The Minors and one of the founding figures of the Green Bay punk scene — who is recovering from a serious stroke. The show takes place June 13 at Badger State Brewing in Green Bay with Fun w/ Atoms, Rebel Waltz, and the Smart Shoppers. Tickets are $20, with proceeds going to help Dan and his family with medical expenses.Along the way, the guys dig into how Boris got started, how the band started their number-naming system, how Ric Six got his name (hint: blame Vesicular Basalt and Mötley Crüe), what it was like to accidentally play "Kill the Ramones" in front of a terminally ill Joey Ramone, Norb's book, the band's recording history from Testicle Pogo Machine through Saucer to Saturn and beyond, and whether a Boris the Sprinkler documentary will ever happen (short answer: your guess is as good as mine!).You can visit the bands official website at:boristhesprinkler.com0:00 Introduction & Welcome0:30 Meet Boris the Sprinkler0:54 The Benefit Show for Dan Dillon1:49 Who Is Dan Dillon & Why He Matters to the Green Bay Punk Scene3:48 Ric Six Joins Remotely from New Jersey5:34 How Paul #1 & Rev Norb First Met6:42 Early Days: Bernie's Game Room & the Rat Eaters8:12 Paul Comes Back from the Army & Boris Is Born9:22 How the Band Numbering System Started10:31 How Ric Six Got His Name11:37 Ric Six Joins Boris12:34 The Classic Lineup Comes Together14:49 The Discography Begins: Eight Testicle Pogo Machine15:49 Lessons Learned: Why Boris Started Self-Releasing Records16:38 The Green Bay Punk Scene & the Concert Cafe18:59 Mapping Boris Albums to the Ramones Blueprint20:04 Songwriting & Studio Decisions — Norb Runs the Show20:59 "For Paul's Sake" — The Ballad That Wouldn't Die22:43 The Ramones Covers Album & the Controversial Cover Photo24:18 "I Gave Boris My Panties" & Other Button Campaigns26:41 Does Punk Rock Need More Showmanship Today?27:16 The Dan Dillon Benefit Extravaganza Details & Silent Auction28:47 "Drugs and Masturbation" — Boris's Biggest Seller29:38 Colored Vinyl Variants & Record Collecting Shenanigans32:14 Paul #2's Animated Drumming Style34:23 Band Injuries & Stage Chaos Stories40:10 Touring with the ERGs! — Brotherhood on the Road41:01 Will Boris Ever Tour Again?41:21 The Antler Helmet & the Punk Rock Museum44:44 Boris Returns: Recording at Crutch and Memory Studio with Amos Pitsch48:09 The Reaction to the Comeback Album49:09 The Ephraim Green Shoot Cowboys — Playing Incognito50:47 Boris Gets a Clue — Recording in Joe's Garage52:10 Future Plans: New Songs in the Pipeline53:39 Ric Six as a Songwriter55:08 The Origin of "Dirty Candy" (Brace Yourself)56:44 Playing "Kill the Ramones" in Front of Joey Ramone59:00 Rev Norb's Book & Songs Recorded Without the Band's Input1:00:59 What Are You Most Proud Of? / How Should Boris Be Remembered?1:03:00 Still Amazed Fans Exist After 30+ Years1:03:37 A Boris Documentary? (An Animated One, Maybe)1:05:02 Show Details & Farewell

ABF Monthly is back! Join us as we sit down with Mark Mader from the Appleton Beer Factory and Appleton Music Factory for our monthly catch-up covering all the latest music, events, and brewery news happening in and around Appleton, WI.In this episode we cover:- Cheese Fest and Paper Fest lineup announcements, including Astronomers, Holly, Post-Sex Nachos, Vo, Six Foot Blonde, Scorched Waves, Candy Cigarette, Demon Liriano, Joe Stamm, Pendulum Arts, and more -- plus a Friday headliner hint: Armchair Boogie at a free show in Kimberly- The Little Stranger, Drop a Dollar, Java, and Jarvis show at Tanner's on Labor Day weekend -- and why you should grab tickets now- A brand new intimate music venue coming to The Vault, a converted bank vault space in Kimberly that will hold 75-100 people, with a first show tentatively scheduled for May 29th- Manic Mondays recap, including a surprise drum appearance by Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers- Appleton Beer Factory's freshly canned Guy Series IPAs -- mango, pineapple, and blood orange -- plus the story behind the Banjo Strings cold IPA and its Yeti can art- The Road to Blue Rock show featuring Early James, a ticketed comedy show coming with Manny's Productions, and a huge returning act: Silverado on September 8th- Open mic comedy nights, happy hour details (3-4 PM, half price apps and BOGO beers), and what positions ABF is currently hiring forVisit appletonfactory.com for tickets and show info. Support original music -- and original beer!

What happens when a pandemic hobby like birdwatching crashes into the DIY indie-rock scene of Madison, Wisconsin? You get Lifer—the bird-themed album you didn’t know you needed. In this live Interview on Fox Cities Core, we talk with the members of Quokka to peel back the layers of their unique sound and history.

From the technical hurdles of recording vocals in a thin-walled apartment to the "human part" of nervous pre-show rituals (yes, that includes a specific grilled cheese), the band shares the grit and humor behind their creative process.

Inside the Interview:

The "Lifer" Concept: How ten Wisconsin birds inspired a full album, complete with field recordings and a watercolor stained-glass cover.

The Madison Music Scene: Why the "Isthmus" is one of the most accessible places for local bands to find their footing and a dedicated following.

Gear Talk: Discover why the band uses a Squire J Mascis Jazzmaster and how Fountains of Wayne influenced their choice of amps.

The Creative "Chopped" Method: Why setting strict limits and "chopped creativity" helps produce the most interesting music.

Pre-Show Secrets: From "nervous vomiting" to essential white Chuck Taylors, find out what happens before the first chord is struck.

You can find out more about Quokka on their Instagram page:instagram.com/quokkaband

In this latest monthly update from the Appleton Beer Factory, Mark Mader joins the show to recap a wild month of weather and music in the Fox Cities. The conversation kicks off with a look at how the area handled the recent 27.5-inch snowstorm before diving into a successful St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring the Third Class Minstrels. Mark shares details on several upcoming performances at the brewery, including Hollyy and the Lunar Ticks this Friday and the five-part harmony Weird Al tribute, Weird Pals, on Saturday. The episode also highlights the highly anticipated return of LOLO next week, which includes a special early show and meet-and-greet package, as well as an upcoming performance from the world-class progressive rock trio The Stickmen featuring Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto.Beyond the immediate schedule, this interview features several major summer announcements. Mark reveals that tickets go on sale this Friday for River Shook on July 1st and the return of The Heavy Heavy on July 5th following their tour with the Black Keys. Other highlights include a heavy June bill with Bronson Arm and Vile B’s, plus a massive Labor Day weekend show at Tanner’s in Kimberly featuring Little Stranger, Tropadelic, and Jarv. Finally, the show announces the return of the British-American Celtic rock band Raines, with tickets available starting this Friday. Whether you are interested in the new Tuesday night open mic comedy series or looking to rent one of the three unique event spaces at the brewery, there is plenty to catch up on in this update.appletonbeerfactory.com0:00 Intro & Welcome0:35 Scheduling Changes & March Snowstorm2:04 St. Patrick's Day at Appleton Beer Factory3:35 Green Beer Policy4:11 St. Patrick's Day with Fox Cities Live5:25 Pump Action & The Retrograde Show Recap6:38 Surprise Visit from Garrett of the Band Feel7:22 Knowing Bands & Building Relationships8:06 Upcoming Lolo Show & Meet and Greet10:50 Are Concerts Becoming Experiences?13:24 Comedy Open Mic Night Reboot16:21 Weird Pals (Weird Al Tribute) – This Saturday18:57 Holly & the Lunatics – Friday Show20:16 Manic Mondays Recap & Upcoming Show22:25 Stickman ft. Tony Levin – Next Month26:39 Table Rentals: How It Works27:57 Break + Teaser for Big Announcements28:24 Elán Johnansen Show Reflection31:38 Announcement: River Shuck – July 1st32:43 Announcement: The Heavy Heavy – July 5th36:01 Teaser: Big Fall Show Coming36:43 Three-Band Bill at Tanner's – Labor Day Weekend38:06 Bronson Arms – June 6th39:15 Private Event Rentals at ABF40:28 Ticket Giveaway: Weird Pals41:10 Thoughts on Tribute Artists44:18 Closing & Final Announcements