“If you let the fear win, you’ll never do the thing you really want.”

Levi speaks with Ray Baron, Seattle based songwriter, on the importance of building community, moving past self doubt and the value of music. 

“You have to get really uncomfortable to get into a position where you can make progress.”

Featured music: “Strange Winds” by Ray Baron

https://raybaron.com/

https://linktr.ee/indierockcatalog

“Humans are tribal primates, we need each other, and at some point we’ve all decided that we don’t.”

Season 2 | Episode 2

“If you change how you think about how you consume music, it can really revolutionize how you think about a lot of things.”

After drifting apart for 15 years, Levi and Stuart reconnect, sharing similar views on community, music and the state of the world. 

Featured music: “Fact of You” by Hook of Moon

https://linktr.ee/indierockcatalog

Season 2 | Episode 1

In our first year of Indie Rock Catalog, we learned a lot. We made new friends, discovered new music, had incredible conversations, and ultimately narrowed our vision of what Indie Rock Catalog is all about: Telling the story of NC independent artists. 

We’ve stumbled into some big core questions that we’re hoping to be a part of solving as we move forward: 

How do you increase the perceived value of music and art, in the world of streaming, social media and AI? How do you cultivate a local music scene? How do you get more people to care about the challenges that independent artists face? What part does physical media play in all of this?

In this episode, we recap some of the conversations that got us to these questions, followed by a playback of the live discussion panel from our first live event in Downtown Raleigh, NC.

As we wrap up Season 1 of the Indie Rock Catalog Podcast, we’re really excited about the future and the small part we can play in trying to answer some of these questions. 

Thanks for following along.

Featured Song:
"Wannabe (INSTRUMENTAL)" by Powder Horns
https://powderhorns.bandcamp.com/track/wannabe-instrumental

http://linktr.ee/indierockcatalog
 
Season 1 | Episode 15

Welcome back to Indie Rock Catalog. 

Who introduced you to Nirvana? How about Sonic Youth? Pavement? For Levi, it was our guest, Sam Martin - vocalist and guitarist for indie post-rock band, 99 Spirits. There’s no holding back with Sam when it comes to sharing memories, detailing his journey as a musician, and discussing some of the philosophies that have helped (and kinda hurt) him along the way. 

When we say “timing is everything,” you might start thinking of how far in advance you requested time off from work or the one that got away. With Sam’s help, we examine the really special thing of being the perfect age to appreciate the music that, in real-time, drove the evolution of your taste and the way you’re moved and inspired by music. It’s great to discover music from before your time, but there’s nothing like the connection you feel when you’re watching one of your favorite artists release what becomes their best record. 

For us listeners and musicians, the unsung heroes of lots of these stories are the seemingly random people who pointed us in the direction of some new music during a formative time in our lives. It’s likely that neither of you realized the impact of a moment that started with “check this band out” or “I’m tossing these records/CD’s/tickets - do you want ‘em?” But when you look back and look inward, like we tend to do on Indie Rock Catalog, the picture is clear. These types of characters we meet on our journeys - the kid next door, a cool coworker, a new friend you met at a local rock show - can have a profound impression on the soundtrack of your life, even if you or them are just passing through.

Tune in for a conversation with a true music lover, and hear how the torch of great bands passed from Sam to Levi, and then to Alejandro.

This episode is your reminder to get to the music. 
Get BACK to the music if you have to.

Thanks for watching.
Thanks for listening.
Thank you for caring about music.

Listen to Sam's Music:
https://sammartin3.bandcamp.com/album/false-alarm
https://99spirits.bandcamp.com/album/99-spirits

Featured Song:
"Two Star" by Sam Martin

 http://linktr.ee/indierockcatalog
 
Season 1 | Episode 14

Welcome back to Indie Rock Catalog.

We sat down with The Pseudo Cowboys and Story Charlemagne ahead of our very first live event - Indie Rock Catalog Presents: A New Kind of Live Music Experience - June 7th at Neptunes Parlor in Raleigh, NC. 

The Pseudo Cowboys are a band that’s coming at you with volume, humor, and intensity. The band’s been described as the lovechild of Led Zeppelin and Prince. Frontman Adam Pitts talks to us about honoring the initial idea for a song, the perpetual curiosity we all share about our musical influences’ influences, and what’s possible when everyone in a band can agree that it’s fun to be ridiculous. Listen to their song “Nice Guy” for an undeniable jam.

Story Charlemagne is an artist whose blend of folk, indie rock, and soul encourages you to recognize and appreciate the storytelling we can often find in music. We talk to Story about transforming comparison into inspiration, how the intention with which a song is crafted can double as a narrative, and the rewarding challenge of trusting the songwriting process. Listen to his song “Holding These Pieces” for a tune with a message that every part of the arrangement helps convey. 

Has the perceived value of music decreased in the era of streaming and social media? So far, all of us think so. We want to talk about the reasons why, the changes we’d like to see, and the changes we think all of us can affect. This isn’t about wishing things were the same as they were in the past, it’s about exploring how we can feel better about what’s ahead by discussing what’s going on right now.

We’ve got two incredible artists on the bill for this event, as well as a discussion topic that every artist and fan can weigh in on. Indie Rock Catalog is here to tell the stories of independent artists, and we’re hosting this event to give us a really simple, really cool reason to come together: our love of music. 

Tell All Your Friends, and some of your enemies, about what’s going down at Neptunes on June 7th. Share this video before you know if you can make it. Support local music.

The Pseudo Cowboys are Adam Pitts, Keith Lewis, Tim Wall, and Warren Sharp. Story Charlemagne is Gregory Charlemagne.

WHEN: June 7, 2025
WHERE: Neptunes Parlour, Downtown Raleigh
TICKETS: www.eventbrite.com/e/pseudo-cowboys-story-charlemagne-tickets-1306936916499

Follow the bands:

patreon.com/thepseudocowboys

linktr.ee/StoryCharlemagne

http://linktr.ee/indierockcatalog

Season 1 | Episode 13

We got the chance to talk to some of Indie Rock Catalog’s first friends, Naked Society, about their journey since forming the band, making their debut album, and what they’re looking forward to next.

We dedicate this conversation to the accomplishment of making an album. It’s easier than ever to get what you need to create and collaborate on music in 2025, but making an album will never not be an undertaking. It is a goal and a dream only achievable through several forms of commitment - to the music, to yourself and/or your bandmates, and to your vision for the body of work.

Making music for yourself and always being true to who you are as an artist are warm and fuzzy ideas, but they’re often only part of what needs to be balanced when taking on a project like making your first album. When you’re being honest about your own hopes and expectations, how much are you allowed to factor in the time/energy/money/etc that goes into it?

Tune in as we get into magical thinking, recording techniques, and why getting your first record pressed on vinyl is the coolest thing, even when it’s not the most strategic business decision.

Congratulations to Naked Society, and any other independent artists out there who have shared their first album with the world.

Naked Society is Ilya Kris, Peter Potnin, and Tim Funk. Listen to their debut studio album “Alienation” - out now!

Check out Naked Society:
linktr.ee/nakedsocietyseattle

Featured Song:
"Or Else" by Naked Society

linktr.ee/indierockcatalog

Season 1 | Episode 12

Indie Rock Catalog Presents: A New Kind of Live Music Experience – June 7 at Neptunes Parlour, Raleigh, NC

A show flyer only tells you the basics—band names, date, and venue. But what about the why? Why should you care about these artists? What drives them to create? What makes their music worth experiencing live?

That’s where Indie Rock Catalog Presents comes in. This isn't just another gig—it's an event built around storytelling, connection, and discovering your next favorite band in a deeper way.

On June 7 at Neptunes Parlour, join us for a unique night featuring The Pseudo Cowboys (hard rock with a rhythmic, danceable edge) and Story Charlemagne (indie rock infused with folk and groove). But before they hit the stage, we’ll sit down for a live conversation—diving into their influences, creative process, and what fuels their music.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
-Live panel discussion with the artists before the show
-Killer performances from two incredible local bands
-A chance to truly connect with Raleigh’s indie music scene
-A music experience that’s more than just a setlist

This is the first of many, and we want you to be part of it. Don’t just see a show—be part of something new.

WHEN: June 7, 2025
WHERE: Neptunes Parlour, Downtown Raleigh
TICKETS: www.eventbrite.com/e/pseudo-cowboys-story-charlemagne-tickets-1306936916499

Let’s solve the problem of the show flyer—come out and experience the music. See you there!

Follow the bands:

patreon.com/thepseudocowboys

linktr.ee/StoryCharlemagne

Music Credit:
"Sidewalk Drawing" by water through your open hands
linktr.ee/waterthroughyouropenhands

linktr.ee/indierockcatalog

Season 1 | Bonus Episode

In this episode of Indie Rock Catalog, we dive into the nostalgia and lasting impact of vinyl records and cassette tapes. Why do these analog formats still resonate with music lovers? We explore their role in music discovery, the personal connection they create, and how they continue to shape indie music culture. 

Joining us for the conversation is Joel from 4-Track Records, a pop-up record shop known for selling a curated selection of vinyl records. As a lifelong music enthusiast, Joel shares his thoughts on the enduring appeal of physical media and why discovering music through records is still an unmatched experience. We also talk about his journey into playing music later in life and how it’s never too late to start creating.

Post-Script: We’re also excited to announce that we’re working together on Volume 1 of a Local Mixtape. A collection of local music recorded entirely on a four-track cassette recorder. The mixtape drops on March 28, 2025, and we’re celebrating with a release party at School Kids Records in Raleigh, NC, where physical copies will be available.

Music Credit:
"Rain Check Forever" by water through your open hands
linktr.ee/waterthroughyouropenhands

linktr.ee/indierockcatalog

Season 1 | Episode 11

In this episode, we sit down with Seattle-based band Tiny Monsters to talk about the magic that happens when the right people come together to make music. Tim and Phil take us through the band's origins during the COVID lockdown, the challenges of finding the perfect singer, and how chemistry between bandmates shapes both their songwriting and their live performances.

We also dive into how music influences perception—whether it’s transporting you to a specific time in your life or shifting your emotional state in the moment. Plus, we discuss the resurgence of new music projects post-pandemic and the importance of trust, friendship, and authenticity in a band’s success.

Listen in for an insightful conversation on creativity, collaboration, and the ever-evolving journey of being in a band.

Check out our friends Tiny Monsters: linktr.ee/tinymonsters

Music Credit:
"Dark and Stormy" by Tiny Monsters.

http://linktr.ee/indierockcatalog

Season 1 | Episode 10

In this special On Repeat segment, we're breaking down our top indie albums of 2024! It was a massive year for music, and narrowing down our favorites wasn’t easy. From long-awaited returns to surprise discoveries, we each put together our top five albums—plus five honorable mentions—giving you a full list of 20 albums you should definitely check out.

Tune in as we dive into the sounds, stories, and standout moments that made these records essential listening. Expect everything from dreamy shoegaze to raw storytelling, electronic soundscapes to indie rock anthems. Which albums did we both have on our lists? What records completely took us by surprise? And what’s your pick for album of the year?

http://linktr.ee/indierockcatalog

Season 1 | Episode 9