Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau were musicians Abraham worshipped before he became their bandmate. They discuss the secrets of DIY glam, the fleeting gloss of professionalism, and getting stuck in a Bavarian vineyard. Part 1 of 2.

Jason Narducy, musician and entrepreneur, is one of Abraham's personal heroes. He inspired Dave Grohl to pursue music and played Letterman multiple times, he's a member of the Bob Mould Band and Superchunk, and he fronts his own band, Split Single.

New Yorker staff writer John Seabrook recently published The Song Machine, a look at how today's Top 40 gets made. We discuss the future of Spotify, why death metal is more relevant than classic rock, and what the Backstreet Boys and Dylan have in common.

Freda Love Smith, once Juliana Hatfield's bandmate in the Blake Babies, is now a lecturer at Northwestern University whose recently published memoir, "Red Velvet Underground," combines rock, parenting, finances, and recipes.

The debut episode of Nerds On Tour features singer, songwriter, and Chicago civic treasure Kelly Hogan. We talk about royalty statements, nerdiness, Ramen noodles, decision trees, neck moisturizer, and which one of us secretly wants a Saab automobile.