Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have been writing about Chicago and music for a long time. Greg was the rock music critic at the Chicago Tribune from 1990 to 2020. Jim spent 15 years as the music critic at the Chicago Sun Times. Both have written several great books - Greg's published books include Wilco: Learning How to Die, I'll Take You There Mavis Staples and Ripped: How the Wired Generation Revolutionized Music. Jim's titles include Let It Blurt: The Life and Times of Lester Bangs, Staring at Sound: The True Story of Oklahoma's Fabulous Flaming Lips and Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly. But they may be best known for the long-running podcast Sound Opinions which celebrated its 1,000th episode in 2025.

We loved getting the chance to talk shop with Jim & Greg about what it has been like to cover music for so long, how things have evolved over the years and what they like (and dislike) about Chicago. As a disclaimer - Jim's views on Chicago pizza are his alone and do not reflect the opinions of No Wristbands (and he's clearly wrong!).

https://www.gregkot.com/

https://jimdero.com/

Time stamps:

3: What's the biggest misconception people have about being music journalists?

10: What are some of your greatest music discovery moments you've experienced in Chicago?

14:30: What has changed throughout your time as being a music journalist?

17:45: With the rise of online music publications, did that have any impact on how you wrote and/or talked about music?

28: People should get paid to be music journalists.

32: Who are some bands/artists from Chicago that you felt like never hit as big as they should have?

35:25: What makes Chicago such a good and unique music scene?

45: What keeps you going with Sound Opinions?

48:44: Thick or thin crust pizza fans?

51:45: What are some of your favorite venues to see shows at in Chicago?

Hell Yeah, we got Brendan Kelly from The Lawrence Arms on the show!! Chicago Punk Legend! We go deep into the history with one of Mark's all-time favorites. Slapstick, The Broadways, The Falcon, the Wandering Birds, The Lawrence Arms, Nihilist Arby's and so much more. We went a little long with this one because it's so fucking good. Enjoy it!

Time Stamps:

3:30: How you doing Brendan?

5:30: Despot talk!

10:19: What are some of your earliest music memories?

13:30: Cool babysitter who was on SST

17: Growing into liking punk rock via Reckless Records

19: Gladhands and the start of Slapstick

22: Is it weird for you for people to deify Slapstick, something you did so long ago?

25:30: Cap'n Jazz/Slapstick crossover event

27:52: You go from Slapstick to The Broadways

30: Did your experience in The Broadways inform your time in The Lawrence Arms?

33:45: How did you get your first Lawrence Arms album out on Asian Man Records?

37:40: When I think of The Lawrence Arms, I think of The Fireside

43:25: How long did it take to fill the void of The Fireside closing?

45:23: Did any musicians take you under their wing as you were coming up?

51:13: Has the process of how you create music changed over the years?

53: When you write do you know what project it is for as you are writing?

57: You were just on a song with Sincere Engineer. How do you try to help cultivate the next wave of Chicago musicians?

64:06: You've seen a lot of Chicago bands, are there bands that you feel didn't get their due?

66:18: What do you think has changed between when The Lawrence Arms were starting out and today?

73:18: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?

77: What makes the Chicago music scene unique?

83:30: What other cities are big Lawrence Arms cities?

86: What is your go-to cheap drink? Mark's L&L story

93:30: Are you working on anything right now?

Stacey & Erik join us to talk over their plans for the fourth edition of fForest Fest in Morris, IL. They filled us in on the entire musical lineup, the move to two stages in 2025 and all the other great things to do in Goold Park - food trucks, cool vendor market and lots of green space to play. Bring the whole family out for a wonderful day of music and fun! Saturday, June 7th - gates open at noon. $10 cash at the gate (kids 5 and under are free).

https://fforestfest.com/

Time stamps:

1:30: How did fforest fest 3 go?

5:35: fforest fest is a true labor of love. how many stages do we have this year?

7:12: Let's talk about our bands

9:45: We are getting Pet Needs!

16:21: Make sure you remember your ID - story time!

23: Make sure you buy merch!

27:33: Sponsors to thank

31:21: What's your favorite thing about running fforest fest?

33:30: Inside tip - Liam Kyle Cahill and Kasey Christensen are playing a bar in town the day after fforest fest

Mario Cannamela (vocals & guitars) joins us to talk about his Chicago-based band Bottom Bracket. Originally formed in Springfield, IL, the band released their first EP Dreamland in 2017. Near the end of 2021, Mario said "fuck it" and moved to Chicago. Along with Tim Recio (bass/vocals) and Rob Diaz (drums), the band released their fantastic second LP, I'm So Afraid Of Where on Count Your Lucky Stars Records in November of 2024. We talked with Mario about all of that, plus so much more - including his thoughts about our wonderful city of Chicago.

Time stamps:

2:23: How are you doing today Mario?

5: When did you get your first guitar?

9:30: Fuck it! Let's move to Chicago! How did you meet Rob and Tim?

12:25: Tapping is in a lot of your songs, how do you utilize it?

14:51: Did you feel like you were making the leap when recording I Am So Afraid of Where?

17:30: How do you think Chicago has influenced the band?

20:44: Do you feel like you belong in Chicago?

22:11: What is your creative process like?

23:41: Do you write with a theme in mind?

26:35: How did the everything come together with the record and label?

28:43: Do you have a song on the record you are most proud of?'

32: What do the next six months look like for the band?

33: Who were some of your gateway bands in the emo universe?

39: How did the Subt show come together?

41:30: The bike is a significant thing for the band, and you like riding, where do you like to ride in Chicago?

43:20: Thin crust or deep dish pizza fan?

45:19: Favorite venue to play/see shows at?

47: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?

50: How has the response to the new album been?

51: What have you been listening to lately?

52:45: What is your go to cheap drink?

54:30: Anything to plug on the way on out of here?

Born in Memphis is 1974, Cory Branan has been releasing albums since The Hell You Say in 2002. He released three great records on Chicago's Bloodshot Records - Mutt, The No-Hit Wonder and Adios) and his most recent LP (his 6th overall) is the excellent When I Go I Ghost in 2022. Many of his musician friends - Jason Isabel, Brian Fallon, Laura Jane Grace, Craig Finn, Jody Stephens, Ben Nichols, Sadler Baden & more - have appeared on his records. We talked with him about all of that, about his songwriting process, his Chicago experiences and his upcoming tour with his buddy Chuck Pagan. Enjoy!

Time Stamps:

2: Was it hard for you to have Rollingstone rewrite your history naming you a best new artist over 10 years into your career?

7:25: How did you find John Prine? What stands out to you about him?

13:50: When listening to a great songwriter, are you able to enjoy it, or are you analyzing it?

17:45: What is your creative process like now?

20:30: How does your OCD impact your writing?

24: How do you choose who you work with?

28:30: Being from Memphis, is it surreal to play with Lucero and Jody Stephens?

53:15: Did Bloodshot Records end up paying you?

53:45: Deep dish or thin crust?

55:30: Favorite venue to play in Chicago?

58:40: What makes Chicago a unique music city?

61:30: What is your go to cheap drinks?

62:23: Anything you'd like to plug on the way on out of here?

Matt Spiegel is a music guy. His bands have included Brother Brother (a 10-piece funk band with his brother Jon), Tributosaurus and Sonic45 (with Len Kasper) and has recorded a 3-song 7" with Steve Albini. He was the producer for Sound Opinions with Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis. He's also a huge baseball fan and in his spare time he works as a sports radio talk show host at 670 The Score. We talked with Matt about his love of music and Chicag and more.

Time Stamps:

3:20: Where'd you grow up?

7: Working in a record store and turning people on to Pavement

10: What was the first rock band you played in that made you want to make it your career?

13:30: Any chance of Brother Brother playing together again?

17:20: When did you decide that music wasn't going to be your long term career?

19: Tales from Sound Opinions

24: How did you get involved with Sound Opinions?

26:45: How did Tributosaurus come together?

33:04: How much time is there between the idea being formed and when you perform that band's music?

37:24: Is there a band you want to do that you haven't done yet?

40:40: Do you have imposter syndrome with being a musician while doing radio work?

43:30: Do you enjoy something more when it is an avocation versus a vocation?

45: Is there a secret text chain amongst Chicago sportscasters about their music projects?

48:13: Why are there so many sports people in Chicago who love music?

51:28: What makes Chicago a unique music scene?

62:15: What's your favorite place to play in Chicago, and where's your favorite place to see a show?

65:51: Thin crust or deep dish?

69: What have you been listening to lately?

76:35: Your go to cheap drink?

79: What would you like to plug on the way on out of here?

Peter Jesperson has had an incredible career in music. Initially inspired by watching The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, Peter took a job at legendary record store Oar Folkjokeopus in 1973 and became the primary DJ at Jay's Longhorn in 1977. He was a co-founder of Twin / Tone Records the following year. Along the way, Paul Westerberg dropped off the famous demo tape for The Replacements. Peter eventually became the manager for the 'Mats and spent time of the road with R.E.M. After overcoming some personal issues (he's now been 33 years sober!), Peter moved to LA and worked with New West Records and with artists like Vic Chesnutt, Jack Logan, The Flatlanders and many more. Most recently, he has written a fabulous new book, Euphoric Recall. We talked about his life and threw in some Chicago stories. Thanks for listening!

Time Stamps:

2:45: What was the impetus to write your book/how do you even start?

4: What is the arc of putting your life's work to paper?

9:15: When did you decide you wanted to make music your life?

12: You got your start at Oar Folkjokeopus, that had to have helped, right?

19:44: How did the founding on Twin/Tone Records come about?

26: Are streaming services a good thing? Is the lower barrier of entry a good thing?

31: Tell us about meeting Paul Westerberg

41:45: When did you know The Replacements were going places?

50: What is it like trying to manage The Replacements?

53: What do you think separates Midwestern scenes versus more coastal cities?

60: How did The Replacements find out about The Vertebrats?

64: You've worked with some pretty successful bands, as they are on the way up, what is that ride like?

70:45: Did the success of R.E.M. bother/impact Paul and The Replacements?

82:45: Any thoughts on why Paul Westerberg wasn't more successful as a solo artist?

87:30: Has anything surprised you about the reception to Euphoric Recall?

95:40: Thick or thin crust pizza?

96: Do you have a favorite venue in Chicago?

96:20: What do you think makes Chicago a unique music scene/city?

98: Any music that will make your end of the year best of list?

101:38: What is your go to cheap drink?

102:20: Anything you'd like to plug on the way on out of here?

Mike Maples started Liquid Mike in 2021. In that short time, the band has already put out five albums of songs - including their most recent one, Paul Bunyan's Slingshot. Hailing from Marquette, Michigan (that's the Upper Peninsula, folks), Mike balances his job as a mailman with writing a ton of songs, playing guitar, singing and touring. You can check them out in Chicago at Concord Music Hall on 12-11-2024.

Time Stamps:

2:20: So many different ways to describe your music, how do you describe Liquid Mike's sound?

4: Is the shortened length of songs inspired by any musicians?

9:30: When did you start playing guitar and writing your own songs?

13:45: How has the relative geographic isolation of living in the U.P. impacted your music?

16:31: What was it like to be out on your first big tour?

19: How is your first Chicago show at Riot Fest?

21:13: Have you been approached by any labels?

23:30: Are there other great bands playing in the U.P.?

28: What was it like when your music started blowing up?

31:40: Are you intentional about not being intentional about your use of social media?

38: How did your upcoming tours come together?

44:10: How many times have you been to Chicago?

45: Deep dish or thin crust pizza?

49: What does Chicago music mean to you?

51:33: Did you stick around Riot Fest and check out any bands?

54:08: What is your go-to cheap drink?

58: Anything else you want to plug on the way on out of here?

Very excited to welcome Elizabeth Moen to the show! Originally from Iowa, she now calls Chicago home. Her self-titled first album was released in 2016 and her latest, Live at Lincoln Hall came out earlier this year. She's working on a new one with Spencer Tweedy producing. We talk about that, as well as her story about meeting Eddie Vedder, her current tour with Jeff Tweedy and her love for Bruce Springsteen's music. She also has a new single out in advance of her big show at the Empty Bottle on 11/16. As always, we talk about her thoughts on Chicago!

Tickets for the Empty Bottle show on 11/16 --

https://www.ticketweb.com/event/elizabeth-moen-family-junket-empty-bottle-tickets/13606304

Time stamps:

2: Elizabeth is in Woodstock

6:18: What was the first song that you felt like you mastered?

9:22: Was your amazing voice evident early on?

15: Please share your story about meeting Eddie Vedder!

18:30: Tell us about the first open mic in Iowa City. Is there a scene in IC?

20: Was Chicago always on your radar in terms of where you wanted to move?

23: Spencer Tweedy is producing Elizabeth's next album

28:21: How close is the band to who appeared on your live album?

30:45: How do you balance going out alone versus having the band together?

34: Are you more collaborative in the music process or do you drive what is created?

38: Do you want to do it all, or do you think you'd be more successful if you stuck to one type of music?

41:17: Are you playing any of the new songs on tour, how has tour been going so far?

43: Do you feel like you are learning anything watching Jeff Tweedy perform every night?

48: What is it about Bruce that you like, and what's your favorite Springsteen album?

55:21: Thin crust or deep dish?

58: What is your favorite show to see a show at, and what is your favorite venue to play in Chicago?

67:45: What makes Chicago such a unique music city?

72:20: What is your go to cheap drink?

78:18: What else do you want to plug on your way out?

Ian Robinson has been performing as Black Guy Fawkes for almost ten years now. He joins us on the podcast to talk about his musical journey, meeting Frank Turner, his challenges as a black artist and the battle to maintain positive mental health. Ian is working on a new album and also has a great podcast called "Fawkes & Friends". He'll be playing the Color Club in Chicago in October.

Time stamps:

2: What was your introduction to music, when did you decide music was going to be your thing?

6:41: What is the scene like on Cumberland?

8:44: How do you overcome a scene where you don't necessarily feel like you belong in?

11:37: How difficult is it to get together and plan a tour?

14: Do you take your new friends in stride, or is it like what the fuck is going on?

17:15: How do you handle the highest of highs and then the lowest of lows?

20: How have your musical influences inspired you as a songwriter and performer?

22:40: Being a black musician in a music scene that's not thought of as a traditionally black genre, does that present challenges to you, do you feel extra pressure being black in that scene?

28:44: How surreal was it meeting Frank Turner? How cool did you play it?

33:45: Are we working on any new music?

37: Tell us about Fawkes & Friends

42: What can someone expect at one of your shows?

44: PNOTS and Black Guy Fawkes at Color Club in Chicago on 10/4!

45:50: Deep dish or thin crust?

47: Where did you play when you've played in Chicago?

47:30: What do you think makes Chicago a unique music scene?

49:35: What's your go to cheap drink?

51:45: What else would you like to plug on the way on out of here?

55: What's your favorite Bob album?