No Wristbands! We Drink For Free

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?

It's our 50th episode! Time for a celebration!

We are very pleased to have Abby Monroe and Josh Dihle on the show for our 50th. Abby and Josh are the owners of Color Club, a Chicago venue that hosts an eclectic array of events. In 2020, they purchased the building on Elston Avenue that previously was home to the Chicago Latvian Association. Their intention was to create "a gathering space for Chicago's creative community." We talk about how they have done just that - hosting all sorts of events - poetry, dance, art, music and more. And, of course, we talk about how they came to open "The Sugar Hole" - the world's only puppet powered ice cream walk-up window. And they also tell us what they love about Chicago.

We like the space so much that we our hosting our 50th episode celebration party at Color Club in September. Email us if you need an invite!

Time Stamps:

2:07: How and when did we decide we wanted to take on this experiment?

5: How haunted is Color Club?

6:15: What are some of the learnings you have found in working together over the past couple of years?

7:30: How did people react to your ideas for the space?

9: What is the process like for renting space at Color Club?

12:30: What is a typical day in the life like for you?

14: Walk us through buying the space right as Covid was starting.

17:31: Have there been any moments where you've felt like you were in over your head?

20: What are some of the oddest ideas people have presented to you?

25: How did you come up with the name Color Club?

29: What does the future of Color Club look like several years down the line?

30: How do you find the balance between being a couple and being coworkers?

32:45: Do the two of you consider yourself music fans?

34: Do you have a dream event to host at Color Club?

36: What about Chicago makes it such a good art scene?

38: Deep dish or thin crust pizza?

40: Favorite venues to see art at in the city?

42:30: What do the next six months look like for Color Club?

John Mohr and Mike Greenlees have been playing music together for a long time. They first got together in Dekalb, Illinois at Northern Illinois University in 1983 with the band Blatant Dissent. In 1988, they transitioned to the post-hardcore band Tar, based in Chicago. And now, in 2024, they've released a fantastic new album with their latest quartet, Deep Tunnel Project, with Jeff Dean and Tim Midyett. We talked with John and Mike about how this all happened - and shared our mutual love of Chicago!

Time stamps:

3: How did you meet?

8: how would you describe the career of Blatant Dissent?

 9:10: was there a conversation where you decided to keep making music full time?

12: how did you end up on Touch & Go?

17:30 how did the decision to end Tar come about?

18:30: how did you start working with Steve Albini?

25:22: how did it go from Tar to Deep Tunnel Project?

31: at what point do you bring in other people to play with you?

33: why was it important to you to have Chicago musicians?

42: was it the intention to always put out an album?

44: is there a song on the album that you feel is the most representative of the band?

47:45: favorite song to play from the album?

50: how did you end up on Comedy Minus One?

51:30: what’s the response been like to the record?

55: what are the next steps for Deep Tunnel Project?

62:40: deep dish or thin crust pizza?

64: favorite venue to play at?

67:40 what makes Chicago such a unique music scene?

72:38: go to cheap drink?

74:40: anything to plug on the way out?

We are excited to have Dean Zelinsky on the show. While still in his teens, Dean founded his first guitar company, Dean Guitars, starting it from scratch. He talks to us about how a couple of trips to the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan inspired his dream. After setting up his first factory in Evanston, Illinois, Dean went on to build iconic guitars for musicians like Dimebag Darrel, Billy Gibbons, Michael Schenker, Leslie West and Brad Paisley. Dean later moved on and currently builds guitars as Dean Zelinsky Private Label Guitars. He shares with us some of the innovations he's incorporated into his latest designs. We also talk about a few crazy stories and some of his favorite things about Chicago. Dean also has his own podcast, The Dean Zelinsky Show and you can hear even more stories about his guitar journey at https://www.deanzelinskyguitars.com/pages/podcast.

Time Stamps:

2:15: when did you first show an interest in guitars?

4:36: When did you first start to tinker with how guitars worked?

7:40: Did you really think you could figure out how to repair a guitar?

10:30: What in you made you a doer?

12:30: What was the reason behind the Gibson Guitars tour?

17: How did you start the company?

21: How much back and forth to make the guitar perfect?

25:13: How do you start to build the company/approach guitar stores to sell your guitars?

32:35: What is your mindset as things are taking off?

35: What changed everything for Dean Guitars?

42: Is this the time that you decide you wanted to sell the company?

45:16: When did you get rock stars playing your guitars/how did you sell guitars backstage?

54:37: How did the fur guitars come to be?

60: What's still driving you to make guitars?

70: Favorite venue to show your guitars, favorite venue to see a show?

71:30: thin crust or deep dish fan?

73:35: What makes Chicago unique?

76:30: What's your go to cheap drink?

79:25: Anything you'd like to plug on the way out?

Taylor Hales is the studio manager and recording & mixing engineer at the world-famous Electrical Audio recording studio. He also fills a bunch of other roles at the studio. We talked with Taylor about how he got his start in music and his internship at Electrical Audio. He filled us in on the inner workings at the studio. And he shared many stories about his employer, co-worker and friend, Steve Albini. This was a very emotional episode and we are so grateful to Taylor for sharing this with us.

Time stamps:

3:45: How did you first meet Steve and start working at Electrical Audio?

8:45: How often does an intern actually get hired here?

9:45: What was your life like leading up to working at Electrical Audio?

11:55: At what point did you decide that you wanted to make your passion your career?

15:18: Was your start at Electrical Audio what you expected?

17:16: Did you pick people's brains while you were interning?

18:26: What was day one like here as an intern?

20:07: What does a studio manager do at Electrical Audio?

25:07: Was your intention with the internship to get to stay forever?

28:34: Have you thought about what it was about you that led to you getting a job there?

29:45: It seems like your experience with Steve was different than how people viewed him

32:18: Have you learned anything about Steve that has surprised you since he passed?

34:45: How did Steve's disdain for money translate into how you helped him run a studio?

36:09: What are some of your favorite albums Steve produced?

40:21: What are some of the things you've taken away from Steve with how you record a band?

43:11: Did Steve actually think producing was an important job?

46:45: What are some magic moments you've had at Electrical Audio?

48:45: How do you honor Steve moving forward?

52:38: From a recording engineer perspective, what are some of the things that Steve made a lasting impression on?

55: What is it about Steve and Chicago that fit so well together?

57: When you think about Chicago music, what do you think about?

58: Have you become an audio snob from working at Electrical Audio, and do you have a favorite Chicago venue?

61:43: Deep dish or thin crust fan?

62:35: What happens with Shellac moving forward?

63:36: What is your go to cheap drink?

64:35: Anything you think people should know about Steve that we haven't talked about?

Brandon Lewis of Punkerton Records joins us for the latest After Hours episode. Brandon's record label is out of Ohio and supports a number of awesome punk rock bands. It's a labor of love for him and he works hard to provide full support to his bands - from recording, to artwork, to tour bookings and more. Four Punkerton Records bands will be playing the upcoming fForest Fest in Morris, IL on June 1st - Bad Year, The Boy Detective, KNIVES and Middle-Out. Come on out and check out some great punk music - 12 bands for only $10.

Time stamps:

2:15: How did you get started in music?

15:50: It seems like things happened in reverse for you

19: It's good to hype up all the other bands on the label

22:10: How did you develop a relationship with Stacey and Eric from fforest fest?

27:34: Tell us about the bands. that are plying fforest fest

37:48: The whole fforest fest team is unbelievable

42:50: Looking forward to seeing you out there

Stacey Dee is a singer and guitar player in the California punk band Bad Cop / Bad Cop. She's also known affectionately as Stacy Fucking Dee because, well, she's a badass! She's been playing in punk bands for a while now and Bad Cop / Bad Cop is one of the best. They've already put out 3 great LP's - Not Sorry, Warriors and The Ride - and they've got a new one in the works. Stacey shared some great stories here, including some of her struggles, and how she's in a great spot now. Fuck yeah!!!

Time Stamps:

2:18: Bad Cop/Bad Cop - How did the band come together?

7:10: What is your creative process like?

9: What are some of your earliest musical influences?

13:11: Did you ever get to tell The Go-Go's your story?

17: Has playing music exclusively with women been a deliberate choice?

18:23: As women in music, what are some of the challenges you've faced?

26:50: Fat Mike, what's it been like working with him?

29:33: There is a new album on the way!?

34: What has it been like going into the studio with someone new?

36: How do all these festival dates come together?

41: Anything you'd like to share about Frank Turner?

42: What are some Bad Cop/Bad Cop songs that really encapsulate the band?

45: When you think of Chicago and Chicago music, what do you think of?

45:45: Are there things you always want to do when you come to Chicago?

50:17: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?

52:10: Do you have a favorite venue in Chicago?

54: Who are some of your favorite Chicago bands?

59: What is your go to cheap drink?

Jon Snodgrass has a unique way of looking at life. He joins us on this episode and we talk about his philosophy about music, money, baseball and so much more. Jon has a lot of friends and sometimes has them play on his records - like Frank Turner. And Jon has a new record out, barge at will with Bill Stevenson (Descendents) on drums & bass. We also talk about all the things that Jon loves about Chicago.

Time stamps:

1:50: How are you doing today Jon?

2:30: What about Chicago makes it your favorite American city?

5:00: How long ago did you play Chicago for the first time?

7:54: Is it safe to say you plan your tours around ballparks?

15:14: When did you decide that you wanted to be a musician?

26:44: You are a DIY guy, how do you frame success?

39:16: How did you get connected with Frank Turner?

51:12: In 2030 should we be looking for Buddies 3: Old Buddies?

60:31: What excites you about playing Fforest Fest?

66: What is your favorite place to play a show at in Chicago?

68: Favorite Chicago pizza?

73:10: What is your go to cheap drink?

Growing up in Mattoon, IL, Rick Sims (guitar, vocals) spent his early years drinking beer, smoking dope and practicing in the chicken shed in Sullivan, IL with his brother Brad (drums). Joined by Doug Evans (bass), they put together some crazy-ass music and the Didjits were born! From 1986 thru 1993, they put out five great records, including Hey Judester. We talk with Rick about how those records came to be made and we also get into some stories about the intensely crazy live Didjits shows. And we are all stoked about the new Didjits Record Store Day release of Strictly Dynamite: The Best of Didjits coming out 4/20/2024. Of course, we also talk about all things Chicago - and ... is Rick going to play live again???

Time stamps:

2:00: Starting a punk band in Mattoon, IL (really a Sullivan, IL)

3:15: Did you ever eat at the original Burger King in Mattoon?

5:10: What were some of your original influences?

7:45: Dave Landis did all the Didjits record jackets and shared a lot of cool punk rock with the band.

10:15: Touch & Go didn't like the first record Fizzjob.

10:45: What did you like about the 50's crazy performers like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis.

14:00: How did you end up getting hooked up with Iain Burgess who produced your first 3 records?

16:00: How did you get the great sound on Hey Judester?

17:00: How did you connect with Touch & Go?

19:40: Hornet Piñata recording experience?

22:15: Did your success catch you off guard?

24:45: Did Doug & Brad encourage the Rick Sims wild-man persona?

27:35: Did your crowd-baiting ever get you in trouble?

29:15: Did you get crap from your lyrical content and could you write those same songs today?

34:00: How did you decide to switch over to Steve Albini for the last two records?

37:05: How did you come to live in Chicago?

38:40: How did The Offspring end up putting "Killjoy Powerhead" on their mega-album Smash in 1994?

41:05: The Didjits breakup is a messy one.

43:35: Record Store Day -- Strictly Dynamite: The Best of Didjits. How did this happen?

47:25: Is it surreal that people are still interested in something that you did 35 or 40 years ago?

50:15: Rick's post-Didjits career.

54:35: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?

55:24: Favorite Chicago venues to play and to see shows?

58:50: What do you show off in Chicago when friends come to town?

61:30: What makes Chicago unique?

64:00: What's your favorite "go to" cheap drink?

65:00: Are you a Chicago lifer?

66:55: Will you play Didjits music live again?

Sean O'Keefe joins us for episode number 42. Growing up in Wilmette, IL, Sean dropped out of Columbia College in Chicago to record his friends' bands. We talk about how he came to produce Take This To Your Grave for his friends, Fall Out Boy. We discuss what's involve in producing, engineering and mixing a record. Sean has also worked with a ton of other bands, including Hawthorne Heights, Motion City Soundtrack, The Hush Sound and Beach Bunny and co-produced "Hey There Delilah" for Plain White T's. He's currently working on the new record for Beach Bunny. Can't wait to hear that one!

Time stamps:

2: What do producers, engineers, and mixers do?

11:33: When you work with a band do you come to them with your thoughts or are you in service of the band?

23: How do you get on Fall Out Boy's radar? How did you come together to make Take This To Your Grave?

33: While recording Take This To Your Grave did you realize how special it was?

38:11: If I want to hire you, what is that process like?

42:45: How did Beach Bunny get on your radar? How did you start working together?

47:45: Has the ease of producing/releasing music impacted your production method/style?

54: What advice would you give a newer band coming into the studio/what kind of common mistakes do you see?

59:48: Thick or thin crust pizza fan?

61:40: Favorite venue to see shows at in Chicago?

63: What do you think makes Chicago and Chicago music special/unique?

67:37: What is your go to cheap drink?

68: Are you a Chicago lifer?