On The Record

Milwaukee is known for its rich brewing history, its abundance of bars, the nationally recognized drinking prowess of its populace, and a variety of other alcohol-related aspects that help the city earn its "Brew City" moniker. Two Milwaukee musicians who have succumbed to the hardships brought on by earning a living in a profession that romanticizes alcohol and residing in a region that champions consumption are Field Report bandleader Christopher Porterfield and Good Land Records co-owner Jon Phillip. Porterfield and Phillip generously join host Tyler Maas for a candid chat about their past experiences with alcohol, their crushing lows, their individual paths to sobriety, and the ongoing daily journey to make sure they stay that way. Maas also discusses his own internal struggles with alcohol, and all three dissect Milwaukee's "Brew City" reputation.

This weekend, the inaugural Arte Para Todos festival will feature 70 of the best musical acts Milwaukee has to offer performing at more than a dozen venues spread throughout Bay View, Riverwest, and the East Side. Even better, 100 percent of the money raised will benefit three Milwaukee schools’ arts programs. So what does it take to pull off such a wonderful/complex event? Tyler and Matt sit down with two of the fest’s organizers to find out: Amelinda Burich (Group Of The Altos) and Josh Evert (The Fatty Acids, Jaill). Discussed: the festival’s origins, why it’s important to support endangered arts programs, and, of course, Latrell Sprewell.

In advance of Anime Milwaukee, Matt and Tyler talk all things geeky, nerdy, and dorky with two experts on the subject: Lynn Nilles, co-owner of the wonderful nerd-themed downtown bar 42 Lounge; and Rob Wieland, frequent contributor to Milwaukee Record and a writer for an assortment of books, games, and comics. The group covers the rising popularity of geek culture, the commodification and exploitation of that culture, as well as the current state of nerd-dom in Milwaukee. Lynn reveals some details about the upcoming 42 Ale House in St. Francis, Rob convincingly compares role playing games to fantasy sports, Tyler likens himself to Booger from Revenge Of The Nerds, and Matt proves his nerd cred by revealing his favorite Dragonlance character.

Milwaukee Magazine dining critic Ann Christenson has been covering the city’s restaurant scene since 1997. If there’s anyone who knows where to eat (and where not to eat) in Milwaukee, it’s her. Matt and Tyler sit down with Christenson to talk about her long career, the challenges and tricks of being an anonymous food critic, the trouble with Yelp, Milwaukee’s storied dining history (mob shootings!), what neighborhoods are hot, what neighborhoods are in danger of over-saturation, and what trends probably need to go away. Christenson also reveals her favorite restaurants in town, and expresses her appreciation for the kitty calendar hanging in Milwaukee Record’s office. Laughs are had, drinks are consumed, and the word “foodie” is only uttered once.

Matt sits down with Milwaukee's most tireless drummer/percussionist/artist Jon Mueller, as well as Alverno Presents Director David Ravel to discuss Mueller's "Death Blues: Ensemble" show this Saturday night at Alverno College’s Pitman Theater. Mueller talks about his project's genesis in post-Katrina New Orleans, his collaboration with San Francisco-based composer William Ryan Fritch, and what people can expect from Saturday's one-night-only show. Ravel, meanwhile, corrects Mueller on a few details, and reveals the big secret to enjoying daunting or intimidating art: Just show up.

While the presence of women in local music has clearly grown, the scene is far from perfect. In hopes of gaining some first-hand perspective on the state of women in Milwaukee music, co-hosts Matt Wild and Tyler Maas chat with Ladies Rock Milwaukee organizer Mary Johnson (who also plays in The Olives and Fox Face) and FemFest founder Olivia Doyle about their respective events, difficulties and misconceptions female musicians face, and improvements that still must be made in Milwaukee (and beyond).

Tyler Maas journeys to the basement of the Grand Avenue Mall to chat with local comics Allison Dunne and Matt Kemple about Milwaukee's burgeoning comedy scene. Hilarity, riffing, and drinking ensue.

Music:Heavy Hand - "David Bowie Wants To Steal Your Baby"Migo - "Channel Blue"

In the inaugural episode of On The Record, Milwaukee Record co-founders and editors Matt Wild and Tyler Maas delve into the history of their still-young website, look back on their favorite Milwaukee music of 2014, and look ahead to 2015. They also drink two Ale Asylum beers apiece.

Music:Whips - "XOXXX"NO/NO - "Mistakes"Space Raft - "We Are Not Alone"