The Underbelly Hours

We welcome on the show the one, the only…Jessica Risker! We’re not kidding either. She’s one of the only people in Chicago who has a podcast combining music and therapy. In addition to her show, we chat about her beautiful music, monthly series at Cafe Mustache, and work/life/music/toddler balance.

Music played this episode:

“Fine” by The Darling Suns

“FOMO” by Burr Oak

Our annual gathering of the local music minds! On this episode, Aaron Williams and Brian Shamie join us for the yearly ritual of gushing about Homegrown Arts and Music Festival, comparing our favorite music acts, worshiping Chicago Sound Check and more! As a bonus, this year’s episode includes the LIVE rendition of a brand new song by Aaron Williams, as well as thoughts from everyone about musical strategies upon exiting the pandemic.

Who has a degree in ethnomusicology, masterful banjo skills AND an album that (should be) part of everyone’s playlist right now?? Ryan Burns of course!

We sit down with this witty dude to talk about his album “Static Year”, the dark arts of the banjo, roadtrips, and alcoholic ciders. It’s a grand time and YOU’RE invited to listen!

New Music Features: Ruby Gold Smoke, and Pino Farina Band.

Adela and Dan welcome follow podcaster Jacques LaMore to talk podcasts, pop punk, and poor decisions in broadcasting. We spill the beans on everything from our most embarrassing stories to some of the best interviews.

Plus, listen to new music from Tommy Bravos and I Ya Toyah.

He is a playwright, an educator, and a public speaker. He holds degrees from the University of Chicago and Rutgers University. His most recent project 1619: The Journey of a People details the 400 year journey of African-American history… from the arrival of the first slave ships.

Ted Williams III is a fascinating human. But when Adela talked with him on Friday morning, the topic mostly revolved around one thing: the significance, history and legacy of Juneteenth. On this very special Juneteenth, we invite all to listen to this very special episode of The Underbelly Hours. After all - African American history is American history. In order for us all to support each other, we must first understand where we come from.

Why is The Underbelly Hours (a music podcast) suddenly interviewing Mik Dempsey (a local brewer)? Why does Mik spell his name weird? What is his relationship with Dry City Brew Works, and most of all…why is Mik the brewer so dang obsessed with metal?

In this unique episode of The Underbelly Hours, we sample beer, discuss the secret society of beer-making metal heads, and run through the GREAT events coming to Dry City Brew Works this June.

Hint hint: make sure that you have June 19th and June 23rd free.

Check out the full concert calendar at Dry City Brew Works! And be sure to follow Mik Dempsey’s adventures on Instagram.

How does a DIY music movement take over the world? Ben Arguelles - founder of DZ Records -  reflects on the history of his empire, traveling the United States, psychology in music, and why independent artists are the future of the music community.

Learn more about one of Chicagoland’s figureheads of the music community! Then, go subscribe to DZ Records, DZ Fest, and all things DZ.

The Situation Chicago project is a display of our city’s camaraderie in full bloom. The last album raised over $35,000 for Chicago’s independent music venues. Now, they’re back for more, benefitting the CIVL Save Emergency Relief Fund.

We sit down with Trey Elder - the founder of Quiet Pterodactyl, and head of Situation Chicago album project - to unveil the true state of Chicago’s independent venues, raising money for Chicago professionals in the arts, favorite music, and how each of us has the power to help cultivate Chicago’s cultural scene.

Broadcasting live from their garage studio, Kat & Tony talk to Adela & Dan about their band Broken Robots. We explore the strange origin story of the band, addictions, causations, and rebellions. They even give us an insight into why each Broken Robots song has such a unique flair.

A great episode, and the perfect thing to listen to ahead of the Broken Robots EP Release show on June 12th.

We’re back with our old friend Steve (Electric Stove) to talk about important things - namely, imposter syndrome as a musician, upcoming music, and the mountain of self-discovery. There may also be reference’s to Intelligentsia’s Summer Tonic, and new music from Electric Stove. We think you’re going to enjoy.

New Music Shoutout:

“Stage Lights” by Iris Blue

“Bump” by Fuzzlove