The Underbelly Hours

Warning! This latest episode of the Underbelly Hours features…

...Ryan of Marina City’s inspirational plea for rock and roll to be more open to change

...Vagabond Maurice making a good case for why his music could be featured in Cowboy Bebop

…Exclusive sneak peeks into the minds of both artists as they share with us their latest music, projects in progress, deepest inspirations, and outlooks on the world around them.

On this special episode of The Underbelly Hours, Adela sits down for a cup of tea and a Zoom call with NAACP DuPage County Branch President, Michael L. Childress.

Many people have heard of the NAACP, but chances are this organization does a lot more than you may think! From creative voter registration tactics to educational scholarships, fighting redlining to cross-cultural collaborations, check out this quick mini-episode for a good introduction to a local branch of the NAACP.

For more information on branch units, special initiatives, and ways to get involved, please visit: http://dupagecountynaacp.org/

This week, Jonfin has released new music, and man - they’re really perfecting their home recording styles. They also really miss live music, and their buddies in other bands.

Later, the new supergroup of Emcee Skool graduates - Upperclassmen- are here! We talk about the idea behind their group, recap the benefits of the Emcee Skool rap program, and get blessed with a live Zoom performance.

Why do these two genres get bad-mouthed, and how do we get past that? To explore, we sit down with two artists from country and rap backgrounds.

First up, a conversation with Rob Fishbeck about his latest album, myriad podcasts, a little history of country music, and what to listen if you want to get into that genre.

Then later, Timothy Color$ is coming back on the scene after a four year hiatus! He talks methods of rap writing, spills secrets about his upcoming project, and shares why he thinks that rap music sometimes gets a bad rep.

It’s all about GoFundMe campaigns and new music this episode. Links to GoFundMe campaigns will be added to our LinkTree, and make sure you check out the phenomenal list of musicians covered here:

Marina City, Nick Sky, Synovial, Isaiah Eby, Ashen Swan, MMCM, Daniel Izaaks, Council of Fools, Microcosms, He Who Walks Three Ways (Juba Kalamka), and Laura Les.

PS: Got some great news coming in August. Stay tuned to the show and our profiles on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

This week we welcome to the show two artists who love the Chicago local music scene: Nikki Morgan and Paul Ramirez.

Find out more about Nikki’s definition of Carolina soul, how she’s using reading to inspire action, and being a black woman playing country music.

Then later, a talk with Paul Ramirez reveals why he started writing songs at his day job, what keeps him going in the Chicago music scene, and why he believes comics have the power to inspire us all.

Not one, but two artists with brand spankin’ new music graced us this week.

First up, a conversation with William of BOYS VS. GIRLS, who chooses from our wacky lineup of bandmates, reveals stories behind his latest album, and why he believes that artists should use their voices to “speak their truths” in this restless period of American history.

Next, August Hotel tries their luck at our five second Rapid Fire game, gives an update on the inner workings of their EP “Stations”, and chats candidly about communication in their circles - even on Twitter.

A live band through Zoom? You bet we tried that out on the latest episode of The Underbelly Hours!

First up, a chat with rapper and South Side native Snowy Joey. We talk about his awesome music, why he loves Spider-Man, and the importance of transparency when discussing BLM and associated movements.

Then later, Attack the Sound give us a LIVE preview of their upcoming single “Music Soul on Fire”, check in about what they’ve been doing in quarantine, and give their response as artists to recent cultural developments.

Well, the straw has finally broken the camel’s back here in America. In light of recent events, this month will be focused mostly on lifting up the #blackvoices of our Chicagoland artistic community. Talk a little less, and perhaps listen a little more.

This week’s guest is Zion Rodman. Adela and Dan chat with the singer-songwriter (and apparently talented barista) about his latest album “Whatever Happens”, getting sick with COVID-19, social media for good, and his take on the overall state of America right now.

And also check out our lovely friends over at Pilot Pete’s Coffee and Treats - now hosting a new drink menu that is bound to keep us caffeinated all summer long.

Wrapping up all of the glorious music we’ve missed out in May. It’s a grand old time as we dive into the real creativity that has blossomed over the course of the COVID-19 quarantine.

Full list of musicians covered include: MMCM, Isabel Osario, The Alibis, Leah Shoshanah, Boundary Waters, Tiny Kingdoms, By Design, Sammy Cannillo, Brother Derek, Jovan Landry, Emily Blue, Zion Rodman, and When the Sun Sets.

Be sure to follow all of these amazing musicians after you listen to the episode, and see you in the summer!