Champaign Is Also A Band

In this episode Sven opens the bottle of moderately priced pinot noir at the 2019 Hogchute Opry to sit down with Rebecca Rego of Rebecca Rego and the Trainmen . We talk about her song "Worst Days" off the album "Speaking of Witches." We talk about the past, ghosts, and what pairs well with conversation among other things. Cover Photo by: Morgan Ciesielski   SONG: Worst Days ALBUM: Speaking of Witc...

Welcome to the crossover episode with "From Heartbreak To Hate." In this episode, Sven shares an A&W and a Crush with Joy ( Miss Pettycakke ) and Baub.  We talk about the song "Anger Over Sadness" from the EP "Not That Bitch." We talk about their Podcast and its roots and Baub and Joy's favorite things. SONG: Anger Over Sadness – Miss Pettycakke ALBUM: Not That Bitch EP – Miss PettyCakke BANDS...

Welcome to Flor Fest ! Sven talks to the organizers, performers, and The UP Center about this annual event.  Thank you to everyone who interviewed! Shout outs: William and Nathan from the UP Center for telling me all about the UP Center's services. Be sure to visit their website and make a donation or find out about their services: https://www.unitingpride.org/ Edgar and Dania for telling me all a...

Sven hangs with Paul Kotheimer to talk about his song “ Let’s Hang ” off the album “ Terrarium .” We discuss vintage recording, the CU scene, and when exactly is half-past-fuck-this-shit-o’clock.   SONG: Let’s Hang – Paul Kotheimer ALBUM: Terrrariu m BANDS:  MORGAN ORION & the AFTERBURNERS FAVORITE THING:  Old Fashioned REFS: Ballad of the Benjamin                     The Chickadee Sermon     ...

I met up with CJ Run at an Espresso Royale to talk about their song "Indigo" off the single "747" - Produced by yourbeautifulruin (Allan Xu) We talk also about their recent release “Here for Now” also produced by yourbeautifulruin. Find out what CJ’s favorite CU music scene moments are and what really makes CJ smile. There will be singing, dancing… a secret twin you didn’t know about… 2 weddings…...

Sven and Melody nibble on oatmeal cookies and sip mochas as we talk about Melody's song "Goth Girlfriend" off the " Dumpster Punk EP " from her band " This Is A Stick Up! " So get your finest dark clothes, put your Siouxie album on your record player, and find out if there really is a Goth Girlfriend… SONG: Goth Girlfriend – This is a Stick Up! ALBUM: The Dumpster Punk EP BANDS: This is a Stick Up...

Sven talks with Zoe from ZZO about her song "Steal the Show" off her album: "Telling Other People’s Stories." Find out about the bizarre history of the word “Jazzical.” Also, why playing classical piano on an upright is just “nuts.” SONG: Steal the Show – Zzo ALBUM: Telling Other People’s Stories BANDS: Zoe Willott Trio/Zzo Favorite Thing: Oreos REFS: Space Song – Beach House   Ariana Grande  Post...

Sven chats with Vivian McConnell over some Topo Chico , chips, salsa and guacamole about her song "Maja" off her V.V. Lightbody album: "Bathing Peach." Find out what "Maja" really means--it's not what Sven thinks it means. Is there a multi-VivVerse?  SONG: Maja – V.V. Lightbody ALBUM: Bathing Peach BANDS: V.V. Lightbody , Santah , Grandkids   Favorite Thing: Topo Chico / Chips / Salsa / Guacamole...

Sven sips some tea and enjoys some brownies with Kenna Mae (They/Them) of Relevator to talk about their song "NBDY'S DRM GRL." We discover Kenna’s favorite non-musical things… Sven discovers that Kenna is also an Ologite. SONG: NBDY'S DRM GRL (Nobody's Dream Girl) ALBUM: Still Asleep BANDS: The FlowerJax, Wagon Fire, Kenna Mae (solo & with Bob Watson) Mae & the Dark Days, Dalipop, SharpDir...

Sven brunches with Emily Ann of Whiskey Business and Sororise . We discuss her song “How I Adore,” enjoy some eggs and cheesy grits, and talk about the CU Scene. One of these days Sven will say Sororise correctly… SONG: “How I Adore”  - Whiskey Business ALBUM: From Slug Hollow BANDS: Whiskey Business , Sororise, Relevator , Chachi and the Bandidos Favorite Thing: All things brunch! PHOTO BY: Tom W...

Sven sits down to talk with Drake Maxon of Shouting Match and Prevalence about his song “Strangers.” We enjoy some Pandamonium Donuts while we talk about the scene, WPCD, and Drake’s favorite non-musical thing.  Check out this episode to get to know Drake Maxon and maybe you won't feel like a stranger anymore. SONG: “Strangers” – By Shouting match ALBUM: (Single) BANDS:  Shouting Match , Not for t...

In this bonus episode, we bid farewell to Heirship Records. Sven interviews Heirship Artists and fans of Heirship to talk about what Heirship and Isaac Arms has meant to them.  Special thanks to everyone that interviewed with me: Luke Bergkoetter - Withershins / Take Care / Marathon Matt Mitchell - motes Jake Metz - Total Asshole Bryce Hays - Withershins / Dr. Responsible Nick Foreman - Take Care...

Sven shoots-the-shit with Tim McGee about his song "Funeral Attire" off the "Primitive Lights EP" . We sing the praises of Clayton Deering on slide, H/T Matt Talbot of HUM , and Sven uses the term "False Cadencey." We talk about the scene, but then it just comes back to the amazing people and places of Champaign-Urbana. Yes, listener, the bullshit smells sweeter with you around, so give it a liste...

Sven interviews Nick Pitingolo about their song: リービング // 漂流間にスターレスレルム [leaving // drifting through a starless realm] as we drink Stone Ripper IPA and sip some sour Destihl: Sychopathic. Are dreams reality? What is Nick's favorite thing? How does Sven say Fataligeist?  REFS: Video: Black Astra (Voidbringer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy4cr2aOzXI Loose Cobra IMC PHOTO: Emily...

Sven says: "Goodbye, for now" to Isaac Arms as they talk about the song Fire Flies off the album Silver Cities performed by Withershins.  We talk about the CU music scene, Heirship Records , and of course Isaac's favorite non-musical thing.  Grab yourself a Lime LaCroix and a slice (or two) of Oreo Pie from Po Boys in Urbana and check out this interview. REFS: POP! Monster Records , Parasol Record...

In this episode, Sven interviews Melvin Knight of Melvin Knight and the Amber Sky about his song “ Promised Land ” off the album “ Shades of Us ” PHOTO: Elijah Harris- IG: @flyguybantu SONG: Promised Land ALBUM: Shades of Us BANDS: Church Booty (now Fay Ray ), Blackbird house band, backup for Fiona Kimble , Melvin Knight and the Amber Sky Favorite Treat: Grape Juice (Welches) Refs: Fay Ray Blackbi...

Content Warning: Homicide/Suicide In this episode Sven sits down with Kelsey Sharp to talk about her song “Healing.” We talk about loss. We talk about healing. We eat some monkey bread. Photo Credit: Philip Knox (https://www.philipknoxfineart.com/) SONG:  Healing BANDS: Tell Mama, Snayl , and Fiona Kimble Favorite Treat:  Her Mom’s Monkey Bread Mentions: Wellspring Duo Iron Post CU Change Makers I...

In this bonus episode Sven sits down with Reis and Rick 'Sticks' DeSantis to talk about family, growing up, learning music, and the CU music scene.  So sit down with some Ghirardelli chocolate and enjoy this bonus episode with this father and son duo. Interludes by Bristle, Ghoul Jr. , and Kassius My Sibella – Ghoul Jr. (EP) Can’t Be Friends – Bristle (ON TAP) Returning a Simple Favor – Kassius (E...

Sven sits down with Sean Neumann from Jupiter Styles about the song "Baby Steps" from the album "Be Good" Hear about why ventilation and looking out for your neighbor are so important. Why love takes work. Why we need to keep growing and love in baby steps. All while eating Ho Hos. SONG: Baby Steps ALBUM: Be Good BANDS: Jupiter Styles, Single Player , Nectar, Ratboys , Easter. Favorite Thing: HOHO...

In this episode sven interviews Kamila Glowacki from Nectar about the song "Blinds" from the album: "Knocking at the Door" Find out why the box of lemons doesn't exist, where the name NECTAR comes from, teaching at Girls Rock CU , favorite deep cuts from CU music, a CU music scene gripe, and Kamila's favorite non-musical thing... SONG: Blinds ALBUM: Knocking At The Door BANDS: Nectar, Kowabunga! K...

In this episode, Sven interviews Contantin Roman about a soundtrack project "Beyond Yesterday's Grasp: Official Soundtrack" We listen to one song off the project: "Servitude," talk about it, find out about all the secrets of ACKER and Marathon , and then we talk about how amazing the IMC is and how important it is to the CU communtity. Finally we find out what Constantin's favorite non-musical thi...

Sven interviews members of the Girls Rock! C-U crew. Find out more about this great camp and what makes it so special. Interviews: Emily, Olivia, Amy, Carrie, Isaac, and Christine. References: Riot grrrl Movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riot_grrrl Girls Rock! Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbx5PM8jH3w Girls Rock! Movie: http://www.girlsrockmovie.com/ Check out the bands of t...

Sven chats with Marielle about her solo project: Etumu Elmari and her song "Manic." which was recorded live in the Blue Box Studio.  We talk about mental health, her writing style, and her favorite non-musical thing.  We enjoy a spicy ginger beer. Etumu Elmari is crowdsourcing support for her upcoming album: "Pandora" and she could use your help: ( https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2124257559/e...

In this bonus episode we talk to performers and members of the CU music scene and find out what is so great about the Hogchute Opry There are links to as many of the bands as I could find. Enjoy! Interviews: Dave Pride: Col. James Presents, Primative Lights , Neoga Blacksmith , The Fights Chris Davis: Finer Feelings , Patriot Patrol Cole: Cole Bridges, The Fights, The Annas Clayton Deering: The Fi...

Elizabeth Majerus of Motes sits down to talk with me about the song "Came To" off of their album "Crash the Day." We discuss her writing style, how the band Motes was formed, and things she loves musical and non-musical. We sip hot tea in a hot studio and reminisce about days gone by in the Champaign-Urbana music scene. LINKS to things we talk about: Windmills: "The Cast Are Now in the Conversatio...