Fans With Bands

Welcome to Season 7!! In this episode, I’m talking with Armada Lodge. This band rocks hard with tremendous musicians playing music that will speak to fans of Alice In Chains and Alter Bridge. I spoke with John Penman, drummer, about the band’s origin story and their approach to song craft. We had a great conversation about music in general and somehow wound up talking about pizza. The band’s new E...

When I moved Fans with Bands over to Substack to host the podcast, I was limited to just 100 episodes. That means the first season is no where to be found on Substack until NOW!! Enjoy this episode (#2) from way back on Nov. 3, 2020 A chat with Kristin and EZ from the band LadyShip Warship . Their self-titled debut is raw emotive rock music that sings to the soul. Joining us for our conversation a...

When I moved over to Substack to host the Fans With Bands podcast, I was limited to 100 episodes. This means that the beginning of the podcast is not here on Substack until NOW! Enjoy this episode from Oct 26, 2020 (the very FIRST episode!) Show Notes: A chat with Clint the vocalist for the Lansing, Michigan extreme metal band Recorruptor and Nick a fan of band. On this episode, we talk about Nick...

Chuck and Nuno are back to discuss their earliest memories of music videos, the golden era of MTV, and legendary concert footage. We share stories about discovering heavy metal and rock bands on late-night TV, the evolution of music video production, and the sometimes comedic (and dangerous) history behind classic shoots. Episode Highlights * Catching Up: Nuno fills in Chuck on his busy season at...

In this episode of Fans With Bands , we sit down with Kevin Kay (Detroit Music Collective) to analyze the results of the recent Greater Detroit Music Census. We were joined by singer-songwriter Julianne Ankley, who shared her perspective as a working musician in Detroit. The conversation dives into the financial realities facing local artists, venue shortages that cause touring acts to bypass the...

In this episode, I Ryan, Don, Brandon, and Victor from Void The Light. Their latest album, Speaking With Gods , is an amalgamation of heavy riffs, progressive vibes, and flat out hard hitting tunes. We spent some time talking about their approach to music, what inspires the storyline that runs through their sound. As always, we can’t help but talk about pizza too. Void The Light Check out their mu...

In this episode, Chuck and Nuno are talking about 1984. Not the dystopian novel by George Orwell, but the Metal Storm listing of top metal albums for 1984 . We worked our way from the bottom to the top provide our commentary and metal memories along the way . 1984 - Metal Roundup * #20: Cirith Ungol - King of the Dead * A long-time favorite of Chuck and a new edition for Nuno. A great heavy album...

In this episode, I talked with Ian from Coyote Man. Their new album Prosthetic Memories , is about to be released and it is another masterpiece in heavy, progressive, instrumental music. Although, there is a surprisingly wonderful track with vocals. Ian and I chat about the making of this new album, what sets it apart from their other creations, and plans to spread the word far and wide. Coyote Ma...

In this episode of Fans with Bands , Chuck and Nuno dive deep into the world of guitar players. From the world changing playing of Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen to 80s metal heroes, 90s grunge icons, and today’s modern virtuosos, this episode covers the players who we dig and some we maybe weren’t the most keen on. However, they all jam. Below is the ultimate cheat sheet for every artist, band,...

In this episode, I talked with Caving Grounds from Negaunee / Marquette. This Upper Peninsula band channels the ferocity and brutal beauty of where they live into relentless hardcore. Titanic riffs, pummeling rhythms, and menacing vocals characterize their music. I had a great chat talking about the origin of the band’s name, their music, pizza, and their new album Become Soil , which you can pick...

In this special crossover episode, Chuck and Nuno (Needle in a Substack and Nuno Babo Youtube) sit down with legendary drummer Shannon Larkin. In a highly candid conversation, Shannon takes us through his incredible 40-year journey in the music industry. From the early club days with Wrathchild America and the label bidding wars of the 1980s, to finding his groove with Souls at Zero Ugly Kid Joe a...

In this episode, Chuck sits down with the legendary Chuck Billy of Testament to discuss his upcoming autobiography, Holding My Breath: The Two Testaments of Chuck Billy , dropping November 10th. We dive into the process of translating a Chuck’s fiercely private life into an open book, and how his journey is split cleanly into the “Old Testament” (his early life, athletic background, and the early...

In this episode, I had the fellas in Drift. Thanks to my old friend Bill Fitzpatrick for sharing the music of this new metalcore band from Detroit. They are playing powerful music that will definitely appeal to fans of Wage War, I Prevail, and Misery Index. We talked about how these guys got together, their prolific songwriting, and plans for the future. As usual, we got into origin stories and pi...

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with Ron and Zach from Widetrack. I’m so happy to have found the powerful, emotive, and deeply satisfying music from this father and son duo. I very much enjoyed talking with them about how they got started and their respective musical journeys. Of course, we talked a bit about their future plans and pizza. Be on the lookout for shows this summer with...

In this episode, we are back with another installment of Music Notes with Nuno . Chuck and Nuno reunite across the globe to dive into a special assignment. Chuck’s buddy Vic from the Michigan-based label Dystopian Dogs Productions sent over a brand new 12-track compilation vinyl titled Wrong Way Rockers: Peninsular Metal . They dive into the record, admire the old-school artwork, and give a track-...

In this episode, I had a chance to chat with Ashleigh and Cody of Blockhouse Valley. It was a joy talking with them about how they came together to form their band, how they approach making music, influences, and so much more. They mix their love of Americana, show tunes, and jazz into a delightful amalgam of music.. Be sure to pick up a copy of their latest album It’s Alright and be on the lookou...

In this episode, I had a chance to chat with Cory, Megan, and Bryan of Casket Robbery. They craft seriously heavy and brutal horror themed death metal with a bit of secret sauce. We talk about how the band got started, their secret sauce that lends eerie tones to their tunes, influences, and more. Casket Robbery are headed out west for Vegas Un Alive Fest (March 20) and a string of other shows. Th...

In this episode we are back with our feature where Nuno and Chuck talk about music, life, and whatever else they can think of! In this episode we’ve got a LOT to talk about!!! Topics & Bands: * Rogue Male: Nuno’s recent Substack interview subject . * Kreator: Discussing their consistent catalog and the divisive Cause for Conflict album. * AC/DC: The impact of Malcolm Young, varying drum lineups, a...

In this episode, I’m talking with Curvey from Custard Flux. The latest from Custard Flux called Enter Xenon is amazing. Some of the best progressive rock in the world and it starts here in Michigan. I completely enjoyed talking with Curvey about his musical odyssey and the evolution of Custard Flux. As you might guess, our chat included notes on influences, songwriting, recording and you guessed i...

In this episode, I’m talking with Chandler from Ness Lake. Their new album Normal Speed is a sonic treat of post-punk and indie rock. The lush songwriting and thoughtful songwriting is both evocative and ethereal. Our conversation covers the formation of the band, the songwriting and recording process, as well as influences and pizza toppings. Ness Lake Check out their music Follow on Facebook , I...

In this episode, I’m talking with Kevin Kay (Detroit Music Collective / K2 Artist Management) about the Greater Detroit Music Census. Kevin shares what the census is all about, who it is for (everyone!), and how you can be part of the census. In a nutshell, the Greater Detroit Music Census is for everyone within a 75 mile radius of Detroit that is involved in some way with the Detroit area music i...

In this episode, I’m talking with Ian, Erik, and Cody from Phyrxian Sun. This band is heavy, melodic, and extremely powerful. Fans of Black Dahlia Murder and The Absence will love this band. We talk about how the band came to be, the recording of their latest album Overlord , and musical influences. During our conversation we also cover thoughts on the Michigan metal scene, pizza toppings, and the...

In this episode we are kicking off a new feature: Music Notes With Nuno. My friend, Nuno Babo, is a music journalist based in Portugal who shares his thoughts on Substack and most recently Loud Hailer Magazine. He is a diehard music fan and a very lovable person. Hopefully you all will dig this new feature. Be sure to drop us a comment or shoot us a message on Substack with your thoughts and sugge...

In this episode, we talk with Charlie, Mike, and Steve from Midnight Proof. This is a Detroit band playing what they call Rustbelt Americana. Fans of The Wallflowers, The Verve Pipe, and The Gin Blossoms will dig their blend of rock, blues, and country. During our conversation we touch on their origin stories, inspirations, and of course pizza toppings. Their latest full length LP is out now and a...

In this episode, we talk with Mike, Alice, and Dave from Sonic Smut. We focused on their new album Eye Bleach which was recorded at the famed Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree, California. The same studio where Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age, Earthless, and other legends of the desert rock sound recorded. The band shares some excellent stories of working in the studio with David Catching (Rancho De...