Fans With Bands

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...

In this episode, I talk with Jessey Adams. She plays traditional country music cut from the cloth of legends such as Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, June Carter Cash as well as contemporaries such as Cody Jinks and Sierra Ferrell. Our conversation includes a look at her most recent single “Old Appalachia”, her take on songwriting, and her impressive time on the road covering over 150 shows across the...

Welcome to Season 6 of Fans With Bands. In this episode, I talk with Jason Doome, the founder of Grand Rapids Doom Fest. Jason just completed the second Doom Fest and has already scheduled the next Doom Fest for Oct 10, 2026. During our chat we talked about how Doom Fest came to be and how rapidly it has grown. Of course, we talked about music and pizza. Grand Rapids Doom Fest Check out the Facebo...

In this episode, I talk with Jude from Raldesy. Raldesy is lo-fi indie folk rock very much in the vein of bands such as The Violent Femmes. We talked about getting into music and the power of writing your own music. Along the way we chat about influences and pizza toppings. Raldesy Check out their music Follow on Instagram Fans With Bands Subscribe to Fans With Bands on your favorite podcast servi...

In this episode, I talk with Pat and Bob from The City Lines. Their new album Prescribed Fires is a gem of pop punk with stellar songwriting that speaks to Pat’s background as a firefighter. Our conversation covers how Pat and Bob joined forces to write these compelling songs. Along the way we chat about influences and pizza toppings. The City Lines Check out their music Follow on Facebook , Insta...

In this episode, I talk with Todd and Brandon of All Over The Shop. We talk about the dreaded question: what does your band sound like? I of course had my own thoughts, but it is always interesting to get the band’s perspective. Our conversation also included working with Geoff Michael at Big Sky in Ann Arbor to record their most recent EP - Every Ounce Of Energy . Along the way we talk about song...

In this episode, I talk with Mike Walker of Bogue. Mike shares the story of Bogue who were at the center of Detroit’s garage rock scene in the 2000s. They soon recorded a demo with Jim Diamond in Detroit. Sadly tragedy struck when guitarist Dan Maister committed suicide. A couple of years later, drummer Matt Blake passed away due to a heart attack. Thankfully, Mike Walker persevered and has recent...

In this episode, I chat with Heath, Dustin, Andy, and Greg from Blind Haven. These purveyors of seismic doom happen to be four friends who wanted to jam together as one of them neared death. Thankfully, they have persevered and continue to turn the pain of existence into brutally heavy music. I love this band and had a fabulous time talking with these guys about their origin story, songwriting, fi...

In this episode, I had a great time talking with Mitch, Matt, and a bunch of fans of the alt-rock band Jesus Chrysler Supercar. Besides having a fantastic name, this band plays some excellent alt-rock music loaded with hooks and melodies. The thing is they had formed in the 90’s and called it quits for over 20 years. Recently, they have gotten back together to create new music and haven’t lost a s...