I had the pleasure of moderating the press conference for Fall Out Boy prior to the Nike+ Human Race at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL.  They talked quite a bit about their new album FOLIE A DEUX.  At the time of this press conference the album was set to be released on election day - they've since pushed back the release until 12-16-08.

This is my first VIDEO podcast (vidcast?)...

The Steepwater Band is based in Chicago and they're releasing their new album "Grace and Melody" on December 2.  The new record is produced by former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford and I love it!  I had the pleasure of chatting with drummer Joe Winters in this episode of Cara's Basement.

To celebrate the release of their new album, The Steepwater Band is putting on a FREE show at the Double Door in Chicago on Wednesday, November 26th (the night before Thanksgiving).

Andy Taylor wrote a new tell-all book called "Wild Boy" and shares plenty of juicy stories from his crazy history of Duran Duran.  It really was a wild time.  His book is fun to read and it was a pleasure talking to him.

This interview took place in the summer of 2008, just after Josh Kelley played a packed gig at the Taste of Chicago.  He opens up about songwriting and his musical influences.  He's a very down-to-earth guy and a fabulous singer/guitar player/songwriter!

I had the pleasure of introducing The Plain White T's for WTMX when they performed an acoustic set at Best Buy (in Downers Grove, IL) on 9-26-08.  They were fantastic and attracted a huge crowed!  Before they played I spoke with band members Dave Tirio & Tom Higgenson just before they played.  This is that conversation...

(By the way, the "D" word I refer to is "Delilah" as in their hit song "Hey There Delilah")

Disturbed was part of the amazing lineup of Mayhem Fest during the summer of 2008.  I sat down with lead singer David Draiman in his dressing room a few hours before they hit the stage.  His intelligence and demeanor impressed me quite a bit.  This guy is one the smartest people I've ever met and despite his great success has absolutely no ego issues.  He rocks!

Nils Lofgren has jammed with Crazy Horse, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band.  Besides his stellar guitar work backing others, he has also released many solo albums.  His latest is a tribute to his longtime friend and musical collaborator Neil Young:  "The Loner: Nils Sings Neil". 

Nils covers the early days of meeting Neil to the behind the scenes making of his new album.  His laid-back, honest and passionate  conversation makes this a do-not-miss episode for anyone who loves rock & roll history.  You'll even hear a clip of two of his Neil Young covers...very impressive!

The first 11 minutes is Duffy. We chatted on the couch in the SPIN Magazine Press Lounge backstage at Lollapalooza.  The publisher of SPIN joins us - quite fun!

Next, it's Tally Hall.  I met them while in line for a porta-john.  We discovered we are both from the same home town (West Bloomfield, MI) and when I heard the name of their band it brought a smile to my face - you'll hear why in our conversation.

I also interviewed another Lollapalooza artist - Dierks Bentley - a few days prior to Lollapalooza. That interview is not part of this podcast episode but you can hear it HERE.

See all of my Lollapalooza pictures HERE.

O.A.R. is such a great band to see jam live. It was my pleasure to chat with lead singer Marc Roberge and get his take on what it's like to make music and why he thinks it's way cool to record his live shows.

NOTE: Normally, all of my podcasts are "clean", but in this rare instance Marc let's a few "s_ _ t" words slip out - I was not able to edit them out because of temporary technical difficulties in my home studio.  This interview is virtually unedited.

I'm a huge fan of The Police, so chatting with Joe Sumner - Sting's son - was a bit freaky for me.  He's the lead singer of Fiction Plane, a fabulous band.  They opened up for the recent big Police reunion stadium tour.  I chatted with him in April while they were on the road with The Bravery.

You'll hear a song by Fiction Plane, "Two Sisters", at the end of this episode.

Take a good look at these guys.  They could very well be HUGE in a few years and you'll be able to say, "I remember hearing about them back in '08".  Tonight The Prom opened up for The Lovehammers a few months ago at The House Of Blues in Chicago.  I interviewed Tonight The Prom backstage after their electrifying opening set.  This is that conversation, unedited.  Enjoy!

At he end of this episode you will be treated to one of their songs, "There Is No Cure For Vanity"

The Chicago Music Guide is working to help the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer raise money through a music benefit. I’ll be the emcee of this fun night of music. Live Life is at Joe’s Bar in Chicago on Sunday, April 27. Come experience live music from Paris Delane’s Tye Dye Skye, Jennifer Peterson Band, Ellen Rosner, Tracylynn & 55 South, Gina Gonzalez, White Buffalo Is Born and Twin Ray (Desiree Irwin). Doors open at 5:30, the live music begins at 6:30pm.

Tickets are only $20 plus there is an awesome silent auction. All net proceeds will benefit the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Funding is a critical component to identifying a cure and eliminating the suffering of those who are affected by the disease.

This episode of Cara's Basement is with Paris Delane - a former member of Sonya Dada with a fascinating life story.  His love & appreciation for his mother expressed in this interview is especially touching as we approach Mothers Day!

In February, 2008 comedian Lee Camp was asked to appear on Fox News as a "lefty" comedian vs. a "righty" during a live segment.  He agreed to do it figuring he'd have to somehow speak his mind - and he sure did!  The video of his appearance was viewed on youtube a half a million times within a day of his appearance.  You'll hear the clip in the beginning and again at the end of this episode.

Watch Lee Camp On YouTube
Visit www.LeeCamp.net

Original Shooting Star member Van McLain and new lead singer Ronnie Platt are in Cara's Basement.  Van shares a lot of fun stories from the band's long history.  "Last Chance" is one of Cara's favorite songs and he explains the meaning behind it.  There's also a bit of similarity between Shooting Star and Spinal Tap...you'll hear why in this episode.

The best is saved for last...please don't leave early because at the very end of the podcast you will hear the exclusive world premier of "George's Song" with Ronnie Platt on vocals!

Rik Emmett is one the most talented singers and guitar players I have ever experienced.  Knowing that there is Triumph reunion planned and getting the chance to chat with Rik about it was truly a dream come true!  You will find out if it's going to be just a "one time" thing or if a world tour might happen during this episode.  He opens up about why he's finally getting along with his former bandmates after all these years.  He also talks about many other things, including why he has such great hair and why it's so important in rock & roll!

He has many solo dates planned for 2008, but only two of those dates are in the states - and both those dates happen to be in Illinois.  He's playing February 16 in Crystal Lake, IL and November 8 in Elgin, IL.  Go to www.RikEmmett.com to find out more about his tour schedule and the much anticipated Triumph reunion.

It's impossible to pigeonhole this band's musical genre.  And you certainly cannot underestimate their wide range of songwriting abilities.  Each of their albums are so completely different from one another.  Linkin Park is simply a remarkable groups of talented individuals.  One of the best bands to experience live, too.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a press conference call (representing the Chicago Music Guide) with two of those members - Chester & Mike.  Both guys were very forthright with their answers. 

Linkin Park has been touring the world promoting their current album "Minutes To Midnight" .  Their North American leg of the tour begins Febuary 12, 2008.  You'll hear a lot of juicy details about this tour, also their view on collaborating, songwriting, what it was like to work with legendary producer Rick Ruben, and much much more!

I had the incredible experience of talking with Lovehammers' singer Marty Casey, bassist Dino Kourelis and drummer Bobby Kourelis in their practice studio in Chicago recently.  Unfortunately, guitarist Billy Sawilchik wasn't there because he had the flu.  I brought some beer and we just kind of hung out and chatted.  They shared some funny stories about the early days of the band including some pretty wild parties.  You can tell how down to earth these guys are and it's also obvious they work really hard at their craft and have no egos. 

After bringing them onstage on several occasions it finally dawned on me to ask them if I said their band name correctly - turns out I never did.  Oops!  That was my very first question, too. 

Thanks to John Gaskill from Pawnstar Productions for helping record this episode.

Happy Holidays!

Aimee Mann has an album of Christmas songs called "One More Drifter In The Snow" (you'll hear a snippet or two) and is back for her annual holiday tour.  We chat about that, the record industry, even the fact that she sometimes cooks a goose for Christmas.  This phone interview was originally done for The Chicago Music Guide - this is the extended version.

Marty Casey & Lovehammers have a great rockin' holiday song, "Merry Christmas (All Year Long)" - you'll hear a snippet, then a fun conversation with Marty, Dino & Bobby from Lovehammers.  Marty Casey is doing a short solo acoustic tour right now - you'll hear why in our conversation.  This is just a "tease" for the full-on Lovehammers episode of Cara's Basement that is coming in the near future!