Indy In-Tune #109: The Michaels Return

06/14/12 • 58 min

This really is the show that didn't want to get put out. Three times while writing this, I accidentally clicked away from the blog page without saving in order to look up one of the links below, thus erasing what used to be a really warming and heartfelt blog post where these words currently reside, and forcing me to duplicating a lot of effort looking up all the links below ... again. Worse still, twice during the editing of the audio file, I inadvertently filled up the hard drive on my computer, which as those of you who are familiar with Audacity know, is an instant silent death sentence, as it means your file will be corrupted, but Audacity will not have the courtesy to warn or alert you until you go to play it back. Mind you it's no small feat editing some of these things together, especially when it's Brett, beer, and myself ... which requires I identify and cut about 30% of what what actually recorded because we get off on weird, rambly tangents about baseball and g-strings. (Seriously, with Jeff DeHerdt it's Doctor Who and Comic Books; with Brett Wiscons, it's a bit more esoteric. Just be glad I edit and don't ask to hear the raw interviews on some of these shows.) Additionally, there is the problem I allude to in the interview that, not only have I asked Brett everything there is to ask him, I've pretty much written everything there is to write about him. It should be obvious by now: I like the guy/I think his singing is solid/I think his songwriting is great/he gets better with every release (even if he doesn't think so)/you should immediately click on the links below and buy the Michaels' new CD, Equals, and go catch them at their next show. Are we clear on these points? Good. Because I really just want to get this show published once and for all so I can go clean up my hard drive. Links referenced in the show: The Michaels can be found here: | | They previously appeared on promoting the release of their . Brett Wiscons also previously appeared on with Great Scott! and as a solo artist, making him the current record holder for most "guest" appearances. Yes, believe it or not, Jenn Cristy has made nine appearances, but only twice has been a guest; three times a co-guest; and four times a co-host. Their new CD, Equals is available at , , and . They recently played the , as well as courtesy of . At the Lucas gig, they got to meet professional billiard player, , who it turns out does live in Indianapolis. "See You in September" is based on a line Brett heard in his head while on the ferry to . While the CD was largely recorded in Jon's basement, it was professionally mastered at by Corey Miller. The Michaels' tour of 2012 was transported by a . When on tour, the Michaels' occasionally stays at . While touring, they played several franchises. As a long-time fan of , Brett particularly enjoyed visiting he , and playing . Yes, it is confirmed, are cool. Brett is also a big fan of Bill Withers, and recommends his . Don't forget the Great Scott! 10-Year Anniversary Show at the Vogue on October 12. They will be supported by ( and ), featuring the inimitable . It would seem Andy Cool moved to L.A. on us and is currently doing bass duties for a band called . In his list of most influential albums, Brett Mentions Bobby Darin and the movie "." Okay so we're trying to figure out how a band like Gotye can do a song, like "," which can then be made more famous by , which is then upstaged by a . What a strange industry. Yes, , as well as shot glasses, flasks, T-shirts, and all manner of merchandise at the . Finally, the Michaels recommend as a one-stop shop for all your CD release needs.

Previous Episode

Indy In-Tune #108: Nick Rapley

Nick Rapley is one of those artists I've been trying to get on the show for the better part of two years. As with most of the Indianapolis music scene, that's kind of like hitting a moving target. Though his music has been featured on the show before, as two of his prior bands had strong showings in our Podcast Battle of the Bands back in 2010, it was not until the release of his first solo effort, "A pot Luck Melody" that I finally got the chance to sit down and enjoy a couple of beers with him -- which was well worth the wait. "A Pot Luck Melody" is eight tracks firmly rooted in the nebulous realm of indie power-pop. Within that framework, however, Nick -- as an established producer, performer, and songwriter (oh, and did I mention artist?) -- explores the fringes, delving into fringes of rap, spoken word, progressive rock, and artistic soundscapes as he stretches his artistic chops, presenting the results to us as what he terms the search for . Links referenced in the show: Nick Rapley can be found here: | | | His first solo release, A Pot Luck Melody, is available from his and soon to be found on iTunes and . His prior band Apsara, placed 6th in the . Another prior band, Catch Curtis, placed 4th and was voted best new/emerging artist. You can hear tracks from both bands on . A Pot Luck Melody features contributions from , who appeared on . In addition, Nick produced . I will officially eat my metaphorical hat as the winner of the Rolling Stone contest was out of Bloomington, who are an excellent original outfit, and not a wedding band. I repeat: NOT a wedding band. Nick has recently finished producing an album for . His next musical project will be a collaboration with his girlfriend, . His recording studio is based on and an . Nick is currently an intern at in Chicago. Nick and I are both big fans of jazz/fusion pianist .

Next Episode

Indy In-Tune #110: No Pit Cherries

Well, now, here's something new and interesting on top of something else new and interesting. It's been a big month for Indy In-Tune. We've remodeled "Studio B" to make it fit for human occupation again. We've started an on-line radio station to stream the music of our fair city to you 24/7, along with a big fat RIAA/DMCA exemption, courtesy of Live365.com. And, combining the two, we give you this: Our first live-streaming, interactive podcast available in both audio AND video format. Okay, so the audio was pretty well attended, the video had a couple of followers, and nobody actually submitted a question or comment in real time, but it was still very cool that someone could have done it if they wanted to. Did you miss it? Well, then you just get this download that talks about all the "liveness going on," but trust us, it was cool. The guinea pigs for this grand experiment were No Pit Cherries, one of the up-and-comers generally associated with Indy's South Side scene, and occasionally making a few waves in other parts of the city. They feature a diverse background of styles, influences, and experience that gets channeled into energetic rock and roll that is sure to appeal to anyone who is jaded by the sterile sameness of popular music today. Add to that the fact that these are five completely different, but all genuinely wonderful personalities, and you've got the makings of a ensemble-cast for a potential hit sitcom, if not a great rock band. Links referenced in the show: No Pit Cherries can be found here: | | They are managed by Jonathan for , who does a fantastic job of keeping the band, and me, on our toes. Press kits, people, press kits. Rocky Rodriguez and Seth Chambers are both graduates of (Yeah, I know it's not really a relevant reference, but I'm lacking for links in the show notes this week.) Their first EP is currently in pre-release and available at their shows. Look for the release party soon. It was recorded by at in Avon, Indiana. Their next gigs will be Friday, July 13th at along with and . And the in Browsburg with and .