Indy In-Tune #109: The Michaels Return

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: Facebook | Twitter | ReverbNation They previously appeared on Show #092 promoting the release of their China Club EP. Brett Wiscons also previously appeared on Show #010 with Great Scott! and Show #073 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 iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. They recently played the Super Bowl Huddle, as well as Forrest Lucas' dilapidated old mansion courtesy of Maribeth Smith and Associates. At the Lucas gig, they got to meet professional billiard player, Jeanette Lee, 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 Put-In-Bay, Ohio. While the CD was largely recorded in Jon's basement, it was professionally mastered at The Lodge Studios by Corey Miller. The Michaels' tour of 2012 was transported by a Ford Focus. When on tour, the Michaels' occasionally stays at La Quinta Inn. While touring, they played several World of Beer franchises. As a long-time fan of Hootie and the Blowfish, Brett particularly enjoyed visiting he University of South Carolina, and playing Yesterdays. Yes, it is confirmed, Cajon's are cool. Brett is also a big fan of Bill Withers, and recommends his "Still Bill" documentary. Don't forget the Great Scott! 10-Year Anniversary Show at the Vogue on October 12. They will be supported by Chad Mills and the Upright Willies (Show #023 and Show #074), featuring the inimitable Grover Parido on Cello. It would seem Andy Cool moved to L.A. on us and is currently doing bass duties for a band called The Grunge Monkeys. In his list of most influential albums, Brett Mentions Bobby Darin and the movie "Beyond the Sea." Okay so we're trying to figure out how a band like Gotye can do a song, like "Someone That I Used to Know," which can then be made more famous by Walk Off the Earth's novel cover version, which is then upstaged by a parody of the cover version. What a strange industry. Yes, we really do sell tote bags, as well as shot glasses, flasks, T-shirts, and all manner of merchandise at the Indy In-Tune schwag store. Finally, the Michaels recommend Discmakers as a one-stop shop for all your CD release needs.