EPISODE · Oct 4, 2025 · 1H 18M
The Mascot Theory
from CORE · host Andy McNamara
The Mascot Theory is a Madison, Wisconsin–based alt-folk/rock band led by singer songwriter Erik Kjelland; the core lineup includes Erik (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Cory Swadley (lead guitar), Nick Fry (bass), and Paul Metz (drums). They appeared on Code Zero Radio's Fox Cities Core for a candid, wide‑ranging interview about their new concept album Cosmic Hit And Run — a deeply personal record written after Erik Kjelland’s father’s passing and shaped further by Erik’s own serious brain diagnosis. Hear stories from the band about recording with legendary engineer Terry Manning at Sonic Ranch, then returning home to self‑produce the album with inventive found sounds, samplers, and unusual mic setups.What to expect: behind‑the‑scenes tales from Sonic Ranch; the surgical deadline that became a creative spur; why the record was built as a vinyl‑side narrative; and how songs flow into each other to form one continuous emotional arc.Some great moments in this long-form interview including Erik describing the grueling recording of the final vocal on “Still Here”; the use of a childhood recording of Erik and his father woven into the album; Tyler Durbin’s guest verse on “Got A Grip”; and the surprise disco grooves that sit alongside mournful, intimate lyrics.Why listen: the interview reveals how grief, mortality, and hope were turned into precise musical planning, bold sonic experiments, and a record that still finds moments to make you move.Cosmic Hit And Run is available on vinyl through the band’s website, themascottheory.comCode Zero Radio is an independent streaming radio station based in the Fox Cities, Wisconsin, dedicated to spotlighting emerging artists, local talent, and underground music scenes. With a strong focus on alternative, rock, punk, and indie genres, Code Zero Radio serves as a platform for both regional and national acts to share their music and stories. In addition to spinning tracks 24/7, the station features original programming like Fox Cities Core, where artists are interviewed in-depth about their music, journey, and creative process.CodeZeroRadio.com#CosmicHitandRun #FlannelFest #codezeroradio #FoxCitiesCore #MascotTheory
What this episode covers
The Mascot Theory is a Madison, Wisconsin–based alt-folk/rock band led by singer songwriter Erik Kjelland; the core lineup includes Erik (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Cory Swadley (lead guitar), Nick Fry (bass), and Paul Metz (drums). They appeared on Code Zero Radio's Fox Cities Core for a candid, wide‑ranging interview about their new concept album Cosmic Hit And Run — a deeply personal record written after Erik Kjelland’s father’s passing and shaped further by Erik’s own serious brain diagnosis. Hear stories from the band about recording with legendary engineer Terry Manning at Sonic Ranch, then returning home to self‑produce the album with inventive found sounds, samplers, and unusual mic setups.What to expect: behind‑the‑scenes tales from Sonic Ranch; the surgical deadline that became a creative spur; why the record was built as a vinyl‑side narrative; and how songs flow into each other to form one continuous emotional arc.Some great moments in this long-form interview including Erik describing the grueling recording of the final vocal on “Still Here”; the use of a childhood recording of Erik and his father woven into the album; Tyler Durbin’s guest verse on “Got A Grip”; and the surprise disco grooves that sit alongside mournful, intimate lyrics.Why listen: the interview reveals how grief, mortality, and hope were turned into precise musical planning, bold sonic experiments, and a record that still finds moments to make you move.Cosmic Hit And Run is available on vinyl through the band’s website, themascottheory.comCode Zero Radio is an independent streaming radio station based in the Fox Cities, Wisconsin, dedicated to spotlighting emerging artists, local talent, and underground music scenes. With a strong focus on alternative, rock, punk, and indie genres, Code Zero Radio serves as a platform for both regional and national acts to share their music and stories. In addition to spinning tracks 24/7, the station features original programming like Fox Cities Core, where artists are interviewed in-depth about their music, journey, and creative process.CodeZeroRadio.com#CosmicHitandRun #FlannelFest #codezeroradio #FoxCitiesCore #MascotTheory
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The Mascot Theory
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