To the Bottom

In this episode the band People R Ugly stop by after a high-energy festival set to talk about their sudden TikTok fame, the viral bar performance of their joke song "Circ23," and how Tom from Plain White T's unexpectedly joined them on stage. They discuss their DIY approach to touring and recording, upcoming debut album 'Garage' (out Now), recent sessions with Mark Hoppus, and the offbeat, often crude humor that keeps their live shows unpredictable.

Timothy Howls stops by To The Bottom Music at Summerfest to talk about his new Americana side project, the single "Smithereens," his Austin studio sessions, and the six-piece band shaping his sound. He discusses live shows, influences, balancing this project with Plain White T's and family life, and his patient, authentic approach to building a music career.

Jon is a beloved friend and to many in the Chicago music scene. From the early beginnings of most of our music careers Jon has been standing front and center supporting our musical endeavors. Today Jon joins in conversation about local music and his journey in comedy. Enjoy!

The Burning Lights are a supernova of catchy rock and roll hooks and emotional anthems for the lost and lonely. Currently based out of Chicago, the band puts on energetic live performances with electric stage presence. They have shared the stage with prominent acts such as The Dirty Nil, Lucky Boys Confusion, Thomas Nicholas Band, and Castlecomer, and have performed at many notable venues including The Middle East Club, Bottom Lounge, and Concord Music Hall for a show presented by Riot Fest. The group presently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Steve Knecht, bassist Luke Frees, and drummer Gary Zucker. Frontman Steve Knecht’s songwriting bursts with pop sensibility, sincerity, and punk-rock urgency. After releasing a series of singles produced by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, The Dangerous Summer), the band entered the studio to record their debut full-length album with Arun Bali (Saves The Day, William Ryan Key), releasing “Hello Anxiety” in 2022. They released “Live at Sleeping Village” in 2023, highlighting the group’s tight, passionate, and high-octane live sound.

You may not know but if you are a Chicago music goer you probably own a piece of Dan Wade's heart. Dan is known for his bands throughout the last 25 years Empyrean, Treaty Of Paris, and his own solo work. Dan is currently the Art Director for Riot Fest. Enjoy

Practice for TLB went South until little drummer boy makes visual assumption based on Art work from D*FACE

Wake up with TLB, Dan Monahan of The Dog and Everything as they discuss Malibu sunrises over coffee and breakfast beers

Showoff fresh off the stage with little Ronnie!

Dating back to last December Joe Cudiamat , Mike Retondo reflect on the early days of Tone Def George

Just some Ozark boys who somehow made their way in to our trailer with the boys of Treaty of Paris 

Ron Modell was tasked with creating a jazz program from scratch, Modell auditioned 60 hopeful musicians for 20 available chairs in the new ensemble.  Just six weeks later, the NIU Jazz Ensemble played its first concert. Modell was an accomplished trumpeter who had played with all the greats – Louis Armstrong, Maynard Ferguson, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Bellson and many more. His talent, outgoing personality and strong connections in the music world introduced his students to dozens of jazz stars and travel opportunities beyond their wildest imaginations. Enjoy!

Dan Musa Founding member of the Legendary Chicago band The Brockmeyers is on the bus! Dan is currently involved in multiple endeavors and we touch back on what led him on his musical bass thumping journey. 

From Swizzle Tree to Temple of Dome Saarang Pandav takes us on a self discovery lesson to the cosmos 

"One of the great voices of Chicago. James VanOsdol, joins us in the RV to discuss his career in broadcasting, his transition into the world of podcasts, our mutual love of local music, and the joy and pain of hard work."

Celebrating Plainwhitets new self titled release Onelife, The Dog and Everything, Darren Vorel, Pat Gilroy, Marc Ess, Scott Darling, Shawn Davis, Nick Agee,  pop in to say hello!

Musician and songwriter, Kevin Presbrey, creator of allforuke.com joins us to talk about all things ukulele and how he built a YouTube channel and education platform.

Deanna Belos of Sincere Engineer meets up to celebrate Cheap Grills, gas station grabs, sardines, and the upcoming US Tour! 

Chris Tracy is a Chicago Concert Photographer. If you are aspiring to get into concert photography this is your gate way episode! Chris gives you all the dirt to land your first pit pass to glory.

Ryan shows back up only to question Mike why he would fly to Jakarta Indonesia for 24 hours to indulge in Satay.