Andy Junk

This week's guest — the 200th and final My First Band guest! — is the incomparable Andy Junk. These days, you can see Junk on stage as a member of Holy Shit! and Chinese Telephones, taking photos at a ton of concerts in Milwaukee and beyond, and spreading Lakefront Brewery's sales territory to faraway lands. Before he was in two long-running and respected bands, Junk was a teen starting his musical journey in unknown projects based in the tiny Wisconsin towns of Winneconne and Omro. Prior to his Milwaukee move, Junk was also an instrumental part of the once-mighty Green Bay punk scene as a member of The Fragments, an employee at the legendary Concert Cafe and a booker/resident of a short-lived house venue. Before returning to Green Bay for a concert at Lyric Room this weekend and heading back to Japan for another Holy Shit! tour in March, Junk stopped by Milwaukee Record headquarters to chat with My First Band host Tyler Maas about those recent developments, the forthcoming Chinese Telephones release, his musical start, his formative years in Titletown, basement show-related troubles with the law, relocating to Milwaukee, tricking an AOL music site into covering his band, and much more. Oh, and they talked about his honorary Lakefront beer, My Turn: Junk, and the unique reason it made headlines a few years ago. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Holy Shit! ("Ban Me"). Thanks to everyone who listened to this show, sponsored episodes, helped us book guests and took the time to be interviewed. It was a pleasure doing My First Band for close to four years!

This week's guest — the 200th and final My First Band guest! — is the incomparable Andy Junk. These days, you can see Junk on stage as a member of Holy Shit! and Chinese Telephones, taking photos at a ton of concerts in Milwaukee and beyond, and spreading Lakefront Brewery's sales territory to faraway lands. Before he was in two long-running and respected bands, Junk was a teen starting his musical journey in unknown projects based in the tiny Wisconsin towns of Winneconne and Omro. Prior to his Milwaukee move, Junk was also an instrumental part of the once-mighty Green Bay punk scene as a member of The Fragments, an employee at the legendary Concert Cafe and a booker/resident of a short-lived house venue. Before returning to Green Bay for a concert at Lyric Room this weekend and heading back to Japan for another Holy Shit! tour in March, Junk stopped by Milwaukee Record headquarters to chat with My First Band host Tyler Maas about those recent developments, the forthcoming Chinese Telephones release, his musical start, his formative years in Titletown, basement show-related troubles with the law, relocating to Milwaukee, tricking an AOL music site into covering his band, and much more. Oh, and they talked about his honorary Lakefront beer, My Turn: Junk, and the unique reason it made headlines a few years ago. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Holy Shit! ("Ban Me"). Thanks to everyone who listened to this show, sponsored episodes, helped us book guests and took the time to be interviewed. It was a pleasure doing My First Band for close to four years!

200 – Andy Junk (Holy Shit!, The Fragments, Chinese Telephones)

Ian Olvera

This week's guest is Ian Olvera, whose work can be heard in a variety of ways. Beyond being a current member of Blueheels and the bandleader of Daydream Retrievers, Olvera has helped record and mix music from a wide variety of other musicians at Wire &amp; Vice and Mystery Room Mastering (and on his own), and he's been a live sound engineer for a bunch of Milwaukee venues and some very well-known artists. Before he was doing any of that, Olvera was teaching himself guitar, recording himself with a Fisher Price microphone and making friends in the Green Bay music scene. A day before heading out to Europe for a month to serve as a touring sound technician for Lucinda Williams, Olvera met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk about being on the road with a music legend, recent solo shows he played, and some recording projects he's taken on lately. Of course, the conversation also focused on his musical start. Olvera talked about being influenced by his dad's records, playing shows in Titletown as a highschooler, starting The Sleepwalkers while studying recording at UW-Oshkosh, moving to Milwaukee and getting more creative opportunities, and some surreal experiences from his varied career in music. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Daydream Retrievers ("Living Hell").

This week's guest is Ian Olvera, whose work can be heard in a variety of ways. Beyond being a current member of Blueheels and the bandleader of Daydream Retrievers, Olvera has helped record and mix music from a wide variety of other musicians at Wire &amp; Vice and Mystery Room Mastering (and on his own), and he's been a live sound engineer for a bunch of Milwaukee venues and some very well-known artists. Before he was doing any of that, Olvera was teaching himself guitar, recording himself with a Fisher Price microphone and making friends in the Green Bay music scene. A day before heading out to Europe for a month to serve as a touring sound technician for Lucinda Williams, Olvera met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk about being on the road with a music legend, recent solo shows he played, and some recording projects he's taken on lately. Of course, the conversation also focused on his musical start. Olvera talked about being influenced by his dad's records, playing shows in Titletown as a highschooler, starting The Sleepwalkers while studying recording at UW-Oshkosh, moving to Milwaukee and getting more creative opportunities, and some surreal experiences from his varied career in music. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Daydream Retrievers ("Living Hell").

199 – Ian Olvera (Daydream Retrievers, The Sleepwalkers, Wire & Vice)

Mark Waldoch

This week's guest is Mark Waldoch, a Milwaukee mainstay who has been a prominent part of the city's music scene for more than 25 years. Over that quarter-century span, the multi-instrumentalist and owner of Brew City's most booming voice has released outstanding material with The Celebrated Workingman, under his own name and with his current Hallelujah Ward project. Along the way, he's contributed harmonies and horns to a wide variety of songs by other local musicians and he's been relied upon to be a go-to local opener for an incredible list of touring acts coming through town. Oh, and he's also a major part of Milwaukee's holiday music tradition with an array of Christmastime concerts most years. Earlier this week, Waldoch made a long-overdue stop (our bad!) at the My First Band studio, where he talked to host Tyler Maas about all of the above, as well as his upcoming yuletide show at The Cooperage, his amazing and arduous life story, and many memories from his lengthy tenure in the local scene. As Waldoch looked back on his artistic origin, he also treated listeners to anecdotes about touring the U.S. and Europe with Volcano Choir, working at the iconic Atomic Records store, and playing with the likes of Bright Eyes and Interpol before they became worldwide sensations. There's also an incredible and cathartic tale about the time he quit a particularly bad service industry job! My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Hallelujah Ward ("86,000").

This week's guest is Mark Waldoch, a Milwaukee mainstay who has been a prominent part of the city's music scene for more than 25 years. Over that quarter-century span, the multi-instrumentalist and owner of Brew City's most booming voice has released outstanding material with The Celebrated Workingman, under his own name and with his current Hallelujah Ward project. Along the way, he's contributed harmonies and horns to a wide variety of songs by other local musicians and he's been relied upon to be a go-to local opener for an incredible list of touring acts coming through town. Oh, and he's also a major part of Milwaukee's holiday music tradition with an array of Christmastime concerts most years. Earlier this week, Waldoch made a long-overdue stop (our bad!) at the My First Band studio, where he talked to host Tyler Maas about all of the above, as well as his upcoming yuletide show at The Cooperage, his amazing and arduous life story, and many memories from his lengthy tenure in the local scene. As Waldoch looked back on his artistic origin, he also treated listeners to anecdotes about touring the U.S. and Europe with Volcano Choir, working at the iconic Atomic Records store, and playing with the likes of Bright Eyes and Interpol before they became worldwide sensations. There's also an incredible and cathartic tale about the time he quit a particularly bad service industry job! My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Hallelujah Ward ("86,000").

198 – Mark Waldoch (The Celebrated Workingman, Hallelujah Ward)

Julia Blair

This week's guest is Julia Blair. In addition to being a member of two long-running and accomplished Wisconsin bands in the form of Dusk and Holy Sheboygan!, Blair released her excellent debut solo album earlier this year. Between putting out that album (and touring in support of it), Blair and her Holy Sheboygan! bandmates released the band's fifth full-length this year, and Dusk also recorded an album that will come out sometime in 2023. While she has a lot of interesting things happening these days, her artistic backstory is quite compelling as well. Shortly after returning home from a run of November shows in the Midwest and on the West Coast, Blair chatted with My First Band host Tyler Maas about her big 2022, plans for the year to come and where it all started. Over the course of the conversation, Blair spoke about playing in an ensemble in high school that performed at weddings and other functions, studying vocal performance at Lawrence University, meeting some of her future Holy Sheboygan! cohorts in college and starting to play out together, the chain of events that found her joining Dusk, and overcoming her apprehensions to finally release a solo record. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Holy Sheboygan! ("Uncle Mike").

This week's guest is Julia Blair. In addition to being a member of two long-running and accomplished Wisconsin bands in the form of Dusk and Holy Sheboygan!, Blair released her excellent debut solo album earlier this year. Between putting out that album (and touring in support of it), Blair and her Holy Sheboygan! bandmates released the band's fifth full-length this year, and Dusk also recorded an album that will come out sometime in 2023. While she has a lot of interesting things happening these days, her artistic backstory is quite compelling as well. Shortly after returning home from a run of November shows in the Midwest and on the West Coast, Blair chatted with My First Band host Tyler Maas about her big 2022, plans for the year to come and where it all started. Over the course of the conversation, Blair spoke about playing in an ensemble in high school that performed at weddings and other functions, studying vocal performance at Lawrence University, meeting some of her future Holy Sheboygan! cohorts in college and starting to play out together, the chain of events that found her joining Dusk, and overcoming her apprehensions to finally release a solo record. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Holy Sheboygan! ("Uncle Mike").

197 – Julia Blair (Dusk, Holy Sheboygan!, Crutch of Memory)

Jamie Jones

As a founding member of All-4-One, Jamie Jones has been an integral part of Platinum-selling releases that feature some of the biggest R&amp;B hits of all time. He's toured all over the planet, performed for world leaders, won a Grammy Award, spent months atop the Billboard charts and had a song on the soundtrack of an animated Disney feature. Though he's still an active member of All-4-One, Jones has also managed an impressive solo career and has found success behind the scenes with The Heavyweights production company. Before he was part of renditions of hit songs like "I Swear" and "I Can Love You Like That," Jones was turning heads and building a reputation with his vocal performances in church. Prior to setting out on tour with members of 98 Degrees and O-Town as part of "A Boy Band Christmas" (which comes to Potawatomi Hotel &amp; Casino on Tuesday, Dec. 20), Jones spoke with My First Band host Tyler Maas about the format of the upcoming seasonal show, his recent solo output, his production work and what's to come. Of course, they also talked about his early artistic efforts, the formation of All-4-One, the group's rapid rise to worldwide consciousness, highlights from his accomplished career and unforgettable experiences he's had with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Prince. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”) and Jamie Jones ("All I Want").

As a founding member of All-4-One, Jamie Jones has been an integral part of Platinum-selling releases that feature some of the biggest R&amp;B hits of all time. He's toured all over the planet, performed for world leaders, won a Grammy Award, spent months atop the Billboard charts and had a song on the soundtrack of an animated Disney feature. Though he's still an active member of All-4-One, Jones has also managed an impressive solo career and has found success behind the scenes with The Heavyweights production company. Before he was part of renditions of hit songs like "I Swear" and "I Can Love You Like That," Jones was turning heads and building a reputation with his vocal performances in church. Prior to setting out on tour with members of 98 Degrees and O-Town as part of "A Boy Band Christmas" (which comes to Potawatomi Hotel &amp; Casino on Tuesday, Dec. 20), Jones spoke with My First Band host Tyler Maas about the format of the upcoming seasonal show, his recent solo output, his production work and what's to come. Of course, they also talked about his early artistic efforts, the formation of All-4-One, the group's rapid rise to worldwide consciousness, highlights from his accomplished career and unforgettable experiences he's had with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Prince. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”) and Jamie Jones ("All I Want").

196 – Jamie Jones (All-4-One)

This week's guests are Gold Steps singer Liz Mauritz and guitarist Zach Duarte. Though the band is currently making a name for itself in Milwaukee with frequent shows, garnering loads of listeners on streaming sites and winning over new fans on a nightly basis during its ambitious tours, the up-and-coming "alt-pop-hyphenated-punk band" actually got its start in Austin. After a few years and a couple hundred shows in and around the musically vibrant Texas capital, Mauritz and Duarte — who are married, by the way — moved back to Mauritz's home state and set their sights on the Milwaukee music scene. Not long after getting back from Gold Steps' latest U.S. tour, Mauritz and Duarte met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk about the recent run of shows, the reception their great new EP (That Ain't It — out now on Revival Recordings!) and hitting the ground running in their new home base after close to two years of pandemic-prompted inactivity. Over the course of the conversation, Mauritz and Duarte talked about their brief stint in another band, what led to the start of Gold Steps, opportunities and obstacles they experienced in the competitive Austin music scene, the move to Milwaukee and plans for the future of the band. Along the way, Liz talked about her love of Lakefront Brewery, her employer and the beer sponsor of this very show! My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Gold Steps ("Petty").

This week's guests are Gold Steps singer Liz Mauritz and guitarist Zach Duarte. Though the band is currently making a name for itself in Milwaukee with frequent shows, garnering loads of listeners on streaming sites and winning over new fans on a nightly basis during its ambitious tours, the up-and-coming "alt-pop-hyphenated-punk band" actually got its start in Austin. After a few years and a couple hundred shows in and around the musically vibrant Texas capital, Mauritz and Duarte — who are married, by the way — moved back to Mauritz's home state and set their sights on the Milwaukee music scene. Not long after getting back from Gold Steps' latest U.S. tour, Mauritz and Duarte met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk about the recent run of shows, the reception their great new EP (That Ain't It — out now on Revival Recordings!) and hitting the ground running in their new home base after close to two years of pandemic-prompted inactivity. Over the course of the conversation, Mauritz and Duarte talked about their brief stint in another band, what led to the start of Gold Steps, opportunities and obstacles they experienced in the competitive Austin music scene, the move to Milwaukee and plans for the future of the band. Along the way, Liz talked about her love of Lakefront Brewery, her employer and the beer sponsor of this very show! My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Gold Steps ("Petty").

195 – Gold Steps

Jeff Meilander

You might not know who Jeff Meilander is, but you're likely aware of his work. As the owner, founder and jack of all trades at Redwall Screen Printing, Meilander's company has made merchandise for professional sports franchises, multinational corporations and countless bands and brands from all over the country. Currently, Redwall calls a 100,000-square-foot building in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, its home. However, Meilander's super successful screen printing business actually started in the basement of his then-apartment on Milwaukee's East Side ... and his personal musical history has a lot to do with the life-changing venture. A couple months ago, My First Band host Tyler Maas went to Redwall to catch up with Meilander. While there, the two talked about what the business has been up to the past few years, working together on Milwaukee Record apparel and other exciting aspects of his ever-evolving operation. Along the way, Meilander talked about how his time in punk and hardcore bands like Linoleum and Seven Days Of Samsara incited his printing passion, how the money-saving measure unexpectedly morphed into a legitimate business, and how he balanced the growing endeavor while playing with Bosio and Spitalfield. Oh, and Maas talked about working at Redwall for a couple of years and his own printing experience he learned from Meilander! My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers'') and Seven Days Of Samsara (''New Anthem For The T-Shirt Revolution'').

You might not know who Jeff Meilander is, but you're likely aware of his work. As the owner, founder and jack of all trades at Redwall Screen Printing, Meilander's company has made merchandise for professional sports franchises, multinational corporations and countless bands and brands from all over the country. Currently, Redwall calls a 100,000-square-foot building in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, its home. However, Meilander's super successful screen printing business actually started in the basement of his then-apartment on Milwaukee's East Side ... and his personal musical history has a lot to do with the life-changing venture. A couple months ago, My First Band host Tyler Maas went to Redwall to catch up with Meilander. While there, the two talked about what the business has been up to the past few years, working together on Milwaukee Record apparel and other exciting aspects of his ever-evolving operation. Along the way, Meilander talked about how his time in punk and hardcore bands like Linoleum and Seven Days Of Samsara incited his printing passion, how the money-saving measure unexpectedly morphed into a legitimate business, and how he balanced the growing endeavor while playing with Bosio and Spitalfield. Oh, and Maas talked about working at Redwall for a couple of years and his own printing experience he learned from Meilander! My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers'') and Seven Days Of Samsara (''New Anthem For The T-Shirt Revolution'').

194 – Jeff Meilander (Seven Days of Samsara, Spitalfield, Redwall)

Charlie Parr

This week's guest is Charlie Parr. Over the course of his 30-year career, the Duluth-based guitarist and singer has released more than a dozen albums, played thousands of shows all over the U.S. and beyond, opened for legends like B.B. King and Doc Watson, and has remained thoroughly captivated by the guitar the entire time. Along the way, he's performed at massive festivals and in empty bars (and everywhere in between), built a more-than-respectable fan base, and has made friends all over the globe by way of his tireless touring. Prior to setting out on yet another tour, Parr spoke with My First Band host Tyler Maas about the autumn jaunt (including a Nov. 23 show at The Back Room @ Colectivo), his new book and what the near future holds for him. During the conversation, Parr also talked about first playing the guitar at the age of 8, diving into songwriting in his 20s, busking for change and sandwiches while living in the Twin Cities in the '80s, landing a life-changing opening opportunity that brought him to stages in England and Ireland in his 30s, the good — and the not so good — aspects of his nomadic line of work, some standout experiences from lengthy and accomplished career, and why getting to play music remains his favorite thing in the world. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Charlie Parr ("Last Of The Better Days Ahead").

This week's guest is Charlie Parr. Over the course of his 30-year career, the Duluth-based guitarist and singer has released more than a dozen albums, played thousands of shows all over the U.S. and beyond, opened for legends like B.B. King and Doc Watson, and has remained thoroughly captivated by the guitar the entire time. Along the way, he's performed at massive festivals and in empty bars (and everywhere in between), built a more-than-respectable fan base, and has made friends all over the globe by way of his tireless touring. Prior to setting out on yet another tour, Parr spoke with My First Band host Tyler Maas about the autumn jaunt (including a Nov. 23 show at The Back Room @ Colectivo), his new book and what the near future holds for him. During the conversation, Parr also talked about first playing the guitar at the age of 8, diving into songwriting in his 20s, busking for change and sandwiches while living in the Twin Cities in the '80s, landing a life-changing opening opportunity that brought him to stages in England and Ireland in his 30s, the good — and the not so good — aspects of his nomadic line of work, some standout experiences from lengthy and accomplished career, and why getting to play music remains his favorite thing in the world. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Charlie Parr ("Last Of The Better Days Ahead").

193 – Charlie Parr

This week's guest is Chris Barker, who you probably know better as "Chris No. 2." The longtime Anti Flag bassist has been an integral member of the iconic and important Pittsburgh punk band since late 1998. Over that span, he's played on some influential albums, performed all over the planet and helped spread activist ethos to generations of listeners throughout the world. With a new album on the way (Lies They Tell Our Children, out Jan. 6!), The General Strike recently being reissued on Side One Dummy and a bunch of shows on the horizon, Chris No. 2 has a lot of modern happenings to discuss. A few days before he headed to The Fest, he spoke with My First Band host Tyler Maas about those two albums, the band's upcoming Anti-Fest show in Chicago and their tour in Quebec before delving into his personal musical past. Over the course of the conversation, No. 2 talked about finding a drum set in the garbage and starting a "band" called Land in grade school, how seeing Green Day forever changed his musical outlook, his decision to dive headlong into playing both music and ice hockey as a teenager, his tenure in O.B.S., getting an opportunity to join Anti Flag, and some of his most significant artistic experiences from the past quarter century on and off stage. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering, Lakefront Brewery and Music Go Round Greenfield. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Anti Flag featuring Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop ("NVREVER").

This week's guest is Chris Barker, who you probably know better as "Chris No. 2." The longtime Anti Flag bassist has been an integral member of the iconic and important Pittsburgh punk band since late 1998. Over that span, he's played on some influential albums, performed all over the planet and helped spread activist ethos to generations of listeners throughout the world. With a new album on the way (Lies They Tell Our Children, out Jan. 6!), The General Strike recently being reissued on Side One Dummy and a bunch of shows on the horizon, Chris No. 2 has a lot of modern happenings to discuss. A few days before he headed to The Fest, he spoke with My First Band host Tyler Maas about those two albums, the band's upcoming Anti-Fest show in Chicago and their tour in Quebec before delving into his personal musical past. Over the course of the conversation, No. 2 talked about finding a drum set in the garbage and starting a "band" called Land in grade school, how seeing Green Day forever changed his musical outlook, his decision to dive headlong into playing both music and ice hockey as a teenager, his tenure in O.B.S., getting an opportunity to join Anti Flag, and some of his most significant artistic experiences from the past quarter century on and off stage. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering, Lakefront Brewery and Music Go Round Greenfield. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Anti Flag featuring Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop ("NVREVER").

192 – Chris No. 2 (Anti Flag)

Josh Berwanger

Over the last quarter century, Josh Berwanger‘s work has taken many different forms. After his time in accomplished early aughts emo outfit The Anniversary was through, the Kansas-based songwriter dabbled in alt-country with The Only Children, ventured in the direction of indie rock with his Berwanger project and joined forces with members of The Get Up Kids and The Gadjits to form Radar State. Along the way, he even stepped completely away from music for seven years to coach girls high school basketball. Most recently, Berwanger has embarked on a “genre-blending” aural endeavor called Gemini Parks. With monthly song releases, some shows in the books and a Gemini Parks release planned for next year, Berwanger has a lot of modern-day happenings to talk about. He did just that when he spoke with My First Band host Tyler Maas. Of course, their conversation also touched on early bands, the beginning of The Anniversary, memorable moments from that band, his years away from music, what brought him back to the stage and what’s to come. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”) and Gemini Parks (“Up All Night”).

Over the last quarter century, Josh Berwanger‘s work has taken many different forms. After his time in accomplished early aughts emo outfit The Anniversary was through, the Kansas-based songwriter dabbled in alt-country with The Only Children, ventured in the direction of indie rock with his Berwanger project and joined forces with members of The Get Up Kids and The Gadjits to form Radar State. Along the way, he even stepped completely away from music for seven years to coach girls high school basketball. Most recently, Berwanger has embarked on a “genre-blending” aural endeavor called Gemini Parks. With monthly song releases, some shows in the books and a Gemini Parks release planned for next year, Berwanger has a lot of modern-day happenings to talk about. He did just that when he spoke with My First Band host Tyler Maas. Of course, their conversation also touched on early bands, the beginning of The Anniversary, memorable moments from that band, his years away from music, what brought him back to the stage and what’s to come. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering and Lakefront Brewery. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. You can also listen to rebroadcasts of previous My First Band episodes on WMSE every Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST. Music used in this episode comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”) and Gemini Parks (“Up All Night”).

191 – Josh Berwanger (The Anniversary, Berwanger, Gemini Parks)

Each Friday, My First Band features a long-form interview with a different notable musician about all of the projects that preceded what you know them for. We discuss their musical origins, and we trace a few of their embarrassing high school bands and other associated bands that happened before they broke out. This show digs deeper than any Wikipedia page or band bio would ever dare to go. And, sometimes, the guests will even share some of their old songs. You can expect to hear a lot of interesting, informative and hopefully entertaining anecdotes about all of the bands along the way.My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing. It is hosted by Tyler Maas, of Milwaukee Record, and edited by Jared Blohm.

Really fun and insightful. One of my new faves.

Hell yeah

I met this guy. I was drunk. He was nice. Good podcast. 5 stars

👍

Each Friday, My First Band features a long-form interview with a different notable musician about all of the projects that preceded what you know them for. We discuss their musical origins, and we trace a few of their embarrassing high school bands and other associated bands that happened before they broke out. This show digs deeper than any Wikipedia page or band bio would ever dare to go. And, sometimes, the guests will even share some of their old songs. You can expect to hear a lot of interesting, informative and hopefully entertaining anecdotes about all of the bands along the way. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing. It is hosted by Tyler Maas, of Milwaukee Record, and edited by Jared Blohm.

My First Band Podcast

Brendan Kelly

Chicago punk-rock legend Brendan Kelly is probably best known for his work with The Lawrence Arms, his previous output in Slapstick and The Broadways, and the hilariously bleak things he tweets as his “Nihilist Arby’s” internet alter ego. Additionally, Kelly bolsters his sterling musical reputation with The Falcon and the misunderstood masterpiece that is his Brendan Kelly and The Wandering Birds solo endeavor. While you likely know and possibly love at least one of those bands, you almost certainly have no awareness of Kelly's preceding projects like Vegetable Train, J.P.B and Gladhand. Kelly recently met My First Band host Tyler Maas in the back room at Gman Tavern in Chicago, where the two talked about the prominent punk rocker's modern-day material, writing songs like "Nuts, Nuts, We Want Nuts" as a grade schooler, playing his first shows in high school, the unexpected rise (and rapid fall) of Slapstick, making kids cry tears of disappointment in The Broadways, and The Lawrence Arms' slow build over the course of their 20 years together. Kelly and Maas both also spent some time discussing the important role Mike Park, of Dill Records and Asian Man Records, played in their musical past. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), Slapstick ("February One") and Brendan Kelly and The Wandering Birds ("Black Cat Boy").

Chicago punk-rock legend Brendan Kelly is probably best known for his work with The Lawrence Arms, his previous output in Slapstick and The Broadways, and the hilariously bleak things he tweets as his “Nihilist Arby’s” internet alter ego. Additionally, Kelly bolsters his sterling musical reputation with The Falcon and the misunderstood masterpiece that is his Brendan Kelly and The Wandering Birds solo endeavor. While you likely know and possibly love at least one of those bands, you almost certainly have no awareness of Kelly's preceding projects like Vegetable Train, J.P.B and Gladhand. Kelly recently met My First Band host Tyler Maas in the back room at Gman Tavern in Chicago, where the two talked about the prominent punk rocker's modern-day material, writing songs like "Nuts, Nuts, We Want Nuts" as a grade schooler, playing his first shows in high school, the unexpected rise (and rapid fall) of Slapstick, making kids cry tears of disappointment in The Broadways, and The Lawrence Arms' slow build over the course of their 20 years together. Kelly and Maas both also spent some time discussing the important role Mike Park, of Dill Records and Asian Man Records, played in their musical past. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), Slapstick ("February One") and Brendan Kelly and The Wandering Birds ("Black Cat Boy").

15 – Brendan Kelly (Slapstick, The Broadways, The Lawrence Arms)

Mike Felumlee

Mike Felumlee has the special distinction of being both the former and current drummer of Smoking Popes. Between stints in the seminal Chicago punk band, the percussionist spent a few years playing drums in Alkaline Trio. Along the way, he started a solo project, began a record label and stepped away from music for a few years before getting back behind the kit and making his way behind the camera for his Live From The Rock Room music video series. My First Band host Tyler Maas recently joined Felumlee in Rock Room version 2.0 in the veteran drummer’s new home in Milwaukee. After talking about some of his favorite pizzas and burgers in his adopted city, Felumlee went all the way back to his childhood, when his parents bought him a used drum set. Over the course of the long, interesting and incredibly open discussion, he also touched on his pre-Popes projects, the backlash the band has faced through the years, replacing one of his friends in Alkaline Trio, what led to him being kicked out of the group shortly after the release of From Here to Infirmary and much more. Smoking Popes will perform at The Back Room @ Colectivo on Dec. 6, and Mike Felumlee &amp; The Bigger Empty will play X-Ray Arcade on Dec. 14. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), The Smoking Popes (“Let’s Hear It For Love”) and Mike Felumlee (“Can’t Hardly Wait”).

Mike Felumlee has the special distinction of being both the former and current drummer of Smoking Popes. Between stints in the seminal Chicago punk band, the percussionist spent a few years playing drums in Alkaline Trio. Along the way, he started a solo project, began a record label and stepped away from music for a few years before getting back behind the kit and making his way behind the camera for his Live From The Rock Room music video series. My First Band host Tyler Maas recently joined Felumlee in Rock Room version 2.0 in the veteran drummer’s new home in Milwaukee. After talking about some of his favorite pizzas and burgers in his adopted city, Felumlee went all the way back to his childhood, when his parents bought him a used drum set. Over the course of the long, interesting and incredibly open discussion, he also touched on his pre-Popes projects, the backlash the band has faced through the years, replacing one of his friends in Alkaline Trio, what led to him being kicked out of the group shortly after the release of From Here to Infirmary and much more. Smoking Popes will perform at The Back Room @ Colectivo on Dec. 6, and Mike Felumlee &amp; The Bigger Empty will play X-Ray Arcade on Dec. 14. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), The Smoking Popes (“Let’s Hear It For Love”) and Mike Felumlee (“Can’t Hardly Wait”).

38 – Mike Felumlee (Smoking Popes, Alkaline Trio)

Todd Bell

Compared to many other musicians, Todd Bell got kind of a late start. He more than made up for it, however, when the second band he ever played in would end up becoming one of the most influential emo bands of all time. After first picking up a bass in his early 20s and playing a few house shows in a band he formed with a skating buddy, Bell wound up in the rhythm section of a little project known as Braid. The rest was history. Despite being under quarantine, Bell has been keeping extremely busy with parenting duties and his day job as a special education teacher. Still, he found enough time recently to get on a video chat with My First Band host Tyler Maas and — despite battling a few technological issues — told him about finding a group of like-minded friends as a teenager in the Illinois college town of Champaign, his decision to take up bass guitar, the unlikely start (and most memorable experiences) of Braid, his time in Hey Mercedes, Braid's second stint, and what prompted his move to Milwaukee more than 20 years ago. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), Hey Mercedes ("Police Police Me"), and Braid ("Milwaukee Sky Rocket").

Compared to many other musicians, Todd Bell got kind of a late start. He more than made up for it, however, when the second band he ever played in would end up becoming one of the most influential emo bands of all time. After first picking up a bass in his early 20s and playing a few house shows in a band he formed with a skating buddy, Bell wound up in the rhythm section of a little project known as Braid. The rest was history. Despite being under quarantine, Bell has been keeping extremely busy with parenting duties and his day job as a special education teacher. Still, he found enough time recently to get on a video chat with My First Band host Tyler Maas and — despite battling a few technological issues — told him about finding a group of like-minded friends as a teenager in the Illinois college town of Champaign, his decision to take up bass guitar, the unlikely start (and most memorable experiences) of Braid, his time in Hey Mercedes, Braid's second stint, and what prompted his move to Milwaukee more than 20 years ago. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), Hey Mercedes ("Police Police Me"), and Braid ("Milwaukee Sky Rocket").

58 – Todd Bell (Braid, Hey Mercedes)

William Seidel

William "B.J." Seidel wears a lot of hats. He's owner of a celebrated beer-focused bar called Burnhearts, and he co-owns Goodkind, a nationally-regarded fine dining restaurant. He's also the lead singer and guitarist of a new Milwaukee supergroup called Dramatic Lovers. However, most Midwestern music aficionados probably know Seidel best for his work in seminal Milwaukee groups like Camden, The Promise Ring and Decibully. Aside from a short gap after Decibully and before Dramatic Lovers, Seidel has been a celebrated fixture in Milwaukee music since he moved to this city in the mid-'90s. But his musical journey actually starts much earlier. Prior to Dramatic Lovers' performance at this weekend's Bay View Bash, Seidel met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas to talk about forming the short-lived Billy Jehovah &amp; The Pigeon Boys (which quickly became "Faceless Neighbors") as a high schooler in Racine, Wisconsin, and truly getting started in Milwaukee's music scene with a band called Matthew's Uncle. Over the course of the conversation, Seidel, who, coincidentally, is Maas' landlord, talked about touring with Death Cab For Cutie and Jimmy Eat World, playing on Late Night With Conan O'Brien, being robbed and desperate for shows in Europe, being referenced in the first Duplass Brothers film (and playing shows with Mark Duplass), and much more. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Bradford 2020: A Charity Calendar. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), Decibully ("On The Way To Your Hotel") and Dramatic Lovers ("How Do You Want To Be Remembered").

William "B.J." Seidel wears a lot of hats. He's owner of a celebrated beer-focused bar called Burnhearts, and he co-owns Goodkind, a nationally-regarded fine dining restaurant. He's also the lead singer and guitarist of a new Milwaukee supergroup called Dramatic Lovers. However, most Midwestern music aficionados probably know Seidel best for his work in seminal Milwaukee groups like Camden, The Promise Ring and Decibully. Aside from a short gap after Decibully and before Dramatic Lovers, Seidel has been a celebrated fixture in Milwaukee music since he moved to this city in the mid-'90s. But his musical journey actually starts much earlier. Prior to Dramatic Lovers' performance at this weekend's Bay View Bash, Seidel met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas to talk about forming the short-lived Billy Jehovah &amp; The Pigeon Boys (which quickly became "Faceless Neighbors") as a high schooler in Racine, Wisconsin, and truly getting started in Milwaukee's music scene with a band called Matthew's Uncle. Over the course of the conversation, Seidel, who, coincidentally, is Maas' landlord, talked about touring with Death Cab For Cutie and Jimmy Eat World, playing on Late Night With Conan O'Brien, being robbed and desperate for shows in Europe, being referenced in the first Duplass Brothers film (and playing shows with Mark Duplass), and much more. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Bradford 2020: A Charity Calendar. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), Decibully ("On The Way To Your Hotel") and Dramatic Lovers ("How Do You Want To Be Remembered").

29 – William Seidel (Decibully, The Promise Ring, Dramatic Lovers, Camden)

Dan Didier

Another week, another prolific percussionist who got his start in Grafton, Wisconsin. This time around, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Didier. The drummer (and current keyboard/synth player in Dramatic Lovers) is best known for his work in The Promise Ring. Before his tenure in the legendary emo outfit and the subsequent Maritime, Didier cut his teeth in unknown projects like Proud, Peace Loving Anarchists and an especially short-lived band called Dog. At least he thinks it was called Dog. Over the course of the conversation, Didier tells host Tyler Maas about his mother signing him up for drum lessons as a child in an effort to combat is anxiousness, learning the ins and outs of touring in his high school band Ceilishrine, hosting a college radio show with Eric Szmanda of CSI, and the experience in Europe recording what he knew would be the final Promise Ring album. Along the way, Didier talks about being in bands with people who’d go on to play in Braid and Arcade Fire, and Maas makes a bunch of dad jokes that Didier graciously laughs at.  My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), drawback (“Immortal Mass”) and Ceilishrine (“Projection System”).

Another week, another prolific percussionist who got his start in Grafton, Wisconsin. This time around, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Didier. The drummer (and current keyboard/synth player in Dramatic Lovers) is best known for his work in The Promise Ring. Before his tenure in the legendary emo outfit and the subsequent Maritime, Didier cut his teeth in unknown projects like Proud, Peace Loving Anarchists and an especially short-lived band called Dog. At least he thinks it was called Dog. Over the course of the conversation, Didier tells host Tyler Maas about his mother signing him up for drum lessons as a child in an effort to combat is anxiousness, learning the ins and outs of touring in his high school band Ceilishrine, hosting a college radio show with Eric Szmanda of CSI, and the experience in Europe recording what he knew would be the final Promise Ring album. Along the way, Didier talks about being in bands with people who’d go on to play in Braid and Arcade Fire, and Maas makes a bunch of dad jokes that Didier graciously laughs at. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyFirstBandPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> My First Band</a> is sponsored by <a href="https://www.boulevard.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Boulevard Brewing</a> and is edited by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/roots_writer/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Jared Blohm</a>. You can listen to My First Band on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/my-first-band-podcast/id1454982866" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/my-first-band" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4wEyILRDKwIEx0gnpWwtH5" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a> and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of <a href="https://devilsteeth.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Devils Teeth</a> (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), <a href="http://www.mkepunk.com/releases/hardcore/drawback-testimony-of-survival/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">drawback</a> (“Immortal Mass”) and <a href="http://www.mkepunk.com/releases/emo/ceilishrine-st-7/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Ceilishrine</a> (“Projection System”).

2 – Dan Didier (The Promise Ring, Maritime, Dramatic Lovers)

Joe Wong

Even if you don't know who Joe Wong is, you're almost certainly aware of his work. The Los Angeles-based composer and producer can be heard on television shows like Russian Doll, Ugly Delicious, Master of None and Superjail, as well as films like To All The Boys I've Loved Before and Seven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss. He also co-produced Fred Armisen's Netflix special, Standup For Drummers. Beyond his on-screen efforts, Wong also interviews some of the world's most accomplished percussionists on The Trap Set — an excellent drummer-focused podcast that has released more than 230 episodes. On top of all that work in a variety of mediums, Wong continues to write and record his own music. While back in his hometown of Milwaukee over Thanksgiving, Wong met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas to talk about his eclectic artistic résumé that spans the realms of television, film, podcasting and live performance. The conversation also made its way to Wong's interest in drumming during adolescence, his formative high school and college bands and his time living in a Riverwest house venue that would later be featured on an episode of Hoarders. Over the course of the hour-long discussion, Wong also talked about his foray into the interesting world of TV and film scoring. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Joe Wong ("Hard Reset").

Even if you don't know who Joe Wong is, you're almost certainly aware of his work. The Los Angeles-based composer and producer can be heard on television shows like Russian Doll, Ugly Delicious, Master of None and Superjail, as well as films like To All The Boys I've Loved Before and Seven Stages to Achieve Eternal Bliss. He also co-produced Fred Armisen's Netflix special, Standup For Drummers. Beyond his on-screen efforts, Wong also interviews some of the world's most accomplished percussionists on The Trap Set — an excellent drummer-focused podcast that has released more than 230 episodes. On top of all that work in a variety of mediums, Wong continues to write and record his own music. While back in his hometown of Milwaukee over Thanksgiving, Wong met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas to talk about his eclectic artistic résumé that spans the realms of television, film, podcasting and live performance. The conversation also made its way to Wong's interest in drumming during adolescence, his formative high school and college bands and his time living in a Riverwest house venue that would later be featured on an episode of Hoarders. Over the course of the hour-long discussion, Wong also talked about his foray into the interesting world of TV and film scoring. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Joe Wong ("Hard Reset").

42 – Joe Wong (The Trap Set, Russian Doll, Master of None)

Nick Sanborn

You might know Nick Sanborn as one half of Sylvan Esso, from his time in Milwaukee's own Decibully or from his work in side projects like Made of Oak and Rosenau &amp; Sanborn. Long before any of that, however, Sanborn was a kid in Madison, Wisconsin, who was involved in his school's orchestra before picking up a bass guitar and deciding to start a band of his own. Since that start in a high school group called Point B, he made his way to Milwaukee and quickly became a fixture in the city's music scene before branching out to be part of touring acts and developing his solo efforts. While he was in Milwaukee to rehearse for the Rosenau &amp; Sanborn show at The Back Room @ Colectivo, Sanborn met My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk about his musical outset, early tours with Decibully, landing in Headlights and Megafaun, the random set of circumstances that allowed him to meet (and subsequently collaborate with) Amelia Meath, and what it's like to have his band's music play notable parts in films and television shows. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Rushmor Records. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), Decibully ("My Lighter And Strings"), and Sylvan Esso ("Die Young").

You might know Nick Sanborn as one half of Sylvan Esso, from his time in Milwaukee's own Decibully or from his work in side projects like Made of Oak and Rosenau &amp; Sanborn. Long before any of that, however, Sanborn was a kid in Madison, Wisconsin, who was involved in his school's orchestra before picking up a bass guitar and deciding to start a band of his own. Since that start in a high school group called Point B, he made his way to Milwaukee and quickly became a fixture in the city's music scene before branching out to be part of touring acts and developing his solo efforts. While he was in Milwaukee to rehearse for the Rosenau &amp; Sanborn show at The Back Room @ Colectivo, Sanborn met My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk about his musical outset, early tours with Decibully, landing in Headlights and Megafaun, the random set of circumstances that allowed him to meet (and subsequently collaborate with) Amelia Meath, and what it's like to have his band's music play notable parts in films and television shows. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Rushmor Records. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), Decibully ("My Lighter And Strings"), and Sylvan Esso ("Die Young").

23 – Nick Sanborn (Sylvan Esso, Decibully, Made of Oak)

Caleb Westphal

Caleb Westphal is best-known for his amazing fish fry streak, which currently stands at 325 consecutive Fridays (and counting!). This impressive, hyper-specific and unarguably Midwestern feat has earned the Milwaukee writer attention from national publications, a cameo on a fish fry-focused documentary and — as chance would have it — a spot in a band. After mentioning his desire to play in a band in some of his weekly fish fry reviews on Milwaukee Record, a surf rock outfit called Devils Teeth gave Westphal a chance. A couple years later, the saxophone player is a valued part of the accomplished outfit, and his fish fry streak is still going strong. Last week, Westphal welcomed My First Band host Tyler Maas into his basement where (from a safe distance), they ate fish fry together before talking about the origin of his weekly ritual, his favorite haunts he's discovered over the course of his six-year odyssey, how he landed in Devils Teeth and his extensive musical past. Over the course of the hour-long discussion, Westphal talked about buying his first sax at a rummage sale, how Christian bands like MxPx and Five Iron Frenzy were his gateway to punk and ska, his experiences in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh bands like Offend Your Friends, and much more. The pair also talked about Westphal's preferred fish preparation and sides. Oh, and if you're reading this the day it was released, today is Caleb's birthday. Happy birthday, Caleb! My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers" and "Speed, Power, Focus") and Offend Your Friends ("Vacation in the Middle East" and "Olive Branch").

Caleb Westphal is best-known for his amazing fish fry streak, which currently stands at 325 consecutive Fridays (and counting!). This impressive, hyper-specific and unarguably Midwestern feat has earned the Milwaukee writer attention from national publications, a cameo on a fish fry-focused documentary and — as chance would have it — a spot in a band. After mentioning his desire to play in a band in some of his weekly fish fry reviews on Milwaukee Record, a surf rock outfit called Devils Teeth gave Westphal a chance. A couple years later, the saxophone player is a valued part of the accomplished outfit, and his fish fry streak is still going strong. Last week, Westphal welcomed My First Band host Tyler Maas into his basement where (from a safe distance), they ate fish fry together before talking about the origin of his weekly ritual, his favorite haunts he's discovered over the course of his six-year odyssey, how he landed in Devils Teeth and his extensive musical past. Over the course of the hour-long discussion, Westphal talked about buying his first sax at a rummage sale, how Christian bands like MxPx and Five Iron Frenzy were his gateway to punk and ska, his experiences in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh bands like Offend Your Friends, and much more. The pair also talked about Westphal's preferred fish preparation and sides. Oh, and if you're reading this the day it was released, today is Caleb's birthday. Happy birthday, Caleb! My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers" and "Speed, Power, Focus") and Offend Your Friends ("Vacation in the Middle East" and "Olive Branch").

56 – Caleb Westphal (Devils Teeth, Offend Your Friends, Fish Fries)

Chris Conley

Technically, Chris Conley has only been in one band in his life — and what a band it is! In their 20-plus years as a band, Saves The Day has toured the world many times over, released nine studio albums and made some deeply influential music that has helped define a genre. Before he was the lead singer, founding member and bandleader of the band the world knows as Saves The Day, Conley was a teenager in Princeton, New Jersey, who set aside his classical training in cello in favor of a guitar. While in middle school, Conley started a band known as Indifference, which was later called Sefler and, eventually, Saves The Day. Earlier this month, when Saves The Day was in Milwaukee as part of a tour with Joyce Manor, Conley took some time before the show to meet My First Band host Tyler Maas in the Turner Hall Ballroom balcony and revisit his long-running project's interesting origin. There, the singer talked about playing with future emo and hardcore heavyweights in New Jersey's then-unproven DIY scene, getting signed when he was still in high school, recording Through Being Cool over a 13-day span over his winter break in college and being faced with the choice to either continue his education or seriously pursue music. Over the course of the conversation, Conley explains the importance Bane had on his band's success and Maas makes exactly no effort to hide how much he loves Saves The Day. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Saves The Day ("1997" and "Suzuki").

Technically, Chris Conley has only been in one band in his life — and what a band it is! In their 20-plus years as a band, Saves The Day has toured the world many times over, released nine studio albums and made some deeply influential music that has helped define a genre. Before he was the lead singer, founding member and bandleader of the band the world knows as Saves The Day, Conley was a teenager in Princeton, New Jersey, who set aside his classical training in cello in favor of a guitar. While in middle school, Conley started a band known as Indifference, which was later called Sefler and, eventually, Saves The Day. Earlier this month, when Saves The Day was in Milwaukee as part of a tour with Joyce Manor, Conley took some time before the show to meet My First Band host Tyler Maas in the Turner Hall Ballroom balcony and revisit his long-running project's interesting origin. There, the singer talked about playing with future emo and hardcore heavyweights in New Jersey's then-unproven DIY scene, getting signed when he was still in high school, recording Through Being Cool over a 13-day span over his winter break in college and being faced with the choice to either continue his education or seriously pursue music. Over the course of the conversation, Conley explains the importance Bane had on his band's success and Maas makes exactly no effort to hide how much he loves Saves The Day. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Saves The Day ("1997" and "Suzuki").

25 – Chris Conley (Saves the Day, Indifference, Sefler)

Mike Kennerty

If you're familiar with The All-American Rejects (and you almost certainly are), then you're also familiar with the work of Mike Kennerty. The guitarist joined the internationally known rock band in 2002, just before the Oklahoma-based group's meteoric rise to worldwide acclaim and notoriety on the wings of "Swing, Swing" and other breakout hits from their self-titled debut album. In the 17 years since Kennerty joined up, the Rejects have amassed a huge collection of hits, built a massive fan base all over the planet, shared the stage with some of the world's biggest bands, topped the Billboard charts and appreciated every step along the way. Before the band's longtime guitarist was a part of The All-American Rejects, Kennerty was an eighth grader in Houston who was playing drums in a band called The Measles. From there, he was part of a metal band in high school, before winding up on guitar after high school with a group called Mr. Crispy. Recently, while in Milwaukee to play lead guitar at the first Mini Meltdowns show, Kennerty talked about his early projects, a great tour in support of Avail, a not-so-great tour supporting CKY, how he wound up in one of the biggest modern alternative rock projects and his side gig recording and producing records for bands like Masked Intruder and The Copyrights. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Mr. Crispy ("Marathon Song").

If you're familiar with The All-American Rejects (and you almost certainly are), then you're also familiar with the work of Mike Kennerty. The guitarist joined the internationally known rock band in 2002, just before the Oklahoma-based group's meteoric rise to worldwide acclaim and notoriety on the wings of "Swing, Swing" and other breakout hits from their self-titled debut album. In the 17 years since Kennerty joined up, the Rejects have amassed a huge collection of hits, built a massive fan base all over the planet, shared the stage with some of the world's biggest bands, topped the Billboard charts and appreciated every step along the way. Before the band's longtime guitarist was a part of The All-American Rejects, Kennerty was an eighth grader in Houston who was playing drums in a band called The Measles. From there, he was part of a metal band in high school, before winding up on guitar after high school with a group called Mr. Crispy. Recently, while in Milwaukee to play lead guitar at the first Mini Meltdowns show, Kennerty talked about his early projects, a great tour in support of Avail, a not-so-great tour supporting CKY, how he wound up in one of the biggest modern alternative rock projects and his side gig recording and producing records for bands like Masked Intruder and The Copyrights. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Mr. Crispy ("Marathon Song").

34 – Mike Kennerty (All-American Rejects, Mr. Crispy, The Measles)

Kyle Kinane

Though you probably know Kyle Kinane as a comedian, actor and "the voice of Comedy Central," the prolific stand-up first took the stage in a musical capacity. That's right! Before earning a reputation as one of the funniest comedians working today, Kinane was the guitarist for an Addison, Illinois-based pop-punk band called The Grand Marquis. Even though the band hasn't played since the early 2000s, Kinane — a proud punk rock aficionado to this day — still looks back fondly on his stint in the band. Last week, during a run of shows at Comedy On State, Kinane met up with host Tyler Maas to discuss his path to music. He talked about what it was like seeing Screeching Weasel for the first time in his early teens, his decision to pick up a guitar, when he realized comedy was a better artistic pursuit for him and what it was like to tour with The Falcon and Arms Aloft. Thankfully, the conversation also took tons of hilarious tangents along the way. Plus, Tyler tried (and absolutely failed) to make a joke about jam bands. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), and The Grand Marquis ("Elvis Papers").

Though you probably know Kyle Kinane as a comedian, actor and "the voice of Comedy Central," the prolific stand-up first took the stage in a musical capacity. That's right! Before earning a reputation as one of the funniest comedians working today, Kinane was the guitarist for an Addison, Illinois-based pop-punk band called The Grand Marquis. Even though the band hasn't played since the early 2000s, Kinane — a proud punk rock aficionado to this day — still looks back fondly on his stint in the band. Last week, during a run of shows at Comedy On State, Kinane met up with host Tyler Maas to discuss his path to music. He talked about what it was like seeing Screeching Weasel for the first time in his early teens, his decision to pick up a guitar, when he realized comedy was a better artistic pursuit for him and what it was like to tour with The Falcon and Arms Aloft. Thankfully, the conversation also took tons of hilarious tangents along the way. Plus, Tyler tried (and absolutely failed) to make a joke about jam bands. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), and The Grand Marquis ("Elvis Papers").

3 – Kyle Kinane (comedy, The Grand Marquis)

Sid McCain

Sid McCain has spent most of her life immersed in music. Since falling in love with hardcore music while attending boarding school in North Carolina, McCain — who currently works at 91.7 WMSE — has had an undying passion for learning about bands and helping musicians she loves find new listeners. Naturally, she decided to embark on a career in the music industry after college, and she's never looked back. Earlier this week, McCain came to the My First Band headquarters to talk about her long and incredibly interesting music industry background, including an internship at MTV, memorable experiences with the likes of Angus Young and Iggy Pop, helping to coordinate a concert at the World Trade Center, and helping her father (John McCain) hang out with her then-client (The White Stripes) in the green room at Saturday Night Live when the senator was hosting during his Presidential campaign and The White Stripes were the musical guest. Along the way, McCain talked about the importance of local media and Maas impressed her by listing a bunch of rappers on the Bad Boy Records roster. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Flat Teeth ("Florida Snow").

Sid McCain has spent most of her life immersed in music. Since falling in love with hardcore music while attending boarding school in North Carolina, McCain — who currently works at 91.7 WMSE — has had an undying passion for learning about bands and helping musicians she loves find new listeners. Naturally, she decided to embark on a career in the music industry after college, and she's never looked back. Earlier this week, McCain came to the My First Band headquarters to talk about her long and incredibly interesting music industry background, including an internship at MTV, memorable experiences with the likes of Angus Young and Iggy Pop, helping to coordinate a concert at the World Trade Center, and helping her father (John McCain) hang out with her then-client (The White Stripes) in the green room at Saturday Night Live when the senator was hosting during his Presidential campaign and The White Stripes were the musical guest. Along the way, McCain talked about the importance of local media and Maas impressed her by listing a bunch of rappers on the Bad Boy Records roster. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Flat Teeth ("Florida Snow").

52 – Sid McCain (WMSE)

Jackson Bradford

Jackson Bradford might have the most interesting job in music. The Milwaukee native spends at least half of each year wearing a cop costume and short-shorts while sporting a mustache as part of his lovable “heel with a switch” character that Masked Intruder fans know as “Officer Bradford.” The pop-punk villain’s unique line of work has taken him to Europe, Asia, Australia, and much of North America. Currently, Bradford's punk rock patrol is taking him all around the country, as Masked Intruder is on a tour in support of their new album, III. Before he hit the road (and prior to Masked Intruder's April 2 show at Turner Hall), Officer Bradford met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas to discuss his charity calendar and all of the ... more conventional bands that came before he landed his unique role in Masked Intruder. Bradford talked about his Masked Intruder origin, then got into his time in unheralded suburban Milwaukee acts like Mindframe and Leafrust before being tabbed as the original bassist for Direct Hit! My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and PrideFest Milwaukee. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), Mindframe ("Outbreak"), and Leafrust ("Still Love Me In Heaven").

Jackson Bradford might have the most interesting job in music. The Milwaukee native spends at least half of each year wearing a cop costume and short-shorts while sporting a mustache as part of his lovable “heel with a switch” character that Masked Intruder fans know as “Officer Bradford.” The pop-punk villain’s unique line of work has taken him to Europe, Asia, Australia, and much of North America. Currently, Bradford's punk rock patrol is taking him all around the country, as Masked Intruder is on a tour in support of their new album, III. Before he hit the road (and prior to Masked Intruder's April 2 show at Turner Hall), Officer Bradford met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas to discuss his charity calendar and all of the ... more conventional bands that came before he landed his unique role in Masked Intruder. Bradford talked about his Masked Intruder origin, then got into his time in unheralded suburban Milwaukee acts like Mindframe and Leafrust before being tabbed as the original bassist for Direct Hit! My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and PrideFest Milwaukee. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), Mindframe ("Outbreak"), and Leafrust ("Still Love Me In Heaven").

4 – Jackson Bradford (Masked Intruder, Direct Hit!, Mindframe)

Nick Woods

Before Nick Woods was the singer, guitarist and founding member of Direct Hit! and the co-owner of X-Ray Arcade, the punk rock front man and all-ages venue owner/operator was a suburban kid with an insatiable passion for music. The journey that started with taking violin lessons from his mother as a child led to learning guitar in adolescence, starting bands as a teen and touring the country to play music during his college breaks. Woods recently welcomed My First Band host Tyler Maas to X-Ray Arcade to talk about the new business, the influence his guitar teacher had on him, playing in a nu metal cover band, discovering punk rock, learning how to book cross-country tours, his decision to eventually take the lead in a group and how Direct Hit! went from being a jokey side project to a pop-punk sensation on the Fat Wreck Chords roster. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”) and The Box Social ("Blown To Bits").

Before Nick Woods was the singer, guitarist and founding member of Direct Hit! and the co-owner of X-Ray Arcade, the punk rock front man and all-ages venue owner/operator was a suburban kid with an insatiable passion for music. The journey that started with taking violin lessons from his mother as a child led to learning guitar in adolescence, starting bands as a teen and touring the country to play music during his college breaks. Woods recently welcomed My First Band host Tyler Maas to X-Ray Arcade to talk about the new business, the influence his guitar teacher had on him, playing in a nu metal cover band, discovering punk rock, learning how to book cross-country tours, his decision to eventually take the lead in a group and how Direct Hit! went from being a jokey side project to a pop-punk sensation on the Fat Wreck Chords roster. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”) and The Box Social ("Blown To Bits").

8 – Nick Woods (Direct Hit!, The Box Social)

To say 2019 has been a busy year for Marielle Allschwang would be an understatement. The singer, bandleader and namesake of Marielle Allschwang &amp; The Visitations released her incredible VISITATIONS IV back in May, which earned heaps of well-deserved attention (including the distinction of being named the best Milwaukee album of 2019 by Milwaukee Record earlier this month). As if one astounding full-length isn't enough for one year, Allschwang and her handpicked cast of collaborators also released a moving conceptual double LP in September called Procession of a Day: The World of Mary Nohl. Though she certainly deserves a break, something tells us Allschwang's most productive year yet is just a hint of what's to come. At the tail end of a watershed 2019, Allschwang met My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk about her pair of impressive and immersive recent releases, the impact Mary Nohl's life and work has on her, her approach to playing everywhere from arenas and ballrooms to street festivals and neighborhood restaurants, and the honor of being asked to contribute vocals (and choreography) to Collections of Colonies of Bees. Over the course of the conversation, Allschwang also talked about growing up in a musical household, the artistic encouragement she received as a college student in Massachusetts — including advice and formative moments from some unlikely and famous sources — and her unforgettable experiences as part of Group of the Altos. That's just the tip of the iceberg though, as it was an extensive, fun and inspiring discussion that we're proud to have be our last episode of 2019. Thanks for listening and supporting My First Band. We'll see you in 2020! My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Marielle Allschwang &amp; The Visitations ("Every Name" and "Lash Of The Lake").

To say 2019 has been a busy year for Marielle Allschwang would be an understatement. The singer, bandleader and namesake of Marielle Allschwang &amp; The Visitations released her incredible VISITATIONS IV back in May, which earned heaps of well-deserved attention (including the distinction of being named the best Milwaukee album of 2019 by Milwaukee Record earlier this month). As if one astounding full-length isn't enough for one year, Allschwang and her handpicked cast of collaborators also released a moving conceptual double LP in September called Procession of a Day: The World of Mary Nohl. Though she certainly deserves a break, something tells us Allschwang's most productive year yet is just a hint of what's to come. At the tail end of a watershed 2019, Allschwang met My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters to talk about her pair of impressive and immersive recent releases, the impact Mary Nohl's life and work has on her, her approach to playing everywhere from arenas and ballrooms to street festivals and neighborhood restaurants, and the honor of being asked to contribute vocals (and choreography) to Collections of Colonies of Bees. Over the course of the conversation, Allschwang also talked about growing up in a musical household, the artistic encouragement she received as a college student in Massachusetts — including advice and formative moments from some unlikely and famous sources — and her unforgettable experiences as part of Group of the Altos. That's just the tip of the iceberg though, as it was an extensive, fun and inspiring discussion that we're proud to have be our last episode of 2019. Thanks for listening and supporting My First Band. We'll see you in 2020! My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Marielle Allschwang &amp; The Visitations ("Every Name" and "Lash Of The Lake").

43 – Marielle Allschwang (Marielle Allschwang & The Visitations, Collections of Colonies of Bees, Group of the Altos)

Norb Rozek

Norb Rozek is known better to the world as Reverend Norb, the front man of Boris The Sprinkler. Before he was the incomparable voice of the legendary Green Bay punk band, Rozek was cutting his teeth in other — far less-renowned — Titletown projects like Static Cling and Suburban Mutilation after being led to a life in rock and roll by The Everly Brothers of all things. With close to 40 years of onstage experience, Rev. Norb has no shortage of great stories at the ready. Recently, Norb invited My First Band host Tyler Maas into his home in Green Bay to talk about the city's music scene, being part of a high school riot that allegedly inspired a 7 Seconds song, being tricked into joining Boris The Sprinkler in the early '90s, being bumped from a Green Day and Pansy Division show in Neenah in the early '90s, his stint with The Onions, and so, SO much more. Along the way, the pair also talked about Heritage Hill, Concert Cafe and non-existent barn shows in Wrightstown. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Boris The Sprinkler ("Spider Baby").

Norb Rozek is known better to the world as Reverend Norb, the front man of Boris The Sprinkler. Before he was the incomparable voice of the legendary Green Bay punk band, Rozek was cutting his teeth in other — far less-renowned — Titletown projects like Static Cling and Suburban Mutilation after being led to a life in rock and roll by The Everly Brothers of all things. With close to 40 years of onstage experience, Rev. Norb has no shortage of great stories at the ready. Recently, Norb invited My First Band host Tyler Maas into his home in Green Bay to talk about the city's music scene, being part of a high school riot that allegedly inspired a 7 Seconds song, being tricked into joining Boris The Sprinkler in the early '90s, being bumped from a Green Day and Pansy Division show in Neenah in the early '90s, his stint with The Onions, and so, SO much more. Along the way, the pair also talked about Heritage Hill, Concert Cafe and non-existent barn shows in Wrightstown. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers") and Boris The Sprinkler ("Spider Baby").

51 – Norb Rozek (Boris the Sprinkler, The Onions, Suburban Mutilation)

Though the members have all been involved in a variety of projects through the years, Bad Cop/Bad Cop seems like a case of the right band with the right people happening at the right time in life. The Fat Wreck Chords foursome just finished headlining a European tour and they're currently wrapping up a U.S. and Canada jaunt before heading back to California to continue their quest for world domination one great album at a time. Before Bad Cop/Bad Cop's recent concert at X-Ray Arcade in Cudahy, two of the band's members invited My First Band host Tyler Maas up to the club's green room to discuss everything that preceded this project. While their tourmates in War On Women finished up their soundcheck, Jennie Cotterill and Stacey Dee — both singers and guitarists — talked about what led them to their eventual decisions to take up music. Cotterill talked about growing up in the Midwest before moving to California after high school and eventually pursuing a career in art that's included work on Parks &amp; Recreation and Metalocalypse. Meanwhile, Dee spoke about taking up guitar and making a name for herself in Angry Amputees (as featured on Tony Hawk's Underground), Compton SF and playing in a short-lived band called Park Royal during her stint in London. Both members also talked about how much Bad Cop/Bad Cop means to them and what the band is working on at the moment. Oh, and stick around for a quick cameo from some War On Women members at the end of the episode. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), Angry Amputees ("She Said") and Bad Cop/Bad Cop ("I'm Done").

Though the members have all been involved in a variety of projects through the years, Bad Cop/Bad Cop seems like a case of the right band with the right people happening at the right time in life. The Fat Wreck Chords foursome just finished headlining a European tour and they're currently wrapping up a U.S. and Canada jaunt before heading back to California to continue their quest for world domination one great album at a time. Before Bad Cop/Bad Cop's recent concert at X-Ray Arcade in Cudahy, two of the band's members invited My First Band host Tyler Maas up to the club's green room to discuss everything that preceded this project. While their tourmates in War On Women finished up their soundcheck, Jennie Cotterill and Stacey Dee — both singers and guitarists — talked about what led them to their eventual decisions to take up music. Cotterill talked about growing up in the Midwest before moving to California after high school and eventually pursuing a career in art that's included work on Parks &amp; Recreation and Metalocalypse. Meanwhile, Dee spoke about taking up guitar and making a name for herself in Angry Amputees (as featured on Tony Hawk's Underground), Compton SF and playing in a short-lived band called Park Royal during her stint in London. Both members also talked about how much Bad Cop/Bad Cop means to them and what the band is working on at the moment. Oh, and stick around for a quick cameo from some War On Women members at the end of the episode. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”), Angry Amputees ("She Said") and Bad Cop/Bad Cop ("I'm Done").

11 – Bad Cop/Bad Cop

Marc Solheim

Marc Solheim is a low-key Milwaukee music legend. Though he rarely takes the stage himself these days (except when he fronts his Morrissey and The Smiths cover band, Salford Lads Club), Solheim has been a noted figure in Wisconsin music for close to 30 years. The Pabst Theater Group booker has been instrumental in bringing some notable — and once-unthinkable — acts to Milwaukee and, along the way, he's also helped Turner Hall Ballroom delve into wrestling events. Well before he was making shows happen at a cluster of downtown venues, Solheim was living in Walworth County and fronting a high school band. After moving an hour north after graduation, he saw potential in many Milwaukee bands and found his way into management. From there, he also booked shows at The Globe, The Unicorn and Mad Planet, where he brought bands like No Doubt, Alkaline Trio and Arcade Fire to the city for the first time. He has a treasure trove of great stories, and he was gracious enough to talk about his lengthy and incredibly interesting career in music, artist management, concert booking and much more when he met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”) and Subside ("Strike Three").

Marc Solheim is a low-key Milwaukee music legend. Though he rarely takes the stage himself these days (except when he fronts his Morrissey and The Smiths cover band, Salford Lads Club), Solheim has been a noted figure in Wisconsin music for close to 30 years. The Pabst Theater Group booker has been instrumental in bringing some notable — and once-unthinkable — acts to Milwaukee and, along the way, he's also helped Turner Hall Ballroom delve into wrestling events. Well before he was making shows happen at a cluster of downtown venues, Solheim was living in Walworth County and fronting a high school band. After moving an hour north after graduation, he saw potential in many Milwaukee bands and found his way into management. From there, he also booked shows at The Globe, The Unicorn and Mad Planet, where he brought bands like No Doubt, Alkaline Trio and Arcade Fire to the city for the first time. He has a treasure trove of great stories, and he was gracious enough to talk about his lengthy and incredibly interesting career in music, artist management, concert booking and much more when he met up with My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters. My First Band is sponsored by Mystery Room Mastering. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth (“The Junction Street Eight Tigers”) and Subside ("Strike Three").

54 – Marc Solheim (The Globe, Turner Hall)

Scott Schoenbeck

If you've watched Dashboard Confessional at any point in the past 17 years, you've surely seen Scott Schoenbeck. Though the bassist has traveled the world and shared the stage with some of the planet's biggest bands as a supporting member of Chris Carrabba's popular project, Schoenbeck has been involved with a few other notable acts long before he joined up with Dashboard. A few weeks before Dashboard Confessional's headlining set at Summerfest, Schoenbeck stopped by Milwaukee Record headquarters to tell host Tyler Maas about starting out in a Waukesha-based band called Cleveland Bound Death Sentence in the late '80s, before finding some success with Alligator Gun in the '90s, and latching on with Pele and The Promising Ring thereafter. They also talked about his current work in projects like Rx Drugs and Mini Meltdowns, and the events that led to him become part of Dashboard Confessional. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and Rushmor Records. The show is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), Cleveland Bound Death Sentence ("The Struggle"), and Alligator Gun ("Sinker").

If you've watched Dashboard Confessional at any point in the past 17 years, you've surely seen Scott Schoenbeck. Though the bassist has traveled the world and shared the stage with some of the planet's biggest bands as a supporting member of Chris Carrabba's popular project, Schoenbeck has been involved with a few other notable acts long before he joined up with Dashboard. A few weeks before Dashboard Confessional's headlining set at Summerfest, Schoenbeck stopped by Milwaukee Record headquarters to tell host Tyler Maas about starting out in a Waukesha-based band called Cleveland Bound Death Sentence in the late '80s, before finding some success with Alligator Gun in the '90s, and latching on with Pele and The Promising Ring thereafter. They also talked about his current work in projects like Rx Drugs and Mini Meltdowns, and the events that led to him become part of Dashboard Confessional. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyFirstBandPodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">My First Band</a> is sponsored by <a href="https://www.boulevard.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Boulevard Brewing</a> and <a href="http://www.rushmor.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Rushmor Records</a>. The show is edited by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/roots_writer/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Jared Blohm</a>. You can listen to My First Band on <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/my-first-band-podcast/id1454982866" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/my-first-band" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4wEyILRDKwIEx0gnpWwtH5" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of <a href="https://devilsteeth.bandcamp.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Devils Teeth</a> ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), <a href="http://www.mkepunk.com/releases/hardcore/cleveland-bound-death-sentence-demo-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Cleveland Bound Death Sentence</a> ("The Struggle"), and <a href="http://www.mkepunk.com/releases/pop-punk/alligator-gun-onehundredpercentfreak/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Alligator Gun</a> ("Sinker").

18 – Scott Schoenbeck (Dashboard Confessional, Promise Ring, Alligator Gun)

Ryan Necci

Though country fans throughout the Midwest know Ryan Necci as the singer and founding member of Buffalo Gospel, the bandleader actually got his start as a percussionist. While growing up in the small town of Ixonia, Wisconsin, Necci first got behind a drum kit in middle school to play with a group called The Flying Monkeys, before spending his high school years covering Limp Bizkit (and writing some regrettable originals) with a band called Bangkok. From there, he spent some time with a popular western Wisconsin jam band called Fat Maw Rooney, which is where he started to sing and write songs of his own — thus paving the way for him to take center stage with a project that became Buffalo Gospel. Between tours and during a day off from his new career as a professional songwriter, Necci met My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters. There, they talked about Necci's percussive past, buying a band bong with the money from his first paying gig, touring the jam-band circuit in his 20s, the unlikely beginnings of Buffalo Gospel and how music helped him work through the grief of losing one of his best friends and bandmates. Oh, and Maas and Necci also talked about going to a Golden Girls-themed drag show together. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), Fat Maw Rooney ("River Love Blues") and Buffalo Gospel ("High Time To Hang Fire").

Though country fans throughout the Midwest know Ryan Necci as the singer and founding member of Buffalo Gospel, the bandleader actually got his start as a percussionist. While growing up in the small town of Ixonia, Wisconsin, Necci first got behind a drum kit in middle school to play with a group called The Flying Monkeys, before spending his high school years covering Limp Bizkit (and writing some regrettable originals) with a band called Bangkok. From there, he spent some time with a popular western Wisconsin jam band called Fat Maw Rooney, which is where he started to sing and write songs of his own — thus paving the way for him to take center stage with a project that became Buffalo Gospel. Between tours and during a day off from his new career as a professional songwriter, Necci met My First Band host Tyler Maas at Milwaukee Record headquarters. There, they talked about Necci's percussive past, buying a band bong with the money from his first paying gig, touring the jam-band circuit in his 20s, the unlikely beginnings of Buffalo Gospel and how music helped him work through the grief of losing one of his best friends and bandmates. Oh, and Maas and Necci also talked about going to a Golden Girls-themed drag show together. My First Band is sponsored by Boulevard Brewing and is edited by Jared Blohm. You can listen to My First Band on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and wherever else you get podcasts. Music used in this show comes courtesy of Devils Teeth ("The Junction Street Eight Tigers"), Fat Maw Rooney ("River Love Blues") and Buffalo Gospel ("High Time To Hang Fire").

26 – Ryan Necci (Buffalo Gospel, Fat Maw Rooney)

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OwlTail

OwlTail 1-3-1

The best podcast episodes on Startups. For anyone working in a startup, or anyone interested in the incredible stories behind how people built companies like Instagram, and Facebook. Offering both practical advice and insights, as well as the stories for how many of the biggest startups got to where they are today. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!