A-Bomb A-List 2016 presented by Seven Sided Records

A-Bomb A-List 2016 is now available online!

Episode 6 - The Civil Engineers

Hear Episode 6 RIGHT HERE.

The eight-piece, bombastic, fun sound of The Civil Engineers really makes you stop and take notice. Compelling frontwoman Molly Ford has a charismatic bravado that commands attention. A three-pronged horn section makes sure the music shines. And at the band's core lies a triple-threat combo of guitar, bass and keys that powers a virtuous soul-funk soundscape.

The three co-founders -- Molly, T-Lo and keyboardist Garrick Rohm -- graciously sat down with us for a roller-coaster interview and gave a spicy live performance of their new, to-be-released song "Say My Name". You can watch the video of the live performance right here:

 "It was so clear -- the funk was pouring from my fingers", laughed bassist Tim "T-Lo" Lopez, when asked about their song "Walk It Out". Self-mocking for sure, but it gives an idea of the nonchalant, happy nature of this group of highly skilled musicians.

Heavily inspired by Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding, The Civil Engineers found they shared an appreciation for certain throwback genres.

"That was something we all had in common -- older funk, soul, motown", said Molly.

With affable personalities and shared inspirations, the octet has been able to jell well. Centered on Carl Rettke's rock-solid drums, TCE is rounded out by Kyle Rightley's sterling guitar work and the bouncy, engaging horn section of Jason Buck (saxophone), Becky Lipsitz  (trumpet) and Mark Ratzburg (trumpet).

All this makes for a live show that is not to be missed. See their upcoming show schedule at thecivilengineers.com. Theirs is a live show you won't regret seeing -- we promise.

Get their latest album: The Civil Engineers on BandCamp 
Facebook 'em: The Civil Engineers on facebook.
Follow on Spotify: The Civil Engineers on spotify.

 

Production Note--

Episode 6 was our final show of the season, but stay tuned because in November we'll be releasing "A-Bomb A-List", a musical compilation featuring all of our guests from Season 1. You'll be able to find all the details here along with announcements, surprises, and clues about the future of A-Bomb Audio.

Thank you for reading, listening, and watching! Season 1 has been a blast and it's been a pleasure being able to share it with you.

Sincerely,

Jeff, Justin, Jeff, and Chris

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About A-Bomb Audio

Our first season premiered on May 4, 2016. Episodes are released on the first Wednesday of each month, and the first season will be six episodes long. After the first season concludes, we'll release an EP showcasing all the songs recorded live in-studio at the Seven Sided River House in North Aurora, Illinois.

Each show will also have a corresponding blog that will include photos, videos and/or links to our guest's websites and social media pages.

We hope you'll enjoy this project as much as we do! Thank you for listening.A-Bomb Audio is sponsored by 7sidedrecords.com

Host: Jeff Stogis

Sound engineering and design: Justin Birchard

Creators and producers: Jeff Stogis and Justin Birchard

Production assistance: Jeff Goluszka

Blog: Jeff Goluszka and Justin Birchard

Voice-overs: Chris Shern

Episode 5 - John Dean of the Dean Brothers

Hear Episode 5 RIGHT HERE  

Few musicians can say they out-charted Paul McCartney. But in the 1970s, John Dean did it. From the late '60s all the way through the charming new songs he performed live for our little podcast, Dean's perfect pitch and sincere vocal melodies continue to stand the test of time. A-Bomb producer and co-founder Justin Birchard jumped at the opportunity to interview Dean when the two crossed paths 700-plus miles away from the Seven Sided River House.

John's outdoor shed has a backdoor that leads to his hideaway studio.

Justin interviews John in his cozy recording studio.

At age 12, Dean performed in a smoke-filled tavern for the first time (and yes, the band had to whisk him in the back door). Before he knew it, throngs of 50 to 100 neighborhood teens would be showing up just to hear him and his brothers practice at their home in the town of Skaneateles, New York. "My parents -- god, they were so tolerable!" said the multi-instrumentalist, still seeming surprised at the fertile, supportive environment that fostered a local music scene. "That's when we first started going, 'Do we want to go to college, or do we want to keep doing this?'" Dean and his brothers quickly built a dedicated following. Their talent was the product of growing up among eight kids in a very musical family, led by a mother who regularly played a Hammond B-3 organ. The atmosphere produced several bands, most notably the Dean Brothers Band.

The Dean Brothers first LP "As They Are"

An original Dean Brothers concert poster circa 1970's

Peaking from 1972 to 1976, they rejected record deals, played huge shows and ran down their dreams. Fans today still treasure the Dean Brothers album "As They Are", plump with hits such as "Who Loves You?" and "Sell My Misery". But the Deans always held to their principles, turning down label-offered opportunities to play lollipop tunes (with lyrics like "Gee, it's so nice to be with you") in favor of personal lyrics, intricately woven harmonies, and folky, rock 'n' roll infusions.

The Dean Brothers then and now:

70's Dean Brothers

80's Dean Brothers

Dean Brothers today

In 2009 the Dean Brothers were inducted into the SAMMY's Hall of Fame. It was a tremendous honor for the quartet and a tribute to their continuing impact on the region.

Today John Dean is still going strong, as evidenced by the brand-new song "Ring Thing". He graciously gave A-Bomb a live performance of the endearing ditty, which can be heard here in Episode 5. It's clear that John hasn't lost his fastball. Once he starts singing, you know you're hearing somebody special. "I remember as a little kid, hearing the Everly Brothers, looking up at the radio, and thinking they were in there," Dean chuckled. "I remember thinking at 8 or 9 years old, I'm gonna do that." Well done, John.

John also performed a beautiful bonus song for us called “Still Do”, you can see videos of both performances below--

"Ring Thing" live performance by John Dean:

 

 "Still Do" SPECIAL BONUS live performance by John Dean:

 

In Episode 5 you'll also hear the Dean Brothers' tune “Mars”, a song written in the 70's that daydreams about exploring the surface of Mars. In a cosmic coincidence that defies all rational explanation, many years later John had a daughter who went on to work for NASA as part of the Mars Rover team. She currently still works for NASA and operates the camera's on the Opportunity Rover. Wow!

John's daughter currently operates the cameras on NASA's "Opportunity" Mars Rover

Currently John can be found performing all across the Syracuse region of New York, sometimes solo, sometimes with his new band Dean's List, and sometimes with the original Dean Brothers crew. For all the latest news and show dates make sure to stay tuned to their facebook pages:

DEAN'S LIST on facebook

DEAN BROTHERS on facebook

You can also find The Dean Brothers on Spotify! 

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Links to John's music:

"As They Are" by the Dean Brothers. The original 1976 album with 12 songs.

"Live at the Red House" 2012 live album with 13 songs.

John's 10-song 2016 album "Still Do" and his three other solo albums can be found here.

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Here are two great articles where you can learn more about the history of the Dean Brothers and other prominent artists from Syracuse region of New York:

-->History of Syracuse Music Blog: The Dean Brothers Band 

-->Artist Trove Blog- The Dean Brothers

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Astute observers may be wondering why a guy who was born and raised in New York is wearing a Cubs hat. Well as it turns out John's nephew Dylan Cease is a top pitching prospect for the Chicago Cubs! 

After the interview John took Justin and the Broadways for a cruise on his sailboat:

Thank you for reading, watching, and listening! Your support means the world to us, if you haven't already please like us on facebook, give us some stars on iTunes, and follow us on Soundcloud. We'll be back next month with our final episode of the season featuring The Civil Engineers from Madison, Wisconsin.

Listen to past episodes here: A-Bomb Audio Podcast Season 1

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About A-Bomb Audio

Our first season premiered on May 4, 2016. Episodes are released on the first Wednesday of each month, and the first season will be six episodes long. After the first season concludes, we'll release an EP showcasing all the songs recorded live in-studio at the Seven Sided River House in North Aurora, Illinois.

Each show will also have a corresponding blog that will include photos, videos and/or links to our guest's websites and social media pages.

We hope you'll enjoy this project as much as we do! Thank you for listening.A-Bomb Audio is sponsored by 7sidedrecords.com

A-Bomb Audio was created by Jeff Stogis and Justin Birchard

Episode 5 host: Justin Birchard

Episode 5 voice-overs and commentary: Jeff Stogis and Chris Shern 

Producer: Justin Birchard

Sound engineering and design: Justin Birchard

Episode 5 production assistance: Jeff Stogis and Mary Broadway

Bloggage: Jeff Goluszka and Justin Birchard

Episode 4 - Jon Allegretto of A Friend Called Fire

Hear Episode 4 RIGHT HERE   
Jon Allegretto, a native Chicagoan and true working-class independent musical force:

Episode 4 brought us infectious positivity and passion in the form of Jon Allegretto, the acclaimed frontman of melodic Chicago rock trio A Friend Called Fire. We learned about his life-long rebellion against silent letters, heard him channel Frankie Valli, and discovered the mysterious connection between his last name and the tempo of his songs.

This episode's live performance is a solo version of "Love is Free", a hopeful new song where Jon is joined on backing vocals by Chris Shern and Justin Birchard of Invisible Cartoons. 
Check out the live video of Jon's performance: 
 


Jon's unique talents and relentless motivation have helped A Friend Called Fire churn out 200+ shows and six independent U.S. tours in just the past few years. They have a diverse skillset and can put on a bombastic, full-volume show just as easily as a stripped-down, intimate acoustic set. 

A Friend Called Fire

In this month's episode we gave one of AFCF's most recent studio tracks a spin, Jon described the song as "my favorite thing I've ever recorded in my life". So be ready for "The Lightning" -- it's an epic!   

Hear the full episode HERE.

Get more of Jon's music and find out about upcoming shows by visiting jartistry.com or afriendcalledfire.com

You can also:
Facebook 'em: @jonallegrettoartistry or @afriendcalledfire 
Buy albums on bandcamp: afriendcalledfire.bandcamp.com/ 
Follow on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YtfMo9v0f1lqHRyGr63uk

Photo by Jon Allegretto

In addition to his musical talents, Jon is also a professional photographer. Check out his amazing work at jonallegretto.com

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About A-Bomb Audio 

Our first season premiered on May 4, 2016. Episodes are released on the first Wednesday of each month, and the first season will be six episodes long. After the first season concludes, we'll release an EP showcasing all the songs recorded live in-studio at the Seven Sided River House in North Aurora, Illinois.
Each show will also have a corresponding blog that will include photos, videos and/or links to our guest's websites and social media pages.

We hope you'll enjoy this project as much as we do! Thank you for listening. 

A-Bomb Audio is sponsored by 7sidedrecords.com
Host: Jeff Stogis
Sound engineering and design: Justin Birchard
Creators and producers: Jeff Stogis and Justin Birchard
Production assistance and bloggage: Jeff Goluszka
Voice-overs: Chris Shern

Episode 3 - Baby Money & the Down Payments

Hear Episode 3 RIGHT HERE.

Jeff Stogis interviews Baby Money & the Down Payments

Roaringly melodic, Baby Money & the Down Payments forge an inviting sonic confidence that's hard to resist. This talented trio blends compellingly personal songwriting, distinctively smooth grooves and soulful, captivating vocal harmonies. (Seriously, listen to "Wait" on Spotify or Bandcamp.)

We're grateful they journeyed to the Seven Sided River House to record an interview with our lovely host Jeff Stogis, and give an exclusive live performance of "Love! You Made Me a Believer".

Check out the video of their performance:

In this episode you'll get to know a fun-loving, playful band that makes plenty of time to chuckle, but also upholds a realistic view of society's odd perks and pitfalls. Or, in her own words, Baby Money is: "a post-apocalyptic warrior fighting the evils of capitalism after an economic breakdown in the future". Find out more right here in Episode 3!

Baby Money & the Down Payments at Jerry's in Chicago.

You can see Baby Money live on July 21st at Quenchers Saloon in Chicago. Click here to see the facebook event page.

Baby Money will also be performing a show at the 7 Sided Riverhouse on July 23rd with Invisible Cartoons, get in touch with us on facebook if you'd like to attend!

Want more Baby Money? Click here to stream or download their new album on Bandcamp! You can also Facebook 'em or follow them on Spotify!

A big thank you to the band: vocalist/guitarist Pamela Maurer, bassist Dina Simone, and drummer Sarah Neczwid. After the interview our faces were sore from smiling and laughing so much, it was a fantastic way to spend a Sunday evening.

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About A-Bomb Audio

Our first season premiered on May 4, 2016. Episodes are released on the first Wednesday of each month, and the first season will be six episodes long. After the first season concludes, we'll release an EP showcasing all the songs recorded live in-studio at the Seven Sided River House in North Aurora, Illinois.

Each show will also have a corresponding blog that will include photos, videos and/or links to our guest's websites and social media pages.

We hope you'll enjoy this project as much as we do! Thank you for listening.

A-Bomb Audio is sponsored by 7sidedrecords.com
Host: Jeff Stogis
Sound engineering and design: Justin Birchard
Creators and producers: Jeff Stogis and Justin Birchard
Production assistance and bloggage: Jeff Goluszka
Voice-overs: Chris Shern

Episode 2 - Nathan Kalish and the Lastcallers

Hear Episode 2 RIGHT HERE.

The Lastcallers: Nathan Kalish, Jimmy Duvall, and Michael Hopper II

The musical equivalent of a warm wind on a backwoods road trip, Nathan Kalish and the Lastcallers know how to roast a smooth, jaunty vibe over their own gritty, personal campfire.

And now they've released a new album -- the awesomely titled "Continental Breakfast of Champions".
Unassumingly modest, yet quick with a sarcastic tongue, the tour-seasoned trio stopped by A-Bomb Audio to chat with Jeff Stogis. The Lastcallers also kindly gave a live performance of their new song "Overdosin' in the USA", which is featured in the back half of Episode 2.

So sit back, relax and take in the southern audio charms of Nate and his fellow Lastcallers, Mike Hopper (guitar) and Jimmy Duvall (stand-up bass).  

Here's an exclusive video of Nathan Kalsih and the Lastcallers performing live for A-Bomb Audio:

  
You can hear their entire album "Contenental Breakfast of Champions" RIGHT HERE. You can purchase the album by sending your address and $15 to nathankalish (at) gmail (dot com). Be sure to check out nathankalish.us for upcoming shows featuring the Lastcallers. 

Want more NKLC? Click here to see a TV interview and live performance.

For more great independent music please visit us at 7sidedrecords.com

We'll be back with a new episode on Wednesday July 6th. Thank you for supporting A-Bomb Audio!

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About A-Bomb Audio:

Our first episode debuted on May 4, 2016. Future episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of each month, and the first season will be six episodes long. After the first season concludes, we'll release an EP showcasing all the songs recorded live in-studio at the Seven Sided River House in North Aurora, Illinois.

Each show will also have a corresponding blog that will include photos, videos and/or links to our guest's websites and social media pages.

We hope you'll enjoy this project as much as we do! Thank you for listening.A-Bomb Audio is sponsored by 7sidedrecords.com
Host: Jeff Stogis
Sound engineering and design: Justin Birchard
Creators and producers: Jeff Stogis and Justin Birchard
Production assistance: Jeff Goluszka
Voice-overs: Chris Shern

Episode 1 - Fight with Monsters

Hear the first episode RIGHT HERE.

Friends and music go hand-in-hand. That's why we're so excited about this new podcast, which allows us to share some of our favorite lesser-known music with the most important person in the room -- you.

A-Bomb Audio, now freshly exposed to the world, is a monthly podcast featuring live music, interviews, behind-the-scenes perspectives and other works from independent artists.

In our first-ever episode, we talk with Fight With Monsters, a smooth-yet-spicy indie rock band with an undercurrent of psychedelia and a thirst for transcendence.

FWM's Ryan Caldwell and Ryan Worthy joined us for an interview replete with cackling good times, real music truths and a fantastic in-studio performance of their song "Escape".

Hope you enjoy the show!

 

You can pick up Fight With Monster's new album HERE.

And be sure to check out fightwithmonsters.com for all the latest info including upcoming shows.

Here is Fight With Monsters latest music video "Vote Batman" : 

More about A-Bomb Audio:

Our first episode debuted on May 4, 2016. Future episodes will be released on the first Wednesday of each month, and the first season will be six episodes long. After the first season concludes, we'll release an EP showcasing all the songs recorded live in-studio at the Seven Sided River House in North Aurora, Illinois.

Each show will also have a corresponding blog that will include photos, videos and/or links to our guest's websites and social media pages.

We hope you'll enjoy this project as much as we do! Thank you for listening.

A-Bomb Audio is sponsored by 7sidedrecords.com
Host: Jeff Stogis
Sound engineering and design: Justin Birchard
Creators and producers: Jeff Stogis and Justin Birchard
Production assistance: Jeff Goluszka
Voice-overs: Chris Shern