Inside the Machine

In Memoriam

Is this the "end of an era", a moment to be lamented, or the fade in to something bigger? Over the last 81 episodes, Inside the Machine has featured some of the finest musicians on the planet, but all good things must come to a close. In this final episode, Nicholas recaps his last year on the air with a celebratory broadcast featuring friends from around the country.

Josh Berman / Rob Funderburk

Rob Funderburk is a graphic artist. Josh Berman is a free-jazz cornetist. Together, they formed a unique duo for the 2015 installment of Homeroom Chicago's Ten x Ten project. This week on Inside the Machine, we explore the mystery, magic, and limits of creativity itself.

Mark Helm

It's rare to chat with an artist who has shaped our musical tastes so much. Over the last few years, Mark Helm's debut solo effort, "Everything's Ok," has remained as a staple in our playlists, both on and off the airwaves. Today, Nicholas sits down for a longform chat with this pioneering artist.

The Golden Rule

It's one hit after another! In this episode of Inside the Machine, Nicholas visits with Mel from Chicago-funk-rock outfit The Golden Rule.

Strawberry Jacuzzi

We're keeping it local with one of Chicago's most-lauded acts, Strawberry Jacuzzi. On this episode of Inside the Machine, Nicholas is joined in-studio by Shannon Candy and Nikita Word, the founders and purveyors of fine, pop-punk music.

Wave & Rome

It's time to go in-depth with one of Nashville's most innovative acts. The brainchild of songwriter Sam Tinnesz, Wave & Rome represents a new group of talent emerging from the Music City's ever-expanding independent music scene. On his debut EP, "Across the Map", Sam pairs folk songwriting with driving beats... a combination that we haven't heard before. You'll want to hear this, guaranteed.

Young Brother

From his home base of Nashville, Tennessee, Dalton Diehl is launching an all-out assault on EDM culture. If you think modern dance music has a certain undeniable vibe, prepare to experience fresh beats, honest songwriting, and grit... the likes of what we haven't seen since the invention of the synthesizer.

Greta Morgan

Post 2007, one of the first independent bands I discovered was Gold Motel. This act's signature sound was heavily affected by Greta Morgan's passionate vocals and honest songwriting. Since that first listen, I knew that she would eventually grace us with a visit Inside the Machine. Today, that visit has come. Together, we cover her work in The Hush Sound, Gold Motel, and Springtime Carnivore.

Inner Outlaws

Several months ago, Will Farina, a friend of The Machine, introduced yours truly to a vintage rock band from Brooklyn, known as Inner Outlaws. Today, my musical lexicon has been vastly expanded by this group of multi-talented groovemasters. And now, thanks to the magic of radio, you can experience my journey as well.

Chas Castell

The life of musician and businessman Chas Castell is an excellent study in persistence, honesty, and how to choose the right priorities. His debut release, "Take a Breath," is currently on rotation here at The Machine. Today, we take a close look at the making of this record, and Chas' life story leading up to it.

Joel Walter

It would be simple to label Joel Walter as yet another folk songwriter, riding the wave of the genre's increasing popularity. You would be wrong. Joel pens songs with emotional depth unmatched by only but a few of his peers.

Avvenir / Safety Records

This week Nicholas welcomes his first returning guest, Joel Ebner of City States, Modal Voices, Contretemps, and Avvenir. In addition to creating music under these four monikers, Joel also heads Safety Records, a boutique record label in Chicago. In this episode, we cover several recent releases, and debut new tracks from this innovative (and prolific) artist.

Archie Powell & The Exports

Known for his rambunctious on stage antics and rock 'n' roll ethics, Archie Powell is quite a character. Off stage, his personality is a bit more mellow. This Chicago showman shares a unique camaraderie with his bandmates, friends, and fans. He is a true gentleman, who continues to inspire many in the Windy City music scene. Today we spend just over an hour walking though his work thus far.

The Trolls

Drive down any Chicago street late at night, and you'll probably hear music coming from nearby alleyways. This is one of our city's many "garage" bands, practicing their riffs and preparing for bigger, better stages. Connoisseurs of this raw, unfettered style of music once branded it "garage rock", a genre that, regardless of what you think, is here to stay. Today on Inside the Machine, we present The Trolls, a powerful duo that will not bow to the gods of clean, polished pop.

Karmacoda

Karmacoda may have been born out of desperation, but it's leader, B, is the Zen master of music. For almost 15 years, he's pushed the group forward. Together with Heather Pierce and Eric Matsuno, this powerful trio has made a name for themselves by defying convention with magical results.

Randi Russo

Today on Inside the Machine, you'll hear from friend of the network, multi-instrumentalist, painter, and songwriter Randi Russo. Even though she embarked on her musical journey later than most, a late start didn't slow her down. With four albums to her name and numerous projects on the way, she's determined to keep digging until striking gold.

Evie Archer

After years of delaying, Evie Archer has decided to chase her dreams. With a wonderful debut and a new EP in the works, this North Jersey songwriter is wasting no time pursuing artistic greatness. This week on Inside the Machine, we share her full story, and rock out to the world debut of Chocolate and Whiskey.

Voodoo Boogaloo

Of all the band biographies we've read, the one written about today's guest stands out. "If I had a time machine and went back 2000 years to give Mary and Joseph 20 hits of acid, they would have become this act." That should be enough of an introduction to Voodoo Boogaloo, one of the hippest bands you've never heard... until now.

Colin Morris

Whether we're discussing design, music, or photography... it can be difficult and time consuming to produce simple work. On today's episode of Inside the Machine, Nicholas is joined by Midwest rocker Colin Morris to discuss his debut EP, "Could Be Anything," and why it took so long to create.

Lili K.

With so many genres lighting Chicago on fire, it's easy to forget the city's musical roots. As a close neighbor to Detroit, soul and jazz are integral parts of the Windy City's cultural dictionary, and today we speak with an artist who's working to preserve that history: Lili K.

Heroine Complex

Our guest for this edition is Ashly Dalene, the leader of innovative Chicago rock act, Heroine Complex. Meet the powerful woman behind it, and explore the darker side of rock.

Kyshona Armstrong

Our guest today is a strong voice for positive change. Kyshona Armstrong makes music that aims to improve the lives of her listeners, and ultimately, the world. Forged in the art capital of Athens, Georgia, and now living in Music City U.S.A., she is poised for a great 2015. Press play to experience the power of modern soul.

Dial In

Forget everything you know about cheery, party-driven EDM: you're about to experience something different. Even across their limited discography, the Chicago-based duo, Dial In, has drafted a masterclass on songwriting structure and sonic depth. Today, you're headed to school.

Seryn

Just over five years ago, a newly minted act Denton, Texas kicked off their career with a highly awarded album, This Is Where We Are. Now, fresh off the release of their follow up full-length effort, Trenton Wheeler joins Nicholas to recount the first half-decade of life in the band Seryn.

Heather Bond

Trust us, these words carry weight. After many demos, recording sessions, and restless nights, Heather Bond joins Nicholas Young to share the story behind her debut full-length album, So Long.

Liza Anne

Nashville's underground music scene is exploding, pushing several acts at it's forefront into the international spotlight. One of those talented artists is our new friend Liza Anne. Once you hear her work, you'll fall in love (as we have) with her fearless lyrics and incomparable harmonies.

Medicine Bear and The Herbal Remedies

Over the last year, our staff has had the distinct pleasure of seeing this band perform live. Each time, they leave us mesmerized with tasteful harmonies and careful arrangements. Today on Inside the Machine, meet Medicine Bear and The Herbal Remedies.

Carbon Leaf

In this week's episode, we meet another band that stumbled onto success, only to realize they couldn't, and didn't want to let go. From 90's pop into their now-popular Celtic/Folk sound, Carbon Leaf is a group that shouldn't stop... ever.

TALSounds

Natalie Chami is a talented purveyor of emotionally loaded improvised music. Under the moniker TALSounds, she's carved out a niche in the ambient and drone scenes, with melodies slip into your mind and stay there. Hear the full story behind her work today on Inside the Machine.

The Remedy

As many of you know, our studios are based in Chicago, Illinois. From the outside, many people see a city full of heartbreak and violence. Most residents see a metropolis full of art, beauty, and passion. While everyone, Chicagoan or not, acknowledges our failings, the reality is far too many people are hurt by the events in our locality. But how do we improve our situation? The four-piece a-cappella group, The Remedy, says music can be the healing balm on our wounds. We share their story today on Inside the Machine.

Greatest Hits: Year One

It may seem hard to believe, but today's episode marks the one year anniversary of Inside the Machine. That's right: fifty-two episodes, fifty-one of which feature the best names in independent music. In this year one retrospective, join us as we explore the best quotations and advice from past guests.

Gramps The Vamp

Gramps The Vamp began as several college buddies rehearsing groovy funk lines for a one-time Halloween party. The festivities kicked off, and their electrifying performance hooked the audience and members themselves. Now several years in, the band is one of Chicago's foremost "doom-funk" acts. Hear their story today on Inside the Machine.

Marbin

Press play to feel the contagious power and emotion. In my time as a radio host, few bands have moved me so much as Marbin. Together, Israeli musicians Dani Rabin and Danny Markovitch have birthed something wonderful: a fusion jazz band for the modern age.

Tall Walker

Today on Inside the Machine, we present the dynamic rock trio, Tall Walker. Nick, Chris, and Ben all met in church, and soon, began playing together. It all started with one question, as Chris says, "hey, do you play music?" Fast forward until today, and they're burning up the airwaves with their potent, fresh sound.

Canasta

In the studio today, Nicholas is joined by Chicago's hardest working pop act; Canasta. This six-piece crafts atmospheric music that elevates your attitude and soul. Called "the heartbeat of our local music scene" by your host, this band has quite a story. You won't regret tuning in for this.

Jacob Thomas Jr.

Outside of the pop-country system that dominates much of Nashville's mind-share, a new group of artists is growing. They draw from Music City's deep folk heritage, but spin their craft in a new direction, and there is no finer example of this style than Jacob Thomas Jr. Hear his story, and tracks from the recently released "Original Sin" full-length today on Inside the Machine.

Coppice

Removing (or replacing) reeds in a pipe organ might seem like blasphemy to some, but for Coppice, it's a daily task that forwards their career. Born in 2009, this Chicago duo is pressing forward, and creating sounds that capture the raw emotional power of audio. Today, they join Nicholas in-studio for Inside the Machine.

Coppertunes

Sometimes, the greatest works of art take years to complete, but they're also often the most rewarding. This is certainly the case with Dustin Jensen's solo debut, Context. Hear this inspiring record, and the story behind it, on today's episode of Inside the Machine.

The Paver

It's loud and forceful. It's beautiful, too. The wall of sound created by The Paver's unique blend of cello, guitars, and drums is not your average listen. It recalls the moments of wild experimentation in early 90's post-rock but adds a shiny orchestral sheen. Dive in deep with Jesse, Billie, and Brendan today on Inside the Machine.

Mereology

Will Farina specializes in improvised, live electronic music. With his array of analog synthesizers, many cables, and portable recorder, he's taught us many important auditory lessons. The importance of field recording and dynamic range are regularly covered in his studies. Today on Inside the Machine, he invites you to look behind the curtain.

Spaces of Disappearance

Here in Chicago, our local music scene is anything but normal. It welcomes those who are bent on reckless experimentation; some aiming for greatness, and others for the total deconstruction of their art form. Today, though, I bring you a band from the former category: Spaces of Disappearance, a colorful (and relatively new) act that is, if possible, expanding what you'll recognize as electronica.

Lore City

From the asphalt kingdom, to the quiet countryside of upstate New York, Lore City is always on the move; leaving etherial, potent soundscapes in their wake. Hear their entire story, and preview their new album Kill Your Dreams, today on Inside the Machine.

Volutes

Inspired by the basics of life, Volutes' new release, Elegant Grey, is an excursion away from the established roads of electronic music. It's 30 minutes of bombastic percussion married with light orchestral flourishes, and not to be missed. Hear the story behind Christina's music today on Inside the Machine.

The Wild Finish

Turn it up! This week's episode is full of loud, rambunctious tracks from Chicago alt-rock band The Wild Finish. What began as an experiment, has flourished into a long-running project with dedicated fans, spread all across the midwest. This band is on the rise, and they don't plan on stopping anytime soon.

Savage Sister

Today, Inside the Machine presents fresh sounds from America's heartland. While Chicago may not be known as the shoegaze capital, Savage Sister has staked their claim and is inspiring audiences across the midwest with their signature blend of shoegaze. What's shoegaze, you ask? Press play to find out.

Axons

With a room full of synthesizers and a punk ethos in her heart, artist Adele Nicholas found something unique when she formed Axons. By balancing the influences of punk and pure electronica, no genre wins out. They both blend into each other seamlessly, and the result is beautiful.

Bode Radio

Outside of existing genres, lies a world of musical experimentation known only by the bold. Today, Nicholas is joined in-studio by Spencer and Alex, collectively known as Bode Radio. This Chicago-based duo is testing the limits of what some would consider music. We consider it magic.

Brash Flair

It took over a decade to assemble Brash Flair. Performers Kristen Johnston and Joshua Wentz met in high school, remained friends through college, but were both quickly occupied with their solo careers. In 2013, their paths intersected once again, and the time was right. The band came alive, and everyone soon learned what perfection sounds like.

Jars of Clay: Inlandia

Most bands who've been around for twenty years are weary, but for Jars of Clay, the past is a blur: and they aren't ready to stop. Today, Nicholas is joined by Charlie Lowell, the kingpin behind the band's recent remix EP, Inlandia.

City States

Six years in the making, City States' debut full-length is poised to amaze. It's a collection of tracks that sweep, pulse, and leave your ears desiring more. Today, Nicholas is joined by Joel Ebner, the band's founder.

Lykanthea

Lykanthea's solo debut, "Sundrowned" is an exercise in sonic meditation. Today, I'm joined by Lakshmi Ramgopal, the woman behind the name.

He Who Never

This week, Nicholas enjoys a relaxing chat with piano virtuoso He Who Never.

Cinchel

Old speakers, tape recorders, and unique synthesizers each have a place in Cinchel's musical history. Today, he's crafting ambient tracks that seep into your thoughts, and become the soundtrack for whatever you do.

Project Film

The story begins in 2009 with two friends and stack of experimental tunes. Almost five years later, this Chicago duo is still going strong. Today, Nicholas spends an hour with Megan Frestedt and Sam McAllister of Project Film.

XYZR_KX

Rock, pop, and electro all have their place - but XYZR_KX stands somewhere in between. In this hour, Nicholas talks to Jon Monteverde (the man behind the cryptic moniker), and slowly decodes how it feels when your music exists outside recognized genres.

Derek Nicoletto

In this interview from the archives, Nicholas speaks to singer and songwriter Derek Nicoletto. Recorded in the weeks before his solo debut, this conversation provides great insight into his artistic process.

Rachel Solomon

Almost exactly one year ago, Rachel Solomon debuted as a solo artist. Her record, "Love Ourselves" is a collection of honest ballads begging the listener to embrace who they are.

Emily Hearn

Griffin, Georgia native Emily Hearn is our guest today. Her latest EP, "Promises" is freshly released, and Nicholas talks to her before the Winter/Spring tour season begins.

The Grooveblaster

Today, instrumental jam artist The Grooveblaster ventures Inside the Machine. We chat about his latest release, Bop Dead City, and of course, the rest of his career too.

The Kickback

Today, Chicago hook-masters The Kickback go Inside the Machine.

The Speedbumps

Eric Urycki leads the Kent, Ohio-based four piece band, The Speedbumps. Their history is fraught with lineup changes, and cancelled albums. It's been a rough few years, but their soulful, honest sound remains unchanged. In this episode, we discuss Eric's musical heritage, and their forthcoming album, The Harbors We Seek.

Modern Science

Las Vegas funk masters Modern Science are on the program today. Joining us from The Hideout, a private recording studio, we discuss their entire career, and spin the world premier of their new track, Game Changer.

The Noise FM

After almost a year of missed connections, The Boys of Noise, Austin and Alex Ward arrive in The Machine studio. We talk about their latest release, Attraction, and dig deep into their catalog too.

Rex Paul

Rex Paul is a guitar virtuoso, on par with the greats. He's recorded with Phil Keaggy, Eric Johnson, and Dann Huff. His records are a staple in my music library, and today, we tell his full story.

Joshua Wentz

This week, Joshua Wentz, producer, musician, founder of Sidedown Audio, and one of the most intriguing people I know, goes Inside the Machine. We walk though his life story, and unearth several previously unheard tracks.

Geoff Smith

Known around the world to his fans, Geoff Smith is an internet celebrity, songwriter, and producer from Nashville, Tennessee. Today, we talk about the early days of his career, walking through every major event, up until the present.

The Hawk In Paris

This week, Nicholas is joined by Dan Haseltine, Matthew Bronleewe, and Jeremy Bose, collectively known as The Hawk In Paris. Press play to experience our hour-long conversation, laced with three previously unheard tracks.

Eddie Logix

Eddie Logix, the producer behind several formidable Detroit hip-hop acts, is my guest today on Inside the Machine. We walk though his musical history, including his apprenticeship with a Motown Records mastering engineer, and dive into his new record Eddie Logix Plays Lykke Li.