Despite throwing his back out the night before and having a bad cold, Dave Matthews made sure to keep our appointment to chat about his incredible new album "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King". He's amazingly candid about everything he discusses...from the tragic death of a LaRoi Moore to the horrific situation years ago in Chicago when one of his bus drivers dumped 800 pounds of human waste on the heads of those on a boat in the Chicago River. For the record, I felt bad about bringing up the "p...
Jun 03, 2009•8 min
Mike Pinder was the original founding member of one of the most influential rock bands, The Moody Blues. We talk about everything from music to UFO's to his unique way of helping up & coming musicians on his website, www.MikePinder.com
May 27, 2009•11 min
Simply put...she is the coolest chick ever. This episode is short & sweet - well under 5 minutes.
May 15, 2009•4 min
Wow...Creed is back! They split up about 6 years ago at the height of their fame. Scott Stapp & Mark Tremonti chat about their new album, tour and how having kids brought them back together as a band.One very funny part is when Scott Stapp describes their concert history in Chicago, referring to the infamous night where he was allegedly (I wasn't there so I can't say for sure) so incoherent he couldn't remember the lyrics to any songs as a "not-so-great-night".I only had about 6 minutes with...
May 04, 2009•7 min
This Beat Goes On/Switch In' To Glide has been a favorite song (okay, it's two songs) of mine for decades. It was such a thrill to speak with Mister Zero from The Kings and get the whole backstory on how that song came to be.You can get the rest of the story on their DVD "Anatomy Of A One-Hit Wonder: The Kings' 'This Beat Goes On/Switch In' To Glide"...check it out on their website: www.TheKingsAreHere.com
Apr 13, 2009•18 min
It's been a life long dream to have one-on-one conversation with Bono from U2. This is pretty darn close!!Daniel Burrow is Bono in the greatest U2 tribute band, Elevation .We recorded this interview on a day when the real U2 was in Chicago for an intimate, private appearance. I walked around the city with Danno and witnessed people doing double takes since he looks & walks so much like Bono...in fact, a few people asked for his autograph. NBC5 in Chicago even filmed us. Fun day!This is a VID...
Mar 15, 2009•9 min
Randy Jackson is one of the most amazing performers. Not the judge from American Idol...this is the Randy Jackson from Zebra who also performs amazing concerts with an Orchestra interpreting Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Pink Floyd & The Doors. OMG...amazing! FYI - he'll be in Milwaukee performing songs from Led Zeppelin with a full orchestra this Thursday, February 26, 2009. Check out his full itinerary HERE . Here's his websites: www.TheDoor.com www.TheMusicOfLedZeppelin.com...
Feb 24, 2009•18 min
Kelly Clarkson is the very first winner of American Idol and her massive success continues to grow with her current number one single, "My Life Would Suck Without You".She chats about what it was like to hear Steve Carrell scream "Kelly Clarkson!" when he got his chest waxed in 40 Year Old Virgin, she talks about not catering to the gossip blogs, and much more...
Feb 04, 2009•11 min
I had the pleasure of moderating the press conference for Fall Out Boy prior to the Nike+ Human Race at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. They talked quite a bit about their new album FOLIE A DEUX. At the time of this press conference the album was set to be released on election day - they've since pushed back the release until 12-16-08.This is my first VIDEO podcast (vidcast?)...
Nov 28, 2008•5 min
The Steepwater Band is based in Chicago and they're releasing their new album "Grace and Melody" on December 2. The new record is produced by former Black Crowes guitarist Marc Ford and I love it! I had the pleasure of chatting with drummer Joe Winters in this episode of Cara's Basement .To celebrate the release of their new album, The Steepwater Band is putting on a FREE show at the Double Door in Chicago on Wednesday, November 26th (the night before Thanksgiving)....
Nov 19, 2008•13 min
Andy Taylor wrote a new tell-all book called "Wild Boy" and shares plenty of juicy stories from his crazy history of Duran Duran. It really was a wild time. His book is fun to read and it was a pleasure talking to him.
Nov 07, 2008•22 min
This interview took place in the summer of 2008, just after Josh Kelley played a packed gig at the Taste of Chicago. He opens up about songwriting and his musical influences. He's a very down-to-earth guy and a fabulous singer/guitar player/songwriter!
Oct 27, 2008•7 min
I had the pleasure of introducing The Plain White T's for WTMX when they performed an acoustic set at Best Buy (in Downers Grove, IL) on 9-26-08. They were fantastic and attracted a huge crowed! Before they played I spoke with band members Dave Tirio & Tom Higgenson just before they played. This is that conversation...(By the way, the "D" word I refer to is "Delilah" as in their hit song "Hey There Delilah")...
Oct 08, 2008•8 min
Disturbed was part of the amazing lineup of Mayhem Fest during the summer of 2008. I sat down with lead singer David Draiman in his dressing room a few hours before they hit the stage. His intelligence and demeanor impressed me quite a bit. This guy is one the smartest people I've ever met and despite his great success has absolutely no ego issues. He rocks!
Sep 23, 2008•13 min
Nils Lofgren has jammed with Crazy Horse, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Besides his stellar guitar work backing others, he has also released many solo albums. His latest is a tribute to his longtime friend and musical collaborator Neil Young: "The Loner: Nils Sings Neil". Nils covers the early days of meeting Neil to the behind the scenes making of his new album. His laid-back, honest and passionate conversation makes this a do-not-miss episode for anyone who loves rock &...
Aug 30, 2008•29 min
The first 11 minutes is Duffy. We chatted on the couch in the SPIN Magazine Press Lounge backstage at Lollapalooza. The publisher of SPIN joins us - quite fun!Next, it's Tally Hall. I met them while in line for a porta-john. We discovered we are both from the same home town (West Bloomfield, MI) and when I heard the name of their band it brought a smile to my face - you'll hear why in our conversation.I also interviewed another Lollapalooza artist - Dierks Bentley - a few days prior to Lollapalo...
Aug 08, 2008•16 min
O.A.R. is such a great band to see jam live. It was my pleasure to chat with lead singer Marc Roberge and get his take on what it's like to make music and why he thinks it's way cool to record his live shows.NOTE: Normally, all of my podcasts are "clean", but in this rare instance Marc let's a few "s_ _ t" words slip out - I was not able to edit them out because of temporary technical difficulties in my home studio. This interview is virtually unedited.
Jul 19, 2008•17 min
I'm a huge fan of The Police, so chatting with Joe Sumner - Sting's son - was a bit freaky for me. He's the lead singer of Fiction Plane, a fabulous band. They opened up for the recent big Police reunion stadium tour. I chatted with him in April while they were on the road with The Bravery.You'll hear a song by Fiction Plane, "Two Sisters", at the end of this episode.
May 18, 2008•15 min
Take a good look at these guys. They could very well be HUGE in a few years and you'll be able to say, "I remember hearing about them back in '08". Tonight The Prom opened up for The Lovehammers a few months ago at The House Of Blues in Chicago. I interviewed Tonight The Prom backstage after their electrifying opening set. This is that conversation, unedited. Enjoy! At he end of this episode you will be treated to one of their songs, "There Is No Cure For Vanity"
May 01, 2008•24 min
The Chicago Music Guide is working to help the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer raise money through a music benefit. I’ll be the emcee of this fun night of music. Live Life is at Joe’s Bar in Chicago on Sunday, April 27. Come experience live music from Paris Delane’s Tye Dye Skye, Jennifer Peterson Band, Ellen Rosner, Tracylynn & 55 South, Gina Gonzalez, White Buffalo Is Born and Twin Ray (Desiree Irwin). Doors open at 5:30, the live music begins at 6:30pm. Tickets are only $20 plus there is an a...
Apr 14, 2008•25 min
In February, 2008 comedian Lee Camp was asked to appear on Fox News as a "lefty" comedian vs. a "righty" during a live segment. He agreed to do it figuring he'd have to somehow speak his mind - and he sure did! The video of his appearance was viewed on youtube a half a million times within a day of his appearance. You'll hear the clip in the beginning and again at the end of this episode. Watch Lee Camp On YouTube Visit www.LeeCamp.net...
Mar 18, 2008•13 min
Original Shooting Star member Van McLain and new lead singer Ronnie Platt are in Cara's Basement. Van shares a lot of fun stories from the band's long history. "Last Chance" is one of Cara's favorite songs and he explains the meaning behind it. There's also a bit of similarity between Shooting Star and Spinal Tap...you'll hear why in this episode.The best is saved for last...please don't leave early because at the very end of the podcast you will hear the exclusive world premier of "George's Son...
Feb 22, 2008•34 min
Rik Emmett is one the most talented singers and guitar players I have ever experienced. Knowing that there is Triumph reunion planned and getting the chance to chat with Rik about it was truly a dream come true! You will find out if it's going to be just a "one time" thing or if a world tour might happen during this episode. He opens up about why he's finally getting along with his former bandmates after all these years. He also talks about many other things, including why he has such great hair...
Feb 05, 2008•25 min
It's impossible to pigeonhole this band's musical genre. And you certainly cannot underestimate their wide range of songwriting abilities. Each of their albums are so completely different from one another. Linkin Park is simply a remarkable groups of talented individuals. One of the best bands to experience live, too.I recently had the opportunity to participate in a press conference call (representing the Chicago Music Guide ) with two of those members - Chester & Mike. Both guys were very ...
Jan 24, 2008•30 min
I had the incredible experience of talking with Lovehammers' singer Marty Casey, bassist Dino Kourelis and drummer Bobby Kourelis in their practice studio in Chicago recently. Unfortunately, guitarist Billy Sawilchik wasn't there because he had the flu. I brought some beer and we just kind of hung out and chatted. They shared some funny stories about the early days of the band including some pretty wild parties. You can tell how down to earth these guys are and it's also obvious they work really...
Dec 19, 2007•37 min
Happy Holidays!Aimee Mann has an album of Christmas songs called "One More Drifter In The Snow" (you'll hear a snippet or two) and is back for her annual holiday tour. We chat about that, the record industry, even the fact that she sometimes cooks a goose for Christmas. This phone interview was originally done for The Chicago Music Guide - this is the extended version.Marty Casey & Lovehammers have a great rockin' holiday song, "Merry Christmas (All Year Long)" - you'll hear a snippet, then ...
Dec 03, 2007•25 min
Jay-Z. Paul Simon. David Lee Roth. Smashing Pumpkins. John Denver. What do all of those artists have in common? Chris Steinmetz was behind the controls when they were in the studio. Pretty much any artist you've heard of has recorded with Chris. He just launched his own label, Stonecutter Records, and their first release is "Acoustic Chicago". He is in Cara's Basement along with Andreas Kapsalis, one of the artists on "Acoustic Chicago" - Andreas performs LIVE about halfway through the episode, ...
Nov 21, 2007•27 min
I was fortunate to be part of a press conference with Amy Lee prior to the Family Values tour (which Evanescence headlined with Korn) representing The Chicago Music Guide . It took me this long to post it only because I was so backlogged with other interviews. She is an amazing talent. Such a spectacular songwriter and singer - certainly one of a kind!
Oct 06, 2007•19 min
MelodicRockFest is the celebration of 10 years of one of the most awesome websites (I check it out often), www.MelodicRock.com . Three of the many artists that will be part of that concert are in CARA'S BASEMENT: Jim Peterik (ex-Survivor), Jimi Jameison (ex-Survivor) & Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger). Andrew McNeice, the founder of www.MelodicRock.com and organizer of MelodicRockFest, also checks in.What an incredible line up at The Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend, Indiana on Saturday...
Sep 22, 2007•30 min
Singer/Songwriter Kevin Chalfant is a wonderful talent and a great friend. He has been in many bands (The Storm, 707, Shooting Star, The View, Two Fires, etc.) written songs for others (Cher, etc) and recorded several solo albums. His latest effort is his tribute to his favorite band, Journey. You'll get to hear a bit of it in the beginning and also the very end of the interview - you won't believe how good he nails it. Years ago he sang in my backyard (you'll hear us talk about that party in ou...
Sep 06, 2007•30 min
