Mr. Nice Guy

I sat down w Jeff Skullman AKA DJ Goodboi. Previously in several local bands, he's picked up DJing over the last few years and has been entertaining crowds in various spots around Milwaukee. We discussed Jeff's old bands such as Sick Jump, getting heavy into DJing during quarantine, binging TV shows, getting weird ads on Facebook, and what Jeff loves to play.

I sat down w some folks from Midcoast Collective - Dahlia, DJ Megadon, .Wav and DizzyRandoms - to talk about their newly formed record label, Midcoast Records. Dahlia's album "Sounds Of My Soul" dropped last summer. DJ Megadon's latest mix "A Mix For The Groovy Children" dropped last month. .Wav's new album "Ruminate" dropped two days after Christmas. DizzyRandoms' latest EP "Dyskinesia" dropped in October. Each of them is on the record label as well. Everyone went around to chat about how they got into making music, their latest projects, what they're working on now, Midcoast's model of putting art and social justice in one space, and their goals with the label to come.

I sat down w reporter and journalist Ali Shana, who specializes in mental health and drug related news. He currently works as a school counselor and just finished his Master's in educational psychology. We discussed Ali's beginnings as a music journalist evolving into drug and mental health journalism, working w kids, the systemic and material conditions surrounding mental health, uniting the working class, and always being a student in life. Follow him on Twitter - @AliReporting

I sat down w multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Kevin Topel, who has been involved w the Milwaukee music scene for over a decade. He's played in bands The Cavewives, The Delta Routine and The Ragadors plus several tribute groups. We discussed Kevin's origins playing guitar and getting into rock music as a preteen, infiltrating the Milwaukee scene via The Delta Routine, originality and authenticity, bringing a creative edge to tributes, and solo material he's been working on.

I sat down w artist, community organizer, model and teacher Annia Leonard, who runs the online metaphysical shop Enchanted Werk. Their products and services include tarot, visual art, resin pieces, chess and domino sets, clothing and more. As a model they represented Milwaukee County for the Mixx Wisconsin USA pageant. They have also worked as coordinator for orgs MKE Good Food Bus and Priceless Incite. We discussed Annia's spiritual journey leading them into Enchanted Werk, their life path number 7, their modeling career and pageantry, Priceless Incite's upcoming pilot program, and the mysticism of time. Annia will be at LA Fashion Week in March!

I sat down w hip hop artist Juxt Dame, who's dropped two singles this year already - "BACKGROUND" and "EASIER" Ft. Canel. His last EP "FAR AS I'M CONCERNED" with DizzyRandoms dropped in September. We discussed Dame's exposure to music and poetry from a young age, breaking into the Milwaukee scene, the music he dropped in 2022, having gratitude, and working w his partner on her music.

I sat down w artist, promoter, singer-songwriter and movie buff Jake Hess, who was last on Mr. Nice Guy a couple years ago as part of heavy metal band Ahabs Ghost. He's currently focusing on his solo acoustic project Wylie Jakobs, promoting/hosting events at Bremen Cafe and creating art/flyers. In fact, Jake created my current Mr. Nice Guy logo. We had a few drinks and discussed the dissolving of Ahabs Ghost, AI art and the emotion behind creating, hosting the monthly burlesque variety show BremSin, Wylie Jakobs' 2020 album "Unmarked Graves", and Jake's top 10 movies of 2022! BremSin's next edition will be Saturday, January 14th.

I sat down w DJ and entertainer Bryan Gorelik AKA BG Good, who runs the booking company Eventspark. He's got residencies at RWB (Thursday), Lucid (Saturday) and The Sofie (Monday). We discussed Bryan's beginnings as a rapper evolving into DJing, his gigs, owning what you play as a DJ, weddings and private events w Eventspark, and some original EDM he's working on.

I sat down w reiki practitioner and artist Beth Ann, who coaches under the name Ebb & Flow Integrations. We discussed the art of reiki and how it can be used to heal, overcoming trauma and addiction, Beth's new podcast Ebb & Flow Sessions, art as a meditative process, and we play a language game - check it out!

I sat down w artist T!ny, whose style has encompassed hip hop, trap, experimental pop, hyperpop, etc. Their most recent single "No Thoughts Head Empty" dropped last week. We discussed T!ny's origins playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager, moving to Milwaukee in 2021, the singles they've dropped this year, their influences, and what they're working on now.

I sat down w singer-songwriter Mark Hubing, frontman of eclectic indie rock band Onyx Koan. Their debut album "Still in the Earthquake" dropped last month. We discussed Mark's upbringing in the church introducing him to music, blending styles he likes into Onyx Koan's unique sound, recording "Still in the Earthquake", its themes of purpose and finding your place in the world, and Mark's podcast "Local Cords" where he interviews local musicians w a comedic tone.

I sat down w Anna Melamed, who makes custom charcuteurie boards under the name Cream City Boards (@cream.city.boards on IG).  We discussed the importance of food at the function, Anna's process for each board, where she gets her supplies, our favorite crackers, and her goal to eventually work in event planning.

I sat down w hip hop artist Tha Mid City Kid, whose most recent album "Lettuce" dropped in 2020. Born and raised in Janesville, he's now based in Madison. We discussed Tha Kid writing raps since the age of ten, releasing his first mixtape at sixteen, dealing w anxiety, making music videos for every song off "Lettuce", and who he's collaborating with.

I sat down w musician, poet and artist Zack Pieper, whose most recent band has been the eccentric pop band Peeper & Le Play. He's known for his annual "Ghost-Its" mosaic where he draws thousands of pictures of ghosts on post-it notes. We discussed the lo-fi aesthetic, the mosquitos of Horicon Marsh, Peeper & Le Play's latest record "We Buy Gold: Club Frills Vol. 2", the ghosts, and Zack's poetry.

I sat down w hip hop artist and podcaster Mad Static, whose most recent EP "Son of Cynthia" dropped in March. His podcast is called Beats, Rhymes & Bodyslams. We had a beer and discussed Static's early mixtape days of the 2000's, getting through 2020, being hard on yourself, his latest EP, and combining rap and wrestling into his podcast.

I sat down w three members of the psychedelic chamber music band Social Caterpillar - Kial, Whisper Crystal, and Lazer (minus Eric Ash, much love to him). Their most recent album "When You Woke Up to Dances of Light" was released in March. We had some beers and discussed how Social Caterpillar formed, actual caterpillars, their "Distance" EPs during quarantine, what went into their new record, and Riverwest DIY.

I sat down w musician Sam Balistreri, whose played in a number of Milwaukee bands over the years. Most recently he was guitarist of indie rock band NeoCaveman, whose final album "Sun Eater" was released in March. He also plays in the System of A Down tribute band Fight the Heathens. We discussed Sam finding his passion for music teaching, previous bands of his, seeing My Morning Jacket in Chicago, NeoCaveman's last album, and covering SOAD songs.

I sat down w alternative pop-indie rock band Loud Library - vocalist/bassist Ben Smith, guitarist Garrett Holm, and drummer Judicael Bationo. Their sophomore EP "Shades of Loud" dropped in 2020. We discussed Loud Library's formation, getting hungry at night, Milwaukee venues we miss, the last EP, and their summer shows - they play Taste of Wisconsin on July 29th, Chill on the Hill on August 9th (National Book Lovers' Day - get it?) and the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on August 12th.

I sat down w photographer, filmmaker, and DJ Mahdi Gransberry, who goes by the name FreakishNerd. He's got a house music party coming up w DJ Bizzon and DJ Gemini Gilly at Company Brewing on August 13th. We discussed fans that have the breeze mode function, his first artistic photo being of a bowl of Fruity Pebbles, becoming FreakishNerd, shooting Summerfest, and getting disqualified from DJing at Rookie Night.

I sat down w hip hop artist Flowers, whose last album "Fluffy" dropped in 2020. She's got her follow-up album in the works now. We discussed Flowers' band she had when she was 12, our Linkin Park phases, what she wanted to do w "Fluffy", her direction w the new music, and the dope folks she's collaborated with. https://soundcloud.com/user-344598306/sets/0-fluffy

I sat down w wood artist and optimist Ike Wynter, who was a touring musician in the band Narrow Hearts and then worked in junk removal before now making art out of wood full-time. He's the tour manager for Charlie Rocket and the Dream Machine Foundation, who travel to help make peoples' dreams come true across the country. We discussed Ike's passion for scrapping and making old things new, some of his latest pieces, an art show he's got coming up on August 6th, meeting Charlie by chance through finding him in southeastern Wisconsin, and the Dream Machine Foundation's disaster relief efforts after the 2022 Kentucky tornadoes.

I sat down w my good friend and comrade Sam Doucas, whom I met through community organizing. She and I bonded through sad indie music; we saw The Microphones in Chicago a few months back. We discussed what postmodernism is, Marxist texts, understanding cultural materialism, the alienation of the self, and existentialism as the dreaded outcome of liberalism among other things.

I sat down w two guys from slacker rock band North Warren, vocalist-guitarist Luke Esperes and bassist Will Bull. Their new single "Decomposer" dropped last week. We discussed North Warren's evolution from solo songwriting project to full band, Luke's old house (where it all started), the "Glue" EP from last year, expressing love to those around you, and Buffalo Wild Wings.

I sat down w my buddy Jordan Baumhardt, who's known for running the Riverwest Street Hockey Club. All are welcome! We had some beers and discussed Jordan's passion for hockey over the years, hanging out at Bremen Cafe, Riverwest pickup sports, the People's Rink, and Kelly's Ice Cream of Eden, WI.

I sat down w my good friend Ari Kohll, whom I've met through the Jewish community here in Milwaukee. They work in violence prevention and homelessness. We shared a variety pack of Great Lakes Brewing (S/O) as we discussed the systemic issues of homelessness and poverty in Milwaukee, funding community not cops, polyamory, jealousy vs envy, and inclusive language.

I sat down w artist ThatGuyEli, whose eclectic style encompasses everything from R&B to electronica to rock to hip hop and more. His latest single "Reject" dropped on the 1st of the month. We discussed Eli's musical touch from a young age banging on kitchen bowls, his 2020 album "A Nobody With Ambitions", constantly innovating his sound, feeling like you have something to prove, and the music he's got in store.

I sat down w Parker Schultz, who fronts the indie rock band Social Cig. Their most recent singles "From Afar / Hot Red" dropped last month. We discussed the difference between brats and Italian sausage, Social Cig's evolution from DIY project to full band, opening for Wet Leg, their last album "Nothing is Ever For Sure and Everything is Always Changing", and plans for a new album and movie later this summer.

I sat down w multifaceted artist Zelda RayGun, who is behind the ethical clothing line Always Be A Buddy. They are also a muralist, front the band Delicious Monsters, and host the podcast Zelvis Live From the Moon. We discussed Zelda's dreams of becoming an artist since the age of four, creating art that has utility, what Delicious Monsters is up to, the political nature of art, and talking the paranormal and metaphysical on their podcast.

I sat down w mixed media artist, DJ, filmmaker and photographer Angelus Bailey, whose debut feature documentary "A Sense of Humor" is about the West Coast underground comedy scene coping w the effects of the pandemic. He grew up in southeastern Wisconsin before relocating to LA in the 2000's. We discussed Angelus' origins being creative through wordplay as a kid, DJing around southeastern Wisconsin in the 90's, relocating to LA, interviewing 120 comics for the doc, and his plans to release the doc in due time.

I sat down w founder of MKE Overdose Prevention, Chelsea England. The organization provides Narcan training and supplies to local businesses, communities and individuals around Milwaukee. We discussed how and why MKE Overdose Prevention started, Chelsea's social work, how Narcan works, why addiction and overdoses need to be decriminalized, and her goals w the organization. Shoot mkeoverdoseprevention@gmail.com an email for more info.

I sat down w electronic duo Mood Migration, Steph Siegman and Mitch Hummel. Their debut album "By Fire" dropped last summer. They're also involved w concert series and artist collective Mid Coast. We discussed Steph and Mitch's gradual conception of Mood Migration, their album, Mid Coast's selection process, shifting Mid Coast from a concert series into a broader creative collective, and coping w material conditions as artists. Mid Coast's Coffee Social is this Saturday at Juneau Park from 12-3PM! Their next showcase is July 1st at Cactus Club!

I sat down w vocalist of dark dream pop band Rose of the West, Gina Barrington. Their debut self-titled album released in 2019.  We had coffee and discussed Gina's beginnings as a musician, having eclectic influences, Rose of the West's evolution, their first album, and the upcoming sophomore album.

I sat down w two members of funky indie rock band The Panoptics - Ben Plaisted and David Purpura. Their EP "Revitalize" dropped last summer. We tossed around Natty Ice and discussed Ben and David's origins playing together in high school, finding bandmates Jacob and Natan and Yishay, playing Linneman's, their EP, and having a stylistically dense sound. Catch them at Anodyne this Friday night!

I sat down w DJ Grand Master O, who brings all kinds of music to the club with his favorites being house and hip hop. He's co-founder of Digital Crate DJs, who book live entertainment at spots across southeastern Wisconsin. We discussed Orlando's beginnings DJing from having speakers in his locker in high school, moving from Chicago to Milwaukee, meeting his business partner in a college math class, where you can find Digital Crate DJ shows, and being a jack of all trades.

I sat down w singer-songwriter Holly Haebig, whose debut album "In Love We Trust" was released in 2011 (as Holly Wake on YouTube). A flutist and guitarist, she's passionate about healing through song and dance. We discussed Holly's inception into Milwaukee music when she was handed a shaker at a Clamnation show, playing w the group One Drum, her album, teaching kids the joy of music, and then she was kind enough to share a couple pieces she wrote live!

I sat down w singer-songwriter Shell Bells, whose music often incorporates themes of spirit and fantasy. She's also the co-founder of Clarke Street Fest in Riverwest. We discussed Shell's inception into Milwaukee music during a folk revivalist era, the Low Down Sound days, how fantasy can be used to teach life lessons, her use of auxiliary instruments and looping pedal, and her residency at Angelo's Piano Lounge.

I sat down w Tanner Musgrove, who's currently crowdfunding for Lilliput Records, the new record store going into what will be the former Exclusive Company on Milwaukee's East Side. With business partner Brian Kirk, they've already raised over $20,000. We discussed the special place Exclusive Company has had in our hearts, starting record collections, Tanner and Brian's vision for Lilliput, their GoFundMe goals, and hoping to open the store this summer. There's a benefit show for Lilliput Records at Cactus Club this Sunday!

I sat down w graphic designer, visual and fiber artist, poet, and world traveler Bre Legan, who is currently in grad school through the Trinity Fellowship at Marquette. They're a very, very important person in my life! We discussed Bre's passion for empathetic storytelling, growing up in wide open spaces, their takeaways from living in Italy and Seattle, being inspired by the passage of time, and working w the rad sensory comfort company Calm Strips.

I sat down Allison Emm, who runs Wisconsin Music Ventures - a membership-based program that gets musicians gigs at unconventional venues across Wisconsin and building community amongst them. She's also a classically trained French horn player and hosts The Musician's Venture podcast.  Since last summer, I've had the pleasure of working w Allison as Spotlight Specialist of Wisconsin Music Ventures. Gig mom, I like to call her.  We discussed how WMV was conceptualized, how it's evolved, plans for the future, the difference between WMV and a booking agency, and the wide range of musicians involved.  https://wisconsinmusicventures.com/

I sat down w massage therapist Amanda Beison, who runs Ki Points Massage Therapy in Waukesha. She entered massage school right out of high school and has had her own studio since 2019.  We discussed what goes into massage school, tactile comfort, the origins of massages and how touch can be perceived differently through cultures, meeting people through the EDM scene, and what owning Ki Points has taught her.

I sat down w my comrade in the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Matty Lind. They have been organizing w the Party for about four years. We discussed precursors to radicalization growing up, their first direct action event at a teacher's strike in southern Illinois, the PSL's Clean Water for Pregnant People Program, understanding safe firearm handling from a leftist perspective, and revolutionary optimism.

I sat down w visual artist and future art teacher Brendan Murphy. His 30 x 30 x 30 installation is available for view at Var Gallery until June 18th.  We discussed Brendan's artistic beginnings with a Nikon camera, skateboarding, exhibitions he's had in and out of town, the passion of teaching art to kids, and the upcoming Art 64.

I sat down w DJ, producer, and sound engineer Mike Rende, who is one half of the EDM duo RCKT PWR. He moved to LA in 2019 but returned to the Midwest a few months ago. We discussed Mike's inception into EDM after hearing "Levels" by Avicii, RCKT PWR's heyday in Milwaukee, the LA life, his plans to move to Chicago in the coming months, and his successful Fiverr gig.

I sat down w co-hosts of The Queer Unfiltered Podcast, Brady Dahm and Antonio D'Acquisto - The Bussy Bumpin' Duo. We discussed Brady and Antonio hitting it off in cosmetology school, LGBTQ+ representation in podcasting, their recent episodes, embracing your identity unapologetically, and their future plans.

Welcome back! It's been almost a year since we've done any new episodes, and I thought it'd be only right for the first one in so long to be w someone very very special to me, my partner Audrey Moore. She's a graphic designer and visual artist who goes by Honeysnob. We discussed growing up w eccentricities, different ways to be smart, art as a means of expression and not simply a career, becoming "Honeysnob", and Audrey's path of finding their identity as an artist. Cheers y'all!

I sat down w TV and film production assistant - and former clown - Maya Norman. She just concluded production on "Joe Pera Talks With You" Season 3. We discussed Maya's clown career w a traveling circus, living in Southeast Asia for 7 years, her life as a TV star in Indonesia, returning to Milwaukee and pursuing a career in TV, and a little bit about Joe Pera.

I sat down w my old good friend Charlie Bialobok, whom I got close w through the broadcasting program in high school. He's a film production graduate of DePaul. We discussed Charlie and I's quirky adventures at HF doing skits ("Indiana Slowey"), the privilege we had to have access to such technology from a young age, his interest in film stemming from the Star Wars bonus features, the digital cinema program at DePaul, and his goal to marry his interests in Hollywood and art house films.