Artist Interviews Bruce Iglauer Interview

This week, Features contributor and DJ Mike Nikolich speaks with Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer in celebration of the label's 50th anniversary. They discuss his early career and founding of Alligator Records in the 70s, his work with the Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor, his views on contemporary blues artists, a harrowing near-death experience on a train in Scandinavia, and, of course, his deep love of the blues.

You can find Alligator Records' celebratory and houserockin' 50th anniversary collection on their website.

Produced by Mike Nikolich.

Photo Credit: Chris Monaghan

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Artist Interviews Mike Lust Interview

Mike Lust of Tight Phantomz discusses why he chose "Danceteria" as the first single off his new album Demented Wings, the studio quarantine time that led to his first solo effort in a lengthy music career, and the challenge of turning recording session inspirations into a live show. Interview by contributor DJ Ninja. 

You can buy Mike Lust's Demented Wings from Forge Again Records.  

Production by DJ Ninja 

Photo Credit: Ryan Bardsley

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Artist Interviews Mars Williams Interview

This week, Features contributor Mike Nikolich speaks with saxophonist and composer Mars Williams, the force behind Liquid Soul and previous member of The Waitresses and The Psychedelic Furs. They discuss his illustrious decade- and genre-spanning music career, regular stops through the 90s and 2000s at the Elbo Room and Double Door with Liquid Soul, and his annual tradition of releasing a Christmas series of songs originally inspired by Albert Ayler.

Produced by Mike Nikolich.

Photo Credit: Mars Williams

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Artist Interviews Layton Wu Interview

For this week's episode, Features Co-Director Mick R. spoke with Taiwanese soul and funk producer Layton Wu 雷頓狗 about his latest release Summertime Mixtape, the origins of his name, how he discovered his love for hip-hop and how his training as a computer scientist informs his approach to making music. 

You can buy Summertime Mixtape here.

Produced by Mick R. 

Photo credit: Layton Wu

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Artist Interviews ÉSSO Interview

This week, Features Co-Director Mick R speaks with Armando Perez of ÉSSO. They discuss how a chance meeting with a sax player while working a Lollapalooza beer tent led to the band's formation, the 25 contributors to the latest album, and the influence of salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia on the group's music.

Produced by Jenn "DJ Ninja" Rourke.

Photo Credit: ÉSSO

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