Cigar City Radio

Get ready to dive into a conversation with Niko from FRIKO! We chat about the band's thrilling journey to signing with ATO Records and delve into the vibrant Chicago music scene. Niko spills the details on their jam-packed touring schedule that includes exciting stops in Japan, Europe, and a performance at Lollapalooza. He also gives us an insider look at the creation of their debut album Where We’ve Been, Where We Go From Here and shares the story behind their captivating live video series from Treehouse Records. As if that wasn't enough, Niko reflects on their second year at SXSW, debates the merits of Detroit-Style Pizza versus Chicago Deep Dish, and even dishes on his idea of the perfect Chicago date night. All this and more in our engaging chat with one of the most promising voices in music today.

Step into BIZZY’s world as we dive into her debut EP "I Don't Get Breakups," where she spills the tea on all things dating and relationships, shares insights on navigating the wild world of TikTok, the secrets behind writing music for other artists, and bravely putting herself out there in the music industry. Join us as we dish about her electrifying first tour with FRENSHIP, dissect her hit single "Just Yet," and uncover the stories behind the music that's making waves.

Dive into an electrifying conversation with experimental hip-hop sensation, Angry Blackmen. We explore the vibrant Chicago hip-hop scene, the resurgence of dynamic hip-hop duos, the stories behind their compelling lyrics, the buzz of critical acclaim for their album The Legend of ABM, and so much more. 

Join us for a dynamic episode as we catch up with Bridget Kearney from Lake Street Dive! From the making of her latest album, "Comeback Kid," to her role teaching songwriting at Princeton University, we delve into Kearney's musical journey. Tune in as she reveals her experiments with synthesizers and the collaborations with local musicians that bring her live shows to life.

Join us as we sit down with the legendary underground rapper, Homeboy Sandman. We'll be delving into his Dominican/Puerto Rican heritage and exploring the nuanced differences between hip hop and trash rap. Plus, we'll discuss his juggling act of attending law school while embarking on his music career. We'll also dissect his latest single, "Real Good," and unravel the layers of his music video for "$". From navigating the challenges of mass media to thriving as an independent artist, we'll cover all this and more in our candid conversation.

We interview Krista Shipperbottom from the metal band Lutharo about their upcoming tour in North America, their new album "Chasing Euphoria," her singing techniques, the challenges of being a woman in a metal band, and more.

We recap Gasparilla Music Festival 2024, including surprise headliners Killer Mike and Big Boi, then we talk to performers DJ Sandman (8:11) and Alien House (16:17), as well as Tampa Jesuit Grad turned Capitol Records Recording Artist, Aidan Bissett (25:03).

We talk to Tampa-based Afrobeats artist Pusha Preme about his origin story, wearing a mask, the album Heroes Eventually Die, supporting the community, PDQ sauces, his performance at Gasparilla Music Festival, and more. 

We talk to Tad Denham from Recycled Tunes about their mission to provide instruments to underserved children in the Tampa Bay Area, the Gasparilla Music Foundation, how people can donate instruments, and how the program works with Gasparilla Music Festival. 

We talk to Christone “Kingfish” Ingram about growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, winning a Grammy, working with legends like Buddy Guy, Vampire Weekend, and Robin Thicke, performing in Luke Cage, acting in Red Dead Redemption, his new album Live in London, and his upcoming performance at Gasparilla Music Festival. 

After a lengthy hiatus…Cigar City Radio RETURNS! Back by popular demand is the award winning podcast from Randy Ojeda and Jason Solanes. What awards, you ask? What do you mean? Who cares? We’re back, baby!

We go deep into the Mystery Skulls tour bus to talk about being an independent artist, new album Back to Life, live streaming, Mystery Skulls Animated, Dragon Ball Super, Salma’s Big Wish, the Mount Rushmore of Pro Wrestling, and more. This episode of Cigar City Radio is sponsored by @NoClubs / StateMedia.com #WeAreConcerts

Live from the office of Symphonic Distribution, we have some loose talk with Loose Talk. They tell us about their new single “Iron Heel”, upcoming shows, and continuing to play with Anberlin. We also chat about living in St. Pete, owning your own masters, and advice for new bands. And for all of this, we’re joined by Ray Roa (Creative Loafing). This episode of Cigar City Radio is sponsored by @NoClubs / StateMedia.com #WeAreConcerts

Live from the office of Symphonic Distribution, we talk to Strange Ranger about living in Philadelphia, forming in Bozeman, Montana, and long drives on the road. We also talk about their new album Remembering The Rockets, DIY venues, Andes Mints, hospitality riders, Matchbox 20, and more. This episode of Cigar City Radio is sponsored by @NoClubs / StateMedia.com #WeAreConcerts

Live from Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago, we talk to Porcupine - the project from guitarist/vocalist Casey Virock, drummer Ian Prince, and bassist Greg Norton (Hüsker Dü). We talk about Greg joining the band, Casey’s songwriting, being adults, and what their kids think of their music. They also give advice to new bands and we hear all about Greg’s mustache. This episode of Cigar City Radio is sponsored by @NoClubs / StateMedia.com #WeAreConcerts

Guest Hosts Anna Bryson and Amy Diaz chat with Chastity Belt ahead of their headlining performance at LYR’s Babefest. They talk about 10 years of Chastity Belt, being a “cool slut”, their upcoming album, and more. This episode of Cigar City Radio is sponsored by @NoClubs / StateMedia.com #WeAreConcerts

We talk to Manny and Megan from Daddy Kool Records about moving into their new space in the St. Pete Warehouse Arts District. They tell us about the history of Daddy Kool, Record Store Day, plans for their new space, cassettes, and more. This episode of Cigar City Radio is sponsored by @NoClubs / StateMedia.com #WeAreConcerts

The band Air Review breaks down their new track "People Say Things Change" from the album How We Got By on Velvet Blue Music, from bassline to lyrics and more. This episode of Cigar City Radio is sponsored by @NoClubs / StateMedia.com #WeAreConcerts

We talk to Kristine Leschper from Mothers about the Athens music scene, moving to Philadelphia, working with Drew Vandenberg, her album Render Another Ugly Method on Anti Records, and her tour with Lucy Dacus. Plus, she answers a listener question comparing painting to songwriting and tells us some things that nobody else really knows about her. This episode of Cigar City Radio is sponsored by @NoClubs / StateMedia.com #WeAreConcerts

We talk to Angela Page from Love Your Rebellion about LYR’s Babefest. She tells us about booking Seattle’s Chastity Belt to headline the fest, the vendors and non-profits involved in Babefest, the mission of Love Your Rebellion, and what it means to be “Diversity First.” She also talks about having to work harder as a woman in a male dominated field, gives advice for others trying to promote diversity in their music scene, and so much more. This episode of Cigar City Radio is sponsored by @NoClubs / StateMedia.com #WeAreConcerts