Little Steven's Underground Garage - Coolest Conversations

This week’s Coolest Conversation guest is Kurt Reil of The Grip Weeds.Kurt is a long-time Coolest Song contributor to Little Steven's Underground Garage, and The Grip Weeds recent Coolest Song was a cover of "You’re So Good To Me” for the Beach Boys tribute album, "Jem Records Celebrates Brian Wilson". Hear all about how the group worked together with the label to create the tribute album and what else has been going down at his 'House Of Vibes' recording studio. Join Kurt Reil with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week our guest is singer-songwriter, musician and producer Marc Ribler. No stranger to Little Steven's Underground Garage, Marc is back with his latest Coolest Song and the title track to his debut album 'The Whole World Awaits You'. Marc tells us about working on the album over the past number of years and adding the final touches last year with was Steven Van Zandt who co-produced the album. Join Marc Ribler with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week's Coolest Conversation is the New York-based keyboard player and composer Rob Clores. Rob has been part of the New York scene for many years and in recent years, has been a member of Jesse Malin's band. Jesse's recent single 'State of the Art', was our recent Coolest Song which Rob co-wrote with Jesse. Hear all about the tracks and upcoming album 'Sad and Beautiful World'. Join Rob Clores with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week's guest for our Coolest Conversation is singer, songwriter, and guitarist Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack. Justin is a member of the newly formed group The Awkward Paws, who released a cover of "It Must Be Summer", a recent Coolest Song in the world. Justin tells us all about the project, the influence of Adam Schlesinger on his career, and his recent solo release 'The Price of Salt'. Join Justin Pierre with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week's Coolest Conversation guest is with Micky Dolenz of the Monkees. Following the release of his latest album 'Dolenz Sings Nesmith', we celebrated Monkees week in Little Steven's Underground Garage. Micky joined with Manfred to talk all about creating the album, working with his friend and partner Mike Nesmith, and Nesmith's son Christian Nesmith who produced the album. Join Micky Dolenz with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week our guest is Alex Hagen of the Baltimore MD group The Ravagers. Their recent single 'Down That Road' featured as our latest Coolest Song. Alex tells us all about the backstory behind the track, we also hear about their forthcoming album, 'BADLANDS' due in September. Join Alex Hagen with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week's Coolest Conversation guest is Taylor Hollingsworth of the Birmingham, Alabama band The Blips. The group is compiled of an array of musicians who all made their mark in that city working independently of each other. They got together late in 2019 and recorded ten tracks together for their debut album 'The Blips'. We hear about how the band dealt with the crazy year of 2020, the release of their debut album, and plans to tour later in 2021. Join Taylor Hollingsworth with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week's Coolest Conversation guest is New York's Steve Conte. Steve has just released his latest single 'Recovery Doll', which featured as our recent Coolest Song. In this interview, we hear about the musical members in his family from including his brother and son, who both feature on the track. He also tells us why he decided to cover “Rock and Rye Queen”, from his 2014 album "Steve Conte NYC" as the B-side if the single. Join Steve Conte with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week's Coolest Conversation guest is Kris Rogers of the Portland, Maine band Kris Rodgers & The Dirty Gems.No stranger to the Little Steven's Underground Garage, Kris is back with his latest single “I Can Still Feel It”, from his upcoming album “Still Dirty” out on Wicked Cool Records 7/23. Kris tells us about the album, the latest additions to the band, and more!Join Kris Rogers with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week's Coolest Conversation is with Hope from the Norwegian band the Cocktail Slippers.The group recently released a 7" single on Wicked Cool records titled 'She Devil (Shout It Out Loud!)'. Hope tells us all about creating the single, their upcoming shows this summer in Norway, and how the band plan to celebrate their 20th year making music together as the Cocktail Slippers. Join Hope with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week's guest is San Francisco-based music critic and author Joel Selvin. In his recent book, ‘Hollywood Eden,’ Selvin pays homage to the surf music and culture of 1960s L.A. The story follows a handful of soon-to-be-famous graduate students of Hollywood’s University High School, including Jan Berry, Dean Torrence, Nancy Sinatra and Kim Fowley to name a few. TTune in to hear about the many characters at University High, or better yet, pick up a copy of “Hollywood Eden: Electric Guitars, Fast Cars, and the Myth of the California Paradise” by Joel SelvinJoin Joel Selvin with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

For this podcast special, we bring you an interview with author Sandra Niemi, niece to the American actress and television personality Vampira.Sandra just released a book titled Glamour Ghoul: The Passions and Pain of the Real Vampira, Maila Nurmi, where she explore the life and legacy of her aunt Vampira. In part I, we hear about Vampira's early life, her affair with Orson Wells, and her platonic relationship with James Dean. Tune in next week for Part II of our special with Sandra Niemi on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week's Coolest Conversation is with the uber-cool Kevin Preston, of the L.A. rockers Prima Donna. The group just released their first single of 2021 'Atomic Love' which featured as our recent Coolest Song. Kevin tells us about writing and recording music through the pandemic, his new quarantine hobbies, and how the 2018 Hawaii missile alert influenced the song 'Atomic Love'. Join Kevin Preston with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is Andy Shernoff of the seminal New York proto-punk band, The Dictators. The original members of the punk rock band have recently reformed and their latest single "Let's Get the Band Back Together," a fitting title for their first release was our recent Coolest Song. We hear about the early days of the band in the '70s, how the band got 'back together and their plans for more releases later in the year. Join Andy Shernoff with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

In honour of 'Cheap Trick week' in Little Steven's Underground Garage, we were very lucky to feature both Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick on our Coolest Conversations. We hear about their latest album 'In Another World', being inducted into the R&R Hall Of Fame and we find out how well they really know each other after years on the road touring together. Join Robin Zander and Rick Nielsen with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is Cat Popper. Cat has been a long time partner of Jesse Malin, who recently had a Coolest Song with his latest single “The Way We Used To Roll”. Cat has quite an interesting resume as she has also has spent time with Jack White, Ryan Adams and is part of the band and Puss n Boots. We hear about her friendship with Jesse, working with Lucinda Williams and releasing on Jesse's label, Velvet Elk Records. Join Cat Popper with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is Irish singer-songwriter Imelda May. Imelda began her career in music at the tender age of 16 and is known for her musical style of rockabilly revival. During the interview, we hear about life in Dublin where her music career began, her writing style and how she ended up working with some of the most prolific names in music today including Jeff Beck and Ronnie Wood. Join Imelda May with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This weeks guest is acclaimed guitarist, songwriter and record producer Mike Campbell. Campbell garnered a reputation as Tom Petty’s right-hand man in the Heartbreakers. He also plays with the band The Dirty Knobs who recently had the Coolest Song with 'Wreckless Abandon'. We hear about the band, their forthcoming album and his time with the Heartbreakers. Join Mike Campbell with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is Jen D'angora of the Boston based group The Shang Hi Los. Jen has been making waves on the Boston music scene for many years in many groups including the Downbeat 5, Jenny Dee & The Deelinquents and more recently The Shang Hi Los. We hear about how the band formed, playing with Hilton Valentine and the bands upcoming album to be released later this year. Join Jen D'angora with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

This week our guest is singer-songwriter, musician and producer Marc Ribler. Marc is known in Little Steven's Underground Garage as acting music director of Little Steven's Disciples of Soul, since 2016. The two worked together on Darlene Love's 2015 comeback album 'Introducing Darlene Love' and have remained close ever since. Marc has just released his debut single 'Shattered' on Wicked Cool Records and tells us all about writing the album, co-producing with Little Stevie and his upcoming album 'The Whole World Awaits You'. Join Marc Ribler with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversation in Little Steven's Underground Garage.

For this special episode, we are delighted to bring you our very own Mighty Manfred in conversation with legendary blues musician Bobby Rush. Bobby has been making music since the 1940s and called Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker friends. Tune in to hear about his life growing up in Louisiana and Chicago, working alongside Eddie Murphy in the 2019 movie Dolemite Is My Name and his many other accomplishments throughout his life, including a recent Grammy Nomination for his 2020 album “Rawer Than Raw,". Join Bobby Rush with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week's Coolest Conversation interview is with Tommy Boy of the Swedish garage rock band Stupidity The band have been long time contributors to our Coolest Song feature on Little Steven's Underground Garage over the past 15 years and they're back with their latest single 'Save Me'. The single is a teaser for their upcoming album which will be released later this year. Tune in to hear all about the album, the latest additions to the band and working with Keith Streng of The Fleshtones on their latest project. Join Tommy Boy with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week's Coolest Conversation interview is with Bob Wojciechowsk of the New Jersey-based group The Insomniacs.Bob has recently joined forces with a fellow Jersey gal Palmyra Delran and the Doppel Gang for their latest single 'Lucky In Love'. Bob tells Manfred about joining the group, working on the latest recording through 2020 and about the future plans for this own band The Insomniacs.Join Bob Wojciechowsk with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is Danny Dunlap of the Austin, Texas based band Gentlemen Rogues. The group have been making music for over 10 years and their latest release 'Do The Resurrection!' featured as our recent Coolest Song. Danny opens up about the changing scene in Austin, how the band came together and we learn about the band's upcoming releases. Join Danny Dunlap with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is Mattia Baretta of the Milano, rock band Radio Days. Radio Days have previously contributed a Coolest Song back in 2013, and their recent Coolest Song 'I Got A Love', is featured on their 5th album 'Rave On'. Mattia is the group's bassist and provides backing vocals on many tracks. He tells Manfred all about life in Italy during pandemic times, creating the album and the band's plan for the future. Join Mattia Baretta with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is 'Muck' Evan Shore from the Boston based garage rock band Muck & the Mires. Muck and Mires have a long time relationship with Little Steven's Underground Garage as the band were co-winners of the first national Little Steven's Underground Garage Battle of the Bands which aired on MTV in 2004. We caught up with Muck following the release of their latest album "Greetings From Muckingham Palace". We hear from Muck about creating the album along with music videos during pandemic times. Join 'Muck' Evan Shore with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is bassist, guitarist and singer-songwriter, Jennie Vee. Jennie is a touring member of Eagles of Death Metal and has also shared the stage with Courtney Love. We learn all about her career thus far and her latest single 'Out For Blood' which recently featured as our Coolest Song on Little Steven's Underground Garage. Join Jennie Vee with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is drummer Brianna Sig from the Philly based rock band Soraia. Soraia just released their first single of 2021 'Tight-Lipped', which featured as a recent Coolest Song on Little Steven's Underground Garage. We hear about how the band recorded new music during the current pandemic, how they got creative with online shows and working with their friend Jessie Wagner, on their cover of an Aerosmith song. Join Brianna Sig with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is shock-rock ‘n’ roll legend Alice Cooper. Alice Cooper just released a cover of Lou Reed/Velvet Undergrounds 'Rock ‘N’ Roll', which will feature on the forthcoming album 'Detroit Stories' due in Feb of this year. We hear about the many featured artists on the record including Wayne Kramer of the MC5, Mark Farner from Grand Funk to name a few. Alice also mentions working with his long time producer and collaborator Bob Ezrin on the record. Join Alice Cooper with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is Sebastian Olsen of Norway's garage rock band Death by Unga Bunga. The group released the single 'Not Like The Others' back in October and it featured as our first Coolest Song of 2021. The track will be featured on their upcoming album 'Heavy Male Insecurity' due in February of this year.Sebastian discussed the many influences and reoccurring themes on the album and his hopes for 2021. (Hint: it has something to do with live music!)Join Sebastian Olsen with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is David Field, drummer in the LA-based rock band Prima Donna.The group just released a Christmas single 'Mistletoe Blues' which featured as our recent Coolest Song. We hear all about how the band managed to record during the pandemic and about their plans for 2021!Join David Field with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is renowned drummer, author and actor John Densmore. IIn this two-part special we get to know the man behind the drums for the L.A. band The Doors. In part two, we hear more about his latest book The Seekers: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists), along with his relationships with many artists including his bandmate Robby Krieger and Jay-Z. Join John Densmore with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is Morten Henriksen, lead singer of the Norwegian bubble gum pop-punk band The Yum Yums. Morten has been a constant on the music scene in Moss Noway for some time. We hear all about his previous bands including The Twistaroos and Cosmic Dropouts. We also hear about the Yum Yums latest record 'For Those About To Pop' and what's on his Christmas wish-list! Join Morten Henriksen with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is renowned drummer, author and actor John Densmore. IIn this two-part special we get to know the man behind the drums for the L.A. band The Doors. In part one, we hear about his latest book The Seekers: Meetings With Remarkable Musicians (and Other Artists), along with his concept of space and time in music. Tune in next week to hear more from John Densmore with the Might Manfred. Join John Densmore with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is rock and roll guitarist Ricky Byrd. Ricky has just released his latest solo album 'Sobering Times', following the theme of recovery he dealt with on his 2017 release 'Clean Getaway'. Ricky and Manfred discuss the music and creating the album, we learn about the daily struggles for those dealing with addiction and the importance and impact music can have on those suffering. Join Ricky Byrd with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is NYC rocker, Mickey Leigh. Yes, he's back with another rockin' single on Wicked Cool Records, 'Lost In Space.' Hear all about his latest work, how it almost became a Ramones track and the inspiration he drew from the 1962 movie 'Mutiny on the Bounty'. Join Mickey Leigh with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is no stranger to the Underground Garage, the one and only Brian Ray.Following the release of his recent single on Wicked Cool Records, Brian caught up with Manfred to discuss his latest work. Brain talked about the many changes in creating music during a pandemic, where he has drawn inspiration for his music and working with many artists such as Weezer's Scott Shriner and Carla Olson on the singles B-side 'Whiskey Train.'Join Brian Ray with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is Jimy Sohns of the '60s garage rock band, The Shadows Of Knight.The band just released their first new single in 53 Years 'Wild Man', which was a recent Coolest Song. We hear all about the beginning of the band in the early '60s, their massive success with their cover of Van Morrisons 'Gloria' and the latest addition to the band, producer and musician, Michael Weber. Join Jimy Sohns with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is Greg Cartwright of the Memphis, Tennessee based band Reigning Sound. Manfred caught up with Greg to discuss his musical background and influences, his time with the '90s garage bands The Compulsive Gamblers and The Oblivians, along with reuniting the original members of Reigning Sound for an upcoming 2021 album. Join Greg Cartwright with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is Keith Streng of the legendary rockers The Fleshtones. Following the release of their 22nd album 'Face Of The Screaming Werewolf', Manfred caught up with the band's guitarist to discuss the bands legacy over their 44 years together, the inspiration behind their recent album and their connection to Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek. Join Keith Streng with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is Chris Paine of the New York-based rockers The Midnight Callers. The group recently released the album 'Red Letter Glow', which featured our recent Coolest Song '41 Miles to Roscoe'.Tune in to hear all about the band, the album and a road trip to Roscoe! Join Chris Paine with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred’s guest is singer-songwriter, Jessie Wagner.Manfred last spoke to Jessie back in May, following the release of her single 'Over And Over'. Now, the two catch up as Jessie's debut album 'Shoes Droppin' has been released to the world. Join Jessie Wagner with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is musician, recording artist and songwriter Nils Lofgren. Following the release of his live album 'Weathered' which featured a recent coolest song, Nils stopped by to chat Mighty Manfred about the album. He tells us about songwriting with Lou Reed and the album 'Blue With Lou' (2019) and auditioning for the Rolling Stones. Join Nils Lofgren with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is musician, producer and activist King Khan.In part- two of this feature, we hear about the animated short "Rat-Tribution Now", he created with his daughter Saba Lou, his passion for tarot card reading and his current music projects including his recent Jazz album 'The Infinite Ones'. Join King Khan with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is singer-songwriter Don Bryant, whose recent album 'You Make Me Fee', featured a Coolest Song on Little Steven's Underground Garage. We hear all about his early career, which began in the '60s in Memphis, TN working with various artists including The 5 Royales, Al Green, Otis Clay and his now-wife, Ann Peebles. Don also tells us about the influences he drew upon and working with Scott Bomar on the album. Join Don Bryant with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is musician, producer and activist King Khan. In this two-part feature, we hear about his work with the Global Solidarity Forever foundation, the Invaders documentary which King Khan provided the soundtrack for and the influence of New Orleans music on his various projects over the years. Join us next week for Part 2, to hear more from King Khan. Join King Khan with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is the one and only Ryan Hamilton. Yes, he's back! And he just released his second LP 'Nowhere To Go But Everywhere' on Wicked Cool Records. Hear about Ryan's journey in creating the album, working with singer-songwriter Kay Hanley and his love for 'Southern Accents'. Join Ryan Hamilton with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is singer, actress and artist, Cherie Currie. Cherie was the lead vocalist of the all-female teenage rock band in the later '70s the Runaways. Cherrie's album 'Blvds of Splendor', features our recent Coolest Song "What Do All The People Know”. She stopped by the garage to tell us about the album, we hear about her time with the Runaways and her plans for releasing the album on Joan Jett's Blackheart Records. Join Cherie Currie with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is the prince of power-pop, Kurt Baker. Kurt has been working on some new music for his upcoming album to be released in October. His first single from the upcoming album 'Over You' featured as our Coolest Song and Manfred found out all about the song and album, and how Kurt has been coping in Spain during these times. Join Kurt Baker with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

This week Manfred's guest is singer, songwriter and member of The Gogo's, Kathy Valentine.In part-two of this feature, we learn about her contributions to The Gogo's, their recent documentary and Kathy's 2020 memoir 'All I Ever Wanted'. Join Kathy Valentine with Mighty Manfred on this Coolest Conversations in Little Steven’s Underground Garage.