Witchpolice Radio

[Country Steve](http://www.facebook.com/CountrySteveMusic/) is alive and well and living in Garson! This episode was recorded at Steve's rural Manitoba house on New Year's Eve, and it's an interesting catch-up for people who may not have heard his name(s) over the past few years. Steve is a singer-songwriter with a deep love for country music, and although he rarely plays shows and keeps a fairly low profile, he's always writing new songs – a few of which he plays on the podcast! This episode is brought to you by our friends at[ the Park Theatre](http://http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Here's a final episode for 2018: Back in the summer, I interviewed frequent guest/occasional co-host [Nestor Wynrush](http://nestorwynrush.bandcamp.com/). He had a very unique project happening at the time, but as Ness is wont to do, he considered what he had said during the interview (after the episode had been released), and decided he wanted to add some more information/clarifications/and a new song. I was supposed to release this updated version shortly afterwards, but that was right around the time the show shifted to two episodes a week, and it just got lost in the shuffle. ...so here's the updated episode #287, with a new intro and Ness' new outro. Thanks to all of the Witchpolice listeners in 2018, as well as those who have been listening since the beginning, in 2012. I love you all. If you want one more fresh episode of the podcast for this year, there's a bonus episode available only to Patreon supporters. You can get that now by signing up at [http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and supporting the show with whatever $ amount you want. If you give $1 a month, that evens out to about 12 cents an episode. Cheap! Of course, becoming a patron is completely voluntarily, and if you wanna listen to the show for free, that's totally fine! See you in 2019 with a fresh episode! (Also note that there will be no break between 2018 and 2019 episodes. Schedule stays the same.)

Bazooka Joe (f/k/a John Smith) and [Rob Crooks](http://www.robcrooks.com) have worked together in various capacities over their decades of service to the local hip-hop scene, but Schadenfreude is their first collaborative record. The album, which [drops Dec. 29 on Eat 'Em Up Records](http://www.facebook.com/events/2037670619852384/), features beats by Crooks and rhymes by Joe, and Saturday's release show at the Garrick Hotel includes guests like [Gruf](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/354741eff8d7ccL/) and [Lonnie Ce](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/3551888dd55e86L/) (both past Witchpolice guests as well). We travel between a Robin's Donuts and a parked car to talk about the album, their collaboration, their other projects, and much more. This episode is brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Meat n' potatoes rock n' roll, New York Rangers legend Ron Duguay's chest hair, and much more: it's an interview with two members (including the Boss himself) of local rockers [Boss Logan](http://www.facebook.com/BossLogn/)! We talk about their new record, Loves Lived, Lessons Learned, about performing in character, surprising audiences with their sound, and much more. This episode is brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

A few weeks back, I asked listeners which local bands they'd like to hear on the show. One of the names that came up was [Wittenberg](http://wittenberg.bandzoogle.com/home), a new-on-the-scene duo I'd never heard of before. This episode is my conversation with both members of Wittenberg. We talk about their debut album, Perennial, about how the songs went from a bedroom solo project to a full-fledged band, incorporating backing tracks into their live shows, and much more. This episode is brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

[The Inflatable Band](http://www.facebook.com/theinflatableband) plays exactly the type of music I like – loose, chaotic, and unexpectedly moving. After hearing their [excellent album](http://theinflatableband.bandcamp.com) earlier this year, I got the chance to see the noise-pop madness live and direct when we recorded this interview. Hear three extended live performances (one of which was improvised on the spot) on this episode! This episode is brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

After what seems like years of bantering back and forth on Twitter, [Satanic Rights](http://satanicrights.bandcamp.com/) – well, two of 'em, anyway – are on the podcast! We talk about their interesting history, combating the (mis)perception that they're a metal band, the glory days of the Royal Albert, and the ridiculous origins of the name 'Blues Druid'. This episode is brought to you by [Transistor 66 Record Company](http://www.transistor66.com/), a label with a deep catalogue of local and international music, including the debut album by this episode's guests, Satanic Rights. This episode is also brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to[ patreon.com/witchpolice](http://hwww.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Indie-pop duo [Mitten Claps](http://mittenclaps.bandcamp.com/) took a few years off, but are back with a new record, 'Can't Not'. We talk about coming back to the local scene after a long hiatus, the trials and tribulations of playing in two-piece band, and much more. This episode was recorded in a coffee shop while a choir was practicing in the next room (which, in my opinion, adds to the whole ambience of the episode), and the two Mitten Clappers are very soft-spoken, but it's a great conversation. This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Cellist and honourary Manitoban [Rob Knaggs](http://www.robknaggs.com/) – last heard on [episode #284](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/363ae3590cca36/) – is shipping back out to Australia in a few weeks, but not before releasing another EP of Arctic-inspired post-rock. The record drops Dec. 8 at a [two-set farewell extravaganza](http://www.facebook.com/events/1176537939180515/), alongside fellow past Witchpolice guests, Stonewall folk duo [Two Crows For Comfort](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/36bee4c9458bd4/). We talk about Rob's connection to this country and province, the new record, his plans to come back, and much more. This episode brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

UMFM's Bryan Sveinson, host of [The Pity Party](http://umfm.com/programming/shows/the-pity-party), is on the podcast to talk punk, emo, and the upcoming[ Nothing Under the Tree](http://umfm.bandcamp.com/releases) project – a collection of local punk bands performing Christmas songs recorded at UMFM's studio. The Xmas album drops Dec. 5th on Bandcamp (and elsewhere), and proceeds from the sale of downloads goes directly to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Big thanks to everyone who voted for Witchpolice Radio in the Uniter's most recent readers' poll. This marks the third consecutive year the show has been chosen as 'Best Local Podcast', and it's so cool to see that people not only listen to the show, but like it enough to take the time to throw us some votes. Thanks, everyone. This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

[Softswitch](http://softswitch.bandcamp.com/) is a Winnipeg post-punk band with a new tape – mixed by the legendary Steve Albini – about to be released Nov. 30. We talk about their experience working with Albini, the role of the synthesizer in their sound, defining post-punk, being in their 30s playing in a music scene that skews young, and much more. This episode brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Four members of Latin fusion band [El Leon](http://www.facebook.com/ElLeonWinnipeg/) are on the show talking about their unique sound, which incorporates genres like reggae, ska and punk rock into a pan-South American vibe. They also perform a couple of live acoustic songs exclusively for the podcast, talk about their upcoming recordings, their experiences in the Winnipeg scene as a band that performs en espanol, and much more! This episode brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! A big shoutout to patrons like Trevor Lux, frontman of past Witchpolice guests [Plain as Ghosts](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/36c799d3de5b98/), who is our latest patron. Your support is invaluable.

This episode features soul/folk solo artist [Connor Biggs,](http://www.facebook.com/connorbiggsmusic/) who is on the verge of releasing his debut EP. Connor describes his music as a cross between Marvin Gaye and Ed Sheeran, and he has a voice like BUTTTAAAAH. You can get an advance listen to two of the tracks from the EP on this podcast. We talk about death metal vs. folk music, his backward way of getting into music, his love of Sublime and much more. This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

It's a hangout in an elementary school music room with three members of emo-punk supergroup [Nice Cops](http://nicecops.bandcamp.com/releases), which includes members of local punk outfits like [Elder Abuse](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/350d1ecac1a770L/), [Boys' Club](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/34de65c1bd21faL/) and many, many more. Nice Cops has an EP out now on tape, but they're working on an album... and you can hear four tracks from that record on the podcast! This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

On this episode, we're ridin' with the queen! Singer-songwriter and rock n' fuckin' roller [Romi Mayes](http://www.facebook.com/Romi-Mayes-Band-Official-Music-Page-110129255685862/) is an integral part of Winnipeg's independent music scene, and we finally have her on the podcast. The timing couldn't be better, too, as she has a LOT going on. If you're listening to this podcast on the day it's released, Romi will be appearing live on your device of choice tonight as part of the [Village Idiots' Live at the Roslyn series](http://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheVillageIdiots/). She's also resurrecting her late-90s country outfit Off the Wagon for [two reunion sets](http://www.facebook.com/events/2288008008079709/) at their old haunt this weekend, and she's working on her annual [Lonely Jew at Christmas](https://www.facebook.com/events/876631569392889/) party. ...and that's just scratching the surface. This episode brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

It's a sit-down at a restaurant with Niverville-based alt-rockers [Plain as Ghosts](http://www.plainasghosts.com/) (well, two of 'em, anyway). We talk about their remix project, emotionally-driven songs, their Spinal Tap-esque difficulty finding a permanent bass player, and a lot more! This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolic](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice)e and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Singer-songwriter [Jesse Matas](http://jessematas.com/) is best known as one-third of roots sensations the Crooked Brothers, but he's also one of my oldest pals. Having heard his music in all of its various forms for over two decades, I can safely say his new solo LP "Tamarock" (which comes out this Friday with a Winnipeg release show at the WECC) is the definitive Jesse Matas record. We talk about the record's natural inspirations, working as a solo artist after years in an acclaimed group, and much, much more. This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Stonewall folk duo [Two Crows For Comfort](http://www.twocrowsforcomfort.com/) have only been performing for a year and a half, but they've made a lot of progress, from a full-length album (officially dropping in December), to a show in New York, to MCMA nominations. We talk about all of that and more, from the luxurious confines of a Robin's Donuts in downtown Winnipeg! This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Community group [JD and the Sunshine Band](http://www.transistor66.com/sunshineband) are about to head out on their first-ever tour! The band – which describes itself as 'a creative collaboration between musicians and street-involved people looking to create the chorus for the exotic streets of downtown Winnipeg' – talks about the upcoming shows, its roots, its ambitious new project, and much more! This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Jazz guitarist [Keith Price](http://www.keithprice.ca/) and a murderer’s row of local musicians (including Erin Propp, Ismaila Alfa, Kevin Waters, Jared Beckstead-Craan and Dallas Nedotiafko) are covering Cinematic Orchestra’s 2002 record ‘Every Day’ in its entirety Friday at The Knndy. I had a really quick lunchtime conversation with Keith, which you can hear in podcast form in a day or two. We also chatted about Keith’s role as producer on the upcoming Apollo Suns album! Stay tuned! This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

'Post-emo' artist [Drinkbleachh](http://soundcloud.com/drinkbleachh) blends hip-hop, R&B, and melodic, Autotuned vocals with a self-deprecating punk rock aesthetic. We talk about how he fits in with the new crop of rap artists coming up in Winnipeg, about his cease and desist letter from Sub Pop records, and much more. Hear a brand new Drinkbleachh track on this episode as well as songs from the two mixtapes he dropped earlier this year. This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

After eight years and six albums, '70s pop-inspired folk-rockers [Sebastian Owl](http://www.sebastianowlmusic.com/) are packing it in... but not before one last hurrah. The band is releasing 'The Ties That Bind', its final album at a pair of farewell shows Nov. 2-3 at Times Change(d). We talk about everything from the band's folk roots in Brandon to the upcoming end of an era and beyond. This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

On Sept. 30, we held the first annual [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/mbpodfest/) at the Park Theatre. This is the audio from one of the panels (which I moderated), entitled "Podcasts vs. Radio". The panelists included Jared McKetiak ([UMFM 101.5](http://umfm.com/)), Kent Davies ([CKUW 95.9](http://ckuw.ca/), [Manitoba Food History Project](http://www.manitobafoodhistory.ca/)), Adeline Bird ([Soul Unexpected Podcast](http://adelinebird.com/), [NCI FM](http://www.ncifm.com/)), and Stefan Richard ([Ever Sick Podcast](http://www.spreaker.com/show/ever-sick-podcast-with-stefan-richard), NCI FM). Stay tuned for more MBPodFest events throughout the year. Huge thanks to everyone who came out to the event and to all of our panelists and moderators.

Singer-songwriter [Lana Winterhalt](http://[[text](http://[[text](http://[text](http://))](http://))](http://)www.lanawinterhalt.com/) just released an EP in the summer, but she's on the verge of releasing a full-length as well. Her excellent 'If and When' drops Oct. 12, with a [release show](http://www.facebook.com/events/677810442589941/) at the Park Theatre Oct. 14. We talk about Lana's indie-pop sound, her 'mom rock' appeal, finding emotion in lyrics, and much more. This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Occasional co-host Ryan is back for this episode, taking over the main hosting duties alongside Tony Beaudoin of Union Stockyards. Together, they interviewed punk rock power duo [Mobina Galore](http://www.mobinagalore.com) a few months back, presented here in podcast form. Mobina Galore were first on the podcast [way back in 2014](http://witchpolice.podiant.co/e/3551914c1b2ceaL/), so obviously a lot has happened since then, especially since their career has absolutely skyrocketed. Ryan and Tony get into some of the highlights with them and much, much more! This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

It's a conversation about soul, folk, boisterous lyrics and much more with three core members of musical collective [House Handshake](http://www.facebook.com/househandshake/). We talk about their circuitous, bi-provincial route to becoming a band, their elaborately planned-out recording and release plans, and everything else under the sun. This episode brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://myparktheatre.com/), who recently hosted the inaugural Manitoba Podcast Festival. Huge thank you to everyone who participated, watched from the audience, or introduced themselves and their own podcasts to us in the intermission. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on!

Steinbach indie rockers [The Boy + The Sea](http://www.theboyandthesea.com/) hang out on a coffee shop patio to talk about the music scene in Steinbach (and its appetite for rock despite its reputation), making inroads into the Winnipeg scene, their new album, Common Ghosts, guilty pleasures, and much more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

Singer-songwriter [Harley James Flett](http://harleyjamesflett.bandcamp.com/releases) may have packed up and moved to Toronto, but he maintains his Winnipeg DIY sensibilities. Best known as a folk-punk artist, he's working on new material for a November release that leans more toward alt-country territory. We talk hockey (a lot), starting fresh in a new city, an entire album of songs Harley scrapped and has never released, and much more. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

It's a trip to a terrifying murder warehouse with 'consumer math rock' trio [Ceilings](http://ceilings204.bandcamp.com/). We talk about their punk rock influences, juggling being in close to a dozen bands between them, working with a European label, and much more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://https://www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

[Silence Kit](http://silencekitband.com/K) is (are?) back! The local grungy foursome are about to release a powerhouse new record, "Kitty Kitty" (seriously, it's great, I've heard it), on Oct. 5. We sat down to talk about the new music, about what's changed for the band since their previous release, appealing to drunk "bros", and much more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://[[text](http://)](http://)www.patreon.com/witchpolice) and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

It's a quick lunch-hour chat with singer-songwriter Daniel Emerson, frontman of [A Rebel Named Riel](http://www.facebook.com/pg/arebelnamedriel/). We talk about his artistic roots in the Thompson, MB, hip-hop community, the way his Metis cultural background influences his music, that big-ass Louis Riel hand tattoo, and much more! We also discuss the new material he's working on, but since that's still being created, the songs on this episode are A Rebel Named Riel demos from a few years back. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

On Sept. 7, I moderated a panel discussion for [Creative Manitoba](http://creativemanitoba.ca/) about podcasting for artists. The event, presented in conjunction with the Manitoba Podcast Festival (Sept. 30, Park Theatre) featured hosts and/or producers Stefan Richard (Ever Sick!, Digital Drum podcast), Stephanie Cram (CBC Radio's Unreserved), Kammer Kinnarath (Gay Lunch Podcast), and Adeline Bird (Soul Unexpected). We talked about the podcast biz for an hour to a packed house and fielded some great questions from the audience. This may seem a little too 'inside baseball' when you read the description, but one of the goals of this event (and the upcoming festival) was to demystify podcasting and help new people get interested in the field and starting their own shows.

This episode was actually scheduled to be released much later, but all the stars aligned (or something) and you're getting it now! ...but rejoice, friends! It's an interview with up-and-coming alt/indie-rock trio [Big Foot Yeti](http://www.facebook.com/BFYWPG/) (the space is intentional)! We talk about the band's origins (in the demise of indie-pop outfit Futurekids), cryptozoology, finding bassists on the Internet, their upcoming debut EP (Oct. 20) and much, much more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

Folk-rockers[ Kakagi](http://www.kakagimusic.com/) (well, half of them, anyway) sit down for a conversation about fitting in with the local scene, touring anxiety, their fantastic new EP, and much more! This was an episode long in the making. We tried to set up an interview when their previous EP came out, but (for reasons that are lost to time) it fell through. I'm glad I was finally able to link up with them. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

It seems strange that singer-songwriter [Joe Curtis](http://www.joecurtisband.com/) hasn't formally been on the podcast until now. I interviewed him for an [episode of 'Mom's House'](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_ONZ5PILn8), plus he performed an acoustic set at a recent show in my backyard, but this marks his first sit-down Witchpolice interview. We talk about his long career as a sideman, his inspirations as a solo artist, some of the new music he's working on, and much more. Joe is a fantastic local talent and a guy with a lot to say, so make sure you check this one out. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

Creative exploration, space cats and more, with instrumental tech-metal trio [Aphelion](http://aphelion204.bandcamp.com/)! We talk about their new (but also kind of old) EP, the challenges of playing such complex music with such a small lineup, and their upcoming gig at[ Chadstock](http://www.facebook.com/events/2100583116621791/), which happens TODAY (assuming you're listening to the episode the day of its release). Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

A patio hangout with two members of alt-rock power trio [Ex Omerta](http://exomerta.com/)! We talk about blending in (or not) with the rock mainstream, releasing singles vs. albums, and of course, those trademark suspenders! Watch for their new single "Sink In", which drops this coming Friday! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

This isn't a normal episode of the podcast. There's no interview, no format... it's almost two unedited hours of live music recorded in my backyard. New York singer-songwriter (and frontman of the legendary Slackers) [Vic Ruggiero](http://www.facebook.com/vicruggiero) earlier this month, and he stopped by the house for an intimate solo set on my deck. This 'episode' is a relatively lo-fi recording of the full show. Thanks to Winnipeg ska legend [Greg Milka Crowe](http://myspace.com/gregmilkacrowe) for opening the show (unfortunately I didn't get his set recorded), to Ian Lodewyks (who plays bass for Vic on some of these songs) for his major role in making this surreal experience a reality, and to everyone who came out to enjoy a world-class artist in such a casual setting. I've been a fan of Vic's music for over 20 years, and this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I'm so glad it happened, and I'm glad I'm able to share it, in some way, with the rest of you. Enjoy. We'll be back to your regularly-scheduled episodes of Witchpolice Radio on Wednesday.

This episode's guest is a bit of mystery. The writer known as [Ticketmomster](http://www.facebook.com/TicketMOMsters) has been penning anonymous, fly-on-the-wall style pieces about a wide range of Winnipeg concerts for some time now, and she's thus far managed to hold on to her secret identity. We don't drop any big hints during this interview, but we do discuss Ticketmomster's choice of remaining anonymous, her unique -- and untrained -- storytelling style, her favourite local artists, and much more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

Last time Jeremy Haywood-Smith was on the podcast, he was covering songs by other local artists at a live event we were hosting. Now we're sitting down (in the food court) to talk about his own music and the part-band/part-solo project/all-encompassing moniker [JayWood](http://jaywood1.bandcamp.com/). Having returned from Sled Island and unexpectedly finding himself bandless, Jeremy has refocused his efforts on the experimental, dreamy indie-pop of his solo work, with a full-length LP on the way in the not-so-distant future. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like you, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the Park Theatre, who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

Local superproducer [Crabskull](http://crabskull.bandcamp.com/) is someone I've wanted to talk to on the podcast for a long time. Between his work with Winnipeg hip-hop luminaries like 3Peat and Charlie Fettah, his cassette label ([Fab Itch Tapes](http://thefabulousitchcassetteco.bandcamp.com/)), and his psychedelic, sci-fi solo productions, he's behind some of the most original music the city has heard in years. We talk about his vast archive of beats, the inspirations for some of his more out-there stuff, and much more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to supporters like Dr. Devin King, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month (less than 12 cents an episode), you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural[ Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

Post-grunge...from Arborg? Alt-rock five-piece [Northern Royals](http://northernroyals.com/) hang out for a backyard chat about (some of the members') rural roots, their newly refined lineup, the direction their music has taken since their previous incarnation (The Autopilots), and much more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to our supporters, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details! ...and speaking of the Park, be sure to check out the inaugural [Manitoba Podcast Festival](http://www.facebook.com/events/2188824571388548/), happening there Sept. 30!

As many of you are likely aware, I've been guest-hosting a (video) show about local musicians from time to time. It's called '[Mom's House](http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDcPW3OBfNHoOitVKkGhSlQ)', and it's the brainchild of a group of up-and-coming Manitoba filmmakers called Young Media. We decided to use the interview portions of the episodes I host and release them in audio form as bonus podcasts! This first Witchpolice at Mom's House episode features a great conversation with local gypsy/Hot Club jazz duo [Chenoa McKelvey](http://www.facebook.com/chenoamckelveymusic/) and Jacob Letkeman. The audio you're about to hear is just my interview with Chenoa and Jacob. To see the full Mom's House episode, which includes live performances, head down to Young Media's website or their [YouTube channel](http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDcPW3OBfNHoOitVKkGhSlQ) to check it out. It should be available this weekend! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to our supporters, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to patreon.com/witchpolice, and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the lights on!

I had the chance to interview relentlessly positive singer-songwriter [Sophie Stevens](http://www.facebook.com/spidersluggos/) earlier this year. It was during an [episode of Mom's House I hosted](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7At5bMBWZM&t=756s), where she was backing up Micah Erenberg on guitar and vocals. Unfortunately, at the time I didn't know anything about her own music, so I felt it was important we reconnect and do an exclusive Sophie episode (Sophiesclusive?) of the podcast. We hung out at a Robin's Donuts (of course) and talked about her work with Micah, developing her own sound and stepping into the scene as a solo artist, her weekly [YouTube performances](http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfhYm5AAvyRN-hyzATiMftA) (an uplifting experience unto itself) and much, much more. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to our supporters, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details!

... in which [Giant Skellies](http://facebook.com/giantskellies) lure me into their underground lair to talk about their experimental indie sound, the band's origins as a recording project between two brothers-in-law, and much more! Come for the secret subterranean jamspace, stay for an interesting backstory that includes an American ex-pat, a jazz player, and nailing down the perfect lineup via online help-wanted ads. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to our supporters, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details!

You may have seen a few of them recently -- stylized online videos of punk and hardcore bands throughout western Canada. They're the work of underground videographers [Scoped Exposure](http://www.facebook.com/SCOPEDEXPOSURE/). We sat down with Scoped Exposure's Spencer Pries (a Winnipeg ex-pat) to talk about the process of documenting heavy music, playing in Winnipeg hardcore bands, and much more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to our supporters, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the[ Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out on their website for more details!

It's time to talk about filling holes with rock n' roll, as Winnipeg's finest purveyors of sleaze-rock, [The Love Tongues](http://www.facebook.com/thelovetongues/), sit down for a conversation about finding band members on Kijiji, their upcoming EP (hear three songs here!) and much more. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to our supporters, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out their website for more details!

It's our milestone 300th episode, and who better to have as a guest than alt-country/folk singer-songwriter [Del Barber](http://delbarber.com/)? Del has easily been the most-requested guest over the past few years, by local musicians and listeners alike, and he didn't disappoint. This refreshingly candid interview goes deep on Del's record label struggles, his 2016 album of hockey songs, and his decision to go DIY with the upcoming "[Easy Keeper](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/248696342/easy-keeper-del-barbers-new-album/description)", which recently reached its crowdfunding goal. We also talk about the sincerity of his songwriting style and much more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to our supporters, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out their website for more details!

[Lounge FM](http://www.facebook.com/Loungefmmusic/)'s [*Love Will Let You Down*](http://loungefm.bandcamp.com/album/love-will-let-you-down) is one of the coolest local records of the year -- a slow-burning, psychedelic blend of R&B, jazz, soul and more. We sat down with three members of the group to talk about their rural roots, finding a place in Winnipeg's scene for their "Friday night bath music", and much more. Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to our supporters, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at the [Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out their website for more details!

It's a conversation about Winnipeg's music scene, classic Canadian punk rock, reissuing old albums... and hot sauce. Patrick Michalishyn of record label [Sounds Escaping](http://soundsescaping.com/) (and [1882 Fruit-Based Hot Sauce](http://www.facebook.com/1882HotSauce/)) hangs out to discuss all of these things and more! Thanks to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far. Thanks to our supporters, we can keep churning out interviews twice a week! If you like the show, please head down to [patreon.com/witchpolice](http://www.patreon.com/witchpolice), and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the lights on! This episode is brought to you by our friends at [the Park Theatre](http://www.myparktheatre.com/), who have a whole calendar of great upcoming shows. Check it out their website for more details!