Witchpolice Radio

This week's guests, 2/3 of Winnipeg pop-punk power trio Sugarsick, are on the show to promote the group's debut album (which comes out July 17), the difference between rye and bourbon and a lot more. Jared Weiss (guitar/vocals, ex-Port Amoral) and Shea-K 47 (drums, a/k/a Employee of the Month) helped select "marker" songs, reminisce about the good old days of CD compilations and talk about why the pop-punk sound still feels good decades after its heyday.

Jacques and Breandan of local indie rockers Greek Riots are back on the show to promote the band’s new record, Middle Children, get nostalgic about some not-so-guilty pop-punk and emo pleasures and to talk “fairground” songs. Middle Children is being released June 26 at the Park Theatre in Winnipeg.

Big things have been happening for fuzzed-out Winnipeg duo Vampires since their last appearance on the show, including critical acclaim for their EP and some high-profile gigs. Messrs. Dobbs and Powers hung out in the living room of a cavernous mansion to talk “wrench” songs, guilty pleasures, a weird tangent on third-wave ska, the Midnight Review Presents project and more!

This episode marks the triumphant return of folk singer/guitar wizard Carey J. Buss, who last appeared around these parts way back on episode #69. Carey sat down with Sam on the eve of his Answer the Bell album release to talk about "what" songs, classic rock, his new gig as a member of Hearing Trees and a lot more. There's even a random interruption by someone looking for a jacket!

We venture into uncharted territory on this episode in conversation with Artur Winogrodzki of Polish-Canadian dub/reggae/electronic act Hypernashion. Despite the wide range of genres we've featured on this podcast, electronic music has always been kind of a blind spot, and despite host Sam's obsession with reggae, he hasn't previously been introduced to any from Poland. We go deep on reggae's connection to punk rock, on political and spiritual themes in music and on cross-cultural appeal. Hypernashion's recently-released In Dub album is out now on Artur's own Hyper Recordz label.

We ditched the theme word this week to devote 20 minutes at the end of the show to a three-song live performance by this week’s guests, Winnipeg blues-rawk trio The Tims. Blending blues, country, soul, rock, punk and more, The Tims are working on a debut album for a summer release and have been tearing up bars, house shows and more along the way.

Quinton Blair sings convincing country songs because he legitimately lives the life in rural Manitoba. Quinton talks about performing on the rodeo circuit, western songs vs. mainstream country and more. He’s joined by a returning guest (WR093 and WR015), urban cowboy Country Steve. Both fellers perform live and help select “shack” songs.

We had a regular interview episode lined up for this week, but technical difficulties meant the file couldn't be accessed right away, so we put something special together for you in its place. The Witchpolice Mixtape is a collection of all of the live performances on the show dating back to January 2014, in a handy podcast format. It's well over an hour of great, primarily local music! As mentioned in the intro, these were recorded in a number of different environment with different equipment, so recording quality isn't consistent, but performance quality is. Quinton Blair - "300,000 km" (from upcoming WR127) Idrissa "Alaska" Turay - "Wish You Were Here" (from WR120) Chivas & Kream/RhymeLabb/Matt Redd - Cipher (from WR119) Smoky Tiger - "The New Teemu Selanne" (from WR110) Autumn Still (from WR103) Matt Foster (from WR102) Futurekids - "Fuck This Party" (from WR096) Country Steve - "Who I Am" (from WR093) Mobina Galore - "Pieces of You" (from WR090) Greg Arcade - "One More Time" (from WR089) Luke Jacob - "I'm Burning" (from WR089) Ghost Twin - "Chemical Wedding" (from WR087) The Zags - "Grime Kitty" (from WR080) Greg Arcade - "New Horizon" (from WR072) Carey Buss - "Eating The First Bird of Spring" (from WR069) Kevin Roy - "Taller Than the Trees" (from WR069) Carly Dow - "Down This Road" (from WR066) Sheldon Birnie - "Vanity Vanities" (from WR066) Marshall Birch of the Unbelievable Bargains - "If I Had My Wish" (from WR059) Steve Basham of the Unbelievable Bargains - "Blue Whale Island" (from WR059) Vampires - "No MOre Kisses" (from WR058) Buggsy #1 - "Spirit Bomb" (acappella) (from WR057) Greg Rekus - "You Won't Hear it on the News" (from WR056)

We talk to a lot of musicians on this show, but there are aspects of the music biz that go beyond just the performance on stage. For this episode, Sam talked show posters with graphic designers/illustrators **[Nyco Rudolph](http://nycorudolph.com/)** , **[Tiff Bartel](http://tiffbartel.tumblr.com/) ** and returning guest **[Allan Lorde](http://www.allanlorde.com/) ** (whose previous appearance was our [most popular episode of 2013](http://www.witchpolice.com/2013/12/top-10-podcasts-of-2013.html)). Recorded with a portable device on location at Nyco's studio ( _art_ studio, not recording studio) in downtown Winnipeg.

**Frek Sho** was one of the definitive Canadian rap groups of the 1990s. In this special [two-part](http://www.witchpolice.com/2015/04/wr123-frek-sho-pt-i.html) episode, Rob and Elliott caught up with Frek Sho rappers **Ismaila** and **Micill Shazzam Write** to discuss the group's origins, its recorded catalogue and more. Part two covers the time frame from Frek Sho's first national exposure and the iconic "Patience" video until the group's eventual dissolution.

**Frek Sho** was one of the definitive Canadian rap groups of the 1990s. In this special two-part episode, Rob and Elliott caught up with Frek Sho rappers **Ismaila** and **Micill Shazzam Write** to discuss the group's origins, its recorded catalogue and more. Part one covers the early days of Frek Sho and Twisted Spirits, Ismaila and Shazzam's recollections of the nascent Winnipeg rap scene, Frek Sho's first national exposure and the iconic "Patience" video.

Sam hung out with all four members of globe-trotting alternative punk band **[Clipwing](http://www.clipwingmusic.com/) ** in their basement jamspace to talk "zamboni" songs, European tours and more! The fellas are about to release their new _Ashford_ EP, produced by **Propagandhi** frontman (and [past Witchpolice Radio guest](http://www.witchpolice.com/2014/11/witchpolice-radio-episode-100-bangers.html)) Chris Hannah.

Idrissa Turay (a/k/a Alaska) is a singer originally from Sierra Leone, currently living in Winnipeg. With his band, the PeaceMakers, he plays a unique combination of reggae, calypso and the sounds of his African home country. Idrissa and PeaceMakers drummer Gary Asselin were the guests on this week’s performance-heavy episode.

If you don’t think **[Gruf the Druid](http://www.witchpolice.com/2013/09/witchpolice-radio-episode-42-process.html)** is Winnipeg’s best rapper, you probably have him on your shortlist. Between Frek Sho, Fermented Reptile, Sound Barriers and his acclaimed solo records, Gruf is an iconic figure on the local rap scene. He has also released a new album, _[Surface Area](http://marathonofdope.com/portfolio/gruf-the-druid-surface-area/)_ , produced by his Winnipeg rap contemporary **[The Gumshoe Strut](http://marathonofdope.com/portfolio/the-gumshoe-strut/)** (Your Brother in my Backpack, Turn the Gun). They both join Sam on the podcast to talk about the new record and, appropriately, “pagan” songs. If you like what you hear, the release party for _Surface Area_ is coming up April 4 at the Good Will Social Club. Gruf and Gumshoe are (obviously) on the bill, alongside Witchpolice Radio co-host **Rob Crooks** , past guest John "Bazooka Joe" Smith and DJ Hunnicutt (who will hopefully be a guest at some point).

[**Chivas & Kream**](http://www.chivasandkream.com/) **** return to the podcast to promote their [upcoming CD release show](https://www.facebook.com/events/919357481438406/) (April 4, Park Theatre, Winnipeg) alongside most of the other artists on the bill. Rappers **[Matt Redd](http://mattredd.bandcamp.com/), [KayR](http://www.kayrmusic.com/) ** and **[RhymeLabb](https://www.facebook.com/RhymeLabb "Link: https://www.facebook.com/RhymeLabb") ** members **[Billy Mys](https://soundcloud.com/billy-mys) ** and **Kris Cadence** talk "clothing songs" and the realities of being a rapper in the age of YouTube.

This week we're talking "nutrition" songs with **Terrance Williams** and **Josh Bedry** of doom/sludge/hardcore band **[Occvlt Hand](http://www.facebook.com/occvlthand), ** who recently released their debut cassette, _[Devils Work](http://occvlthand.bandcamp.com/releases)._ If you like metal and/or food, this is the podcast episode for you! The fellas talk about eating healthy, occult imagery, tapes vs. CD-Rs and more. Regular listeners may recognize Terrance from his previous appearance on the show back in Oct. 2013 or from his other gig as co-host of the [Couch Surfin'](http://www.garbagehillnetwork.com/couchsurfin/) podcast, our pals on the [Garbage Hill Podcast Network](http://www.garbagehillnetwork.com/).

East meets west on this week’s episode, featuring the two founding members of innovative local reggae outfit RasTamils. Franklin Fernando and Martin Valach mine their cultural backgrounds to create a unique roots sound as influenced by Sri Lanka as it is by Jamaica. They’re currently in the midst of a crowdfunding campaign for their debut full-length, “A Dream,” which is slated to come out in summer 2015. You can hear a track from the upcoming record in this episode's intro.

This week, Sam drops in on **[None the Wiser](http://www.nonethewiser.ca/)** singer/guitarist **Eli Matas** to drink non-alcoholic beers, talk “intensity” songs and more! None the Wiser is a folk/funk/psychedelic/rock/party machine with well over a decade of history and a new release called _[Smoke and Mirrors](http://www.nonethewiser.ca/#!music/c21jp) _ (which has glorious cover art, by the way). If you're listening to this on the day it's released, these guys are also playing _tonight_ at Ozzy's in Winnipeg as part of New Music Wednesdays. Check 'em out!

** ** Surf-punks **[The Thrashers](https://www.facebook.com/thrashersrocknroll)** are about to release their sci-fi opus, _[Robot Invaders From the Death Galaxy](http://thethrashers.bandcamp.com/album/robot-invaders-from-the-death-galaxy),_ but first they sat down to talk about “dust” songs, skateboarding, space robots and more! Recorded on location with the portable doohickey.

For this double-length episode, Sam sat down with JFK and the Invisible Man of iconic Winnipeg ska/reggae/dancehall group JFK and the Conspirators. In this overview of the band’s career and catalogue, JFK talks about how he became interested in reggae music, the ups and downs of his career — including a stint as the frontman of Montreal’s Kingpins — and his uniquely Canadian deejay style.

The Guezen brothers of blues-rock weirdos The New Wild join us in the Blanket Fort to talk “biker” songs, performing as a duo, the timeless appeal of the blues and more. They recently released a debut EP, and they’re generating a lot of buzz in Winnipeg with their fuzzed-out, instrument-switching sound.

This week's episode is a little unusual, in that it's made up of two interviews with out-of-town musicians. The first half of the show is an interview Sam did with **Alex Edkins** of Toronto noise-rock band **[METZ](http://www.metzztem.com/) ** for [Stylus Magazine](http://stylusmagazine.ca/2015/01/21/metz-heavy-gritty-loud/). METZ are currently touring Western Canada with a couple of dates in Winnipeg (happening right around the time of this episode's release). They also have a new LP coming out this spring. The second half of the episode is conversation with the big homie **[Doug Feaver](http://www.witchpolice.com/2013/11/witchpolice-radio-episode-50-saturn.html) ** of Montreal sewer rockers **[Subsistench](http://swollencityrecords.bandcamp.com/album/subsistench-plastic-lies-demo)** (not to mention **[Dead Future](http://deadfuture.bandcamp.com/)** , **[Corona Ferox](http://coronaferox.bandcamp.com/)** and more). Subsistench has a new cassette out and they have an interesting connection with this podcast. A year or so ago, Doug was going to host some of his own Witchpolice Radio episodes out east, but when he sat down to record the first one, he ended up starting a band with the guest instead.

Psychedelic drugs! Tarot cards! Spirit animals! It's our episode with the one and only **[Smoky Tiger](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Smoky-Tiger/134452906925)** talking "accident" songs, performing live and more! The incredibly prolific Smoky has a new LP in the works, and although we may have _just_ missed the window to donate, [he was trying to crowdfund it](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/new-smoky-tiger-album), so support that if you still can. Otherwise, he's playing an afterparty for this year's [Big Fun festival ](http://www.bigfunfestival.com/)and can be regularly seen prowling the streets of Winnipeg with his Manitoba-themed psychedelic rock n' roll!

It's a packed house in the Blanket Fort as hosts Sam, Jon and Rob are together again to talk "brain" songs with guest **Julijana Capone** and **Jamie Cote**. A former Winnipegger, Julijana is now with the **[National Music Centre](http://www.nmc.ca/)** , a fantastic museum (and much more) based in Calgary. The NMC is working toward a massive project launch in 2016, so Julijana fills us in on some of details. Jamie may be known to some of you as a member of late-90s/early-00s Winnipeg ska bands **[Grandpa's Army](http://witchpolice.blogspot.com/2009/04/every-grandpas-army-song-ever.html) ** and the early incarnation of **[The Barrymores](http://witchpolice.blogspot.com/2012/01/barrymores-kill-all-ska-kids-2001.html) ** \-- both with Witchpolice co-host Sam -- but that's not why he's here. He's co-hosting a new podcast about comics called [**The Last Panel**.](http://www.thelastpanel.com/)

Happy new year! We're kicking off the third calendar year of this show's existence (kind of... it started in late 2012) with an episode hosted by Jon and special guest host **[Dominika Dratwa](http://www.dominikadratwa.com/). ** They talk "sphere" songs with **[Marcin Cienski](http://www.marcincienski.com/)** , a realist painter from the Philadelphia by way of Poland. Marcin's work is [currently showing in New York City](http://envoyenterprises.com/), and he chatted with Jon and Dominika about his experience coming to the United States from Europe, the inspiration behind his often dark paintings and more!

Here's your last episode of 2014! It's a bonus episode that doesn't fall into the usual Witchpolice Radio format because it wasn't originally recorded as a podcast. Back in the fall, WR host Sam had the opportunity to interview reggae icon Ziggy Marley for a piece in Metro Winnipeg. He recorded the conversation, of course, and it's presented here along with a number of Ziggy's songs interspersed throughout. The chat itself is fairly short (as Sam was only given a short window of time with Marley), but the songs flesh it out to a reasonable length.

Happy holidays! This week's episode features **Kevin Strang** , drummer for Winnipeg post-punkers **[Pop Crimes](http://popcrimes.bandcamp.com/)**. Kevin also owns/operates the **[Bonzer Records](http://bonzerrecords.bandcamp.com/)** label. In a rare (for us) one-host/one-guest podcast, Sam hung out in Kevin's apartment to talk about the randomly-generated "banana" theme, touring, releasing vinyl, Cuban rap and more.

It's another timely episode! This week's guests, **[Gold Mountain](http://goldmountainsound.bandcamp.com/)** , are releasing their debut EP this Friday at the Handsome Daughter (presented by our [Garbage Hill](http://www.garbagehillnetwork.com/) pals **[Team Steve](http://www.witchpolice.com/2014/09/witchpolice-radio-episode-92.html)** ). We had three-quarters of the band in the Blanket Fort to talk about the randomly-generated "buzz" theme, which is fitting, considering the attention this band is (deservedly) getting lately for their keyboard-heavy, punk and folk-informed rock sound.

Just ahead of their EP release show (seriously, if you're listening to this right when it comes out, the show is _tomorrow_ ), we hung out with understated pop trio **[Autumn Still](https://autumnstill.bandcamp.com/) ** and talked about songs that relate to the randomly-generated "mountain" theme. They brought some instruments, too, for a live performance in the Blanket Fort! The video of their live song will be shot directly into your eyeholes later, but while you're waiting, get thee to the Good Will on Dec. 4 to catch Autumn Still alongside past Witchpolice Radio guests **[Beefdonut](http://www.witchpolice.com/2014/07/witchpolice-radio-episode-83-twilight.html) ** and **[Greek Riots](http://www.witchpolice.com/2014/11/witchpolice-radio-episode-99-expensive.html)**.

Things get mega-weird on this guest appearance by our pal **Matt Foster** , 1/3 of Winnipeg roots wizards **[The Crooked Brothers](http://www.crookedbrothers.com/)**. Matt joins us to select songs about the randomly-generated "panic" theme, talk about the Bros.' busy touring schedule, their [new record](http://crookedbrothers.bandcamp.com/album/thank-you-im-sorry) and more! He also performs a semi-improvised song live.

Co-host Rob Crooks is back, joined by frequent guest Elliott Walsh for a special episode with the members of Winnipeg rap icons Shadez. With choice cuts from the group's catalogue (dating back to the early '90s) throughout, they discuss the early days of the Winnipeg hip-hop scene, their experience trying to grow their audience across Canada, and the culture shifts they've encountered along the way.

For our 100th episode (bet you never thought we'd make it this far, did you?), we invite Propagandhi frontman, Escape Velocity Radio co-host and hockey-loving activist Chris Hannah to the blanket fort. Chris talks about the history of his band, staying true to his values and being a banger, as well as the randomly-generated "murder" theme

For this week's episode, Sam wandered into the wilds of Westwood to record Winnipeg indie rockers **[Greek Riots](http://www.facebook.com/greekriotsmb)** on location from their jamspace. The fellers discussed the band's new EP, _[Cavalier](http://greekriots.bandcamp.com/),_ being released Nov. 8 at the Cavern, and songs that relate to the randomly-generated "pool" theme.

For our second annual live on UMFM episode, we were joined in the **[UMFM](http://www.umfm.com/)** studio on Oct. 20 by station manager **Jared McKetiak** and board game designer ( _[Vulture Culture](https://www.facebook.com/vulturegame)_ ) **[Grant Partridge](http://bluetshirt.ca/xxl/)**. This episode’s randomly-generated theme word was “gargantuan”. Congratulations to UMFM for another successful Pledge-O-Rama event!

We’re in the middle of [**UMFM**](http://www.umfm.com/)’s annual Pledge-O-Rama week, so we talked to the station’s program director (and [host ](http://www.umfm.com/programming/programgrid/371/)of[multiple](https://www.umfm.com/programming/programgrid/117/) shows), **Michael Elves** , about the importance of community radio, writing about music, defining ‘dad-rock’, and the randomly-generated “khaki” theme. If you'd like to support local campus/community radio and [make a pledge to UMFM](http://www.umfm.com/events/pledge/), check out their website to learn more and find out about the fantastic incentives they're offering this year. Don't forget to namedrop our show! Thanks to everyone who has pledged so far!

Just in time for the Oct. 18 release of their _Say Goodnight to the Machines_ CD, we have all four members of local indie rockers **[Futurekids](http://futurekidsband.bandcamp.com/)** on the show. They perform live and help us select “Kelvin” songs. (Soon come: video and MP3 of the live stuff!)

This week’s episode was recorded on-location in a ridiculously smoke-filled downtown apartment with the sometimes unemployed, sometimes homeless members of **[Terrorist](http://terroristmusic.bandcamp.com/)**. If you haven’t heard Terrorist, they’re a glorious “avant-garde powerviolence” (or grindcore or crust or “scourviolence” or whatever the latest show poster describes them as) trio with a[new digital EP](https://givepraiserecords.bandcamp.com/album/get-your-hand-out-of-there) and a [7” on the way](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GceIUaUcyGU&feature=youtu.be).

Coming off a 2014 Juno nomination for their critically-acclaimed _Today We’re Believers_ record and a jam-packed, festival-heavy summer of touring, Winnipeg’s **[Royal Canoe](http://www.royalcanoe.com/believers/)** are headed back out on the road before hunkering down and working on a follow-up. The group’s rhythm section — our pals **Brendan Berg **and **Derek Allard** — stopped by the basement to reminisce about old times, share road stories, and get passionate about their hometown.

We go full-on spaghetti western this week with our good friend **Country Steve** , who is about to release his first full-length album (for new local roots label **[Golden Oak Record Company](http://goldenoakrecordcompany.com/)** ) after over a decade (on and off) in the Winnipeg music scene. Steve performed live and helped us select songs based on the randomly-generated “Noose” theme. Formerly operating under the name **[Mas Steve](http://witchpolice.blogspot.com/2012/04/mas-steve-nowhere-manitoba-2012.html)** , he was a [guest in the podcast's early days](http://www.witchpolice.com/2013/03/witchpolice-radio-episode-15-grass-dem.html) and made frequent appearances ([mostly](http://witchpolice.blogspot.ca/2012/04/mas-steve-live-at-pop-sodas-2012.html) [live](http://www.witchpolice.com/2013/02/mas-steve-live-at-orange-house-2013.html) [recordings](http://witchpolice.blogspot.com/2012/08/mas-steve-live-in-witchpolice-garage.html)) on Witchpolice in its earlier incarnation.

Podcast-o-rama! We welcome Steve and...Steve from Team Steve to the basement for the "obsession" episode. These guys host a local punk show on punkrockradio.net, a streaming online radio station based in Australia (where one of the Steves is from). Both Steves play in the band Bearfight and one of them -- the Canadian one -- is currently in a number of other bands, including Clipwing.

New York ska/reggae/soul legends [**Th** **e Slackers**](http://theslackers.com/) are coming to Winnipeg for the first time in over a decade, so we had a conversation with sax player **[Dave Hillyard](https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Hillyard-Saxophonist-Official-Page/138945632787315)**! Dave talked about life on the road, reissuing classic Slackers material on vinyl ("vinyl" being the randomly-generated theme this week), his influences as a musician and more. If you're in Winnipeg, you can check out the Slackers' triumphant return to the 'Peg on [Sept. 19 at the West End Cultural Centre.](http://www.wecc.ca/site09/performers/The_Slackers.html)

Things get spooooky this week with the mighty **[Mobina Galore](http://mobinagalore.com/) ** and the randomly-generated "ghost" theme! Jenna (guitar/vocals) and Marcia (drums/vocals) have been busy -- they're preparing a new album to be released this December, have been touring relentlessly, and recently released the awesome ["Bad Love Song" video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flYzE7U66fk)... but they also made time to hang out in the Witchpolice basement! If you're in Winnipeg, you can also check out your new favourite local duo live at the [ **Team Steve **Summer Slammer](https://www.facebook.com/events/1512967315606780/) on Sept. 5, alongside past Witchpolice Radio guests **[Union Stockyards](http://www.witchpolice.com/2014/06/witchpolice-radio-episode-79-where-ego.html)** and some other great local punk acts.

We’re tackling the “wrath” theme this week with guests Aaron Young (a/k/a DJ The Invisible Man) of JFK and the Conspirators alongside blogger (Slurpees and Murder) and radio personality (Winnipeg Internet Pundits) James Hope Howard (who, apparently, is also the maniac behind Winnipeg Cat!)We talk mini golf, murder and more!

Things are a little fishy on this week's episode of Witchpolice Radio. Jon is solo-hosting once again, and he discusses sea creatures with Marshall Birch and Steve Basham of Winnipeg goof-rockers the Unbelievable Bargains. There's also a mysterious guest co-host known as "Arctic Char" joining in the fun. The fellas from the Bargains performed live, and while Steve's song is the one that ended up on the show, you can still catch Marshall's performance in video form below.

This week’s episode features a live performance by Winnipeg two-piece VAMPIRES, who are preparing to play their first show in a year. They’re joined by returning guest Darryl Reilly of the Guerrillas of Soul to talk about the “advertising” theme. Check out previous recordings by both bands on Witchpolice: a single by GoS and a Tales From CKUW session by Vampires.

Witchpolice Radio went outernational this week! While we've talked to out-of-town guests on the show before, this episode marks the first time we've had a guest from overseas. Joining us on the line from Bristol, UK, to talk about this week's "alarm" theme -- and his righteous new album The Great Escape: Season Two -- was Buggsy #1. Buggsy talked at great length about England's rap scene, the influence of reggae and dancehall on the culture, and growing up in a Rasta community. It's an interesting chat, and while he couldn't perform live like some of our in-studio guests have in the past (because of the whole in England thing), he did deliver some a cappella lyrics during the discussion. Do yourself a favour and check out his music now.

Welcome to 2014! To start things off the right way, we’re joined this week by folk-punk touring machine Greg Rekus (ex-High Five Drive) as he prepares for the release of his second solo record, Punkoustic, which comes out tonight at a CD release show! Greg talked the “money” theme with all three hosts and performed live at the end of the episode. We've been familiar with Greg's music since way back in the Lacking Intelligence days of the late 90s, and he's always been an important part of the local music scene, so it was a pleasure to have him on the show. Check it out, and check out Punkoustic, which is being released by our pals at the DEAFWISH label.

The gang’s all here for our last new episode of 2013: all three hosts are together in a room for the first time in months. We’re joined by Winnipeg Free Press music critic and feminist blogger (Screaming in all Caps) Jen Zoratti, along with call-in guest Pat Book of Regina’s Sound Salvation Army music blog. The randomly-generated theme this week is “comedy,” and while the subject matter tends to be a little on the serious side, the song selections are a little more lighthearted. Watch for some bonus material over the holidays, and we’ll be back with some awesome new episodes in early January! Happy holidays!

This week’s guests are Winnipeg graphic novelist and comic book creator GMB Chomichuk and electronic bleep n’ blooper Mike Zastre, a/k/a/ The Iron Buddha. The episode’s theme is “sailor,” but the fellas go deep on comic books, field recordings and the DIY punk rock aesthetic. The Iron Buddha performs live and gives a mid-show demonstration of how he uses a cell phone to construct beats.

Rob’s back this week! Co-host Rob Crooks makes his triumphant return after three months away from the show. This episode, he solo-hosts with guests from a couple of buzzy Winnipeg indie bands. Cole Woods of Cannon Bros and Marie-France Hollier of Haunter (both are also in a ton of other projects) join him to talk about the awesome “deformity” theme.