CORE

Andy McNamara
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Core is a weekly interview and music show on Code Zero Radio WCZR. The show airs live Saturday mornings from 9-10am CST. We focus on artists from the Fox Cities area of Wisconsin. You can listen to the show live by searching "Code Zero Radio" in the TuneIn app.

  1. 4d ago

    Wreck-It Ralph's Phil Johnston on Rally for the Valley | Fox Cities Core

    Neenah native Phil Johnston, the Academy Award-nominated writer of Wreck-It Ralph and Zootopia and co-director of Ralph Breaks the Internet, joins Andy McNamara in the Code Zero Radio studio in Appleton, Wisconsin to talk about Rally for the Valley, the free benefit event in Menasha supporting Fox Cities neighbors still recovering from the storm.Phil explains how a phone call from his mom in Neenah turned into a day of live music, comedy, and community with help from his friend and Garbage drummer Butch Vig, Soul Asylum, and comedian Charlie Berens. He also covers event-day details: shuttles and parking, food vouchers for people who were impacted, a silent auction with Brewers and Packers items, a story-catching portrait booth at Menasha City Hall, and a live stream of the whole event.Then the conversation widens to Phil's career: growing up in Neenah and playing in a band, using a Marcus Theatres pass long after it expired, leaving TV journalism for Columbia film school, making Cedar Rapids with Ed Helms, and convincing John C. Reilly to voice Ralph. He also talks about the Fox Cities touches hidden in his films, working with David Byrne on The Twits, and the Wisconsin dark comedy he wants to direct next.Fox Cities Core is hosted by Andy McNamara on WCZR Code Zero Radio, an independent streaming rock station based in Appleton, WI. The show is the Fox Cities' connection to the region's live music scene, with artist interviews, venue spotlights, and show previews.Subscribe for more Fox Cities and Wisconsin music, film, and community conversations, and follow Code Zero Radio to hear the show.#FoxCitiesCore #CodeZeroRadio #PhilJohnston #RallyForTheValley #WreckItRalph #Zootopia #Neenah #Menasha #Appleton #FoxCities #WisconsinMusic #ButchVig #SoulAsylum #CharlieBerens #Wisconsin

    Wreck-It Ralph's Phil Johnston on Rally for the Valley | Fox Cities Core

  2. Sep 27

    Briscoe Talks Heat of July, Texas Roots & Life on the Road | Fox Cities Core

    Andy McNamara spends a bit of time with Briscoe — Austin, Texas duo Philip Lupton and Truett Heintzelman — ahead of their show at Appleton Beer Factory, in the middle of a busy fall tour that's taken them through Milwaukee and Chicago on the way to Asheville, NC. The guys open up about how they first met as middle schoolers at summer camp (matching sandals and all), and the on-the-road disaster of showing up to a headline tour without a saxophone.They dig into the making of their ATO Records album Heat of July, produced by Grammy-nominated Brad Cook, including the story behind fan favorite "The Well" and the meaning behind the title track. Philip and Truett also talk about writing "Texas Flood" to honor the resilience of the Kerrville, TX community after the 2025 floods, the ongoing debate over releasing singles versus full-length albums in today's music industry, and what it was like to open for Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge in Washington State.Fox Cities Core is Andy McNamara's show on WCZR Code Zero Radio, an independent streaming rock station out of Appleton, Wisconsin — the Fox Cities' connection to the region's live music scene, with artist interviews, venue spotlights, and show previews.Catch Briscoe tonight at Appleton Beer Factory, and hear the full conversation on Fox Cities Core, Code Zero Radio, Appleton, Wisconsin, Americana, folk-rock, Texas music.Subscribe for more Fox Cities Core interviews, and follow Code Zero Radio for the latest from the Fox Valley music scene.#Briscoe #HeatOfJuly #FoxCitiesCore #CodeZeroRadio #Appleton #WisconsinMusic #FoxCities #AmericanaMusic #FolkRock #TexasMusic #AppletonBeerFactory #ATORecords #BradCook #LiveMusic

    Briscoe Talks Heat of July, Texas Roots & Life on the Road | Fox Cities Core

  3. Sep 25

    Rally for the Valley: Butch Vig, Phil Johnston, Adrienne Palm & Alex Drossart | Fox Cities Core

    A tornado hit the Fox Cities on July 27 — and this community is answering back with music, comedy, and giving. Andy McNamara talks with some of the team behind Rally for the Valley, a free benefit taking over downtown Menasha on Saturday, October 3rd from 2-10pm.In studio: Event Organizers Alex Drossart and Adrienne Palm. Calling in: Wisconsin legend and Garbage drummer/producer Butch Vig — and fellow Neenah native Phil Johnston, the Oscar-nominated writer behind Wreck-It Ralph and Zootopia, whose one text to an old friend snowballed this from a small event at a pizza parlor into a massive free block party.They talk through how the lineup came together (Soul Asylum, Freedy Johnston, Fountains of Wayne, Duke Erikson, LOLO, Hang Ten, Cory Chisel and more, with plenty of collaborative guest sets planned), why the event is free with ways to donate to three different organizations: LEAVEN, Greater Fox Cities Area Habitat for Humanity, and Pillars, and everything else on tap: storytelling booth for the History Museum, a live auction, Brewers mascots for the kids, and yes — a custom "Rally for the Valley" beer from Stone Arch.If you've got a story to share, want to volunteer, or just want to show up and support downtown Menasha, this episode is for you.Fox Cities Core airs on WCZR Code Zero Radio, an independent streaming rock station out of Appleton, Wisconsin, bringing you the artists, venues, and stories shaping the valley's music scene. Subscribe for more Fox Cities Core interviews, and tune in to Code Zero Radio for the show live.#RallyForTheValley #FoxCitiesCore #CodeZeroRadio #Appleton #WisconsinMusic #FoxCities #Menasha #ButchVig #PhilJohnston #SoulAsylum #TornadoRelief #FoxValleyStrong #LiveMusic #Wisconsin

    Rally for the Valley: Butch Vig, Phil Johnston, Adrienne Palm & Alex Drossart | Fox Cities Core

  4. Sep 12

    Irish Fest of the Fox Cities 2026: Inside Look with Executive Director Mark Hudson

    Irish Fest of the Fox Cities returns to Jones Park in Appleton, WI on September 18–19, 2026! On this episode of Fox Cities Core (Code Zero Radio), Mark Hudson — Executive Director of Irish Fest of the Fox Cities — joins Andy to break down everything happening at this year's festival.Mark talks ticket prices and the advance-sale deadline, the push to finally crack 5,000 attendees, this year's headlining lineup (Gaelic Storm, Skerryvore, The Drowsy Lads, The Bow Tides, The Conor Mallon Band, and Boxing Banjo), the Wee Ones kids' area, the Celtic Mass at St. Mary's, festival food, sponsors, and what it's really like running a two-day Irish festival 300+ days a year. Plus: a Guinness pour demo, favorite Irish beers and movies, and how to volunteer.🍀 Festival dates: September 18–19, 2026📍 Location: Jones Park, Appleton, Wisconsin🎟️ Tickets & info: IrishFestFoxCities.com🎙️ More Fox Cities Core: CodeZeroRadio.com#IrishFestFoxCities #AppletonWisconsin #FoxCitiesCore #IrishFestival #CelticMusic #GaelicStorm #Skerryvore #JonesPark #WisconsinEvents #IrishCulture

    Irish Fest of the Fox Cities 2026: Inside Look with Executive Director Mark Hudson

  5. Aug 2

    Descartes a Kant Interview: Theatrics, Steve Albini & Mile of Music

    Descartes a Kant (DAK) — the theatrical rock band from Guadalajara, Mexico — joins Fox Cities Core on Code Zero Radio during their Mile of Music run in Appleton, WI. Band members Sandra, Memo, and Leo dig into the philosophy-inspired origin of their name, the wild theatrical concept behind their live show (choreography, and "the machine"), and the story behind recording with legendary producer Steve Albini on their album "Victims of Love Propaganda."In this interview, the band talks about:- Where the name "Descartes a Kant" actually comes from- Starting the band in 2001 as a school project inspired by riot grrrl bands- How the band's theatrical, costume-driven concept evolved album by album- Writing their album "After Destruction" through a lineup change, isolation, and grief- Recording on analog tape with Steve Albini and remembering his legacy- Getting vouched for by Mike Patton to play with Mr. Bungle- Sharing stages with Sonic Youth, the Melvins, St. Vincent, and Slayer's Dave Lombardo- How they get their massive live sound without traditional amps- Their first impressions of Appleton, Wisconsin — tornado damage, sound baths, and Wisconsin gifts- What's next for the band, including upcoming UK, Mexico, and US tour datesDescartes a Kant played Mile of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin. Catch their music videos, including their Steve Albini recording sessions, on their YouTube channel.Fox Cities Core is Code Zero Radio's show covering the Fox Cities and Wisconsin live music scene through artist interviews, venue spotlights, and show previews.Subscribe for more Fox Cities Core interviews with touring and local artists.#DescartesaKant #DAK #FoxCitiesCore #CodeZeroRadio #MileOfMusic #AppletonWisconsin #SteveAlbini #MikePatton #MexicanRockBand #TheatricalRock #IndieRock #TouringMusicians #GuadalajaraMusic #LiveMusic #AfterDestruction

    Descartes a Kant Interview: Theatrics, Steve Albini & Mile of Music

  6. Aug 2

    Brett Newski Talks New Album, Fatherhood & DIY Music | Fox Cities Core

    Brett Newski returns to Fox Cities Core on Code Zero Radio for a wide-ranging conversation ahead of his Mile of Music sets in Appleton, WI. Known for a mix of folk grunge, garage rock, old country, and 90s alt-Americana, Brett dives into his new album "Have a Thing, Miss Your Moment (Wait for the Revival)," why he keeps music off Spotify and Amazon on principle, how fatherhood has reshaped his creative process, and the real economics of being a DIY touring musician in 2026.In this interview, Brett talks candidly about:- The story behind his new album title and cover art- Recording on vintage tape machines for a warmer, more human sound- Why he deliberately withholds music from streaming platforms- Building a 14,000-person email list from scratch, one show at a time- How record labels use bot farms and click farms to game algorithms- Fatherhood, burnout, and mental health on the road- Advice for young musicians navigating the modern music industry- Memories from past Mile of Music performances at Houdini Plaza- The end of his Dirt Road podcast and lessons on knowing when to quitFind his music, books, and vinyl at brettnewski.com.Fox Cities Core is Code Zero Radio's show covering the Fox Cities and Wisconsin live music scene through artist interviews, venue spotlights, and show previews.Subscribe for more Fox Cities Core interviews with touring and local artists.

    Brett Newski Talks New Album, Fatherhood & DIY Music | Fox Cities Core

  7. Aug 1

    R-NØT Interview: DC Punk Rock Trio Talks Mile of Music 13 & Genre-Bending Sound | Fox Cities Core

    Punk-inspired rock trio R-NØT made the trip from the D.C. area to Appleton, WI for their second year at Mile of Music, and they stopped by Fox Cities Core on WCZR Code Zero Radio to talk about it! The band has been turning heads with recent releases like "Sheep" and their newest single "K.I.S.S.," with more new music (including "Marmalade") already out and a lot more on the way. In this interview, R-NØT — Paul (guitar/vocals and primary songwriter), Chuck (bass/vocals), and Mikey (drums) — dig into the band's roots in the DC hardcore and punk scene, growing up on MTV in the 90s, and the reality behind DC's legendary 9:30 Club. They trace how each member found their instrument, how Mikey ended up joining the band in 2023 after years of separate paths through the Marine Corps, DJing, and DC's music scene, and how their genre-blurring sound — equal parts punk, grunge, and alt rock — keeps audiences guessing. The band also opens up about their debut album "Dumpster Fire," the massive backlog of unreleased songs behind it, their connection to legendary producer Steve Albini and DC's Inner Ear Studio, and their philosophy of scrapping the setlist and calling audibles live. Plus, find out the science-based story behind the name "R-NØT." This Fox Cities Core interview gives you the full story behind the band and a look at where they're headed next. Follow R-NØT: Find them on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for music videos, singles, and tour updates. More Fox Cities Core: Fox Cities Core is your source for interviews, venue spotlights, and show previews from the Fox Cities and Wisconsin regional live music scene, brought to you by WCZR Code Zero Radio.

    R-NØT Interview: DC Punk Rock Trio Talks Mile of Music 13 & Genre-Bending Sound | Fox Cities Core

  8. Aug 1

    Gold Steps Interview: Milwaukee Pop Punk Band Talks Mile of Music 13 & Touring | Fox Cities Core

    Milwaukee pop punk band Gold Steps stopped by Fox Cities Core on WCZR Code Zero Radio during their first-ever Mile of Music appearance in Appleton, WI! Alternative Press has called them out as one of the artists reclaiming pop punk, and the band has toured with acts like Charlotte Sands and Stand Atlantic, played Warped Tour and Summerfest, and even performed in the legendary pool at The Rave in Milwaukee opening for The Used. In this interview, Gold Steps — vocalist/frontwoman Betty, guitarist and co-founder Zach, bassist Ryan, and drummer John — talk about how the band started back in 2016 in Austin, Texas, and how they named themselves after a Neck Deep song. They dig into the wild, nearly four-year journey behind their debut EP, going independent after their label dissolved, and the meaning behind their song "Narcissist." The band also opens up about life on tour (breakdowns, no A/C, and catching COVID in an RV), Betty's connection to Taylor Swift as a songwriting inspiration, and their new crowdfunding partnership with the Inertia Project to build a "Digital Tour Bus" fan community ahead of their September tour. They even perform an acoustic version of their new song live in the studio! Whether you caught Gold Steps at Mile of Music, the Bent Keg, or Fox River House, this Fox Cities Core interview gives you the full story on this hardworking Milwaukee band and where they're headed next. Follow Gold Steps: Find them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @goldstepsmusic More Fox Cities Core: Fox Cities Core is your source for interviews, venue spotlights, and show previews from the Fox Cities and Wisconsin regional live music scene, brought to you by WCZR Code Zero Radio.

    Gold Steps Interview: Milwaukee Pop Punk Band Talks Mile of Music 13 & Touring | Fox Cities Core
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About

Core is a weekly interview and music show on Code Zero Radio WCZR. The show airs live Saturday mornings from 9-10am CST. We focus on artists from the Fox Cities area of Wisconsin. You can listen to the show live by searching "Code Zero Radio" in the TuneIn app.

Information

  • Creator
    Andy McNamara
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    236
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Andy McNamara
  • Show Website
    CORE