H.O.G. POD: Chicagoland Hyper Local Music Scene

HogPod Chicagoland's Hyper Local Music Chat
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Welcome to HOG POD: Chicago's Music Scene Unplugged! Hosted by Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons, we dive into Chicago’s vibrant music scene. From classic rock to indie vibes, we bring you exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and live performances. Discover local legends and emerging artists while exploring the city’s diverse music culture. Tune in for special episodes featuring tribute bands and live events!

  1. Mark Molloy 🥁 Vegas Showrooms, 15 Drum Kits & Tesla Tribute | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Podcast

    1D AGO

    Mark Molloy 🥁 Vegas Showrooms, 15 Drum Kits & Tesla Tribute | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Podcast

    🎙️ This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast — Mark Molloy is in the house! 🎉You might know him as the theatrical, stick-twirling drummer for My Metal Heart. Or maybe you've spotted him behind the kit for Members Only, the 80s band. But buckle up — Mark just stepped OUT from behind the drum set to front FiveMan, a brand new Tesla tribute band. 🎤🤘At 21, Mark went to Vegas on vacation, accidentally landed a casino showroom gig at an open mic jam... and didn't come home for 19 years. 🎰 Showrooms, studios, tribute bands across Vegas, LA, and Atlantic City. He played Kareem Abdul DeBarge IV and Reverend Jive in full costume funk bands. He wore an African dashiki as Michael Bland in a Prince tribute. He was fully on board with all of it.He came home for his kid — Nevada ranked 49th in public education three years running, and "these dummies are not teaching my child." Now he's back in Chicago with 15 drum kits (3 garage-built), a chrome Roto Tom set that causes "a spectacular light show or a seizure-inducing nightmare," and a brand new gig as a Tesla frontman.🎶 In this episode:🥁 19 years accidentally living in Vegas🎭 Costumes, showrooms & the Prince tribute dashiki🤘 How Rhodesy recruited Mark to front FiveMan after one Yacht Rock jam🍞 The full Rocky Horror Time Warp — maids, toast, the whole production🪘 15 kits, 3 garage-built, and a 35-pound steel snare drum🌆 Vegas vs Nashville vs Chicago music scenes🔗 Connect with Mark:📘 Facebook:   / drummerboymolloy  🎸 My Metal Heart: https://linktr.ee/mymetalheart🕺 Members Only: https://www.membersonly80sband.com/📘 FiveMan Tesla Tribute: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...🎧 Support on Patreon:   / hogpod  🎤 Book the show: Beth Miller | Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692⏱️ Key Moments:0:00 Opening Video – Time Warp   / 1ackbepijj  5:27 Generations Show March 6 @ Epiphany https://epiphanychi.com/events/the-ge...5:30 Rob Stepen Clip    • HOGPOD  Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast ...  8:19 Mark Molloy Joins the Show12:00 Mark Welcomed – Three Bands, One Insane Career13:00 FiveMan Tesla Tribute Debut @ Gordy Palooza22:07 Lisa Orduna Clip    • Lisa Orduna 🎤 Members Only 80s Band | Hogp...  22:10 Elise Clip    • Elise McLearen | My Metal Heart & Sabatha ...  22:25 Mark's Background – Mickey Dolenz, Grease at 14, Vegas at 2129:46 Chris Rhodes Joins the Show30:05 Mindy Shulman Clip https://www.youtube.com/live/EBlo_LTK...36:37 Digital vs Analog Drums – The Vegas Showroom Cycle39:39 Vegas vs Nashville vs Chicago Music Scenes55:15 Members Only Story – How He Joined the 80s Band1:02:09 Bongo Mike Questions – 15 Kits, Iron Maiden Backstage, Star Wars & Pop-Tarts📅 Upcoming Shows:🎸 Generations @ Epiphany Center — March 6 https://epiphanychi.com/events/the-ge...🎸 Generations w/ Sons of Cream @ Arcada — March 8 https://oshows.com/event/sons-of-crea...🥁 My Metal Heart @ Sideouts Island Lake — April 3🥁 My Metal Heart @ Broken Oar — May 17🕺 Members Only @ Shamrocks the Fox, McHenry — March 13🕺 Members Only @ Mickey Finn's, Libertyville — March 21#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #MarkMolloy #MyMetalHeart #MembersOnly #FiveMan #TeslaTribute #ChicagolandMusic #DrummerLife #CoverBand #LasVegasMusician #ChicagoLocalMusic

    1h 25m
  2. Joe Dilillo 🎤 Solid Sound Studio & Chicago Recording History | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Podcast

    FEB 17

    Joe Dilillo 🎤 Solid Sound Studio & Chicago Recording History | Hogpod Chicago Local Music Podcast

    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we welcome Joe Dilillo — Chicago-area producer, engineer, songwriter, and owner of Solid Sound Recording Studio in Hoffman Estates for 25 years. Joe recorded Smashing Pumpkins, Smoking Popes, and Plain White T's before they blew up.Join hosts Pete Jansons, Mike "Bongo" Orfanos, Chris "Rhodesy" Rhodes, and Mike Dermont as they dive into:🎸 25 years running Solid Sound Recording Studio and the bands that came through🎤 AI in music — useful songwriting tool or threat to the craft?🔥 The death of the old record label model and what it costs to make a record today🎶 Chicago's legendary sound engineers — Chris Steinmetz, Doug McBride, Bruce Swedien, Ryan Freeland🎵 Joe's new music including "When It Comes to Us" and upcoming International Pop Overthrow FestPlus: Wolfie's 21st birthday recap, Chris Rhodes' new 5 Man Tribute Band project, and Valentine's Day wisdom from the fellas.Key Moments:0:00 Opening video Joe Dilillo - When It Comes To Us [OFFICIAL VIDEO]    • Joe Dilillo - When It Comes To Us [OFFICIA...  3:32 Opening banter how was wolfie's 21st birthday?5:41 Whipping Post Chris Rhodes New Project   / 1438232317670299  10:43 Wolfie plays bass too!11:49 Shout out to Chris "CBob" Bobrowski Show Clip    • Chris “CBob” Bobrowski of Rok Brigade Supe...  12:45 ARRA band shout out show clip    • Wolfgang Paul (ARRA, Tom Sawyer) | Chicago...   includes wolfgang paul story part 113:05 Tony Mok Show clip shout out    • HOGPOD Chicago Music Scene Podcast: Tony M...  13:35 Tavo Paul Shout Out video   / 1gsshd5x3w  15:12 Chris Rhodes New Project 5 man tribute band https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...25:07 Coterie FB Page   / 100063696872816  26:29 Joe Dilillo YouTube channel    / @joedilillomusic  26:32 Valentines Day thoughts27:19 Joe Dilillo joins the show helps us to pronounce name29:25 TD Clark Show    • TD Clark 🎸 Guitar Virtuoso Poison'd Crue, ...  31:17 Smoking Popes Mention https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking...35:20 Mike Dermont Joins the show and gives his own intro of Joe Dilillo39:38 Joe's thoughts on Sound Engineering42:20 Artificial Intelligence44:20 Jeff Anthony Show clip shout out https://travel.usnews.com/hotels/?src...45:10 Dan Peters Shout Out   / daniel.peters.1656  45:40 Analog v Digital46:29 Autotune54:00 Session Musicians57:08 Who besides Joe are the best sound engineers in the area?57:28 Stan Doty Pravda Records https://www.chicagotribune.com/1999/0...57:55 Chris Steinmetz sound engineer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_S...58:46 Doug McBride Gravity Studios https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity...58:53 Ken Sluiter https://soundbetter.com/profiles/5537...59:16 Bruce Swedien https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_S...1:00:10 Ryan Freeland https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Fr...1:00:43 Al Jourgensen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jour...1:03:13 $1500 these days to make a record?1:05:27 How do you make money off your recordings?1:09:11 Technology Music Disrupters Napster1:13:49 Pino Farina Band Show clip    • Pino Farina on Band Reunions, Original Mus...  1:16:00 Promotions and Niche Audiences1:23:10 Pop Music today1:26:50 Networking1:30:08 Joes contact info1:32:58 Ted Templeman Platinum Producer life in musicConnect with Joe Dilillo:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/joedilillomusic🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692Hashtags:#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #JoeDilillo #SolidSound #SmashingPumpkins #SmokingPopes #PlainWhiteTees #SoundEngineering #RecordingStudio #MikeOrfanos #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller

    1h 35m
  3. Bus Stop Blues w/ Kevin Purcell & Road Bill | Hogpod Chicago Music Podcast

    FEB 10

    Bus Stop Blues w/ Kevin Purcell & Road Bill | Hogpod Chicago Music Podcast

    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we dive deep into Chicago blues with Kevin Purcell and Road Bill from the award-winning band Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners and the Bus Stop Blues radio/podcast show on 98.3 FM The Life.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes welcome Kevin Purcell (harmonica virtuoso, vocalist, songwriter blending Chicago blues with Southern rock) and Road Bill (sound engineer, roadie, and co-host of Bus Stop Blues) for stories from the road, musical influences, band history, and more Hogpod chaos.Topics include:🎸 Kevin's background in Chicago blues and Southern rock swagger🎤 The Nightburners' evolution, Stevie Ray Vaughan influences, and high-energy shows📻 How Bus Stop Blues podcast/radio show got started, now expanding to 3 nights a week🔊 Road Bill's journey from roadie to sound engineer and lighting pro🎶 Blues legends, original music, tales from the road, and local scene shoutoutsPlus: Bears game rehash drama, postponed gigs due to football, Malort stories, and plenty of laughs.Key Moments:0:00 Pres Show Bongo Mike and Chris Rhodes and Pete Jansons pre show with Road Bill and Kevin Purcell from the Bus Stop Blues5:32 Caleb Wilson miracle throw rehash (original time was 0:58 - please edit going forward)14:30 Rob Stepen Show clip    • HOGPOD  Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast ...  15:05 Road Bill and Kevin Purcell from Bus Stop Blues Join the show16:52 Road Bill Story on Malort18:52 Malort: The Redemption of a Revered and Reviled Spirit Paperback – September 3, 2024 https://a.co/d/08dV2XmU20:00 HOGPOD Crew on Bus Stop Blues Episode #42 Nov 2025 Show link20:04 Bus Stop Blues one year anniversary22:42 Kevin Purcell Musical Background and his band the Nightburners26:16 Kevin Purcell and The Nightburners 1991 at EZ Street    • Kevin Purcell and The Nightburners  32:38 Where did the name Nightburners come from38:00 Stevie Ray Vaughn Influence39:00 Stevie Ray Vaughn Death Alpine Valley https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_o...46:52 How did Road Bill connect with Kevin Purcell54:32 Bus Stop Blues Podcast and its Process59:11 thebustopblues@gmail.com to book the band59:34 Where is 98.3 The Life Come from?1:05:00 What songs have been an influence to Road Bill and Derek Procell?1:06:05 Living your dash   / mindy.shulman  1:16:22 Looking back what have you learned🔗 Connect with Kevin Purcell & The Nightburners / Bus Stop Blues:https://nightburners.com/home  / nightburners  https://thebusstopblues.com/   / @road_bill  thebustopblues@gmail.com (to book the band)🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #BusStopBlues #KevinPurcell #Nightburners #ChicagoBlues #RoadBill #BluesPodcast #98.3TheLife #StevieRayVaughan #SouthernRock #MusicPodcast

    1h 33m
  4. Leaving Scarlet: High-Energy Covers & No-Dramas Rock | Hogpod Chicago Music

    FEB 3

    Leaving Scarlet: High-Energy Covers & No-Dramas Rock | Hogpod Chicago Music

    🔥 This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re cranking it up with Leaving Scarlet — the Chicagoland cover band that’s pure high-energy rock + dance party magic! Two badass women, THREE lead voices, zero egos, and non-stop crowd interaction. 🎤🎸🥁Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes sit down with the full squad to talk 16 years of drama-free rocking, getting everyone on the dance floor, and flipping the script on the old Chicago scene.Meet the crew:🎸 Jackie Settipani – Bass & lead/backing vocals – slays basslines while belting leads, channeling Nancy Wilson, Pat Benatar & Pink energy🎸 Cindi Inden – Guitar, vocals, percussion, drums, mandolin – multi-threat beast with drum corps roots and Heart-level power vocals🎸 Rick Olsen – Lead guitar, keys, vocals – the “Riff-man” with 34+ years shredding, Marine Corps vet, Beatles-to-Zep influences🥁 Randy Kobat – Drums & percussion – 2-year anniversary fire, drum & bugle corps precision, and epic drum-duet chemistry with CindiThey spill the tea on:🚀 The badass origin of “Leaving Scarlet” (ditching the Scarlet Letter-era BS for women in music)📣 How they pitch to club owners + why their massive setlist (male/female leads) keeps crowds moving🥁 Insane “Sympathy for the Devil” drum battles + guest sit-ins (Nick Sanzeri, Lou Farckasi, Gunnar Collins & more)🎤 Turning audiences into rock stars with tambourines, percussion jams & birthday shout-outs🇯🇵 Marine stories, Japan metal scene memories, suburb cover-band survival, and why danceable rock still rules🎉 Wolfie Jam prep (Tesla + Little Susie!), spam-text trolling, deadly tinsel cuts & pure Hogpod chaosKey Moments0:00 Leaving Scarlet - Shut Up and Dance (Walk On)    • LeavingScarlet Shut Up and Dance!  3:38 Chris Rhodes new gig at Gordiepaloosa https://www.facebook.com/events/13266... (Feb 15, 2pm Broken Oar)3:55 Chris Rhodes practicing Saturday in the Park for Gordipaloosa6:42 Bonnie Miske show clip    • HOG POD - Behind the Scenes at Broken Oar ...  9:18 Nick Sanzeri show clip    • Nick Sanzeri 🎤 Singing Basslines, Bass Cam...  10:22 Nick Sanzeri Bruno Mars cover15:06 Randy Kobat joins15:21 Hogpod Swag plug https://hogpod.org/shop-merch/17:15 How Randy pitches the band to a club owner18:13 Leaving Scarlet Setlist https://leavingscarlet.com/setlist21:45 Rock You Like a Hurricane    • LeavingScarlet RockYouLikeAHurricane  26:28 Play That Funky Music    • LeavingScarlet Rochaus Funky Music  28:43 Sympathy for the Devil drum off    • Leaving Scarlet  Drum Duet Sympathy 4 Devil  34:10 Where the band name "Leaving Scarlet" comes from41:09 Upcoming shows https://leavingscarlet.com/upcoming-s...51:45 Has AI come into play?1:00:18 Thunder and Lightning Documentary and Song Sung Blue movie https://www.reelasdirt.com/song-sung-...    • Song Sung Blue - The Original Documentary ...  1:07:10 Electronic Media Kits🔗 Connect with Leaving Scarlet:🌐 https://leavingscarlet.com/home📺    / @leavingscarletband  📘   / leavingscarlet  📅 Upcoming shows: https://leavingscarlet.com/upcoming-s...🎧 Love the pod? Support Hogpod on Patreon — keep Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Booking your band, club gig, or want to guest? Hit up Beth Miller:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #LeavingScarlet #JackieSettipani #CindiInden #RickOlsen #RandyKobat #CoverBand #RockDance #ThreeLeadVoices #ChicagoCoverBand #HighEnergy #NoEgos #DrumBattle #MusicPodcast #WolfieJam #Rhodesy

    1h 19m
  5. Pete Durbin & Sons 🎸 Family Legacy, Dual Decimator & Tributes | Hogpod Chicago Music Podcast

    JAN 27

    Pete Durbin & Sons 🎸 Family Legacy, Dual Decimator & Tributes | Hogpod Chicago Music Podcast

    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Pete Durbin — drummer for Jagged Little Pill (Alanis Morissette tribute), frontman for No More Tears (Ozzy Osbourne tribute), and proud dad whose twin sons Eric and Ian are already killing it with their own band Dual Decimator.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes chat with Pete and his sons about growing up in a musical family, starting a teen cover/original band, tribute gigs around Chicago, favorite concerts, Christmas movies, and keeping rock alive for the next generation.Topics include:🎸 How music was always around the house and inspired the kids🥁 Lessons at A Sound Education and building skills young🎤 Forming Dual Decimator for talent shows → block parties → originals soon🤘 Covers like System of a Down, Deftones, Dio, and pushing for Avenged Sevenfold🎸 Tribute life: Jagged Little Pill, No More Tears Ozzy, Superunknown/Chris Cornell projects📅 Upcoming shows, Rush reunion excitement, and passing the torch to young musiciansPlus: Holiday chats, Pop-Tart Bowl shoutouts, first concerts, Chicago food faves, Radiohead love, and classic Hogpod banter with the whole crew.🔗 Connect with Pete Durbin & bands:Pete Durbin:   / pete.durbin  Durbin Family Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...No More Tears (Ozzy & Black Sabbath Tribute):   / 1039299756269616  Jagged Little Pill:   / jaggedlittlepillband  Jagged Little Pill Website: http://jlpband.com/Band Members (Pete Durbin / Chris Bobrowski / John Braun / Brent Johnson)Upcoming Event:   / 2972642279602121  Dual Decimator (Eric & Ian's band):    / @dualdecimatorband   Key Moments0:00 Intro chaos & holiday catch-up3:00 Roadsy joins, coat stories, Anchors Away6:00 Durbin family arrives, tech struggles9:00 Pete Durbin intro, bands (Jagged Little Pill, No More Tears, Superunknown/Ten)12:00 Eric & Ian intro, instruments, how they started16:00 Forming Dual Decimator, talent show to block parties20:00 Covers & setlist (System of a Down, Deftones, Dio interest)24:00 Voice changes, Brady Bunch style stories28:00 Influences overlap, concerts with dad (Metallica, AC/DC, Rush upcoming)32:00 Rush reunion thoughts, Linkin Park new era36:00 Deftones & modern rock appeal to youth40:00 Learning: A Sound Education shoutout, lessons + ear/YouTube44:00 Upcoming gigs: Jagged Little Pill at Fuel Room 2/13, No More Tears 1/24, Superunknown 1/2348:00 Dual Decimator future (originals, possible Hideaway Ozzfest-style show June '26)52:00 Bongo Mike's question segment: First concerts, Christmas movies, Chicago foods, Pop-Tarts58:00 Radiohead talk, young fans challenging OK Computer1:00:00 Wrap-up, thanks, happy new year🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help keep Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #PeteDurbin #DualDecimator #JaggedLittlePill #NoMoreTears #OzzyTribute #AlanisTribute #YoungMusicians #FamilyBand #ChicagoTribute #RockPodcast #DualDecimator #A SoundEducation #BongoMike #MikeDermont #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesy #MikeOrfanos

    1h 2m
  6. TD Clark 🎸 Guitar Virtuoso Poison'd Crue, Shredding & Mars Jams | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    JAN 20

    TD Clark 🎸 Guitar Virtuoso Poison'd Crue, Shredding & Mars Jams | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we’re joined by Brian "T.D." Clark — guitar virtuoso, shredder, songwriter, sideman, and creator of kids' music education tools, known for his fiery performances with Poison'd Crue (Poison tribute), his solo band, and collaborations across rock scenes.Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Mike Dermont, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes talk with TD about:🎸 His journey from piano at age 6 to self-taught guitar shredding in Chicago suburbs🎤 Influences like Black Sabbath/Zeppelin, early neighborhood jams, and no formal lessons📚 Marsh Jams kids' books series, Funporium guitar packs, and teaching young learners🔥 Work with Poison'd Crue tribute, Dee Snider shows, and high-energy stage presence🎶 Upcoming gigs, Chicago scene stories (including James Iha ties), and pro mindsetPlus: Holiday vibes, Scarface quotes, old fashioned drinks, demonetization records, and classic Hogpod chaos.🔗 Connect with TD Clark:https://www.tdclark.com/  / t-d-clark-music-100070993790846  https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Uq1n...https://www.poisondcrue.com/  / pcrockband  https://rockintoolboxes.com/🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692Key Moments:0:00 Poison'd Crue Promo Video covering the bands of Poison, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, plus many more!     TD Clark @ Metal Monkey Brewing 9-24-22 TD with Mike Dermont onstage 0:00 Poison'd Crue Promo Video covering the bands of Poison, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, plus many more! https://youtu.be/wHjgGsIFP80?si=HLYSO-YgtTAdFXyU3:13 Rob Stepen Show Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk8ADmOYxZs8:20 Wolfie 21st bday jam https://www.facebook.com/share/16t8FqsQUb/10:49 TD Clark Joins17:40 TD Introduction20:37 Where did TD Grow up?41:43 Poison'd Crue TD Cover Band https://www.facebook.com/pcrockband https://www.poisondcrue.com/1:12:17 TD Clark @ Metal Monkey Brewing 9-24-22 TD with Mike Dermont onstage https://youtu.be/Ci-rzlNjnOg?si=x4WP9Yx1Fmdtkl431:29:10 TD Children books #Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #TDClark #GuitarShredder #PoisonDCrue #MarshJams #KidsMusicBooks #BongoMike #PeteJansons #MikeDermont #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #GuitarVirtuoso #MusicEducation #ChicagoScene #RockTribute #ShredGuitar

    1h 39m
  7. Electric 5 🎤 Chicago's Electric String Rock Revolution | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    JAN 13

    Electric 5 🎤 Chicago's Electric String Rock Revolution | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    This week on the Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast, we're cranking it up with Electric 5 🔥 — Chicago's badass all-female electric string quintet that's straight-up redefining rock with live-only, no-backing-tracks shred on electrified violins & cellos! Led by violin beast Adia (Experience Hendrix winner + Steve Vai Best in Shred champ), they turn Metallica, pop hits, and more into pure string chaos. 🎻⚡Hosts Bongo Mike Orfanos, Chris "Rhodesey" Rhodes, and Pete Jansons dive in with Adia, Dusan, and Carlista Tran on:🎸 How a wedding gig sparked this genre-smashing live powerhouse🎻 Cellos as bass + rhythm = full band sound with ZERO tracks (mind blown!)🔥 Adia's wah-wah violin solos, Hendrix/Vai vibes, and DJ violin side hustle🤘 Pre-show madness with Rob Stepen hyping Bongo Mike's new Generation Band gig + their Arcada charity rock-out for food insecurity🍕 First concerts, wild Summerfest stories, fave Chicago eats, Christmas flicks, Pop-Tarts hot takes, and Bongo Mike's classic rapid-fire QsString legends shoutouts (Kansas! Jean-Luc Ponty!), no-drums groove talk, holiday energy, and total Hogpod chaos. Don't miss this electric ride! ⚡Key Moments:🎤0:00 Enter Sandman open Electric 5    • Electric 5 - Enter Sandman (Cover)  4:19 Bongo Mike show link    • Bongo Mike: Inside the Life of a Percussio...  7:00 Rob Stepen CBS Clip   / 839108612303008  12:40 Rob Stepen Show clip hogpod as guest    • HOGPOD  Chicago Local Music Scene Podcast ...  29:29 Femmes of rock47:29 Bongo Mike Question Segment🔗 Connect with Electric 5:🌐 https://electric-5.com/ℹ️ https://electric-5.com/about/📘   / electric5music🎧   Digging the Hogpod vibes? Support us on Patreon and keep Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpodband   club owner, or booker? Hit up Beth Miller to get on the show:Beth@hogpod.org | 708-287-3692#Hogpod #ChicagoMusic #Electric5 #AdiaViolin #StringRock #ClassicalCrossover #ChicagoStrings #BongoMike #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #BethMiller

    1h 4m
  8. Duran Decade 🎤 EDM vs Live Bands, Booking Secrets (Pt 2) | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    JAN 6

    Duran Decade 🎤 EDM vs Live Bands, Booking Secrets (Pt 2) | Hogpod Chicago Music Scene Podcast

    Part 2 of our epic sit-down with Duran Decade — Wisconsin’s ultimate Duran Duran tribute — picks up right in the AI music debate and goes full throttle!Hosts Mike “Bongo” Orfanos, Pete Jansons, and Chris “Rhodesy” Rhodes continue the conversation with Danny Miller (guitar/vocals), Mark Uselman (lead vocals/keys), and Brian Wirt (drums/vocals) covering:🔥 EDM vs real bands: Laptop DJs, crowd vibe, and why kids boop for an hour🎸 Future of live music: Summerfest changes, streaming gigs, and vinyl revival💰 Pro booking & marketing tips every band needs in 2026🤘 Show production secrets + quick-fire first concerts & favorite 80s foodKey Moments:0:00 Picking up the AI debate0:36 EDM concerts, laptops & crowd energy4:54 Future of live shows & younger generations6:59 Summerfest changes + disappearing headliners8:15 Vinyl comeback & kids rediscovering albums10:35 Album listening vs single tracks18:14 Production details, video sync & no stopping27:39 Venue talk: Vixen, Bend Theater & crowd flow34:45 Supertramp tribute crossover & stage props40:26 Quick questions: First concerts & favorite 80s food44:36 Wrap-up & thanksWatch Part 1 here:    • Duran Decade 🎤 Duran Duran Tribute & 80s N...  🔗 Connect with Duran Decade:  / decadebandmke  https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...   / @durandecade  Danny Miller:   / danny.miller.840953  Songsmith Records:   / songsmithrecords  Supertramp Tribute:   / thesupertramptribute  Upcoming Shows:Jan 30, 2026 – The Grand, Oshkosh WIApr 11, 2026 – Rally Point, Oconomowoc WIJun 12, 2026 – The Bend Theater, West Bend WIJul 18, 2026 – Brown County Playhouse, Nashville INMeet the Band: https://dmiller5889.wixsite.com/duran...🎧 Enjoying the show? Support Hogpod on Patreon and help us keep the Chicago music stories alive!  / hogpod  Are you a band, club owner, or booker and want to be on the show? Reach out to Beth Miller for booking:Beth@hogpod.org708-287-3692#hogpod #ChicagoMusic #DuranDecade #DuranDuranTribute #80sMusic #EDMvsLive #BandBooking #AIMusic #BongoMike #PeteJansons #ChrisRhodesyRhodes #MilwaukeeMusic #WisconsinBands

    45 min
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About

Welcome to HOG POD: Chicago's Music Scene Unplugged! Hosted by Mike Orfanos, Mike Dermont, and Pete Jansons, we dive into Chicago’s vibrant music scene. From classic rock to indie vibes, we bring you exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and live performances. Discover local legends and emerging artists while exploring the city’s diverse music culture. Tune in for special episodes featuring tribute bands and live events!

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