Episodes

223
July 30, 2024

E223 Concert Catch-up: Micah Bournes, Fury in Few, Metric, & The New Pornographers

This week, we're scratching The Itch for unique concert experiences! Aaron saw four shows in four very different environments, and now the guys have to break down the details on poetry readings, surprising mosh pit members, when smoke machines go wrong, and what you get when you choose the free show. Check out The Itch's experiences seeing Micah Bournes, Metric, The New Pornographers, and Fury in Few. With guest appearances by Mykah Estelle, Jerry Rodriguez and Heet Deth! If you like what you h...
222
July 23, 2024

E222 A Conversation with Eicca Toppinen of Apocalyptica

This week, we're scratching The Itch for the end times! Eicca Toppinen of Apocalyptica joins us to discuss the cello metallers' new album Plays Metallica Vol. 2. Join us to hear about why they followed up on the album that put them on the map nearly 30 years ago, why their tour features the best Metallica set list ever, and (of course) the hard-hitting question of why they included the polarizing "St. Anger." Eicca is a many of many talents and an infectious spirit, and you know The Itch perks u...
221
July 16, 2024

E221 A Conversation with Jason Hook of Flat Black

This week, we're scratching The Itch to get hooked! Deal with that pun as Jason Hook of Flat Black joins us to discuss the process of starting a band from scratch after reaching some of rock's highest highs in his previous band. Flat Black's debut album "Dark Side of the Brain" is out July 19th, and Jason has been itching (see, it comes full circle) to talk about it. We cover the origins of the band's name, selecting the lineup, the advantages and disadvantages of his name value, and preparing F...
Guest: Jason Hook
220
July 9, 2024

E220 The Upheaval Draft

This week, we're scratching The Itch for Michigan! Grand Rapids' Upheaval Festival is coming up, and in a callback to last years coverage, we're breaking down this year's lineup. But this time, it's an Itch fantasy draft, as we each build our own stage from the Upheaval lineup! Shout out to past guests Chris Meyer of MiEntertainment and Rebecca Potzner of BandedPR, as well as the rest of the Upheaval team for going strong for another year! As mentioned in this episode, here's the GoFundMe for H...
219
July 2, 2024

E219 A(nother) Conversation with Scott Stevens of The Exies

This week, we're scratching The Itch for Closure! After 17 years, The Exies are back with a new EP, and band leader and Itch friend Scott Stevens joins us for the second time to discuss all the details. Scott reflects on the experience of creating these new songs (and playing the band's reunion show at The Viper Room in LA) with his unique combination of adventurous curiosity, thoughtful introspection, and business savvy. Plus, The Itch determines which Beatles we are, and the show is interrupte...
Guest: Scott Stevens
218
June 25, 2024

E218 A Conversation with Hang Your Hate

This week, we're scratching The Itch for serendipity! After a random introduction on an Instagram post, Columbia, Missouri's Hang Your Hate won us over (as discussed in episode 209) and eventually became must-have guests. So this week all five of our MoBros joined us for a breeze of a talk covering the origins of their (bandvantage) name, our mutual love for System of a Down, how they make their own opportunities, and so much more. You're gonna like these guys. Enjoy. If you like what you hear,...
217
June 18, 2024

E217 A Conversation with Tree One Four

This week, we're scratching The Itch for some hometown heroes! March Bandness winners and St Louis' own Tree One Four joins us to discuss the creative process, performing with The Urge, and last year's Monolithic Hieroglyphic, which landed them a spot on The Itch's Top 20 Albums list. Plus, the singles vs albums debate continues, Aaron misses half the show, and for the first time ever, our guest band has an alter ego! Enjoy! If you like what you hear, you can hear more of us every Sunday night ...
Guest: Tree One Four
216
June 11, 2024

E216 A Conversation with Micah Bournes

This week, we're scratching The Itch to fight evil with poetry. Aaron does his first ever solo interview with one of his favorite artists, poet and musician Micah Bournes. Micah is raising funds for a double album exploring the ins and outs of romance. Along with that, Micah discusses the nature of war, living as a nomad, using his words to create music, and, well, the audacity of caucacity. It's a wild ride that might change how you view art and the experience of being Black in America. Enjoy. ...
Guest: Micah Bournes
215
June 6, 2024

E215 A(nother) Conversation with Lee Downer and Luke Johnson of Lowlives

This week, we're scratching The Itch for an instant sequel! We enjoyed our time with Lee and Luke of Lowlives so much that we asked for more of it! Their debut album, Freaking Out, is out now, and we're digging it and digging into it. Join us to hear the story behind their single "Liar," the difference between a good label and a bad one, how Luke almost left music behind, Billy Corgan's reaction to their music, and the dream tour that might lead them to break up on stage! Plus, Luke and Lee give...
214
June 4, 2024

E214 A Conversation with Lee Downer and Luke Johnson of Lowlives

This week, we're scratching The Itch to get low with Lowlives! Lee Downer and Luke Johnson join us to discuss their journeys through the music industry and the myriad 90s rock influences behind their new earworm-filled debut LP, Freaking Out. Join us for entertaining insight, full music geekery, and the story behind the unsettling Helvis. But wait, there's more! ... With Lowlives. Coming soon. If you like what you hear, you can hear more of us every Sunday night broadcasting rock to the masses...
213
May 28, 2024

E213 Concert Catch-Up: Pointfest, Fury in Few, Calva Louise & VUKOVI, and Eve 6

This week, we're scratching The Itch for another set of shows! It was a week of favorites as Fury in Few, Calva Louise, and Oxymorrons all came through St Louis. Join us for an international adventure as Calva visits St Louis for the first time with their Scottish tourmates VUKOVI at Blueberry Hill's Duck Room. Then, Fury in Few brings The Itch to their home turf in our home town with a show at The Sinkhole, which included a special surprise that we've added to this episode! And to finish the we...
May 21, 2024

Replay: A Conversation with Tonya LeeAnne and Cody Denton of Lydia's Castle

This past week, the world lost Jon Wysocki. You may know him as the original drummer for Staind, or from his time in SOiL. The Itch knew him as the drummer for Lydia's Castle, one of the first bands to approach us directly about appearing on the show. About two years ago, we spoke with his bandmates Tonya and Cody. It was an insightful, vulnerable, and humorous conversation, and they had nothing but praise for Jon. This week, in support of them as they navigate the grief of their loss, we'r...
212
May 14, 2024

E212 Concert Catch-Up: Des Rocs, Dead Poet Society, Finch, Winona Fighter, Trophy Eyes, Rarity, and more!

This week, we're scratching The Itch to catch up on concerts! It's show season, and we've been out and about experiencing live music from Itch guests, favorites, and new discoveries. KC had a special experience seeing Des Rocs with Jigsaw Youth. KC and Dan caught up with Dead Poet Society and were formally introduced to the nu metal insanity that is Silly Goose. And Aaron saw his new ride-for band Rarity with Trophy Eyes and House & Home, and made a last-minute decision to see Finch and our ...
211
May 7, 2024

E211 A(nother) Conversation with Taylor Carroll and Arejay Hale of KemikalFire

This week, we're scratching The Itch to catch fire! Taylor Carroll and Arejay Hale of KemikalFire are back for another great, coffee-and-fragrance-fueled time. We discuss transitioning from being exclusively behind the kit in their other bands (Lit and Halestorm, respectively) to acting as co-frontmen, getting more nervous playing in front of 200 people than 20,000, and words of wisdom from Hoobastank. Plus, family cameos, pranks gone wrong, and a brilliant plan involving... What About Bob? We c...
210
April 30, 2024

E210 The Itch Interview Wishlist

This week, we're scratching The Itch to dream big! We're sharing our personal interview wishlists with the world, because once it's out there, there's an expectation? Maybe? Plus, we put the call out for who YOU want to hear us talk with, and we've got some excellent responses to share! Join us for laughs and a glimpse into the possible future of The Itch. Enjoy. If you like what you hear, you can hear more of us every Sunday night broadcasting rock to the masses from 6-9pm CST on KCLC-FM. If y...
209
April 23, 2024

E209 The Itch On Tour: Set It Off, Crown the Empire, & Caskets + SAUL, Kingdom Collapse, & Hang Your Hate

This week, we're scratching The Itch to see shows by friends old and new! We got to see Itch guests Caskets on their tour with Set It Off and Crown the Empire, as well as repeat Itch guests SAUL headlining with Kingdom Collapse and Hang Your Hate. Join us for a discussion about the pros and cons of drinking too much before (and after) a show and the benefits of having credibility with past guests. Plus, Dan catches a beatdown from a band, and an all-time great episode outro botch! Enjoy. If you...
208
April 16, 2024

E208 A Conversation with Jake Crawford and Luke Caley of Unpeople

This week, we're scratching The Itch for riffs! And boy do our guests have them in spades! Jake Crawford and Luke Caley of Unpeople (and formerly of Press to MECO) join us for a delightful chat that covers the disbandment of their old band, the formation of their new one, the ingredients that make them so dynamic, and a whole bunch of pure music nerdery... which is the best kind of nerdery. The Unpeople EP comes out Friday, April 19. We've been riding for it for weeks, and we're so excited for t...
207
April 9, 2024

E207 New Rock Roundup: Dead Poet Society, Blind Channel, & Kid Kapichi

This week, we're scratching The Itch for albums! We're filling you in on three of our favorite records from the first quarter of 2024: Dead Poet Society's "FISSION," Blind Channel's "Exit Emotions," and Kid Kapichi's "There Goes the Neighborhood." Enjoy, as Dead Poet Society completes the trifecta of having an album review episode, a live review episode, and an interview episode! (For those keeping score, Blind Channel now has two album review episodes and an interview episode, while Kid Kapich...
206
April 2, 2024

E206 A Conversation with Casandra Carson of Paralandra

This week, we're scratching The Itch to hang with a MO bro! Or sis, to be accurate. Casandra Carson, frontwoman of Springfield, Missouri's Paralandra, joins us for an energized chat about her band's new album The Body Electric. Along the way we'll discuss the story behind "Love of My Life", Casandra's gift to her boyfriend, the fun they had making the music video for "Dirty Love", the time they were almost late to a show in The Itch's backyard, and what it's like to be in a band with your own da...
205
March 26, 2024

E205 A(nother) Conversation with Keith Wallen of Breaking Benjamin

This week, we're scratching The Itch to run it back! Keith Wallen becomes a repeat guest, joining us to talk about his upcoming album Infinity Now and our collective Shiprocked experience. We'll discuss gratitude, loss, how Keith challenges himself as solo artist outside of Breaking Benjamin, and a surprising journey that inspired one of his new tracks. Enjoy! If you like what you hear, you can hear more of us every Sunday night broadcasting rock to the masses from 6-9pm CST on KCLC-FM. If you'...
Guest: Keith Wallen
204
March 19, 2024

E204 Booking Shiprocked + The Itch On Tour: Beartooth, The Plot In You, Invent Animate, & Sleep Theory

This week, we're scratching The Itch to lie to you (but just a little)! We've got a smidge more Shiprocked-related business to take care of in the form of booking the 2025 lineup. (Alan, if you're listening...) Plus, Dan saw a show featuring two acts from Shiprocked 2024 in Beartooth and episode 180 guests Sleep Theory, as well as two bands he was less familiar with in The Plot In You and Invent Animate. What was the verdict? And what cardinal rule of Itch Etiquette was broken at the show? Liste...
203
March 12, 2024

E203 March Bandness Announcement + The Itch On Tour: Mammoth WVH and Nita Strauss

This week, we're scratching The Itch for a tradition! March Bandness returns, and we've got an 8-artist field vying for the prize of their very own dedicated Itch episode! Visit the polls below to vote on the first round, and check back later, as the link will stay updated with each current round. Plus, one artist gets a bonus preview, as KC and Dan saw and show recently! Enjoy. March Bandness 2024 is over, but listen and follow us on the socials to find out who won! If you like what you hear,...
202
March 5, 2024

E202 20 Years, 202 Episodes, and More Shiprocked

This week, we're scratching The Itch for ... more culmination? Not content to summarize Shiprocked in one episode, we're back with part two of our recap. And we sandwiched an interview in between! Shiprocked 2024 was something we'll never forget, and after this episode, you might not either. Thank you for whatever part of this journey you've been a part of. Let's keep sailing the seas (of cheese?) together. If you like what you hear, you can hear more of us every Sunday night broadcasting rock ...
201
Feb. 27, 2024

E201 Shiprocked: The Artist Experience with Eva Marie of Eva Under Fire

This week, we're scratching The Itch for an intermission! When we last left our heroes, The Itch was at halfway through recapping our Shiprocked adventure. Eva Under Fire had an adventure of their own at this point in the story, so this week vocalist and part-time Itch co-host Eva Marie joins us to discuss Shiprocked from the artists' perspective. We'll hear tales of soundchecks gone awry, wholesome singalongs, and staying ready so you don't have to get ready. Plus, Eva discusses her new collabo...
Guest: Amanda Lyberg