Great conversation with Ben Hilzinger, who is currently the drummer for Eve 6, host of the Big Fat Five Podcast and all-around nice guy. We chat about how he developed a love for music, what led him to becoming the drummer for Eve 6, how he st

Episode #54- Is Quantity More Important Than Quality on Facebook

Feb 1st, 2021 31m 24s

If you run the social media accounts for your band or if you care deeply about improving your brand and online presence, this is the most important podcast episode you could listen to. I did a 3-month long experiment on whether quality is more

Episode #53- Casey Klein - “There’s A Lot More Going On Than People Think”

Dec 17th, 2020 59m 59s

Casey Klein, one of the hardest working musicians in the State, joins the podcast. We discuss the quality of amazing musicians in our area, how we can make the community and scene better, the difference of being a solo artist vs a member of a

Episode #52- A Cover Charge Revolution and Social Media Hacks

Oct 27th, 2020 22m 9s

On this episode, I discuss two talking points that have been weighing on my brain. First, is now the time to start a cover charge revolution in Iowa? Second, I give a detailed social media application rundown and why you should be using all o

Episode #51- Not Quite Brothers- “I Feel Like The Music Never Dies”

Oct 14th, 2020 46m 17s

On this episode, I sit down with Cooper and Sam from Not Quite Brothers. Before our shows at Oktoberfest Adventureland, we talk the formation of their band, pros/cons of being a younger band, influences, what's next for the band and much more.

Episode #50- New Roots Grow with Ed Bornstein and Andrew Cahak

Oct 2nd, 2020 56m 51s

Two good friends of mine join the podcast to talk about their fundraiser to help raise money for the Cedar Rapids area. It's called New Roots Grow and is the true definition of "music saves." Our great music community is using their talents t

Episode #49- TC VanHooreweghe- Managing the Biggest Band in Iowa

Aug 20th, 2020 45m 54s

On this episode, I get to have a great chat with TC VanHooreweghe, the manager for B2wins. They are an amazing band and one of the most popular acts in the State. He tells us about the amazing origin story of the band, as well as some talk ab

Episode #48 - "Short Term Gain, Long Term Loss"

Jul 22nd, 2020 46m 53s

Mike and AJ discuss the weird limbo world we live in. Is it ok to play shows? What should we be doing to ensure that the music business doesn't die? Why can't we all just get along? Someone give us the answers!

Episode #47- Nassor Cooper and Tim Frazier- "We Are Products Of Our Environment"

Jun 8th, 2020 1h 37m

Episode #47- Nassor Cooper and Tim Frazier- "We Are Products Of Our Environment" by Iowa Music Podcast

Episode #46- After Much Back-Patting, the State is Open... Kinda.

May 13th, 2020 28m 8s

Well, the governor lifted the restrictions on the remaining counties in Iowa, and many places are allowed to open. But who is allowed to open, what are the restrictions, will people go out and how does it affect musicians locally?!

Episode #45 - Mike, AJ and Cale Henderson- "2020 is a Dumpster Fire"

May 2nd, 2020 53m 45s

Local venue owner Cale Henderson joins the podcast. The boys talk about how serious this is becoming for the music industry, especially locally, as well as how it's going to work as we tip-toe out of quarantine and into summer.

Episode #44- Mike, AJ and Dick Prall Ponder The Future of Music

Apr 3rd, 2020 49m 55s

Episode #44- Mike, AJ and Dick Prall Ponder The Future of Music by Iowa Music Podcast

Episode #44- Some Thoughts To Get You Thru the Next Couple Months

Mar 16th, 2020 31m 58s

In the light of how serious the coronavirus pandemic is getting, Mike sat down in his kitchen and gave some thoughts about how it affects everyone in our music communities. He also talks about what you can do over the next couple months, so th

Episode #43- Jason Shadrick- "I Can't Believe This Is Real Life"

Feb 27th, 2020 1h 9m

Jason Shadrick of Premier Guitar and The Bamboozlers joins the podcast. We discuss how he got involved with Premier Guitar, crazy stories about interviewing Brian May of Queen, Rush, Roger Waters, Conan O'Brien, hanging out on set of Saturday

Episode #42- Ian Draves- "Being Negative Helps No One, Ever"

Feb 20th, 2020 1h 12m

Ian Draves of Soul Sherpa and Birdchild joins the podcast. We discuss his musical upbringing, the different things he has learned from being in an original band and a cover band, how to make a living as a professional musician and if we have a

Episode #41- Josh Misener- "It Was The Only Audition I Ever Bombed"

Jan 27th, 2020 1h 2m

Mike and AJ are joined by Josh Misener of All But Screaming, JMB, Strays and Janey Rocket. Josh is one of the most respected vocalists and multi-instrumentalists in the Cedar Rapids area.

Episode #40- Shawn Jaxx- "They Say Nothing Lasts Forever"

Jan 13th, 2020 1h 16m

Mike and AJ have officially made the change. This podcast is now known as the Iowa Music Podcast. With our listenership picking up throughout the state, not just the Cedar Rapids area, we felt that the change was necessary to continue to grow

Episode #39- It's Ok To Not Be Ok

Nov 22nd, 2019 1h 7m

In maybe the most important episode of this podcast that we have done, Mike and AJ talk about mental health and self care as it relates to not only musicians and bands, but humans in general. The boys share some personal stories and ways that

Episode #38 - "Why Do Something If It Doesn't Make You Happy"

Oct 29th, 2019 42m 28s

Mike, AJ and Dusty Baker reminisce about MySpace, Mike tells us his childhood nickname and explains why he is stepping away from the music scene group, Carson King and how cancel culture affects your band.

Episode #37 - Dusty Baker - "Hairball, But For Millennials"

Oct 14th, 2019 53m 9s

Mike and AJ are joined by Dusty Baker of Tom’s Top 8. They discuss Dusty’s musical background and upbringing, his original band projects, how he transitioned into the cover band world, state of the original music scene in Cedar Rapids and the

Episode #36- Evan Stock- "I Feel Like This Is a Dr Phil Episode"

Sep 23rd, 2019 1h 26m

Evan Stock of the Evan Stock Band joins the podcast and we discuss touring with B2wins, how the band formed, how he learned how to play music, naming the band after himself, being prepared for every show, recording new album, covers vs origina

Episode #35 - "Your Band Is Doing It Wrong"

Sep 14th, 2019 1h 4m

Mike and AJ take us thru a recap of some previous scene happenings including the Rumors debacle, Ozzy Osborne is not relevant, Travis Scott inspiration, dangers in setting goals, Mike’s unpopular opinion, 10 things you shouldn’t say on stage an

Episode #34- "You're Not Special Because You Play Music"

Aug 15th, 2019 54m 41s

Mike and AJ take us thru a recap of summer so far and some of our previous podcasts, Tom’s Top 8 debut show, Tailgators Metal Fest, pros and cons of tribute acts and festivals, cover charge debate, 7 reasons why no one is coming to your show, o

Episode #33- Cover Band Confidential- "If You Can't Provide Value, You Don't Have Leverage"

Aug 8th, 2019 52m 26s

Dan Ray and Adam Johnson of Cover Band Confidential join the podcast today. These guys started a facebook group and podcast dedicated strictly to cover bands and conveying information and knowledge about this world. On the episode today, we t