Ep. #36 – Feat. Bag of Tricks Cat

Today Matt welcomes Arizona rapper Bag of Tricks Cat. Curious about the name? Behind it is a sentimental story of how the rapper owes his deep love of music to his grandmother, Ann Bennett, who sang the “Felix the Cat” theme song in 1959. Although Bag of Tricks Cat has taken his music career in different directions, the love of music remains and is currently firing the production of an LP called Cat’s Out of the Bag, which will feature his already-released singles “Never Sober” and “Dream Girl”. The full album will be released in Summer 2016. With Matt, Bag of Tricks Cat discusses his biggest influences; his writing process; and close collaborator, touring mate, and former Autographs guest Mega Ran. He also chats about the video shoot for the “Dream Girl” single and about how the new record will differ from his previous, The Cat That Never Came Down.

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Ep. #22 – Feat. Mega Ran

Back to nerdcore! This week we take an excursion through the life of Mega Ran, nerdcore rapper hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. For the full excursion, fans can now purchase a documentary that was released about Mega Ran’s life called MEGA-LO-MANIA. With Matt, however, he discusses recent projects such as his latest solo record, Mega Ran Com: Mission, as well as a collaborative effort with fellow nerdcore rapper Storyville called Soul Veggies. Touching upon an upcoming record and the concept behind its inspiration, they also chat about how gaming has influenced his life & music, what it feels like to be officially licensed by Capcom as an indie artist, and his unique transition from a teaching career to full-time rapper.

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Ep. #16 – Feat. Adam WarRock

Today we arrive at the long-awaited appearance of rapper and Philadelphia native, Adam WarRock. Another pillar in the annals of nerdcore, WarRock is also known for his sincere raps about life in all respects. His latest release, Gifted Student, was produced by previous guest to the podcast Mikal kHill and was released on January 22nd, 2015. Matt and WarRock discuss this working relationship, along with their shared addiction to Magic: The Gathering. Then we hear about WarRock’s participation in the annual 24-hour Rap-A-Thon, a charity event, for which (in its latest run) Adam contributed over 18 songs — written, produced, and released, in just 24 hours. This and more chitter-chatter with today’s prolific artist and your host, Matt Storm.

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Ep. #14 – Feat. Sulfur

Dishing out another serving of nerdcore for our referentially-inclined fans, today’s interview demands a certain callback: In CCA Ep. #8, Matt had the pleasure of speaking with Mikal kHill of the two-piece rap group, ThoughtCriminals. Now, Matt completes his cross-examination of the duo by taking on its other member, Sulfur. Like Mikal kHill, Sulfur keeps the tradition of nerdcore alive with his own solo career, and with his new EP, Enter the 36th Chamber — a work that entirely concerns the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Discussing this, his love of gaming, and dropping some hints at an upcoming full-length, get the full scoop on Sulfur’s many talents with today’s interview.

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Ep. #13 – Feat. MC Lars

Keeping with the theme of nerdcore, Matt sits down—yes, sits down—with one of its legends, MC Lars, in this rare face-to-face interview held in the confines of his very own tour van. Following a concert with MC Chris and Spose, this jam-packed interview covers Lars’s origins in the nerdcore community and his approach to songwriting and sampling. Featuring additional commentary on up-start musicians, many hailing from the unheralded YouTube generation, Lars’s advice is sure to inform and inspire over the course of this lively chat.

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Ep. #12 – Feat. kristybee!

Today Matt welcomes kristybee!, a solo nerdcore rapper from Virginia Beach and member of the rap group, The Nerdlucks. Another musician priviledged to work with some of the best in the industry, kristybee has exchanged collaborations with the one-and-only Schaffer the Darklord. She was featured in his single and music video, “Boys” (from the album Sick Passenger), and he in turn was featured in her song, “Ramona Flowers vs. The World”, which will appear on her new album slated for release in 2015. Join in as Matt learns how kristybee! was introduced to the community of nerdcore and hear about her tour with Mikal kHill. Also enjoy a pointed digression on the movie, comic, and soundtrack of the highly influential Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

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Ep. #11 – Feat. SkyBlew

Perhaps underrated in the dark corners of music criticism is the importance of spreading positivity in the medium. Thankfully this necessity is not only considered, but passionately realized by today’s guest, SkyBlew, the 23-year-old rap prodigy who lives by the slogan, “I don’t rap… I paint the Sky Blew.” With the release of his new record, SkyBlew’s UNModern Life, he conveys this philosophy in a variety of ways, from the album’s smooth tones and warm imagery to his heartfelt lyrics about overcoming setbacks. With Matt, SkyBlew discusses the theme of positivity and how surprisingly rare it is across multiple genres. He also celebrates his passions by dabbling in nerdcore, which he expresses to Matt along with his influences, his aspirations, and a deep love for anime. All this and how the artist got his start in today’s uplifting interview!

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Ep. #8 – Feat. Mikal kHill

Culling through the bowels of Nerdcore, this week Matt takes on the talented Mikal kHill, solo rapper and founder of the rap group ThoughtCriminals. Having collaborated with some of the best in the business, kHill found his stride on his latest album, The Snuggle is Real (featuring the likes of Schaffer the Darklord, MC Frontalot, Adam WarRock and Dr. Awkward). Listen to kHill discuss his foray into the world of nerdcore, the unsung process of beat production, and of course, many asides on gaming as a pastime.

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CCP Ep. #115: Check Your Head by Beastie Boys | Featuring Schaffer the Darklord

He’s here. He’s in your ears. Highly exalted and frequently referenced, he is: SCHAFFER THE DARKLORD. Yes, today we welcome the talented Hip Hop artist and third & final component of the EPIC PIEcast to our very own show. Schaffer, who has consistently regaled his fans with macabre subjects, nerdy adventures, and cerebral excursions, now takes a tip from the latter as he joins us to discuss a vital influence in his work, the 1992 Beastie Boys LP, Check Your Head. Let’s help to turn the tables on it! Then we cut to an special “away”-interview where Schaffer explores Schaffer, with a little help from Matt. And do keep your ears open for some tastes of Schaffer’s work, including a track from his provocative album Sick Passenger, a track from Remix Passenger, and something terribly appropriate to close us out.

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Ep. #4 – Feat. Coolzey

If you’ve never heard an interview from a gondola lift before, now’s your chance! The Indie rapper/rocker Coolzey took some time out of his sky-high excursions to speak with Matt about his current musical endeavors. Having released his latest album Hit Factory, Coolzey now also has two new music videos to promote: “Want It The Most” and “Glasses.” The latter features his fellow rapper and touring mate, Schaffer the Darklord, who accompanied him on the Fam Fiction Tour along with MegaRan and Fresh Kils & Uncle Fester. Listen in for discussions on nature, horror flicks, and of course for the gondola portion as this guest is surely taking interviews to new heights.

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