Bronson Arm

Bronson Arm

From CORE by Andy McNamara

June 7, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

Kalamazoo noise rock duo Bronson Arm discusses their journey, music, and upcoming projects in an interview with Andy McNamara.

Kalamazoo noise rock duo Bronson Arm — Blake Bickel (baritone guitar/vocals) and Garrett Yates (drums) — stop by the studio in Appleton, Wisconsin for a wide-ranging conversation on Fox Cities Core, the weekly live interview show on WCZR Code Zero Radio, hosted by Andy McNamara. The band is on the road supporting their latest album Casket Schwagg (Learning Curve Records).In this interview, Blake and Garrett break down how two guys from opposite coasts ended up forming a powerhouse two-piece in Kalamazoo — meeting through their kids' school and a chance conversation at a brewery. Garrett opens up about a decade-long drumming hiatus while serving in the Navy on submarines, and how Blake immediately knew something special was there within the first 30 seconds of Garrett sitting back behind a kit. Blake reflects on his previous band The Great Goddamn in Seattle, his background in audio engineering and pedal-building, and his BFA in visual arts — which directly informs Bronson Arm's creative, concept-driven music videos.The conversation covers recording their self-titled debut in Blake's basement during COVID lockdown, the meaning behind the album title Casket Schwagg, their prolific…

People in this episode

Host: Andy McNamara

Guests: Blake Bickel, Garrett Yates

Topics covered

  • noise rock
  • music interviews
  • DIY touring
  • creative process
  • album discussion

Keywords

  • Bronson Arm
  • Casket Schwagg
  • Kalamazoo
  • music video
  • DIY touring
  • interview

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bronson Arm, Learning Curve Records

Books & works: Casket Schwagg, The Great Goddamn

Places: Kalamazoo, Appleton, Wisconsin, Florida

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