The MC Lars Podcast

This week, MC Lars delves into the vibrant world of video game music, with a particular focus on the groundbreaking Commodore 64 computer system from the 1980s. Joining him is Cowboy Coder, a contemporary musician profoundly influenced by the chiptune sounds of the era. Throughout their conversation, they explore the innovative and iconic characteristics of the Commodore 64, especially its revolutionary sound chip, the SID, which allowed for intricate music and sound effects. Cowboy Coder elaborates on the significant resurgence of the chiptune genre in modern times, especially within the indie gaming scene and electronic music, and the influence this has had on his new EP "Stardust." This collection serves as both an homage to the C64 era and a testament to the enduring legacy of its music, bridging the gap between the nostalgic past and the innovative present.Special Guest: Cowboy Coder.

For today's episode, I catch up with my old friend Brandon Patton to talk about the early years of nerdcore, his solo career, and how fatherhood has altered his perspective. We also talk about Seattle, the pandemic, his time opening for MC Frontalot, and how being in a headlining artist's band can be both easier and harder than touring as a solo artist. We talk about his game design and how he balances obligations with hobbies. An awesome talk - thanks Brandon! As I finish up my new album, the podcast will be in hiatus but we will resume soon. Thank you everyone for your continued support!Special Guest: Brandon Patton.

I met Ceschi Ramos briefly when he played a show after mc chris, Mega Ran, Adam WarRock and me in Brooklyn in 2011. Since then we have crossed paths at SXSW and most recently at a benefit for the late rapper Alias and his family. This week on the podcast, we realize we both have shared memories of growing up in the Bay Area, the Oakland A's and the Simpsons. An awesome interview with a fantastic musician, thanks Ceschi!Special Guest: Ceschi.

An interview with litigation attorney Scott Sholder, of Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard. We talk about misconceptions about fair use, memes, and the future of copyrights in a post-COVID world. We also talk about his love for black metal, and I ask him some novel questions about what happens to a band's trademark when its members murder each other. An intriguing conversation with a brilliant young lawyer, thanks Scott!Special Guest: Scott Sholder.

Following a disagreement with their mentors Insane Clown Posse, Twiztid started Majik Ninja Entertainment, a move that led to an acrimonious split and years of public feuding. George Vlahakis got his start working with ICP and booking the Gathering of the Juggalo, later helping Twiztid start their own label and launch Astronomicon, their annual pop culture convention in Michigan. This week on the podcast, Vlahakis talks about his philosophies on branding. business and what it takes to grow an underground horrrocore label in the shadow of a pop culture institution like Insane Clown Posse. Thanks George! An awesome interview.Special Guest: George Vlahakis.

I met Theosyn through Hand Job Academy's Clara Bizna$$, when we met at one of her shows after she started playing solo gigs. Brad and I would later collaborate on many projects, including our parodies and "The Dewey Decibel System" with Mega Ran. This week on the podcast, we talk about the early years of mp3.com, his time at RIT and how he linked with underground rap legends Cannibal Ox. We also talk about how he balances his production work for others with his solo material, as well as how he compartmentalizes his side hustles. Thanks Brad!Special Guest: Theosyn.

This week, I catch up with Minnesota’s MC EVOL, who was the first student in the MC Lars Lit-Hop Academy. We talk about how we linked, how writing has been therapeutic, and how her literary and engineering background helped her become a rapper and producer. We also talk about how she discovered nerdcore, and what it has been like being enrolled in the MC Lars Lit-Hop Academy for over a year. We debut our new song, “COVID Express”, featuring Mike Russo and Ash Tell Em and talk about how we came up with our first collaboration. Be sure to follow MC EVOL’s work here: https://mcevolnation.comSpecial Guest: MC EVOL.

This week on the podcast, I talk to Renaissance man Richie Branson about his career in both music and marketing. When it comes to the intersection of late capitalism and new media econimics, Branson talks about how being "extreme" content is the only way to gain traction. He also talks about the time mc chris kicked out a fan for making fun of Richie on Twitter, and the repercussions of this for both Branson and chris. We talk about the origin of his name, his new album, and fatherhood. A wonderful interview with a brillaint dude, thanks Richie!Special Guest: Richie Branson.

This week on the podcast, LEX the Lexicon Artist and I talk about her time studying at UC Berkeley, her childhood, and why she started rapping. We also talk about how sexism in nerdcore and how fan interactions can be difficult when fans are drinking or not reading social cues. We discuss the differences between the Bay Area and New York, and talk about how MAGFest helped open doors for LEX, as did her recent tour with mc chris. An interesting conversation with a young and intelligent rapper in the scene, thanks for being on the show LEX!Special Guest: LEX the Lexicon Artist.

This week on the podcast, I talk to Coheed & Cambria drummer Josh Eppard for the third and final part of our epic three-part conversation. We talk about political centrism, anti-vaxxers, UFOs, and the role of record labels in 2020. We also talk about his upcoming project with Upgrade HipHop! We speculate on post-COVID touring and how the world has changed, but in some ways, has remained the same. We talk about the importance of not taking oneself too seriously and how not to get discouraged as an artist. Thanks Josh!Special Guest: Weerd Science.

When he’s not playing drums in Coheed & Cambria, Kingston, New York’s Josh Eppard raps under the moniker Weerd Science. Eppard and I connected in 2010 when we discovered that we were both mutual fans of each other’s work. After one of his other bands Terrible Things played a college show that my guitarist Mike Russo had booked, we collaborated and tour the UK and US together on the VANS Warped Tour. This week, we discuss his love of horror movies, Game of Thrones and how Coheed does in fact have a sense of humor.Special Guest: Weerd Science.

From ages 13 to 16, I played in a band called Horris. Though the group’s members rotated over the years, our last lineup consisted of seven members by the time we played our fourth and final show on New Year’s Eve, 1998. This week, I talk to the only other member who was part of the project from its middle school genesis to its breakup in high school, Shawn Levin. We also talk about the time we went to see ICP in Palo Alto in March of 2000 and why camping in Big Sur is amazing. Thanks Shawn! Awesome catching up!Special Guest: Shawn Levin.

Dr. Jeb Middlebrook, PH.D. (a.k.a. Jus Rhyme, a.k.a. Privilege) and I met in 2008 while he was working towards his PhD at USC. I had heard about his anti-racist activist work in Jason Tanz’s “Other People’s Property”, and had seen him on VH1’s “White Rapper Show”. We talk about his journey from the music industry, to academia to becoming a successful realtor! Middlebrook has always been there to inspire and educate me, and was one of the best dancers as Ash and my wedding in 2018. Thanks Jeb!Special Guest: Jus Rhyme.