Welcome to 2024 and our 40th episode everyone! We're so happy to be talking with Ken Draznik and James Wald from one of our favorite bands of all-time, The Vertebrats from Champaign, IL. We talk about how these guys got together with Matt Brandabur and Roy Axford and helped create a vibrant DIY music scene in Champaign-Urbana. We also talk about how their short 3-year career created a legion of fans that have continued to love them and influenced a generation of C-U bands. In recent times, Kenny and Jimmy have recorded music as The Surly Bells and are looking for an avenue to release their new music.

Time stamps:

2:25: How did you get into music?

7:45: When do the two of you meet?

9:40: Jimmy did you see this as an opportunity to get in the band?

14: Did playing Mabel's as frequently as you did help increase your musical output?

18: Was it always your goal to play original music?

22:35: Were there other Champaign bands that you were fans of?

25: Why did we stop after 3 years?

30: What brings you back together to make music together again?

33:40: If you'd gotten a record deal, would that have extended the life of the band?

38: Why isn't your music on streaming?

44: What are your aspirations for The Surly Bells?

54: Thick or thin crust pizza fans?

56: Do you have a favorite Chicago venue?

61: When you think of a Chicago band, what bands come to mind?

63: What is your go to cheap drink?

64: Anything you'd like to plug on your way out the door?

65: Thoughts on Jeff Evans