Nerds On Tour
16 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 7 years ago - ★★★★★ - 32 ratingsHost Abraham Levitan talks with music people about money, motivation, and the rest of life. Nerds On Tour fills a void of mentorship and “from-the-trenches” advice that Abraham noticed as a younger touring musician. It offers a place to get honest, funny, and occasionally wonky tips from great artists about health, money management, and creative workflow and habits.
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Episodes
Will Oldham on Overthinking, Mansplaining, and Learning to Love Nina Simone
October 27, 2016 07:00 - 1 hour - 36.1 MBWill Oldham returns to Nerds On Tour, this time in Will and Abraham’s mutual hometown, Louisville. An inspiring dive into Will’s philosophies on life and art.
Lita Ford on The Runaways, Ozzy Osbourne, and Selling Men’s Cologne
May 26, 2016 07:00 - 44 minutes - 20.9 MBLita Ford's first band, The Runaways, became a global phenomenon. Months later, she was selling men's cologne at the mall. She discusses Nikki Sixx, Ozzy Osbourne, and the value of having the right team.
Will Oldham on Drag City, Quality of Life, and Being Bonnie "Prince" Billy
May 12, 2016 07:00 - 52 minutes - 24.3 MBAbraham talks with one of his all-time heroes, Will Oldham a.k.a. Bonnie “Prince” Billy, about the hard choices that make for a satisfying long-term music career.
John Doe, L.A. Punk Legend, on X, Bud Light, and Multiple Breakfasts
April 28, 2016 00:00 - 56 minutes - 26.2 MBX frontman John Doe is a living legend. He discusses X's career, their Bud Light commercial, and the reasons why L.A. punks worship The Doors.
Patti Niemi, Sticking It Out Through Juilliard, Anxiety Attacks, and an Orchestral Career
April 14, 2016 07:00 - 59 minutes - 27.5 MBClassical percussionist Patti Niemi gives an insider’s account of surviving Juilliard, enduring high-pressure auditions, and getting a tenured position with an orchestra. She’s battled serious anxiety issues throughout.
John Roderick, From the Long Winters to Roderick on the Line (And Back)
March 31, 2016 07:00 - 2 hours - 60.2 MBLong Winters frontman John Roderick, also a champion podcaster, delivers the goods on music, money management, and strategy in this epic interview. Here's hoping he writes a book.
Jason Collett on Broken Social Scene, Going Solo, & the Licensing Game
March 17, 2016 07:00 - 44 minutes - 20.9 MBJason Collett left Broken Social Scene at the height of the band's global fame. His resultant solo career has led to some lucrative ad placements as well as his self-aware new album, "Song & Dance Man".
Thrill Jockey's Bettina Richards, Doing It Her Way Since 1992
March 03, 2016 08:00 - 1 hour - 35.4 MBAfter having her fill of the major-label A&R game, Bettina Richards started Thrill Jockey Records in 1992 from her apartment. It's now one of the world's most respected indie labels. She discusses how she made it happen.
Bruce Finkelman, the Empty Bottle, and the Empire of Cool
February 25, 2016 08:00 - 48 minutes - 22.4 MBFor Bruce Finkelman, starting the Empty Bottle, Chicago's coolest music venue, at age 23 was just the beginning. He now runs nine different operations. We discuss seeing the world through "owner's eyes".
The Redwalls' Andrew Langer, From Rocker to Realtor
February 18, 2016 08:00 - 58 minutes - 27.2 MBThe Redwalls' Andrew Langer was signed to Capitol Records at age 18 and toured the UK with Oasis. These days, he enjoys being a father of two and a realtor for D'Aprile Properties. He's also very witty and a good hang.
Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau on Thrill Jockey, Velvet Revolver, & Chevrolet
February 04, 2016 08:00 - 47 minutes - 22.3 MBBobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau share the very funny intersections between rock life and real life. They discuss being Thrill Jockey recording artists, sharing the stage with Velvet Revolver, and doing a corporate gig for Chevrolet. Part 2 of 2.
Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau, From Antichrists to Homeowners
January 28, 2016 08:00 - 40 minutes - 18.9 MBBobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau were musicians Abraham worshipped before he became their bandmate. They discuss the secrets of DIY glam, the fleeting gloss of professionalism, and getting stuck in a Bavarian vineyard. Part 1 of 2.
Jason Narducy, From Verbow to Bob Mould to Superchunk to Split Single
January 21, 2016 08:00 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBJason Narducy, musician and entrepreneur, is one of Abraham's personal heroes. He inspired Dave Grohl to pursue music and played Letterman multiple times, he's a member of the Bob Mould Band and Superchunk, and he fronts his own band, Split Single.
The New Yorker's John Seabrook on How Top 40 Gets Made
January 14, 2016 08:00 - 57 minutes - 41.1 MBNew Yorker staff writer John Seabrook recently published The Song Machine, a look at how today's Top 40 gets made. We discuss the future of Spotify, why death metal is more relevant than classic rock, and what the Backstreet Boys and Dylan have in common.
Freda Love Smith, from the Blake Babies to Northwestern University
January 07, 2016 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.3 MBFreda Love Smith, once Juliana Hatfield's bandmate in the Blake Babies, is now a lecturer at Northwestern University whose recently published memoir, "Red Velvet Underground," combines rock, parenting, finances, and recipes.
Kelly Hogan, Anti- Records Recording Artist and Ramen Aficionado
December 29, 2015 05:08 - 37 minutes - 32.1 MBThe debut episode of Nerds On Tour features singer, songwriter, and Chicago civic treasure Kelly Hogan. We talk about royalty statements, nerdiness, Ramen noodles, decision trees, neck moisturizer, and which one of us secretly wants a Saab automobile.