Summary

It seems like it's a good time to play The Clash. Dive Bar Music Club is back and digging a little deeper this time. We’re diving into the crossroads of music and social awareness, sparked by the recent federal violence in Minneapolis. I’m Sloane Spencer, joined by Chad Cochran, the Nelson Gullett, and Charles Hale.

A couple of us are slightly under the weather this week, but we're psyched to chat about what we're listening to lately.

We’re still swapping our latest musical obsessions and what’s been living on our playlists, but today the conversation carries a little more weight. We’re talking about how music shows up when things get tense; how it pushes back, how it brings people together, and how artists turn frustration, grief, and defiance into something powerful and unifying. At the same time, we’re not forgetting what music also does best: giving us a breather, a release, a place to land when the world feels loud.

So settle in with us for thoughtful, unfiltered, interesting music conversation.

Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists

1. Apple Music
2. Tidal

Bands Featured in Episode 3

1. Iron Chic
2. Amelia Day
3. The Menzingers
4. Mon Rovîa
5. Off With Their Heads
6. Karen E. Reynolds
7. The Third Mind
8. W8ing4UFOs

Venues and Festivals Mentioned

1. Albino Skunk Music Festival, Greer, SC
2. Barley's, Knoxville, TN
3. Big Ears Festival, Knoxville, TN
4. Blue Plate Special, WDVX, Knoxville, TN

Summary

This week, we’re disappearing down some serious rabbit holes. From the casual Aussie swagger of Bel Air Lip Bombs to the psychedelic sway of Alex Chilton’s cover of “Rubber Room,” the episode is a love letter to overlooked tracks that quietly demand a place in your rotation. Charles Hale, Sloane Spencer, Rachel Cholst, and Kim Ware come together like a carefully sequenced mixtape, swapping stories about their latest musical fixations and music Venn diagrams that overlap way too much and not at all. Punk-leaning jazz that used to be in a duo with a noted blues musician, and a lot of tiny touchpoints connecting us to the music. So throw on your headphones, pour yourself a drink, and sink into the rich, unpredictable soundscape of the Dive Bar Music Club.

Catch Our Tastemaker Playlists

1. Apple Music
2. Tidal

Bands Featured in Episode 2

1. Alex Chilton (Big Star, The Box Tops)
2. Audrey Hobert
3. Becky Warren
4. The Belair Lip Bombs
5. Fust
6. Gladie
7. Johanna Rose
8. Minus Five
9. Valerie June

Venues Mentioned

1. The 40 Watt Club, Athens, GA

The Regulars in Episode 2

1. Rachel Cholst
2. Charles Hale

Summary

Slide into the booth for a relaxed hang chatting about great music with Rachel Cholst, Charles Hale, and Sloane Spencer about what’s been on repeat lately, swapping thoughts on everything from the infectious indie rock of Weakened Friends to the timeless soul of Mavis Staples. Along the way, they shine a light on artists like SG Goodman, Florry, and Fust, talking about how these musicians tell powerful stories through their songs. They chat about live shows versus records, contrasting Billy Allen + The Pollies with Bass Battery. You’ll also hear some fun tales from the record store world, including a Taylor Swift listening party that turned into joyful chaos with kids, friendship bracelets, and plenty of laughs. Pour yourself a drink, get comfortable, and enjoy the kind of music chat that feels like catching up with friends, and hopefully inspires your next favorite listen. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Playlist

1. Apple Music
2. Tidal

Bands Featured in Episode 1

1. Bass Battery
2. Billy Allen + The Pollies
3. Florry
4. Fust
5. SG Goodman
6. Mavis Staples
7. Weakened Friends
8. (We never got around to chatting about Lene Lovich and Marah, also on our lists.)

Venues Mentioned

1. 40 Watt, Athens, GA
2. 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
3. Bowery Ballroom, NYC

Summary

Grab your favorite drink and settle in, because we’re diving deep with Sloane Spencer, the mastermind behind Dive Bar Music Club. This week, Sloane shares her journey through the indie music scene, from her days as a radio host to her latest venture, Sleep with Rock Stars, a chill podcast that aims to lull you to sleep with the soothing sounds of music history. We chat about the evolution of her musical passion, how the pandemic sparked her return to podcasting, and her love for dive bars that serve as the heartbeat of local music communities. Sloane’s tales of sneaking into punk clubs as a kid and her nostalgic nods to legendary venues like the 40 Watt and Caledonia remind us that music isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life. So, whether you're a seasoned music nerd or just looking to unwind with some good tunes, this episode promises to be a cozy listen that’ll have you saying, "Y’all come back now, you hear?"

Chapters

1. 00:12 - Introducing the Host: Sloane Spencer
2. 03:18 - The Birth of Dive Bar Music Club Podcast
3. 06:30 - The Journey to College Radio
4. 07:54 - The Evolution of Music Spaces
5. 12:05 - Exploring Dive Bar Music Club

Show Notes

Diving into the depths of music culture, this episode of Dive Bar Music Club takes a relaxed stroll through the melodious journey of Sloane Spencer, a figure who embodies both nostalgia and innovation in the podcasting realm. Sloane's story unfolds like a well-worn record, starting from her childhood roots steeped in music, where her parents' love for artists like Janis Joplin laid the groundwork for her lifelong passion. The conversation meanders through her early foray into radio, where she cleverly maneuvered her way into the industry, despite her initial lack of musical talent. This candid narrative is peppered with humor, as Sloane shares anecdotes of sneaking into punk rock shows, her brief stint as a frontwoman for a Ramones cover band, and her 'soft retirement' from traditional radio.

With a charmingly colloquial tone, Sloane explains her latest ventures, including the creation of her new podcast, Sleep with Rock Stars, which takes an unexpected turn as she reads about popular bands in a soothing, sleepy voice, an idea that initially perplexed her. This shift not only highlights her adaptability but also her desire to cater to the Gen X audience, merging the worlds of music and relaxation in a uniquely engaging format. As she shares her love for indie music and her commitment to venues like the 40 Watt and Nuci's Space, Sloane invites listeners to reminisce about their own musical experiences while subtly encouraging them to explore the vibrant indie scene.

As the episode wraps up, listeners are left with a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia, as Sloane's journey reflects the broader tapestry of music culture that unites us all—reminding us that whether it's in a dive bar or through the airwaves, music has a way of bringing people together in the most delightful of ways.

---

In a heartfelt and humorous exchange, this episode of Dive Bar Music Club dives deep into the rich tapestry of Sloane Spencer's musical journey. From her early days of being a music enthusiast fueled by her parents' eclectic tastes to her evolution into a radio personality and podcaster, Sloane's narrative is as engaging as it is reflective. The episode captures the essence of Sloane's personality, allowing her quirky and...

Summary

Grab a drink and slide into the booth because we're diving deep with Kim Ware, the talented songwriter behind The Good Graces and drummer for the punk band Y'All'Re. This week, we’re peeling back the layers on her musical journey that started with school band and a love for drums, turning into a vibrant career filled with songwriting and live performances across the Carolinas. Kim shares tales from her early days, where she found comfort and expression through music, especially during life’s ups and downs. We’ll also have a laugh or two about the quirks of venue life, reminiscing about iconic spots like Fat City in Charlotte, which painted the backdrop of her indie rock beginnings. So come hang out with us at the Dive Bar Music Club, where the conversations flow as freely as the drinks, and the love for independent music runs deep.

Bio

Chapters

• 00:15 - Introducing Kim Ware: A Dive into Independent Music
• 01:06 - The Journey of Kim Ware: From Drummer to Songwriter
• 03:20 - Nostalgic Venues and Memories in Music
• 06:39 - Transitioning from Corporate Life to Creative Expression
• 07:50 - Embracing Accents in Podcasting

Recommended If You Like

Kim Ware, Dive Bar Music Club, independent music, singer songwriter, punk rock band, Y'All're, Grand Epiphanies EP, music podcast, music venues, Charlotte North Carolina, music nostalgia, songwriting process, female drummers, underground music scene, booking shows, music therapy, music industry insights, Southern musicians, live music experience, music community, music interviews, the good graces

Transcript

Speaker A

00:00:00.160 - 00:00:03.760

Hey, this is Kim Ware, and you're listening to Dive Bar Music Club.

Speaker B

00:00:04.320 - 00:00:06.160

Welcome to Dive Bar Music Club, the.

Speaker C

00:00:06.160 - 00:00:32.710

Low key, high taste happy hour for music nerds. Each week we're joined by a rotating cast of regulars, people who live and breathe independent music.

This week, we'll get to know Kim Ware, songwriter for the Good Graces, drummer for the punk band y' all Are, and former booking agent. Part hang, part deep dive, it's Dive Bar Music Club.

So grab a drink, slide into that booth, and get to know Kim Ware on this week's session of Dive Bar Music Club.

Speaker B

00:00:33.670 - 00:00:40.870

So, Kim Ware, I am so glad you're going to be part of the regulars here on Dive Bar Music Club. What are you doing in the world of music these days?

Speaker A

00:00:41.270 - 00:00:57.600

I'm a singer, songwriter, and I just released a new ep. It's called Grand Epiphanies. And I also play drums in a punk rock band called Y' All Are.

And we've been really busy last play a lot around the Carolinas, so that's primarily what I'm doing these days.

Speaker B

00:00:58.160 - 00:01:06.000

Very cool. We're excited to get to know you a little bit more through the regulars and our fun chats coming up each month on Dive Bar Music Club.

Thanks for being part of what we're doing.

Speaker A

00:01:06.320 - 00:01:06.800

Yeah.

Speaker B

00:01:06.960 - 00:01:14.240

So, Kim, y', all, you're playing in a couple of different kinds of bands right now, and y' all have been busy lately, but how did you end up where you are in music?

Speaker A

00:01:14.880 - 00:02:54.330

Well, I was a big tomboy when I was a kid and when I was in middle school and it came time to choose an instrument for, like, the school band. I think I associated drums, like,...

Summary

This week at the Dive Bar Music Club, we meet one of the Regulars, the incredible Rachel Cholst, who’s here to take us on a deep dive into the colorful world of queer country and Americana. Get ready for some surprising insights and music recommendations, including jazz for non-historians.

As we sip on our metaphorical cocktails and kick back, Rachel Cholst helps us explore the magic of live music venues and how they create a sense of community, especially for those of us who don’t fit the cis het white dude roots music scene mold. And if you're a fan of Lilith Fair 90s vibes, you're in for a treat, as we also chat about how the past has shaped the music we love today.

Dive in to broad influences from peers to NPR with Rachel Cholst.

Links

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dive Bar Music Club

03:12 Entering the Music World

04:53 The Intersection of Music and Identity

07:23 The Importance of Community Spaces in Live Music

09:53 Exploring the Music Scene in Upper Manhattan

13:17 Introduction to Dive Bar Music Club

Takeaways

1. Vibrant, Inclusive Vibes: Dive Bar Music Club is the ultimate hangout for music lovers of all kinds, where everyone can share their current obsessions and discover fresh new tunes
2. Community & Live Venues Matter: We chat about why live music venues are more than just places to hear music. They create a sense of community for both fans and artists, and that’s what makes the music scene so special.
3. Queer Country & Americana: We dive into genres like queer country and Americana, exploring how they reflect personal stories and cultural shifts, making for some pretty deep and powerful music.
4. Witty Banter & Musical History: Expect fun conversations mixed with deep dives into music history. We’ll navigate how genres and identities blend together to shape today’s music scene.

Recommended If You Like

1. Dive Bar Music Club, Rachel Cholst, Americana music, queer country, 90s alt rock, indie music podcasts, emerging songwriters, underground music scenes, live music venues, music communities, music recommendations, music reviews, jazz influences, Southern rock, intersectionality in music, music blogging, music playlists, artist highlights, cultural music discussions, music nerd culture, Yahoo, Pandora, No Depression, Good Country, Two Cow Garage, Karen and the Sorrows, Rainbow Rodeo, Penny Jo's, Rockwood Music Hall, Lilith Fair, Bad Bunny, Alt Latino, Adobe and Teardrops

Transcript

Speaker A

00:00:00.960 - 00:00:05.120

Hey, everybody, this is Rachel Cholst, and you're listening to Dive Bar Music Club.

Speaker B

00:00:05.760 - 00:00:52.390

Welcome to the Dive Bar Music Club podcast, where the guest hosts drop in and out, but the opinions are always passionate and the playlists loud. It's like cheers if everyone at the bar had a strong take on 90s alt rock or a suspicious number of burned CDs.

Around our table you'll find an emerging touring songwriter, a former cult band favorite whose work since then is even more interesting, a portrait photographer with a not so secret metal penchant, a record store owner who learned about Swifties the hard way, a retired folk singer who regrets nothing, and a zine maker with more cool music...

Summary

Amanda Miles joins us for a spirited chat about the magic of music and the venues that bring it to life. We're diving deep into the heart of what makes places like the Tabernacle in Atlanta and the Ryman in Nashville such special spots for music lovers. It's not just about the shows; it’s about the stories, the experiences, and that electric feeling when your favorite artist hits the stage. As Amanda shares her journey from a music writer to a passionate fan, we explore how music connects us on a human level, whether it’s the tunes that get us through tough times or the ones that make us rage. So, grab your drink of choice, kick back, and let’s indulge in some good music talk that’ll make you want to dig through your playlists for that perfect jam.

Amands Miles

Former entertainment writer/blogger, Currently serve as a nonprofit executive, leading development strategy at New Disabled South and is a self-described music nerd.

@Alabamapinesatl on Instagram

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction to Dive Bar Music Club
• 00:48 - The Journey from Music Writer to Music Fan
• 02:21 - Exploring Favorite Music Venues
• 03:57 - The History of the Tabernacle Venue
• 04:36 - Connecting with Creativity: The Journey of Amanda Miles
• 05:20 - The Power of Music Connection

indie music podcast, music nerd podcast, underground music podcast, music roundtable podcast, best new indie bands, independent music podcast, music discovery podcast, alternative music podcast, podcast for music lovers, dive bar music podcast, low key music podcast, deep cut music discussion, music tastemakers podcast, music festival discoveries, music zine culture, DIY music scene, touring musician stories, hidden gem bands, vinyl collector podcast, music conversations podcast,

Transcript

Speaker A

00:00:00.320 - 00:00:03.680

This is Amanda Miles, and you're listening to Dive Bar Music Club.

Speaker B

00:00:04.960 - 00:00:47.720

Welcome to the Dive Bar Music Club podcast, where the guest hosts drop in and out, but the opinions are always passionate and the playlists loud. It's like cheers if everyone at the bar had a strong take on 90s alt rock or a suspicious number of burned CDs.

We're all just here to share what we're currently obsessed with and maybe convince someone that, yes, that weird Icelandic synth folk band is worth a listen. Okay, that last one's probably me. Sloan Spencer. It's Dive Bar Music Club. Low key, high taste. Happy hour for music nerds.

Amanda Miles, we are so glad to have you be part of Dive Bar Music Club. What are you doing in the world of music these days?

Speaker A

00:00:48.120 - 00:01:07.010

Well, I'm a former entertainment writer. I would say I'm retired music writer, and I am just now a music fan. Now I'm attending concerts and listening to as many albums as I can.

But I formerly wrote for Atlanta Music Guide, Inside Atlanta, and just love attending shows now.

Speaker B

00:01:07.730 - 00:01:12.530

Ah. So what's kind of the longer version? How did you end up in music writing?

Speaker A

00:01:13.890 - 00:01:40.600

So I am a huge music fan. I've always been a...

Summary

We're diving deep into the world of independent music with Fort Collins, Colorado's very own Charles Hale, the mastermind behind Driver 8 Records and Ajax Diner Book Club. Charles is not just your average record store owner; he's a long-time community radio host and a passionate music advocate who believes that it’s all about taste, not trends. In our chat, we explore his journey from a curious high schooler raising his hand to get on the airwaves, to opening a boutique record store that fills a much-needed gap in his community. We reminisce about some legendary dive bars where the music flows as freely as the drinks, and Charles shares tales of unforgettable performances that remind us of the magic of live music. So grab your drink of choice, kick back, and let’s get to know the man behind the records and the radio waves, because this is all about the vibe, folks!

Bio

Show Notes

In this episode, we dive straight in with Charles Hale, the creative force behind Driver 8 Records and the Ajax Diner Book Club on KRFC radio. From spinning records on college radio to opening one of the city’s most beloved record stores, Charles shares the story of how passion, persistence, and community came together to build something truly special.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

1. The origin story of Driver 8 Records: How Charles turned a community need into a thriving record store that opened its doors in July 2022.
2. Behind the business plan: A year and a half of late nights, coffee-fueled brainstorming sessions, and the moment he knew it was time to take the leap.
3. Curating with heart: Why Driver 8 isn’t just about selling vinyl; it’s about creating a space where music lovers can discover something meaningful.
4. From radio to records: Charles’ journey from a volunteer college DJ to hosting a Friday afternoon radio show that celebrates his deep love for sound and storytelling.
5. Doing the “unfun work”: The lessons learned along the way about persistence, preparation, and embracing every part of the creative grind.
6. A tour through musical memories: Stories from dive bars and venues that shaped his appreciation for live music, like the Parish Baker Pub in Oxford, Mississippi, and Surfside 7 in Fort Collins.
7. Community at the core: How local scenes, shared spaces, and a good setlist can bring people together in lasting ways.

Why You’ll Love This Episode:

It’s an honest, inspiring, and down-to-earth chat that reminds us why independent music, and the people who champion it, matter so much. Whether you’re a crate digger, a small business dreamer, or just someone who loves a good story about following your heart, this one’s for you.

Listen now to hear how Charles Hale built more than a record store; he built a community around the joy of music.

Links

1. Get to know the rest of the Regulars