Fawkes and Friends (Fawkes and Friends)

First of all, Black Guy Fawkes and the other guy are back from a whirlwind trip through Canada–together for the shows Black Guy Fawkes and Pigeon Pit were supporting Laura Jane Grace and the Mississippi Medicals, and separately when Black Guy Fawkes performed all over Pouzzafest and Ed drove home to his dog and many, many cats, with a stop in New Jer–New York on the way. 

There’s a brief recap of that wild week before the show gets into the cheese, potatoes, and gravy of the episode, where they talk to Cahir O’Doherty (New Pagans, the Sleeping Souls). You might now know him as the “breakout star” of the 50 States in 50 Days documentary, but Cahir’s a musician in his own write, performing with both the New Pagans and the Sleeping Souls. Cahir gives some real talk on the difficulties of being a touring musician and the economics of that, but we promise he is not the self-described “harbinger of doom” he says he is. Things get into some real nerdy guitar talk, the things that come up on the road.

For more Cahir O’Doherty, check out The New Pagans and The Sleeping Souls, or see him on Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls current tour for their 10th album Undefeated.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Massive announcement: Black Guy Fawkes is joining Pigeon Pit and Laura Jane Grace and the Mississippi Medicals for two dates leading up to Pouzzafest: tonight, May 14th at the Broom Factory in Kingston, ON, and Wednesday, May 15th at the Axis Club in Toronto, Ontario. And that’s why the intro sounds weird–Ian and Ed are currently in a hotel in Rochester, NY, and Ed couldn’t figure out a way for them to both sound good for an intro, so they farmed it out, because they are becoming big time podcasters, or something.

BUT! POUZZA! Today’s guest, Billy Liar, will also be at Pouzza, playing solo on Saturday and doing a full-band show Sunday. Billy Liar has toured all over the world, but this will be his first time in Canada. Billy and Black Guy Fawkes share the things they’re excited about with Pouzza and Canada in general, the difference between liking coffee and being a coffee snob, and some great stories about the punk and DIY scenes in Scotland. Ed, of course, asks a question about the film Highlander, because he is a massive dork.

Billy Liar grew up in the underground punk rock scene, finding his feet and forging his sound through a self-imposed relentless touring schedule, a love of playing live and an understanding that good things do not come to those who wait. Great things come to those who get out on the road and make a hell of a lot of their own mistakes. His latest album, Crisis Actor, came out last year. For all things Billy Liar, including his Bandcamp and his Patreon, head to www.billyliarmusic.com. Photo credit: Grant Anderson

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

The realities of the music business are something Kayleigh Goldsworthy knows a lot about–whether it’s streaming royalties, merch sales, acting as a hired gun for other projects, or direct support via Patreon, she has had her hands in it. This episode, she takes a deep dive in with Black Guy Fawkes and his dilettante pal on the intentionality of stagecraft and persona, the joys of being a “hired gun,” the economics of creating music, merch, and selling direct to fans via Patreon, and provides another contender for the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. For more of Kayleigh, hit up her website or subscribe to her Patreon.  

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

It gets real Appalachian today on Fawkes and Friends, when Black Guy Fawkes and his decidedly-not-a-professional-musician sidekick talk to Ol Whitetail. While her roots are in western Pennsylvania, she’s lived and done music all over the oldest mountain range on the continent–Nashville, Canada, and Pittsburgh. She talks about her influences, her travels, and the importance of mass transit options for both access to spaces and for it’s mental health benefits.

For more Ol Whitetail, you can find her music on all streaming services (including our very own guest playlist on Spotify), and can purchase her music or her poetry collection through her Bandcamp page: Music | Ol' Whitetail (bandcamp.com)

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out https://blackguyfawkes.com/ or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

It’s been so long, we actually forgot how to upload a podcast (and, at times, how to create one). But, hey, Black Guy Fawkes is off the road and back in the studio, recording album number five (5!) and back with his own personal project 2520, Ed, to put out a new slate of episodes before getting back out on the road--Pittsburgh 8/26 with Littlefoot, and Winchester 9/27 with Joey Harkum and Meager Kings, and others to be announced. This episode is a special one–their very first non-musician guest.

Ian and Ed met Alex Stein at Lost Evenings in Anaheim last year and were blown away by his spoken word performances on the Cowboy Chords open mic stage (I think Ed’s actual reaction on the Saturday was “we… we have to follow him?” after Alex did his piece “Rock and Roll Manifesto”). Alex sits down with the guys to discuss his creative process, the community of punk rock (and this specific subset of punk rock in particular), how dyslexia can be a challenge and a benefit in terms of approaching art and creativity, and, of course, some Mount Rushmores at the end that, as they often do, go pretty far off the rails.

Photo credit: David Fang, we're pretty sure

Alex M. Stein is an award winning writer and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. He has devoted his entire adult life to stories and storytelling and is a mainstay of the Los Angeles storytelling community. He ran a weekly storytelling show for two years. He has won the Moth multiple times and is the author of the personal essay collection “No, Mr. Bond, I Expect Your Dreams To Die” and the short-story collection “Tales From the Trail: Short Fiction About Dogs, Mushing, and Sled-Dog Races.” He recently won an Art of Creative Unity Award from the International Human Rights Arts Festival for his personal essay “Black Water.” He has worked extensively in film and television development and works as a story consultant for production companies, studios, individual writers, and more. For more Alex Stein, you can find him all over the internet and the world, but specifically at alexmstein.com Echoes of Iceland is available at echoesoficeland.com and at Patreon at patreon.com/echoesoficeland. Twitter or X or whatever is @coldfootfilms and he’s on Blue Sky as well at alexmstein.bsky.social.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

By and large, this episode of Fawkes and Friends is a little more serious than most. Of course, there is still talk about Black Guy Fawkes’s upcoming shows in Denver (for Punk Rock Saves Lives), Gilbert, PA (for Camp Punksylvania), and Cumberland, MD (for the 6th annual Fawkes and Friends festival at Dig Deep Brewing Company), and the guys and the guest still play the quickfire game at the end, but today, Jessica Guise joins Ian and Ed to talk about her music and  her writing process. As her non-music work is in the field of mental health, the conversation steers itself to some more serious places–the stigma of seeking out help with mental health, resources for mental health help in both the UK and the US, and how addressing mental health concerns can lend itself to the creative process. Of course, there is also talk about shitty American light beer, as well as favorite musicals and karaoke songs, but it’s important to stress that this episode is, at times, a bit more serious than previous episodes.

GUISE is the heart and soul of pop-folk singer-songwriter Jess Guise. Possessed of a remarkable folk lilt, she sings with delicacy whilst landing some vicious asides - by turns sweet, funny, and haunting. Whilst locked down with her husband, Frank Turner, Jess won the hearts of his large and welcoming fan base through their weekly livestreams raising funds for live venues, and a buzz rose up around her music in that world. Jess has been building on that buzz honing her live craft on the road, supporting and sharing stages with the likes of Richard Thompson, Frank Turner, Will Varley, The Arkells, Grace Petrie and Sean McGowan. More info at her website.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

No one prepared Ed for how lonely recording an intro could be, but as Black Guy Fawkes prepares for his spring tour (with dates in Maryland, Canada, Nevada, Tennessee, Colorado, and Pennsylvania) leading up to the Fawkes and Friends festival this July 13th at Dig Deep Brewing Company in Cumberland, MD, it fell to Ed to introduce Mike Miller and Matt Davis from Endless Mike and the Beagle Club, who will be playing at Fawkes and Friends this summer.

Mike and Matt talk about the creative process that goes into songwriting whether it's Mike solo or the whole band, remastering and re-mixing The Husky Tenor (a classic Endless Mike and the Beagle Club album), and the joy (and fear) of putting on a hometown show after being on the road so long. And, if you're in the greater Pittsburgh area and are listening to this on day one, they will be at Spirit Lodge with Fuck Yeah, Dinosaurs! opening up for Jon Snodgrass. For more Endless Mike and the Beagle Club, you can go directly to their Bandcamp page: Music | Endless Mike and the Beagle Club (bandcamp.com)

Black Guy Fawkes is still out on the road, having just finished Punk Rock Hoedown in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be playing in Nashville, Tennessee at Springwater May 29th, and then at Jortsfest June 1st. The tour has been a whirlwind of an adventure, and that adventure continues through June and July, with volunteering with Punk Rock Saves Lives at Pride in Pittsburgh, and then shows in Denver, CO, an appearance at Camp Punksylvania, and then the annual Fawkes & Friends festival in Cumberland, MD on July 13th–a line-up announcement episode will be coming up soon for that. Forget soon, though–let’s talk about today. Ian and Ed got the chance to sit down with Chuck Ragan to talk about Hot Water Music’s new album VOWS, important life lessons from recording and touring, the importance of mentoring and being mentored, and the four best meats to smoke for BBQ.

For more Chuck Ragan, check out his website or the Hot Water Music website. Hot Water Music is currently on tour promoting their latest album VOWS, with upcoming dates in Louisville, KY; Cleveland, OH; Chicago, IL; and many other cities before touring Germany in November.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Honestly, without Frank Turner, this episode’s guest, there wouldn’t even be a Fawkes and Friends. His music inspired Ian to make the kind of music he does as Black Guy Fawkes, and Ed’s music taste took a genuine shift the first time he heard Frank’s Love Ire & Song album. If you want to hear Frank talk about South America, Noel Coward, Ted Lasso, and the awfulness of Oasis fans, that’s all here, but so is a lot of talk about last year’s Lost Evenings festival in Anaheim, California, this year’s Lost Evenings in Toronto, Ontario, his upcoming tenth (!) album Undefeated (which will be available everywhere on May 3rd), branching out into music production, and so, so much more. And definitely go check out the video for his latest single "Do One."

In addition, in the intro, Ian talks about an upcoming benefit show taking place in Frostburg, MD: Hunger Moon Fest. Fight food insecurity and help take on student lunch debt at Hunger Moon Fest! Rock out at City Place on Saturday, February 24 from 3PM to 10PM with beer, grub, and music from American Meat Industry, The Power, Brickyard Folly, President Bomber, The Downstrokes, Black Guy Fawkes, and more! If you’d like to donate towards eliminating $5,000 of student lunch debt in Allegany County Public Schools, you can do so at the donation link here: Savage Mountain Punk Arts

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out https://blackguyfawkes.com/ or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show.

The tour is mostly over–Black Guy Fawkes gets to spend some time at home and traveling to see other folks perform this month before making a few more appearances:

• Punk Rock Saves Lives Fest in Denver, CO on Friday, July 5th
• Camp Punksylvania in Gilbert, PA on Sunday, July 7th
• and then the annual Fawkes and Friends Festival at Dig Deep Brewing in Cumberland, MD on July 13th (special episode with more details on that coming soon).

And, well, Ed’s trivia team Blood, Sweat, and Beers came in first place for the first time ever, so he has stuff going on, too.

This episode is a special one–Ian has called Beyond the Lamplight one of his three favorite bands of the past few years, and today, the guys are joined by Ian Cook from Beyond the Lamplight. They talk about the songwriting process and influences for Beyond the Lamplight, how they hooked up with Flail Records, reflecting on his eclectic upbringing in a Beatles-loving household and his diverse musical interests ranging from blues to punk rock

Beyond The Lamplight is a force of nature. Hailing from Bend, OR in the heart of the high desert it’s no wonder. Their music reflects the extremes of the region’s climate. Encompassing equal parts folk, punk, rock and a touch of jazz, they’ve carved out quite a niche in a short time. Founded by former Larry And His Flask lead singer and songwriter Ian Cook, he sought to continue on with the spirit of his previous band by mixing fierce banjo picking with rock n roll guitars, soaring 3-part vocal arrangements and a hot brass section. The end result is Beyond The Lamplight. For more Ian Cook and Beyond the Lamplight, check out their webpage at https://flailrecords.com/beyond-the-lamplight/ or their Bandcamp.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

If you asked Black Guy Fawkes, he’d probably tell you that he never thought in a million years he’d be able to interview President Bill Clinton. It may have something to do with this show sounding a lot like another show that airs on a certain cable "news" network.

Also, he certainly wouldn’t have expected that the President would bring other Presidents along, or that they’d have a punk band called President Bomber. It’s even looking like Black Guy Fawkes may make an appearance on his own Mount Rushmore, playing with the Presidents (and A Day Without Love) on the 10th of May at the Deep End in Frostburg, MD. 

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Hello again, friends! Fawkes and Friends is back with another episode, where Black Guy Fawkes and Ed gather with another friend to talk all about creativity. And since gathering with friends over music is so great, here's a shameless plug where you can gather with Black Guy Fawkes:

• Monday, 8/26/24: Club Cafe (Pittsburgh, PA) with Littlefoot (tickets available here)
• Saturday, 9/14/24: Dangerously Delicious (Baltimore, MD) with The Great Dying (free show!)
• Friday, 9/27/24: Bright Box Theater (Winchester, VA) with Meager Kings and Joey Harkum (tickets available here)

Today, though, Ian and Ed have gathered--remotely, via the magic of the internet--with another friend: Tim Holehouse. Ian met Tim at Pouzzafest in Montreal this year, and immediately told Ed how great and eclectic his work is. Tim, ever the storyteller, guides Ian and Ed through all sorts of topics you're not likely to hear all in one place: trip hop legend Tricky wearing purple flares, the magic of A&W root beer, how Tom Waits's karaoke catalogue has been pulled from German bars, and the temptation to release music so odd that the record label won't put it out. His latest album "Down the Rabbit Hole" just came out, so it's fitting that the guys went down all sorts of rabbit holes with "punk rock's weird uncle" in this one.

Global touring musicianTim Holehouse brings experimental acoustic sounds. For the past 16 years, Tim has been one of the most hard working in the industry, travelling the globe, touring throughout the UK, US, Canada Europe, and beyond. His touring adventures have brought influences to his sound today. Breaking the 250-300 gig mark most years, Tim leads somewhat of a nomadic existence, but for all intents and purposes, treats London as his home when not out playing his trade to international and domestic audiences. Tim is equally prolific with his recording as he is with his travels, when not gigging his way round the world, he has found the time to release 20 albums and countless split releases, often with artists he tours with. Tim's own sound is hugely varied, he’s often able to adapt to performing sets depending on the atmosphere of a show. He has been known to release folk, blues, experimental music and covers many other genres. Tim's songs come from a place of honesty and a keen ear for anything creative regardless of genre. His own philosophy is that, 'if music is good, it's just good, right?' To get a feel for Tim's wide and varied talent, be sure to check out his eclectic sounds and as Tim often quotes from one of his favourite films, 'Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure': 'Be excellent to each other.” For more Tim Holehouse, check out his website https://timholehouse.com.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Ok, both Ian and Ed are exhausted, and happy, and all sorts of post-festival blues and happiness has set in. But, damn, what a great long weekend in Toronto, where Black Guy Fawkes hosted 87.5% of Cowboy Chords and lead the Economics of Being an Independent Artist panel, and Ed filled in to host the other 12.5% of the open mic and drank many, many beers. Hence the delay in this episode coming out. Fawkes and Friends is going to schedule a few more episodes for the year, and then start back up rested and refreshed in 2025 with some more announcements and some new and returning guests. In the meantime, tour dates:

• October 2 - 11th: a house show tour with the P-Nots (Colchester CT punk) hitting Oregon WI, Ringwood IL, Chicago IL, North Canton OH, Charles Town WV, Washington DC, Fallston MD, and Poughkeepsie NY (email, DM, or ask a punk for more info)
• Sunday, October 13th: The Camel (Richmond, VA) with Beans on Toast and Jeshua Marshal

And speaking of that last show… today, the guys are joined by Beans on Toast, whose 17th album Myths & Legends is coming out on December 1st and is available for pre-order now, and who is also touring the US this month and next. He shares his journey from his early days in Essex, where he grew up influenced bythe Beatles, American country music, and the Wu Tang Clan. He reminisces about his highlights in the American visionary art museum and the differences in festival cultures between the UK and the US. The conversation also delves into his songwriting process and experiences with different genres, including a gangster rap phase and subsequent shift to his current style. Furthermore, he shares insights from his time booking shows at London's Nambuca pub and working with other musicians. The episode rounds off with upcoming US tour dates, favorite American foods, and a light-hearted discussion about favorite American beer. 

Beans on Toast isn’t just your average folk singer songwriter - he is a modern one-man band, taking charge of all aspects of his music career, whether it be writing, recording and playing, taking his own press shots, making his own merch and artwork, or shooting his own videos. He is a true DIY artist with true DIY ideals. He's crafted a studio album each year since 2009, and each time he's wandered brazenly into new territory with a diverse range of influences. But the acoustic guitar and his warm hug of a voice is there, dead centre. Each album comes out on his birthday every year, as if giving us all a chance to celebrate what he's learned, what he's felt and feared over 12 months. He assesses his life through music and informs the world he's made it another year. There's nothing average about his insight or his delivery. Once a Beans fan, always a Beans fan – he's not changing for anyone but himself. For tour dates, music, and merch, check out https://beansontoastmusic.com/

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

If you saw Black Guy Fawkes perform at Lost Evenings in Anaheim in September of 2023, you may have met today’s guest, as she offered to man his merch table while he played. Also, if you’ve played the video game “Clone Hero,” it’s highly likely you smashed buttons in time to her band Begin Again’s song “I Ws Nvr Yr Grlfrnd,” as that appearance helped that song up to 97k and counting streams on Spotify. Ashley discusses a whole lot of things with Ian and Ed: a rough band break up from a previous group, the process of putting new songs together under a new identity, the troubles that face online communities, and what exactly California pizza is. You can find more of her music at the Begin Again page on Spotify: Begin Again | Spotify

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out https://blackguyfawkes.com/ or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Upcoming gigs where you can find Black Guy Fawkes:

Festivals:

• Sing Us Home Festival: May 2-4  (Philadelphia, PA) (www.singushomefestival.com)
• Camp Punksylvania: June 20-22 (Gilbert, PA) (www.camppunksulvania.com) (use code BLACKGUYFAWKES for 10% off Camp Punksylvania tickets)

Tour (supporting Apes of the State):

• Hamilton, ON (May 13 at Vertagogo)
• Toronto, ON (May 14 at Hard Luck)
• Ottowa ON (May 15 at Dominion Tavern)

This week, Black Guy Fawkes (and Ed) are talking to Grant Minnick, a local singer songwriter from Indiana, Pennsylvania, who just released his first album Panels!, which is a bit of a meditation on graphic novels–each song is inspired by a different cartoonist’s work. Grant talks about the songwriting process and his influences and gives Ian a chance to really geek out about some comic book related things. Ian and Grant talk about the different mindsets involved in being a songwriter and being a performer, and how the two don’t always go together. 

Grant Minnick is a musician out of Indiana, Pennsylvania. His first album, Panels!, is out on all music streaming platforms. You can find more of Grant at https://www.instagram.com/grantminnick.music/

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

This episode, Matt Nasir joins Ian and Ed from across the ocean via the magic of the internets. He shares insights on band dynamics, challenges of live performances, and working with Frank Turner. Matt recounts his musical journey, influenced by family, transitioning from bass to multiple instruments (and which instrument he “thinks” in when composing).and his involvement in notable tours and projects. Maybe we’ll get to see him score a Bond film one day. Whether reminiscing about special gigs or delving into his musical influences, Matt offers a comprehensive look into his vibrant career in music.Upcoming gigs where you can find Black Guy Fawkes:

Festivals:

Sing Us Home Festival: May 2-4  (Philadelphia, PA) (www.singushomefestival.com)

Pouzzafest: May 16-18 (Montreal, Quebec) (www.pouzzafest.com)

Fforest Fest: June 7 (Morris, IL) (https://fforestfest.com/music/)

Camp Punksylvania: June 20-22 (Gilbert, PA) (www.camppunksulvania.com) (use code BLACKGUYFAWKES for 10% off Camp Punksylvania tickets)

Tour (supporting Apes of the State):

Hamilton, ON (May 13 at Vertagogo)

Toronto, ON (May 14 at Hard Luck)

Ottowa ON (May 15 at Dominion Tavern)

Tour (supporting Pet Needs)

Anaheim, CA (May 27 at House of Blues)

Tempe, AZ (May 28 at Yucca Taproom)

Denver, CO (May 30 at Skylark)

Madison, WI (June 1 at The Bur Oak

Cleveland, OH (June 3 at Grog Shop)

New Kensington, PA (June 4 at Preserving Underground)

Pontiac, MI (June 5 at Pike Room)

Matt Nasir is a composer, arranger, and performer–notably in the Sleeping Souls. For more info, check out https://www.mattnasir.com/ - he’ll be retooling the site in the near future.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

You know what we have a love jones for? Proper. They are one of Black Guy Fawkes’s favorite bands, and now they are one of Ed’s, too, and the third friend joining them today is Erik Garlington from that very band. This one goes all over the map–touring in the south and the cities that get passed over, feelings of “are we friends or coworkers” while on tour, and feelings of sometimes being the “diversity hire” on tour, and their song that will be appearing in an A24 movie.

There’s some shocking pizza revelations, too.

For more from Erik Garlington and Proper., you can check out their website (NWA (likerealproper.com)), their Bandcamp (https://likerealproper.bandcamp.com/), or their page at Father/Daughter Records: Proper. - Father/Daughter (fatherdaughterrecords.com)

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Everyone in this special episode is going to be at Pouzza Fest in Montreal this May except for Ed, and he’s real salty about it. But you, dear listener–if you go (Pouzza Fest: Montreal's Punk Festival – May 17-18-19, 2024), you can not only see Black Guy Fawkes, but today’s guests as well–Brittany Luna and Tim Hildebrand from the amazing ska band Catbite! And, hey, if you’re in the UK, they are headed your way to open for Hot Water Music (!) on a ton of dates. As Philly cats, they can also tell you the best cheesesteak in the 215, their upcoming limited edition deluxe re-release of their 2021 album Nice One, and a whole lot about the actual history of ska–they’re the real deal. For more info on Catbite, visit www.catbite.net.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out https://blackguyfawkes.com/ or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Here it is–the very first episode of Fawkes and Friends. Some have called him “the Wayne Brady of folk punk,” others have called him a “punk rock griot,” but here, folks simply call him Black Guy Fawkes (or Ian Robinson). He has brought his brand of Appalachian folk punk across America and, now, he’s bringing it to Spotify with this podcast, where he and his pal Ed talk to musicians and other creatives about their creative processes and social justice.In this introductory episode, he’s not only the host, but also the guest, and Ed asks him about his music career, his influences, what he wants this podcast to accomplish, and his Mount Rushmore of Cats from the musical Cats. 

Artist featured song: “The Great Sisyphus,” by Black Guy Fawkes.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out ⁠https://blackguyfawkes.com/⁠ or ⁠https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/⁠. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple Music⁠, and ⁠Amazon⁠. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show.

The first full episode of Fawkes and Friends couldn’t ask for a better guest than Johnny Marriott of PET NEEDS. Black Guy Fawkes and his pal did a very punk thing–released this episode despite the many, many tech issues they had during the interview (there’s a reason Ed talks so much this time). But they hope the content makes up for it–you’ll get to hear all about the creation of PET NEED’s third album Intermittent Fast Living (due out 2/16/24, or 16/2/24 in the civilized world), the “Bottom of the Pops” campaign to drive the album to UK chart dominance, and the very important, divisive answer to the question “what’s better–Chicago or New York pizza.”

Artist featured song: “Sleep When I’m Dead” by PET NEEDS

Also, a quick note: Black Guy Fawkes has a late-breaking announcement. He's partnering with Savage Mountain Pun arts to raise money for lunch debt in Allegany County Public Schools, playing the Hunger Moon Benefit. The goal is to wipe away $5,000 in school lunch debt in a community that has a median household income of less than $24k. More info (and the ability to donate) can be found on Black Guy Fawkes's social media pages.

Founded with humble bedroom-band beginnings by brothers Johnny and George Mariott only a matter of years ago, PET NEEDS’ career has been sky-rocketing ever since the release of their acclaimed debut ‘Fractured Party Music’ back in 2021. From getting signed to SOLD OUT shows, rave reviews to rabid fans, and embarking on extensive global tours with the likes of Frank Turner, The Lottery Winners, Skinny Lister; demand for these four lads from Essex has been on a trajectory with the stratosphere. Joined by Jack (drums) and Ryan (bass) the band are readying to announce details of their third studio album, following the explosive debut and showstopping Frank Turner-produced follow-up ‘Primetime Entertainment’.

Having attracted attention with their relentless live shows and powerful studio releases, PET NEEDS have attracted praise from the likes of Backseat Mafia, The Rodeo, Times Radio, NARC Magazine and more with the latter dubbing ‘Primetime Entertainment’ as a record of “joyous experimentation”.

Following an extensive UK, US and European tour supporting Frank Turner last year, 2023 has seen PET NEEDS support The Lottery Winners across the UK, The Bouncing Souls and Skinny LIster in the US, Flogging Molly in Europe and complete their own headline tours.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out ⁠https://blackguyfawkes.com/⁠ or ⁠https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/⁠. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple Music⁠, and ⁠Amazon⁠. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show.

Still so many tech issues but, hey, the show is bringing that punk rock/DIY aesthetic to one of the hosts favorite punk and DIY artists–MJ Bones. Bones joins Black Guy Fawkes and his very-under-the-weather pal Ed to discuss gigging with Kimya Dawson, casual racism in surprising places, why pizza in Connecticut is so damn good, and how they got started doing the whole ukulele thing in the first place. It’s a love fest all around, with copious use of the N-word by the two of the three people on the recording who are allowed to use it. 

For the full experience, listen on Spotify Premium, where you'll get to hear the artist featured song: “Maybe” by MJ Bones.
For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out https://blackguyfawkes.com/ or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show.

You didn’t think this show was done for the year, did you? Fresh from a tour with their pal’s the P-Nots that took them from Oregon, WI to Pougkeepsie, NY (and all sorts of points in between), Black Guy Fawkes and his less talented but more [insert something positive] friend are back in the swing of things after Black Guy Fawkes headed out on the road again with pal Gab de la Vega for another tour to close out the year.

Today’s guest is no stranger to touring, either. Tim Hause has been working in music since 2014, and has recently completed a tour of his own overseas. Tim talks to the guys about his songwriting process, what his hypothetical fallback plan would be if music didn’t work out (musicians–even ones from musical families–often get asked “what’s your backup plan?”), the production of his upcoming album Pre-Existing Conditions (out 14 February 2015–the first single “Make It Take It” is out now, and the next single “Summerkiss” will be out Friday 15 November 2024), and the best cheesesteak and pizza in the greater Philadelphia area.

Since 2014 Tim has carved out a name for himself as a cowriter, harmony singer, and multi instrumentalist with his brother Dave Hause. For more Tim Hause, check out www.timhause.com

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

We’re back again–twice in one week, making up for lost time. And we have a few more special episodes coming up. Also coming up: more dates where you can see Black Guy Fawkes (and sometimes Ed):

• Saturday, 9/14/24: Dangerously Delicious (Baltimore, MD) with The Great Dying (free show!)
• Thursday, 9/19/24 - Sunday 9/22/24: hosting the Cowboy Chords open mic daily at Lost Evenings
• Friday, 9/27/24: Bright Box Theater (Winchester, VA) with Meager Kings and Joey Harkum (⁠tickets available here⁠)
• October 2 - 12th: a house show tour with the P-Nots (Colchester CT punk) hitting Oregon WI, Ringwood IL, Chicago IL, North Canton OH, Charles Town WV, Washington DC, Fallston MD, Poughkeepsie NY, and Orlando FL (email, DM, or ask a punk for more info)

Today on the show is Patrick Windsor from Black Mail House. After they ooh and aahh over his dog Mila, Ian and Ed talk to Patrick about his evolution from metal to dark power pop in his band Black Mail House, the influences from his father’s record collection (which he still has), and other inspirations. Ian and Patrick get into a discussion on time signatures in music. And because Black Mail Houses album “Catacombs” is going to be your new spooky season album, the discussion gets into spooky season (right in time for Halloween) and why Los Angeles is the best city for it. And of course, the quickfire game gets unhinged, and delves into the idea of Muppet yacht rock.

For over two decades, Patrick Windsor has been recording, writing, and performing music nationally with a taste for music of all genres.Starting by learning the best of Seattle Grunge licks, Patrick went on to study Jazz, Rock, Metal, Bossa Nova, and jumped into the realm of Electronic music as well. He studied Jazz Guitar Performance at Northern Illinois University, but ultimately obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Music and New Media Technology. After graduating magna cum laude, he continued to perform and produce music centralized in the Chicago area. He also taught private guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, and saxophone lessons. While in Chicago, Patrick performed with several bands. He fronted the rock band, 48sin, recording one full-length album and several EP’s. The track, “Sipping Down the Barrel of a Gun,” was picked for Guitar Center’s Fresh Cuts Volume 3, and again the song, “Hymn,” was featured on Volume 5.During the same period, he played guitar for the rock outfit, egostatic. This band performed regularly at Chicago staples like The Metro, and also played live on Chicago’s alternative radio station Q101. The band’s track, “Radio Flatline,” was featured in the first episode of the Showtime series Californication.In 2010, Patrick began playing guitar for the experimental rock band,Tub Ring. He recorded guitar on their final album for The End Records, Secret Handshakes, and toured in support of this album. In 2017, the band reunited for another LP, A Choice of Catastrophes, with Patrick contributing guitar, piano, and song-writing credits. As his time touring with Tub Ring ended, Patrick created Internal Empires with previous band-mates. This metal band released one full-length vinyl LP, and several EPs. They played regionally in the Chicago area, sharing the stage with bands like Every Time I Die, Norma Jean, The Bled, and more. Songs from their debut full-length, “Corruption of Reason,” were featured in the Unstable Ground documentary, “Skull World.” After moving to Los Angeles in 2016, Patrick began writing and recording with a range of artists. He co-wrote the song “Play to Win” on Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers’ album, “Eastwest Sessions,” earning a placement on Billboard’s Blues charts. Patrick’s current project, Black Mail House, is a power-pop band heavily influenced by pop/rock music of the 1960s and 1970s. He is the principle song-writer, while also arranging all horn and orchestral parts. The band’s song, “Don’t Leave Just to Have More Songs That Say I Love You,” was used in the Shudder exclusive film, Lucky (2021).Patrick is well-versed in all styles of guitar playing, as well as music production and recording. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Taking inspiration from 1960s and 1970s Rock 'N Roll, Black Mail House crafts songs with lush arrangements and harmonies. The debut LP, "Resurrectionist," features themes that are sometimes sweet, sometimes dark, but always filled with pop hooks. For fans of Harry Nilsson, the Beatles, the Zombies, and anybody that wants to keep Power Pop alive in contemporary rock music. More info at https://patrickwindsormusic.com/

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

The first episode of Fawkes and Friends in 2025 is the preliminary gathering of the Matt Flood of Asbestos Records Appreciation Society, as labelmate Kiri Oliver of the band Early Riser joins Black Guy Fawkes and his pal to talk about a shared love of the album format, the brilliance of Mikey Erg and his unwavering commitment to playing in almost every band at Fest is Gainesville, what Early Riser’s fantastic song “Strays” was written about and how other people can see their own unique situations in it, falling in love with music at a young age before the question of “cool or uncool” comes into play, and so much more.  

Cover photo courtesy of Marc Gaertner

Early Riser is a cello-driven pop-punk band from Brooklyn, NY. They originally formed as an acoustic duo of Kiri Oliver (vocals/guitar) and Heidi Vanderlee (cello/vocals), who released their debut album Currents in 2017. They found their permanent lineup and evolved their sound with the addition of rhythm section Nicole Nussbaum (bass/vocals) and Mikey Erg (drums/vocals), resulting in 2021’s Vocations. Inspired by the songwriting of The Mountain Goats, Against Me!, AJJ, and The Front Bottoms, Kiri writes clever, relatable lyrics about mental health, social relationships, and figuring out what’s important to you. She has a knack for capturing life’s challenges with a sense of humor and a focus on positivity and growth. Her words are elevated by the band’s soaring cello riffs, driving rhythms, and tight vocal harmonies. Early Riser’s third album, Big Life (Asbestos Records, 2024) was helmed by legendary indie rock producer John Agnello (Sonic Youth, The Hold Steady, Waxahatchee) and packs their biggest punch yet with a set of fun and fierce sing-along anthems that explore themes of isolation and connection. 

They have also had the honor of covering songs about cats for the official tributes to two of their favorite artists, The Weakerthans and Jack Terricloth. For more Early Riser, check out their web site at https://www.earlyrisermusic.com/

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Hey friends! Another episode, and more dates where you can see Black Guy Fawkes (and sometimes Ed):

• Thursday, 9/19/24 - Sunday 9/22/24: hosting the Cowboy Chords open mic daily at Lost Evenings
• Friday, 9/27/24: Bright Box Theater (Winchester, VA) with Meager Kings and Joey Harkum (⁠tickets available here⁠)
• October 2 - 11th: a house show tour with the P-Nots (Colchester CT punk) hitting Oregon WI, Ringwood IL, Chicago IL, North Canton OH, Charles Town WV, Washington DC, Fallston MD, and Poughkeepsie NY (email, DM, or ask a punk for more info)
• Sunday, October 13th: The Camel (Richmond, VA) with Beans on Toast and Jeshua Marshal

Show notes are going to be brief, because Ed is following Black Guy Fawkes all the way up to Toronto for the festival, and needs a good night’s sleep before making that six hour drive. But, hey, that just means more time to get into their conversation with Jon Snodgrass! A Fawkes and Friends Exclusive: Jon Snodgrass shares his Buddies Manifesto, but there’s also a lot of really good advice on living, and some great food recommendations, and the potential beginnings of a song about karaoke composed right here on this very podcast.

Jon Snodgrass was born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, and later settled in Fort Collins, Colorado, before forming Armchair Martian in the early 1990s. In 1996, he started recording songs with ALL singer Chad Price under the name Drag the River. Since then, he has continued putting out music with both bands, as a solo artist, and as a member of Scorpios. https://www.jonsnodgrass.com/

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

No lengthy preamble here–it’s not needed when Black Guy Fawkes and Linh Le from Bad Cop / Bad Cop get together. They talk about sharing the stage at Lost Evenings, the Bassists Against Racists campaign, and their shared love of Ted Lasso. Linh and Ed also share their love of karaoke, and everyone combines like a three-part Voltron to talk about performing, the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, and the best parts of what make the punk scene more than a scene, but a community.

Linh Le is the bassist for Bad Cop / Bad Cop. You can find their upcoming tour dates here, including Camp Punksylvania. She’s also one of the folks behind Bassists Against Racists, which raises money for different causes each month. Ian and Ed both adore her and her band, so you should check out all of their stuff. 

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

If there’s one thing in this world that Black Guy Fawkes and his trusty(ish) pal Ed have in common, it’s a love of today’s guests, Micah Schnabel and Vanessa Jean Speckman, both as artists and as people. The DIY revolution is alive and well, and it's fueled by artists like Micah and Vanessa who are passionate about their craft and committed to building meaningful connections with other artists, as well as their audience–DIY doesn’t mean “do it alone.”

You can catch Micah and Vanessa on tour with Frank Turner, Amigo the Devil, and Bridge City Sinners throughout the US in May and June (Ian and Ed will both be at that Baltimore gig). For more of Micah’s work, including the new album “The Clown Watches the Clock” and the book of the same name, head to his bandcamp page: Music | Micah Schnabel (bandcamp.com). For Vanessa and Call Me Rita, you can check out Call Me Rita’s bandcamp page: Audio | Call Me Rita (bandcamp.com).
For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Well, there’s a big announcement in this episode, one that will likely lead to a good bit of poutine and some reunions with friends. But, on top of that one, here are some other upcoming Black Guy Fawkes events you can still get in on:

• Saturday, 9/14/24: Dangerously Delicious (Baltimore, MD) with The Great Dying (free show!)
• Friday, 9/27/24: Bright Box Theater (Winchester, VA) with Meager Kings and Joey Harkum (⁠tickets available here⁠)
• October 2 - 12th: a house show tour with the P-Nots (Colchester CT punk) hitting Oregon WI, Ringwood IL, Chicago IL, North Canton OH, Charles Town WV, Washington DC, Fallston MD, Poughkeepsie NY, and Orlando FL (email, DM, or ask a punk for more info)

After the announcements and intros, Ian and Ed sit down with Fat Heaven–the entire band (Jack Counce, Travis Yablon, Gayla Brooks)--whom he met at Punk Rock Saves Lives Punk Rock Hoedown in Las Vegas this spring. This episode is chaos. Everyone hates tomatoes, apparently, but loves Pizza Hut. Altoona, PA comes up a lot–the pizza, the punk scene at McGarvey’s, and fresh pasta. Jack says some things that may or may not be words.

Fat Heaven from Brooklyn, NY consists of the three members Jack Counce, Travis Yablon, Gayla Brooks. The three play pop-punk with rock’n roll as it should be fast and full of melodies. With their aggressive and punchy power trio sound, they clearly fall into this genre, although the band’s penchant for catchy vocal melodies puts them closer to poppier acts like Jimmy Eat World and Green Day. Buy all their stuff at https://fatheaven.bandcamp.com/. 

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify

Black Guy Fawkes is back from prepping for his upcoming spring tour (with dates in Maryland, Canada, Nevada, Tennessee, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Maryland again), and he and Ed are joined by Brian Walker from A Day Without Love. 

Brian shares firsthand experiences and practical tips on planning and executing a successful tour, from booking gigs to navigating transportation and accommodations. Insights into budgeting, promoting shows, and building connections with local scenes are explored, and the challenges of being Black musicians in predominantly white spaces are confronted. It’s not all heavy, though–there’s definitely light-hearted talk about food on the road as well, and if we were better at writing show notes, we’d say something like “you won’t BELIEVE his take on which COFFEE is better: Dunkin or Wawa,” but we’re not. 

You can catch both Black Guy Fawkes and A Day Without Love (along with President Bomber and Justin Arena) at the Deep End in Frostburg MD Friday, May 10th. For more A Day Without Love, you can check out the web page A Day Without Love and the Patreon at A Day Without Love | Behind the Scenes of a Touring DIY Musician | Patreon.

For more Black Guy Fawkes, check out Music | Black Guy Fawkes (bandcamp.com)or https://asbestosrecords.bigcartel.com/. He’s also on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, etc as Black Guy Fawkes–spelling is extremely important here and, not surprisingly, he’s on music streaming services as well: Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can probably find Ed drinking in a karaoke bar or in the crowd at a punk show. The show also now has a playlist of music from guests that have appeared, and guests who will be appearing, and you can check that out on Spotify as well: Fawkes & Friends: The Playlist - playlist by Ian Robinson | Spotify