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03 Nov Joe Steinhardt

Recently, I snuck into the back of a classroom in the Rutgers University library in New Brunswick, New Jersey to see Joe Steinhardt, founder of Don Giovanni Records, in a panel discussion celebrating the library’s soon-to-be New Brunswick Music Scene Archive.

The event was loosely run by two adorable library representatives who had no idea that the night would include a warm audience reception to the idea of a record sold with sandpaper on the inside to instantly destroy it and the fetishism associated with it, a somewhat tense discussion of the exclusivity of the archive and the hardcore scene itself, and Screaming Females lead singer and guitarist Marissa Paternoster proclaiming, “Rutgers hates art.” Joe stood out that night amidst the hilarity and weirdness, steering the conversation always to the importance of independence and actively working to make your scene more inclusive—values that Joe lives and stays true to like a total babe. 

27 Oct Meredith Kachel

“This is four-dollar hot water. Welcome to Logan Square!” Meredith Kachel, Chicago comedian, storyteller, illustrator, and anything-goes freelancer, quips over her tea at the newly re-opened and reimagined Johnny’s Grill as we discuss the rapidly changing landscape of this previously Hispanic neighborhood.

Although this is our first meeting, Meredith and I are soon giggling over mystery meat, sharing crust punk and New York horror stories, and digging deeper into her life as a lady comedian. Since Meredith started stand-up four years ago as part of a New Year’s resolution/bet with a buddy, she has formed her own group of female comedians, will soon be mentoring a lucky Chicago youngster, and says her life now involves knowing one hundred weirdos at any given bar. “It’s like my own version of Cheers, but Cheers is just my whole life.”

20 Oct Wyatt Grant

“This is going to be hard to type out. I always think about that.” Chicago artist and Pool Holograph bandleader Wyatt Grant worries in the general direction of my recorder as he catches himself in-between drifting thoughts early in our interview.

When I tell him not to worry about it and insist he stops apologizing, he assures me with a laugh that he’s just getting started. That little moment, shared over a few beer cans in the teensy kitchen that marks the space between Wyatt’s bedroom and studio, sums up in a small way what makes Wyatt such a fur-reaking babe. Wyatt is incredibly generous and thoughtful—the kind of person that could anticipate and want to be sensitive to the pains of future me dutifully typing out our conversation. He’s open and honest, with receptive eyes, another example, and a laugh at the ready to invite you deeper into his ideas. And in his presence, through his example, you understand that it’s okay for you to lay it all out there, too.