Jeff Lescher has been putting out records since 1984. His band, Green, is one of my all-time faves. He's a unique talent with an eclectic group of influences - The Kinks, 40's/50's/60's pop songs, Big Star, The Beatles and more. If you haven't heard them before, maybe start with Green's 1987 album, Elaine MacKenzie. We talked with Jeff about his long career, a few of his regrets and his recent solo records. Of course, we also talked about his long history with the Chicago music scene.

Time Stamps:

3: When did you first become enamored by music?

8:34: When did you decide that you wanted to make your own music?

13:30: Did you think people would come around to your music or you just explored what you wanted?

16: You got critical acclaim eventually.

17: At what point did you think Green coalesced into what you wanted?

25: Elaine Mackenzie is quite varied, it's impressive.

30: Did you aspire to be a rock star?

39:45: You got to open for Husker Du at their final Chicago gig. How did that come together?

43:10: Looking back, do you feel like you wish you'd done something differently, or do you not regret any of it?

48:50: Why did europeans respond so favorably to the band?

51:40: You weren't following trends, you were just doing your thing.

53:30: What do you attribute the gap in Green releases to?

59:20: Do you want to continue to make music regardless as to whether or not it helps make a living for you?

60:50: Is there a reason you put out solo music instead of as Green?

65: There is a resurgence of power pop, does that surprise you?

67:14: Thick or thin crust pizza?

69: Where is your favorite place to play shows?

72:22: What makes Chicago unique?

80: What is your go to cheap drink?

81:29: Jeff is working on a podcast!

87:30: When is the next time we can see Green play?

Deanna Belos joins us again with a new album on its way.

Probable Claws is due out June 26th. We talk about how that one came together and how she plans to support the new record. We also cover how things have progressed since Cheap Grills was release three years ago. And we definitely spend some time talking about Chicago. Be sure to catch Sincere Engineer at Riot Fest in September.

Time Stamps:

2:20: What's been going on since we last talked?

3:15: Did the response to Cheap Grills surprise you?

5:22: Was the creative process different this time for Probable Claws?

7:17: How did the song "LOL" come about?

10: Talk to us about a song on the new record about getting older?

11:30: There's more moderate tempo songs later in the record.

12:30: What went into re-recording "Settle Up for Your Downfall"?

13:30: Did you ever think you'd record at Electrical Audio?

16: Did recording at Electrical Audio impact the sound of the record?

17: What was the impetus for making your documentary?

19:36: How do you write? Does a theme present itself?

21:30: Do you feel pressure putting out a new album?

23:10: It's so funny that you are so self-effacing about being a slacker.

25:43: What other cities love the band?

28:16: What's been the most surreal moment from touring over the past couple of years?

31:45: Your mom is on the album cover. Is she really holding that tiger?

35:10: Is your move hitting the fans with an emotional song at the end of each album?

38:20: Does this upcoming headlining tour feel different/like there is more pressure? How is the band as travel partners?

41:30: What does it mean to you to be held up in the lineage of Chicago punk bands?

45: What's the best Chicago food aside from pizza?

47:20: What are some of your favorite shows you've seen?

48:40: What are your go to spots to take people to when they come to town?

51:13: Where should people buy the new record?

53: What else do you have coming up?

Anthony Vacarro joined Beach Bunny as bass player in 2019 and has been playing lead guitar since 2022. He also has his own band, Helicopter Leaves and has put out two great records - Get Stuck In (2023) and his latest, Sabrina Nickels out in 2026. We talked with Anthony about the differences of being in those bands - from local gigs to playing Madison Square Garden. And we talk a lot about the Chicago music community.

Time stamps:

1:40 - Congrats on the new record - Sabrina Nickels. How did that process work?

4:05 - How different is it working with Sean O'Keefe on a Beach Bunny record vs. Helicopter Leaves?

10:10 - Is the new Helicopter Leaves record more focused than the first one?

13:45 - You made the first record at your grandfather's home studio and the new one at a full studio. What led to that decision.

15:25 - Grandpa Sam taught you to play music - how old were you?

18:35 - Tell us about your love for Pavement.

24:40 - How did you enter the Beach Bunny orbit?

30:45 - What was your Dad's band?

32:00 - You volunteer to play bass with Beach Bunny.

37:10 - How have you accepted the popularity of Beach Bunny?

41:05 - What's been the most surreal part of being with Beach Bunny?

48:20 - Can it be more fulfilling to be playing Helicopter Leaves songs in front of 100 people than playing Madison Square Garden?

49:20 - What has been the response to Sabrina Nickels?

51:05 - What are the plans for Helicopter Leaves this year?

54:40 - Your family must all be proud of you.

58:10 - You've inspired John Perrin to work on his own music.

61:40 - Deep dish or thin crust pizza?

66:05 - Favorite places to play music in Chicago and favorite places to see music in Chicago?

69:20 - What do you appreciate most about the Chicago music scene?

74:20 - Favorite cheap drink?

76:55 - What's happening in the next 6 months?