Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy (and their musical friends) have definitely tapped into something with this "play R.E.M." thing. Mike & Jason originally started this exercise by playing album sets of some of their favorite artists like Neil Young, The Modern Lovers, The Smiths and more. But when they picked out Murmur by R.E.M. in 2023, the whole concept took off in a big way. After playing Fables of the Reconstruction last year, they are heading out on a big tour playing Lifes Rich Pageant. Both shows at the Metro in Chicago are sold out, but there are plenty of other dates available, including a September show at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago. Definitely worth checking them out!

Time stamps

3: How did the musical project come together?

5:21: Are you a big R.E.M. fan?

10: You got R.E.M. together!

11:30: What part did Chicago play in getting this project going?

15:30: What was the reception like as your project started taking off more and more?

19: How did you enjoy Sky Blue Sky?

21:08: There are parallels between acting and singing in a band, but in most cases, you aren't getting an immediate audience response, how do you feel about that difference?

25: Have you had any insights into the difference between the four R.E.M. albums you've covered?

30: Any stories from having spent time with the band?

38: What else do you have going on aside from the upcoming show?

The first Art Brut album, Bang Bang Rock & Roll, came out in 2005. The buzz started slowly, but then Pitchfork gave it an 8.9 rating and things took off from there. Four more LP's followed from 2007 to 2018. We got a chance to talk with bandleader Eddie Argos about his musical career and his love for Chicago. Art Brut is touring this spring, playing that first record as well as a few more greatest hits. They hit the Subterranean in Chicago on April 15th.

Time Stamps:

2: What are some of your favorite musical memories from growing up?

4: Did you always want to be in a band?

5:30: How did you make your way to London?

9:30: Is it odd for you to feel like the driving force, but you don't play an instrument?

11:30: What was the original plan for Art Brut?

12:30: The Pitchfork review - positive fallout from that review.

16:40: When Bang Bang came out, did it feel like everything was falling into place, or was it more complicated than that?

20:30: Did you feel internal pressure following up Bang Bang Rock & Roll?

24:30: Are you feeling pressure and comparing yourself against your peers in the art-wave scene coming out of London?

26:15: When recording the follow up are you the driving force telling people what your vision is and say we need to make this happen?

27:35: Do you have any regrets or things you'd wished you'd done early during the early stages of the band?

29:30: Did you feel like you had to keep going and couldn't afford to take any time off?

30:25: Being a comic book fan, how has it impacted your music?

32:11: How do you hook up with Frank Black?

37:50: Art Brut is a band that a lot of musicians love, who are some artists that you have been surprised love your band?

39:45: Talk to us about how your upcoming tour came together.

42: What do you love about Chicago?

45:23: Are there plans for any new music?

46:10: What is your writing process like?

47:20: Are you ever surprised by the bands that you've inspired?

49: Thick or thin crust pizza?

50:10: What is your favorite venue to play in Chicago?

52:30: What do you think makes Chicago such a unique music scene?

53:40: What is your go to cheap drink?

54:50: Anything you want to plug on the way on out of here?

John Perrin is an incredible Chicago drummer and has toured or recorded with an impressive list of artists, including NRBQ, JD McPherson, Young Fresh Fellows, The Smoking Popes, Jake La Botz, Rodney Crowell, Jim Boggia, The Hushdrops and many more.

We talk about how he got his first drum set at the age of two and played in his first band with his dad & brother at the age of ten. We also covered his love of record collecting, his incredible New Year's Eve experience and his love of Chicago.

Time Stamps:

1:40: What happened on New Years?

9: How did you find your way into the Chicago music scene?

16:22: Is it by choice that you tend to play with people older than you?

21: NRBQ talk!

25: Who wouldn't want to be friends with Scott McCaughey?

28:50: Tell us your engagement story!

32: Talk to us about the life of a session musician?

41:20: You are about the experience - you want the spontaneity

46: What is a dream project for you?

65:25: Thick or thin crust pizza?

66:40: Favorite venue to play a show and favorite venue to see a show at?

68:14: What makes Chicago so unique as a music town?

70:10: What is your go to cheap drink?

72: What do we have going on over the next couple of months?