Sam Russo put out his fourth album (“Hold You Hard”) a few months ago and is currently touring the states in a run-up to the Fest in Gainesville later this month.

The new album was written across America, and feels like the result of travels that were well, if not thoughtfully, spent.

Sam jumped in my car in front of GMan to talk about the new album, video-making, songwriting, and a shared love for horror films.

As I mentioned in a recent social post, Sam is one of the most genuine, authentic souls I've come across in my decades of interviewing musicians. He speaks, writes, and performs with unflinching sincerity and rawness … his new album is a wonderful leap forward for him as an artist - highly recommended.

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between.

They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices.

Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Flock was making noise on a national level starting back during the Nixon administration. They were unorthodox for the time: Jazz. Prog. Rock. Fusion. A little bit of everything, all masterfully played by the individual band members.

They put out a few major label albums in their prime (Columbia, Mercury) … then, just as quickly as they came onto the scene, they faded away.

Jerry Smith (bass/vocals) from the Flock joins me on the northwest side for this episode to talk about the band’s remarkable history (your jaw will drop at how many legendary bands they shared stages and experiences with) and what the present day vision is for the band.

This chat is true Chicago (and classic rock) history, told by a guy who’s seen and done it all. I think you’re really going to appreciate it.

(Please note: We talk a lot in this episode about an upcoming Park West performance. Due to an unforeseen circumstance, that show had to be canceled. Hopefully we can see the band live again soon!)

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Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between.

They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices.

Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode finds me at the fabulous Volo Antique Malls, where I can easily lose myself for hours at a time. Owners/managers Keith and Lisa Santiago sat down with me about collectibles and antique culture, as well as the fact that their buildings are “haunted.”

Seemed like the perfect time of year to dig into the latter, as paranormal tours of the facilities are being conducted along with the Volo Auto Museum.

Lisa and Keith were a pleasure to talk to. And yes, I easily found a few things to buy before I left the area completely.

Visit the Volo Antique Malls, which in their words, “aren't your stuffy grandma’s mall; we are your cool grandma’s mall.”

27640 Volo Village Rd.

Volo, Illinois 60073

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.

Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between.

They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices.

Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.