In The Crates is a new series from Breaking And Entering, looking at the world of Milwaukee’s DJs and why they do what they do.
On this edition of In The Crates, Ben Slowey sits down with DJ Nic Stokes, who has multiple residencies in Milwaukee, including as an official DJ for the Milwaukee Bucks and UWM men’s basketball. The two talk about how Nic got his start as a DJ, and how he’s continued to grow and evolve up to this point.
In The Crates is a new series from Breaking And Entering, looking at the world of Milwaukee’s DJs and why they do what they do.
On this edition of In The Crates, Ben Slowey sits down with Dee J Zae to talk about the foundations of becomng a DJ, getting started, and the scene in Milwaukee.
In The Crates is a new series from Breaking And Entering, looking at the world of Milwaukee’s DJs and why they do what they do.
On this edition of In The Crates, Ben Slowey sits down with Austin Mikula aka HomeRecker. The two talk about his recent experience, DJing on cruise ships for the past several months, and what he’s up to now that he’s back in Milwaukee for a little bit. Check it out!
In The Crates is a new series from Breaking And Entering, looking at the world of Milwaukee’s DJs and why they do what they do.
In the first installment of In The Crates, Ben Slowey talks with Lisza Battikha aka DJ aka Sheikha about her background in music and ultimately her decision to pursue DJing. Lisza is a part of the Non-Pop collective and recently debuted at the Miramar Theatre, where she worked for several years.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Ben Slowey sat down with indie pop/rock band Pescatarian At Best, consisting of vocalist Benton Belzer, guitarists Mason West and Courtney Martel, bassist Liz Adkins and drummer Nikki Nelson. The band’s got three singles out – “Hey Winner”, “Pah to Pasture”, and “Soap and Butter”. They discussed the band’s formation, moving to Milwaukee from the Green Bay area, the singles they’ve dropped, being pro and anti power chords, and what they’re working on now. Pescatarian At Best play Bremen Cafe on March 2nd, Cactus Club for their Butterfly Collective benefit show on March 12th, Last Rites on March 19th, Shank Hall on March 31st, Anodyne on April 20th, Promises on June 2nd, and Linneman’s on June 9th.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with Jeff Skullman AKA DJ Goodboi. Previously in several local bands, he’s picked up DJing over the last few years and has been entertaining crowds in various spots around Milwaukee. They discussed Jeff’s old bands such as Sick Jump, getting heavy into DJing during quarantine, binging TV shows, getting weird ads on Facebook, and what Jeff loves to play.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with some folks from Midcoast Collective – Dahlia, DJ Megadon, .Wav and DizzyRandoms – to talk about their newly formed record label, Midcoast Records. Dahlia’s album “Sounds Of My Soul” dropped last summer. DJ Megadon’s latest mix “A Mix For The Groovy Children” dropped last month. .Wav’s new album “Ruminate” dropped two days after Christmas. DizzyRandoms’ latest EP “Dyskinesia” dropped in October. Each of them is on the record label as well. Everyone went around to chat about how they got into making music, their latest projects, what they’re working on now, Midcoast’s model of putting art and social justice in one space, and their goals with the label to come.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Ben sat down with hip hop artist Juxt Dame, who’s dropped two singles this year already – “Background” and “Easier” featuring Canel. His last EP “Far As I’m Concerned” with DizzyRandoms dropped in September. They discussed Dame’s exposure to music and poetry from a young age, breaking into the Milwaukee scene, the music he dropped in 2022, having gratitude, and working with his partner on her music.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Ben sat down with artist, promoter, singer-songwriter and movie buff Jake Hess, who was last on Mr. Nice Guy a couple of years ago as part of heavy metal band Ahabs Ghost. He’s currently focusing on his solo acoustic project Wylie Jakobs, promoting/hosting events at Bremen Cafe and creating art/flyers. In fact, Jake created the current Mr. Nice Guy logo. They discussed the dissolving of Ahabs Ghost, AI art and the emotion behind creating, hosting the monthly burlesque variety show BremSin, Wylie Jakobs’ 2020 album “Unmarked Graves”, and Jake’s top 10 movies of 2022!
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with DJ and entertainer Bryan Gorelik AKA BG Good, who runs the booking company Eventspark. He’s got residencies at RWB (Thursday), Lucid (Saturday) and The Sofie (Monday). They discussed Bryan’s beginnings as a rapper evolving into DJing, his gigs, owning what you play as a DJ, weddings and private events with Eventspark, and some original EDM he’s working on.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
This time around, Ben sat down with artist T!ny, whose style has encompassed hip hop, trap, experimental pop, hyperpop, etc. Their most recent single “No Thoughts Head Empty” dropped last week. They discussed T!ny’s origins playing guitar and writing songs as a teenager, moving to Milwaukee in 2021, the singles they’ve dropped this year, their influences, and what they’re working on now.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
On this episode, Ben sat down with singer-songwriter Mark Hubing, frontman of eclectic indie rock band Onyx Koan. Their debut album “Still in the Earthquake” dropped last month. The two discussed Mark’s upbringing in the church introducing him to music, blending styles he likes into Onyx Koan’s unique sound, recording “Still in the Earthquake”, its themes of purpose and finding your place in the world, and Mark’s podcast “Local Cords” where he interviews local musicians with a comedic tone.
Indie pop collective Oak You, formerly known as OQ, released a new record recently. Breathing the divine spirit of nature, Oak You paint a serene picture with ambient electronica, field recordings and the elegant textures of flute passages and vocal harmonies. Notable is the final track “Truth n Borage” which spans over ten and a half minutes, featuring hushed synths that gradually fade into the sounds of wilderness. Gently float across land and sea with “Pangea Pt. 1.”
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with hip hop artist Tha Mid City Kid, whose most recent album “Lettuce” dropped in 2020. Born and raised in Janesville, he’s now based in Madison. They discussed Tha Kid writing raps since the age of ten, releasing his first mixtape at sixteen, dealing with anxiety, making music videos for every song off “Lettuce”, and who he’s collaborating with.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with musician, poet and artist Zack Pieper, whose most recent band has been the eccentric pop band Peeper & Le Play. He’s known for his annual “Ghost-Its” mosaic where he draws thousands of pictures of ghosts on post-it notes. They discussed the lo-fi aesthetic, the mosquitos of Horicon Marsh, Peeper & Le Play’s latest record “We Buy Gold: Club Frills Vol. 2”, the ghosts, and Zack’s poetry.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with hip hop artist and podcaster Mad Static, whose most recent EP “Son of Cynthia” dropped in March. His podcast is called Beats, Rhymes & Bodyslams. They discussed Static’s early mixtape days of the 2000’s, getting through 2020, being hard on yourself, his latest EP, and combining rap and wrestling into his podcast. The video failed for the second half of this episode unfortunately but thankfully the audio survived.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with indie pop band Bug Moment – Gray Edward, Jas Rosenblatt, Eli Dorsey, and Aidan Hoppens. Their latest singles are “Little Frog” and “Lagoon.” They discussed Bug Moment’s formation, their eclectic style, Garfield, the new songs, and their upcoming debut album. Bug Moment play Cactus Club on August 2nd, 8th and 13th; then they’re at The Back Room at Colectivo for Social Cig’s Album Release Party on August 20th!
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben talks to three members of the psychedelic chamber music band Social Caterpillar – Kial, Whisper Crystal, and Lazer (minus Eric Ash, much love to him). Their most recent album “When You Woke Up to Dances of Light” was released in March. They discussed how Social Caterpillar formed, actual caterpillars, their “Distance” EPs during quarantine, what went into their new record, and Riverwest DIY.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with musician Sam Balistreri, whose played in a number of Milwaukee bands over the years. Most recently he was guitarist of indie rock band NeoCaveman, whose final album “Sun Eater” was released in March. He also plays in the System of A Down tribute band Fight the Heathens. They discussed Sam finding his passion for music teaching, previous bands of his, seeing My Morning Jacket in Chicago, NeoCaveman’s last album, and covering SOAD songs.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with alternative pop-indie rock band Loud Library – vocalist/bassist Ben Smith, guitarist Garrett Holm, and drummer Judicael Bationo. Their sophomore EP “Shades of Loud” dropped in 2020. They discussed Loud Library’s formation, getting hungry at night, Milwaukee venues they miss, the last EP, and their summer shows – they play Taste of Wisconsin on July 29th, Chill on the Hill on August 9th (National Book Lovers’ Day – get it?) and the Illinois State Fair in Springfield on August 12th. The video unfortunately failed for the last third or so of the interview. But thankfully the audio survived!
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben talks to photographer, filmmaker, and DJ Mahdi Gransberry, who goes by the name FreakishNerd. He’s got a house music party coming up with DJ Bizzon and DJ Gemini Gilly at Company Brewing on August 13th. They discussed fans that have the breeze mode function, his first artistic photo being of a bowl of Fruity Pebbles, becoming FreakishNerd, shooting Summerfest, and getting disqualified from DJing at Rookie Night.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with hip hop artist Flowers, whose last album “Fluffy” dropped in 2020. She’s got her follow-up album in the works now. They discussed Flowers’ band she had when she was 12, their Linkin Park phases, what she wanted to do with “Fluffy”, her direction with the new music, and the dope folks she’s collaborated with.
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben sat down with two guys from slacker rock band North Warren, vocalist-guitarist Luke Esperes and bassist Will Bull. Their new single “Decomposer” dropped last week. They discussed North Warren’s evolution from solo songwriting project to full band, Luke’s old house (where it all started), the “Glue” EP from last year, expressing love to those around you, and Buffalo Wild Wings. You can check out more episodes of Mr. Nice Guy on YouTube, and check out this interview below:
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Today, Ben is talking to artist ThatGuyEli, whose eclectic style encompasses everything from R&B to electronica to rock to hip hop and more. His latest single “Reject” dropped on the 1st of the month. They discussed Eli’s musical touch from a young age banging on kitchen bowls, his 2020 album “A Nobody With Ambitions”, constantly innovating his sound, feeling like you have something to prove, and the music he’s got in store. You can check out more episodes of Mr. Nice Guy on YouTube, and check out this interview below:
Our Music Director, Ben Slowey, is more than on top of the local music scene. In addition to his work for Breaking And Entering, he also hosts the Mr. Nice Guy podcast, an interview-based show that reaches out to Milwaukeeans for conversations about what motivates them. Many of these shows fittingly involve the local music scene, and we’ll be sharing some of them here as well.
Recently, Ben sat down with Parker Schultz, who fronts the indie rock band Social Cig. Their most recent singles “From Afar / Hot Red” dropped last month. The two discussed the difference between brats and Italian sausage, Social Cig’s evolution from DIY project to full band, opening for Wet Leg, their last album “Nothing is Ever For Sure and Everything is Always Changing”, and plans for a new album and movie later this summer. You can check out more episodes of Mr. Nice Guy on YouTube, and check out this interview below:
