CORE

Oshkosh-based rock band Traveling Suitcase returns to Fox Cities Core on WCZR Code Zero Radio to talk about their long-awaited new EP, Moonlit Nights, dropping October 28. Known for their fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelic textures, the band has spent over a decade evolving through lineup changes, DIY recordings, and emotionally charged live shows — all while staying rooted in the Fox Valley music scene.In this candid and wide-ranging interview, Nicholas, Justin, and Jess (aka the “Band Mom”) join Andy to discuss:- The long road to releasing Moonlit Nights and what the EP means to them now- How the band’s lineup has evolved and why the current chemistry feels so strong- The behind-the-scenes role Jess plays in keeping the band organized, booked, and moving forward- Justin’s transition into the band and the challenge of learning bass parts from Brandon- Collaborations with Mike and Kat from Sit Kitty Sit and the magic of dual drummers- Tour stories, Buc-ee’s pit stops, and the power of friendship on the road- Plans for live video content and writing a full-length album this winter- Reflections on their Jones Park Mile of Music set and the energy they bring to every showCode Zero Radio is an independent streaming radio station based in the Fox Cities, Wisconsin, dedicated to spotlighting emerging artists, local talent, and underground music scenes. With a strong focus on alternative, rock, punk, and indie genres, Code Zero Radio serves as a platform for both regional and national acts to share their music and stories. In addition to spinning tracks 24/7, the station features original programming like Fox Cities Core, where artists are interviewed in-depth about their music, journey, and creative process.CodeZeroRadio.com#TravelingSuitcase #MoonlitNights #FoxCitiesCore #CodeZeroRadio #WisconsinMusic #IndieRock #BandInterview #NewMusic2025 #OshkoshMusicScene #SupportLocalMusic

In this episode of Fox Cities Core, we kick off our new monthly segment with Mark Mader of Appleton Beer Factory. Mark shares the story of how he became a partner at ABF, his mission to bring original music to the venue, and how the brewery has evolved into one of the Fox Cities’ most active live music spaces. From expanding the stage to hosting national touring acts, Mark dives into the logistics, passion, and partnerships that fuel ABF’s music programming.We talk about:- The origins of ABF’s music scene and its first show with Brother O’ Brother- How Mile of Music helped shape the local landscape- Booking challenges post-COVID and the importance of ticketed shows- Upcoming partnerships with Code Zero Radio, Razor 94.7, and more- Mark’s wishlist of future acts (Local H, Jeremy Albino, Cole Chaney)- Plans to expand into larger venues and keep growing the sceneWhether you're a fan, musician, or venue owner, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a sustainable, artist-friendly space in the Fox Cities.appletonbeerfactory.comRecorded live from WCZR Code Zero Radio in Appleton, Wisconsin — where local music lives.Subscribe for more interviews, updates, and live sessions from the heart of the Fox Valley.#ABFMonthly #CodeZeroRadio #FoxCitiesCore #MarkMader

Age of Fable is a Green Bay–based indie/prog collective that blends melodic songwriting with expansive post‑rock, progressive textures and atmospheric arrangements that build into cinematic crescendos.We had the chance to talk with Age of Fable about the band origins, lineup changes, and how their sound evolved from an acoustic duo into a full‑band project. The group recounts recording multiple pandemic‑era releases, tracking at Rock Garden and more recently cutting new material at Source Tracks, and rolling those sessions into festival stages like Mile of Music and All Bands on Deck. They discuss songwriting dynamics between Chris and Melanie, adding drummers and bassists over time, the “prog‑lite” label listeners use to describe their shifting time feels, and plans for a new heavy, earwormy single and upcoming shows.Code Zero Radio is an independent streaming radio station based in the Fox Cities, Wisconsin, dedicated to spotlighting emerging artists, local talent, and underground music scenes. With a strong focus on alternative, rock, punk, and indie genres, Code Zero Radio serves as a platform for both regional and national acts to share their music and stories. In addition to spinning tracks 24/7, the station features original programming like Fox Cities Core, where artists are interviewed in-depth about their music, journey, and creative process.CodeZeroRadio.com#AgeofFable #ChickenandtheEgg #codezeroradio #FoxCitiesCore #BandInterview

Join Code Zero Radio’s Fox Cities Core for an in‑depth conversation with Holly and the Nice Lions as the band breaks down Dolores, their new album. Hear how a short demo (Tease) signaled a louder, fuzzier direction; why they traveled to New Mexico to record with veteran engineer Patrick Haight; how the band writes by bringing song skeletons and fleshing them out together; and how limited rehearsal time feeds the group’s onstage urgency. They also talk gear, sequencing sets like album sides, pressing white vinyl (limited run), cassette support from Kitschy Spirit, and upcoming release‑week shows.Highlights from the interview:- Why they released Tease as a proof‑of‑concept to show their newer, noisier sound.- Recording Dolores in New Mexico with Patrick Haight and tracking 14 songs over an intense, hands‑on session.- The collaborative songwriting process: Holly brings the skeleton, the band fleshes arrangements; the title track Dolores began as Steven’s music with Holly’s lyrics.- How limited rehearsal time (and busy day jobs) creates a “go‑for‑it” live mentality that fuels their high‑energy sets.- Tone and gear notes: swampy hollow‑body guitars, a handful of dirt/fuzz pedals for Holly, and Steven’s pursuit of big, gritty bass tone with vintage‑style rigs plus fuzz.- Release details: white‑vinyl pressing (initial run), cassette edition through Kitschy Spirit, and local album‑release shows and festival dates.Code Zero Radio is an independent streaming radio station based in the Fox Cities, Wisconsin, dedicated to spotlighting emerging artists, local talent, and underground music scenes. With a strong focus on alternative, rock, punk, and indie genres, Code Zero Radio serves as a platform for both regional and national acts to share their music and stories. In addition to spinning tracks 24/7, the station features original programming like Fox Cities Core, where artists are interviewed in-depth about their music, journey, and creative process.CodeZeroRadio.com#HollyandtheNiceLions #Dolores #codezeroradio #FoxCitiesCore #NiceLions

The Mascot Theory is a Madison, Wisconsin–based alt-folk/rock band led by singer songwriter Erik Kjelland; the core lineup includes Erik (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Cory Swadley (lead guitar), Nick Fry (bass), and Paul Metz (drums). They appeared on Code Zero Radio's Fox Cities Core for a candid, wide‑ranging interview about their new concept album Cosmic Hit And Run — a deeply personal record written after Erik Kjelland’s father’s passing and shaped further by Erik’s own serious brain diagnosis. Hear stories from the band about recording with legendary engineer Terry Manning at Sonic Ranch, then returning home to self‑produce the album with inventive found sounds, samplers, and unusual mic setups.What to expect: behind‑the‑scenes tales from Sonic Ranch; the surgical deadline that became a creative spur; why the record was built as a vinyl‑side narrative; and how songs flow into each other to form one continuous emotional arc.Some great moments in this long-form interview including Erik describing the grueling recording of the final vocal on “Still Here”; the use of a childhood recording of Erik and his father woven into the album; Tyler Durbin’s guest verse on “Got A Grip”; and the surprise disco grooves that sit alongside mournful, intimate lyrics.Why listen: the interview reveals how grief, mortality, and hope were turned into precise musical planning, bold sonic experiments, and a record that still finds moments to make you move.Cosmic Hit And Run is available on vinyl through the band’s website, themascottheory.comCode Zero Radio is an independent streaming radio station based in the Fox Cities, Wisconsin, dedicated to spotlighting emerging artists, local talent, and underground music scenes. With a strong focus on alternative, rock, punk, and indie genres, Code Zero Radio serves as a platform for both regional and national acts to share their music and stories. In addition to spinning tracks 24/7, the station features original programming like Fox Cities Core, where artists are interviewed in-depth about their music, journey, and creative process.CodeZeroRadio.com#CosmicHitandRun #FlannelFest #codezeroradio #FoxCitiesCore #MascotTheory