The Itch
The Itch Rock Podcast brings you artist interviews, album reviews, and concert stories from Aaron, KC, and Dan — three friends who’ve been rocking the airwaves on 89.1 KCLC-FM since 2004. They’re building community and exploring how music connects us, all with a lighthearted, semi-professional style. If it gets your head banging and your blood flowing, it’s an itch we’re here to scratch.
The Itch
The Itch Rock Podcast brings you artist interviews, album reviews, and concert stories from Aaron, KC, and Dan — three friends who’ve been rocking the airwaves on 89.1 KCLC-FM since 2004. They’re building community and exploring how music connects us, all with a lighthearted, semi-professional style. If it gets your head banging and your blood flowing, it’s an itch we’re here to scratch.
New to The Itch? Start with some of our favorite interviews!
323
May 12, 2026
E323 ALT BLK ERA on Sonic Experimentation, Collaborating With Wheatus, and Always Using Your Voice
This week, we're scratching The Itch for a youth movement! Our guests are Chaya and Nyrobi Beckett-Messam, collectively known as ALT BLK ERA . They're sisters who grew up with a passion for music that led them to start creating at a young age. With strong family support and a penchant for engrossing themselves in various genres, they put their individual personalities and styles together to release their debut album, the fantastic drum and bass/rock hybrid Rave Immortal , just last year. Now the
318
April 7, 2026
E318 Arya Goggin of Skindred on Album Titles, Lineup Changes, and Owning Your Style on You Got This
This week, we're scratching The Itch for a three-peat! Arya Goggin of Skindred (The Itch's Official Favorite Band™) joins the three-timer club to discuss their ninth album, You Got This . As with all of their albums, this one is full of genre-hopping earworms ranging from pop rockers to old school ragga-metal jams. In this conversation, we explore how the album got its title (and get some insight into how Skindred almost "jumped the shark" on a previous album), how a Hennessy bottle made it into
314
March 10, 2026
E314 Steve Ewing of The Urge on St. Louis, Steve's Hot Dogs, and Balancing Bands, Business, and Bodybuilding
This week, we're scratching The Itch to celebrate St Louis! It's episode 314, and who better to spotlight our city than Steve Ewing ! Rock fans best know Steve as the dynamic frontman of Lou legends The Urge . But for over 15 years, St. Louisians have also been receiving the gift of flavor at Steve's Hot Dogs ! And if fronting a band and running a business weren't enough, Steve doubles down on both, performing regularly with the Steve Ewing Band and venturing into gourmet grilled cheese wit
308
Jan. 13, 2026
E308 Riley Breckenridge of Thrice on Sharing What You Love, Avoiding Spotify, and Opting Out of Unhealthy Fandom
This week, we're scratching The Itch to explore some new horizons! We're joined Riley Breckenridge of Thrice , who just released their excellent 12th studio album Horizons/West . It's almost unheard of for a band to be this consistently good this far into their career, but Riley and his bandmates made it happen with a little patience and a penchant for... being a bit boring? Join us for an explanation of that, plus some talk about the awesomeness of Radiohead, the awfulness of the Los Angeles An
307
Jan. 6, 2026
E307 Micah Bournes on Abolition, Nomadic Living, Creative Risks, and Bringing Joy to the Revolution
This week, we're scratching The Itch to start the year with joy. Micah Bournes returns to the show to discuss his new protest album Til We All Free , the first non-rock record to ever make The Itch's Top 20 list. Born out of a sense of urgency after America's sociopolitical climate changed again last year, the album is an exploration of abolition, the difference between legality and morality, and how to stay joyful while facing and fighting injustice. Micah's art inspires and influences The Itch
304
Dec. 16, 2025
E304 Sleigh Bells on 15 Years of Treats, Touring with a Toddler, Sobriety, and How to Put on a Show
This week, we're scratching The Itch for an early Christmas present... and a seasonally appropriate one at that! Aaron checks off a pair of wish list guests as Alexis Krauss and Derek Miller of Sleigh Bells join us to talk about their latest record Bunky Becky Birthday Boy , how motherhood, sobriety, and a full band have tour life looking different these days, and the work that goes into their energetic live shows (the topic that also brought us last week's guest, their frequent keyboardist and
303
Dec. 9, 2025
E303 Coach Kate Steinberg on Holistic Touring Health and Working With Sleigh Bells and Motion City Soundtrack
This week, we're scratching The Itch for tour support! Kate Steinberg has built a career as a touring and recording vocalist and keyboardist, a voice teacher, producer, and arranger, a songwriter, and... if it seems like this list keeps going, that's because it does. Kate is a multi-talented musician who caught Aaron's attention with her boundless on-stage energy as. she rocked keys and BGVs on Sleigh Bells ' recent tour. And that's not the only type of tour support she offers. Kate custom-desig
300
Nov. 25, 2025
E300 Amanda Lyberg of Eva Under Fire Enters a New Era
This week, we're scratching The Itch to celebrate. And who better to invite to the party than our most frequent guest and honorary co-host, Eva Marie of Eva Under Fire ... except this time, she's reclaiming her own name and introducing the industry to Amanda Lyberg. She's been through some things in the past few years, and boy does she have a lot to say about it. Join us for a celebration of not only 300 episodes of The Itch, but of the beauty of bringing your full self into every space, and to
286
Sept. 9, 2025
E286 Oxymorrons on Defining Independence and How They Create, Destroy, Rebuild, Repeat on Their New EP
This week, we're scratching The Itch to bring back the boys! Oxymorrons return for the first time since 2023 to tell us all about their new EP, Create. Destroy. Rebuild. Repeat. Life is very different for Dee, Jafe, and K.I. since their last appearance on the show, but they never cease to apply their lessons learned to their art and to their lives, or to share them with anyone who's willing to listen. As always, our conversation with the guys exists in the sweet spot where depth and humor meet,
280
Aug. 5, 2025
E280 Arejay Hale of Halestorm on Marriage, KemikalFire, Ozzy's Last Show, and Growing as a Lyricist on Everest
This week, we're scratching The Itch to reach new heights! Halestorm 's new album Everest arrives on August 8th, and drummer Arejay Hale stopped by to become a three-time guest and talk about it! This album was a growth experience for him as a writer, as he took a more prominent role as a lyricist as the band pivoted to a more internal approach with fewer co-writers than on previous records. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper Arejay conversation without bouncing around to a few other topics (and
262
April 8, 2025
E262 Devour the Day on Border Patrol, Enjoying the Adventure, and Opening for Themselves with Pop Evil
This week, we're scratching The Itch to multitask! Blake Allison and Joey "Chicago" Walser formed Egypt Central in 2002, then Devour the Day in 2012, and most recently have both become members of Pop Evil . Being together in so many bands for so many years, they've amassed quite a bit of wisdom and experience... and some pretty wild stories. And they're always interested in the next challenge or opportunity. Currently, that means the ambitious task of pulling double duty on Devour the Day's tour
257
March 11, 2025
E257 Nathan Aurora of Aurorawave on Features, Fatherhood, and Breaking a Reggae Band Into the Rock World
This week, we're scratching The Itch for reggae metal! Nathan Aurora 's band Aurorawave released one of our favorite albums of 2024, and he's putting the finishing touches on the exciting follow-up. Nathan joins us to talk about straddling the line between his reggae roots and his metal aspirations, the Crossed Heart Clothing company he runs with his wife, how he got guest features like Brandon Saller and Dan Jacobs of Atreyu and Jonathan Vigil of The Ghost Inside on his band's debut album, and
254
Feb. 25, 2025
E254 Eric Bass of Shinedown on Imposter Syndrome and Writing a Personal Album With Fictional Characters
This week, we're scratching The Itch for some world building! Eric Bass of Shinedown joins us to discuss his outstanding debut solo album Eric Bass Presents... I Had A Name . It's a thrilling rock opera of sorts featuring a cast of characters battling against villainous forces,... and sometimes their own minds. Eric speaks candidly about the fascinating process that led to the album (in between Shinedown records, no less), his own mental diagnoses and faith journey, the album's upcoming companio
253
Feb. 18, 2025
E253 Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. on His New Book, Surviving the Music Business, and How Nothing Is a Coincidence
This week, we're scratching The Itch to read a book! Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. is releasing his autobiography, Son of Southtown: My Life Between Two Worlds on February 25th. He joins the show to discuss his story of God's faithfulness, band drama and reconciliation, and the changes and challenges of the music industry. Plus, Aaron has his long-awaited chance to ask about the cover art of The Fundamental Elements of Southtown , we learn about the process behind P.O.D.'s newest album Veritas , and
252
Feb. 11, 2025
E252 Winona Fighter on Their Debut Album, Supporting Local Scenes, Doggy Managers, and the Bass of Doom
This week, we're scratching The Itch to fight! Coco from Winona Fighter returns, and this time she brought the boys! Join her, Dan, and Austin as they break down the origins of some of the songs on their debut LP My Apologies to the Chef (out Feb 28), their choice to hand pick the opening acts for the corresponding Yes, Chef tour (including our mutual friends Fury in Few ), and their commitment to staying authentic and supportive in the music world while still keeping their sanity. Plus, a speci
242
Dec. 3, 2024
E242 A Conversation with Nick Wheeler of The All-American Rejects
This week, we're scratching The Itch for rejection! Well, in a sense. Nick Wheeler , guitarist and co-founder of The All-American Rejects joins us for a freewheeling discussion (see what I did there?) that covers his history with the band, his current studio work, and ... his favorite rewatch podcasts? Plus, Taco Bell talk, Aaron declares a Perfect Pop Song, and Dan finally finds a context to bring up Smallville! We say it often, but this is a fun one. Enjoy. And come hang with The Itch in St. L
197
Jan. 16, 2024
E197 A Conversation with Fury in Few
This week, we're scratching The Itch for a new (old) series! The Shiprocked Series returns in anticipation of this year's event, and first abord are Brayden and Ryan of Fury in Few! These guys blew us away a few months back during Metallica's St. Louis Takeover Weekend , so we had to have them on. Join us for a fun discussion about show intros, playing in front of James Hetfield, not wasting music, and... playing at Starbucks? Enjoy. If you like what you hear, you can hear more of us every
172
Sept. 5, 2023
E172 A Conversation with Chad Sexton of 311
This week, we're scratching not just an Itch, but an artist off our wish list! Chad Sexton of 311 joins us to discuss the 30th anniversary re-issue of his band's debut album Music , the fine art of creating a setlist, and what keeps five people together in a band for over three decades (hint: it might be bacon). Plus, Chad takes us on a trip down memory lane with stories from a few album eras, Aaron doesn't get to talk about drum art , and this clip proves why Chad rules. Enjoy. If you like what
Recent Episodes
329
June 23, 2026
E329 Ekoh and Lø Spirit of Ninth Key on Choosing the Authentic Over the Artificial
This week, we're scratching The Itch for a two-for-one deal! Ekoh and Lø Spirit have spent years forging unique paths as independent solo artists. But a collaboration a few years ago led to the realization that, well, they love collaborating. They formalized their alliance this year with a new band, Ninth Key , and put themselves on the map (and the charts) immediately with their debut single, " If I Wasn't Me ". With a strong ethos and a stronger work ethic, Ekoh and Lø have set out to cla
328
June 16, 2026
E328 Concert Catch-up: Primus, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, Toadies, Local H, Lip Critic, Delivery Boys, and more!
This week, we're scratching The Itch to get amphibious and delirious! We saw some toads, some frogs, and some excellent bands, and now it's time to talk about it. First, Aaron pivots his original plans in favor of an impromptu free (or suggested donation) street fest performance by Lip Critic and Delivery Boys . Will The Itch become fans of yet MORE New York acts? Then he sees some familiar faces in recent guests Toadies and perennial favorites Local H , along with Dallas's own Vandoliers in a n
327
June 9, 2026
E327 Coco Kinnon of Winona Fighter on Warped Tour, Political Frustration, and Taking the Stairs to Success
This week, we're scratching The Itch for a class reunion! The Itch's Favorite Punk Band™ Winona Fighter is about to head out on the idobi Radio Summer School tour with Honey Revenge, South Arcade, Games We Play, and Chase Petra. And just in time to hit the road, they dropped a new single, " Bombs Away ," their first new music since both versions of last year's Itch Album of the Year My Apologies to the Chef . Lead lady Coco Kinnon joins the three-timer's club to talk about the tour, the single,
326
June 2, 2026
E326 Aurorawave on Shiprocked, Wave Day, and Turning Content Into Community
This week, we're scratching The Itch to ride the wave! Wave Day II in Santa Ana, California is only days away, and our boys in Aurorawave are so excited about it that the whole band stopped by to talk about their signature show, which also features Lexi Layne , Playuh , and the live solo debut of Sonny Dread of P.O.D. ! And of course we've got to cover their instantly legendary Shiprocked experience, where they won over the crowd so much with their beach set and impromptu video shoot that they e
325
May 26, 2026
E325 Concert Catch-up: Bring Me the Horizon, Motionless in White, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Pointfest, and more!
This week, we're scratching The Itch for etiquette! The guys caught a trio of VERY different shows with one thing in common: concertgoers in need of friendly reminders about how to act. But that's what we're here for, right? That and giggles. First, it's an early Father's Day as Dan takes his dad to see Itch guest Kenny Wayne Shepherd on his Ledbetter Heights 30th anniversary tour, where nostalgia and mastery were both on display. Then, Dan pivots to being the dad himself, as he and Hannah take
324
May 19, 2026
E324 Mark Reznicek of Toadies on Steve Albini, Rejected Albums, and Writing a Great Comeback Story
This week, we're scratching The Itch to get charmed! Our guest is drummer Mark Reznicek of Toadies , whose long-awaited eighth album The Charmer is out now. It's been nine years since their last album, but given the wild story of how their follow-up to 1994's platinum-selling Rubberneck was delayed all the way into the nu metal era, they're a band that understands the benefits of patience. Their endurance as a band has in no small part been due to the continued love and support they've received
323
May 12, 2026
E323 ALT BLK ERA on Sonic Experimentation, Collaborating With Wheatus, and Always Using Your Voice
This week, we're scratching The Itch for a youth movement! Our guests are Chaya and Nyrobi Beckett-Messam, collectively known as ALT BLK ERA . They're sisters who grew up with a passion for music that led them to start creating at a young age. With strong family support and a penchant for engrossing themselves in various genres, they put their individual personalities and styles together to release their debut album, the fantastic drum and bass/rock hybrid Rave Immortal , just last year. Now the
322
May 5, 2026
E322 Concert Catch-up: Des Rocs, Romes, King Falcon, Atreyu, and Fire From the Gods
This week, we're scratching The Itch to be repeat customers! Within a span of a few days, the guys saw a pair of shows at Delmar Hall , which has quickly become one of our favorite St. Louis venues. First, the whole gang catches past guest Des Rocs and future guests King Falcon in a good ol' rock and roll show with an electropunk set from Romes sandwiched in the middle. Technical difficulties led to some fun and unique improvised on-stage activities (especially if you're into Pokémon), and a thu
321
April 28, 2026
E321 Jamie Hall of Tigercub on the Creative Spark, the Space Between Dreams, and How an Album Can Save Your Life
This week, we're scratching The Itch for riffs! Jamie Hall of Tigercub joins us to discuss the process of creating their new album Nets to Catch the Wind . By the time a band reaches their fourth record, it can be easy to fall into familiar creative patterns and produce work that isn't as satisfying for the artist or the audience. But with Jamie's awareness of his own habits and a bit of inspiration from their creative partner Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam, the band's new album may be both their bi
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About the Hosts
Aaron
Aaron has spent half of The Itch's existence living in a different city, but found a way to bridge the gap with his Itch brethren by producing the podcast.
The Itch
The Itch is a longtime rock radio show on 89.1 KCLC-FM. Now its hosts have entered the podcasting world with rock news, reviews, and interviews exploring the deep connection between people and music. If it gets your head banging and your blood flowing, it's an itch we're here to scratch.
Dan
Dan co-founded The Itch in a tiny room on the campus of Lindenwood University in February 2004 with one goal in mind: to rock as much of St. Louis as the signal would allow.
KC
KC inadvertently named the show when he misheard the station manager's advice to "find a niche" as "find an itch," to which he replied: "One that needs to be scratched."