Nerds On Tour

Oct 27 2016 4

Nerds On Tour Podcast artwork

Host Abraham Levitan talks with music people about money, motivation, and the rest of life. Nerds On Tour fills a void of mentorship and “from-the-trenches” advice that Abraham noticed as a younger touring musician. It offers a place to get honest, funny, and occasionally wonky tips from great artists about health, money management, and creative workflow and habits.

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Will Oldham on Overthinking, Mansplaining, and Learning to Love Nina Simone

Oct 27 2016 78 mins

Will Oldham returns to Nerds On Tour, this time in Will and Abraham’s mutual hometown, Louisville. An inspiring dive into Will’s philosophies on life and art.

Lita Ford on The Runaways, Ozzy Osbourne, and Selling Men’s Cologne

May 26 2016 44 mins

Lita Ford's first band, The Runaways, became a global phenomenon. Months later, she was selling men's cologne at the mall. She discusses Nikki Sixx, Ozzy Osbourne, and the value of having the right team.

Will Oldham on Drag City, Quality of Life, and Being Bonnie "Prince" Billy

May 12 2016 52 mins

Abraham talks with one of his all-time heroes, Will Oldham a.k.a. Bonnie “Prince” Billy, about the hard choices that make for a satisfying long-term music career.

John Doe, L.A. Punk Legend, on X, Bud Light, and Multiple Breakfasts

Apr 27 2016 56 mins

X frontman John Doe is a living legend. He discusses X's career, their Bud Light commercial, and the reasons why L.A. punks worship The Doors.

Patti Niemi, Sticking It Out Through Juilliard, Anxiety Attacks, and an Orchestral Career

Apr 14 2016 59 mins

Classical percussionist Patti Niemi gives an insider’s account of surviving Juilliard, enduring high-pressure auditions, and getting a tenured position with an orchestra. She’s battled serious anxiety issues throughout.

Jason Collett on Broken Social Scene, Going Solo, & the Licensing Game

Mar 17 2016 44 mins

Jason Collett left Broken Social Scene at the height of the band's global fame. His resultant solo career has led to some lucrative ad placements as well as his self-aware new album, "Song & Dance Man".

Thrill Jockey's Bettina Richards, Doing It Her Way Since 1992

Mar 03 2016 76 mins

After having her fill of the major-label A&R game, Bettina Richards started Thrill Jockey Records in 1992 from her apartment. It's now one of the world's most respected indie labels. She discusses how she made it happen.

Bruce Finkelman, the Empty Bottle, and the Empire of Cool

Feb 25 2016 48 mins

For Bruce Finkelman, starting the Empty Bottle, Chicago's coolest music venue, at age 23 was just the beginning. He now runs nine different operations. We discuss seeing the world through "owner's eyes".

The Redwalls' Andrew Langer, From Rocker to Realtor

Feb 18 2016 58 mins

The Redwalls' Andrew Langer was signed to Capitol Records at age 18 and toured the UK with Oasis. These days, he enjoys being a father of two and a realtor for D'Aprile Properties. He's also very witty and a good hang.

Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau on Thrill Jockey, Velvet Revolver, & Chevrolet

Feb 04 2016 47 mins

Bobby Conn & Julie Pomerleau share the very funny intersections between rock life and real life. They discuss being Thrill Jockey recording artists, sharing the stage with Velvet Revolver, and doing a corporate gig for Chevrolet. Part 2 of 2.