The Smoking Popes released the excellent “Lovely Stuff” a few months back, which was the perfect excuse to have frontman Josh Caterer return to the show for his 14th (!) time.

With the new album top-of-mind, we go song-by song through all 10 songs. I loved having the opportunity to hear about the songwriting process and behind-the-scenes stories that led to its release.

This one’s for Smoking Popes fans, and is a must-listen if you’ve spent any time with “Lovely Stuff.” 

We met at Noon Whistle Brewing (800 E. Roosevelt in Lombard), and enjoyed being able to record in their Barrel Room. Noon Whistle’s offering a 20% discount on Barrel Room rental fees for weekday bookings, Monday through Thursday, until November 2025. Just mention James VanOsdol or the Car Con Carne podcast when you book your rental. Reach out to stephanie@noonwhistlebrewing.com or info@noonwhistlebrewing.com, or go to noonwhistlebrewing.com and click on events for more information.

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Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that 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!

##

The Smoking Popes released the excellent &ldquo;Lovely Stuff&rdquo; a few months back, which was the perfect excuse to have frontman Josh Caterer return to the show for his 14th (!) time.
With the new album top-of-mind, we go song-by song through all 10 songs. I loved having the opportunity to hear about the songwriting process and behind-the-scenes stories that led to its release.
This one&rsquo;s for Smoking Popes fans, and is a must-listen if you&rsquo;ve spent any time with &ldquo;Lovely Stuff.&rdquo;&nbsp;
We met at Noon Whistle Brewing (800 E. Roosevelt in Lombard), and enjoyed being able to record in their Barrel Room. Noon Whistle&rsquo;s offering a 20% discount on Barrel Room rental fees for weekday bookings, Monday through Thursday, until November 2025. Just mention James VanOsdol or the Car Con Carne podcast when you book your rental. Reach out to stephanie@noonwhistlebrewing.com or info@noonwhistlebrewing.com, or go to <a href="http://noonwhistlebrewing.com">noonwhistlebrewing.com</a> and click on events for more information.
##
Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation is a local business, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, that delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.&nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they&rsquo;ve got you covered .
Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems&mdash;from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks&mdash;all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.
Easy Automation makes technology work for you&mdash;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 an award-winning interview podcast hosted by legendary Chicago media personality James VanOsdol (Q101, WXRT, WGN, WLUP). Hosted in James's car, at live events, restaurants, brewpubs and recording studios, Car Con Carne offers engaging and honest conversations with people you want to know, mostly from the world of music.

Car Con Carne

Smoking Popes: Song-by-Song through ‘Lovely Stuff’ (Episode 1060)

This episode of Car Con Carne features Cat Ayala, the frontwoman for the Chicago band Scarlet Demore. James and Cat discuss the band's impressive trajectory, moving from DIY basement shows to playing Thalia Hall and Lincoln Hall and performing at Lollapalooza.

The conversation covers several key areas:
The Evolution of Sound:Cat explains the shift from their earlier melodic "pop" perspective to the heavier, more experimental, and post-grunge sound found on their upcoming full-length record.
The Writing Process: A look into how Cat uses songwriting as a form of catharsis and why she often needs time and perspective to process emotions before putting them to paper.
Life on the Road: The reality of "van feelings" and the mental toll of touring, contrasted with the excitement of their upcoming tour.
Community and Representation: The importance of being a voice for young women in the music scene and creating a safe, supportive environment at their live shows.

Scarlet Demore kicks off their tour at Beat Kitchen on May 8th, where fans can expect to hear plenty of new material.

###

This episode is brought to you by Exploding House Printing. Based in Hermosa, they specialize in screen printing, embroidery, and custom merch for bands and brands. Visit explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote.

This episode of Car Con Carne features Cat Ayala, the frontwoman for the Chicago band Scarlet Demore. James and Cat discuss the band's impressive trajectory, moving from DIY basement shows to playing Thalia Hall and Lincoln Hall&nbsp;and performing at Lollapalooza.
The conversation covers several key areas:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The Evolution of Sound: Cat explains the shift from their earlier melodic "pop" perspective to the heavier, more experimental, and post-grunge sound found on their upcoming full-length record.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The Writing Process: A look into how Cat uses songwriting as a form of catharsis and why she often needs time and perspective to process emotions before putting them to paper.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Life on the Road: The reality of "van feelings" and the mental toll of touring, contrasted with the excitement of their upcoming tour.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Community and Representation: The importance of being a voice for young women in the music scene and creating a safe, supportive environment at their live shows.</li>
</ul>
Scarlet Demore kicks off their tour at Beat Kitchen on May 8th, where fans can expect to hear plenty of new material.
###
This episode is brought to you by Exploding House Printing. Based in Hermosa, they specialize in screen printing, embroidery, and custom merch for bands and brands. Visit<a href="http://explodinghouseprinting.com"> explodinghouseprinting.com</a> for a quote.

Finding community and catharsis: Cat Ayala of Scarlet Demore (Episode 1113)

The DIY evolution: Cult Canyon’s Josh Chicoine on the making of ‘Smoke Tricks’ (Episode 1112)

Episode Overview

In this episode of Car Con Carne, host James VanOsdol welcomes Meredith and Jon from the Chicago-based band Latter. Described as "equal parts art project and band," Latter delivers a sound that is jarring, experimental, and unapologetically intense. James talks with the duo about their integration into the local heavy music scene, and the raw, emotional alchemy that defines their creative process.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode
The "Latter" Origin Story: How a "just for funsies" Instagram post and a mutual friend brought together a New Jersey transplant and the drummer from Beach Bunny to form this formidable duo.
Songwriting as Catharsis: Meredith explains why her lyrics are fueled by raw emotion, channeling whatever she is "pissed off about"—from the state of the world to personal struggles—into the music.
World-Building Through Visuals: A look at the band's cinematic approach, from rmusic videos to curated Pinterest mood boards for future releases.
Left-Handed Synergy: A fun look at the "similar genes" and creative connection Meredith and Jon share as two left-handed musicians.
What’s Next: Details on their Audiotree session dropping March 4th and their upcoming May tour supporting Faetooth

Featured Music & Mentions
Album: My Body is My Sickness (2024)
EP: What Lives Inside Me (2025)
Key Tracks: "Bloodlines," "Expiration Date," “Callous,” and "I Don’t Owe You.”
Local Ties: Shoutouts to The Empty Bottle, SubT, and their engineer Pete, the "King of Tones".

About the Guests
Meredith: Vocals/Guitar. A sound artist and musician originally from New Jersey and Philadelphia who uses Latter as a vehicle to "exorcise demons".
Jon: Drums/Bass. Known also for his work in Beach Bunny, Jon explores his love for heavy, propulsive music and experimental tones with Latter.

Sponsor Spotlight

This episode is brought to you by Exploding House Printing. Based in Hermosa, they specialize in screen printing, embroidery, and custom merch for bands and brands. Visit explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote.

Episode Overview
In this episode of Car Con Carne, host James VanOsdol welcomes Meredith and Jon from the Chicago-based band Latter. Described as "equal parts art project and band," Latter delivers a sound that is jarring, experimental, and unapologetically intense. James talks with the duo about their integration into the local heavy music scene, and the raw, emotional alchemy that defines their creative process.
What You&rsquo;ll Hear in This Episode
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The "Latter" Origin Story: How a "just for funsies" Instagram post and a mutual friend brought together a New Jersey transplant and the drummer from Beach Bunny to form this formidable duo.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Songwriting as Catharsis: Meredith explains why her lyrics are fueled by raw emotion, channeling whatever she is "pissed off about"&mdash;from the state of the world to personal struggles&mdash;into the music.</li>
<li aria-level="1">World-Building Through Visuals: A look at the band's cinematic approach, from rmusic videos to curated Pinterest mood boards for future releases.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Left-Handed Synergy: A fun look at the "similar genes" and creative connection Meredith and Jon share as two left-handed musicians.</li>
<li aria-level="1">What&rsquo;s Next: Details on their Audiotree session dropping March 4th and their upcoming May tour supporting Faetooth</li>
</ul>
Featured Music &amp; Mentions
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Album: My Body is My Sickness (2024)</li>
<li aria-level="1">EP: What Lives Inside Me (2025)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Key Tracks: "Bloodlines," "Expiration Date," &ldquo;Callous,&rdquo; and "I Don&rsquo;t Owe You.&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Local Ties: Shoutouts to The Empty Bottle, SubT, and their engineer Pete, the "King of Tones".</li>
</ul>
About the Guests
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Meredith: Vocals/Guitar. A sound artist and musician originally from New Jersey and Philadelphia who uses Latter as a vehicle to "exorcise demons".</li>
<li aria-level="1">Jon: Drums/Bass. Known also for his work in Beach Bunny, Jon explores his love for heavy, propulsive music and experimental tones with Latter.</li>
</ul>
Sponsor Spotlight
This episode is brought to you by Exploding House Printing. Based in Hermosa, they specialize in screen printing, embroidery, and custom merch for bands and brands. Visit<a href="http://explodinghouseprinting.com"> explodinghouseprinting.com</a> for a quote.

Smoking Popes: Song-by-Song through ‘Lovely Stuff’ (Episode 1060)

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