Load-In Through The Back

When they were young, they knew everything… and after this conversation, I’m pretty sure they still do. We’re talking with Brian Vander Ark, the esteemed songwriter and frontman of The Verve Pipe on Season 04, Episode 02 of “Load-In Through the Back!”
One of the most successful independent bands of all-time, Michigan’s The Verve Pipe broke through with their hit-studded LP “Villains” and the era-defining hit “The Freshmen.” Following their mainstream peak, the group maintained relevance and accrued a rabid fanbase through relentless touring, releasing new music, and surprising fans with smart, well-loved children’s albums.
We might argue that all those accolades pale in comparison to starring in and contributing songs to the 2001 masterpiece Rock Star starring Mark Wahlberg. 
Brian joins us remotely on a rare day off to chat Farm Aid, opening for KISS, how Marlon Brando contributed to their massive hit, they ways streaming services actually benefit artists, NSFW vocal warm-ups, and much more.
The Verve Pipe is prepping a North American tour with Our Lady Peace this spring. Follow @TheVervePipe on social media or visit TheVervePipe.com for more information. 
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We’re back, baby! The holiday haze has lifted, the microphones are officially thawed, and we’re diving head-first into a brand-new season of Load-In Through the Back.
Kicking off Season 04, Episode 01, we’re joined by Pittstown, New Jersey indie-rockers The Happy Fits.
An unexpected overnight success, the band rocketed to the top of Spotify’s Top Viral chart with their self-released debut EP “Awfully Apeelin’”—a DIY effort by frontman Calvin Langman and original guitarist Ross Monteith, recorded and released just before heading off to college.
Since then, The Happy Fits have been on a steady climb, releasing their debut LP “Concentrate" in 2018, followed by “What Could Be Better?”, “Under the Shade of Green”, and their 2025 breakout album “LOVESICK”.
Calvin, Luke, Nico, and Raina (yes—all four of them) stop by to talk about the upcoming LOVESICK tour, growing up in the shadows of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, having a  “successful” pandemic, and why you should absolutely never operate video equipment while playing the cello.
You can find tour dates, merchandise, and more by visiting TheHappyFits.com, and by following the band on social media— they are @TheHappyFits. 
You know the drill— be sure to “follow” our show wherever you are listening, and show us some love by leaving a comment or a review! 
If you’re hungry for more Load-In Through the Back, visit LoadInPodcast.com and give us a follow @LoadInPodcast on all major social media platforms.

Drum roll please– it’s the Season 3 finale of “Load-In Through the Back,” and it’s an absolute BANGER. Tired of drum puns yet? Too bad!
Our guest on Episode 20 is iconic rocker Josh Freese.
Josh has been a percussive force for over three decades, lending his unmistakable groove to artists such as A Perfect Circle, DEVO, and Bruce Springsteen. He further cemented his legacy with the Foo Fighters, stepping into one of modern rock’s most high-profile drum chairs with both authority and musicality. Along the way, he’s shared stages—and album credits—with Nine Inch Nails, Guns N’ Roses, The Vandals, and many, many more.
Josh joins us to talk about his brand-new album of 60-second songs, “Just A Minute, Volume 2”; growing up in the orbit of the Walt Disney Band; filling the shoes behind some of rock’s most iconic drum parts; and how his wife Nicole—who makes a bonus appearance in this episode—deserves credit for naming his latest release.
Just because Season 3 has wrapped doesn’t mean the hustle stops. You can support the show by clicking “Follow” or “Subscribe” wherever you listen. Leaving a comment or review is another great (and free!) way to show some love.

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Bust out your sh*ttiest guitars– wait, I mean your sh*tar! Our guest on Season 3, Episode 19 of “Load-In Through the Back” is the esteemed percussionist of the Wood Brothers: Jano Rix!
Beyond traveling and recording in one of the biggest Americana outfits of the modern era, Jano is also a celebrated producer and songwriter.
He recently teamed up with his father Luther (Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue, Leonard Cohen) to write, record, and release an album of New Orleans-inspired tunes entitled “Legacy, Volume 1.” 
As if that didn’t keep him busy enough, the Wood Brothers dropped their latest LP “Puff of Smoke” this fall and are currently supporting that effort on the road. 
Jano joins us to discuss carving your own path, the implied importance of timeliness, Steve Poltz, the New Orleans sound, his time in the Gabe Dixon Band, and joining his favorite living band. 
Make sure to check out RIX and the Wood Brothers wherever you consume music. 
You can stay up-to-date with Jano’s live performance schedule at theWoodBros.com.
Support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love.

We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook.

If you’re poking around Season 3, Episode 18 of “Load-In Through the Back” looking for soulful songwriting, honest reinvention, and the quiet power of independence — you’ve found it.
Our guest is Nicki Bluhm, the Americana singer-songwriter behind Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers, who recently released a brand-new solo record crafted entirely on her Tennessee farm — tracked between hay baling, trail rides, and the kind of wide-open quiet that somehow begs for you to plug in a microphone.
She joins us to break down how this recording process differs from her past projects, the magic (and regional loyalty) of SHEETZ, navigating the ever-shifting music industry as an independent artist, the undeniable power of a solid team, Steve Poltz, and what it really takes to tour more than 200 days a year.
Nicki’s latest album, “Rancho Deluxe,” dropped October 3, 2025, and is available wherever you listen. Be sure to follow @NickiBluhm across social media to stay in the loop, and visit NickiBluhm.com for merch, tour dates, and more.
You can support our show by clicking “follow” or “subscribe” wherever you’re listening. Leaving comments or a review is a great, free way to show some love.

We are @LoadInPodcast on Instagram and Threads, and “Load-In Through the Back Podcast” on Facebook.