The (unofficial) Lifers Database

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Person

Andy Gerber

Referenced in 19 episodes

Episode 256 cover

#256: Album Imploder: AS GOOD AS DEAD (with Steven Haigler) Part One

May 22, 2026

The Lifers podcast explores Local H's 1996 album "As Good As Dead" with the band's Scott Lucas and producer Steven Haigler, discussing how the record was written and recorded in just months after their debut album flopped and Island Records was considering dropping them. The album, which became a surprise success driven by the single "Bound for the Floor," was made quickly under pressure, with Lucas writing most songs in September 1995 while living in a Zion, Illinois apartment, and the band recording at Carriage House studio over Thanksgiving with a more open approach to production than their restrictive first album. Haigler recalls technical challenges including Joe Daniels' problematic rental drum kit and Lucas's out-of-tune guitar that wasn't discovered until halfway through tracking, though these imperfections contributed to the album's raw, chaotic sound that has aged well over 30 years.

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#236: Road Report #24: Backstage in Orlando

October 10, 2025

Scott Lucas and his band Local H are backstage in Orlando while on tour with Everclear and Sponge. Gabe Rodriguez joins them for a few shows in Florida and tries a non-alcoholic beer that he finds terrible. They discuss the tour so far, including playing in an underground cave venue in Tennessee, upcoming shows, and some confusion around their touring schedule.

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#232: reFISTED reIMPLODED

August 27, 2025

In this episode, Scott Lucas and Gabe Rodriguez discuss the re-recording and reimagining of Local H's debut album Ham Fisted on its 30th anniversary. Lucas explains his motivations for revisiting the album, the challenges of the recording process, and the artistic choices made on each track of the new version titled reFISTED.

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#202: Christmas with The Effigies

December 20, 2024

Steve Economou and Paul Zamost, the bass player and drummer from the Chicago punk band The Effigies, discuss the early Chicago punk scene in the 1980s and playing shows at the Metro. They also talk about carrying on as a band after the tragic death of their guitarist John Kezdy in a biking accident last year. The Effigies are playing a show at the Metro in Chicago with the Bollweevils.

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#201: Hey, everybody! It’s STILL our 200th episode!!!

December 12, 2024

In this 200th episode of the Lifers podcast, hosts Scott and Gabe discuss their favorite episodes and guests over the show's history, as voted on by listeners. Top episodes feature guests like Jeanine Andersson, Jeff Murphy, and Andy Gerber, with Scott's dad taking the top spot. The hosts also reflect on the show's evolution and recurring segments like "road reports".

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#189: Road Report #19 or: How To Stop Worrying and Learn To Pronounce Lititz, PA.

September 18, 2024

In this episode of the LIFERS podcast, Scott, Ben, Ryan and Gabe catch up while on tour in Pennsylvania. They discuss the shows so far, issues with rowdy audience members, and ongoing tour logistics. The conversation meanders through various topics including 80s novelty songs, recent movie remakes, and Gabe's struggles shipping merchandise. Overall, it's a casual, humorous chat between friends sharing the trials and tribulations of life on the road.

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#187: Album Imploder: Whatever Happened To PJ Soles? (Side 1)

September 6, 2024

Scott Lucas of the band Local H discusses the writing and recording of their 2004 album Whatever Happened to PJ Soles? with two of the album's producers. They go in-depth on the creative process, influences, and production techniques behind each song on the first half of the album. The band aimed to create an ambitious, experimental rock record that was "handmade" with analog recording methods and a wide variety of sounds.

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#153: 153. LIFERS Live!!! - At Gman Tavern with Fig Dish (01/02/24)

January 12, 2024

Scott Lucas of Local H hosted the Lifers podcast live at the Gman Tavern in Chicago. The show featured Scott playing some acoustic songs and discussing topics like working remotely during the pandemic with co-hosts Gabe and Ben. Special guest Rick Ness from the band Fig Dish also appeared to discuss an upcoming album of previously unreleased recordings from the 1990s.

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#144: What’s The Best?!?: Green Day

November 17, 2023

The episode discusses the band Green Day in honor of the 30th anniversary of their album Dookie. The hosts share their favorite Green Day songs and debate the band's merits, with some praising their catchy pop-punk songwriting while others find the music less compelling.

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#131: Rick Ness 2: The Krakening!

August 18, 2023

In this lighthearted conversation, Rick Ness of the band Fig Dish shares humorous stories and insider details about recording the band's songs and music videos. The hosts and Rick also engage in playful banter about their differing opinions on Billy Joel's music and personal life.

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🎸 Replacements

#130: Rick Ness

August 11, 2023

Rick Ness, member of the band Fig Dish, discusses the band's history, from their early days playing Neil Diamond and REM cover songs to getting signed by a record label using creative tactics. The band recently released a collection of unreleased tracks recorded with producer Andy Gerber during sessions for what would have been their third album. Ness also shares humorous tour stories and anecdotes about the 1990s Chicago music scene.

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🎸 Replacements

#123: 123. LIFERS LIVE!!! - In Chicago with Josh Caterer

June 23, 2023

Josh Caterer of the band Smoking Popes joined the Lifers podcast for a live episode in Chicago. They discussed the band's history, Caterer's songwriting process, and funny tour stories. Caterer also played a few acoustic songs for the audience.

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🎸 Replacements

#109: Todd Philips

March 17, 2023

Ben Riser and Scott Cade interview drummer Todd Philips about his career playing with bands like Blue Lavolta, Juliana Hatfield and The Lemonheads, and his current work producing movie trailers in Los Angeles. Philips discusses his start in the Boston indie rock scene in the late 80s/early 90s, touring experiences, and balancing his music and film careers.

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#100: 100th Episode!!!

January 13, 2023

In this special 100th episode of the Lifers podcast, hosts Scott Lucas, Ben Reiser, and Gabe Rodriguez reminisce about their favorite moments and guests from the show's history. The conversation covers many of the most memorable episodes, interviews and stories that have made the podcast entertaining over the past 100 weeks.

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🎸 Replacements

#92: Mike Willison

November 18, 2022

In this episode, Scott Lucas and Gabe Rodriguez interview Mike Willison, formerly of the bands Fig Dish, Caviar, and Prairie Cartel. Willison discusses the history and evolution of those projects, his songwriting process and use of sampling, touring mishaps and adventures, and his current career in the wine industry.

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#67: Freda Love Smith

May 27, 2022

Freda Love Smith, drummer of Blake Babies and Some Girls, discusses her decision to retire from drumming after playing a few final shows. She reflects on her music career, including the 1990s Boston music scene, reuniting Blake Babies in the late 90s, and her current band Sunshine Boys. Freda also talks about her work as a lecturer at Northwestern University, her memoir "Red Velvet Underground" connecting food and music, and her upcoming biographical novel about Angela DeAngelis of the Symbionese Liberation Army.

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#53: J. Robbins

February 11, 2022

In this episode, J Robbins discusses his musical journey, from getting into the DC punk scene as a teen in the 80s to playing in influential bands like Government Issue and Jawbox. He shares insights into Jawbox's experience signing to a major label in the 90s while maintaining their DIY roots, and talks about his transition into producing and recording bands. Robbins also touches on Jawbox's recent reunion shows and the challenges of revisiting old material.

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#24: Hey, Killer/Side 2

July 23, 2021

The members of the band Local H reflect on the writing and recording of their 2015 album Hey, Killer. They discuss the creative process behind specific songs, the production techniques used in the studio, and their thoughts on the album's lyrical themes of death, religion, and personal choice. The conversation also touches on the largely positive critical reception to the record upon its release.

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#6: Josh Caterer

March 19, 2021

Scott Lucas interviews Josh Caterer, lead singer of the band Smoking Popes, about their upcoming album The Hideout Sessions which releases on March 26th. They discuss the album's mix of classic American songbook covers and reinterpreted Smoking Popes songs, Caterer's songwriting influences, and the ups and downs of the band's career. Caterer also shares plans to record another live album called The Space Sessions in May.