To the Bottom

Everyone has a story to tell. Join Eric Vorel and Mike Retondo, two musicians with a passion for lawncare, la bamba, laughs, and lumbago, as they struggle past their ADHD to get to the bottom of whatever it is that makes interesting people tick, and how they became the people that they are.

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Episodes

Jon Griffin

Saturday Mar 29, 2025

Saturday Mar 29, 2025

Jon is a beloved friend and to many in the Chicago music scene. From the early beginnings of most of our music careers Jon has been standing front and center supporting our musical endeavors. Today Jon joins in conversation about local music and his journey in comedy. Enjoy!

Steve Knecht

Monday Mar 17, 2025

Monday Mar 17, 2025

The Burning Lights are a supernova of catchy rock and roll hooks and emotional anthems for the lost and lonely. Currently based out of Chicago, the band puts on energetic live performances with electric stage presence. They have shared the stage with prominent acts such as The Dirty Nil, Lucky Boys Confusion, Thomas Nicholas Band, and Castlecomer, and have performed at many notable venues including The Middle East Club, Bottom Lounge, and Concord Music Hall for a show presented by Riot Fest. The group presently consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Steve Knecht, bassist Luke Frees, and drummer Gary Zucker. Frontman Steve Knecht’s songwriting bursts with pop sensibility, sincerity, and punk-rock urgency. After releasing a series of singles produced by Paul Leavitt (All Time Low, The Dangerous Summer), the band entered the studio to record their debut full-length album with Arun Bali (Saves The Day, William Ryan Key), releasing “Hello Anxiety” in 2022. They released “Live at Sleeping Village” in 2023, highlighting the group’s tight, passionate, and high-octane live sound.

Dan Wade

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025

Wednesday Mar 12, 2025

You may not know but if you are a Chicago music goer you probably own a piece of Dan Wade's heart. Dan is known for his bands throughout the last 25 years Empyrean, Treaty Of Paris, and his own solo work. Dan is currently the Art Director for Riot Fest. Enjoy

Tuesday Mar 11, 2025

Practice for TLB went South until little drummer boy makes visual assumption based on Art work from D*FACE

Monday Mar 10, 2025

Wake up with TLB, Dan Monahan of The Dog and Everything as they discuss Malibu sunrises over coffee and breakfast beers

Showoff

Thursday Feb 27, 2025

Thursday Feb 27, 2025

Showoff fresh off the stage with little Ronnie!

Thursday Dec 12, 2024

Dating back to last December Joe Cudiamat , Mike Retondo reflect on the early days of Tone Def George

Thursday Dec 12, 2024

Just some Ozark boys who somehow made their way in to our trailer with the boys of Treaty of Paris 

Ron Modell

Friday Nov 08, 2024

Friday Nov 08, 2024

Ron Modell was tasked with creating a jazz program from scratch, Modell auditioned 60 hopeful musicians for 20 available chairs in the new ensemble.  Just six weeks later, the NIU Jazz Ensemble played its first concert.
Modell was an accomplished trumpeter who had played with all the greats – Louis Armstrong, Maynard Ferguson, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Bellson and many more. His talent, outgoing personality and strong connections in the music world introduced his students to dozens of jazz stars and travel opportunities beyond their wildest imaginations. Enjoy!

Dan Musa Episode 9

Monday Jan 08, 2024

Monday Jan 08, 2024

Dan Musa Founding member of the Legendary Chicago band The Brockmeyers is on the bus! Dan is currently involved in multiple endeavors and we touch back on what led him on his musical bass thumping journey. 

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                                      To The Bottom Music Pod

Two dudes hanging out in an RV, interviewing whoever the hell about whatever the hell, To The Bottom is a sneak peek into Mike Retondo (Plain White T’s) and Eric Vorel’s (ONELIFE & TLB) lives inside and outside the music industry, featuring guests from all walks of life. From ridiculously unbelievable stories, to late night talk show interviews you can listen to anytime of the day, the two will take you on a hilarious road trip of their (mostly) true chronicles.

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