Tim Goehl's story is one of redemption through amplifiers and power chords. After spending 22 years in Austin where his band Carbide nearly signed to Prosthetic Records before addiction derailed his dreams, Tim found himself back in Quincy, Illinois with a clean slate and a commitment to sobriety.

When he arrived three and a half years ago, the local music scene was virtually nonexistent. A chance encounter with an old friend's touring band needing a show sparked what would become Midwest Monster Promotions—a labor of love that has now produced over 35 events and breathed life into a dormant musical community. "I turned my addiction from drugs to music," Tim shares, "because when I tried to do both, the drugs took the music away from me."

Now working at a drug rehabilitation center by day while promoting shows and playing in five different bands by night (including his "stoner core" outfit Juggernaut Agenda), Tim has discovered that his second chance at music is sweeter than the first. He's built a DIY empire complete with handmade stages, local business sponsorships, and connections to bands from New York to Indiana. His upcoming fourth annual Metal Fest will feature 22 bands over two days, showcasing the incredible talent he believes is overlooked simply because of geography.

Whether you're a metal enthusiast or simply appreciate stories of transformation and perseverance, check out Timothy's band Juggernaut Agenda this Saturday in Macomb, IL with Sustenance and Pursuit. Witness firsthand how one man's commitment to sobriety and music is reshaping the cultural landscape of the Midwest, one power chord at a time.

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What happens when you trade Hollywood's corporate machine for the creative freedom of the Midwest? Filmmaker Kyle Remminga reveals his journey from editing yoga DVDs and network commercials to creating the award-winning indie horror anthology "Killanois" in Western Illinois.

Walking through a park during the pandemic, Kyle witnessed a massive production spending a fortune to film two people sitting on a bench. That moment crystallized his frustration with the industry: "I could film six features on that." So he packed up his Hollywood knowledge, returned to his Midwestern roots, and assembled a team of passionate local collaborators.

"Killanois" connects four distinct horror stories through a psychopathic host character (brilliantly portrayed by Brandon Watts) who has kidnapped viewers, threatening them with a brick unless they listen to his twisted tales. The anthology format—inspired by classics like John Carpenter's "Body Bags"—allowed Kyle to finally realize short film concepts he'd been developing for over a decade.

The local community in Macomb embraced the project enthusiastically, with municipal leaders, business owners, and talented locals contributing to make the film possible. This collaborative spirit resulted in "Killanois" winning "Best First Time Filmmakers" at the Hot Springs International Horror Film Festival.

Catch a screening of "Killanois" in Macomb or Galesburg this April, and visit cubeofjustice.com to support their Kickstarter campaign for "Curebreed"—their ambitious next project aimed at creating professional film jobs in Western Illinois and establishing the region as a hub for independent filmmaking.

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The underground metal scene has experienced a remarkable revival since the pandemic, and bands like Pursuit are at the forefront of this resurgence. Guitarist Henry joins us to discuss how this three-piece outfit from Fargo, North Dakota is carving their path through relentless touring and musical evolution.

Henry reveals the band's fascinating sonic journey from their thrash metal beginnings to their current sound heavily influenced by grindcore legends like Napalm Death. "We trim the fat," he explains, describing their philosophy of crafting concise, impactful songs rather than indulging in technical excess. This approach has become central to their identity as they've refined their songwriting process.

What makes Pursuit particularly interesting is how they've transformed potential limitations into strengths. As a three-piece, they've developed a symbiotic relationship between instruments where guitar and bass occupy distinct sonic territories while creating a massive, cohesive sound. Their pragmatic approach to touring—typically spanning 6-11 days while balancing day jobs—offers valuable insights for emerging bands about sustainable growth and realistic goal-setting.

Don't miss Pursuit on their upcoming Midwest tour, including a stop at The Ritz in Macomb on April 12th, where they'll be joined by Sustenance from Georgia and Juggernaut Agenda from Quincy, llinois. Experience firsthand the raw energy and evolving sound of this promising band as they continue building toward turning their passion into a sustainable career.

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