On this very special bonus episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with three of the six acts who performed on June 4 at the historic New York City venue The Bitter End for our first-ever live event – LIPPS SERVICE LIVE!

The live concert was a reflection of Lipps Service podcast, as the night will brought together past and present NYC-bred music, including three legendary acts – Ed Kowalczyk of LIVE, Hamilton Leithauser of The Walkmen, and Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello and Casa Gogol, featuring Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth – and three of the best up-and-coming bands of the city’s contemporary music scene – Jackson Hamm of Telescreens, Thesaurus Rex, and Torture and The Desert Spiders.

To reflect on the amazing night and live show, Scott sat down with Hamilton Leithauser, frontman Jackson Hamm of Telescreens, and frontman Calvin Rezen and guitarist Varun Jhunjhunwalla of Thesaurus Rex in this episode. (Go back and check out part one with Ed, Eugene, and Torture!)

Starting with Hamilton, he talks about his newest album, This Side of the Island, his take on the ‘Meet Me in the Bathroom’ era, the early days of The Walkmen, and he shares his favorite song on the new album. Next up, Jackson gets into the band’s early days playing at The Bitter End, his favorite local bands, what it was like opening for Franz Ferdinand on tour, and his take on the new Turnstile album. To close, Calvin and Varun discuss how the band formed, their musical influences, how they write thought-provoking lyrics, and they list their top 5 NYC bands.

Tune into this exciting episode of Lipps Service, learn about the artists, hear their thoughts on the live show, and check out footage from LIPPS SERVICE LIVE! on all Lipps Service socials, in case you missed it!

CREDITS (Instagram handles)

Host @scottlipps

Edited by @toastycakes

Music by @robby_hoff

Produced by @whitakermarisa

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NYC

Sonos makes it so easy to fill your home with incredible sound! Check out the new Sonos Ace headphones, which are Bluetooth-enabled and have three buttons. The content key allows you to play, pause, accept calls, and control the volume. Plus, they feature noise cancellation and voice assist!

These headphones are exceptionally well done and sound incredible, whether listening to your favorite playlist, chatting on a call, watching a movie, or even recording a podcast like this one. They sound particularly fantastic when listening to Lipps Service!

Sonos has great gifts for everyone on your list. Visit sonos.com/Lipps to save 20% on select products.

Hamilton Leithauser

00:00 - Start

00:30 - Lipps Service Live! at The Bitter End

01:00 - Intimate vs. big venues

02:00 - The Carlyle Hotel

03:32 - The joys of the 2000s

05:39 - The 2000s

06:30 - Meet Me in the Bathroom documentary and era

08:00 - The early Walkmen days to the current marketing of records

09:44 - The economics of being in a band

10:45 - Being next in line to The Strokes

13:00 - The Walkmen reunion

14:00 - Going solo and This Side of the Island

14:45 - Playing music for his wife

17:20 - Redoing his record

17:40 - Honesty in lyricism on new album

18:00 - Funny tour story

20:15 - Favorite song on new album

20:45 - One song that embodies NYC

23:26 - New music

Jackson Hamm of Telescreens

00:33 - Paying homage to Telescreens

01:15 - The Bitter End

04:00 - Contemporary NYC scene

05:50 - Favorite NYC band right now

07:50 - New Turnstile album

10:33 - Rock being shocking

11:37 - AI

13:02 - Pressure to hold the rock ‘n’ roll flag in NYC

14:00 - Franz Ferdinand

15:42 - Early road stories

18:12 - Top 5 films

Calvin Rezen and Varun Jhunjhunwalla of Thesaurus Rex

00:45 - How the band formed

01:55 - Influences

04:15 - AI

05:59 - Lyrics

09:23 - Thought-provoking lyrics

11:09 - Finances of an indie artist

16:15 - Top 5 NYC bands

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with one of the biggest duos in indie-pop music today, who made waves with their debut album, Pratts & Pain, and two viral covers, “Linger” and “Murder On The Dancefloor” … Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic of Royel Otis! They get into their early days, including how they met, writing and playing in pubs and chicken shops, and other Australian bands. They also get into their most popular tracks, including “Oysters In My Pocket,” the two viral covers, and one of their newest singles, “Moody.” They discuss their sound evolution, vulnerable lyricism, branding strategy, and the rise of guerrilla music marketing. To close, they share the best cities to play and craziest fan moment, and they list their Top 5 duos, cover songs, and Aussie terms. Tune into a funny and insightful chat with indie-pop’s favorite duo – Royel Otis!

CREDITS (Instagram handles)

Host @scottlipps

Produced by @whitakermarisa

Edited by @toastycakes

Music by @robby_hoff

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NYC

Sonos makes it so easy to fill your home with incredible sound! Check out the new Sonos Ace headphones, which are Bluetooth-enabled and have three buttons. The content key allows you to play, pause, accept calls, and control the volume. Plus, they feature noise cancellation and voice assist!

These headphones are exceptionally well done and sound incredible, whether listening to your favorite playlist, chatting on a call, watching a movie, or even recording a podcast like this one. They sound particularly fantastic when listening to Lipps Service!

Sonos has great gifts for everyone on your list. Visit sonos.com/Lipps to save 20% on select products.

00:00 - Start

01:18 - Guerrilla music marketing

02:15 - Writing in a pub

02:45 - Australian bands

03:00 - LA

04:39 - Lil Nas X party

06:00 - Growing up

09:00 - How they met

10:22 - Musical influences

11:00 - The decision to take this live or just make it a recording project

11:45 - The success of “Oysters In My Pocket”

13:00 - Leaving for Italy

13:50 - First concerts

16:15 - The story behind “Oysters In My Pocket”

17:36 - Process then and now

19:23 - “Murder On The Dancefloor”

19:30 - Cover songs

23:00 - Courtney Love

26:00 - Pratts & Pain

30:22 - Analyzing lyrics

32:00 - “Moody”

33:00 - Sound evolution

34:00 - Vulnerable lyrics

35:30 - Branding

37:00 - Getting nervous before gigs

37:42 - Playing chicken shops

40:00 - Best cities to play

41:27 - Craziest fan moment

43:15 - Top 5 duos

45:44 - Top 5 cover songs

47:52 - Top 5 Aussie terms

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with singer-songwriter, painter, actor, and the frontman of All-American Rejects, Tyson Ritter! In front of a live studio audience, Tyson gets into how the band came up with its name and shares some of the early contenders. Tyson also talks about the Oklahoma music scene he grew up around, his first music inspirations, and his music career. He also discusses his art, what painting means to him, and his NYC art gallery debut. The two musicians exchange feelings about touring, and Tyson talks about the band’s current tour and upcoming tour with the Jonas Brothers. To close, Tyson lists his top 5 one-hit wonders, tells a great story about his friend David Bryan of Bon Jovi, and shares what Van Halen’s sophomore album means to him. Tune into a fun and exciting chat with everyone’s favorite house-party rockin’ frontman – Tyson Ritter!

CREDITS (Instagram handles)

Host @scottlipps

Produced by @whitakermarisa

Edited by @toastycakes

Music by @robby_hoff

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NYC

Sonos makes it so easy to fill your home with incredible sound! Check out the new Sonos Ace headphones, which are Bluetooth-enabled and have three buttons. The content key allows you to play, pause, accept calls, and control the volume. Plus, they feature noise cancellation and voice assist!

These headphones are exceptionally well done and sound incredible, whether listening to your favorite playlist, chatting on a call, watching a movie, or even recording a podcast like this one. They sound particularly fantastic when listening to Lipps Service!

Sonos has great gifts for everyone on your list. Visit sonos.com/Lipps to save 20% on select products.

00:00 - Start

01:15 - Band name

03:20 - Oklahoma music scene

04:29 - Early music inspirations

06:45 - His parents, his career, deciding to stay in school or play music

07:42 - How the band got a record deal

10:24 - Band’s early days

11:52 - NYC and what it means to him

12:40 - His art and how it helps him

15:49 - Commerce versus art

17:27 - Touring

19:09 - Band’s hiatus

22:33 - Band dynamic

24:17 - Jonas Brothers tour

26:08 - Top 5 one-hit wonders

27:32 - David Bryan of Bon Jovi story

30:12 - What does this record mean to you? (Van Halen)

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with one of today’s hottest rappers, producers, and singer-songwriters, Rico Nasty, who most recently released her third album, LETHAL, on May 16 via Fueled By Ramen. Rico starts by discussing her upbringing, including her early music influences such as Britney Spears and Joan Jett, and how she was expelled from school. She also tells the story behind her namesake, reflects on her first performances at Sweet 16s, and explains how her parents have supported her career. She talks about her collaborations with other big artists, including Paramore, Doechii, Doja Cat, and Megan Thee Stallion. She explores her new album, from its creation and message to the meaning behind the album cover, and shares the stories behind some of its hit tracks. To close, Rico lists her top 5 food spots in NYC and artists who inspire her. Tune into a funny and great chat with the baddest to ever do it – Rico Nasty!

CREDITS (Instagram handles)

Host @scottlipps

Edited by @toastycakes

Music by @robby_hoff

Produced by @whitakermarisa

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NYC

Sonos makes it so easy to fill your home with incredible sound! Check out the new Sonos Ace headphones, which are Bluetooth-enabled and have three buttons. The content key allows you to play, pause, accept calls, and control the volume. Plus, they feature noise cancellation and voice assist!

These headphones are exceptionally well done and sound incredible, whether listening to your favorite playlist, chatting on a call, watching a movie, or even recording a podcast like this one. They sound particularly fantastic when listening to Lipps Service!

Sonos has great gifts for everyone on your list. Visit sonos.com/Lipps to save 20% on select products.

0:00:00 - Start

0:02:00 - NYC

0:03:33 - Her parents

0:04:30 - Free styling

0:06:29 - Upbringing

0:08:00 - Getting expelled from school

0:10:40 - Rico Nasty namesake

0:12:19 - Britney Spears and other influences

0:13:40 - Her dad

0:15:30 - Joan Jett, Shrek, and The Runaways

0:23:00 - Performing at sweet 16s

0:23:20 - Second guessing and meeting Kenny beats

0:27:47 - Primal Scream therapy

0:39:07 - Top pizza spots

0:31:00 - “Smack A Bitch”

0:35:00 - Early influences like Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Doechii, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, and working with them

0:38:40 - Dream collaboration with Rihanna

0:39:42 - Boys Noize

0:41:22 - Being pigeon-holed

0:43:09 - The process

0:47:12 - Playing new music for people

0:48:00 - Album cover

0:51:44 - Biggest fears

0:52:46 - “Teethsucker”

0:54:00 - Her finsta

0:57:47 - “On The Low”

0:59:45 - Acting in “Margo’s Got Money Troubles”

0:65:22 - Top 5 food spots in NYC

0:72:30 - Top 5 artists who inspire her

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with the legendary frontman of one of the most influential garage rock bands of all time – Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist of The Hives! In his second time on Lipps Service, the Swedish singer-songwriter talks about the band’s decorated career, from receiving worldwide praise to inspiring other iconic bands. Pelle also uplifts some of his own music inspirations, including David Johansen, Clem Burke, Josh Homme, and AC/DC. As The Hives are gearing up to release a new album, The Hives Forever Forever The Hives, in August, Pelle explores some of the album’s themes, stories behind the songs, and what it was like working with the record’s producer Mike D of The Beastie Boys. To close, Pelle lists his top 5 siblings in rock and debut albums of all time. Tune in for another amazing and funny chat with everyone’s favorite frontman – Pelle Almqvist!

CREDITS (Instagram handles)

Host @scottlipps

Edited by @toastycakes

Music by @robby_hoff

Produced by @whitakermarisa

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NYC

Sonos makes it so easy to fill your home with incredible sound! Check out the new Sonos Ace headphones, which are Bluetooth-enabled and have three buttons. The content key allows you to play, pause, accept calls, and control the volume. Plus, they feature noise cancellation and voice assist!

These headphones are exceptionally well done and sound incredible, whether listening to your favorite playlist, chatting on a call, watching a movie, or even recording a podcast like this one. They sound particularly fantastic when listening to Lipps Service!

Sonos has great gifts for everyone on your list. Visit sonos.com/Lipps to save 20% on select products.

00:00 - Start

01:14 - Praise for The Hives

02:12 - Ticket prices

04:50 - Franchising The Hives?

06:36 - New album

07:55 - David Johansen and Clem Burke

08;55 - AC/DC

09:52 - Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age

11:00 - Pop structure

11:55 - Mike D of The Beastie Boys

15:07 - The Dead Boys AI

18:12 - Swedish music scene

21:36 - ABBA

25:09 - Playing new music for friends

26:44 - PC culture

28:00 - Enough is enough

30:00 - Online comments

31:00 - Playing new songs

33:33 - New album’s process

35:00 - Influencing other bands

36:56 - What music Pelle listens to

37:42 - Perfect record

41:10 - Top 5 siblings in rock

51:07 - AC/DC

54:13 - Top 5 debut albums

On this very special bonus episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with three of the six acts who will perform on June 4 at the historic New York City venue The Bitter End for our first-ever live event – LIPPS SERVICE LIVE!

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! JUNE 4 AT THE BITTER END https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/lipps-service-live-festival-2025-06-04-the-bitter-end-new-york-e3febc?presaleName=lipps-service-live

The live concert will be a reflection of Lipps Service podcast, as the night will bring together past and present NYC-bred music, including three legendary acts – Ed Kowalczyk of LIVE, Hamilton Leithauser of The Walkmen, Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello and Casa Gogol – and three of the best up-and-coming bands of the city’s contemporary music scene – Jackson Hamm of Telescreens, Thesaurus Rex, and Torture and The Desert Spiders!

To get fans excited about the live show, Scott talked with Ed, Eugene, who was accompanied by an artist under his label, Grace Bergere, and Torture in this special bonus episode.

Starting with Ed, he discusses his early music days in NYC, shares a crazy story about the band’s hit song “Lightning Crashes,” and lists his top 5 most meaningful lyrics and underrated singers. Next up, Eugene and Grace reflect on Gogol Bordello's rise in 1989 in NYC, and list the best punk bands from the city. To close, Torture tells the story of how David Bowie inspired her band name and her favorite artists in the current NYC music scene.

Tune into this exciting and insightful episode of Lipps Service, learn about the artists, hear their thoughts on the upcoming live show, and get ready for LIPPS SERVICE LIVE!

We hope to see you all there – you don’t want to miss it!

CREDITS (Instagram handles)

Host @scottlipps

Edited by @toastycakes

Music by @robby_hoff

Produced by @whitakermarisa

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts LA

Sonos makes it so easy to fill your home with incredible sound! Check out the new Sonos Ace headphones, which are Bluetooth-enabled and have three buttons. The content key allows you to play, pause, accept calls, and control the volume. Plus, they feature noise cancellation and voice assist!

These headphones are exceptionally well done and sound incredible, whether listening to your favorite playlist, chatting on a call, watching a movie, or even recording a podcast like this one. They sound particularly fantastic when listening to Lipps Service!

Sonos has great gifts for everyone on your list. Visit sonos.com/Lipps to save 20% on select products.

Ed Kowalczyk of LIVE

0:04:30 - Getting signed out of NYC

0:05:15 - CBGB

0:07:30 - “Lightning Crashes” story

0:10:00 - College radio

0:11:30 - Early lyrics

0:15:00 - Mixing in a defunct Playboy resort

0:17:00 - Drawing inspiration

0:20:00 - Meeting Kurt Cobain

0:22:35 - Collaborating with Peter Buck

0:24:00 - Top 5 most meaningful lyrics

0:35:45 - Top 5 criminally underrated lead singers

0:38:50 - What does this record mean to you? (The Velvet Underground & Nico)

Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello and Grace Bergere of Casa Gogol

0:43:13 - The Gogol collective and touring

0:43:28 - Working with Rick Rubin

0:50:24 - 1989 in NYC

0:55:00 - Early punk rock

1:02:05 - Top NYC punk bands

Torture and The Desert Spiders

1:04:52 - Band name story

1:09:00 - Beginnings in music

1:16:22 - Top 5 local rock bands

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with singer-songwriter, musician, and blistering frontman of Italian rock band Måneskin – Damiano David! Gearing up for the release of his debut solo album, FUNNY little FEARS, on May 16, Damiano gets into the meaning behind the title, stories behind some of the album’s tracks, and his fears. He discusses his early music days, including recruiting Måneskin band members on Facebook, busking and restaurant gigs in Italy, and the band’s success on X Factor. Damiano also shares his takes on the music industry, from chasing success and milestone moments to label transparency and working with songwriters. He gives us insight into his personal life, like his fashion sensibility, relationship with singer and actress Dove Cameron, and falling in love. To close, Damiano lists his top 5 underrated artists and lead singers, and shares his perfect album. Tune into an insightful and amazing chat with one of modern rock’s greatest frontmen – Damiano David!

CREDITS (Instagram handles)

Host @scottlipps

Edited by @toastycakes

Music by @robby_hoff

Produced by @whitakermarisa

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts LA

Sonos makes it so easy to fill your home with incredible sound! Check out the new Sonos Ace headphones, which are Bluetooth-enabled and have three buttons. The content key allows you to play, pause, accept calls, and control the volume. Plus, they feature noise cancellation and voice assist!

These headphones are exceptionally well done and sound incredible, whether listening to your favorite playlist, chatting on a call, watching a movie, or even recording a podcast like this one. They sound particularly fantastic when listening to Lipps Service!

Sonos has great gifts for everyone on your list. Visit sonos.com/Lipps to save 20% on select products.

02:09 - Fears

02:42 - FUNNY little FEARS title

03:30 - Being in a rock band from Italy

04:24 - X Factor

04:26 - Traveling the world

06:15 - Guns N’ Roses being pop

06:48 - Music career journey

08:03 - First record he bought

08:35 - Idols

09:58 - Meeting Måneskin members on Facebook

12:15 - Looking for a drummer on Facebook

13:45 - How Italy shaped him as an artist

15:33 - X Factor

17:30 - Performing at restaurants

19:40 - Chasing success

21:30 - Grammy nomination

22:25 - Milestone moments

24:00 - Being anonymous in Italy

25:29 - Måneskin

28:00 - Label transparency

29:57 - Fashion sensibility

31:50 - Status of Måneskin

33:00 - Songwriters

37:43 - Another solo record?

39:00 - The Greatest Showman inspiration

41:39 - Getting personal on the solo record

43:21 - Being in love and Dove Cameron

45:13 - “Voices”

47:30 - “Love and Angels” about Dove Cameron

49:00 - Playing music for friends

50:59 - Lana Del Rey

51:51 - The return of rock?

54:25 - Underrated artists

55:00 - Top 5 underrated artists

57:02 - Perfect album

58:05 - Top 5 lead singers

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with legendary glam metal frontman of Hanoi Rocks – Michael Monroe! The two start by getting into Michael’s return to America after several years away, comparing the old to the new NYC, and Northeast music icons like Bruce Springsteen and Joey Ramone. They explore Michael and Hanoi Rocks’ various musical influences, including Black Sabbath, Little Richard, Elvis, and Stiv Bators. Michael reflects on his upbringing in Sweden, from living on the streets and surviving to the early days of the band and their early glam looks and expression. He also spills the lowdown on pivotal interactions within his career, including asking Prince to produce the band, producing with Bob Ezrin, and making peace with Vince Neil. To close, Michael talks about the band’s last gig and lists his top 5 records everyone should own. Tune into a music history-filled chat with legend Michael Monroe!

CREDITS (Instagram handles)

Host @scottlipps

Edited by @toastycakes

Music by @robby_hoff

Produced by @whitakermarisa

Recorded at Melrose Podcasts NYC

Sonos makes it so easy to fill your home with incredible sound! Check out the new Sonos Ace headphones, which are Bluetooth-enabled and have three buttons. The content key allows you to play, pause, accept calls, and control the volume. Plus, they feature noise cancellation and voice assist!

These headphones are exceptionally well done and sound incredible, whether listening to your favorite playlist, chatting on a call, watching a movie, or even recording a podcast like this one. They sound particularly fantastic when listening to Lipps Service!

Sonos has great gifts for everyone on your list. Visit sonos.com/Lipps to save 20% on select products.

01:50 - Returning to play in America

02:30 - Documentary

05:00 - The old NYC

06:30 - Hells Angels

08:15 - Bruce Springsteen

11:30 - Joey Ramone

15:55 - Growing up

16:47 - Black Sabbath

18:00 - Hair metal movement

21:00 - Little Richard and Elvis

22:00 - Sax and harmonica

24:00 - Parents

24:30 - Meeting Hanoi’s Andy McCoy

26:12 - Band’s interesting early look

27:22 - Living on the streets in Sweden

30:22 - Surviving early on

33:49 - Legacy

34:35 - Razzle

36:00 - Prince producing Hanoi

37:20 - Getting signed to CBS and Bob Ezrin producing

39:40 - Oriental best remastered

39:43 - Making peace with Vince Neil

40:00 - Razzle’s death

42:00 - Stiv Bators

44:21 - Hanoi’s last gig

47:30 - Writing a letter to Nikki Sixx about Razzle

52:15 - AI Stiv Bators

58:12 - Top 5 records everyone should own