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Dive Bar Music Club

Dive Bar Music Club

Written by: Sloane Spencer
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About this listen

Dive Bar Music Club: low key, high taste happy hour for music nerds. Welcome to Dive Bar Music Club, your new favorite monthly hangout where deep music knowledge meets dive bar vibes. Each episode, a rotating cast of indie music lifers (record store owners, radio hosts, touring musicians, venue bookers, photographers, and more) grab a drink, hop online, and swap notes on the three albums they can’t stop spinning. It’s not a review show; it’s a conversation. A cozy, no-gatekeeping zone for the kind of people who make playlists for every mood, still buy records, and love to discover that one incredible band hiding in the liner notes. We’re heavy on new releases, but old favorites, hidden gems, and "how did I miss this?" moments are always on the table. Whether you work in music, live for your local scene, or just want cool friends to talk tunes with, Dive Bar Music Club is your invitation to pull up a stool, pour a drink, and nerd out. No VIP pass required.Copyright 2026 Sloane Spencer Hygiene & Healthy Living Music Psychology Psychology & Mental Health World
Episodes
  • Built-In Ice Makers in Our Fridges, Adult Taylor Swift Parties, and Bar Coffee
    Jan 20 2026

    Summary

    Slide into the booth for a relaxed hang chatting about great music with Rachel Cholst, Charles Hale, and Sloane Spencer about what’s been on repeat lately, swapping thoughts on everything from the infectious indie rock of Weakened Friends to the timeless soul of Mavis Staples. Along the way, they shine a light on artists like SG Goodman, Florry, and Fust, talking about how these musicians tell powerful stories through their songs. They chat about live shows versus records, contrasting Billy Allen + The Pollies with Bass Battery. You’ll also hear some fun tales from the record store world, including a Taylor Swift listening party that turned into joyful chaos with kids, friendship bracelets, and plenty of laughs. Pour yourself a drink, get comfortable, and enjoy the kind of music chat that feels like catching up with friends, and hopefully inspires your next favorite listen. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

    Playlist

    1. Apple Music
    2. Tidal

    Bands Featured in Episode 1

    1. Bass Battery
    2. Billy Allen + The Pollies
    3. Florry
    4. Fust
    5. SG Goodman
    6. Mavis Staples
    7. Weakened Friends
    8. (We never got around to chatting about Lene Lovich and Marah, also on our lists.)

    Venues Mentioned

    1. 40 Watt, Athens, GA
    2. 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
    3. Bowery Ballroom, NYC
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    46 mins
  • The Regulars: Sloane Spencer, Serial Music Podcaster
    Jan 2 2026

    Summary

    Grab your favorite drink and settle in, because we’re diving deep with Sloane Spencer, the mastermind behind Dive Bar Music Club. This week, Sloane shares her journey through the indie music scene, from her days as a radio host to her latest venture, Sleep with Rock Stars, a chill podcast that aims to lull you to sleep with the soothing sounds of music history. We chat about the evolution of her musical passion, how the pandemic sparked her return to podcasting, and her love for dive bars that serve as the heartbeat of local music communities. Sloane’s tales of sneaking into punk clubs as a kid and her nostalgic nods to legendary venues like the 40 Watt and Caledonia remind us that music isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life. So, whether you're a seasoned music nerd or just looking to unwind with some good tunes, this episode promises to be a cozy listen that’ll have you saying, "Y’all come back now, you hear?"

    Chapters

    • 00:12 - Introducing the Host: Sloane Spencer
    • 03:18 - The Birth of Dive Bar Music Club Podcast
    • 06:30 - The Journey to College Radio
    • 07:54 - The Evolution of Music Spaces
    • 12:05 - Exploring Dive Bar Music Club

    Show Notes

    Diving into the depths of music culture, this episode of Dive Bar Music Club takes a relaxed stroll through the melodious journey of Sloane Spencer, a figure who embodies both nostalgia and innovation in the podcasting realm. Sloane's story unfolds like a well-worn record, starting from her childhood roots steeped in music, where her parents' love for artists like Janis Joplin laid the groundwork for her lifelong passion. The conversation meanders through her early foray into radio, where she cleverly maneuvered her way into the industry, despite her initial lack of musical talent. This candid narrative is peppered with humor, as Sloane shares anecdotes of sneaking into punk rock shows, her brief stint as a frontwoman for a Ramones cover band, and her 'soft retirement' from traditional radio.

    With a charmingly colloquial tone, Sloane explains her latest ventures, including the creation of her new podcast, Sleep with Rock Stars, which takes an unexpected turn as she reads about popular bands in a soothing, sleepy voice, an idea that initially perplexed her. This shift not only highlights her adaptability but also her desire to cater to the Gen X audience, merging the worlds of music and relaxation in a uniquely engaging format. As she shares her love for indie music and her commitment to venues like the 40 Watt and Nuci's Space, Sloane invites listeners to reminisce about their own musical experiences while subtly encouraging them to explore the vibrant indie scene.

    As the episode wraps up, listeners are left with a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia, as Sloane's journey reflects the broader tapestry of music culture that unites us all—reminding us that whether it's in a dive bar or through the airwaves, music has a way of bringing people together in the most delightful of ways.

    ---

    In a heartfelt and humorous exchange, this episode of Dive Bar Music Club dives deep into the rich tapestry of Sloane Spencer's musical journey. From her early days of being a music enthusiast fueled by her parents' eclectic tastes to her evolution into a radio personality and podcaster, Sloane's narrative is as engaging as it is reflective. The episode captures the essence of Sloane's personality, allowing her quirky and relatable nature to shine through as she recounts her adventures in the music scene, including her unsuccessful attempts at playing guitar and her amusing role in a Ramones cover band.

    Sloane's transition from radio to podcasting is a central theme, with her latest project, Sleep with Rock Stars, offering a fresh take on the podcast format....

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    13 mins
  • The Regulars: Kim Ware of The Good Graces and Y'All'Re
    Jan 2 2026

    Summary

    Grab a drink and slide into the booth because we're diving deep with Kim Ware, the talented songwriter behind The Good Graces and drummer for the punk band Y'All'Re. This week, we’re peeling back the layers on her musical journey that started with school band and a love for drums, turning into a vibrant career filled with songwriting and live performances across the Carolinas. Kim shares tales from her early days, where she found comfort and expression through music, especially during life’s ups and downs. We’ll also have a laugh or two about the quirks of venue life, reminiscing about iconic spots like Fat City in Charlotte, which painted the backdrop of her indie rock beginnings. So come hang out with us at the Dive Bar Music Club, where the conversations flow as freely as the drinks, and the love for independent music runs deep.

    Bio

    Chapters

    • 00:15 - Introducing Kim Ware: A Dive into Independent Music
    • 01:06 - The Journey of Kim Ware: From Drummer to Songwriter
    • 03:20 - Nostalgic Venues and Memories in Music
    • 06:39 - Transitioning from Corporate Life to Creative Expression
    • 07:50 - Embracing Accents in Podcasting

    Recommended If You Like

    Kim Ware, Dive Bar Music Club, independent music, singer songwriter, punk rock band, Y'All're, Grand Epiphanies EP, music podcast, music venues, Charlotte North Carolina, music nostalgia, songwriting process, female drummers, underground music scene, booking shows, music therapy, music industry insights, Southern musicians, live music experience, music community, music interviews, the good graces

    Transcript

    Speaker A

    00:00:00.160 - 00:00:03.760

    Hey, this is Kim Ware, and you're listening to Dive Bar Music Club.

    Speaker B

    00:00:04.320 - 00:00:06.160

    Welcome to Dive Bar Music Club, the.

    Speaker C

    00:00:06.160 - 00:00:32.710

    Low key, high taste happy hour for music nerds. Each week we're joined by a rotating cast of regulars, people who live and breathe independent music.


    This week, we'll get to know Kim Ware, songwriter for the Good Graces, drummer for the punk band y' all Are, and former booking agent. Part hang, part deep dive, it's Dive Bar Music Club.


    So grab a drink, slide into that booth, and get to know Kim Ware on this week's session of Dive Bar Music Club.


    Speaker B

    00:00:33.670 - 00:00:40.870

    So, Kim Ware, I am so glad you're going to be part of the regulars here on Dive Bar Music Club. What are you doing in the world of music these days?


    Speaker A

    00:00:41.270 - 00:00:57.600

    I'm a singer, songwriter, and I just released a new ep. It's called Grand Epiphanies. And I also play drums in a punk rock band called Y' All Are.


    And we've been really busy last play a lot around the Carolinas, so that's primarily what I'm doing these days.


    Speaker B

    00:00:58.160 - 00:01:06.000

    Very cool. We're excited to get to know you a little bit more through the regulars and our fun chats coming up each month on Dive Bar Music Club.


    Thanks for being part of what we're doing.


    Speaker A

    00:01:06.320 - 00:01:06.800

    Yeah.


    Speaker B

    00:01:06.960 - 00:01:14.240

    So, Kim, y', all, you're playing in a couple of different kinds of bands right now, and y' all have been busy lately, but how did you end up where you are in music?


    Speaker A

    00:01:14.880 - 00:02:54.330

    Well, I was a big tomboy when I was a kid and when I was in middle school and it came time to choose an instrument for, like, the school band. I think I associated drums, like,...

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    8 mins
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