WMSR Redhawk Radio hosted Thumbtack Mechanics, a band originating in Oxford, OH for an interview with Event Coordinator, Mackenzie McVey and Senior Editor, Megan Harrison. An on-air acoustic performance followed the interview. The band members introduced themselves and shared their formation story, highlighting their growth from a college band to a more serious venture. They discussed their favorite live shows, including a memorable performance at the Cubby Bear in Chicago, and revealed their top four albums. Woven in with personal anecdotes, they also discussed their recording process and plans for the future, including upcoming shows and a new single.
Photo by Gwen Engelhart
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): So now, we're gonna be hitting things off with our special guest Thumbtack Mechanics. We're gonna do a short style interview, and then they're gonna perform a little acoustic set for us. So let's just start things off: Welcome everyone! Thank you for joining us today. We're excited to learn about Thumbtack Mechanics as a whole and individually, we would just like to know a bit better about the band. So, if everyone could introduce themselves and just tell us the role you play in the band.
Miles Lynn: Yeah, for sure. Thanks for having us on. My name is Miles. I play rhythm guitar.
Brock Shults: I'm Brock. I play drums.
Ethan Kraus: I'm Ethan. I play lead guitar and I sing.
Jonah Hillman: I'm Jonah and I play bass.
Redhawk Radio Host (MH): All right, thank you. So, how did you guys meet and decide to form a band? Was there a particular moment when you all realized that this could really work?
Miles Lynn: Yeah, so I started the band my junior year here while I was a student at Miami by hanging flyers just around campus. I just had my name and my email on there and hung it up everywhere I kind of could. And people reached out, and I kind of met with people, one on one, and eventually got lucky enough to find all these guys and girls - we're actually missing two of our members here in the studio - but kind of found everyone. And I think it wasn't until maybe a year after we had formed, when a couple of us graduated, that we kind of realized that this might be something more than just a college band. And ever since, we kind of just have been going for it. But yeah, that was kind of how we all came together.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): So, you guys have reached success here in Oxford. What is your favorite part about playing live shows, not just within Oxford, or any other locations that you guys really remember? Is there a particular moment or feeling that you can describe how you feel when you're on stage performing to an abundance of people?
Ethan Kraus: I think something that's really nice about entertainment stuff is that it's really clear when you do a good job and when you don't do a good job. And it's really nice, especially in Oxford, the people know us and that sort of thing. But after shows, when people are like, "I've been going here for three years, and I've been to your shows ever since you started," and that sort of thing. And it's always really cool and we have that around here. But, you can always tell when there's a really good show because I feel like the reaction is like, people come up and be like, “Oh my gosh”, and sometimes we'll get like pictures with people, or sign stuff, and that's always just fun. And you're kind of playing like a celebrity for a bit, and then, yeah, hopefully at some point, people outside of Oxford are doing the same thing. But, yeah, I don't know... I would say that being in Oxford is really special.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Does anyone else get other feelings? Like, are you feeling an out-of-body experience when you guys play? If you guys could describe that individually?
Brock Shults: I think it's cool for me, because I play drums, like I said, and I get to sit back and I get to watch everyone perform. They can't really see themselves, but I can see them perform. So that's really cool. And I could see everyone's faces and stuff. And last night we were playing and Ethan and Jonah were on the ground, like, rolling around, and there were people, like, just going absolutely nuts for them. So it was, it's just really fun to watch them and watch the crowd's reactions to everything. So it's great.
Redhawk Radio Host (MH): Yeah, so when you are getting ready for a show, what are your pump-up songs? Or, how do you get hype? What does your pre-show routine look like?
Jonah Hillman: I know one specific song from me and Brock is “Song for the Dead” by Queens the Stone Age. It’s got that really killer drum intro. And I know that before shows, we'd always put that shit on because it's just awesome to just get hyped up with that.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Anyone else? Does anyone just like, talk to themselves? Or do you have to take a minute? Or, are you guys just pumped from the get-go, and just want to continue that energy up from the moment you step on stage?
Brock Shults: Yeah, just to add on Jonah’s statement, “Bulls On Parade” by Rage Against The Machine. You know, we always listen to that, but I don't know what these other fools do, but him and I sometimes do that, and we'll push each other around.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): All right, and now we're going to be talking about a bit of the recording process when you guys were recording your EP, or If you're still recording for future albums or singles. What does the typical day look like in the studio for you? Are you guys just mostly jamming and improvising, or do you have a pretty structured approach when you are recording?
Ethan Kraus: What we did for the EP was, we wanted to do, like an actual studio thing. We practice on our own, obviously, and that sort of thing. And then we have our own equipment that we can record with on, like, Logic and stuff straight to your laptop. But for the studio, since it cost money, we went to just a place in Hamilton that we had been to before, just because it cost a certain amount of money to go there for a certain amount of time. What we did were two eight-hour days on a weekend. So, it was just Saturday and Sunday were full days. They ended up being like, 10 hours. But we got there and we're pretty much ready to record, like, everything was figured out, and there wasn't really a lot to write there, but then it ended up still being like, you know, a lot of creative stuff still happening, and us, like, playing with their different instruments that they had, but definitely getting into the studio with the mindset that, like, we're ready to record, we're not going to mess around... Like, we're spending our own money to do this. And, I mean, it was a really cool process. And, you know, we write kind of outside of that, but I think in the studio, at least for now, until someone's paying us to record music. If that happens, it's pretty much when you're in the studio, you're kind of locked in and you're ready to go.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Yeah, let you guys cook, for sure.
Redhawk Radio Host (MH): So you know, talking about all the shows that you do, all of the performances and stuff, what's been your favorite show outside of Oxford, or your most memorable performance so far, and, like, what made it stand out that way?
Miles Lynn: I think we all kind of have, like, maybe some of us agree, but I think everyone kind of individually has their own special performance or stand-out show. I think for me, it would probably be playing grad weekend at Brick of my own graduation, and Ethan and Jane's as well. That was just really special. It was my graduation weekend, packed house, and just to hit the highest stage in Oxford and to see what we started from, to be there, and kind of wrap it up on a high note. And we've been able to play grad weekend again. We did it last year, and I'm sure, you know, we'll hopefully be doing it again this year. So that's always a fun show. A lot of fun energy.
Brock Shults: Oh, yeah. I also want to add, that you asked about, you know, outside of the Ox as well. And I'm not from Chicago, but Miles is, so we went to the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville. It was a really cool live music bar. I had never been to Wrigleyville, and it was really awesome. A bunch of people showed up. A bunch of people bought our merch and went crazy that night. So in terms of outside of Ox stuff, we've had a few really good shows, like in Columbus and Bloomington and places like that. But the Chicago show was really special. I think so.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): I guess intersecting with that from, as you said, where you started, and now you're graduated, how have you seen the growth of the band as a whole since you started?
Ethan Kraus: Well, I mean, structurally, it's kind of changed a little bit without giving like a ton of specifics, but I think over time, it's been about two years since it got into full force. I think there was a good span of time, about a year, year and a half, where it was like, we're just having fun. And as Miles said, before, it was like we were playing for grad weekend and that sort of thing. It was just kind of a college band. But then when we graduated, I moved to Chicago, he (Miles) was back in Chicago, and we kind of had this reckoning of like, do we continue doing this? That sort of thing. So, I ended up quitting my job and moving back here, and we lived on his (Jonah's) couch and we're kind of just bumming it, and we're like, let's take this seriously. So around last November, December, so I guess it's only been a year now, we established it as a business and got a lawyer and everything and that sort of thing, and took the steps to make it more legitimate. And then since then, it's just been a lot more serious. There's more on the line. And this year, we've had a really good amount of success from taking it seriously. I think that people are treating it like a real business, and people have their own roles and are doing those roles. So I think in just that aspect, it's grown a lot, and then musically as well, kind of alongside that.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Yeah, love it. I guess you can say you had your “when you're back in Chicago you feel it” moment - that was you guys. Regarding your EP cover, we just had a few questions about that. Is that someone's actual tattoo in the van? Or, where is that?
Ethan Kraus: Yes, that's my tattoo, it's right here.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Did you get that for the EP cover? Or just for the band?
Ethan Kraus: Well, for one it's right, it's on my waist, like right here by under the belt. You know, like waist left side above, lots of pocket if you're a fellow pants wearer. But we all got tattoos. Two of us don't have tattoos. But we do have tattoos. A lot of us have tattoos.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Where's everyone's tattoo located?
Ethan Kraus: Miles, why don't you go?
Miles Lynn: Yeah... If my parents are listening, I'm sorry. Mine might may or may not be on my right butt cheek, may or may not.
Everyone: snap, snap
Jonah Hillman: Mine's on my left ankle.
Brock Shults: Haven't gotten mine yet, but I'm the youngest.
Miles Lynn: He's gonna get it soon.
Brock Shults: It's not really, like, no one's stopping me. It's just, that I'm the youngin and this would be my first tattoo.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Well, that's a good first tattoo.
Brock Shults: I think, yeah, if I do get it, though, I'll also put it on my ankle, probably.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): And then who else doesn’t have it?
Miles Lynn: Sarah and Jane, the two that are missing, don't have it, are planning on getting it soon, so I think we need to make an appointment for them.
Redhawk Radio Host (MH): So we're going to do a little Letterboxd moment, I guess, but with music. Basically in Letterboxd, you have your top four movies. So for you guys, what would your top four albums be?
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): We'll give you a minute to think, yeah, like, think deeply. We can each go one at a time too. I think that would be easier, just in case someone says something that you were like, 'Oh, actually,' something similar to that as well. Oh, okay. For all the listeners, everyone's pulling out their phones.
Brock Shults: Rubber Soul by the Beatles. That's not everyone's favorite album by them, but I don't know. I think it's brilliant. I love that album.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Is there in specifics, why you think that is their best album for the Beatles?
Brock Shults: It's not their most successful album, but I think just personally, Ethan's a Beatles nerd, but it's my favorite. Like, I just enjoy listening to it. I think it was a really interesting time in their life. And, you know, they were transitioning from some of their older stuff to their more psychedelic days. So I don't know. I would say, oh gosh. I gotta think for a second... Probably When We Were Friends by The Backseat Lovers. It's some newer stuff, but we've played three other songs off that album now. It just matches our energy as a band. And I've been listening to them since 2019 when that came out. Is This It by The Strokes. It's a classic. I'm taking some of Miles's favorites. Some of us have the same stuff. And my fourth one…I have to think for a second.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Take all the time.
Brock Shults: Okay, cool. Um... Probably Pearl Jam, Ten. I grew up on that album because my dad would play it every day. And so, yeah, even flow. Don't even think about it. I got mine.
Miles Lynn: For me, I was gonna say the first two Strokes albums, so Is This It and Room on Fire. But I'll leave the first one out as an honorary mention. But Room on Fire by The Strokes; From 2 to 3, which is a Peach Pit album; Third Eye Blind. That's a really good one, honorary mentioned for sure. When We Were Friends by The Backseat Lovers. Then maybe the fourth, because Brock took my first one, Take This to Your Grave by Fall Out Boy, the first one.
Jonah Hillman: Yeah, I got my four. Starting off, probably By the Way, by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I like the early, early 2000s era, which is probably my favorite Chili Peppers era. And then the second would be an album called Wake by Hail the Sun. They're out of Sacramento, and I've seen them live a ton, and they just have this crazy stage presence and just this really gritty sound. And then A Different Shade of Blue by Knocked Loose. They're pretty huge right now, but that early album of theirs I really love. And then to finish it off, there's an album called What Kinda Music by Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes, who's a drummer that Brock and I really like that just has some of the wildest chops out of any drummer I think I've ever heard, but they have this really dope alternative jazz sound that just, it kind of goes everywhere throughout the album.
Ethan Kraus: No particular order here, but I would say first, as in just the first I'm going to name, but not my favorite - I will say my favorite one. But What's Going On by Marvin Gaye, specifically the Detroit mix, before they went and messed with it again and changed everything that was still good, but the Detroit mix is great. Manners by Passion Pit. That was an early fundamental album that I started listening to right when it came out. So, it was like 2009 and I listened to that a ton as a kid. And the guy who introduced that to me, actually, I just went to his wedding last... Or, two weeks ago. So after that, I would probably say, like in seldom these days, but Chet Baker Sings is also another fundamental album. I mean, he's a great trumpet player, I believe, and then his voice is... It's just something about it, that album is just so good. So Chet Baker Sings, and then my favorite album of all time that's probably been consistent for about 10 years, is We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes by Death Cab for Cutie. That's their second album from 2000 and it's just great. It's like so unique. I think there's some of the best lyric writing I've ever heard, the best songwriting I've heard in a lot of different music. Honorary mention, I do want an honorable mention. I do want to say the best album from this year is Charm by Clairo.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Wow. Our listeners are gonna love that one. Well, as we can see, it's a very vast different taste, and I feel like that all works in your guys' apparent sound. Another little goofy, silly question: If you had to pick an ice cream flavor to describe you the best, which ice cream flavor would you choose? It doesn't, per se, it doesn't have to be like your favorite ice cream, but like an ice cream flavor that you think would describe you the best.
Ethan Kraus: Moose Tracks.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Any context for?... Oh, no context.
Miles Lynn: This is a throwback to my childhood, but Superman, if anyone's heard of that one. Also, just want to give a quick shout-out. My dad's listening and it is his birthday today. Happy birthday. Shout out.
Brock Shults: Probably cookies and cream. That's a good ice cream. Yeah, and I'm a I'm a good person. Sometimes. I don’t know.
Ethan Kraus: I'd say Dolce de Leche if anyone's had that.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Okay, okay, okay. This is another. Let me lock in real quick, guys. Okay, this one, this is the question of the hour before we go into our final thoughts. This one's a little longer, so lock in. But just, pick up what I'm throwing down. So: genetic engineers at John Hopkins University announced they've developed a so-called Super Gorilla. Though the animal cannot speak, it has a sign language lexicon of over 12,000 words, an IQ of almost 85 and, most notably, a vague sense of self-awareness. Oddly, the creature, who weighs 700 pounds, becomes fascinated by football. The gorilla aspires to play the game at its highest level and quickly develops the rudimentary skills of a defensive end. ESPN analysis Tom Jackson speculates that this gorilla would be borderline unblockable and would likely average six sacks a game, although Jackson concedes that the beast might be susceptible to counters and misdirection plays. Meanwhile, the gorilla has made it clear he would never intentionally injure any opponent. You are the commissioner of the NFL: Would you allow this gorilla to sign and if so, what team is he signing on to?
Brock Shults: I have some thoughts. I mean, I think it's a lot of good. I'm a Bengals fan, so no one's better than Trey Hendrickson. So I don't think this monkey or whatever can be a super...
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Super gorilla.
Brock Shults: Super gorilla. Yeah, no, but I'd like to, I'd like to see them try to play in the NFL, maybe like a scrimmage preseason, I don't know. Shout out to Hendrickson, guys. That's gonna be better than this gorilla.
Ethan Kraus: You know, honestly, I think there's probably just more going on with this gorilla than meets the eye under the surface. And you really gotta get into his head and just kind of see where the thoughts are, because, you know, he doesn't want to injure somebody, but you know, what is, what does injury really mean?
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): His IQ is over 85.
Ethan Kraus: I mean, that's like double mine. I think triple. So, you know, I think it's worth a shot. But, you know, evolving always, there are many glass ceilings here, and you know, one of them is as gorillas playing in the NFL. And, you know, I've always been on that train. And I think it's about time. You know, it's just about time. I think I would let him play. But, you know, maybe see where his head's at, maybe get some psychoanalysis going and just see, you know, what do you what do you really think about this whole injury thing? But, you know, 700 pounds, you know, the Baltimore Ravens need some help.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): he's, like, actively wearing a Guardian cap also while he's playing. So he's representing Guardian caps.
Jonah Hillman: I'm from Indianapolis, so I'm gonna definitely say the Colts, they definitely need it for sure. Out of anything, they really need it bad.
Miles Lynn: I mean, if we're all just naming our favorite NFL teams, go Bears. Bear down. We definitely need some people on the O line, so maybe we can.
Redhawk Radio Host (MH): I think you guys need to work on your offense, yeah, more so the defense. Yeah, maybe the gorilla would definitely help either way.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Well, thank you. Thank you so much for playing this game.
Redhawk Radio Host (MH): Our last question before we let you guys kick off your performance is: What's next? Are there any upcoming gigs, new releases or projects that you're excited about? Any news you can share and would like to share with our audiences on air?
Brock Shults: Yeah, I think we are just going to finish up, well, I say semester, because I'm still in school, but kind of finish up this year in terms of shows. We have a few shows in November, just kind of around town. But we're definitely going to spend the winter break writing a single and that will be out shortly, whenever we can, you know, find the time to record it. But that's definitely cooking right now, as well as next semester, we're planning to travel again, you know, four or five weekends out of the semester. Well, we've kind of stayed around the tri-state area, but I think we have plans of going a little bit more, maybe like south. I have some connections down in the SEC, and they've, they've wanted us to come play. So, we'll definitely be around other colleges, seeing if we can do the same thing there that we did here.
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Nice. Alright, and then, if you just want to let the people know where they can find your music and where they can follow you on social media. Shout that out.
Miles Lynn: Definitely. We're @thumbtackmechanics on all socials, and then you can find us on all music streaming platforms: Thumbtack Mechanics. And we have a website, thumbtackmechanics.com
Redhawk Radio Host (MM): Yay. Well, thank you so much for your time and for being able to chat with us. And I guess we're just going to segue into the performance. Follow Thumbtack Mechanics on all social media platforms, and we're excited to hear them perform, so stay tuned for that. Thank you.
Everyone: Applause.
This interview is transcribed from the live conversation streamed on-air during WMSR's 24 hour Telethon.
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