Cleaning puke from urinals after a heavy metal concert is a formidable way to start out in the live music industry. From there, I climbed the ranks to merchandise and ticket sales, always ready to lend a hand. Whether I was chauffeuring talent in my one-headlight Subaru (dubbed “the cyclops”), grocery shopping for bands, or plastering concert posters around town, working at a music venue opened my eyes to its unique mini-ecosystem.
Photos: Kyle Lamont
Behind the Scenes With Concert Cast: A Podcast That's Like an Audio Atlas of Notable Music Venues
Nothing brought me greater joy than listening to the owner’s tales of transforming the dilapidated building into a premiere venue. But the truly magical moments came when I was asked to lock up. Standing alone in the empty room, I’d feel the lingering energy of past performances wash over me. Phantom soundwaves swam with my soul. Even at such a young age, I knew that venues were my way into the music, my way into myself.
My love for musicians is undeniable. I’m passionate about capturing the humanity in artists’ journeys, documenting their authentic selves, and witnessing creative breakthroughs and vulnerable moments. Yet, I’m equally fascinated by the culture of venues and the backstage world of creativity – the people who make live music magic happen. This led me to launch the Concert Cast podcast in 2020, telling venue stories and histories while sharing the perspectives of those who work at these iconic places. Visiting notable venues has become my purpose for traveling, a habit that continues to this day, taking me across America, parts of Europe, and Jamaica.
Kyle Lamont on the road in Maine for Concert Cast, Season 1. Photo: Kyle Lamont
A concert at Urban Lounge in Salt Lake City. Photo: Urban Lounge
Musician Ben Cosgrove with Kyle Lamont for Concert Cast. Photo: Kyle Lamont
The owner of Happy Top Lodge & Rest, an analogue music venue and accommodations. Photo: Kyle Lamont
If concerts are your compass and venues your destination, think of Concert Cast as your audio atlas. It’s a rockumentary podcast meets travelogue, packed with interviews, personal anecdotes and local tunes that transport you to the heart of America’s music scenes. We’re not in a studio, we’re at the venues themselves. There’s no set formula to our show — I follow my curiosity, documenting the stories and perspectives that shape our concert scenes and musical history. With each episode, I rediscover the wonder that first drew me into this world. It’s a journey that’s as much about the venues and the music as it is about finding myself, over and over again, and my place within concert culture, one venue at a time.
These are some of the places I’ve visited for Concert Cast that you’ll want to consider for your next music-filled trip.
We hope you love the spaces we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Maine
Season 1 is a sonic road trip through my home state’s musical landscape, featuring a trip to Maine’s most remote music venue and a community-powered riverside music festival. This 15-episode season includes an exclusive interview with Jon Fishman of Phish. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consult my field notes for more info on each episode.
Listen: Concert Cast Season 1
Athens, Georgia
From Cookie Tongue’s freak folk music at Flicker Theater & Bar to a candelabra-lit tour of Happy Top Lodge & Rest, an analog music venue where you can sleep, I explored the unique venues in Athens and the characters behind them over multiple episodes. Both showcase the DIY spirit and weird ethos shaping the scene, highlighting the importance of preserving underground venues against gentrification. After listening, you’ll be inspired to ditch your usual playlists and seek out something refreshingly new.
Nashville
I thought I knew songwriting. Then I spent five days in Nashville with power pop duo Haley and Spencer of 76th Street. I shadowed them around Nashville’s songwriting circuit and captured their conversations about love, sexuality, friendship, and the stories behind their memorable lyrics. Trust me, what happens off-stage is just as electrifying as what happens on it. Consider this episode a heartfelt anthem for every dreamer who dares to chase their musical aspirations.
Listen: Songwriting Slumber Party With Power Pop Duo 76th Street
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has a strange reputation. But when I peel back the stereotypes, I find that the city’s concert culture is creative, edgy, and kind. For an episode, we went from salt flats to velvet curtains, passing through local nerd caves. We hung out with Travis Bone, aka the world-renowned illustrator Furturtle, and hear his surprising process when designing a concert poster. We met up with Will Sartain, the co-owner of the Urban Lounge, who might just spill secrets about the venue’s live music lore. After spending time with Travis and Will, you’ll hear how Mormonism deeply influences the city’s concert culture. It’s a brand of kindness that seeps out from the artists in a very Salt Lake City way. Here, community is more important than celebrity.
Las Vegas
In an attempt to witness Phish history, I embarked on a quest for a last-minute “Sphere-acle” ticket to the band’s groundbreaking Sphere residency in Las Vegas. Upon arrival, I’m crushed to find ticket prices soaring beyond reach. With a finger in the air, this audio story captures the voices of fellow ticket seekers and immediate reactions from show-goers, including naysayers. From afterparties to nitrous alley, it’s gonzo-style reporting with a hippie twist. We’re reminded that the best part of any quest is the people you meet, especially at a Phish show and in the community it creates.
Los Angeles
The adventure in listening continues! Subscribe to watch my very first video chat podcast, and you’ll never believe what we’re going to be talking about: you guessed it, venues! 