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COREAuthor: Andy McNamara
Core is a weekly interview and music show on Code Zero Radio WCZR. The show airs live Saturday mornings from 9-10am CST. We focus on artists from the Fox Cities area of Wisconsin. You can listen to the show live by searching "Code Zero Radio" in the TuneIn app. Language: en Genres: Music, Music Interviews Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Noetic
Sunday, 8 February, 2026
In this episode of Fox Cities Core on WCZR Code Zero Radio, we sit down with three-quarters of the progressive rock powerhouse Noetic. Join Ben Baertschy (drums), David Pietila (bass/harmonies), and Derrick Kroener (guitar) as they dive deep into the world of prog-metal and the history of one of Wisconsin’s most intricate original bands.In this Interview:- Band Origins: Discover how Noetic's core ideas started over a decade ago and how the current lineup finally gelled.- The "Stupid Genius": Drummer Ben Berche explains why he gave guitarist Derek Kramer this endearing nickname and how they navigate complex time signatures like 13/16 and 7/8.- SourceTrax Studios: David discusses running his own studio and the unique challenges (and 8-hour tuning sessions) of recording progressive music.- Defining "Prog": The band discusses why they don't feel restricted by genres and how they incorporate everything from Latin rhythms to funk into their metal sound.- Prodrome: A look back at their 2024 album and the recording process that required tracking drums in a practice space because the kit was too big for the studio.About NoeticBased between Fond Du Lac and Appleton, Noetic is a four-piece progressive rock band known for their proficient musicianship and intricate compositions. Their latest album, Prodrome, was released in 2024.About Fox Cities CoreBroadcasting live from Appleton, Wisconsin, Fox Cities Core on WCZR Code Zero Radio is an independent streaming rock station dedicated to the mainstream and local talent of the Fox Cities.0:00 Introduction0:47 Meet the Band Members1:48 Source Track Studios Update2:18 Band Origins & History4:30 Finding the Right Band Members6:49 The Noetic Sound & Influences9:15 Songwriting Process & Collaboration12:45 Prog Metal & Musical Complexity16:20 Recording Pearl Jam Album21:30 Working with Connor (Vocalist)25:40 Live Performance Setup28:15 Band Chemistry & Practice32:45 Challenges of Progressive Metal36:20 Musical Influences & Inspirations40:50 Gear & Equipment Discussion45:15 Local Music Scene48:30 Future Plans & Goals51:40 Ten More Years in the Tank54:00 Upcoming Show at Pet Skull Brewing58:25 Where to Find Noetic & Closing#Noetic #ProgMetal #FoxCitiesCore #WCZR #WisconsinMusic #SourceTrax #ProgressiveRock #LocalMusic
