Ben Nichols of Lucero (@benlucero74) is on the show for this Part 2 of interviews from Winnetka Music Festival, a local Chicago fest, which took place June 19-20!!Ben and I reflect on his many reasons for celebration these days including his new solo album entitled “In the Heart of the Mountain,” his first stand-alone effort since 2009, recently turning the ripe old age of 51, and all of this as Lucero quickly approaches their 30th year as a band.  Ben's a super affable guy -- refreshingly self-aware with a keen wit and a great sense of humor -- and he talks to me about the origins of Lucero and his own musical background influenced by the DIY scene in Little Rock. We also discuss the deep Memphis roots of the band, the influence of the South in Ben’s writing, and how raising a daughter as a touring artist has made all these landmarks that much more special.  This is a terrific interview, and we shared tons of laughs. You’re going to love this one!!   =======================================00:00 - Episode Intro with Host Josh Rosenberg04:25 - Introduction and Ben Nichols' recent performances04:48 - The story behind Nichols' solo album "In the Heart of the Mountain"05:44 - The role of collaboration with musicians like Morgan Eve Swain and Corey Brann07:01 - Exploring different sonic textures outside of Lucero07:47 - The emotional tone of the solo project: somber, pensive, and dark09:01 - How solo work influences band dynamics and cohesion10:10 - The appeal of melancholy and sad songs in music11:15 - The musical elements that evoke deep feelings in songwriting12:05 - Voice, vocal timbre, and the natural growl of Nichols' singing style12:36 - Balancing the fun of rock and roll with somber, introspective tones13:25 - The story of how Nichols became a singer and guitarist in his band14:15 - The physicality and modern sound of Lucero's music14:44 - Genre-bending nature of Lucero's albums and the band's resilience15:37 - Nichols' Arkansas origins and their influence on his songwriting16:39 - The nostalgic connection to Arkansas' landscapes and history18:14 - Literary influences: Blood Meridian, Southern Gothic traditions, and Frank Stanford19:44 - The history and cultural depth of Arkansas, including civil rights and Native American stories21:16 - The beauty and darkness in Arkansas and Memphis environments21:45 - The DIY punk scene in Little Rock and its influence on Nichols24:38 - The impact of historical events like Little Rock Central High School desegregation27:55 - Life as a father, blending family and artistic pursuits29:46 - Memphis' musical legacy, Sun Studio, and influence on Lucero32:30 - Recording locations and production choices shaping Lucero’s sound35:46 - Why "Among the Ghosts" remains Nichols' favorite album36:49 - The evolution of songwriting and how life milestones impact inspiration39:06 - The band's upcoming projects and the future of Lucero42:01 - Reflection on a nearly 30-year career, industry changes, and ongoing passion44:02 - Episode Wrap-up with Host Josh Rosenberg=======================================For more information on Roadcase:https://linktr.ee/roadcasepod and https://www.roadcasepod.comOr contact Roadcase by email:  [email protected] theme music:  "Eugene (Instrumental)" by Waltzer