35: Adam Weiner: Coolest Conversation 5/7/26
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In this episode of Little Steven's Underground Garage's Coolest Conversations, host Matty Manfred interviews Adam Weiner, frontman of Low Cut Connie, about his upcoming protest and party album, *Living in the USA*, set for release on July 3rd. Weiner reflects on his transformation from a band focused on fun and irreverence to a socially conscious artist deeply inspired by his roots in South Philadelphia—a neighborhood celebrated for its rich cultural diversity and immigrant history. He discusses how the album blends activism with danceable rock and roll, drawing inspiration from icons like Sly and the Family Stone and Prince. The conversation dives into the album’s creation process, including recording the entire record live in one take on analog tape to capture raw, authentic moments. Weiner shares personal stories, from reconnecting with his childhood sweetheart at a show to honoring Gen Z protest youth in the song 'Little Freakers.' He also reflects on the emotional weight of canceling a Kennedy Center performance and the subsequent backlash, which recontextualized his earlier song 'Living in England' into a powerful anthem of alienation in America. The episode closes with a preview of the summer single 'Can't Be Wrong,' featuring a fiery saxophone performance by Marco Pelos and a heartfelt nod to songwriting as a way of honoring real people and stories.
Record the entire album live in one take on analog tape to preserve the raw energy and spontaneity of the moment.
Protest music can be joyful and danceable—inspired by legends like Prince, Sly and the Family Stone, and Aretha Franklin.
Diversity is the lifeblood of American culture, from jazz to hip-hop, and should be celebrated, not feared.
Personal stories and real people are the foundation of meaningful songwriting—songs are often written for specific voices or memories.
Intimacy in live performance, like playing piano in small bars, offers deep human connection that larger venues can’t replicate.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Legend of Lucille and the Soul of Rock History
The episode opens with a story about B.B. King saving his guitar, Lucille, from a fire sparked by a fight over a woman, symbolizing the deep emotional ties between musicians and their instruments. This leads into a tribute to Hard Rock's global collection of rock memorabilia.
The Magic of the Underground Garage Cruise
“This little Steven underground garage cruise... it's got soul. It's got rock and roll spirit. Like, it's so well put together.”
From Fun to Protest: The Birth of 'Living in the USA'
“Protest music doesn't have to be boring. It doesn't have to be dour. It can be fun and it can be dance music.”
South Philly: The Gumbo of American Culture
“The spice, it's the gumbo of American culture is diversity. That's how we got jazz, blues, rock and roll, soul music, funk, hip hop.”
The Story Behind 'Living in the USA' and 'Little Freakers'
“I wrote this song about this new generation Gen Z protest kids coming up, a lot of them in my neighborhood, that I call little freakers.”
“The spice, it's the gumbo of American culture is diversity. That's how we got jazz, blues, rock and roll, soul music, funk, hip hop.”
“Protest music doesn't have to be boring. It doesn't have to be dour. It can be fun and it can be dance music.”
“This little Steven underground garage cruise... it's got soul. It's got rock and roll spirit. Like, it's so well put together.”
Host
Guest
Adam Weiner
person
Low Cut Connie
other
Little Steven's Underground Garage
media
South Philadelphia
place
Hard Rock
brand
Jesse Mallon
person
Prince
person
David Bowie
person
Lucille
other
B.B. King
person
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