My First Car
Hey, I’m Elija Kirby. After spending years playing in garage bands and podcasting, I decided to start a new show where I talk with people about their first car. A podcast all about the vehicle that started it all: the first ride that got us on the road and set the course for the adventures that followed. Each episode, I sit down with friends, fellow musicians, and guests from all walks of life to talk about their first car. From a beat-up hand-me-down to a shiny new dream car, I want to hear the stories, the memories, and the lessons that came with that first set of wheels. That first car is never just a car.... it’s a rite of passage, a symbol of freedom, and usually, a little bit of chaos.
Episodes
5 days ago
5 days ago
Musician Andrew Larivee hits the road in his 2006 Subaru Impreza to cross the country. Born cursed but blessed with serious musical chops, Andrew opens up about his life, his love for the trombone and the local music scene. Things go from hot and steamy to a run-in with Johnny Law as we talk sackbuts (not sack butts), scabs, and deep dive into Andrew’s world.
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
Wednesday Apr 16, 2025
In this episode we ride shotgun with Stacy Sturm, the creative force behind URL Radio. She kicks things off with hilarious tales of her very first cars from a Mercury Lynx barely held together with bubble gum and shoelaces, to a 91 Toyota Tercel that tore up the desert with its killer sound system. Spoiler alert: she’s managed to wreck every car she's owned and a few belonging to friends and family too. But Stacy’s not just a demolition queen, she's an ambitious entrepreneur owning two bars, Oscar’s in Bismarck and Thomas & Moriarty’s in Mandan. She talks about the craft of mixology, sharing what makes bartending an art form. We also rewind to her earliest love of radio. Stacy's passion sparked at just four years old, spinning vinyl on a kid’s record player and pretending to host her own show. Since then she's done it all... newspaper, television, marketing/public relations, anti human trafficking work, and even a stint as Anthony Michael Hall’s assistant.
https://theurlradio.com/
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Singer songwriter Ben Suchy looks back on his early days with deep rooted reverence. From shredding skateboards and snowboards to cruising in his ’93 Dodge Shadow and obsessing over vintage Volkswagen buses, Ben isn't a car guy per se but is quite the YouTube mechanic guy. Ben shares stories of buying and selling vehicles, getting into skirmishes, and breaking his tibia. NGL, I squirmed a little when he talks about that. Ben’s musical background began in the thick of a touring family band, but things took a turn when he got into mischief as a teen and struck a deal that led to him taking guitar lessons. Which takes him down the road in punkrock and performing in an array of eclectic bands before evolving to a one-man band. Ben Suchy hasn't slowed down and his mind is always buzzing with new songs, arriving at all hours of the night. Lastly, he shares the behind the scenes of his latest recording and release of his upcoming new album.
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Musician Kelly McCormack of The Pink Slips opens up about how her journey into music began with a brutal rejection from a choir director that only fueled her passion. We take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the good old days of playing punk bands. Kelly gets real about facing adversity when a tumor left her on crutches at a young age, an injury made permanent due to a doctor's F-up. Along the way she shares the spontaneous story of how we first crossed paths and started making music together. With heartfelt gratitude, Kelly reflects on the tight knit welcoming music scene that’s become her second family.
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Singer-songwriter Jennifer Lyn began her rebellious days behind the wheel of an 87 T-top Camaro equipped with a deer siren that was more often used to spook friends than wildlife. Building her career from the ground up, Jen started in coffee shops, learning every nuance from guitar solos to mixing, mastering, and the often overlooked business fundamentals. Leading to a collaboration with seasoned musicians to form the blues rock group Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival, they quickly soared to #4 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Not only is Jennifer Lyn a gifted musician with a voice that resonates raw emotion, but she’s also a savvy businesswoman who knows how to steer her career with purpose and precision.
https://jlynandthegrooverevival.com/
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Here's a laid back and hilarious chat with musician Matt Foster, the creative force behind Penumbra, GreenBoots, Lords of Sorcery, and Inaudible Monster. Matt's 1985 Pontiac 6000 LE, complete with a disco-inspired ceiling lined with CDs, takes us on a nostalgic ride to the old days of the local concert scene. We dive into stories of road trips, camping adventures, and the wild, carefree days of being young, dumb, and full of cumbersome angst. Matt’s passion for live shows helped him build a network that would launch his career as a sought after freelance videographer and photographer.
Lords of Sorcery, GreenBoots, Penumbra and Inaudible Monster all performing on Record Store Day April 12th at Rhythm Records in Bismarck,ND with along with 20 other acts.
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Meet Dakotah Faye, the legit nice guy and rapper whose demo disc got hopelessly jammed in his 2004 Ford Explorer for years until its final demise. Now two years sober and more driven than ever, Dakotah is a powerhouse constantly grinding out music, booking shows, and hitting the road on tour. From being dismissed as a hip-hop artist in North Dakota to proving himself as a true musician and entrepreneur, Dakotah's journey is a testament to what can happen when you channel a little bit of delusion into relentless determination.
https://dakotahfaye.com/
Have a memorable first car story or just want to reach out for more info? I'd love to hear from you! Email me at saveourscene@live.com
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Computer wiz Ryan Schweitzer’s journey on four wheels began with a humble 1989 Chevy Cavalier, but it was his second car, an 83 red Cavalier station wagon, that truly left its mark. With his Ham radio call sign NØSXY emblazoned on the license plate, Ryan sparks a bit of confusion and curiosity among fellow drivers who can't help but wonder what the mysterious code means. We talk about collecting Laserdisc movies, cable access television, and performing with the bands Eat Sinking Teacups, Wicked Darling, and with his spoken word poetry.
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Richard Torrance takes us on a thrilling ride through his incredible 60+ years in the music industry. In 1965, Richard cruised into the scene in his parents' sleek 55 Black Cadillac, hitting up drive-in theaters and Big Boy burger joints before leveling up to a Porsche. From his early days of rocking out in The Tradewinds to touring with the Canadian group Gettysbyrg Address, Richard's musical journey is nothing short of legendary. After making the bold move to LA, he signed with Shelter Records, riding the highs and lows until its untimely demise, before joining forces with Capitol Records. With vivid stories of his time as a recording artist, collaborating with legendary musicians, and unforgettable live performances, Richard shares what it truly means to live and breathe music. And now, he's back in the spotlight, promoting his exciting new album alongside Jennifer Lynn and the Groove Revival.
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Kameran Ali of The Funky Arabs takes us back to the early days of forming bands with friends. Kam takes an epic road trip to Denver for Lollapalooza 96 and we end up just BSing about our shared love for concerts despite the skyrocketing ticket prices. Stories of unexpected run ins with musicians, grabbing KFC with Vanilla Ice, and launching 40s at a group of rowdy rednecks. Kameran also opens up about his fascinating journey, born in a refugee camp in Iran, and how that shaped his path.