Looking Back at Solid Sound 2026

What does Wilco look like through the eyes of a young fan? In this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd sits down with his second cousin, Charlie Archambault—a passionate young Wilco fan who has built his life around the band's music, traveled to countless shows, and recently experienced his first Solid Sound Festival.Charlie shares the surprising story of how he discovered Wilco, why the band's music resonates with a younger generation, and what keeps him coming back. The conversation also dives into the unique culture of "the rail"—the dedicated fans who line up hours before showtime for a coveted spot against the stage—and the friendships and community that have grown from following the band.Whether you've been listening since A.M. or you're just discovering Wilco yourself, this episode is a reminder that great music doesn't belong to one generation. It keeps finding new listeners, creating new stories, and connecting people in unexpected ways.

Tim Arnold hops into the hosting chair and interviews Todd, who is in North Adams, Mass for Solid Sound. We want your Solid Sound stories and would love to hear form you, drop us a line: [email protected]

Todd is headed to his first Solid Sound Festival, so he calls on returning guest Dara Weyna — who experienced it for the first time in 2024 — to explain why Wilco’s Massachusetts weekend feels unlike any other festival. They talk MASS MoCA, surprise museum sets, meeting online friends in real life, and the particular joy of being surrounded by thousands of people who already speak Wilco!They also dig into the historic Wilco and Billy Bragg Mermaid Avenue performance, sharing the songs they most hope to hear — from “California Stars” to “All You Fascists” and more! It is a conversation about music, community, memory, joy, and why Solid Sound has become a destination for Wilco fans. Want to hear the shows? Livestream here.

Special Note: This episode is not new; it was deleted by the Spotify robots due to the usage of music, but we wanted it to stay in the library because the idea for the episode came from a listener, and we love that. So, here it is - back in the library - new episodes coming soon! ____What happens when you flip one of our favorite questions on its head?In this episode, Todd Rossnagel and co-host Tim Arnold respond to a listener challenge from fan of the show Dave Schwind: instead of picking songs they want Wilco to cover, they imagine which artists should be covering Wilco.From Beck tackling “Sunken Treasure” to Paul McCartney reimagining “Sonny Feeling,” from Dead & Company stretching out on “Kingpin” to Sturgill Simpson turning “Bull Black Nova” into a fuzz-drenched nightmare.We talk about what makes a cover transcendent, why some songs seem built to be reinterpreted, and how Wilco’s catalog invites dialogue across genres and generations.As always, it’s less about settling debates and more about loving the music, thinking out loud, and continuing the long tradition of shoving Wilco onto friends, family, and anyone willing to listen.Listener ideas welcome. Voice memos encouraged. Got an idea? Email us: [email protected]

Pat Sansone has always lived at the intersection of melody and meaning. In this episode, Pat joins the show to talk about the long-awaited return of The Autumn Defense, the harmony-rich project he shares with John Stirratt. We trace the new record’s roots through years of friendship, shared playlists, and late-night rediscovery — and back even further to Pat’s Mississippi upbringing, where R.E.M. and Big Star first expanded his sense of what Southern music could be.Along the way, Pat reflects on his work with Wilco, his syndicated radio show Baroque Down Palace, and his passion for film photography. He shares how observation, patience, and gratitude shape both his images and his songs, and why creativity, at its best, feels a little like “flailing closer to God.”It’s a deep dive into harmony, memory, and the quiet joy of making art that endures — from the studio to the stage to the backroads of Mississippi.Check out Here and Nowhere by The Autumn DefenseCheck out Pat's photographyCheck out Baroque Down Palace, Pat's radio show

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd and Tim are joined by Mike Conklin, executive editor of InsideHook, to unpack Jeff Tweedy’s sprawling new triple album, Twilight Override. Conklin has spoken with every member of Jeff’s solo band — Spencer, Sammy, Sima Cunningham, Macie Stewart, and Liam Kazar — as well as Jeff himself, to explore how this group has quietly become as much of a creative constant for Tweedy as Wilco. Read Conklin's article here. Together, they discuss the making of Twilight Override, the interplay of family and community at The Loft, the songs that linger long after the last chord, and what it means for Jeff to treat creativity as a way of life.Todd mentioned All Songs Considered; Robin Hilton interviews Jeff. Head here to listen to it.

On this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd welcomes YouTube creator Steve Westman. Known for his channel The Audiophiles, Westman has built a reputation for his deep dives into vinyl pressings, mastering engineers, and the joy of record collecting. Together, they unpack what it means to experience Wilco on vinyl—why pressing quality matters, which engineers have shaped the sound we love, and how the physical medium continues to bring listeners closer to the band’s music. They also discuss their favorite Wilco albums ON VINYL. The list is below, with links to Discogs! Steve's Picks (in no order):AM, 2025 Rhino HiFiBeing There, 2017 DeluxeSummerteeth, 2020 DeluxeYankee Hotel Foxtrot, 2022 Deluxe. Todd's choice: for YHF: 2002 European PressingA Ghost is Born, 2025 ReissueSky Blue Sky, 2007 MasterKicking Television, 2010 RSD ReleaseTodd's Picks (in no order):Cruel Country, 2023 OGThe Whole Love, 2024 Reissue Schmilco, 2016 OG (do not sleep on the Schmilco release)

On this episode of Shoving Wilco, we sit down with Canadian singer-songwriter Kalle Mattson to talk about Jeff Tweedy’s songwriting. Kalle breaks down what makes Tweedy’s lyrics stand out, from surreal fragments to plainspoken truths. We explore how Wilco has shaped his own music and teaching, and why the songs of Wilco continue to cut so deep. If you care about how Wilco’s words work—and why they matter—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.For more on Kalle, head to his website.

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd and Tim are joined by Dara Weyna and Chad Brooks for a conversation that you've probably had! What three Wilco songs would you play for someone who’s never heard the band? It’s a deceptively tricky question—one that reveals personal favorites, unexpected picks, and the many eras and sounds of Wilco. Whether you're introducing a friend to the band or rediscovering the songs yourself, this episode is for anyone who's ever tried to explain why Wilco matters.

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, we're thrilled to sit down once again with artist Matthew Pfahlert, who brings a unique perspective to the iconic world of Wilco’s album covers. Matthew, renowned for his poster designs for Wilco, dives deep into the visual storytelling that accompanies each album. We explore our favorite covers, unpack what makes them uniquely powerful, and reflect on how each piece of album art encapsulates the essence of Wilco.We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your favorite Wilco album covers and what they mean to you in the comments.Check out Matt's latest poster design - a super cool glow-in-the-dark poster!