If you attend shows around the Boston area, chances are you’ve seen James Ikeda play as The Michael Character solo, probably with just a sticker-covered acoustic guitar for a backing band.  On this new record, the project’s 10th release, a cast of musicians new to the band back James’ emotional and politically-focused punk songwriting up with equally dynamic and impassioned instrumentals.  The full band lineup currently features Larz Brogan (Palehound, DUMP HIM) on drums, Michael Geacone (Kal Marks) on bass, and Matt O’Connor (Tuxis Giant) on guitar.  

The full band outfit of the project performed a set of three songs from their latest record “That’s Why They Call Him Zachy,” for us on the stage of a classroom at MassArt one very hot night in late August for this very special Allston Pudding video session.  The songs Toronto, Charlottesville, and 28 dynamically chronicle James’ arguments with white supremacists and their apologists, aging, and being an educator in under 9 minutes.  

If you ever have the opportunity to see The Michael Character, either full band or solo, we highly recommend you do.  Enjoy this very special session with the band below: