Midwest indie twang quartet Ratboys became a big internal favorite for everyone at WNXP a few years ago after their ripping Sonic Cathedral session (see below) and their equally wholesome and hilarious interview. They’re back with a new album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair (on the Nashville-based New West records), and it has only cemented their reputation for us and their growing fanbase. During a recent stop at the station, the band explained the deeply personal inspiration behind its title, what the “thesis statement” of the record is and how they turned a literal dream into one of the LP’s standout tracks.

Ratboys play the Basement East Thursday, March 12.

Revisit Ratboys live at WNXP’s Sonic Cathedral in 2024: