Dustin Ransom - The Making Of Frontiers

Dustin and Adam close out the series with the last song from Frontiers entitled 'The Devil's Table'.  Topics include compassionate justice, the noise of cable news and politicians, growing up with stories, the Allegory of the Long Spoons, Richard Rohr, witnessing great compassion, finding one's heart again, the return of the Frontiers theme, and being inspired by the classics.

Dustin and Adam discuss the stripped-down and deeply personal reprise of 'Miles Of Truth'.  Topics include sharing from a place of love, what the 'Miles Of Truth' are, spiritual independence, hope for others, uncovering what's underneath all the layers, and horse tracks and horses with the same name.

Dustin and Adam discuss the gospel-influenced soul of 'What They're Missing'.  Topics include Dustin's body-based songwriting process, 90s music culture, creating the choir, the "lift", and letting go of old storylines.

Dustin and Adam discuss the brooding and jagged 'Enough'.  Topics include Radiohead's In Rainbows, Paul McCartney's mini-symphonies, drum microphone techniques, being confused by sounds, giving everything a distinct personality, playing in the container, limitations being a pathway to creativity.

Dustin and Adam dive headfirst into the intensely funky 'Don't Need Drugs'.  Discussions include TV bumpers, hi-fi moments, Kacey Musgraves taking LSD, being sober, garlic powder in Dustin's throat, David Lynch, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Robin Williams, and 65 hits.

Dustin and Adam chat about the tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and self-deprecation of 'Everybody Knows Everything'.  The discussion includes getting off of social media, obsession with things that don't matter, Ben Folds's humor and honesty, lyrical turns, arcane references, recording in the bathroom, 'I Just Want To See His Face' by The Rolling Stones, and "danky".  

Dustin and Adam discuss the cathartic and ethereal 'Except You'.  The discussion includes the recurring piano theme that happens throughout the record, Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon, compelling minutia, Eddie Kramer "leaving the hair on it"; tired of needing to be right, deconstructing old beliefs, the "you" in the title, metaphorical choking, and an ego vacation.

Dustin and Adam discuss the atmospheric funk of 'Millennia'.  Talking points include recording guitars in multiple ways, creative methods for coming up with new songs, blackout poetry, introducing randomness and chaos to the creative process, and Brian Eno's Oblique Strategies.

Dustin and Adam discuss the groove-heavy funk-pop of 'I Believe In Our Love', written with singer-songwriter Gabe Dixon.  Talking points include Adam hearing this song for the first time, fans wanting a Dustin Ransom version of the song, "Special" by Shuggie Otis, Prince's early records, Isley Brothers guitar solos, interlocking instruments, and the "Elements" mixes.

Dustin and Adam discuss the driving, Sly Stone-inspired funk of 'Miles Of Truth'.  Other discussion points include the running order of the record, horn players, pop music made by adults, playing the songs live, and using the post-touring Beatles as a creative reference point for record-making.

Dustin & Adam dive into the atmospheric opening medley of Frontiers entitled 'Frontiers Theme/Garden'.  The discussion includes recurring motifs, Dustin's electric air organ, the first song written for the record, the way Dustin hears songs in his head & makes them come to life, U2's The Edge, recording guitar, and not having things figured out and being okay with it.  

Ransom & Culver discuss origins, lyrical themes, and creative process behind Ransom's 2019 album Frontiers, as well as the life events that inspired the album.