Talking Lion

In this episode, we talked to our good friend Nick Smith about party encounters, the job of a producer, great demos, learning piano, theatre kids, stock plug-ins, stealing like an artist, Tik Tok covers, genre fluidity, his mother's art, long careers, Rocket League, and his recently released singles.  Edited by Alex Koste Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord  

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Lyrah about piano lessons, anonymity, start ups, product design, San Francisco, Facebook/Meta, financial planning, the friendship recession, Affordance Theory, social media addiction, Record Deal Simulator, job quitting, revisiting songs, potential PRO benefits, blind dates, dirt bike accidents, and a few of the songs off her recently released EP, "Drain My Bank Account" Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

Going through demos, stems, session voice memos, and collaborator commentaries (from Alex Venegas & Souveneer) we talk in depth about the making of our recently released record "Most Improved". Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

In this episode, we talked to our friend & collaborator EMME about starting her artist project, pitching songs, split math, "Majors & Minors", USC, DJ features (including her song w/ Tritonal), honest histories, complex song topics, mood boards, AI songwriters, interior design, writing Grace VanderWaal's song "Hideaway", writing our song "Casper", and the story behind her recently released single "Valley Girl". Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Echos about Muffin Can Stop Us, piñata economics, bad hydration, The Thinking Man, Battleground, mentalities, universal therapy, younger selves, falling pianos, diminishing returns, @sadroomstall, and her recently released record "AFFIRMATIONS" NAMI: Donate  Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord  

In this episode, we talked to our old friend slimdan about sunsets, Silverlake Trader Joe's parking lot, Judaism, pianists, future successes, sustainable happiness, group chats, busking, loop pedals, death soundtracks, dirges, Berklee College of Music, Wake Child (his old band), German KFC's, Say Anything, AIM screenames, Colorado breakdowns, fear management, writing/touring with Sasha Alex Sloan, and the stories behind the songs on his recently released EP "to anyone who cares".  Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

Going through demos and stems we talk about our new single "Hurt Nobody" - from writing the chorus in 2017 on a drunken night in Boston, to conceptualizing the music video with Noah Sellman (well before the song was even written), to recording trumpet with Ariel Shrum, to co-writing it over FaceTime with Alex Venegas during the early weeks of the COVID-19 lockdown, to the inspiringly rowdy crowd singing along the first time we played the song live, to the fake movie quote (voiced by Robert Stephenson & Michelle Agresti), and finally shooting the cover art in the dead of night with Meg Meyer. Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

In this episode, we talked to our longtime friend Emeline about creative communes, Vine, 24 hour diners, demo sharing, anti-perfectionism, living on your terms, future selves, empowerment, craft honing, beach trips, the "Em-pire", livestream songwriting, algorithmic gods, content creation burnout, manifesting stardom, her neck kiss "tattoo", spider bites, the life of girlboy J, and the stories behind her viral singles ("flowers & sex"/"cinderella's dead"/"STRUT") Edited by Mason Maggio Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord GLAAD: Donate Donate to Shatterproof: Donate

In this episode, we talked to our best friend (/podcast editor/dungeon master) Souveener about accidental naps, New York accents, perfect french fries, emo kids, battle of the bands, The Republic of Wolves (his band), anxiety disorders, creative networks, psychiatry, small goals, history majors, background acting, meeting Sylvie (his partner), moving to LA, fast judgements, Guessing Lion (our trivia team), Sarinity (our Dungeons & Dragons campaign), winning Jeopardy!, our Vampire Weekend cover album ("Don't Call Me A Contra"), the Nika Riots of 532AD in Constantinople, and his records "Dream Journal" & "Sleep Study". Edited by Mason Maggio (Souveneer) Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord    

In which Nate either expands on the utility area of Game Theory or completely overcomplicates it... Discord:sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Sadie Jean about audiences, first milestones, show zen, the pigeon superstition experiment, open verses, manufactured jealousy, France, early-2000's radio, brother-managers, wooden spoons, rapid nostalgia, letters to the future, Lil Yachty, and her viral debut single "WYD Now?" Edited by Mason Maggio Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

In this episode, we talk candidly about the complicated history of our recently released single "CTFO"

In this episode, we talked to our new friend bennytheghost about fart jokes, Peru retreats, silliness, cubic fame, Bach, music enthusiasts, backpacking, adopted phobias, CEO'ing, camping in Joshua Tree, Fresh Finds gatherings, spelunking, pirate booty, and his recently released EP "29 Palms".  Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

In this episode, we talked to our good friend Erin Kirby about staying in Vegas, dog people, momagers, pageants, first impressions, American Idol, studio teachers, divine phone calls, writing songs about people, concert hotdogs, and the process of writing "Practice Girlfriend" & "Waste More Time" together.  Edited by Mason Maggio Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

OUR 100th EPISODE! How can we use Game Theory to change how we think about decisions & outcomes? Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

In this episode, we talked to our good friend Cody Lovaas about cantaloupe juice, spirituality, break ups, surfing, transient rooms, San Diego doors, social engineering, Jason Mraz's support, high school crushes, fleeting feelings, hungover music video shoots, scarcity mentalities, ichthyophobia, wellness, Wim Hof, his song "All Around Me" (with Bahari), and working together to co-produce "Rocket". Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord (Edited by Mason Maggio)   

In this episode, we talked to our good friend Emei about Settlers of Catan, our game nights (w/ Charlie Curtis Beard & Em Beihold), UPSAHL at School Night, promposals, public relationships, cold DM's, being a Chinese pop star, cultural context, AAPI racism, moving in with a partner, federal therapists, chicken wars, slime, idiosyncratic love, lucky Chinese names, Beijing cabs, Shanghai markets, massages, chaotic days, crochet, and the stories behind her songs "Late To The Party" & "Better People to Leave on Read"  Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

How do you determine what's valuable? Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Akintoye about anime merch, curated consumerism, superhero scrutiny, Twilight's redemption, Canadian history, narrative qualms, CCB live, afterparties, Tik Tok journeys, formal racism, phonathons, the bonnet, game theory, toxic masculinity, ass washing, experiential confidence, elder years, community programs, Pusha T vs. Drake, and his upcoming record.  Edited by Mason Maggio Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord  

How to choose your role (and maybe start a band!)   Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Isabel Pless about Vermont stars, linguistics, the state of the world, lyrical Tik Toks, Trident Booksellers & Cafe, odds jobs, being a student, choosing a location, lost items, Legos, and her viral single "Bechdel Test". Edited by Mason Maggio Discord: sleepinglionmusic.com/discord

An introduction to Nate's work-in-progress book: "The Gambler's Guide To The Music Industry"

In this season premiere, we talked to our new friend JORDY about college acapella, his collaborator round table (featuring friends of the pod EMME/Charlotte Sands), side hustles, rugs, Boston, hobby protection, being liked, cursing, audience awareness, "queer" artistry, empathy, anti-ASMR videos, penne a la vodka, dating advice, his upcoming tour, and the stories behind his recently released record "Mind Games". 

4.6.22: Going through voice memos, demos, and stems we talk about our new single "Casper", the initial songwriting session with Emily Kocontes (EMME), the tumultuous true story behind the lyrics, Andrew Goldstein's (FRND) unintentionally inspiring Instagram story, Lido's early production advice, Ivan Jackson's (Brasstracks) horns (and social activism), the gang vocals recorded by the acapella group Under A Rest, the fake movie quote (by Souveneer & Bashlow), and the two year process it took to finish the song.  Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion

In this season's finale episode, we talked to our new friend KiNG MALA about her cool new hat, palm reading, embracing cringe, home schooling, LGBTQ+ in Texas, opera, comfort songs, zodiac signs, villains, session dynamics, emotional LLC's, group chats, genre fluidity, elevator pitches, digital hygiene, mental illness, stranger love, simple pleasures, Tik Tok tarot, The Hex Girls, her viral song "she calls me daddy", and her recently released single "golden retriever boy". NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

8.16.21: In this chat, we talked to Nate's best friend David Leone about high school, naming the band, late night arguments, important phone calls, origin stories, feedback, eclecticism, pop development, storytelling, creative problem solving, variance, opportunity cost, and what it's like being an artist's best friend. NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Jillian Rossi about Berklee fame, spoiling songs, impressions, Maria Landi's carrots, editor brains, cider mills, bad boba, Boston restaurants, punctuality, her viral songs ("Fever Dream"/"Give Me A Reason"), and her recently released single "Hurt Again". NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Naethan Apollo about Iowa's Slipknot, gym rap, post-ironic sincerity, lyrical logic, the effort of effortlessness, eye color ballads, being Nates, putting numbers in perspective, the story behind the added "e", choosing what to focus on, desensitization, saving lives, narcissism, perpetual honeymoons, Dungeons & Dragons, derechos, his songs ("To You, From Me"/"Sightsee"), and his new single "Hungry World".  NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store  

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Alexa Cappelli about ripple trends, cannolis, "sosh meed", Time Square billboards, online dating in the 90's, flower chains, musical theater, Tinder bonfires, The Voice, creating stakes, escapism paradoxes, the math of being yourself, materializing ideas, hope filters, Michael Scarn, trailer living, Mermaid Club, and her songs "Forbidden" & "SAY SOMETHING". NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store  

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Em Beihold about fencing, moving goal posts, professional communicating, poker metaphors, fighting with Chopin, parental cameos, Regina Spektor, antidepressants, song responsibilities, existentialism, identity damage, celebrity relationships, the 46th minute, free advertising, getting lost in Mono Lake, embroidery, swashbuckling, quality decisions, and her song "Groundhog Day".  NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Abhi The Nomad about caffeine addiction, risky naps, airplane movies, living nomadically, meeting his wife, Twitch gaming, losing well, jian bing, buses in Fiji, his collaborations (with Charlie Curtis Beard/Axel Mansor/johan lenox), getting hit by a taxi, and his recently released record "Abhi vs The Universe". NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our good friend Julia Gartha about Toronto's quarantine, the entire history of Dobbs Ferry, portaging, musical identity, practicing piano, women in production, her Schitt's Creek cameo, free compliments, background work, storytelling, elder years, undistracted baking, game show taxes, deaf representation, soccer movies from the mid-2000's, her collaborations (w/ Ariza, lewloh, Nate Daviau), and her recent move to Los Angeles. NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Leanna Firestone about Tennessee traffic, theatre kids, studded belts, Jason Robert Brown, traumatic expression, avoiding triggers, writing her musical, cults, anime, emotional labor, accurate anxiety, two Christmases, intercepted sexts, karmic pillows, lying to our journals, pirate PR, her upcoming record, and the controversy surrounding her recently released single "Diet Coke". NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our friend Lauren Spencer-Smith about songfighting, Noah's injury, ruining relationships, writing "Best Friend" together (w/ Geena Fontanella), earned lyrics, Clinton Kane stanning, relatable Tik Toks, Canada, The Big One, tap water, restaurant chains, American Idol, industry plants, Omegle genitalia, fancy words, growing up with social media, land pirates, money shame, body positivity, and her recently released viral single "Back To Friends". NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

Recorded 9.7.21: In this chat, following Noah's unfortunate Roman scooter accident, Nate hosts solo to provide updates on Sleeping Lion and past Talking Lion guests. NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

Recorded 7.24.21: In this chat, we talk to our friend Alex Engelberg about family collaborations, remixing Kira Kosarin, Tik Tok communities, Bill Wurtz's disciples, diagonal lyrics, software development, #HugOps, #ImACanOfSoup, airport jingles, homeschooling, personality tests, Charlie Curtis Beard, improv comedy musicals, lazy creativity, and Lightning Collabs. NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our friend Tim Atlas about moving across the country, east coast weather, peacoats, tour stories, dating cities, SXSW, manager appreciation, middle school dances, Super Smash Bros., time travel, Fortnite concerts, roller skating accidents, petting bees, and his recently released EP "QUOTA" NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our friend Griff Clawson about birthday cakes, quarantine hobbies, strange loops, panic attacks, Bo Burnham's "Inside", genetic creativity, bad foods, healthy habits, lyrical pronunciation, Bon Iver, inspiration, olive cravings, moist gutters, his recently released songs ("Leave Me Low" w/ Devault & "Beautiful" w/ Deepend), and his upcoming single "Haircut". NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our good friend London Mars about painting, couches, Oklahoma, midnight cafes, our unreleased songs, writing camps, jealousy, nostalgia, first-time listening, life plans, cryopreservation, time traveling kids, and her upcoming record (including the single "Fool For You"). NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Podcast Awards: https://www.podcastawards.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Flatsound about podcast hosting (and his show "all the space in between"), assembling a crew, making money, esoterica, cycling, juggalos, apocalyptic iced tea economies, bird names, fan boundaries, ambient tracks, long careers, naming songs, streaming royalties, giving advice, hacky sack, agoraphobia, and his recently released record "Somewhere in the Distance, Somewhere Towards the Mountains".  Positive Images: https://www.posimages.org/donate/ NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Podcast Awards: https://www.podcastawards.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our good friend Ashlynn Malia about performance feedback, dance community, Kidz Bop, unreleased songs from our first sessions together, Arkansas Walmarts, growing up with social media, meeting her producers (Andrew Weitz & Koby Berman), perfect pitch, Mattress Car, waffle breakfasts, patience, tarot, perspective (how to write hurt/edit healed), Midnight Singing, and her debut EP "rather be alone". NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Podcast Awards: https://www.podcastawards.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our friend David Schuler of The Bad Dreamers about becoming an Angelino, opening for Transviolet, touring with The Sunstreak, Billy Mann's mentoring, working on songs for P!NK & John Legend, Grammy nominations, filmmaking, creative problem solving, playlisting, sobriety, grief, treasure hunting, horror movies, co-writing songs for the upcoming animated show Do Re & Mi (starring Kristen Bell & Fred Armisen), and his recently released record "Space and Time" NooWave: https://www.noowave.co/ The Truffleist: https://www.truffleist.com/ Podcast Awards: https://www.podcastawards.com/ Discord: https://www.discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: https://www.sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our good friend Charlie Curtis Beard about Tik Tok communities, gauging progress, Alex Engelberg, growing up in Nebraska, slam poetry, Chicago rap, publicly growing, monetizing passions, Steven Universe, the origin of his "Oh My" tag, winning sad alex's remix contest for "i'm glad that you found someone (feat. gnash)", and his recently released EP "Rain In Pasadena". Discord: discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Austin P. McKenzie about religion, vices, fluid identities, coming out, Deaf West's Spring Awakening, sign names, election days, Dungeons & Dragons, child stars, dating Kevin McHale, summer camp, a wild accident in Big Bear, and his new single "Summer of Love". Discord: discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Charlotte Sands (for the second time) about avoiding tornadoes, Dollywood, pop punk's reemergence, Emilia Ali's musical parents, low pressure vocal tracking, over-assuming, redefining masculinity, street teams, strange dreams, and her recently released EP "Special" (featuring the single "Dress").  Discord: discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our good friend Dillan Witherow about Washington, his old band, producing his friends (like Lizzy McAlpine/Laufey), lo-fi beats, poverty, Alaskan log trucks, great musicians (like Ariel Shrum/Nicholas Veinoglou/Bad Snacks), good listening, the chip on our shoulders, analog gear, label pirates, meeting Bon Iver, beer can shakers, his new project Glassell (with Josh Jacobson), and his recently released record "Before Sunrise". Discord: discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Stela Cole about computer souls, fork history, perfect pitch, Autotune, stage names, Atlanta, soccer, DJ features, dreams, Tik Tok nursery rhymes, fashion, the Succession theme, wake board accidents, and her recently released EP "Woman of the Hour" (all prior to her single "I Shot Cupid" going viral on Tik Tok).   Discord: discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend J. Maya about Greek mythology, wordy lyricism, Harvard, cultural pressure, instincts, art inspiring art, Genius videos, theory of language, jazz violin, international pun championships, poetry sleeves, and her debut single "Achilles Heel".   Discord: discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our new friend Michigander about pirate radio, plants, Michigan, high school bands, dumb jetlag, airplanes, getting to know someone, Bernie Sanders, the great state of Michigan, and his recently released EP "Everything Will Be Ok Eventually".   Discord: discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our good friend emlyn about quarantine pods, adaptation, collaborating with Hailey Knox, music cities, daunting hypothetical celebrity encounters, finding her voice as an artist, lying for a truth, her dog (Banana), and her upcoming EP.   Discord: discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: sleepinglionmusic.com/store

In this episode, we talked to our friend Jades Goudreault about Montreal bagels, her nomadic childhood, Hotel Cafe, aliens, meeting her producer (Pierre Blondo), driving out to LA, insomnia, bass lines, goal journaling, and her recently release EP "Motel 6".   Discord: discord.com/invite/3EbvrZReVX Patreon: patreon.com/talkinglion Shirts: sleepinglionmusic.com/store