The Vinyl Detroit Podcast

Season 2 of the The Vinyl Detroit Podcast kicks off with my very special discussion with San Francisco's own The Umbrellas. I had the privilege of speaking to the entire band on the eve of the 2022 Oakland Weekender, where they rocked the show!Matt, Keith, Morgan and Nick share their experiences recording their absolutely wonderful debut LP, which I firmly stand behind my comment that it will be an “modern classic pop album”. The band also opened up about many different subjects including Sarah Records, the songs of Bobby Wratten and the effects of the pandemic on their work. They even expounded on their love Seinfeld, our shared support of Del Taco, their place in the San Francisco pop lineage as well as their support of up-and-coming British indie label, Prefect Records.I'm happy to kick off Season 2 of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast with my discussion with The Umbrellas. All episodes of Season 2 will feature an all-new introduction track generously composed by season 1 guests Shoestrings! I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved putting it together.Find this and all previous episodes of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast here - https://linktr.ee/vinyl_detroit

For this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast, Brian sat down for a fun discussion with Finn and Carrick Moore Garety of Push Kings. They discuss their fantastic self-titled debut released in 1997 on Sealed Fate.Drawing influences from The Beatles, Pavement, Bowie, T-Rex and funny enough Bjork, the brothers share their experiences during the recording of this iconic album. Finn also shares the intimate story behind the writing of one of their finest tracks, Mrs. McKean, a song about their great-grandmother and famous painter Margaret Sargent. They also go into great detail on their love/hate relationship with the sound of The Beatles and Lennon & McCartney. Finn and Carrick also share their secret of track sequencing that plays into their brotherly bond.Finn, now a professor at Brown University and Carrick an accomplish director, Push Kings' late 90s debut could be described at the perfect pop album. Conceived during their time at Harvard University, Push Kings debut places itself as one of the important indie pop albums of the 90s. I urge fans of Push Kings and this album to seek out one of the very few videos of Push Kings live at Green Street Grill to best understand the energy of the band live.This interview features many of the tracks from the album including Nine Straight Lines, Pop Phenomenon, D.J. and others.For this very special episode 14 of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast, Brian is happy to present this special conversation with Finn and Carrick Moore Garety of Push Kings.

For this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview, Brian spoke to Josh Meadows of Australian-based band The Sugargliders.The Sugargliders were very active in the early 90s releasing singles on Summershine Records and later seminal indie label Sarah Records. We're All Trying To Get There is a compilation of many of those Sarah singles. The Sugargliders were a different act for Sarah who's artists drew their inspirations from 60s acts and artists with classic British and European sensibilities.The Sugargliders' sound represented a unique divergence from their label mates writing and recording songs including references to nature and possessing a hopeful ethos. Josh was very complimentary of the impact of Captain Cocoa's nurturing influence on the early interaction of the band.Thank you to Josh for speaking so candidly about the band, their influences and the influence of the natural world on their music.

For episode 12, Brian had the opportunity to speak to Christopher Porter, the primary creative force behind indie pop act Veronica Lake and co-founder of Audrey's Diary. Founded in metro Detroit in the early 90s, Audrey's Diary had a very brief run of 6 releases, each holding a place in the pantheon of American independent, space and dream pop. For those of you wondering about the importance of Audrey's Diary on today's music, 2 tracks released by the Audrey's Diary were featured on the epic Southeast of Saturn compilation released on Third Man Records in 2020. As an art project, Audrey's Diary has had an influence on independent music in a far more reaching way than Christopher is willing to admit.Featuring the likes Black Tambourine (Pam Berry, Archie Moore and Brian Nelson of Velocity Girl and Mike Schulman of Slumberland Records), this supergroup of sorts kicked off the label with the classic “Throw Aggi From The Bridge”. Brian and Christopher, now a journalist and writer, step through each of the Audrey's Diary releases exploring them in great detail. The final release was a fanzine, Emily's #777, an ode to the likes of Sarah Records featuring a 7” with music by Bark Psychosis, Jessamine and Buddah on the Moon.If you have never heard any of the Audrey's Diary releases or are just curious about this important independent American indie label, this interview is a treat. For fans of the label, this episode is somewhat of a love letter to those who loved the work of Christopher and Audrey's Diary. A key theme of this interview was best put by Christopher when he said “never stop making music with your friends”.

For this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview, Brian spoke to the talented Glenn Donaldson about his recent project's 2021 record Uncommon Weather on Slumberland Records.Recorded in his home in the Inner Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco, Glenn wrote, recorded and performed nearly every instrument on the album. Recommended by Beth Arzy (Aberdeen, Trembling Blue Stars, The Luxembourg Signal, Jetstream Pony) via her Instagram account, Brian instantly fell in love with this medium-fi pop masterpiece.Glenn's current project has been compared to myriad of artists including East River Pipe, The Magnetic Fields, 80s pop, The Bats, Kelley Stolz and even Bruce Springsteen! Brian and Glenn also speak about his prolific song writing output, songs about love and how he's accidentally become an ambassador for Inner Richmond. A musician with a varied music past, Glenn shares how he has always wanted to have a project where the music would be played on the radio. He achieved this with Uncommon Weather, found on various 2021 Album of the Year lists.This episode features extended samples from Uncommon Weather including Don't Ever Pray At The Church On My Street, I Hope I Never Fall In Love, The Biggest Fan, The Record Player And The Damage Done, The Songs You Used To Write and I'm Sorry About Your Life.This interview with Glenn took place on the eve of releasing his best work yet, the flawless Summer At Land's End, out in Slumberland on February 4, 2022. It will surely be found once again on many Best Of lists for 2022. Glenn was a very endearing guest and provided a fascinating look at his music and his approach behind Uncommon Weather.

For this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview, Brian had an in-depth conversation with Dusty Reske of Rocketship. Brian and Dusty spoke about Rocketship's 1996 release A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness on Slumberland Records.A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness appeared on the scene as a departure from the guitar-based indie pop music of the day. With organs and analog synths taking front stage on the album, it represents a landmark work in independent pop.Recorded in a garage in Sacramento with friends and members of Dusty's previous projects including Jim Rivas from The Rosebuds, Dusty brought together a phenomenal group of musicians. During their conversation, Dusty shared the origins of the band, the recording process as well as the album's connection to bossa nova legend Astrid Gilberto and even TV Guide!Brian and Dusty also speak about the term “twee” and the duality of having twee elements woven through Rocketship's work. Also hear about how the genre shoegaze and bands like Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine helped shape Rocketship's creative approach to the album.This episode features extended samples from A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness including the opener I Love You Like The Way I Used To Do, Kisses Are Always Promises, Let's Go Away, I'm Lost Without You Here, We're Both Alone and Friendship And Love.Dusty was a pleasure to speak to and provided a rare and look into the creation of the album. With that, we're hopeful you will enjoy this episode as much as we loved putting it together. A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness represents an important milestone in the American independent pop movement of the 1990s.Apple Music Playlist - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/episode-10-a-certain-smile-a-certain-sadness-by-rocketship/pl.u-x2ENTkxkyKy

For the special episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview, Brian had the pleasure of speaking to Kendall Meade of Mascott. Kendall was gracious enough to speak about the making of her 2000 LP Follow The Sound on Le Grand Magistery. Follow The Sound is a unique album as it features multiple producers including Jim O'Rourke, Jeffrey Baron of The Ladybug Transistor, Stars and Mario of Shoestrings. In addition to this all-star production team, Kendall also rounded up a who's who of guest musicians to perform on the album including Sally Timms, Joan Wasser and others. Follow The Sound could have easily become a disjointed affair by enlisting this stable of talented producers. Instead, Follow The Sound is a cohesive work; weaving together various styles all cemented together by way of excellent songwriting and musicianship. Kendall was a joy to speak to as she discussed the origins of the band, the album, artwork and her connections to others in the industry. This episode features extended samples from Follow The Sound including the title track, History, As Planned, Costume Ball and the album closer, I Really Wanted You originally performed by Steve Tilson in 1971. With that, episode 9 was a very special treat discussing Mascott's 2000 release on Le Grand Magistery Follow The Sound with its creator, Kendall Meade.Apple Music Playlist - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/episode-9-follow-the-sound-by-mascott/pl.u-KWJLfZ4ZGoGSpotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5omMy9p07YVBY7hoDYWfyE?si=dea8c492e72a46fd

In this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast, Brian spotlights the powerful pop classic The Friend I Once Had by Club 8.Club 8 was a project started by Johan Angergård and Karolina Komstedt after their work in the Poprace project. Angergård is best known for his work with Acid House Kings, The Legends, Djustin and others. An absolutely fantastic pop album from start to finish, The Friend I Once Had was a triumphant follow-up to their debut Nouvelle, released on Siesta in 1996. Forming one year earlier, Club 8 was very active releasing 10 albums along with a number of EPs and and singles. Spanning many styles including straight forward indie pop, bossa nova, electronic and others, The Friend I Once Had is a pop music-lover's dream.This podcast features select tracks from The Friend I Once Had by Club 8, all of which can be streamed from your favorite service. Also included in the show notes are Apple Music and Spotify playlists containing links to the album.Please sit back, relax and enjoy Brian's look at the 1998 pop classic The Friend I Once Had by Club 8 on Labrador Records. Enjoy!Apple Music Playlist - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/episode-8-the-friend-i-once-had-by-club-8/pl.u-x2kVCkxkyKySpotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4WMCXL2PslnizvHOuXXJt1?si=zw-jwhJ5T3yM4cqJkVLpMw

In this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview, Brian spends time speaking with Matthew Jacobson, founder of the label Le Grand Magistery. Matthew has many credits on his resume in addition to the creation of Le Grand Magistery including commercial design and album covers from the likes of Spoon, Andrew Bird and many, many others.In part 1 of this 2-part discussion about the label, Matthew shares his recollections of the early days of the label, the influence of él Records the unique and highly recognizable aesthetic of the label.Matthew also provides details into how growing up in the Detroit area and coming from a family of creative and enterprising people shaped him. He expounds on the role that magic played in both his development as well as his love of design...ultimately manifesting itself into the genesis of Le Grand Magistery.This podcast features songs from Le Grand Magistery's highly-diverse stable of artists including Kahimi Karie, Momus, Mascott and The Music Lovers.Featuring part 1 of the fourth “The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview” with Matthew Jacobson, founder of Le Grand Magistery, please sit back, relax and enjoy Brian's deep discussion with Matthew Jacobson.Apple Music Playlist - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/episode-6-7-matthew-jacobson-of-le-grand-magistery/pl.u-k5Lac7z72a2Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1hJr7Ibvkkn8ABIlDbbF3s?si=974c3eccce2b440b

In this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview, Brian continues his discussion with Matthew Jacobson, founder of the label Le Grand Magistery. Because the interview was so fantastic and provided a rare glimpse into the label, this interview is presented in 2 parts.In part 2 of this 2-part discussion about the label, Matthew starts by sharing his experiences working with Jack White and the Third Man Records team. Matthew takes some time to recount how he gave Wilco a personal tour of Third Man Nashville and ended up designing posters for their tour. He further shares how he and his wife Leigh collaborated to create Marriage Records as a project to jointly release records together.Having ran the label for about 20 years, Matthew shared the parts of running a record that he both loved and loathed and discussed the label's only employee Evan Beckwith. Coming full circle, Matthew also discusses the role of record labels in the modern era of downloads and streaming. Lastly, Matthew puts into focus the gradual (or maybe not) winding down of Le Grand Magistery with his final release by Divino Niño.This episode features music from Le Grand Magistery artists Momus, A Girl Called Eddy, Stars and PAS/CAL.Featuring part 2 of the fourth “The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview” with Matthew Jacobson, founder of Le Grand Magistery, please sit back, relax and enjoy Brian's deep discussion with the magic of Matthew Jacobson.Apple Music Playlist - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/episode-6-7-matthew-jacobson-of-le-grand-magistery/pl.u-k5Lac7z72a2Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1hJr7Ibvkkn8ABIlDbbF3s?si=974c3eccce2b440b

In this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast, Brian speaks to the absolutely delightful co-founder of highly-influential indie label Sarah Records. Sarah started in 1987 in Bristol, England where Clare Wadd and Matt Haynes got to know each other by exchanging their individual fanzines, Kvatch and Are You Scared To Get Happy. Lamented by the British music press of the day yet worshiped by passionate fans world wide, Sarah was ultimately ranked #2 in the NME's “Greatest Indie Labels of All Time”. Clare recounts stories from the early days of Sarah, their design and label aesthetic and culminating with their ending of the label in 1995 famously proclaiming “we don't do encores”. Clare also shares with Brian the origins of Sarah's feminist and political statements, going from subtle in the beginning to the forefront by the end. She also explains the role Bristol plays in the personality of the label and the importance of John Peel's support of the bands. For those new to Sarah, Clare shares where someone looking to understand the Sarah ethos should start to become familiar with the label. Her cat Bella also makes an appearance in this “can't miss” episode for any fan of Sarah!This podcast features classic songs from Sarah singles including tracks by Brighter, Even As We Speak, The Field Mice, The Sea Urchins and Another Sunny Day. Featuring the third “The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview” with Clare Wadd, co-founder of Sarah Records, please sit back, relax and enjoy Brian's deep discussion with Clare Wadd.Apple Music Playlist - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/episode-5-clare-wadd-of-sarah-records/pl.u-xyMdckxkyKySpotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4lBXm75GYlxH0WmIp3YCGd?si=daf95affacab44fd

In this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast, Brian takes us into the music of Holiday with their 1996 release Ready, Steady, Go! on March Records.He takes a listen to a few tracks from Ready Steady Go! and explores how the band formed and the elements of their unique sound. Holiday formed in 1992 at Yale University with original members Josh Genet, Matt Snow, Andrew Park and Calvin Chin. Their signature sound and stage presence came to be known as 100% original within the scene.Sit back, relax and let's take Ready, Steady, Go! by Holiday for a spin!Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/66y2HJnMu7k10R5yljLSnS?si=abcd22f3ba554dc1

In this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast, Brian speaks to Mark Robinson, the creative force along with Bridget Cross and Phil Krauth behind 1993's Perfect Teeth on 4AD. Perfect Teeth was the first album for 4AD proper and was Unrest at the top of their game. This episode features the second of Brian's “The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview” where he sits down with the artist behind the work to give them the opportunity to share their story like never before.Mark discusses many topics surrounding Perfect Teeth including how Cath Carroll became a central part of the album, about how the band got connected with 4AD and naming Simon Le Bon as producer.In this newest episode of “The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview” with Mark Robinson of Unrest, please sit back, relax and lets take Perfect Teeth by Unrest for a spin!Mentioned in this Podcast:Simon LeBonDuran DuranNirvanaSoundgardenCath CarrollYacht RackMichael McDonald4ADChris BiggVaughan Oliverv23WKRP In CincinnatiAliceJoan JettBellyRed House PaintesPixiesThrowing MusesJackson 5MiaowRobert MaplethorpeInsidesThat DogUnderground LoversPreppy HandbookCheech & ChongCrispy AmbulanceThe SenateImperialTeenBeat RecordsGuernicaWMBRIvo Watts RussellKISSFamily FodderWinona RyderShoestringsThe BeatlesRevolverRubber SoulGeorge HarrisonFactory Records

In this episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast, Brian speaks to longtime friends and musical collaborators Mario and Rose Suau of Detroit-based Shoestrings. Shoestrings formed during Mario and Rose's college years in the early 1990s eventually releasing their 1997 indie pop classic Wishing On Planes. This episode features the first of Brian's “The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview” where he sits down with the artist behind the work to give them the opportunity to share their story like never before.In addition to a deep discussion on their origins, creative process and even a bit on their new album Expectations, he plays some select tracks from the album Wishing On Planes. Mario and Rose also share details of a friendship that turned into a relationship that ultimately born the project fans have come to know as Shoestrings.Featuring the first “The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview” with Shoestrings, please sit back, relax and let's take Wishing on Planes by Shoestrings for a spin!

In this inaugural episode of the Vinyl Detroit Podcast, Brian takes a deep dive into the music of The Field Mice and their seminal 1991 compilation Coastal.He takes a look at some select tracks and discuss the history of the band, their connection to legendary indie label Sarah Records and the ultimate break-up of the band.Sit back, relax and let's take Coastal by The Field Mice for a spin!Many thanks to Bobby Wratten for the very kind words while preparing for this episode!