Tour Stories

Matt Dowling is a multi-instrumentalist and founding member of Baltimore based SWOLL. SWOLL'S newest record, Avoid Attach is due out September 26th with the lead single Scar is out now on all digital platforms.  Matt gives us the lowdown on the Baltimore scene and shares his DC to Baltimore migration experience.  He tells us why he picked up the bass after years of piano training, what led him to move from a “band member” to a solo artist and why he had an insecurity attached to this evolution. Matt explains how the new single Scar in a nod to DC band Puff Pieces and why the record title Avoid Attach is both a personal and cultural exploration of the avoidant attachment behavioral style. We learn why Matt uses band names for song titles and why he thinks vinyl is a useful barometer for the health of independent music. SWOLL HELLBENDER VINYL Tour Stories is now supported by @tandemdrums, maker of Drops drum mutes.  Joe's absolute favorite drummute for live, rehearsal and the studio. visit ⁠⁠Tandem Drums⁠⁠ Please visit and support ⁠⁠⁠Izotope⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠ for continued exclusive listener discounts. ⁠⁠⁠Izotope⁠⁠⁠ is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses ⁠⁠⁠Izotope⁠⁠⁠ and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is ⁠⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠⁠. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive. Ep supported by ⁠⁠@betterhelp⁠⁠. Your well-being is worth it. Visit ⁠⁠betterhelp.com/tourstories⁠⁠ today to get 10% off your first month.

Peter Negroponte is the drummer and a founding member of Guerilla Toss.  Guerilla Toss's newest single, Psychosis Is Just A Number, produced by Stephen Malkmus, is out now via Sub Pop Records.  Peter shares his early experiences with music growing up in Manhattan, eventually attending a music conservatory and how that all led to forming Guerilla Toss. Peter and Joe dig into some drum talk, discuss the bands writing and recording process's and the two compare their views on “overproduction” We have a look into how band translates their records into live performance, and we learn why Stephen Malkmus came to produce the new single. Guerilla Toss Sub Pop Records

Rebecca Shiffman is a singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles via NYC.  Her newest record, Before The Future, is set to release on July 25th and includes studio contributions from Chris Cohen, Tim Carr (Perfume Genius, Hand Habits), SASAMI and Luke Temple (Here We Go Magic). Rebecca shares her experience growing up in Manhattan with culture forward parents and how a high school classmate with a four-track recorder opened the door to the power of DIY creativity.  Joe the Rebecca discuss the forthcoming single Little Mr. Civility (out May 20th), what the inspirations are behind the song and how it conjures up memories of early parenting. Rebecca tells us why Before The Future is stacked with heavy hitters, how her lyrics dictate the direction of each song and why she decided to take more of a producer role with the new record. Rebecca Shiffman Rebecca Shiffman Tour Stories is now supported by @tandemdrums, maker of Drops drum mutes.  Joe's absolute favorite drummute for live, rehearsal and the studio. visit ⁠Tandem Drums⁠ Please visit and support ⁠⁠Izotope⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠ for continued exclusive listener discounts. ⁠⁠Izotope⁠⁠ is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses ⁠⁠Izotope⁠⁠ and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is ⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive. Ep supported by ⁠@betterhelp⁠. Your well-being is worth it. Visit ⁠betterhelp.com/tourstories⁠ today to get 10% off your first month.

Natalie Lew is a Seattle based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and founding member of Sea Lemon. Sea Lemon's dream fuzz pop debut LP, Diving For A Prize, is out May 30th via Luminelle Recordings.  Natalie shares her performance adjacent music experience growing up in the Seattle music scene and how a move to New York led her to the picking up a guitar and singing. Joe and Natalie discuss the observational approach to her lyrics, and she explains the refrain on the song Stay, a current single.  Natalie tells us how Crystals (feat. Ben Gibbard) was transformed from a big rock song to a darker shoe gazer and why the drums (Sean T. Lane) remain the center piece. We learn why the direction and sound of Diving For A Prize exposed a new musicality within herself and we hear a couple new tunes Sea Lemon Luminelle Records Tour Stories is now supported by @tandemdrums, maker of Drops drum mutes.  Joe's absolute favorite drummute for live, rehearsal and the studio. visit ⁠Tandem Drums⁠ Please visit and support ⁠⁠Izotope⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠ for continued exclusive listener discounts. ⁠⁠Izotope⁠⁠ is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses ⁠⁠Izotope⁠⁠ and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is ⁠⁠Distrokid⁠⁠. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive.

David Bazan is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist based in Seattle. Over the past 30 years he has released dozens of collaborative and solo records as Pedro The Lion, Headphones and David Bazan.  This year he celebrates the 20th anniversary of Headphones with a remastered version of the 2005 release, complete with bonus tracks and additional liner notes by David Dark (out now via Suicide Squeeze Records). Joe asks David to look back into 2005 and share the motivation behind shifting from Pedro The Lion to a minimal synth based project and why he almost got talked out of it.  David shares some details behind the recording and why building a different drum sound for each song proved to be a fruitful endeavor. David tells us how he's working through a “burnout spot”, how his life has recently changed and why rehearsing once a week with Pedro The Lion has reinvigorated his playing. Joe and David geek on Beak, talk anti-Elon bumper stickers and we hear a few tunes. David Bazan Suicide Squeeze Tour Stories is now supported by @tandemdrums, maker of Drops drum mutes.  Joe's absolute favorite drummute for live, rehearsal and the studio. visit Tandem Drums Please visit and support ⁠Izotope⁠ and ⁠Distrokid⁠ for continued exclusive listener discounts. ⁠Izotope⁠ is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses ⁠Izotope⁠ and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is ⁠Distrokid⁠. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive.

Sextile is an electro-punk duo based in Los Angeles. They're newest record, Yes, Please is due out May 2 and is their sophomore release on Sacred Bones. On Yes, Please, founding members Melissa Scaduto and Brady Keehn offer up their most realized and personal record yet, all with an overflowing trifecta of visceral, frenetic and heady energy.  Melissa and Brady share their musical backstory, how Brady found music in his disciplined upbringing and why Mellissa initially resisted dance music. We get the origin story of Sextile and how they made their first record on a $250 budget in sober living situation.  We learn why Yes, Please has more emphasis on lyrics the previous records and why Mellissa is nervous about a particular song. The duo share their writing and recording processes on Yes, Please, how they adapt to the current touring climate and why Nick Zinner operated as their front of house engineer for a split second. Joe, Brady and Mellissa discuss the delights of Japan and we hear a couple new tunes. SEXTILE SACRD BONES Please visit and support Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts. Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive. Ep supported by @betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit betterhelp.com/tourstories today to get 10% off your first month.

Cret Wilson (bass, vocals) and Areif Sless-Kitain (drums) are two-thirds of DC based 90's post punk band, Regulator Watts. Along with singer and guitarist, Alex Dunham, the band was relatively prolific during their short run, releasing several records on Slowdime Records with support from Dischord, including The Aesthetics of No-Drag and The Mercury EP.  For the first time on vinyl, The Mercury LP is available now via Solid Brass records. Cret, Areif and Joe compare notes on their same era different coasts rock scenes, Cret and Areif illustrate the power of the connectivity of 90's DC music and all three share their love for Circus Lupus and The Black Cat. Cret and Areif share their experience recording with Geoff Turner (Grey Matter), the three discus the importance of freedom and play in the studio and how earnestness plays a role in writing and recording. We hear about Cret and Arief's new projects, what's next for Regulator Watts and we listen to a few new tunes. Regulator Watts Solid Brass Records Please visit and support Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts. Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive. Ep supported by @betterhelp. Your well-being is worth it. Visit betterhelp.com/tourstories today to get 10% off your first month.

Takiaya Reed is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and doom metalist who performs as Divide and Dissolve. Her newest record, Insatiable is due out April 18th via Bella Union. Takiaya tells why she has always had not just a want, but a need to play multiple instruments.  We learn how her approach changed for recording Insatiable, what kind of recording environment she feels most comfortable in and why she set aside the consideration of live performance when writing the new record. Joe and Takiaya discuss “psychological volume”, why her song titles function as lyrics and we hear a couple new tunes. Takiaya Reed Please visit and support Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts. Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive.

Sade Sanchez is the singer and guitarist for Los Angeles based band LA Witch. Their newest record, DOGGOD, (out now via Suicide Squeeze Records) is an a more reverb drenched, Mancunium post-punk expansion on their garagy sound, with a deeper exploration into to love and spirituality. Sade tells us out how the band found themselves recording at the celebrated Motorbass studio in Paris, how synthesizers influenced the direction of the record and why they are embracing the sonic space that was created.  She explains the idea behind the title DOGGOD and why the street Rue Des Martyrs parallels with some of her lyrics.  The two talk about the power of touring before recording, the ins and out of traveling to France with a dog and we hear a couple new tunes. LA Witch Suicide Squeeze Records Please visit and support Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts. Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive.

JP Hasson is a musician, comedian and visual artist based in Los Angeles. For the last 2 decades he has toured and recorded with his conceptual music/comedy acts Pleaseeasaur and JP Inc. He is also the founder, CEO and creative director at Hasco Enjoyments, the combined works of JP Hasson and JP Inc.  Hasco Enjoyment's latest effort, WOW!, a lush and dreamy instrumental album, is available now everywhere in the world.  JP and Joe share their formative rock n roll years in Seattle and compare early lives in small towns where the effort for culture required more creativity than that of a big city.  JP tells us how WOW! began as comedy record, eventually transformed into an instrumental record and why letting go of the conceptual reins was a novel experience for him.  JP sheds light on the song title “Sometimes My Dad Is An Eagle” and why it is both an uncomfortable and fun expression. JP shares his experiences touring with Devo and Josh Freese, performing on Jimmy Fallon with Pinback and confirms a performance on Fox News with JP Inc. The two talk natto and vegemite, JP gives a hot tip on dealing with "stir" peanut butter and we hear a few tunes from WOW! Hasco Enjoyments Please visit and support Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts. Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive.

José Medeles is seasoned composer, drummer, author, owner of Revival Drum Shop and most recently, brand manager for the legendary and exquisitely revived Slingerland Drum Company. José shares his journey from working drummer/shop owner to his new position celebrating and advocating for his favorite drum company.  He tells us why he initially resisted the position, what pushed him to except it and why he wouldn't hire himself if the tables were turned. The two drummers discuss the importance of sensibility in their craft, which drummers best express that for them and share their personal Slingerland stories. José teases his upcoming release with the great Marc Ribot, how that experience changed him forever and shares a story from his mentor, Stephen Hodges. Slingerland José Medeles Please visit and support Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts. Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive.

Aaron Beam is the singer and bass player for Portland based Red Fang. In celebration of 20 years in the riff business, Red Fang releases Deep Cuts, an extensive 26-song collection of non-album tracks, covers, and previously unreleased singles, out now via Relapse Records. In this episode, Aaron paints a picture of the of the early aughts Portland scene and how it provided the exact ingredients necessary to form Red Fang. Joe and Aaron discuss how Deep Cuts is more than a collection of rarities and recollection, and why it's more of illustrative assemblage of songs that takes them out of the Stoner Rock corner. We learn Red Fangs approach to song writing, why Aaron views it as both technical and dumb and how super drummer John Sherman ties it all up with his magical touch. Aaron catches us up on his current rock endeavors, we hear a medley of tunes from Deep Cuts, and for the first time ever on Tour Stories, we take questions from a super fan. Red Hang Relapse Records Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive. Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

This episode of Tour Stories is not an episode of Tour Stories. This is the debut episode of the new podcast Rock For Likes. Inspired by a lively text thread, 2 former members of Modest Mouse (Dann Gallucci, Joe Plummer) and 1 current member (Simon O'Connor) share their opinions, experiences, and alleged knowledge of rock in a rapid-fire exchange of narrative free good times.  A trifecta of goofs, truths, and largely reliable insight. Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive. Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Basia Bulat is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter based in Montreal. Since 2007, she has recorded 7 records and toured the world extensively.  Her newest release, Basia's Palace is out now via Secret City Records. In this episode, Basia explains her lifelong attraction to Montreal and what motivated her to finally move there from her hometown of Toronto. She shares her experience of growing up in a musical household with an ultra-supportive mother whose values emphasized the importance of not taking anything for granted and approaching all opportunities seriously.  Basia tells us why Jim James encouraged her to dive deeper into production, how she wound up living in her recording studio and how her childcare schedule played a role in the writing of the new record.  Joe and Basia discuss how a problem-solving mind set and self-induced limitations influence performance.  Basia tells us how she retained the spirit of the demo on Basia's Palace, Joe learns about the Polish pop genre Disco Polo and we hear couple new tunes. Basia Bulat Secret City Records Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive. Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Joe's conversation with Stephen Hodges just keeps giving! Stephen shares the secret behind his drumming technique on the Tom Wait's Swordfish Trombone, which leads Joe and Stephen to an insightful conversion on how Stephen controls and changes sonic dynamics, reverberation, and the sound fields of the many albums he's recorded. Stephen gives us an eloquent, philosophical and practical lesson on creating dimension in the sonic space and the importance of allowing the music to present itself. We hear and quick story from his time with Bo Diddley and Stephen shares his experiences recording with John Hammond and Mike Baggetta. Stephen Hodges MSSV Big Ego Studios Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive. Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Dax Riggs is a singer songwriter and guitarist based in Lafayette, Louisiana. He has spent much of his career in the worlds of metal, punk-blues, and psych rock, starting with the heavy sludge band Acid Bath as a teenager then moving through country-punk, folk and gospel along his journey. His newest record in 12+ years, 7 Songs For Spiders (out now via Fat Possum) is a honed and realized expression of death, life and the door in between. Dax tells us why he left the scene for such a long time, what he learned and how he fell in gospel singing along the way. He shares his writing process, how he examines and re-examines his tunes and why goosebumps are his main barometer. We learn why Dax picked up a guitar in the first place, Joe and Dax share some early band experiences and we hear a few tunes. Dax Riggs Fat Possum Records PLEASE visit Izotope (discount code FRET10) and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Bria Salmena is a vocalist and songwriter based in Los Angeles. She is the frontwoman for the Canadian post-punk band FRIGS, a touring vocalist with Orville Peck and has released two acclaimed cover's EPs under the name Cuntry Covers. Her newest effort, Big Dog, written with longtime collaborator Duncan Hay Jennings is due out March 25th via Sub Pop Records.  Bria shares her early relationship with music, how Brody Dalle inspired her to start writing songs and why a guitar teacher caused her to subsequently set the guitar down for 6 years. She tells us why Big Dog is a natural progression from Cuntry Covers, why having vocal coach Meg Remy in the recording sessions was so valuable and how the idea of permanence played a role in her studio performance. Bria spills exclusive, never heard before Big Dog details and we hear a couple new tunes. Bria Salmena Sub Pop Records Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Stephen Hodges is a drummer and composer, born, raised, and based in Long Beach, California. Stephen is the man behind the iconic and culturally permeating drum sounds and rhythms on Tom Wait's Rain Dogs and Swordfishtrombones. He has extensively toured and recorded with John Hammond, The Smashing Pumpkins, Chuck Berry, Wanda Jackson, and Mavis Staples. He was also handpicked by David Lynch to lend his unique and thoughtful sonic expression to the Twin Peaks: Firewalk With Me soundtrack. His collaboration with Mike Baggetta and old pal Mike Watt, MSSV, will be releasing their 3rd studio album On and On on March 7th via BIG EGO Records.  Stephen shares how his early experience's, his perspective on education and how a 32” bass drum developed his definitive style and is shaping his on-going career. We learn why playing 50+ shows prior to recording On and On is essential to the MSSV process, what surprises they encountered as the songs evolved and how replacing their stolen van changed Stephens drum sound.  We get a peek in-side MSSV's recording process at Big Ego Studios, how the Minutemen's political view on notes influenced the rhythm section on On and On and Joe tries but fails to resist talking drums with Stephen. MSSV Big Ego Studios Izotope is the leader in audio repair, mixing and mastering. Ruinous uses Izotope and you should too. Trust us. The best way to get your music into the worlds ears is Distrokid. Artist keep 100% of their royalties and their mobile app is smartly designed, easy to use and perfectly intuitive. Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Fleamale is a three piece band based in Seattle. Sasha, Vivi and Max tell us how the Seattle punk community brought Fleamale together and how that community influenced their perspective on performing and writing music. Vivi tells us why internet searches challenged her to not only be better at guitar, but a better person. The three tell us why they want to create a space for both underrepresented voices in their scene and an opportunity for more challenging music led by women.  Maxine shares her first touring experience (at 17), Vivi's tells us how she came around to “old music” and Sasha tells us whey Fiona Apple is important to her songwriting. Joe share's how he learned about Fleamale from a Trader Joe's employee, we hear two unreleased tunes and Fleamale's discuss their plans for recording. Fleamale Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Will Wiesenfeld, also known as Baths, is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born, raised, and based in Los Angeles. His fourth full-length album Gut, an expression from the stomach, rather than the heart will be out February 21st via his label, Basement's Basement.  Will shares the idea behind making a relentless, unapologetic and at times embarrassing record and why it wasn't necessarily difficult for him.  We learn how Gut functions as an ode to his rock influences, why jealousy motivated him to learn how to play an instrument and he shares how his hate to love relationship with piano evolved as kid. Will tells us why the string section was the ultimate motivator in finishing Gut, we hear how layering plays a role in his production and we look into his recording process.  Joe and Will discuss their similar clothing style and we hear a couple new tunes from Gut. Baths Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Washington DC based Kerosene 454 performed and recorded consistently from 1992-1998. In that time, they released 3 albums, several seven inches records and laboriously toured North America, Japan, and Europe. After 28 years, their sophomore album, Came By To Kill Me will be re-released digitally and on limited edition vinyl on 1/24/25 via Solid Brass Records.   In this episode, Joe talks with singer guitarist Erik Denno and founding member and guitarist James Wall. Erik and James explain the origin and frequently changing line up of the band, how they found each other in an explosion of grunge culture and why they ultimately settled in Washington DC. We learn why Came By To Kill Me is a defining record for the band, how heavy touring ultimately paid off in the recording process and why good old fashion angst informed the band at the time. Erik and James share their experience working with dream trio Don Zientara (Inner Ear), J. Robbins (Jawbox) and Juan Carrera (Warmers) at Inner Ear Studios and how that shaped their perspective on recording. The three discuss rock band reunions, give praise to the great Meg Watjen and the Velvet Elvis and we hear a couple remastered tunes from Came By To Kill Me. Kerosene 454 Solid Brass Records Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Hello and Thank You All for your support in 2024! More to come in 2025! Thank you to all my wonderful guests. Thank you Izotope and Distrokid. Please visit Izotope and Distrokid for continued exclusive listener discounts.

Michael Cera still hasn't recovered his Phantom bass guitar and that's why we are revisiting Joe's favorite episode of Tour Stories with pal and former bandmate Michael Cera.  Now is your chance to help him recover his favorite instrument! Listen, share! Let's get Michael his bass back in time for the new year! Michael Cera's Films Mister Heavenly Phantom Guitars Episode supported by Izotope Ep supported by our friends @izotope. Izotope holiday savings start now! Head over to izotope.com now to and get massive savings on all their production software. Use code FRET10 at check out. Episode supported by Distrokid Check out the Distrokid App! and NOW you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Jess Sylvester is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. His third full length record as Marinero is called La La La and is set for release on February 14th via Hardly Art. In this episode, Jess shares his rock n roll experiences growing up in the Bay Area, his stint in Guadalajara collaborating with local musicians and how his ultimate move to LA shaped and informed the new record.   He tells us why key changes were so important to his process on the new record, what recording with Chris Cohen was like and explains some of the lighthearted double entendre on the newest salsa infused single, Taquero. Joe and Jess discover they were on paralleling tours in Mexico and the US, and we hear a couple new songs. Marinero Hardly Art Episode supported by Izotope Ep supported by our friends @izotope. Izotope holiday savings start now! Head over to izotope.com now to and get massive savings on all their production software. Use code FRET10 at check out. Episode supported by Distrokid Check out the Distrokid App! and NOW you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Melissa Weikart is a French American singer songwriter currently based on Strasburg. Her third and newest EP, Easy, (out January 17th) is a sonic and production expansion on her previous work. Melissa shares her experience “growing up French” in Boston, why she appreciates her U.S. music education and how a teacher encouraged her to establish her own voice and process that gave her a musical identity at a young age.  We learn why a collaborative project recomposing Pet Sounds explores the gendered nature of genius, how an accidental recording became the new single, and why Wendy Eisenburg and Lana Del Ray influenced the new recordings. Melissa tells us how she was tricked into exposing here lack of pop culture knowledge as a kid, Joe learns why Strasburg in the “Christmas Capitol” and we hear two new songs from Easy. Melissa Weikart Episode supported by Izotope Ep supported by our friends @izotope. Izotope holiday savings start now! Head over to izotope.com now to and get massive savings on all their production software. Use code FRET10 at check out. Episode supported by Distrokid Check out the Distrokid App! and NOW you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Shannon Wright is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Her eleventh album, Reservoir of Love, will be released on February 7 via Vicious Circle, with the lead single, Reservoir of Love, out now. Longtime friends and touring comrades, Joe and Shannon discuss Shannon's upbringing in Jacksonville, Florida, where seeing the band Pylon gave here the confidence to play music, her grandmother took her record shopping and she bought her first instrument, a hideous and pokey “metal bass”. Shannon shares her story of a life-threatening health scare, why it changed her outlook on her own life's freedom, and how the experience found itself on the new record. She explains how the writing and recording process on Reservoir of Love was different from other records, why she led with drums and bass on a couple songs how her experience with dance influences her writing. We hear about Shannon's experience scoring Les Confins Du Monde-To the Ends of the World and we hear a couple tunes.  Shannon Wright Vicious Circle Episode supported by Izotope Ep supported by our friends @izotope. Izotope holiday savings start now! Head over to izotope.com now to and get massive savings on all their production software. Use code FRET10 at check out. Episode supported by Distrokid Check out the Distrokid App! and NOW you can apply for a TikTok Artist Account directly through your DistroKid account! All at distrokid.com

Jake Morris is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter based in Portland, Or. Outside of drumming for Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, he releases solo records under the name Street Nights. His most recent record, The Long Goodbye is out now via his own label, Community Guidelines. Jake and Joe talk about their early drums lessons and Jake shares how a Living Color song sent him on the path of self-education.  He tells us why a more methodical approach to recording the new record was a more satisfying process and allowed him to not only be more focused, but more creative. The two discuss the current climate of touring, why it's more difficult and why they still pine for performing live. They share their election day experiences, compare the films The Long Goodbye and Fletch, and we hear a couple new tunes. Street Nights Episode supported by Izotope Ep supported by our friends @izotope. Izotope cyber week starts now! Head over to izotope.com now to and get massive savings on all their production software. Use code FRET10 at check out. Its black bundle Friday at @izotope NOW! Massive savings on All software bundles. limited time only.  11.29-12.02. Get the best deals of the year now. FRET10 Episode supported by Distrokid Check out the Distrokid App!

Benny Reed is the vocalist, guitarist, and one half of (alongside drummer Johnny Lani) the Australian band, Skegss. Their third full length release, Pacific Highway Music, is out now via Loma Vista Recordings. Benny tells us why the new record, recorded in Los Angeles at two iconic studios (The Village and Fivestar Studios), was a new experience for the band, and how Dave Catching's studio Rancho De La Luna played a role in the overall sound and gear selection.   Joe and Benny discuss how a songwriting challenge from Benny's dad resulted in a song about two Australian cultural legends, bushranger Ned Kelly and celebrated singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly. Benny shares his early life in a small town, how the Tension body boarding videos influenced his musical taste, and we hear a couple new tunes. Skegss Loma Vista Episode supported by Izotope Ep supported by our friends @izotope. Izotope cyber week starts now! Head over to izotope.com now to and get massive savings on all their production software. Use code FRET10 at check out. Episode supported by Distrokid Check out the Distrokid App!

Benny Reed is the vocalist, guitarist, and one half of (alongside drummer Johnny Lani) the Australian band, Skegss. Their third full length release, Pacific Highway Music, is out now via Loma Vista Recordings. Benny tells us why the new record, recorded in Los Angeles at two iconic studios (The Village and Fivestar Studios), was a new experience for the band, and how Dave Catching's studio Rancho De La Luna played a role in the overall sound and gear selection.   Joe and Benny discuss how a songwriting challenge from Benny's dad resulted in a song about two Australian cultural legends, bushranger Ned Kelly and celebrated singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly. Benny shares his early life in a small town, how the Tension body boarding videos influenced his musical taste, and we hear a couple new tunes. Skegss Loma Vista Episode supported by Izotope Ep supported by our friends @izotope. Izotope cyber week starts now! Head over to izotope.com now to and get massive savings on all their production software. Use code FRET10 at check out. Episode supported by Distrokid Check out the Distrokid App!

Nick Thorburn is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist residing in Los Angeles. Nick has fronted and co-founded bands such as The Unicorns, Human Highway, Mister Heavenly and Islands. Nicks newest single Hold (a song for Aaron Bushnell) is dedicated to Aaron Bushnell, an active US serviceman who publicly took his life in an act of extreme protest of the United States support of Israel in the Israel-Hamas war.   Nick tells us why Aaron Bushnell's self-immolation deeply affected him, how it motivated him to write Hold and why he chose to give all the proceeds to Glia, the life-saving medical support initiative on the ground in Gaza. Nick shares the root of his protesting spirit and the two discuss why protest why it's an important act of shaking us awake. He tells us why he included Bushnell's final words in Hold, and how those words informed Nicks lyrical process. Joe and Nick discuss the importance of showing solidarity in our current socio-political-war mongering climate and we listen to Hold (a song for Aaron Bushnell).  Hold (a song for Aaron Bushnell) Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Danny Davis is the singer, guitarist and a founding member of Oklahoma City based band Husbands. Joe and Danny are currently on tour together, with their respective band's Cold War Kids and Husbands. Danny shares his first memories of hearing music with his dad on long drives and how his older brother informed his musical tastes as a youngster.  He tells us how 9-5 work life has motivated the trajectory of Husbands; how celebrating life is key to the culture of Husbands and why the synchronicity of the current lineup is influencing their songwriting. We learn how the Metallica movie Some Kind Of Monster inspired Joe's favorite Husbands song, why Danny is dedicated to landing a kick-flip before he dies and we hear a couple tunes. Husbands Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Nik Ewing is a visual artist, a bass player, keyboardist and founding member of LA based band Local Natives. His second LP, ‘Songs For Linnéa, a collection of piano songs written for his first child, is available now under his solo moniker Chewing.  Nik share's his experience of growing up in a musical household in San Diego, his first bands influences and how that has extended to the Local Natives songwriting.  We learn why he wanted the listener to feel “in the room” on Songs For Linnéa  what he did to make it a documentation of his child's early years. Joe and Nick discuss their approaches to cover songs and how Cat Power inspired Nik's approach to covering a Beetles song on the new record. Nik tells us why he sometimes puts out music anonymously and we hear a couple tunes. Chewing Local Natives

This week Joe sneaks in Ep 1 of Ruinous Media's newest podcast, La Jolla Babylon: The Making Of A Suburban Punk. Your host, musician and writer Aaron Hartman, shares stories about his stormy youth growing up punk in a conservative beach town with his Millennial sister, actor, writer and comedian Katie Hartman.  What emerges is a series of hilarious, poignant, and brutally honest weekly episodes that delve into the stark differences in their upbringings, despite being siblings. La Jolla Babylon:The Making Of A Suburban Punk

Aaron Hartman is a writer, musician and podcaster based in Portland, Oregon. He is a founding member and bass player of Northwest indie legends Old Time Relijun, electro dance-rock pioneers IQU and releases music under the moniker Marine Layer. His newest endeavor, La Jolla Babylon-The Making Of A Suburban Punk, (out 10.18 via Ruinous Media) is a poignant and hilarious podcast where Aaron shares stories about his stormy youth growing up punk in a conservative beach town with his Millennial sister, actor, writer and comedian Katie Hartman. In this episode, Joe and Aaron get to the bottom of their first meeting and how Olympia's music scene's eventual acceptance of Joe led to the two playing together in the Replikants. Aaron shares how the struggle to publish his fictionalized memoir led to his new podcast, why he asked his sister Katie to join him and why it's a platform for he and Katie to celebrate their closeness and rapport. The two quip about changing the narrative with their longtime friend Sara Lund and Aaron shares an outrageous story about sperm donation and how his older sister wrote a play inspired by the experience. Marine Layer

Pinhead Gunpowder is an East Bay punk band formed in 1991. The current line up consists of Aaron Cometbus (lyrics, drums), Bill Schneider (bass) Billie Joe Armstrong (guitar, vocals) and Jason White (guitar, vocals). After 16 years and several EP's, the band will release their second full length LP, Unt, on October 18th via 1234 Go! Records.  Bill and Jason share the origin of their rock n roll relationship, how the band ultimately formed and why their spacious cadence of activity has never resulted in a lack of enthusiasm or energy for the band.  We learn how Aaron's lyrical phrasing guides the chord changes, why trust comes so easy in their collective song writing and how a game they play in rehearsal lead to writing the new record.  The two tell us why this record sounds different to them, they share their experience working with producer Chris Dugan and they explain the meaning of Unt. They discuss why Bill isn't allowed to be a cobbler, what Jason does at home when not on the road with Green Day and we hear couple brand new tunes.  Pinhead Gunpowder 1234 Go Records

James Pertalli is the singer, guitarist, and a founding member of White Denim. Their twelfth record “12” is set to be released on 12.12 via Bella Union.  James shares his journey from baseball to rock n roll, how the “absurd career choice” paralleled his dad's and why learning how to talk about music was his ticket into his formative music circles. James tells us how “12” is drastically different from previous White Denim records, why he thinks being creative is inarguably the most positive thing he can do, and he explains his process of “live mixing”. Joe and James celebrate airport reverberations, what role confrontation plays in James's live performance and we hear a couple rip roaring tunes.   White Denim Bella Union

Jayan Bertrand is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and founding member of Miami based band Seafoam Walls. Their anticipated sophomore effort, Standing Too Close To The Elephant In The Room, will be out October 18th via Dion Dia Records, with two singles Humanitarian Pt. II and Cabin Fever out now.  Jayan explains how their last stint of touring both inspired and funded the new record, allowing them to go into the studio more clear headed and intentional than their debut release. Joe and Jayan exchange their views on the dilution of counterculture from the perspective of touring musicians and how their experiences were different. Jayan shares his love for harmonizing guitars, the band Deerhoof, and tells us how his writing has evolved to a more collaborative process.  We learn why the band integrated samples and pads into their acoustic drum sound, Jayan hips us to a regional Chattanoogan fruit and we hear a couple tunes. Seafoam Walls Dion Dia Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Soph Nathan is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and founding member of London based Our Girl. Their second full length record, The Good Kind, is due out November 8th via Bella Union. Soph shares the relief and excitement she's feeling after a 6 gap between the Our Girl records. We hear why the band likes to play songs live before recording them, how the influence of Warpaint came to fruition with the new record and Soph explains how lyrics and music operate as an unconscious coping and adapting mechanism.  Joe and Soph exchange thoughts on “tour health”, celebrate the beauty of panning positions in a mix and we hear a couple new songs. Our Girl Bella Union Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Scott McCloud is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He has been a founding member of Girls Against Boys, New Wet Kojak and Soulside. He continues to tour extensively, performs acoustically, and operates in various projects including Agrio and Paramount Styles. In this episode, Scott shares a story where a simple misunderstanding of gratitude leads to a confusing, riotous, and even violent reaction from the crowd when his band Operator opened for Placebo in Lisbon.   Joe and Scott discuss what this good intention turned bad tells us about humans in large groups, selective communication, crowd tipping points and why Scott still thinks about this show today. Music by Operator. A special thank you to John Schmersal for generously funding this episode. GVSB Paramount Styles Agrio Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Justin R. Cruz Gallego is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer based in Tacoma, WA. His newest record and Sub Pop debut, Grim Iconic…(Sadistic Mantra), is a cohesive, hooky noise odyssey laden with powerful beats, electronic layering and analog warmth. Justin shares his process of building the new songs and ultimately taking to a live setting. He also tells us how hitting a production ceiling was a healthy motivator to co-producing the record with Seth Manchester at Machines With Magnets. We hear how the Latin music he grew up listening to seeped into the songs, Joe and Justin discuss the graduation rate of Berklee College of Music students and we hear a couple tunes. J.R.C.G Subpop Machines with Magnets

Sameer Gadhia is the singer and a founding member of Young The Giant. He also hosts the podcast Point Of Origin, which celebrates the lives and careers of musicians of color in the indie and alternative rock world. In this episode, Joe recovers an early recording where Sameer shares a few YTG experiences of being celebrated in Italy at the height of their hit single, Cough Syrup. We hear about the confusion of covering American Girl in front of a massive, lightly anti-American crowd; classic lip-syncing pranks; the hilarity of an entire country mispronouncing you're biggest song and some daring yet cerebral food choices. Young The Giant Point Of Origin Podcast Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Kishi Bashi is a singer, songwriter, film maker and multi-instrumentalist currently based in Santa Cruz, California. His latest full-length Kantos (out now via Joyful Noise Recordings) is multi-genre exercise in duality: a fun, party album that address's the current humanist role in art, life, and culture, all inspired by a mix of the sci-fi novel's series Hyperion Cantos and philosopher Immanuel Kant.  Kishi shares the initial motivation behind making a “party' record and why a significant life change facilitated the work. Joe and Kishi question that role of fast-moving technology in music making, the hopeful notion that humanness will ground us despite tech advances and whether tech will outpace creativity. Kishi hints at a new film project and we hear a few tunes. Kishi Bashi Joyful Noise Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

This week Joe celebrates Hawaiian music and shares some early to mid-20th century public domain century recordings. 1.   Dreams of Old Hawaii-Varsity Hawaiian Orchestra 2.    Farewell to Thee - Toots Paka Hawaiians 3.   Mai Poina Oe Ia'u- Lani McIntire and his Aloha Islanders 4     Aloha Oe- Hawaiian Quartett 5.   Kuuaina Aliha-Varstiy Hawaiian Orchestra 6.   Ke Kali Nei Au- George Kainapau with George Archer And His Pagans 7.    He Manoa He Aloha- Kaai Glee Club 8.    Kewaii - Palakiko and Paaluhi 9.   Wailana (Drowsy Waters) -Ferera and Franchini 10. Aloha and Goodnight-Varsity Hawaiian Orchestra Ruinous Media Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Scared of Chaka is an American punk rock band formed in 1993 in Albuquerque New Mexico by guitarist/vocalist, Dave Hernandez, bass guitarist Dameon Waggoner and drummer Jeff Jones. Jones was later replaced by Ron Skrasek. After a 15+ year hiatus, Scared of Chaka is back with a fiery new single and 7 inch on Slovenly Records. In this episode Joe talks with Dave, who is an old pal and former The Shins bandmate. Dave gives a brief history of Scared of Chaka, the story behind the “break up” and explains the vigor and excitement surrounding the new songs and upcoming shows. Joe and Dave share some “band guy” job stories, Dave gives us some real and hilarious insight into the elaborate culture of “ice cream men” and we revisit some outrageous Dillinger 4 tour shenanigans. The two discuss small dogs, cougars and we hear a couple rip roaring tunes. Scared of Chaka Slovenly Records Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Lollise is a Botswana born, Brooklyn based singer, songwriter, and multidisciplinary artist. After cutting her teeth recording and touring with the FELA! band and Underground System, she has brought her song writing efforts to the forefront with her debut LP, I Hit The Water, out September 6 via Switch Hit Records. Lollise shares the story behind the new record, why it plays tribute to her family's journey and how it keeps her connection with Botswana. She tells us how the lead single, eDube, is both a message to her deceased father and honors her mother's experience with his passing.  We learn how intuition guides her writing process, how collaboration played a role on the new record and why she does NOT like playing her song Birthday. Joe and Lollise bond on the power of rehearsal, the beauty of the shekere, their fixation with vintage fashion and we hear a couple tunes. Lollise Switch Hit Records Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid

Duane Denison is a songwriter, guitarist and founding member of Tomahawk, The Denison/Kimball Trio and most notable and widely influential, The Jesus Lizard. The Jesus Lizard have recorded six studio albums, two live recordings and a brace of singles and EPs, with the band's seventh album, Rack, out September 13 via Ipecac Recordings. Armed with their never dusty, always furious chops, The Jesus Lizard will support Rack with both national and international touring throughout 2024 and 25.  Duane share's his early relationship with music, why he decided to pick up a guitar and his path from classical training, to heavy, angular rock and jazz. He tells us why The Jesus Lizard are able to retain their energy and intensity over their long career and why quality control is so important to the band.  We also learn how refinement and brutal honesty play a role in the evolution of his guitar playing.  Joe and Duane discuss the celebration of “heavy music” in the UK with bands like IDLES, and we hear a couple new Jesus Lizard tunes. The Jesus Lizard Ipecac Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Cal in Red is a Grand Rapids based indie pop project started by brothers Connor and Kendall Wright. Since 2022 they have released 2 Ep's, a handful of singles and on September 22, they will release their full-length record, Low Low, via B3SCI records.  The fellas tell us why they moved from their hometown of Lansing to Grand Rapids, what their early relationship with music was like and what bands inspired them to begin writing and recording music. We learn how experience and time shaped the new record, why their approach was different and how they share writing, recording and production duties. The brothers share the story of meeting James Mercer, how he wound up singing on the new record and we hear a couple new tunes. Cal In Red Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Joe talks with Greg Mahdesian and Ryan Berti, founding members of Los Angeles based Swerve. Swerve's newest EP, The Darkroom, a lively and rifftastic look at an era of the band's life, is out now and includes a wonderful rendition of The Stone Roses hit, I Wanna Be Adored. Greg and Ryan share their relationship with music in their formative years, including the influence of Megachurch rock and a hip older cousin who pointed Greg to the “cool stuff” We learn why System Of A Down carries a significance with Swerve, not only to their cultural identify, but also as a songwriting reference.  They explain how a Supreme court decision inspired a song, why there is more sonic freedom in recording a cover, and why The Darkroom is a not only a look to the past, but a celebration of a new stage both personally and professionally.  Joe, Ryan and Greg discuss the power and the baritone guitar, and we hear a couple tunes. Swerve Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Grasshopper is a multi-instrumentalist, lead guitarist and founding member of Mercury Rev. His other projects include Harmony Rockets and his own band Grasshopper and the Golden Crickets. Mercury Rev's newest record, Born Horses, is yet another intriguing sonic step in the band's evolution.  Born Horses is out September 6 via Bella Union.  Grasshopper shares his early relationship with music, how seeing Lou Reed steered the young horn-player to playing guitar and why he wound up focusing less on his guitar playing on the new record. He shares the process of writing Born Horses, how Brechtian Theatre and prose influenced the overall sound and why previous projects informed this process.  Joe and Grasshopper celebrate the “utility musician”, Grasshopper tells us a sweet story about his last memory in his favorite Buffalo bar and we hear a couple new tunes. Mercury Rev  Bella Union Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Dustin O'Halloran is an American pianist and composer with six acclaimed solo albums under his own name. He has scored multiple films and TV shows, won an Emmy for the theme to Transparent and has been nominated for an Oscar, a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for his score to Lion, a collaboration with Volker Bertelmann (aka Hauschka). His most recent album, 1 0 0 1, is an instrumental four-movement exploration of the nature of the human mind, implications of artificial intelligence and raises questions of humanity in a world intertwined with technology is out now via Deutsche Grammophon.  Dustin shares how his early relationship with music influenced his trajectory to go from a rock-oriented guitarist and singer to a solo pianist creating instrumental music. He tells us how 1 0 0 1 evolved from a performance dance piece to expansive sonic journey and functioned as a bridge to a new artistic path. Dustin and Joe discuss his process in writing and recording 1 0 0 1, Dustin walks us through the inspiration behind the four movements and he explains why texture drives his creativity. The two celebrate the power of re-amping and we hear two pieces from 1 0 0 1. Dustin O'Halloran Deutsche Grammophon Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

Nick Thorburn is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist residing in Los Angeles. Nick has fronted and co-founded bands such as The Unicorns, Human Highway, Mister Heavenly and Islands. The newest Islands record, What Occurs, is out now an available everywhere.  In this episode, old pals and current bandmates Joe and Nick get cheeky and personal, touching on their first meeting, what bonds them and why they owe Ryan Kattner all the credit for their friendship. Nick shares the germ of inspiration behind What Occurs, how they wrote and recorded the record on an actual island and why live collaboration is so important to him. We learn how Joe and Nick differ on their view of death, how Nick found his singing voice and why a sense of play is so important to his songwriting. The two predict how and why AI will eat itself, they entertain a very special surprise guest, and we hear a couple new Islands songs. Islands Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars