Tour Stories

The Check-In with Stephen Hodges-MSSV-Tom Waits-Mavis Staples-David Lynch Jan 31, 2025

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

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Fleamale Jan 24, 2025

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

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Will Weisenfeld-Baths-Geotic-Post-Foetus Jan 17, 2025

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

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The Check-In with Kerosene 454 Jan 10, 2025

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

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Thank You Year End Episode Jan 03, 2025

Hello and Thank You All for your support in 2024! More to come in 2025!

Thank you to all my wonderful guests.

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Annual Holiday Special-Michael Cera's Missing Bass Dec 27, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Marinero-Jess Sylvester Dec 20, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Melissa Weikart Dec 13, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Shannon Wright Dec 06, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Jake Morris-Street Nights Nov 29, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Benny Reed-Skegss Nov 22, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Benny Reed-Skegss Nov 22, 2024

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

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Nick Thorburn 's new single-Hold (a song for Aaron Bushnell) Nov 15, 2024

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)

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Tour Check-In with Danny Davis-Husbands Nov 08, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Nik Ewing-Chewing-Local Natives Nov 01, 2024

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

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Surprise Tour Story: La Jolla Babylon EP 1 Oct 25, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Aaron Hartman-La Jolla Babylon, The Making Of A Suburban Punk Oct 18, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Pinhead Gunpowder Oct 11, 2024

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

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The Check-In with James Petralli-White Denim Oct 04, 2024

James Petralli 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

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The Check-In with Jayan Bertrand-Seafoam Walls Sep 27, 2024

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

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The Check-In With Soph Nathan-Our Girl Sep 20, 2024

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

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Scott McCloud-Girls Against Boys-Agrio-New Wet Kojak-Paramount Styles Sep 13, 2024

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

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The Check-In with J.R.C.G Sep 06, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Sameer Ghadhia Aug 30, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Kishi Bashi Aug 23, 2024

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

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Hawaiian music from early to mid-20th century Aug 16, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Dave Hernandez-Scared of Chaka Aug 09, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Lollise Aug 02, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Duane Denison-The Jesus Lizard-Tomahawk Jul 26, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Cal In Red Jul 19, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Swerve Jul 12, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Grasshopper-Mercury Rev Jul 05, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Dustin O'Halloran Jun 28, 2024

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 DeutscheGrammophon. 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

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The Check-In with Nick Thorburn-Islands-Mister Heavenly Jun 21, 2024

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

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The Check-In with Billy Fuller-BEAK> -ROBERT PLANT Jun 14, 2024

Billy Fuller is a bass player and songwriter from Bristol, England. He has played bass guitar with acts including Massive Attack, Robert Plant and is a founding member of Beak>. Beak’s new record, Beak>>>> (Beak 4), is available now via Invada Records. Billy shares his early experience of learning the bass by listening to his brother’s records and cassettes that he picked up at his local petrol station that is ultimately the root of his sound. We get his take on the famous “Bristol Sound”, overcoming “old tricks” when recording a new record and the relativity of bass guitar tone, supported by a story about the great Robbie Shakespeare. Billy walks us through the recording of the new record, how the Beak> writing process typically goes and specifically how they put together the current single, The Seal. Billy and Joe finally publicly address their Instagram beef and we hear a few hot numbers.

Beak>

Invada Records

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The Check In with Ryan Kattner- Man Man Jun 07, 2024

Ryan Kattner is a singer, songwriter, and lyricist for Man Man, Mister Heavenly and his solo effort, Honus Honus. The newest Man Man record, Carrot on Strings, is out now and is Man Man’s first full length release on Sub Pop Records. Old pals Joe and Ryan discuss the long road of Joe finally playing with Man Man, the process of writing the new record and Ryan explains the song Mongolian Spot and how the records art may parallel his life. The two speculate on why Ryan is living in a “carrot orange” space and the consequences of making this decision at this point in his life. Ryan share’s his experience splitting his head open in a bike accident, we learn the roll that Old Yeller plays on the new record, and we hear a couple tunes.

Man Man

Sup Pop Records

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The Check-In with Tara Jane O'neil May 31, 2024

Tara Jane O’Neil is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and visual artist residing in California. She composes and performs under her own name and in collaboration with other musicians, artists, dancers, and filmmakers. As a solo artist she has released ten full-length albums and her newest record, The Cool Cloud Of Okayness is out now on Orindal Records and available everywhere. Tara shares her experience playing music as a youngster, sitting in on a friend’s guitar lessons, learning bass from Jefferson Airplane and Pixies records and ultimately starting bands Rodan and Drinking Women. She tells us why she almost stopped making records, what changed that trajectory and how it affected her songwriting approach. We learn how “good feelings” is the catalyst for the new record, why acting fast with her guitar was so important and how the title track came to her in an afternoon. Joe and Tara flirt with getting stoned on the beach together, discuss the importance of “diva status” and we hear a few tunes.

Tara Jane O'neil

Orindal Records

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Joe Visits Cult and Culture with Luke Henshaw and Justin Pearson May 24, 2024

Today Joe stops by the Cult and Culture headquarters in San Diego. Cult and Culture is a podcast co-created by renowned musician and actor Justin Pearson and producer and musician Luke Henshaw. The show explores the DIY-driven, subversive world of art and culture, featuring a diverse array of guests from various subcultures. They are also Ruinous Media Network Partners! They talk about the variety of music he has taken part in, working on research podcasts, tour stories involving frisbees and back problems, pickle ball and yoga, the San Diego connections that Joe has, and the similarities in the DNA of Seattle and San Diego. They also talk about the heart, integrity, and work ethic that brings their community of weirdos together, even despite their musical or artistic differences.

Cult and Culture

Three One G

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The Check-In with Logan Lynn May 17, 2024

Logan Lynn is a singer, songwriter, producer, filmmaker, and activist currently based in the Northwest. For the past 25 years, he has been recording and releasing music with Caroline, EMI and The Dandy Warhol’s label, Beat The World. His newest record, Softcore, will release on June 7th via Kill Rock Stars, alongside a film of the same name. Logan shares his story of growing up in a Christian cult, how that led him to creating music in his youth and how he wound up in Portland, Or during his artistically formative years. He shares the love loss and self-motivated loneliness that inspired the new record and how he came to a Bill Callahan/Smog song as his lead single. He tells us about his involvement with Pass The Mic, a foundation started by Portugal The Man that advocates philanthropy and community engagement around universal issues related to human rights, community health, and the environment with a specific focus on the stories of Indigenous Peoples. Logan also shares his community’s reaction to his attendance to a White House Pride event, and we hear a few tunes.

Logan Lynn

Kill Rock Stars

Pass The Mic Foundation

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The Check-In with Chris Cohen May 10, 2024

Chris Cohen is a producer, songwriter, and a multi-instrumentalist from Los Angeles, California. He has released several solo records, is a founding member of The Curtains and was the guitarist for Deerhoof from 2002-2006. He has also done production and session work for the likes of Weyes Blood, Kurt Vile, Le Ren, and Marina Allen. His new record, Paint A Room, is due out on July 12th via Hardly Art Records. Chris tells us how he grew up as a lonely punker in Los Angeles, what sparked his interest in music and why no-one has ever heard his first band, The Blocks. He talks about a show in a Santa Cruz basement in the 90’s that set in motion a life in music and why a flexibility between instruments guides his journey. We learn why Milton Nascimento is his musical hero, what he learned about producing recording Paint A Room and we hear a couple new tunes.

Chris Cohen

Hardly Art

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The Check-In with Babe Report May 03, 2024

Ep 213 with Babe Report! The wonderfully raucous four piece from Chicago have followed up their debut EP, The Future of Teeth, with Did You Get Better, a full-length LP due out May 31st via Exploding In Sound. We hear how the band formed following the pandemic, how they recorded and mixed the entire record over a weekend in their basement studio and the meaning behind the title Did You Get Better. They share how the first single, Turtle Of Reaper, addresses societal paranoia and why their neighborhood print newspaper, Nadig Newspaper, is both a weekly pre-rehearsal muse and inspiration for the record. Joe tells the group how he met Charles Barkley 10 days after his son was born and we hear a couple rip roaring tunes.

Babe Report

Exploding In Sound

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The Check-In with Coady Willis-Big Business-The Melvins-High On Fire-The Murder City Devils Apr 26, 2024

Coady Willis is a drummer based in Los Angeles CA. He has a robust pedigree of performing and recording with The Murder City Devis, Big Business, Melvins and High On Fire, to name a few. He is also one of three drummers on the all percussion record, Hew Time, along with Joe and Dale Crover. Coady tells us how his uncle helped pave the way for life as a rock n roll drummer, why seeing the band Tribe 8 changed his early teen perspective on performance and he shares his experience of playing in bands in Mt. Vernon and Seattle in his formative years. He also shares his journey from being a young Dale Crover fan to eventually playing alongside Dale in Melvins. The two drummers discuss their individual approaches to joining an established band, the hurdles that come with it, and why being conscientious of the group’s chemistry is crucial. Finally, Coady talks about his long history with High On Fire and why recording and writing the new record Cometh The Storm (out now via MNRK Music Group) was such an educational and rewarding experience. We hear a few tunes from Cometh The Storm and of course the drummers talk drums.

High On Fire

MNRK Music Group

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The Check-In with Built In Sun Apr 19, 2024

This is the Built In Sun appreciation episode. Released on August 7, 2015 via PIAPTK Records, Built In Sun is Joe Plummer's first and currently only solo record. BIS began as an instrumental idea, with inspirations landing somewhere between John Cale’s Fear, the punker vibrations of The Wipers, guitarist John Reis and Joe’s favorite soundtrackists, John Brion and Clint Mansell. Recorded both at his studio in Seattle and with the late Richard Swift at National Freedom, Joe made a point to collaborate with his friends and former bandmates. The lyrics and vocals on the record are provided by longtime friend and former The Black Heart Procession colleague, Pall Jenkins, with additional players David Bazan and Cody Votolato filling out the piano and guitar respectively. In this episode, Joe expresses his love for the opportunity to make a record with his pals and leaves an easter egg or two.

Built in Sun

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The Check-In with Kai James-Girl and Girl Apr 12, 2024

Kai James is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and a founding member of Brisbane based Girl and Girl. Their newest record and Sub Pop debut, Call A Doctor, is out May 24th with extensive touring planned throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Kai shares his experience of life growing up on a farm outside of Brisbane, how music entered his life and why it’s an important form of expression for him. Joe and Kai discuss the direct and personalness of his lyrics, the familial origin of Girl and Girl and the experience of recording Call A Doctor. Joe encourages Kai to become an actor, Kai tells us about surfing with “big fish” and we hear a couple tunes off the new record.

Girl and Girl

Sub Pop Records

Mother Video

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Part 2: The Check-In with Eric D Johnson-Bonny Light Horsemen Apr 08, 2024

Surprise! Part 2 of Joe’s interview on @thetourstories with Eric D Johnson is up with a big announcement. Bonny Light Horseman, the trio of Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson, and Josh Kaufman, are set to release their new double album and Jagjaguwar debut Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free on June 7th! Eric shares the origin of BLH, how he came to be a contributing member and why they use a “yes and” style in their voltronic writing process. He also tells us about how the record was made partially live in an Irish pub, how his bandmate Anaïs has changed his lyric stylings and why the new record might have a broader reach of listeners. Joe and Eric also discuss Eric’s deep indie rock pedigree and his rich history of touring and recording from the early aughts to the present. The two reminisce about their tenure together in The Shins and how they both greatly benefitted from that experience. We learn about the invention of the famous SoftRockTail™ and hear a new tune from Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free.

Bonny Light Horsemen

Eric D Johnson

Jagjaguwar

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Eric D Johnson Part 1 : From Caliphone to a Grateful Death Apr 05, 2024

Eric D Johnson is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and film composer based in Los Angeles. He is the founding member of Fruit Bats, has played with indie luminaries Califone, Vetiver, The Shins and is a contributing member of Bonny Light Horsemen. In Part 1 of a rare two-part episode, Eric shares a few stories from the road, spanning from his early tenure in Califone (opening for Modest Mouse), his interaction with a MTV beach party, to a more recent experience of jamming with Bob Weir in a small club. Old pals Joe and Eric laugh, they almost cry, and we hear a great live version of a Fruit Bats song. And this is only Part 1.

Fruit Bats

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The Check-In with The Red Pears Mar 29, 2024

The Red Pears are a three-piece band hailing from El Monte, Ca. Comprised of childhood friends Henry Vargas (vocals/guitar), Jose Corona (Drums) and Patrick Juarez (Bass), the trio are celebrating their fourth album, Better Late Than Never (out April 12th via Daycare Records). The three share the inspiration behind the new record and how a newfound freeness in production allowed them to toggle between listening with their hearts and employing technical input. We learn how cooperative comradery drives the inspiration of The Red Pears and the why a kindred conscientious serves as the glue in their writing, recording, and touring. They discuss the contrast of extensive touring and structureless home life, their upcoming shows at The Forum and Coachella and we hear a few tunes.

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The Check-In with Joe P Mar 22, 2024

Joe P is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who writes, records and self-produces from his basement studio in Asbury Park, NJ. HIs newest record, Shadows in the Sun is expected to be released in summer 2024 and currently has 3 singles out via Atlantic records. Joe tells us how he got his start playing music and a very young age and shares his experience of trying to fit into his local hardcore scene in his late teens. He tells us about his approach to songwriting as an entirely self-produced artist, his philosophy on live performance verses recording and why he ended up recording vocals in his van while on a recent tour. The two discuss shoes, why it’s important to make touring loveable and we hear a few tunes.

Joe P

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The Check-In with Omni Mar 15, 2024

Omni is a three-piece Atlanta based outfit comprised of guitarist Frankie Broyles, bassist/singer Philip Frobos and drummer Chris Yonker. Their fourth studio album, Souvenir (out now via Sub Pop) is an angular adventure of hooky guitar wizardry, tight and slinky rhythms topped with sheeny melodies and lyrics that set them apart from other post punkers. They share their experience growing up in Atlanta, the scene that took them in and motivated them to start a band. We hear the process behind the new record, what sparked the change in lyrical perspective and how new drummer Chris Yonker contributes to the sound of Souvenir. The four discuss the process behind their visual aesthetic, share tips for hotel deals on the road and we hear a couple tunes.

Omni

Sub Pop Records

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The Check-In with Bibi Club Mar 08, 2024

Bibi Club is the Montreal based pop project of singer-keyboardist Adèle Trottier-Rivard and guitarist Nicolas Basque. Their newest record, Feu de garde, is out May 10th via Secret City Records. Adèle and Nicolas tell us how the intersection of a chaotic living situation and nature inspired the record and why Adèle’s experience in the “dude world” of rock music informs her lyrics. We learn how these parents of three manage their lives as working artist’s and how why bringing kids on tour brings a special energy to their performances. The two share the meaning behind Feu de garde, what it was like to finally share mixing duties, and we hear a few tunes.

Bibi Club

Secret City Records

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The Check-In with Chastity Belt Mar 01, 2024

Julia Shapiro and Gretchen Grimm are one half of Seattle's noisy dream pop legends, Chastity Belt. Their 5th album, Live Laugh Love (out March 29th via Suicide Squeeze Records) is a dreamy layering of guitars, vocals and gentle rhythms that guide the listener through both emotional sincerity and lighthearted nostalgia, all with the sheen of cheekiness that the band has celebrated from the beginning. Julia and Gretchen share the process and inspiration behind the new record, its cover art, and how the power of simplicity guided the recording. The three discuss biking in Seattle, essential skills learned on the road and their relationship with music in their formative years. For the first time we take a few questions from friend of show John Atkins that leads to a thorough education on The Harp Twins and how to make a Renaissance Faire hat on the cheap. As always we hear a few tunes from the record.

Chastity Belt

Suicide Squeeze

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The Check-In with Joe Wong Feb 23, 2024

Joe Wong is a LA based musician, film and tv composer, producer, and podcaster. His newest record, Mere Survival, is a lush orchestral psychedelic pop odyssey laden with timeless song structure and stacked with the heaviest of heavy hitting guest musicians (Mary Timony, Nate Mendel, Money Mark, Jim Keltner and Matt Cameron, to name of few). Joe (Wong) shares the motivation behind this realistic, yet despair rich record, and how this stage in his career naturally led to its completion. The Joe’s discuss the absurdity of the all-star cast of contributors and why Joe Wong sees making a record as an innately social experience. The two exchange their gleaned wisdom they’ve absorbed from Buzz Osborne, Joe (Wong) tells us why he’s getting his podcast The Trap Set up and running again and we hear his plans for upcoming performances of Mere Survival. As usual, we hear a few tunes and soak up the vibrations.

Joe Wong

Mere Survival

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The Check-In with Stephen Buono Feb 16, 2024

Stephen Buono is a producer, songwriter, and devisor of the collective project Church Chords. The debut record, Elvis, he was a Schlager is out Feb 23 on his new label, Otherly Love. Stephen takes us through the process of making this expansive and cohesive record, how it was initially inspired by the University of Miami marching band, and why the first version of the record was scrapped. He tells us why the spirit of freedom and collaboration was crucial for this project and why he's grateful for the long list of heavy hitters that contributed. Joe and Stephen have a Minutemen superfan moment and we hear a few tunes from the new record.

Church Chords

Otherly Love

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The Check-In with Justin Pearson Feb 09, 2024

Justin Pearson is a singer, bass player, podcaster and founder of the record label Three One G. He has recorded, toured with and founded such bands as The Locust, Dead Cross, Deaf Club and Retox. He latest project, Planet B, is a collaboration with Luke Henshaw that celebrates hip-hop, hardcore and noise, all coated with a danceable sheen of Sci-Fi. Their second record, Fiction Prediction, is out now on Three One G. Justin shares how his introduction to punk and hardcore music was sparked more by its cultural vibrations than playing music, which came later. Joe and Justin discuss the hodge podge nature of the early years of punk shows how that relates to their approach to music now. Justin gives us a little insight into Luke Henshaw’s approach to recording, how they work collectively and the philosophy behind the duos podcast, Cult and Culture. We hear a few tunes and Justin delivers a fabulous tour story.

Planet B

Three One G

Cult and Culture

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The Check-In with Nate Kinsella-Birthmark Feb 02, 2024

Nate Kinsella is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and song writer based in Brooklyn, NY. Since the mid 1990’s he’s has recorded, toured and or been a founding member of the bands Joan of Arc, American Football and Make Believe. His most recent project, Birthmark, has released a new LP titled Birth Of Omni, and is out now on Polyvinyl Records. Birth Of Omni is a rich sonic tapestry of eclectic electro pop, close and textured vocals, and personal and experiential lyrics. Nate tells us about the familial logistics and focus required to make a solo record as a primary caregiver of two kids, how the process brought him closer to his true self and what the motivation behind Birth Of Omni was. Joe and Nate discuss the power of patience and “bravery” in creating something with limited time and the difference between making a record with a band vs. alone. The two share childhood stories of cooking things in the woods, Nate talks social nudity, roller-skating and we hear a few tunes.

Nate Kinsella

Polyvinyl Records

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The Check-In with The Six Parts Seven and Good Morning Valentine Jan 26, 2024

Allen Karpinski is a song writer, guitarist and founding member of the Ohio band The Six Parts Seven. Fellow Ohioan, Joey Beltram is this the singer, songwriter behind Goodmorning Valentine. Over the course of a weekend in 2006, the two bands came together in a small in studio in Kent, Ohio. What yielded was a beautiful collaborative collection of songs called Kissing Distance (out February 16th via Suicide Squeeze). Joey and Allen share the magic of the experience and the spark that inspired this collaboration. Joey tells us how an unusual spontaneity and openness in the studio led to a beautiful and novel experience for the band. Joey lends us some in-sight on the recording and writing process, they talk Kinkos, the fall of Pitchfork and we hear a couple tunes.

The Six Parts Seven

Goodmorning Valentine

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The Check-In with Hatis Noit Jan 19, 2024

Hatis Noit is self-taught vocalist and songwriter based in London. Her inspiration and vocal style ranges from Japanese folk, western classical, Gregorian chanting to Avant-guard, ambient and pop. In 2018 she released her debut record, Illogical Dance, which was praised not only for its unique vocal interpretations, but also her moving live performances. Her most recent and widely acclaimed release, Aura (Erased Tapes) will be re-released on vinyl ahead of her debut U.S tour this spring. In this episode, Hatis shares the personal story that inspired her take up singing as her primary musical expression and why she see’s voice as the most connective instrument. She tells us why live performance is key to her completing songs and how the studio setting played a role in the creation and atmosphere of Aura. We hear how Taro Okamota inspired the high energy piece Jomon, why a visit from a squirrel dug her out of an artistic low point and we hear a couple magical tunes.

Hatis Noit

Erased Tapes

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The Check-In with Maria BC Jan 12, 2024

Maria BC is a singer, songwriter and ambient musician based in Oakland, Ca. Growing up in a musical household, Maria was encouraged to sing and is grateful for the 10 years of vocal training they enjoyed throughout their childhood. Since 2020, Maria has self-recorded and released two well received records and the third, Spike Field (out now on Sacred Bones) is a sprawling and spacious ambient journey laced with broad reverberations, dark folk guitar, synthesizers and choral stacking. Maria shares the idea behind Spike Field and how our battles with past and future selves relate to the field of nuclear semiotics. Joe and Maria discuss the meaning behind the song Watcher and what motivates them to take an outward reaching position in song writing. They share their perfectionist style of recording, why Oakland is the best city in the world, and we hear a couple tunes.

Maria BC

Sacred Bones

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The Check-In with Simon O'Connor Jan 05, 2024

Simon O’Connor is a musician and composer from NYC. O’Connor has been releasing records with various projects for over 20 years. He is currently the touring bassist of the psychedelic pop band, MGMT, as well as the lead guitarist of Modest Mouse. He is also the bass player, co-vocalist, and founding member of Spiral Heads, who’s newest record is out February 23 via TrashCasual/AcademyFight Songs. In this episode, Joe and Simon talk punk, punk and more punk and how the newest Spiral Heads record celebrates a specific time in a punk bands life when they may be branching out from punk. Simon tells about us about his early days at ABC NO RIO, why Microsoft Word is best used inits natural habitat, and he shares the experience and beauty of hearing Marky Ramone practice alone. We also learn why Killing Joke is his favorite band, how he started playing with MGMT and shares his experience meeting Dann Gallucci from Modest Mouse. The two exchange made up words, talk the appropriateness punk t-shirts at school drop off and we hear a couple tunes.

Spiral Heads

Simon O'Connor

Trash Casual

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Eva Walker and the Unsound Sound Guy Dec 29, 2023

Eva Walker is the singer and guitarist for the Seattle band The Black Tones. In this episode Eva shares her experiences with the weird practices of a bizzarro sound guy on a recent week long West Coast tour .

The Black Tones

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The Check-In with Joseph Shabason Dec 22, 2023

Joseph Shabason is a songwriter, a film and TV composer and a multi-instrumentalist based in Toronto, Ontario. He has recorded and collaborated with The War On Drugs, The Operators, Destroyer, DIANA and has released several solo records. His newest record, Welcome To Hell is a concept record directly inspired by the influential 1996 Toy Machine skate video of the same name. This re-imagined soundtrack is a spacious and spacey freeish jazz odyssey that is grounded in ECM sonic textures, late 60’s Miles Davis reverberations and the very now vibes of experimental hip hop. Joseph tells us how Welcome To Hell differs from his previous records and how growing up in a rural Canada played a role in the concept. He shares the negative feedback he’s received about the record and how he’s spun it into a positive and a new perspective on art in general. We get proof that Ed Templeton is truly a wonderfully rad dude and Joseph tells us the story of Chad Muska at Welcome To Hell video premier. Joe cures Joseph of Covid and we hear a few tunes.

Joseph Shabason

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The Check-In with Mary Timony (plus 3 tour stories!) Dec 15, 2023

Mary Timony is a singer, songwriter, and guitar wizard from Washington DC. For the past 30 years she has fronted, founded, toured, and recorded with such celebrated and influential bands as Autoclave, Helium, Ex Hex and Wild Flag. Her fifth solo release, Untame The Tiger (out February 23 via Merge) is a beautifully elaborate guitar pop, riff driven record that touches on familial loss, emotional freedom and psychic shift. In this episode Mary tells us how an onslaught of simultaneous dramatic experiences changed her perspective personally and artistically and how music brought her closer to her ailing father. She shares her experience of recording with the great Dave Mattacks, mixing with Dave Fridmann and gives some in-sight into the process of co-producing with longtime friend, Joe Wong. We also hear about her first punk show, how she avoids “rote playing” and shares the funny and harsh experience that led her to quitting the viola. We hear a few tunes and Mary tells us not one, but three hilarious tour stories.

Mary Timony

Wild Flag

EX Hex

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The Check-In with John Famiglietti-HEALTH Dec 08, 2023

Joe speaks with John Familglietti, bass player, founding member and songwriter from the band HEALTH. Following two widely collaborative records, HEALTH’S newest record, Rat Wars (out 12.7 via Loma Vista), is proving to be the bands most inner focused, vulnerable, and sonically generous output yet. In this episode Joe and John discuss the San Diego scene where John grew up, how John was introduced to punk music and the show that changed his life. John tells us why he thinks Rat Wars is this best HEATLH record so far, how it came from a position of strength and he shares how the band’s recording process has evolved over the years. We learn the origin of HEALTH’S uniform/branded album artwork, how The Door’s influenced the decision the call the new album Rat Wars and we hear a couple new songs.

HEALTH

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Kyle Crane And The Greasy 48 Dec 01, 2023

This episode is special because it's the first tour story Joe captured. His pal Kyle Crane, drummer, songwriter, and producer from Los Angeles, tells us how his band experienced a vegetable oil spill, an overheat, a poison ivy infection, and a pedestrian hit and run all in the span of 48 hours. We also hear a few tunes from Kyle's record "Crane Like The Bird" (featuring James Mercer).

Kyle Crane

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The Check-In with Matt Pryor Nov 24, 2023

Matt Pryor a singer, songwriter, podcaster and author form Lawrence, Kansas. He is a founding member of the Get Up Kids, The New Amsterdam’s and host’s the podcast Nothing To Write Home About and 25 Years On The Street. His debut memoir, Red Letter Days (out 1.23.24 Washed Up Book) is taken from journal entries between 1990-2000 and is made up of short vignettes that follows his life as a musician growing up, pursing the dream of success and his earliest experiences touring. He also shares his early childhood growing up in Lawrence and his struggle with childhood diabetes. In this episode, Matt shares how writer Frank Turner encouraged him to write his memoir, why the book helped him hit a welcomed rock bottom and why finishing the book put into a depression. He explains how a simple writing exercise evolved into Red Letter Days, why the editing process was foreign to him and how songwriting and story writing are similar in his process. Joe and Matt discuss the beauty and positivity of “the pit” and they discover they were born in the same hospital along with their mutual pal Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe.

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The Check-In with Vera Sola Nov 17, 2023

Vera Sola is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and poet based in Los Angeles, CA. Her newest album, Peacemaker (out February 2 via City Slang) is a sprawling and lyrically ferocious follow up her first record Shades and will take the listener on a joyfully painful sonic journey through the cinematic west. In this episode Vera tells us how cinematic framing shaped the new record, why anger may be the driving energy and why she was "psychotic" about the final mix. Vera shares how a plant ceremony inspired her to make her first record, why David Beeman’s patience was crucial to her finishing the record and how Peacemaker's process was different. Joe and Vera talk retirement in the New York City, and we hear a couple tunes.

Vera Sola

City Slang

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The Check-In With Brett Netson Nov 10, 2023

Brett Netson is a guitarist, singer and song-writer from Boise, Idaho. He has toured and recorded extensively with Built To Spill, Mark Lanegan, Earth and is a founding member of Caustic Resin. His most recent contribution is a re-imagined version of Teeth Of Lions Rule The Divine by Earth, and is out now on special "low frequency" re-release of the classic Earth 2 record on Sub Pop Records. In this episode, the longtime friends and forever ago bandmates discuss the state of "work", why Brett quit playing music for a short period of time, and what brought him back. Brett shares his thoughts on the healthy benefits of Drone music, how it enhances his life and why singular thought is beneficial. We learn what is the glue that binds Brett and Dylan Carlson's musical relationship, why Brett found himself having to choose between not ONE but TWO deals with the devil and he explains the process of tearing apart and rebuilding an Earth song on his own. Brett and Joe make fun of themselves and we hear a few magnificent tunes.

Brett Netson

Earth

Sub Pop

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The Check-In with Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards: Deap Vally Nov 03, 2023

Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards are the drummer and guitarist respectively for the Los Angeles based band, Deap Vally. Since 2011 they have recorded and released four LP's three EP's and have consistently toured the world. On February 1st , they will release Sistrionix 2.0, a newly recorded version of their 2011 LP Sistrionix. In this episode, we hear what motivated the two to form a band, how early childhood experiences influenced their interest in performance and why a knitting shop brought them together. Lindsey and Julie share their un-healthy and stressful stint on a major label, why they re-recorded their record and the magic ingredient on the new recording. They discuss the compatibility of both being in a band and a mom, what it's like touring with kids and what the future for Deap Vally holds.

Deap Vally

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The Check-In with Shilpa Ray Oct 27, 2023

Shilpa Ray is a singer, songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist based in Queens, NY. She has been recording, releasing and touring on records in various incarnations from 2006 to the present. Her most recent release, Portrait Of A Lady (via Northern Spy Records) is her most personal, direct record to date, and delivers a jarring honesty that keeps the listener engrossed in the wide batch of sonic and lyrical intensity. In this episode Shilpa tells us why her first instrument was a harmonium, how The Side Walk Cafe's nurturing environment help her get her start in live performance and why drums and time keeping are so important to her. She tells us how the combination of a sound check with Andrew Bird and an image of Nan Golden re-illuminated the importance of art in her life and inspired her to write a record focused on her own personal experiences. We learn who the bootlickers are in the song Bootlickers Of The Patriarchy, she tells us a wild tour story thank involves Rick James's gravestone and we hear a couple tunes.

Shilpa Ray

Northern Spy Records

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The Check-In with Jim McCullough-CIVIC Oct 20, 2023

Jim McCullough is a founding member and singer for the Melbourne based proto-punk band Civic. Civic has embarked on their first North American tour with three-pronged support of their most recent single Hourglass, the US release of their record New Vietnam and their most recent record, Taken By Force (all available via ATO Records). In this episode, Joe and Jim discuss the punk evolution of the band in a relatively short amount of time, what drives them to write great songs and why it's important to keep rock n roll alive. Jim tells us why the Civic live show is different from the recordings, how it relates to his background in music and he shares a bit of the Civic cooperative writing/recording process. We get Jim's impression of the first US Civic tour, his take on IHOP and we hear a couple tunes.

CIVIC

ATO RECORDS

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The Check-In with Justin Moyer-Light Beams Oct 13, 2023

Justin Moyer is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and founding member of Washington D.C. dance punkers, Light Beams. He's also an original member or El Guapo, Antelope and a reporter for The Washington Post, where his work with the Post team was honored with a Pulitzer Prize for their coverage of the January 6th Capitol insurrection. Light Beams newest record, Wild Life is out November 3rd via Dischord Records/Mud Memory. In this episode, Justin shares his firsthand experience with a school shooting, which is directly addressed in Light Beams current single, Coming Our Way. We hear about his musical education in Philadelphia, why he added more members to Light Beams and why he prefers to write songs vertically rather than horizontally. They talk biking on tour, Justin's process of balancing two time consuming vocations and he delivers breaking news on the rock n roll origin of his byline. Joe discovers a secret sound on the new record and we hear a couple tunes.

Light Beams

Dischord Records

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The Check-In with Jenny Pulse-Giddy Skelter Oct 06, 2023

Jenny Pulse is a visual artist, singer, songwriter and one half of the collaborative duo, Tim Kinsella and Jenny Pulse. They're newest release, Giddy Skelter (out now via Kill Rock Stars), is a multi-textured collage of live instrumentation, samples, electro beats and experimental hooks. The recording is accompanied by a beautifully written zine titled Giddy Skelter : A Case Study. How to Make The Album You're Trying To Make, which functions as an illustration and manual to the process of making the record. In this episode Jenny shares how a karaoke rig and an old synthesizer were the gateway to her learning composition and arrangement. She tells us how the accompanying zine is a document of a new process of making a recording, how trips to the art institute influenced their song evolution and why she prefers mixing in a studio. The two discuss why untethering from the computer is a cure for the CPU blues, why band names make you feel like a teenager, and we hear a couple tunes.

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Jenny Pulse Tim Kinsella

Kill Rock Stars

The Check-In with Caleb Nichols Sep 29, 2023

Caleb Nichols is a poet and singer/songwriter from San Luis Obispo, CA. He has written, toured and recorded with Churches, Port O'Brian and many solo endeavors. Caleb is a PhD candidate in Creative and Critical Writing at Bangor University in Wales where he's writing about queer ecopoetics in contemporary poetry, films, and media. His poetry and prose have been published worldwide. His newest record Lets Looks Back, is out on October 13th via Kill Rock Stars. In this episode Caleb tell us why he stopped playing music for nearly eight years, what took its place and why a special opportunity lured him back in. He shares his writing process for Let's Look Back and why and a team effort turned him into a fan of his own record. Caleb and Joe bust out a few shared tour stories, they coin the term "dog poverty" and we hear how Caleb balances, separates and combines his two practices, poetry and music. We get an update on the UK DIY touring scene and we hear a couple tunes from Lets Look Back.

Caleb Nichols

Kill Rock Stars

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The Check-In with James Bertram Sep 22, 2023

James Bertram is a bass player, guitarist and founding member of Northwest indie luminaries Lync. He has also toured and recorded with Built To Spill, 764-HERO, Beck and Red Stars Theory. This episode not only celebrates James's experiences in the 90's DIY scene, but the re-issue of Lync's 1994 record, These Are Not Fall Colors, out via Suicide Squeeze records October 20th. James takes through his journey of the far-reaching communal music scene that supported Lync, his peers, and his many other endeavors. Joe and James talk outfits, venues and general vibe of the slightly grunge adjacent scene in 90's Seattle. . We get a closer look into Lync's formation, various recording processes and the success of the band. James gives us a run-down of his rock n roll lineage and we hear a couple Lync bangers.

Suicide Squeeze

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The Check-In with Juicebumps Sep 15, 2023

Juicebumps is a zany no-wave tinged post punk four piece based in Oakland, CA. With an ever-changing and strong visual aesthetic, Juicebump's look, performance and supporting graphic design carries the band as much as their heavy synthesizer base and angular guitar hooks. Their new record Jumbo is out October 13 on Rocks In you Head Records. In this episode, Joe talks with Parker, Spencer and Shaina on the origin of Juicebumps, how a fear of boredom drives their artistic output and why the goal of the band is to make people move on the dance floor. The band shares their collaborative process, how 90's cartoons are a visual influence and we hear a couple tunes.

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The Check-In with Jenn Champion Sep 08, 2023

Jenn Champion is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. She is a founding member of the legendary gloomers Carris's Wierd, recorded 4 records under the moniker "S" and now releases material and performs as Jenn Champion. Her newest self produced release, The Last Night of Sadness (out Oct. 13 via Gay Forever)is a rich and confident journey, tinged with heavy synth/pop riffs and hip hop nods, all coated in with a sheen of real life darkness and humor. In this episode, Jenn's shares her life and musical experience "pre-Carrisas Wierd" and how the band's relevance periodically bumbles into her orbit. Jenn and Joe discuss her view on success vs. fame and how the new record went from "small" demos to a much larger pop production. Jenn tells us why the new release feels more like a realized piece of art, how horror soundtracks had an influence on the production and we hear a few tunes.

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The Check-In with Vice Cooler-Thrash Palace Sep 01, 2023

Season 5 debut with Vice Cooler! Vice Cooler is an artist, musician, producer, director, and photographer based in Los Angeles, California. As a teenager, Vice co-founded the influential no wave band XBXRX in Mobile, Alabama and later he became a member of The Raincoats along with touring as a member of Chicks on Speed. Vice has gone on to work with Peaches, Linda Lindas, Kim Gordon, Ladytron, Deerhoof and dozens of other artists in production, performance and video capacities. In this episode we hear how Thrash Palace, his newest effort with EMA and Sarah Register, was formed and signed to Sub Pop following a 48-hour recording session. Vice shares his experiences of growing up in the Mobile music scene and how one show likely put him on the artistic trajectory he remains on to this day. Joe and Vice discuss the his collaborative process, why he likes to work quickly and how he views his overall output. Vice declares his love for theme parks and we hear a couple Thrash Palace tunes.

If you are liking Tour Stories, please subscribe and tell a friend. Thanks!

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And.....I want to welcome our newest sponsor to the show Distrokid! Distrokid helps musicians get their music on all the major streaming platforms and artists keep 100% of their royalties. Tour Stories listeners get 30% off at distrokid.com/vip/tourstories.

Vice Cooler

Sup Pop

Tour Stories Presents: Hyphenate with Randy Randall Aug 25, 2023

This week Tour Stories presents Ruinous Medias newest podcast Hyphenate with Randy Randall. On today’s Hyphenate with Randy Randall, Randy sits down with legendary Skateboarder/Photographer/Guitarist Ray Barbee to talk all things skate, music, and photos. Getting started skating in the early 80’s and continuing to follow the creative stoke through music and photography. Ray is a legend in the Skateboard industry for not only his skills on the board but also his contributions to the culture of skateboarding through his amazing black and white photography as well as his groove on guitar documented on his many solo LP’s. Learn more at ruinousmedia.com/hyphenate.

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Ray Barbee Links:

https://www.vans.com/en-us/team/skate/ray-barbee

https://www.instagram.com/r.barbee/?hl=en

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2XgTFrmbSf8V98EtcQSp2n?si=4xIyTYDzSIacOvSu-0qMig

https://www.merchbar.com/vinyl-records/ray-barbee

Randy’s Gear links:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ETSPVSGH--epiphone-sheraton-ii-pro-vintage-sunburst

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DD8--boss-dd-8-digital-delay-pedal

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DVP4--dunlop-dvp4-volume-x-mini-pedal

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PhilosMicro--pigtronix-philosophers-tone-micro-compressor-sustain-pedal

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SugarDrive--mxr-m294-sugar-drive-overdrive-pedal

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WhiteyTighty--jhs-whitey-tighty-mini-fet-compressor-pedal

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AcapulcoV2--earthquaker-devices-acapulco-gold-v2-distortion-pedal

The Check-In with Ryan Patterson-Fotocrime Aug 19, 2023

Ryan Patterson is the singer, song-writer, guitarist and founding member of Fotocrime, a cinematic tinged post-punk synth-electropop band based in Louisville. Their fourth record, Accelerated (out on Artoffact Records September 8th) takes the band a step further into the dark wave, this time with a richer melodic landscape and more inclusive genre portfolio. In this episode Ryan shares his lyrical process and inspiration for the new record and how it connects to previous releases. He tells us about his experience of growing up in rural Kentucky as a DC scene obsessed kid and how that influenced his industrious work ethic in both his music and successful non-music endeavors. We learn how he beat his allergy to cats and hear a few new tunes.

This episode is supported by Izotope. For a limited time, use code FRET10 for a discount on all software.

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The Check-In with Tim Rutili-Califone Aug 11, 2023

Tim Rutili is a musician, film maker, visual artist and founding member of Califone. The newest record, villagers (out now vie jealous butcher) is a celebration of noise, experimental soundscape and elegant melody garnished with the silk of 70's AM radio and the smooth of classic pop. In this episode Tim tells us how death is a motivator behind his 30+ year musical journey and why the search continues. He explains the ridiculous notion behind the song the habsburg jaw, why he considers himself an "anarchic noise maker" and why he see's beauty in dissonance. Joe and Tim discuss their pointillist based recording project and we hear a few tunes from the new record.

tim rutili

jealous butcher

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The Check In with Sarah Mary Chadwick Aug 04, 2023

Sarah Mary Chadwick is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist based in Melbourne. She will release her eighth studio record Messages To God on September 15th via Kill Rock Stars. Produced by Tony Espie, this playful and raw romp through personal darkness leaves the listener "entertained" and surprisingly optimistic. In this episode Sarah shares the reason for her early piano training and how it played a role in her early childhood home-life. She tells us how the low entry barrier of the of her local hardcore scene allowed her to get involved in live performance and why she stuck with it. Joe and Sarah discuss the notion of being an "entertainer", how Tetris is a model for her lyrical progression and we hear a few tunes from Messages To God.

For more: Sarah Mary Chadwick

Kill Rock Stars

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Tour Story with Joe Plummer :Conway The Wrong Way Jul 28, 2023

This week Joe shares a tour story from a show in Conway, Arkansas with The Black Heart Procession in 2002. What could go wrong could go right.

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The Check-In with Nic Gohl and Drew McBride from Deeper Jul 21, 2023

Nic Gohl and Drew McBride are the guitarists and founding members of Chicago based Deeper. Their third release and Sub Pop Records debut Careful is out September 8th and is followed by an extensive North American and European tour. In this episode Drew and Nic share their musical backgrounds, how Deeper came together in their college years and the audio and visual evolution of the band to now. They discuss their progression of songwriting, share the experience of making Deeper in a fourteen day studio session and the role guitar layering has on the over all sound of the new record. The three exchange their thoughts on ranching (yes, ranching) and we hear a couple tunes from the new record.

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To learn more about Deeper go to Sub Pop and Deeper

Tour of Appreciation. 25 years of Joe's bands Jul 14, 2023

This week's episode is a playlist of the bands Joe has recorded and toured with over the past 25 years. This chronological compilation is a celebration and an appreciation of the people he's had the fortune to work with throughout his career as a musician. Take the journey and enjoy.

Tracklist

Positive Greed: Retribution, Bob's Song

Bare Minimum: Fox Channel 9, "6"

Replikants: Xxenogenesis, Jazz Horse

Caustic Resin: Unlucky

Magic Magicians :Cascade Express, Wet Pills Pt. 2

A Gun Called Tension: 10 PM Letter

The Black Heart Procession: Did You Wonder, Sympathy Crime

The John and Spencer Booze Explosion: Lady Bird

20 Miles: Life Doesn't Rhyme

Modest Mouse: We've Got Everything, The Whale Song

The Shins: Bait and Switch, Heartworms

Mister Heavenly: Blue Lines, Georges Garden

Ugly Casanova: Corcova

Hew Time: 2020 Is Yours, Camp Kurtz

The Coromadelles: Good Guy, Maglite

Lieutenant: The Place You Wanna Go

Cold Ward Kids: Flower Drum Song, You Already Know

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A Celebration of Rick Froberg: Pitchfork: Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes, Obits Jul 05, 2023

This episode is dedicated to the life, music and art of Rick Froberg, singer and guitarist for the bands Pitchfork, Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes, and Obits. I can remember the first time I heard Pitchfork at Fallout records in Seattle. From the moment I heard his cracking voice, the hooky jangle of his riffs, I was hooked on everything Rick. His stage presence, his vinegary and potent version of Fuck The Man messaging and of course his visual art that delivered the same message in such a beautifully sarcastic fashion. I had that chance to spend time with Rick here and there over the years, and I feel so fortunate to know him on and off the stage . I’ll always remember that constant half smirk that somehow both intimidated me and brought me in to his warmth at the same time. If you are unfamiliar with Rick's body of work both visually and musically, seek it out and enjoy.

Rick inspired my ears, my eyes and my heart. RIP

TRACKLIST

Pitchfork: Burn pigs burn

Pitchfork: Placebo

Dive Like Jehu: Caress

Drive Like Jehu: Do you compute

Drive Like Jehu: Luau

Drive Like Jehu: Bullet Train To Vegas

Hot Snakes: LAX

Hot Snakes: If Credit’s What Matters I’ll Take Credit

Hot Snakes: Checkmate

Obits: I Blame You

Obits: I Want Results

Obits: No Fly List

Drive Like Jehu: Hand Over Fist

The Check In with Heather Larimer and Brian Naubert- Corvair Jun 30, 2023

Heather Larimer and Brian Naubert are the husband/wife duo that make up Portland based power-pop band Corvair. Their potent sophomore effort Bound to Be is out now via Paper Walls and Where It's At Is Where You Are. In this episode we discuss how their relationship plays into their writing process and how that has changed. They share their long game of record output and the process of making Bound To Be in Seattle, Portland and Oakland. Brian tells us why he's in happy song sad song limbo, Heather breaks down the idea behind new song Shady Town and the two tell us what it's like to write a love letter to your band member. We do some heavy Scirocco talk and hear a couple new tunes.

This episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!

https://www.corvairband.com/

The Check-In with Night Beats...... Danny "Lee Blackwell" Rajan Billingsley Jun 23, 2023

Danny "Lee Blackwell" Rajan Billingsley is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and founding member of Night Beats. His is, alongside Carolina Faruolo, one half of the Tropicalia infused psych rock band Abraxas and also a co-collaborator in the UFO Club with Christian Bland from The Black Angels. Rajan, thenewest release from Night Beats, is a rhythmically humid psychedelic odyssey that touches on R&B, Anatolian funk, 60's pop and celebrates hypnosis of dub. In this episode we talk about Danny's parameter less approach to songwriting and the role of "rule breaking". Danny shares his point of view of "world rock" as a kid growing up in Dallas and why the young Danny found himself as a failed gatekeeper of cultural traditions. We learn how he uses rhythm to build his various projects and we hear a couple tunes from Rajan.

This episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!

The Check-In with D.A. Stern Jun 16, 2023

D.A. Stern (aka David Stern) is an LA based, New Jersey raised songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. His newest record, Don't Take Your Heartache Out On The World (Sept 13 via Symphonic) is a richly produced hook party that both globally and specifically addresses the trappings of love loss, infidelity and even "punkness", all in one sincere and at times humorous package. In this episode, David shares the journey of going from songwriter/protools tinkerer to landing as an engineer at the late Adam Yauch's Oscilloscope Laboratories and finally becoming a prolific self producing artist. David also tells us why collaboration is valuable to him and how it functions as a vehicle for him to loosen the rains on his production. We hear how Matt Sweeney wound up doing a guitar solo on the new record, why comedy is at his Davids expressive core and Joe plays a couple new tunes.

This episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/

https://www.izotope.com/

https://www.plugin-alliance.com/

The Check-In with Kate Stables-This Is The Kit Jun 09, 2023

Kate Stables is a singer, song-writer, multi instrumentalist and founding member of This Is The Kit. British born Paris based Stables will be releasing her 7th full length record, Careful Of Your Keepers on June 9th via Rough Trade Records. The new effort is a complex, soothing and magnetic collection of songs produced and "toneset" by Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals, Neon Neon). In this episode Joe and Kate discuss the lyrical origin and tone of the new record and Kate shares some insight into her general writing process and how that connects to the listener. Kate tells us why she's likely a "changer" vs. and "stay the samer" and how that may manifest in both her life and art. She also shares the experience of making Careful Of Your Keepers with a super furry animal, explains the meaning behind This Is The Kit and champions Joes excitement for the video for the single More Change. https://youtu.be/v25evwdaf8o

This episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/

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https://titk.cargo.site/

https://www.roughtrade.com/us/product/this-is-the-kit/careful-of-your-keepers-2

The Check-In with PONY-Sam Bielanski and Matty Morand Jun 02, 2023

PONY is a guitar power pop duo from Windsor, Ontario by way of Toronto. Currently comprised of singer/songwriter/founding member Sam Bielanski and multi-instrumentalist/co-collaborator Matty Morand, the band has releasedVelveteen (Take This To Heart Records), a irresistible hook laden hyper catchy effort that dabbles with The Velveteen Rabbit as a vehicle for expressing the power of giving love and acceptance. In this episode, we learn why the duo are drawn to the more sugary side of guitar rock but at the same time don't feel confined to the genre. Matty and Sam also share their collaborative process, the role The Velveteen Rabbit plays on the new record and their approach to live performance. Matty hips Joe to the Windsor touring scene, we learn about their podcast 2 Much TV and we hear a couple new tunes.

This episode supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out "Summer of Sound", the best ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals . Visit all 3 online shops to capture these insane deals!

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/

https://www.izotope.com/

https://www.plugin-alliance.com/

https://ponytheband.ca/album/velveteen

https://www.takethistoheartrecords.com/

John Goff: Funerals, Weddings and Vincent Gallo. The Pipes and Synth Story. May 26, 2023

John Goff, also known as Cascadia Bagpiper, has been a professional bagpiper since 1984. Originally from San Diego, he currently resides in the Pacific Northwest and plays memorials, funerals, weddings, and various celebrations. John is also an experimental musician, playing guitar, synthesizer and bagpipes with a wide range of musicians including Crash Worship, Neurosis, Merzbow, Steve Von Till, and NØISE, a collaboration with artist Shepard Fairey. In this episode, John shares a few of his many anecdotes, experiences and insights as an experimental musician turned professional bagpiper. We also get a brief history of the instrument, the outfit and the journey that landed him in this vocation. Long time pals Joe and John get a chance to catch up, hear some fruits of their collaborations and they revisit the time Vincent Gallo visited John at his Portland home.

This ep is supported Native Instruments. Use code "podcast" to get 50% off Komplete 14 Select, visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/

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https://www.cascadiabagpiper.com/

http://www.noiseproject.com/

The Check with Lira and Caufield -Sweeping Promises May 19, 2023

Lira Mondal and Caufield Schnug are collectively Sweeping Promises. Together, they have written, performed and recorded the last two records entirely as a duo, both efforts celebrating their unique and dynamic chemistry. Their newest record, Good Living Is Coming For You will be released on June 30th on Feel It (North America) and Sup Pop (ROW) with extensive touring to follow. In this episode, Lira and Caufield share their long journey between the records that landed them in their new studio in Lawrence, KS by way of Boston, Austin and Marfa. They discuss the intention behind their production, how meticulousness can result in simplicity and their path to collaborative songwriting. The three discuss why music criticism has likely run out of steam, why Caulfield feels like a spy on tour and we hear a few tunes new tunes.

Episode supported by Native Instruments. visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/ for 50% off Komplete 14 Select using code "podcast"

Episode supported by Izotope. Go to https://www.izotope.com/ for 10% off all software using code "FRET10"

https://www.feelitrecordshop.com/

https://www.subpop.com/artists/sweeping_promises

https://sweepingpromises.com/

The Check-In with Aviv Rubinstien, In Sync Podcast, Jacob the Horse May 12, 2023

Aviv Rubinstien is a Philly native, musician, filmmaker and podcaster living and working in Los Angeles. He has written and directed several feature films both in the United States and Southeast Asia. A true hyphenate, Aviv is the singer for the rock n roll band Jacob The Horse, he teaches screenwriting and filmmaking at Emerson College and Hussian College Los Angeles and, along side Rachel Brodsky, he co-host of*IN SYNC, the podcast celebrating the perfect on-screen needle drop. In this episode, Aviv and Joe share their favorite needle drops and Aviv not only gives us a definition, but also the distinction between needle drop and score. We hear about the sit-com-esc origin of *IN SYNC, and how it may quell the battle of the two loves in his life, music and cinema. Last, Aviv shares a truly outrageous tour story that changed his perspective on his life at the time, all through the lens of a band created for a film project.

Episode supported by Native Instruments. visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/ for 50% off Komplete 14 Select using code "podcast"

Episode supported by Izotope. Go to https://www.izotope.com/ for 10% off all software using code "FRET10"

https://redcircle.com/shows/insync

https://jacobthehorse.bandcamp.com/album/jacob-the-horse

The Check-In with Seán Barna May 05, 2023

Seán Barna is a singer, songwriter and has been playing drums professionally since he was 14, cutting his teeth in Floridian honky-tonks and eventually graduating to the touring broadway production of The Producers. Seán's interests have since turned to a more up front position, taking on both singing and writing for his solo efforts which has led him to recording 3 records and touring the world for the past several years. His newest effort , An Evening at Macri Park — "a character study of the dimly-lit Brooklyn queer bar, Macri Park, and the creatures who thrive within its walls" is also a celebration of protest, the social energy of folk music and lush production. In this episode, Seán shares his early life as a professional drummer, what led to theater and stage production work, and how meeting Adam Duritz from Counting Crows change his career trajectory. Joe and Seán discuss the catalyst and process behind An Evening at Macri Park and the two drummers of course..... talk drums. We learn what a gay cactus looks like and hear a few tunes. An Evening at Macri Park will be released May 12th on Kill Rock Stars.

https://seanbarna.bandcamp.com/album/an-evening-at-macri-park

https://www.dangeroussounds.com/

https://killrockstars.com/

This ep is supported Native Instruments. Use code "podcast" to get 50% off Komplete 14 Select, visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/

This ep is also supported by Izotope. Use code "fret10" to receive your software discount at https://www.izotope.com/

The Check-In with 79.5: Kate Mattison and Lola Adanna Apr 28, 2023

79.5 is a Brooklyn based disco-soul, psychdelic-electro band started by singer-songwriter Kate Mattison. Following philosophical and lineup changes over the last two years, 79.5 is now fronted by both Mattison and Lola Adanna. In this episode Kate and Lola share the motivation behind the new self-titled record (out on Razor N Tape May 5th) and the single B.D.F.Q. The two tell us how their relationship started and why their camaraderie and collaboration not only enhances 79.5, but why it is important to them personally. We look into their writing-recording process , musical background and hear a few tunes. If Questlove loves 79.5, you will too.

This ep is supported Native Instruments. Use code "podcast" to get 50% off Komplete 14 Select, visit https://www.native-instruments.com/en/

This ep is also supported by Izotope. Use code "fret10" to receive your software discount at https://www.izotope.com/

https://79point5.bandcamp.com/

https://linktr.ee/razorntape

https://79point5.bandcamp.com/album/795

Tour Story with Joe Plummer: Spain with a Black Heart Apr 21, 2023

Finally, Joe Plummer tells a Tour Story of his own. He shares the true tail of a life threatening close call on a trip to Sevilla, Spain with his band at the time, The Black Heart Procession. A real life view into the romance, the love, the danger and the foolishness of life on the road from a seasoned touring musician. In this episode Joe is joined by a surprise (an mysterious) musical guest to accompany his story. Also, we hear the original version of Honeybear, the Tour Stories them song with the great Paul Jenkins from The Black Heart Procession on vocals.

http://www.joeplummermusic.com/

http://www.palljenkins.com/theblackheartprocession

https://www.ruinousmedia.com/tourstories

This episode sponsored by https://www.native-instruments.com/en/ and https://www.izotope.com/

The Check-In with Dave Lombardo Apr 14, 2023

Dave Lombardo is a drummer, a drum innovator, a drumming enthusiast and a founding member of the seminal thrash metal band Slayer. Since his final departure from Slayer in 2013, Lombardo has kept himself busy touring, recording and performing with Fantomas, John Zorn, Mr Bungle, Dead Cross, Empire State Bastard and The Misfits, to name a few. On May 5th, we will see his first and long awaited solo effort, Rites of Percussion (Ipecac Records), a percussive rich, tonally conscious, cinematic drum record. In this episode, Dave shares the catalyst behind his solo debut, the process of writing and recording entirely on his own and the freedom that it brought him. We learn about his practice of celebrating tone in his many collaborations and the significance it has on those recordings. Joe and Dave swap favorite drum records, Dave shares a few of his favorite moments making the new record and we hear a few tunes.

https://ipecac.com/

https://davelombardo.bandcamp.com/album/rites-of-percussion

The Check-In with Yvette Young, Covet Apr 07, 2023

Yvette Young is a singer, songwriter and guitarist for Covet. The new record, Catharsis is out now on Triple Crown Records. In this episode, Yvette shares her process the risks and the inspiration behind this new record. Joe and Yvette discuss the collaborative effort it takes to make a record, the power of instrumental music and the conflict between writing music verses touring. We learn that Joe and Yvette share some of the same post hard-core influences and we hear a couple new tunes.

https://yvetteyoungmusic.com/

http://triplecrownrecords.com/artists/covet

https://covettheband.com/

https://covetband.bandcamp.com/

The Check-In with Hayden Mar 31, 2023

Hayden Desser is a seasoned, self-producing singer songwriter from Toronto. After close to a 8-year break, Hayden has released a full length record via Arts and Crafts. This newest effort, Are We Good, celebrates a new writing approach and collaborations with Matt Berninger (The National) Leslie Feist (Feist) and Aaron Dessner (The National). In typical fashion the record is accompanied by thoughtful, cinematic videos that include a cameo by pal and collaborator Steve Buscemi. In this episode Joe and Hayden discuss his 8 year "break" and how it resulted in a new record and a stronger sense of patience. Hayden shares his experience of collaborating lyrically, his view on touring after a long stint at home and the importance of video to his overall expression. He shares a bit of his recording process and we hear a couple tunes. Episode supported by Izotope and Native Instruments.

https://arts-crafts.ca/

https://www.wasteyourdaysaway.com/

https://haydendesser.bandcamp.com/album/are-we-good

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/

The Check-In with Shannon Lay Mar 24, 2023

Shannon Lay is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and Sub Pop recording artist from southern California. Her newest release Covers, Volume 1, is a 9-song collection of cover songs that celebrate Shannon's influences as an artist and serve as a vehicle to share her artistic perspective with her listeners. In this episode, Joe and Shannon discuss her musical roots and what stemmed the idea to release a record of other people's songs. She also shares the process behind selecting the songs, how she recorded them and why she thinks releasing a collection of covers is important. The two delve into their mutual appreciation for John Dwyer, Elliott Smith and Vashti Bunyan and we hear a couple tunes.

https://www.shannonlay.com/

https://shannonlay.bandcamp.com/

https://www.subpop.com/releases/shannon_lay/covers_vol_1

https://www.discountmirrorsstudio.com/about/

https://www.altamirasoundrecording.com/

The Check-In with Alex Edkins and Graham Walsh-Noble Rot Mar 17, 2023

Noble Rot is the studio project of Alex Edkins (METZ) and Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck). Long time collaborators and friends, the two began working on Noble Rot following the cancelation both of their respective tours. In this episode we hear how the two met, what was behind their drive to document this sonic exploration and what kept them dedicated to the project. They share process of recording Heavenly Bodies, Repetition, Control and why visual artist John Smith is so important to the overall experience of the release. Joe urges them to take the record from a "studio project" to a "live project" and we hear a couple tunes.

https://noblerotmusic.bandcamp.com/releases

https://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/products/noble-rot-heavenly-bodies-repetition-control-curated-by-jasamine-white-gluz

https://strangeprocess.com/index.php

https://www.metzztem.com/

https://www.holyfuckmusic.com/

The Check-In with Piper Torrison- Mediocre Mar 10, 2023

Along with Keely Martin, Piper Torrison is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and 1/2 of the Boston based rock duo, Mediocre. Their newest effort , To You Know You're Screwed is due out April 7th and is their first release with Dangerbird Records. In this episode, Joe and Piper discuss the bi coastal effort it took to make the new record, how Piper and Keely are artistically joined and the idea behind "knowing you're screwed" and how it relates to entering adulthood. Piper also shares the meaning of the newest single Pop Song Baby , and why this perspective goes beyond the fem tokenism. Piper tells us why video and visual art are equally as important as music to Mediocre and we hear a couple tunes.

https://mediocretheband.bandcamp.com/music

https://ffm.to/toknowyourescrewed

The Check-In with Hew Time Mar 03, 2023

This week we hear from Joe's other voice, his drums. In the winter of 2012 and 2013, Joe found himself on a dreaded break. Mister Heavenly, The Shins and Cold War Kids were either between tours or between records, leaving him in his least favorite position, idle. He was still playing and recording almost daily, but with records rather than bandmates. One day during a "shuffle session" ( he would hit record, shuffle his music library and start playing with whatever tune came into his ears), he got the idea to not only pay homage to one of his favorite drummers Max Roach, but to "cover" M'boom, an all percussion masterpiece released in 1970. Ultimately, Hew Time only hints at the jazzier elements of M'boom, but each composition is a song for song interpretation of spirit of the record. As soon as the skeletal versions were written, Joe brought the tunes to Dale Crover (The Melvins, Nirvana) Coady Willis (Big Business, Murder City Devils, The Melvins, High On Fire) and Kyle Crane (Rufus Wainwright, Daniel Lenois, Neko Case) where they recorded live over the course of two days with Toshi Kasai. Please enjoy, It's Hew Time. Hew Time is available on Joyful Noise Records. #feelthepassion

https://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/collections/hew-time

https://www.themelvins.net/

To see video, go to https://youtu.be/ZE4oUmUZABw

Track Listing

2020 Is Yours!

Koopolder

Nine Pan Alley

Swung

Bell Door

Swimming Pool (Hildalgo Blues)

Tan Guy

Bell Window

Cave Rage

The Check-In with Ed Rodriquez and John Dieterich of DEERHOOF Feb 24, 2023

Ed Rodriquez and John Dieterich are the guitarists for Deerhoof. Though they branch out with other projects, they have both been dedicated to the band for over 20 years and are celebrating the bands 19th album Miracle-Level (out March 31st on Joyful Noise Recordings). As standard with Deerhoof, the new record shimmers with newness and is full of sonic and lyrical surprises, but what stands out most is that this is the first "studio record" they've recorded in their long career. In this episode John and Ed share the recording experience and the motivation behind it. We also learn how John and Ed's artistic and personal relationship formed, how music brought them together and why this bond is so important them. John Joe and Ed discuss the path of their early influences and how they rear their head in the music and life. John tells us about Pond Hockey and we hear a couple tunes from the new record.

https://deerhoof.website/

https://deerhoof.bandcamp.com/album/miracle-level

https://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/collections/deerhoof

The Check-In with David Dickenson-Suicide Squeeze Records Feb 17, 2023

David Dickenson is the founder of Suicide Squeeze Records. Based in Seattle, David's first release was a 7” from indie duo 764-Hero in 1996. Following its success, he used his label to release singles and EPs by local acts like Modest Mouse, Elliott Smith, and Pedro The Lion. Over the past 27 years, David has greatly expanded his roster outside the Northwest with releases from The Black Keys, The Melvins, Iron and Wine, The Coathangers, Death Valley Girls and Holy Wave. In this episode, David catches us up on the newest at Suicide Squeeze, what motivated him to start the label in the frist place and what has kept him interested for close to 3 decades. He shares his philosophy behind choosing artist to work with and also his experience of working with Elliott Smith and how that relationship started. We learn the meaning behind Suicide Squeeze and hear a couple tunes from Death Valley Girls.

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The Check-In with Cat Clyde Feb 10, 2023

Cat Clyde is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Ontario, Canada. Her third and beautifully versatile record Down Rounder was produced by Tony Berg and is out February 17th on Second Prize Records. In this episode Cat shares her musical background, her influences growing up and the music and state of mind she was in at the onset of recording Down Rounder. She explains the multi-faceted meaning behind the single Papa Took My Totems and how it relates to nature, her Métis heritage and patriarchy. She also shares the dynamic journey of making and finally finishing the record with Tony Berg at Sound City Studios. We hear a couple tunes and Cat tells us what the term "rounder" means to her.

https://catclydemusic.com/

https://catclydeband.bandcamp.com/

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The Check-In with Fantastic Negrito (Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz) Feb 03, 2023

Fantastic Negrito (Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz) is a singer, song writer and three time Grammy award winner from Oakland, California. His newest record, Grandfather Courage , is an acoustic rebirth of his previous record, White Jesus, Black Problems. In this episode Joe and Xavier discuss this sonic reimagining, the rich familial story behind the record and fresh vibe this new version has created. Xavier also shares the philosophy behind Revolution Plantation, his urban farm project aimed at youth education, empowerment and community sufficiency. Xavier explains the origin of his last name and we hear a couple tunes.

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Tour Stories 2022 Thank You and Invitation Dec 30, 2022

Joe takes a moment to thank YOU the listeners for all the support in 2022! He also invites you to chime and let him know how he's doing, what's great, what could be better and what you'd like to see or hear from Tour Stories/The Check-In in 2023 and beyond. He also wants to thank all the guests of 2022 and encourages YOU to support them by going to shows and buying their records. And please, check out the growing roster at Ruinous Media and stay tuned for some radical new shows in 2023. Reach Joe at tsjoe@ruinousmedia.com

https://www.ruinousmedia.com/

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The Check-In with Sam Coomes-Quasi Dec 23, 2022

Sam Coomes is a singer, songwriter and multi- instrumentalist from Portland, Oregon. He is a founding member of Quasi along with Janet Weiss and has recorded and toured extensively with the likes of Elliott Smith, Built To Spill, Heatmiser, The Go Betweens and John Spencer and the Hit Makers. Ten years after their last record, Quasi is releasing their tenth record, Breaking the Balls Of History (Sub Pop Records) on February 10th, 2023. In this episode, Joe and Sam discuss the motivation, process and circumstances behind the new release. Sam tells us how this record is different from past Quasi records, why being in "touring shape" was so important to the recording and shares his thoughts on Janets insistence on adding a chorus to lead single, Doomscrollers. Joe reminisces on the their days touring together, they touch upon their shared affinity for British punkers Subhumans and we hear a couple tunes from Breaking The Balls Of History.
https://theequasi.bandcamp.com/album/breaking-the-balls-of-history
https://www.subpop.com/artists/quasi

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Live! Rachel Demy: between, everywhere, Live at Elliott Bay Book Company Dec 16, 2022

TOUR STORIES LIVE! with Joe's long time touring comrade and photographer, Rachel Demy. Rachel's has a vast experience on the road, (The Shins, St. Vincent, Neko Case) ranging from tour managing, tour booking, driving, merchandise, and everything in between it takes to support and execute a live show on the road, day after day. Now Rachel has focused on her first love, photography. Her first book, Between, Everywhere (out now, Minor Matters), is a collection of photographs and words from her time on the road with Death Cab For Cutie. Joe and Rachel discuss the inspiration and process behind her work, the power of the collective ever-moving nature of rock n roll touring and they look back on their days with The Shins.
https://www.racheldemy.com/

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Annual Holiday Special. The Case Of The Missing Bass with Michael Cera Dec 09, 2022

To celebrate the holidays, we are replaying Joe's favorite episode of Tour Stories with pal and former bandmate Micheal Cera. Even more, now is your chance to help him recover his favorite instrument! Listen, share! Let's get Michael his bass back in time for Christmas.

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The Check-In with Anna Mieke Dec 02, 2022

Anna Mieke is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Wicklow, Ireland. Her newest record, the potent, droning folk soundscape, Theatre, is both a freer and more focused follow up to her well received first release, Idle Mind. In this episode, Anna shares the process of making Theatre, why the live setting was crucial to the final recording, and what made it such a special experience. Joe and Anna discuss their shared love of drone and the role it plays in Anna's songwriting. She also tells us how she found herself back in her home town and why she might already be missing the city life. Anna shares her upcoming tour dates and we hear a couple tunes.

https://annamieke.com/

https://annamieke.bandcamp.com/album/theatre

https://nettwerk.com/

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Nate Mendel: Live Nude Guys Nov 25, 2022

Nate Mendel is the bass player of the Foo Fighters. He cut his teeth in the Northwest punk rock scene touring and recording with Diddly Squat, Christ On A Crutch and Sunny Day Real Estate, to name a few. In this episode Nate shares the curious history of nudity in his rock n roll career.
Music by Nate Mendel, Lieutenant, and Joe Plummer.
https://lieutenantmusic.bandcamp.com/album/if-i-kill-this-thing-were-all-going-to-eat-for-a-week

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The Check-In with Adam Halferty Nov 18, 2022

Adam Halferty is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist living in Los Angeles by way of eastern Colorado. He has toured and recorded extensively with his band American Tomahawk and Nick Thorburn's band Islands. In this episode, new friends Joe and Adam talk touring recovery, the important role of humor on the road and what makes a good and bad hotel roommate. They discuss Adams new record, cc fAult, what stemmed the solo effort and his song writing process. They flirt with the idea of acting as a profession and we hear a couple tunes.
https://americantomahawk.bandcamp.com/album/mr-griever

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The Check-In with John Mark Lapham-Old Fire Nov 11, 2022

John Mark Lapham is a composer, producer and animator from Abilene Texas. His newest effort Voids, under the moniker Old Fire, is a collaborative audio collage that illustrates the isolation and the cinematic landscape of his West Texas upbringing. In this episode Joe and John Mark discuss the dark inspiration behind the record, why his music tends to celebrate the visual, and why he worked with multiple vocalists (Bill Callahan, Emily Cross, Adam Torres, and Julia Holter) . John Mark shares the long process of making Voids and we hear a couple tunes. https://westernvinyl.com/artists/old-fire.php
https://oldfire.bandcamp.com/

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The Check In with Adam Luksetich, The Numero Group, Bound For Hell-On The Sunset Strip Nov 04, 2022

Adam Luksetich is a musician, DJ and resident "metal head" at The Numero Group. He is also the producer of Bound For Hell-On The Sunset Strip, a multi-medium release that explores and celebrates the lesser known bands of the early 80's Los Angeles glam rock scene, just before the ultra popular Poisons and Motley Crue's of the same era. In this episode, Adam shares what he gleaned from his extensive research, why some of these bands went unnoticed and the difference between "glam" metal and "hair" metal. Joe and Adam speculate on the demise of the genre, the influence behind it and why women were underrepresented. We get a some insight on the process of making this extensive box set and hear a couple tunes.
https://numerogroup.com/

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On Tour with Man Man: A Tour Stories Special with Ryan Kattner Oct 28, 2022

In this Tour Stories special, Ryan Kattner (Man Man, Mister Heavenly, Honus Honus) and Joe recount their recent Man Man tour in the southwest, where Joe sat in on drums for the first time. The conversation is supplemented and enhanced with Joe's audio diary, which sheds light on what these rock n rollers do off the stage, after the show and on the long drives in between. We hear from the entire band, hit the Bushyhead Festival in Kansas, Oklahoma and meet multi-personality driver extraordinaire, Coach Steve.
https://www.manmanband.com/
https://manmanbandband.bandcamp.com/album/dream-hunting-in-the-valley-of-the-in-between
https://sites.google.com/view/bushyheadfarmsummerfestival/home

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The Check-In with Scout Gillett Oct 21, 2022

Scout Gillett is a singer songwriter living in Brooklyn by way of Kansas City. Her debut LP, no roof, no floor (Captured Tracks) is a meditation on loss and vulnerability that’s sonic quality replaces any hopelessness with a sense of openness. In this episode Joe and Scout discuss the inspiration behind the new record and the experience of tracking the songs in a barn, in the dark. Scout also tells us how the DIY community has shaped her view on the music industry and why that led to her starting her own booking agency. She shares her upcoming touring plans and we hear a couple tunes.
https://scoutgillettmusic.bandcamp.com/
https://capturedtracks.com/

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The Check-In with Gustav Ejstes- Dungen Oct 14, 2022

Gustav Ejstes is the singer, multi-instrumentalist and founding member of Dungen. After a six year break, Dungen has released En Är För Mycket och Tusen Aldrig Nog (One is Too Much and a Thousand is Never Enough) on Mexican Summer. In this episode Gustav explains the process of working with producer/collaborator Mattias Glavå, and the role Mitch Mitchell, Public Enemy and Jungle play on the album. He shares his touring plans and we hear a couple tunes.
http://www.dungen-music.com/
https://www.mexicansummer.com/artist/dungen/

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LOU REED - WORDS & MUSIC, MAY 1965 - A TOUR STORIES SPECIAL Oct 07, 2022

LOU REED - WORDS & MUSIC, MAY 1965

This Light In The Attic podcast is a companion piece to Words and Music, May 1965, an album of previously unreleased songs recorded by a young Lou Reed with future Velvet Underground bandmate, John Cale. It includes first known recordings of such iconic songs as "I'm Waiting for the Man" and "Heroin." These recordings will be released to the public for the first time on Light in the Attic Records.
Our host, Tunde Adebimpe sits down with Matt Sullivan (co-owner and founder of Light in the Attic Records) and Lou Reed archivists Jason Stern and Don Fleming to get their insights into how the tape was discovered and how the songs were recorded by Cale and Reed in the spring of 1965.

Listen along with Matt, Don and Jason as they share their appreciation and knowledge of these extraordinary recordings. Produced by Light in the Attic, Ruinous Media and Dann Gallucci.

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The Check-In with Sam Quartin Sep 30, 2022

Sam Quartin is the singer, lyricist and founding member of The Bobby Lee's. Their newest record and Ipecac Recordings debut Bellevue will hit the streets October 7th. Bellevue is a ferocious follow up to the well received Skin Suit and an intense journey of manic metamorphosis that will leave you demanding to see them live. In this episode, Joe catches up with Sam from New York city, where she's in her car, parked illegally. We get Sams thoughts on touring after a busy year on the road, how she feels about Hollywood culture from an actors point of view and she tells us the origin of the title Bellevue. She also shares The Bobby Lee's songwriting process and her experience working with Vance Powell. We hear how the band will finish out the year play a couple rip roarin numbers.
https://www.thebobbylees.com/
https://thebobbylees.bandcamp.com/
https://www.ipecac.com/artists/thebobbylees

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The Check-In with Harper-Simon Sep 23, 2022

Harper Simon is a singer, songwriter, producer and journalist. His most recent effort is an album and accompanying art book entitled Meditations on Crime. . The release is a vast and collaborative multimedia project that incorporates an eclectic collection of contributors including writers, visual artists and of course, musicians . It is indeed a full circle meditation on crime, expressed through song, images and word. In this episode Joe and Harper discuss the genesis of the project and how his relationship to politics motivated him to choose crime as the subject. Joe and Harper talk about the process of selecting contributors and the importance of cohesion in something this large. Harper shares his experience recording with long time friend Hal Willner, his plans to play live and we hear a couple tunes
https://youtube.com/user/HarperSimonMusic

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The Check-In with Randy Randall -NO AGE Sep 16, 2022

Randy Randall is the guitarist, co-producer and founding member of No Age. Their 3rd record on Drag City, People Helping People, will be released September 16th with a full North American tour to follow. In this episode, Randy shares the head space he and Dean were in at the beginning of the recording and why they were itching to get weird. We hear why they feel they are in a perfect position to do whatever they want and how operating on the notion that "everything is valid" contributed to the sonic architecture of the record. Randy also tells us why he felt like Scotty Pippen playing with Bob Mould and he hips us to meaning behind Snares Like A Haircut , We hear a couple tunes and Randy offers up the stems from People Helping People.
https://www.dragcity.com/products/people-helping-people
https://noage.bandcamp.com/

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The Check-In with Abraxas Sep 09, 2022

Abraxas is a psych/rock/tropicalia duo of Uruguayan-born/UK-based Carolina
Faruolo (ex-Los Bitchos) and Danny Lee Blackwell (Night Beats). They’re releasing their debut LP Monte Carlo on October 28 on Seattle-based label Suicide Squeeze. In this episode Joe catches up with Danny on the road in France with his band Night Beats and Carolina at her home in Manchester. Danny and Carolina share the process of making the Monte Carlo, and how ease and telepathy translated directly to the final recording. They also discuss how the diverse mixture of influences, the name Abraxas and record title Monte Carlo melded over long distances to make a humid, lush and dreamy listening experience. We hear how the video functioned as their first gig and we hear a couple brand new tunes.
https://abraxasintl.bandcamp.com/album/monte-carlo
https://suicidesqueeze.net/2022/09/abraxas-release-new-single-video-manana/
https://suicidesqueeze.net/
https://lnk.to/AMC

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Cody Votolato-JR SLAYER Sep 02, 2022

Cody Votolato is a guitarist, singer and founding member of JR SLAYER. He has spent the better part of his music career touring and writing with bands The Blood Brothers, Jaguar Love, Head Wound City and Telekinesis. Now, he has focused and boiled down his artistic output to JR SLAYER, with the new record Not Rotten out September 9 on Memory Music.
In this episode, Cody shares his perspective on writing Not Rotten and the process of recording with Will Yip at Studio 4. Joe brings up Cody's unique position as someone who has toured since his early teens, how he feels about it now and what may replace it. The two reminisce on the Built In Sun record and we hear a couple tunes from Not Rotten.
https://jrslayer.bandcamp.com/
https://www.memory-music.net/

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Eva Walker-The Black Tones Aug 26, 2022

Eva Walker is a founding member, guitarist and singer for Seattle based The Black Tones. With one full length record (Cobain and Cornbread) and a Sub Pop single under their belts, The Black Tones are embarking on their first North American tour this fall. In this episode, Eva shares her experience working with both Jack Endino and Don Farwell, the importance of a groove and the role trust plays in their writing and performance. We learn why Eva and Cedric share a free form of expression and how the root of that free spirit lies in both family and the story of a lifelong educator and a bank robber. The two Seattleites discuss their experiences as transplants and how they were both psyched to be a part of the Sub Pop family. Eva hips us to some new bands and we hear a couple tunes.

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The Check-In with Julia Kugel Aug 12, 2022

Julia Kugel is the singer/guitarist and founding member of The Coathangers. She will release her first full length solo record , Derealization on September 30 with Suicide Squeeze Records under the moniker Julia, Julia. In this episode Joe and Julia discuss why "giving in" is not "giving up" and how her idea of acceptance shaped the record. Julia also tells us how she dealt with and recovered from losing her voice, why she wanted to sing quietly, and what the motivation was for truly making a record on her own. Julia shares her fantastic idea to perform the new record live and she hips us to the coolest festival in Long Beach, Happy Sundays (August 28th). We hear a few tunes from the new record and Joe threatens to join with Julia, Julia when she plays Seattle.
https://suicidesqueeze.net/2022/07/julia-kugel-of-the-coathangers-announces-debut-solo-lp-derealization-under-new-moniker-julia-julia/
https://happysundaysfest.com/
https://hearjuliajulia.bandcamp.com/album/derealization

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The Check-In with Sara Lund-Unwound Aug 05, 2022

Sara Lund is a drummer, drum teacher and the innovative percussive force behind the band Unwound. After a 20+ year break, Unwound is back and already have a string of sold out shows starting in early 2023. In this episode Sara shares the complicated and tragic story of the band falling apart and the difficult decision to start up again without founding member and friend Vern Rumsey. She also explains that the reunion is a celebration of Vern and his contribution to the music and why Jarred Warren is helping them get back on their rock n roll feet again. Joe and Sara discuss how she went from touring musician to drum instructor, her teaching technique and their views on improvisation. Joe shares a couple stories from his days as Unwound's "Brodie" and we hear a couple tunes.
THIS EPISODE IS DEDICATED TO THE GREAT VERN RUMSEY

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The Check-In with Pete Chramiec Jul 29, 2022

Pete Chramiec is a founding member and guitarist for the pivotal hardcore band Verbal Assault. After a 20 year break, Verbal Assault are playing again, with shows booked on both coasts in 2022 and throughout 2023. In this episode, longtime pals Joe and Pete discuss what is was like for Pete to get back rock n roll shape , what spawned the reunion and why the shows are so special to him. They also talk Joe's 4th favorite subject, "crossover", how VA's lyrics have come home to roost and Pete tells us how Dave Grohl changed the trajectory of his music career with a single phone call. They play a few tunes and Pete makes Joe laugh a lot.
https://atomicactionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/trial
https://verbalassault.com/
https://www.bicyclehomebuilding.com/

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The Check-In with Shaun Fleming aka Diane Coffee Jul 22, 2022

This week Joe talks with Shaun Fleming-aka Diane Coffee. Shaun is a singer, song writer and multi-instrumentalist based in Southern California. His 4th record, With People (out now on Polyvinyl Records) is a personal reach into the past and a closer, sometimes darker look at the people and experiences that have made him who he is now. In this episode, Shaun shares what motivated him to look back, why he sometimes masks painful memories with uplifting melody, and why this record felt more therapeutic than his previous efforts. Joe and Shaun discuss the process of making With People with his former bandmate Jonathan Rado (Foxygen) and long time collaborator Joe Lefitz and how the power of their shorthand was a key ingredient in the production. We also learn that there just might be a vaccine for Demoitis and we hear a couple tunes.
http://www.dianecoffee.com/
https://www.polyvinylrecords.com/artist/diane_coffee

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Carre' Callaway: Queen Kwong Jul 15, 2022

Carre' Callaway-aka Queen Kwong- is a musician, song-writer and podcaster. Like most musicians in the last couple years, Carre' has had a challenging time maneuvering the sudden change in her vocation, but her situation is different. On top of the touring limitations, Carre' was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and two months later, her husband left her. What did she do?....... Naturally, made a record. The newest Queen Kwong record, Couples Only isn't your typical "divorce record" of reflective poetry, but rather a fiercely raw and emotional look at a great loss and a future recovered. In this episode, Carre' and Joe discuss how she navigated these waters, she shares the improvisational process she uses to make records and we hear why Couples Only has an unlikely pop song on its track listing. Carre' also tells us a wild story from her days opening for Nine Inch Nails and we here a couple tunes.

https://www.queenkwong.com/

https://sonicritualrecordings.com/

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Nabil Ayers: My Life In The Sunshine Jul 08, 2022

Nabil Ayers is a writer, musician and the US President of the Beggars Group. He is also the son of musician Roy Ayers. His search for connection with his biological father is the subject of his new book, My Life In The Sunshine. This book is also a biographical journey of Nabil's musical life.
In this episode Nabil recounts what drove him to pursue his extended family and why he wanted to share this experience in a book. Joe and Nabil discuss the uniqueness of he and his fathers relationship, how writing replaced drumming and why his move from New York City to Salt Lake City as a kid was a great experience. We also learn how Nabil's love for and involvement in music throughout his life has proved to be the building blocks for his position at Beggars Group.
Nabil shares a tour story that involves A LOT of pot and the power of "knowing a guy" and we hear a tune from his uncle and musical guru, Alan Braufman,
https://www.nabilayers.com/
https://alanbraufman.bandcamp.com/

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Jessica Boudreaux Jul 01, 2022

Jessica Boudreaux is a songwriter, guitarist and producer from Portland, Oregon. Though best known for her band Summer Cannibals, Jessica has recently released a solo EP entitled I Think My Heart Loves To Break that she self produced over the past two years, in which she not only endured an involuntary break in touring, she was also diagnosed with breast cancer. In this episode, Joe and Jessica discuss her response to her diagnosis, the massive change it brought to her life and how she kept herself from being lost in the illness. She shares how her perspective on touring has changed, how making the new record served as a life raft and why making a "pop" record has always been an interesting challenge to her. We hear a couple tunes from I Think My Heart Loves To Break, out now.
https://jessicaboudreaux.bandcamp.com/

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Ruinous Media Welcomes ANTI-HEROES with Zach Blair!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jun 30, 2022

We would like to welcome Zach Blair and his newest podcast ANTI-HEROES to the Ruinous Media Network!!!!!
Anti-Heroes is a podcast about guitar players that aren't on the covers of the guitar magazines but our host, Zach Blair thinks they should be. Each episode we'll have discussions with players about their motivations, intentions and, best of all, their gear. We'll talk about their careers and how they express themselves in the constantly changing world of guitar music.
Zach Blair is lifelong guitar obsessive with a career spanning almost thirty years. From his early days in Hagfish that he started with his brother on to the world renowned shock rock musical theater that is GWAR to currently recording and touring in Chicago's Rise Against for the last 15 years. Zach is still searching when it's comes to guitar playing and always will be. Maybe he'll find some answers right here on Anti-Heroes.
Anti-Heros is proudly sponsored by Jim Dunlop and MXR pedals.
https://www.jimdunlop.com/

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The Check-In with Jason McGerr: Death Cab For Cutie Jun 24, 2022

Jason McGerr is a producer, song-writer and the drummer for Death Cab For Cutie. In this episode drummer pals Joe and Jason discuss Asphalt Meadows, the newest record from DCFC since 2018. Jason shares the extraordinary collective process in making the new record, why it was so satisfying and whats behind the ferocity of Roman Candles, the first single. Of course Joe and Jason dig into drums, drum fitness on tour and why Jason is obsessed with making odd times feel straight. We also learn why his nick name is "CJ" on tour. We hear a couple of Joes favorite DCFC songs.
https://www.deathcabforcutie.com/

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The Check-In with Andy Butler: Hercules and Love Affair Jun 16, 2022

Andy Butler is a DJ, producer, songwriter and founding member of Hercules and Love Affair. After a five year break, Hercules and Love Affairs new record In Amber brings long time collaborator and co-producer ANOHNI back into the fold, along with english drummer Budgie and singer Elin Eythordsdottir. In Amber is a dark, jagged and heavy journey that questions faith, false narratives assigned by social and religious constructs and ultimately celebrates perseverance and individual strength. In this episode Andy catches us up on his projects over the last few years, how Black Metal plays a role on In Amber and he shares the process of making a multi-personnel, multi-genre influenced record. Joe and Andy discuss the message and sonics extremities on In Amber, why it's both a rejection of religion and a search for the spiritual, and how it addresses the disconnection to nature. We also hear how Budgie changed the sonic nature of In Amber and why Andy is going back to touring with a larger band. We hear two songs from In Amber.
https://www.skintentertainment.com/artist/hercules-love-affair/

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The Check-In with Laura Veirs Jun 10, 2022

Laura Veirs is a visual artist, singer and songwriter from Portland, Oregon. On her newest record Found Light, (out July 8th on Raven Marching Band Records), she addresses not only the loss of a spouse and working partner to divorce, but the hardship of breaking away from the intermeshed identity that is the product of a longterm relationship. In this episode Laura shares her experience of recording alone for the first time, what did and didn't work and why working with a new production partner proved to be a gratifying and liberating step in her career. Joe and Laura discuss the process of making Found Light, why she's choosing to tour solo and we hear a couple tunes.
https://www.lauraveirs.com/
https://lauraveirs.bandcamp.com/album/found-light

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The Check-In with Spencer Moody Jun 03, 2022

Spencer Moody is a poet, visual artist, songwriter and vocalist for the The Murder City Devils, Triumph Of Lethargy Skinned Alive To Death and more recently, M.Krebs. In this episode Spencer catches us up on his new life on The Big Island and how being a stranger in a strange land has influenced his work. Joe and Spencer discuss the process and inspiration behind both the M.krebs record AND his newest project with Joe Jack Talcum, a split LP on This and That Tapes. We hear a couple tunes from M.Krebs and end with a very special story about Joe and Spencers friend, the late great Sam Jayne.
https://mkrebs.bandcamp.com/releases
https://thisandthattapes.com/releases/spencer-moody-joe-jack-talcum-split
http://jacktalcum.com/index.php
Sponsored by https://www.izotope.com

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The Check-In with Torquil Campbell, Stars May 27, 2022

Torquil Campbell is a founding member, singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for the band Stars. He is also an actor, a play-write and podcaster. Stars are getting ready to hit the road in support of their newest release From Capelton Hill (out May 27th on Last Gang Records/MNRK). Torquil shares the story behind the title of the record, his historic relationship with North Hatley and why it's his only real sense of home. Joe and Torquil discuss the sentiment that carries the record and how he and Amy Millan (singer/guitarist) are evolving towards more of a first person perspective in their lyrics. He also catches us up on the plethora of projects he's been involved in in the last couple of years, the problems of trying too hard and he shares a golden piece of song writing advice from his father in law. Of course, hear a couple tunes from From Capelton Hill .
https://starsband.bandcamp.com/
https://shop.lastgang.com/blogs/news/stars-share-new-single-capelton-hill-expand-tour-dates

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The Check-In with Charity Rose Thielen, The Head and the Heart May 20, 2022

Charity Rose Thielen is a founding member, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for The Head and the Heart. Their latest record, Every Shade of Blue is out now and the band is preparing for an extensive North American tour. Joe caught up with Charity between rehearsals in Nashville.
In this episode, Joe and Charity discuss the multi-producer process of making Every Shade of Blue , what sort of freedoms it provided and how it fell in line with the bands desire to go back to a more internal collaboration. Charity tells us why she appreciated the universal break most musicians took and how that contributes to her appreciation of touring and performing again. She also shares her personal songwriting process, the influence of drums in her writing and the reality of living with someone who is both her partner in life and in her band. We hear a couple songs from Every Shade of Blue.

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The Check-In with Σtella May 13, 2022

Σtella is a painter, singer and songwriter from Athens, Greece. Her Sub Pop debut, Up and Away is a lush, vintage pop odyssey that both adheres to traditional Greek sounds and explores current indie textures. In this episode, Σtella shares how her relationship with music ultimately helped her overcome shyness and why Greek melody has a grounding effect. We learn how producer Tom Calvert (aka Redinho) and Σtella teamed up and why their common influences made for an effortless working relationship. Σtella gives us the story behind the cover art and we hear a couple tunes from Up and Away.
https://stellawithasigma.com/
https://stellawithasigma.bandcamp.com/album/the-break
https://www.subpop.com/artists/stella

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The Check-In with Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten from Momma May 06, 2022

Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten are collectively the singers, songwriters and guitarists for Momma. Their new record Household Name (out July 1st on Polyvinyl Records) is not only a beautifully riff heavy nod to their 90's influences, its a thoughtful, personal and dynamic listen from start to finish. In this episode Etta and Allegra discuss their recording process and why self control is key when you have an unlimited amount of time in the studio. They share their point of view on 90's music, culture and why femme people playing guitar has transcended to the present. Joe, Etta and Allegra dig into the production ideas on Household Name , what they love about touring and the power of the pre-chorus. We hear two rockers from Household Name.
https://polyvinylrecords.com/product/household_name
https://www.mommaband.com/

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The Check-In with Lou Barlow, The Folk Implosion Apr 29, 2022

Lou Barlow is a singer, song-writer and founding member of Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoah and The Folk Implosion. Though known for his contribution to the "low fi" scene of the 80's and 90's, Lou has his roots in hardcore, punk and even the folk/country superstar Glen Campbell.
After a 20+ year break, The Folk Implosion (Lou Barlow and John Davis) have released two new songs that without a doubt retain the pop/experimental beauty the duo achieved consistently in the past. Lou tells us what sparked the reunion.
In this episode Lou also shares why he felt he should be worrying about his worrying, how a couple of self help books got him through a challenging time and even motivated him to make a handful of holiday specials. Joe and Lou talk hardcore, crossover metal and most importantly, Lou tells us why he's a 7seconds snob. Joe and Lou share a couple tour stories and we hear the new Folk Implosion tunes.
https://thefolkimplosion.bandcamp.com/album/feel-it-if-you-feel-it-2
http://www.loobiecore.com/

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The Check-In with Will Brooks (aka MC Dälek) Apr 22, 2022

Will Brooks (aka MC Dälek) is a founding member, vocalist and producer for the group Dälek. For close to 20 years Will has been releasing dark, experimental hip-hop records and collaborating with a wide range of like minded artists that include Kid 606, Faust, The Black Heart Procession and Techno Animal. In this episode Joe and Will discuss the process of making the new Dälek record Precipice (out 4.29 on Ipecac Records), why he abandoned the first version and how Adam Jones from Tool wound up contributing to a song. Will tells us how his collection of improvisational recordings known as Meditations got him through the last couple years of not touring and why the outcome surprised both him and his listeners. He also shares his view on music and touring as a vocation and why he's grateful for any visceral reaction to his music, whether it's positive or negative. Joe and Will remember sharing a stage at the ATP festival and we hear a couple tunes from Precipice.
https://deadverse.com/
https://www.ipecac.com/artists/dalek

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Tour Stories and Ruinous Media Welcome THE HIGH GAIN PODCAST Apr 15, 2022

This week we salute our partnership with The High Gain Podcast, a podcast that celebrates the guitar. Each week John Kieltyka and Ed Peterson will introduce you to a guitar, share its cultural significance and provide you a slew of questionable (and likely very funny) facts on its origin and history. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll realize that this podcast is not just for guitar enthusiasts, but anyone who enjoys a good time.

Episode 206

The CBS-Fender deal went down in 1965, but the story started well before then. Enjoy!

- 1966 Fender Stratocaster
https://www.thehighgain.com/podcast/66-stratocaster
https://www.ruinousmedia.com/thehighgain

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The Check-In with Brian Cook: These Arms Are Snakes, Sumac, Russian Circles Apr 08, 2022

Brian Cook is a bass guitarist and song-writer from Seattle. He's an active member of Russian Circles and Sumac, writing, recording and touring extensively. After a ten year break, his band These Arms Are Snakes with be playing a handful of shows in celebration of the release of Duct Tape and Shivering Crows, a collection of rarities, covers and demos out April 15th on Suicide Squeeze Records. In this episode, Joe and Brian discuss how a recent break has helped him recognize his autonomy, why his solo record made him a better band member and the importance of rehearsing chaos as well as the music. Not only a musician, Brian is a freelance writer, has published one novel (The Second Chair Is Meant For You) and is working on a second. He shares his view on the difference between writing words verses writing music and how imperfection plays a role in both art forms. Joe and Brian swop a couple "sleeping in the van" stories and we hear some tunes from Duct Tape and Shivering Crows.
https://store.suicidesqueeze.net/
https://thesearmsaresnakes.bandcamp.com/album/duct-tape-shivering-crows
https://russiancirclesband.com/brian-cook

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The Check In with Gavin McCarthy Apr 01, 2022

Gavin McCarthy is a drummer and songwriter from Boston, MA. He's written, recorded and toured with a multitude of bands and projects over the last two decades, with his main efforts focussed on E and Karate. After a long period of chasing down the masters, Karate is re-releasing their entire catalog with the Numero Group. In this episode Gavin catches us up on his life during the involuntary break, gives us the low down on the Boston venue scene and tells us how taking a break from music changed his self-identity. He also gives us his thoughts on reunion tours, why he's looking forward to this summers Karate dates and why the concept of a live record is odd. Joe and Gavin swop a couple stories that celebrate the beauty and chaos of touring in Italy and we hear a couple Karate tunes.
https://www.gavinmccarthy.com/
https://karateallston.bandcamp.com/
https://numerogroup.com/search?q=Karate&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

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The Check-In with Joel Jerome Mar 25, 2022

Joel Jerome is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Los Angeles, CA. His solo debut, Super Flower Blood Moon (Dangerbird Records) hits the streets on May 13th, and promises a dark, folky trip that celebrates his 90's indie rock influences as much and it pays homage to his latin roots. In this episode Joel tells us how the pandemic opened his eyes to activism, how that's translated to his work with The Union of Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) and why unions are important to working musicians. We hear how his long time pal Jim Fairchild (Modest Mouse, Grandaddy, All Smiles) had a hand in the early stages of Super Flower Blood Moon and why it was different from past records. Joel also share's his view on "capturing recordings" verses "producing" and how thats applied in his own studio, Psychedelic Thriftstore. Joe plays a couple tunes from the new record and Joel tells us where's he's looking forward to touring in 2022.
https://dangerbirdrecords.com/
https://joeljeromemusic.bandcamp.com/

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Mark Watrous. The Axman, The Boarders and a Check-in Mar 18, 2022

Mark Watrous is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and a producer. He's recorded and toured extensively with The Shins, Shudder To Think, The Raconteurs and is a founding member of Loudermilk and Earl Burrows. Before hearing a pair of tour stories involving a reckless tour manager and a meth fueled ill-planned show in Sandpoint, Idaho, Joe and Mark catch up. We hear what Marks been up during the Shins break and he reminds us that WE'RE All waiting for vinyl. We hear Joe's favorite Earl Burrows tune and..........BONUS!!!!!! the debut of a very special cover of The Fixx's One Thing Leads To Another performed by Mark, Joe and Nate Mendel.
https://www.theshins.com/

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The Check-In with Walt Disco Mar 11, 2022

Walt Disco is a young stylish band from Glasgow. Over the last two years they wrote, recorded and self produced their debt album, Unlearning (Out April 1st on Lucky Number Music). In this episode Joe talks with 2 members of the sextet, singer James and keyboardist/guitarist Finley. James and Finely share the process of making Unlearning , why they wanted it to sound "scrappy", how that forced them to think differently and why self producing gave them a sense of childlike wonderment. We learn what drives them to have a strong stylized aesthetic and they share a couple stories from their experience playing the Celine show in Paris. They also discuss the influence of new wave AND no wave and tell us what they love about touring. We hear a couple tunes from Unlearning.
https://waltdisco.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.luckynumbermusic.com/releases/

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The Check-In with Sam Tallent Mar 04, 2022

Sam Tallent has earned his PhD in touring as a stand-up comedian, an author and drummer. He's been on the road since his late teens, has a best selling novel and an ever growing career in comedy to show for it. Joe and Sam discuss his current reluctance to become a parent, why it was good for him to be something other than a comedian over the involuntary break and what touring feels like now. Joe gets a lesson on the hierarchy of comedy performance, and not only do they discuss Sams newest novel Running the Light, but we hear a gorgeous passage read by the author himself. We also hear a couple numbers from Sam's punk band Big City Drugs.
https://www.samtallent.com/
https://bigcitydrugs.bandcamp.com/album/human-cargo

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The Check-In with Chris Bauermeister from Jawbreaker. Feb 25, 2022

Chris is the bass player for Jawbreaker. After a 20 year hiatus and a 2 year pandemic break, they are back with sold out shows across North America. Chris tells us what he's been up to over the break, why he went the academia route, and why he ultimately abandoned it. Joe and Chris talk the importance of snappy dressing, the regional rules of bagels and sourdough and Chris shares both his apprehensions and excitement for returning to the road. To get you pumped on the tour, we hear a tune from Dear You (which they will be playing in entirety) and Joe's favorite song from 24 Hour Revenge Therapy.
Music by Jawbreaker and Joe Plummer

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The Check-In with Alan and Mimi from Low Feb 18, 2022

This week Joe talks to Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker from the band Low. They share both the difficult and productive experience they've had at home over the last two years and why the pandemic effected them more than expected. They discuss the process of making their new Grammy nominated record Hey What (out now on Sub Pop records), how the final sound was established in the writing process and why Alan is taking a new approach to his guitar sound. With several shows booked in Europe and the U.S., Alan and Mimi express their excitement and apprehension of touring and what they’re most looking forward to. Joe raves over the videos that accompany Hey What and we hear a couple tunes.
https://lowtheband.bandcamp.com/
https://www.subpop.com/artists/low
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The Check In with Kassie Carlson from Guerilla Toss Feb 11, 2022

Kassie is a founding member, singer and lyricist for Guerilla Toss. In this episode Kassie and Joe discuss her life at home during the involuntary touring break, what happens when her "home life" and "rock n roll" life meet and why she's looking forward to getting back on the road and supporting Famously Alive (out March 25th on Sub Pop Records). Kassie shares how her close friend and collaborator helped her kick a heroin habit and why that relationship is so important to the new record. She also explains how the video for the single was born out of a stress nap and why her dog Watley is built for touring. We hear the new single, Cannibal Capitol and close the episode with Betty Dreams of Green Men from GT Ultra.
https://www.subpop.com/
https://guerillatoss.bandcamp.com/

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The Check In with Bonnie Bloomgarden from Death Valley Girls Feb 04, 2022

This week Joe has a vibrant conversation with Bonnie Bloomgarden, singer, songwriter and founding member of Death Valley Girls. Bonnie and Joe discuss the impact that touring has had on her life, how a recent tour has served as version of exposure therapy. and why the involuntary break has positively changed both her life at home and her perspective of life on the road. Bonnie tells us how hypnosis plays a role in her song writing and why she feels lucky that her favorite animal is a dog. We hear a new tune from the Death Valley Girls/Le Butcherettes split 7” on Suicide Squeeze Records and Bonnie hips us to her new paranormal podcast, Death Valley Girls Podcast
https://suicidesqueeze.net/
https://deathvalleygirls.bandcamp.com/

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The Check-In with Nile Marr Jan 28, 2022

Nile Marr is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Manchester, England. He's been making records and touring for most of his young adult life. Though he grew up in Manchester, Nile spent his formable years in Portland Oregon, absorbing the vibes of Modest Mouse, The Shins, The Thermals and other PNW rock n rollers. When he's not supporting his solo efforts, he's on the road with Hans Zimmerman, filling in for his dad, Johnny Marr. In this episode Nile shares a few funny tales from the life of a DIY musician, both at home and the road. He tells us why trying to convince himself that playing shows is no longer important failed and what motivated him to keep writing over the pandemic. We hear two new tunes from his newest release How We Drift on Park The Van Records.
Music by Nile Marr and Joe Plummer
https://www.parkthevan.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BTBLAIeqhU
https://nilemarr.bandcamp.com/album/how-we-drift

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The Check-In With Maita Jan 21, 2022

This week Joe talks with Maria and Matthew from MAITA. They discuss the process of making their new record I Just Want To Be Wild For You (out February 18th on Kill Rock Stars), life in Portland Oregon over the last couple years and how a space heater contributed to their sanity preservation. Maria explains why she see's loneliness as luxury and why it's precious to her. Joe plays Road Song, a tune which illustrates the circular monotony of touring, something most musicians are presently longing for. Matthew and Maria tell us why they feel most "alive" on tour, share a few tour survival techniques and why the experience of spending time with people you don't know is important.
Music by MAITA and Joe Plummer
https://killrockstars.com/blogs/news/maita-announces-album-releases-single-video
https://maita.bandcamp.com/

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The Check-In with Janet Weiss Jan 14, 2022

Janet Weiss is a drummer, multi-instrumentalist and all around stand-up rock n roll human from Portland, Oregon. In this episode Janet shares her experience making the new Quasi and why it was important to be in "touring shape" prior to going into the studio. Joe and Janet discuss how her recovery from a serious car accident may have prepped her for the involuntary touring break most musicians have endured and how's she's put her "doer" personality into practice in order to feel good, or at the very least, not feel bad. Naturally, the two drummers talk Get Back, Ringo, Neil Peart, Stella Mazgowa and why too many peacocks in one band is a bad idea. Another thing that Joe and Janet have in common is their love for cars. You'll hear about a few of Janets favorite cars, what she prefers to tour in and why.
New Segment alert! Borrowing from Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, Joe and Janet play Drummers In Their Favorite Cars Getting Coffee With Their Favorite Drummers. You'll be surprised by their choices!
We hear a rare recording of Quasi covering New Zealand's The 3D's and a new song from Janet's band with Drew Grow, Slang.
Music by Quasi, Slang and Joe Plummer
https://www.instagram.com/theeslang/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/RealSlang/
https://theequasi.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thee.quasi/?hl=en
https://drewgrow.bandcamp.com/album/the-comfort-feel

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Year End Special Episode with Tim Dibbins and Mister Heavenly. Dec 29, 2021

We have recovered the lost Mister Heavenly interview with Carrboro's finest journalist, Tim Dibbins. As usual, Tim brings the truth to the surface, stopping at nothing to get to the core of songwriting, inner band relationships and what makes Mister Heavenly tick as a powerful trio. We see sides of Nick, Ryan and Joe that have never been revealed and though at times uncomfortable, this interview provides us with an insight that has been lazily overlooked by journalist since the bands inception. Let Tim lead you into the percussive depths of Mister Heavenly's motivation and creative essence.
Bonus: a mini playlist of Mister Heavenly tunes chosen by the band!
Music by Joe Plummer and Mister Heavenly
https://www.polyvinylrecords.com/
https://www.subpop.com/

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The Check-In with Cedric Noel Dec 17, 2021

Cedric Noel is a Niger born singer and songwriter living in Montreal, Quebec. His newest release, Hang Time (out now on Joyful Noise Recordings ) is a lush mixture of melody, looped phrasing and ambient hooks. In this episode Joe and Cedric discuss the power of interlocking melodies and rhythms, how ambiance plays a role in his songwriting, the path of musical influence and why he may feel “weird” about some of the songs he’s written. Cedric also hints at the direction of his next project and we hear a few tunes from Hang Time.

Music by Cedric Noel and Joe Plummer
https://www.joyfulnoiserecordings.com/
https://cedricnoelmusic.bandcamp.com/album/hang-time

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The Check-In with José Medeles Dec 10, 2021

José Medeles is a multi-instrumentalist, a composer, a world renowned business owner (Revival Drum Shop) and a writer. In this episode and Joe and José talk Marc Ribot, how his shop survived that last 2 years, the benefits of embracing "slowness" and why he may need to do "musical pushups" before certain listening experiences. They also discuss his new book, A Drummers Ethos, what gave him the confidence to write it and why the writing process is a fun experience for him. In addition to his new book, José has recorded a new John Fahey tribute album, Railroad Cadences and Melancholic Anthems (out spring 2022 on Jealous Butcher Records) . We hear a few tunes and talk about the recording process.
Music by José Medeles and Joe Plummer.
https://josemedeles.com/
https://www.jealousbutcher.com/
https://www.revivaldrumshop.com/

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The Check-In with Zach Blair Dec 03, 2021

Zach Blair is a seasoned guitarist and vocalist from Texas. For over 20 years, Zach has been touring, writing and recording with various hardcore and punk bands, most notably, GWAR and Rise Against. In this episode Joe and Zach talk recent touring experiences, the idea of identity loss during the involuntary rock and roll break, what real Texas is like outside the "island of Austin" and of course, the new Beatles documentary, Get Back. We also hear a few tunes from the newest live Rise Against EP, Nowhere Sessions (Loma Vista Recordings). And bonus! Zach gives us a short, but powerful tour story from his days with GWAR.
https://www.riseagainst.com/
https://www.lomavistarecordings.com/
Music by Rise Against and Joe Plummer

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The Check-In with Ken Andrews Nov 26, 2021

Ken Andrews is a singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer and founding member of Failure. In this episode Joe and Ken discuss the poison legacy of the Trump administration and the stress that comes with a politicized public health system. Ken explains the major label debacle that is responsible for Failure's 1997 break up and why the band is a better a functioning unit in the reboot phase. We hear a couple tunes from Failures forthcoming record Wild Type Droid (out December 3 2021) and Ken shares how improvisation was influential in the recording process.
Music by Failure and Joe Plummer
https://failureband.com/

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The Check-In with Johnny Marr Nov 19, 2021

Johnny Marr is a guitarist, a singer, a producer and all around wonderful human. If you've listened to the radio in the last 3 decades, you've heard Johnny. He co-founded The Smiths, he was in The Pretenders, The Pet Shop Boys, formed Electronic with Bernard Sumner, was a member of The The, he was a Crib (The Cribs) , worked with Hans Zimmer on the 2021 James Bond theme, has produced 5 solo records and....closest to home for Joe, was a fellow member of Modest Mouse from 2002-2006. In this episode, Joe and Johnny talk rock n roll health, his experience as a relapsing studio rat, the importance of real connection with his listeners and how inner feelings are NOT his vehicle for writing lyrics. We hear a couple songs from his new record Fever Dreams Pts 1-4 (out end of February 2022) and discuss the recording process. And alas, Johnny shares the experience of his first week with Modest Mouse and how throwing himself into unknown waters has always been an interesting, challenging and shaping part of his life.
Music by Johnny Marr, Joe Plummer and Palm Frauds
Art by Zak Sally
https://johnnymarr.com/

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The Check-In with Rob Crow Nov 12, 2021

Rob Crow is a singer, guitarist and founding member of San Diego luminaries Pinback, Physics, Heavy Vegetable and Goblin Cock to name a few. His newest effort, PLOSIVS, includes John Reis (Drive Like Jehu, Hot Snakes, Rocket From the Crypt), Atom Willard (Against Me!, The Offspring) and Jordan Clark (Mrs Magician). In this episode Joe and Rob talk west coast hardcore, the process of making the new PLOSIVS record and why taking his kids on tour is so important to him. Also Rob also tells us the tale of the Jersey Devil and we hear some tunes from both his newest solo record and the new PLOSIVS single Hit The Breaks (out on Swami Records soon). All this and.....surprise! Rob gives us a couple bonus tour stories!
Music by PLOSIVS, Rob Crow, Hew Time and Joe Plummer
https://swami-records.myshopify.com/
https://robcrow.bandcamp.com/
http://www.tgrec.com/bands/band.php?id=17

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The Check-In with Nick Delffs. Nov 05, 2021

Nick Delffs is a singer and songwriter living in Boise, Idaho. He has toured, recorded and is a founding member of The Shaky Hands and Death Songs. More recently, Nick has focused more on his solo efforts and has found a home at Mama Bird Recording Company. In this episode Joe and Nick catch up on their time in Portland, the significance of delay in both reggae and their own music, and Nick shares his experiences traveling to India, where he may have been hypnotized. We hear a few tunes from Nicks newest record, Childhood Pastimes (out now, Mama Bird Recording Co.) and Nick tells us how a musical fast helps him with the writing process.
Music by Nick Delffs, Palm Frauds and Joe Plummer
http://www.mamabirdrecordingco.com/nick-delffs

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Holey Low and the Bad Seeds- Zak Sally Oct 29, 2021

Zak Sally is a visual artist and musician from Minneapolis, MN. He is also the artist behind all the Tour Stories portraits. He has recorded and toured extensively with the band Low and is a founding member and songwriter for The Hand. Zak and has also written, illustrated and published several graphic novels for his publishing company La Mano and Fantagraphics. In this episode, Zak shares his experience touring with Soul Coughing and "opening" for Hole. He also us tells why seeing Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds in Seattle was one of his favorite rock n roll shows ever. Old friends Joe and Zak do a little catch up on their friendship and rehash an absolutely ridiculous conversation they had about analog recording.
Music by Zak Sally and Joe Plummer

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The Check-In with Charlotte Cornfield Oct 22, 2021

Charlotte Cornfield is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto. Like many other musicians she spent most of 2020 writing and eventually recording a new album. The new release Highs in the Minuses (out Oct. 29 co/released on Polyvinyl and Double Double Whammy Records), is sonically simpler than her previous release, but lyrically still retains a space for personal reflection and self awareness. In this episode Joe and Charlotte discuss why she felt this new record was best suited for a band performance, how and why she got back into skateboarding and what it means for an introvert to lose social skills. Charlotte also shares her experience at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and how that led her to her working with Howard Bilerman at Hotel2Tango.
https://www.polyvinylrecords.com/artist/charlotte_cornfield
http://www.dbldblwhmmy.com/categories/charlotte-cornfield
Music by Charlotte Cornfield and Joe Plummer

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Steven Bamidele Oct 15, 2021

Steven Bamidele is a singer, songwriter and producer from the UK by way of his birth place, Jebba, Nigeria. He is currently residing in North London. His newest neo-soul heavy EP Uncrowded (Out 10.15.21 on Park The Van Records) is a reflective look at the world from isolation and his own identity as a person of mix-race during ever expanding BLM movement. In this episode Joe and Steven discuss his growing up in Suffolk, how writing Uncrowded allowed him to untangle his thoughts on identity and why producing for others is a useful tool in expanding his own production knowledge. Steven shares his current heavy rotations and Joe and Steven exchange holiday drink recipes.
Music by Steven Bamidele and Joe Plummer
https://www.parkthevan.com/label/steven-bamidele
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz1qSaTUnx8

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The Check-In with Anand Wilder Oct 08, 2021

Anand Wilder is a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter. After the break up of his band Yeasayer and the onset of a global pandemic, Anand felt it was time to buckle down and start and finish and his solo record, I Don't Know My Words (out 2022 on Last Gang records). Not only did he record the record himself at his home in Brooklyn, he co-wrote, acted in and co-produced a gorgeous video for the first single Delirium Passes, which is an adaptation of the James Joyce story, The Boarding House and features actor Ben Sinclair. In this episode, Joe and Anand talk about his surprise half brother, vasectomies, Anand's drum recording technique, psychedelic frog licking and why Anand loved the process of making his video. Also, Anand explains why he's taking a "weak" trio on the road rather than a "power" trio to support his new record. And...... we get a surprise visit from the one and only Ryan Kattner, aka Honus Honus.
https://lastgang.com/
Music by Anand Wilder and Joe Plummer

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The Check-In with Buzz Osborne Oct 01, 2021

Buzz Osborne is a founding member, singer and guitarist for The Melvins. Buzz and The Melvins have consistently released a record and toured annually for over 30 years. In addition to The Melvins, he has toured and recorded with Fantomas and released several solo records. In this episode Buzz tells us why Jon Spencer is one of his favorite guitarist and shares his philosophy on simplicity and how it applies not just to his guitar playing, but golf, tennis and photography. We also hear a couple tunes from the new Melvins acoustic record Five Legged Dog , (October 15th Ipecac Records) how it was made and why Pete Townsend was an inspiration for the release.
Music By The Melvins and Joe Plummer
https://www.ipecac.com/
https://www.ipecac.com/artists/melvins
https://jonspencerbluesexplosion.com/
https://www.ipecac.com/artists/fantomas

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John Schmersal "Shirt Pant and the Left Handed Bass" Sep 24, 2021

John Schmersal is a songwriter, singer and producer. For the past 20 years he has recorded and toured as the guitarist and/or keyboardist for bands Brainiac, Enon and most recently, Caribou. In this episode John shares his stories of a pantsless show and impromptu tailoring, broken bass strings and how he pulled off an entire festival show without monitors. Joe and John discuss the virtues of preparedness, the rules of shorts in rock n roll, and whether people really care if you're nude anymore.
Music by Enon and Joe Plummer

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Pat Graham "East Berlin, Crowded West Sep 17, 2021

Pat Graham is an American photographer living in England, by way of Washington DC. Pat began in the early 90's DC punk scene, photographing Fugazi, The Make Up and many other Discord and local bands. He eventually made his way to another thriving scene, the Northwest, working with a young Modest Mouse and documenting the Riot Grrl scene with the likes of Bikini Kill and Bratmobile. In do time, Pat got the itch to hit the road and began photographing not just live shows, but the culture surrounding a traveling band, capturing the challenges, the good times and the bad times that comes with touring. In this episode, Pat tells us about a tooth extraction in East Berlin while traveling with June Of 44 and shares his experience touring with Modest Mouse pre Lonesome Crowded West.
Music by Modest Mouse and Joe Plummer
This episode is dedicated to Matt Hoyt. Rest In Power, I know you'll get a laugh out of this one.

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Ryan Kattner "Insane Clown Parade" Sep 03, 2021

Ryan Kattner is a singer/song writer from Los Angeles by way of Philadelphia. He's spent most of the last two decades making records and touring with his bands Man Man, Mister Heavenly and his solo project, Honus Honus. In this episode we hear how Ryans very first show led to being arrested and banned from a festival for life. Surprisingly, , that and a few other wild experiences he shares has kept Ryan rockin and rolling to this day.
Music by Ryan Katner Man Man and Joe Plummer

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The Check-In with Thomas Hedlund Aug 27, 2021

Thomas Hedlund is a drummer from Umeå, Sweden. His powerful multi-genre style and ability has landed him in many bands over the past 15 year, including post-metalers Cult of Luna, The Perishers, Khoma, and currently indie rock bands Deportees and Phoenix. Outside of drumming, Thomas works for a Swedish grant committee, which provides grants and financial assistance for artists in need. He tells us how difficult and rewarding the committee was during the pandemic and what he learned in the process. Joe and Thomas share their few experiences playing shows thus far in the pandemic, how the love of performing outweighs the restrictions, and what they look forward to in the coming months. They also discuss the benefits of remote recording vs. the ease of being in a room together. Of course......they talk drums, and Thomas gives us a tip on the "5 second rule".
We hear a tune from Deportees.
Music by Deportees and Joe Plummer

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Sarah Peacock Aug 13, 2021

Sarah Peacock is a singer/songwriter from Nashville by way of Atlanta. She has released 4 studio albums, one live album and toured extensively for the past 16 years. In this episode Sarah tells how a tourbus fire becomes a tale of community support and drastically changed her outlook on songwriting and her responsibility as an artist with a platform.
We also hear a song from her latest release, Burn The Witch.
Music by Sarah Peacock and Joe Plummer

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The Check In With Sonny Kay Aug 06, 2021

Sonny Kay is a singer and founding member of The VSS, Angel Hair and Year Future. He also owned and operated the independent record label Gold Standard Laboratories (GSL) and has released a book featuring his record art and design. In this episode we hear about Sonny's new endeavor, Low Key Arts, a non-profit arts organization in Hot Springs, Arkansas and how the pandemic aloud them to regroup and become stronger. Joe and Sonny also discuss their time touring together, revisit some ridiculous tour hacks and what the future of touring may look like.

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The Check-In with John Reis Jul 30, 2021

For 20+ years singer/guitarist John Reis has fronted and co-founded legendary San Diego bands Pitchfork, Drive Like Jehu, Rocket From the Crypt, Hot Snakes and The Sultans. He also works as a producer, operates his record label Swami Records and is a local disc jockey. In this episode John shares his pandemic habits and what he realized was most important to him in that time. Joe and John also discuss how supply chain issues have effected rock n roll, why streaming platforms may not be the best custodians of music and John shares his brilliant idea for lives shows if things don't soon return to normal. We learn about his latest project The Plosives and hear a couple un released tunes from his new record Swami John Reis.

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Dave Hernandez "Chaka to Rome" Jul 16, 2021

For the last 20 years, Dave Hernandez has played guitar and toured extensively with The Shins, Scared of Chaka and The Intelligence. In this episode we get a jam packed chronology of Dave's most sketchy, most wholesome and most exciting experiences from the road. He also shares a few tour hacks.
Music Scared of Chaca, The Intelligence, Palm Frauds and Joe Plummer.

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The Check-In with Nik Freitas Jul 09, 2021

Nik Freitas is a singer, songwriter, photographer and skateboarder residing in Alhambra, CA. Over the past 20 years, Nik has released 10 solo records and toured with Broken Bells, All Smiles and Connor Oberst's Mystic Valley Band. Nik's forthcoming release on Park The Van records is called Searching For Device and will be out September 15th 2021. In this episode , Joe and Nik discuss why Nik is now more assertive with sharing his music, how he got back into photography and how Americans may view the U.S. post pandemic. Nik also hips us to artist Tim Lierman, author of Blazar and tells us that in fact, aliens are real. Joe plays Good News , the newest single from Searching for Device.
Music by Nik Freitas, Palm Frauds, Hew Time and Joe Plummer

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The Check-In with Rozzi Jun 18, 2021

Rozzi is a singer-songwriter from San Francisco, California. With the release of her two part EP/LP Hymm for Tomorrow coming out on July 16th, Rozzi is excited perform live again on her first headlining tour. Rozzi tells Joe how she stayed inspired during the pandemic, why its ok not to have made your masterpiece and what she hopes we've learned from the ongoing social justice movement. She also shares her song writing process, how she chose George Moore to produce her newest record and why her "demo" vocals usually wind up being the final vocals on her recordings.

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Demoitis Episode 1 New Slang with James Mercer. Jun 12, 2021

This is new podcast called Demoitis with Joe Plummer and Dann Gallucci.
Demoitis isn’t just the fear or regret that you’ve "lost the magic” on the path from the first recording of a song. It's also the experience musicians go through getting to the final version…. the people, the spaces and the resources that influence the process. As the 20th anniversary of the release of Oh, Inverted World arrives, we hear for the horse’s mouth about the creation and the evolution of New Slang with James Mercer, singer, song writer and founding member of The Shins.

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Nick Waterhouse "The Rockers and the Posh" Jun 04, 2021

Nick Waterhouse is a singer, songwriter and producer from Southern California and has released five LP's on Innovative Leisure., He was a previous guest on The Check-In and was kind enough to give us a bonus Tour Story from his first European tour. There may or may not be a secret visit from Joe's pal Nick Thorburn too. Whoops!
Music by Nick Waterhouse and Joe Plummer

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Creed Bratton "Dogs, Planes and Acid Trips" May 28, 2021

Rerun Rerun! People love this episode so much we're reposting for the newcomers! Enjoy the brilliance of Creed Bratton!
Creed Bratton from the folk rock band The Grass Roots and the TV show The Office tells us what it's like to survive a plane crash, fight off wild dogs in Tripoli and have an acid meltdown in from of Bill Graham at The Fillmore.

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The Check-In with Andy Hull May 21, 2021

Andy Hull is the guitarist, songwriter and singer for Manchester Orchestra. He is also co-founder of the bands label, Favorite Gentlemen. In this episode Joe and Andy talk about 2021 tour plans, home life, and their experiences both being and having a traveling dad. We hear a couple tunes from the new Manchester Orchestra record The Million Masks of God and discuss the importance of a real drum performance., making new sounds and the producing/mixing process with Catherine Marks.
Music by Manchester Orchestra and Joe Plummer

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Check-In with Hannah Jadagu May 14, 2021

Hannah Jadagu is a singer songwriter and producer based in New York City by way of Mesquite, Texas. Her bedroom-produced debut EP What Is Going On ? was released on Sub Pop Records and is a wonderfully dreamy and thoughtful listen in under 30 minutes. In this episode, Joe and Hannah talk life in New York as a freshman at NYU, the vibe she wanted to create with her "reoccurring cast" videos and what hook made her realize that she should and could continue to write music. Hannah tells us what she has been listening to and what she looks for to in the coming year as the the world begins to open to social events. We hear two songs, Sundown and What Is Going On? from What Is Going On? released April 30th 2021, Sub Pop Records
Music by Hannah Jadagu and Joe Plummer

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Ari Surdoval May 07, 2021

Ari Surdoval is a writer based in Nashville by way of New York City. Over the 2020 year, he began, finished and self published his first novel, Double Nickels, best described as a "post-punk coming of age story" that takes place in a small working class town in the American northeast in the 1980's. Joe and Ari discuss the his experience and reason for self publishing, his motivation and process and why writing a novel can feel like an alien abduction. Ari also reads a beautiful passage. Enjoy.
Music by Palm Frauds and Joe Plummer.
https://www.doublenickelsbook.com/

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Rosie Tucker Apr 30, 2021

Rosie Tucker is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Los Angeles who also finds the time to teach audio production to middle school kids. In this episode Rosie and Joe discuss their experience contracting Covid-19, Rosie's thoughts on remote teaching and the difficulties of emotional regulation when you are forced to share the same space with someone for over a year. Rosie's third record, Supreme Sucker (Epitaph Records) comes out on April 30th. Rosies tells us how the record was made, gives us a quick tutorial on one of the key instruments used and explains why everyone of their records serves a personal purpose.
Music by Rosie Tucker and Joe Plummer

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Check-In with Nicholas Galanin and Otis Calvin III of Ya Tseen Apr 23, 2021

Over the last 3 years, Nicholas Galanin and Otis Calvin III have been making Indian Yard, the debut record from the project Ya Tseen on Sub Pop records. We hear how the two veteran collaborators made the record both remotely and in person, the importance of both processes and why trust, generosity and patience made the project flow. They also discuss why "back to normal" may not be a good thing for everyone and why we need to take a break from the internet and engage in in-person as soon as possible.
Music by Ya Tseen and Joe Plummer

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Anya Marina Apr 16, 2021

Anya Marina is a singer-songwriter based in New York City. Since 2009, she has recorded 5 studio albums and toured the U.S. extensively both as an opener and headliner. In this episode Anya tells us three separate stories, which all are coincidentally tied together by either Florida or crowd heckling. Anya shows us that you can still have fun in a on stage disaster and also how to maneuver a misunderstood post show love interest.
We hear a few tunes from her record Felony Flats and Queen Of The Night. Enjoy!
Music by Anya Marina and Joe Plummer

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Check-In Tour Story with William Goldsmith Apr 09, 2021

William Goldsmith has played drums for over 20 years. He is a founding member of Sunny Day Real Estate, The Fire Theft and was the first drummer for the Foo Fighters. We start this episode with a Check-In. William tells us how he split his time in the last year caring for three kids and writing and recording two records with his new band Assertion. We also learn that William took 9 years off from playing music, how that made him feel and what he's doing to catch back up with the music that has influenced him. The episode finishes with Joe and William recounting their unforgettable and nerve racking trip to New York to play David Bowies birthday party. The trip was riddled with comical rock n roll celebrity shoulder rubbing, major drum tech mistakes and a goofy brush up with the NYPD. Plus, William invents the word "respectstruck" !

We hear two new songs from Assertions debut record Intermisson .

Out 4.9.21 on Spartan Records spartanrecords.com

Music by Assertion, Palm Frauds and Joe Plummer

Episode sponsored by Caddis caddislife.com and Izotope izotope.com

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Michael Cera, The Case of the Missing Bass Apr 02, 2021

Michael Cera is an actor, producer, songwriter and touring musician. He is best known for his roles in Superbad, Arrested Development, the voice of Robin in The Lego Batman Movie, and his Tony nominated performance in the Broadway production of Lobby Hero. In addition to acting, Michael has also toured extensively playing bass guitar with Mister Heavenly and Alden Penner. In this episode Michael tells us the noir esque tale of losing his coveted Vox Phantom bass guitar, the relationship he builds with a New York City investigator and the wild collection of coincidences that fed his pursuit.

Music by Joe Plummer, Chris Duryee, Mister Heavenly, and Michael Cera.

Thank you to our sponsors:

Caddis. They make awesome reading glasses and blue light blockers. These things are cool. Get 15$ off with code TOUR15OFF with a minimum purchase of $95 at caddislife.com.

IZotope. The show uses Izotope’s audio plug ins and software extensively to make everything sound better. Check out the Producers Club and Music Production Suite Pro with a 7-day free trial. On all other software, get 10% off with code FRET10 at izotope.com.

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The Check-In with Nick Bockrath Mar 26, 2021

Nick Bockrath is the guitarist of Cage The Elephant. Before Cage, he toured and recorded with Nicos Gun and Morning Teleportation. In this episode Nick and Joe talk pandemic gardening, brisket burning and the state of vaccination in the U.S. Nick also tells us about touring with a broken leg and what it’s like to share 1 van with 12 people. Episode is sponsored by Izotope. Izotope.com.

Music by Morning Teleportation, Cage The

Elephant, Palm Frauds and Joe Plummer.

Episode Hail Marry caught by the great Chris Duryee.

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The Check-In with Man on Man Mar 19, 2021

Joey Holman and Roddy Bottum are Man on Man. They've spent most of the pandemic traveling from New York to LA, caring for their mothers and writing their first musical collaboration. But Man on Man is more than music, it has a strong visual aspect that expresses body positivity that has resonated with the queer community. There is also a communal component called Chosen Family, which serves as a platform for community support, activism and it aims to bring people together through art and real human engagement.

In this episode Joe, Joey and Roddy talk about the good and bad habits they've developed over the last year, the hard work and responsibility the Man on Man record has brought to their lives and what their plans are in the near future. We hear a couple tunes from the new record and Joey and Roddy tell us what they've been listening to. Enjoy.

Episode sponsored by Izotope, Izotope.com

Music by Man on Man and Joe Plummer

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The Tour Story Check-In with Jeremiah Green Mar 12, 2021

Jeremiah Green has been the drummer for Modest Mouse for over 20 years. Outside of his rock n roll life, Jeremiah cares for his son, dogs, cats and chickens in Port Townsend, Wa. He also records his own music at home and owns a store called Thuja that sells "things". In this episode Jeremiah tells us of why the pandemic may be good for future change and Joe and Jeremiah discuss how capitalism has influenced home life, work life and what that might mean now. They share Modest Mouse tour stories, play a tune from Dream Attack and even play some drums together!

Episode sponsored by Izotope.

Music by Jeremiah Green, Dream Attack and Joe Plummer.

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The Check-In with Stephen Malkmus Mar 05, 2021

Stephen Malkmus is a singer, guitarist and songwriter from Portland Oregon, He is a founding member of Pavement, Silver Jews and releases both solo records and records under Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks. In this episode Joe and Stephen talk post Trump Portland, vaccine distribution , the permeance of 90's pop culture and the significance of the last pre-internet decade. Stephen tells us he's missing touring, but is also settling into a lifestyle the pandemic has brought to him. Last, Joe AND Stephen share a 2005 Jicks tour story and Stephen tells us what he looks forward to in the "normal" future. We hear two tunes from Stephens solo record "Traditional Techniques".

Enjoy.

There is a pinprick of light at the end of the tunnel

Music by Stephen Malkmus and Joe Plummer.

Episode sponsored by Izotope Izotope.com

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The Check-In with Daniel Lanois Feb 26, 2021

Daniel Lanois is a multi grammy winning producer and engineer. He's worked with U2, Bob Dylan, Neal Young, Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel and Emmylou Harris to name a few. In addition to his production accolades, Daniel has consistently recorded, produced and toured his own solo efforts. Joe and Daniel discuss the benefits of playing arrangements live before recording the forthcoming record "Heavy Sun" and the sense of cooperation that the backing vocals bring to the record. Daniel gives us his thoughts on touring, what he's been up to in the last year and what he most looks forward to once we're post-pandemic. Most importantly Daniel reminds us that "joy has not gone out of fashion". Joe plays the new single "Power" and " (Under The) Heavy Sun" from the new record Heavy Sun, out March 19th. Enjoy.

Music by Daniel Lanois and Joe Plummer.

Episode sponsored by Izotope. Izotope.com

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Tour Story Check-In with Mikael Jorgensen Feb 19, 2021

This episode combines a few tour stories AND a Check-In with Mikael Jorgensen, keyboardist of Wilco. It all starts off with some words for the recently passed Chick Corea. Next we hear Mikael's views on collaboration, the importance of making a mess in songwriting and why he loves improvisation, even if it's in "slow motion" due to a pandemic. He also tells us what it's like to do a 12 day tour with a song in the set that he never knew how to play. We learn his threshold on drinking absinthe and Joe and Mikael exchange some ridiculous humble brags on their Bridge School Benefit experiences. All this and a new tune from Mikael's project Expandards. Music by Expandards, Palm Fronds Nobukazu Takemura, and Joe Plummer.

Episode sponsored by Izotope. Izotope.com

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The Check-In with Katie Schecter Feb 12, 2021

Katie Schecter is a singer, guitarist and songwriter from Nashville by way of NYC. In this episode Joe and Katie talk post Trump/pre vaccine Nashville and the importance of looking outward and helping others. She hips Joe to Gill Scott Herons "The Vulture" and tells us about her experience making her record "Bad for Business". All this and surprise visit from the spirit of Richard Swift ! Enjoy! Music by Katie Schecter, Richard Swift and Joe Plummer. Episode sponsored by Izotope. Visit Izotope.com

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John Atkins Feb 05, 2021

John Atkins is the singer, guitarist and founding member of bands 764-Hero, Magic Magicians, The Can't See and currently, his collaboration with James Van Leuven, Sun Breaks. In this episode, Joe and John share some stories from their time together on the road and John rapid fires his tour anecdotes and tales to his own soundtrack. It's fun and funny! Music by John Atkins.

Episode sponsored by Izotpe. Izotpoe.com

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The Check-In with Nick Waterhouse Jan 29, 2021

Nick Waterhouse is a singer, songwriter and guitarist based in Los Angeles. Since 2010 he's recorded and produced several records, using largely vintage and analog equipment. In this episode Nick tells what embarrassing habits he's picked up during pandemic and how he's traded his home sickness for road sickness. Joe and Nick share stories about their experience recording at London's "Toe Rag" studio and Nick hips us to Bruce Langhorne, the alleged "Tamborine Man" and early electrifier of folk music. We hear a new tune from Nicks forthcoming record Promenade Blue. Enjoy!

Music by Nick Waterhouse, Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer.

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Yuuki Matthews Jan 22, 2021

Yuuki Matthews is a mixer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. For the Last 20 years he has collaborated and toured with The Shins, Sufjan Stevens, David Bazan, Tomo Nakayama and his project with Richard Swift, Teardrops. In this episode Yuuki tells us two stories. The first one involves the most unlikely name befuddle rock n roll has ever heard. In the second he tells us how he survived a headlining Coachella show with his feet and hands on fire. Take it in and enjoy. Music by Teardrops, Yuuki Matthews and Joe Plummer.

Episode sponsored by Izotope. Izotope.com

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The Check In with Charlie Hall Jan 15, 2021

Charlie Hall is a multi instrumentalist, a singer, and the drummer for The War On Drugs. In his involuntary break from touring with The War On Drugs in 2020, he's found himself working on his own music, listening to The Fleetwoods and missing getting together with his pals for a sing along around the piano. In this episode, Joe and Charlie talk improvising, the Great British Baking Show and what Donald Trump will do following his presidency and a second impeachment. Enjoy. Music by The War On Drugs, Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer.

Episode sponsored by Izotope, makers of the finest mixing, mastering and audio repair tools.

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Sam Jayne Dec 31, 2020

This is a celebration of Sam Jayne. Sam's bands Lync and Love As Laughter were both contemporaries and influential to northwest bands Modest Mouse, Built To Spill, 764-Hero and Beck throughout the 90's and 2000's. In this episode we hear some favorite stories about Sam from his friends and family and what their favorite songs meant to them. Thank You Sam.

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Tour Stories Presents "Whittaker" Dec 23, 2020

Tour Stories presents Whittaker, a Special Ruinous Media Production

We all want to celebrate, restore, and responsibly manage our wilderness areas. When Bobby Whittaker got off the road with REM and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, he did too, and that’s exactly what happened. In this podcast, Bobby Whittaker combines his tour managing skills and his love for outdoor community to conquer the hearts and minds of a small Northwest town. Hear the harrowing story of how he built a beautiful 25-mile trail on an otherwise unused rail corridor that benefits the community economically and brings them together. If you like Rock-N-Roll intuition, and love the outdoors, let Bobby show you how dedication to community, hard work and a little bit of punk rock attitude will build a beautiful space for everyone to enjoy. Music by Mudhoney, Caustic Resin, Lords of the North and Henry Hanks. Enjoy. Thanks to Sub Pop Records

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The Check-In with David Bazan Dec 18, 2020

David Bazan is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Seattle Washington. For over 20 years he has recorded, toured and self-produced his bands Pedro The Lion , The Headphones and many variations of his solo efforts. In this episode, David and Joe discuss the possibility and culture of future touring with the news of a Covid-19 vaccine. David tells us about the adjustments to his life during the pandemic, we get his love/hate take on Taylor Swifts album, Folklore and he hints at a new Pedro The Lion record series. Music by Pedro the Lion, David Bazan, Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer. Enjoy.

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The Check-In with Gary Jarman of The Cribs Dec 11, 2020

Gary Jarman is a founding member, singer and bass player for the Wakefield band The Cribs. Like most rock and rollers, Gary has been stuck at home for most of the pandemic, dealing with the bands legal issues and the frustration of not being able to support a new record and tour for over two years. Joe and Gary discuss how a boxing regiment has helped him cope, what it was like recording at The Foo Fighters 606 studio and why Peep Show may be Britains best comedy.....ever. We also hear a couple tunes from The Cribs newest record, Night Network. Enjoy! Music by The Cribs, Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer.

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One Year Anniversary Episode with Brian Teasley Dec 04, 2020

After a year of Tour Stories and The Check-In. We've decided to celebrate with a re-play of our first episode with Brian Teasly.

Brian Teasley of Man or Astroman? and The Polyphonic Spree sees the terror of traveling with a microphone. FBI, Taco Bell and Tevo. Enjoy. Music By Man or Astroman? and Joe Plummer

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The Check-In with Wax Tailor Nov 27, 2020

Wax Tailor is a DJ and producer from Vernon, France. His upcoming record "In the Shadow Of Their Sons" was written and recorded over the spring and summer of 2020 in middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. The record touches on the political and economic effects of a pandemic when the economic inequality gap is ever widening. Releasing on January 8th 2021, "In the Shadow of Their Sons" features guests D Smoke, Mark Lanegan and Del The Funky Homosapien. In this episode, Joe and Wax discuss the difference between the BLM movement in France and the US, the economic effects of the pandemic and the future of touring. Wax also hips us to The Koreatown Oddity. Enjoy. Music by Wax Tailor, Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer

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The Check-In With Tim Kinsella Nov 20, 2020

Tim Kinsella has been a working musician for over 20 years. He is a founding member of Chicago bands Cap'n Jazz, Joan of Arc, and his newest effort, Good Fuck, which he started with his wife Jenny Pulse. He has written two novels,The Karaoke Singer's Guide to Self-Defense and Let Go and Go On and On, and also wrote and directed the film Orchard Vale. In this episode, Joe and Tim talk election fatigue, how Good Fuck recording has been a guiding effort throughout the pandemic, and how Daniel Lenois and Bob Dylan may have inspired the newest and last Joan Of Arc record. They also discuss why Captain Beerheart AND philosopher Zizak's "pressure cooker" ideas may explain why we spent four years with Trump as president. Music by Joan Of Arc, Good Fuck, Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer. Enjoy.

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The Check-In with Steve McDonald Nov 13, 2020

Steve McDonald has covered the Rock n Roll gamut. It began when he and his brother started the influential hardcore band Red Cross when Steve was 11 years old. Since then he has toured the world, stopped touring to produce records, and started up again with not one, but three touring bands, The Melvins, Off! and Redd Kross. Steve tells Joe what he's doing to cope with being "grounded" during the pandemic, how he feels about our chaotic election and why he feels fortunate despite these unpredictable times. Episode sponsored by The Red E Cafe, Portland, Oregon. Music by Redd Kross, Red Cross, Joe Plummer and Palm Fronds. Enjoy.

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SPECIAL ELECTION BONUS REPLAY Dale Crover and the Texas Turnpike with bonus story from KEITH MORRIS Nov 05, 2020

We bring you a special replay episode with Dale Crover of The Melvins. It has a surprise story from the punk legend Keith Morris of The Circle Jerks, Black Flag and OFF!

Dale Crover of The Melvins meets Buford T Justice

Take a break from vote counting and enjoy.

Episode brought to you by The Red E Cafe, Portland, Oregon

Music by Off!, Palm Fronds, Dale Crover and Joe Plummer.

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The Check-In With Mark Guiliana Oct 30, 2020

Mark Guiliana is a drummer, composer and teacher. He's done extensive touring and recording in the jazz world both as a band leader and a sideman. He's also delved into the rock, recording with David Bowie on the record BlackStar and Matt Cameron on his solo record Cavedweller. Joe and Mark talk pandemic coping strategies and how Mark is trying to stay on top of his game when and if things get back to normal. They also discuss the importance of getting instruments into kids hands, how he stays cool this close to the election and why he sometimes looks at older music for new music inspiration. Enjoy. Episode sponsored by Red E Cafe and Coffee Roasters in Portland Oregon. Music by Mark Guiliana, Beat Music Productions and Joe Plummer

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Patrick Carney Oct 22, 2020

Patrick Carney is a producer, drummer and founding member of The Black Keys. He has been touring, engineering and producing records for the last 20 years. In this episode Patrick tells us how he encountered 26 men dressed in Santa Claus suits in the middle of July on the first Black Keys tour in 2002. Enjoy. Music by Patrick Carney and Joe Plummer

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The Check-In with Girl Friday Oct 16, 2020

Joe talks with Vera Ellen and Libby Hsieh from Girl Friday during 6th month of the Covid-19 pandemic. They discuss the positive effects a pandemic may have on their community, what different versions of protesting mean and why making yourself put on cozy socks and reading a book may be better for not just you, but the rest of the world. We hear a song from their new record Androgynous Mary and they tell us why the new Sufjan Stevens record has been their go to over the last few months. Enjoy! Music by Girl Friday, Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer.

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Fred Armisen Oct 08, 2020

Fred Armisen is a writer, comedian and actor. He's written, created and acted in dozens of TV shows (Portlandia, Los Espooky's, Documentry Now!), was the band leader for Late Night with Seth Meyers and a cast member of Saturday Night Live for over 10 years. He's also seen his fair share of touring, either as a the drummer for the 90's band Trenchmouth or a comedian doing his one man show "Standup Up For Drummers" and "Comedy For Musicians". In this episode he gives us a montage of hilarious insights, stories and perspectives of life on the road that only Fred can do. Enjoy! Music by Fred Armisen, Joe Plummer and Wandering Lucy. Episode sponsored by Izotope.

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The Check-In With Densil Mcfarlane Oct 02, 2020

Densil Mcfarlane is a singer, songwriter and guitarist for the Toronto based band The OBGM's. In this episode we discuss his new view on protesting and how he believes it can advance change. He reminds us that none of us have experienced a pandemic, and we can all learn and support each other through our uncharted future. We also hear a couple tunes from the forthcoming OBGM's record, The Ends. Enjoy! Episode sponsored by Izotope. Music by Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer.

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Dann Gallucci Sep 24, 2020

Dann Gallucci is a musician, engineer and producer from the Northwest. Over the last 20 years, he's toured and recorded with Modest Mouse, The Murder City Devils, and Cold War Kids. He's produced dozens of songs and released A Gun Called Tension, a dynamic collaboration with Sean Reveron and other NW musicians. Since relocating to Los Angeles, Dann has delved into the podcast world, producing Bullseye and The Dream. In this episode Dann tells us what it was like opening for Pearl Jam as the guitarist for The Murder City Devils, how kind Eddie Vedder can be , and why his band members had to try and outdrink a famous NBA player. Music by A Gun Called Tension, The Murder City Devils and Joe Plummer. Episode sponsored by Izotope.

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The Check-In with Jon Wurster Sep 17, 2020

Jon Wurster is the drummer for Superchunk, The Mountain Goats and Bob Mould. He's also a comedy writer and has created many character "guests" on Tom Scharplings' "The Best Show". Joe and Jon get to catch up after not seeing each other on the road for a couple years. They discuss the North Carolina political climate, Jon's pandemic routine and the documentary's that Jon's been watching in his down time. They also veer into drummer talk, addressing Bill Stevenson and Dave Lombardo's effortless, fluttering styles. We hear a song from the new Bob Mould record called "American Crisis" that matches the current social/political climate in both ferocity and volume! Music by Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer. Episode sponsored by Izoptope.

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Hutch Harris Sep 11, 2020

Hutch Harris is a musician, songwriter and producer from Portland Oregon. He was also the singer and guitarist for The Thermals. On what winds up being The Thermals last tour, they find themselves running from a tornado en route to a show in Denver. Naturally, Hutch, who may have eaten a few too many "edibles", deals with it by writing an "epic, scary, tornado song" in the back of the van. Find out what song he wrote and whether they made it to the show. Music by Hutch Harris, The Thermals, Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer.

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The Check-In with Alicia Bognanno of Bully Sep 03, 2020

Alicia Bagnanno is an audio engineer and the founding member of the Sub Pop band Bully. Like most rock bands in the world, her touring has been cancelled and she's unable to support her new record Sugaregg. When she's not doing press and promotion for the new release, she's running, meditating and listening to "Birthday" by the Sugarcubes. We also discuss the importance of Nashvilles ground level organization in the BLM movement and how young people are pulling most of the weight in support of social justice. We hear new music from Bully and Land of Talk. Additional music by Palm Fronds and Joe Plummer. Mastered by Wilson Plummer.

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