Heavy Hops

Latest Episodes:

HH 055: Tension (Tim Pope/The Amenta) Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

Joining us this week is Tim Pope, keyboardist, programmer and lyricist for Australian extreme metal band The Amenta. Describing this band's sound - whether on a single album or as a characterization over time - in a two or three word genre title is challenging. Maybe that’s the point. Revelator, the band's fourth album, which was released in February by Debemur Morti Productions, represents the biggest stylistic jump between albums to date. Tim identifies the use of organic sounds and process which recast the role his instrument plays in the context of the bands sound; a shift towards spontaneity, deconstruction and re-contextualization in the lyrical composition; and an exploration of the tension between atmosphere and pace as key factors in the construction of Revelator. We also discuss incorporating a vocalist into the writing process for the first time in the band's twenty plus year career and the emphasis on visual presentation through three haunting music videos. Discover The Amenta: Revelator music videos: An Epoch Ellipsis, Sere Money, Psoriastasis Bandcamp Facebook Instagram Twitter Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us! Support The Show By Donating. Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us!

HH 054: Symbiosis (Gert van der Waal) Jul 22, 2021

Show notes

Gert van der Waal refers to his ventures in hop growing, malting, and distilling as “experiments.” There’s a level of modesty in this claim indicative of his character. On his small farm located outside Pretoria, South Africa, you’ll find four varieties of hops: Cascade, Kracanup (a cross of Chinook and Cascade originating from Australia), DrakGold (a variety bred near Durban on the east coast) and NAK, a local strain whose name references the rocky terrain on his farm, Nog-a-Klip. In the face of monopolistic and uncompetitive practices on the part of South African Brewers (or SAB) - a direct subsidiary of AB InBev which owns over 90% of South Africa’s hop production - to discourage hop growing outside of a region in which its interests are vested, Gert developed a method to multiply his plants quickly, and has engaged a number of small scale growers who have seen positive results. On Constitution Hill - a Johannesburg fort that served as a prison for Nelson and Willie Mandela during apartheid years - Khaya Maloney is growing hops from rhizomes provided by with Gert. In addition to his curiosity, creativity, and willingness to experiment, Gert’s success can be attributed to his commitment to ecological farming and symbiosis which are unusual in a trade dominated by monocropping. Our conversation with Gert revolves around these topics, home distilling; how shutdowns, alcohol bans, COVID-19 and social unrest have impacted the burgeoning craft brewing and distilling spaces in South Africa. Photos Provided by: Lucy Corne (Facebook, Twitter, Website) Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us! Support The Show By Donating. Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us!

HH 053: Tiny Prints (Maura Walsh/Black Nail Studio) Jul 15, 2021

Show notes

Maura Walsh, a Chicago-based artist, gained notoriety during the pandemic for her appropriately named Tiny Guide to Chicago's Best Music Culture Spots and Tiny Guide to Chicago Arts which raise funds for local organizations Chicago Independent Venue League and Save our Stages. We explore the origins of this project, the challenges of communicating architectural detail on such a small medium, and dive into the experience of having a project go viral overnight. We also touch on Maura’s most recent Tiny Chicago Music Scene project and why these spaces are front of mind for someone with a fine art background. Photos provided by Maura Walsh. Listen to Maura's companion playlist for the episode, containing some of her favorite Chicago-based bands. Find Maura Walsh: Black Nail Studio Organizations Discussed: Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) Save Our Stages Support Chicago Arts Girls Rock Chicago Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us! Support The Show By Donating. Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us!

HH 052: Right Place At The Right Time (Coy Eakes/Collective Arts & Gamma Brewing) Jul 08, 2021

Show notes

This week's episode is a story about curiosity, saying yes to opportunities, not fearing living somewhere new, and relishing challenges. Coy Eakes, co-Founder of Gamma Brewing, located just outside of Copenhagen, Denmark, tells us how he left his native North Carolina for a country he’d never been to, how he found brewing, and the importance of collaboration as an avenue for better understanding his new surroundings and profession. Coy’s journey continues stateside where he will open a new Collective Arts facility in New York City. Find Coy Eakes: Collective Arts Gamma Brewing Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us! Support The Show By Donating. Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us!

HH 051: Roadburning (Walter Hoeijmakers & Becky Laverty/Roadburn Festival) Jul 01, 2021

Show notes

During the first weekend after Easter, Tilburg - a university town in the south of Holland - becomes a destination for curious music enthusiasts from around the world seeking to discover and enjoy up and coming, and select established names, in heavy music. Roadburn Festival’s influence and role as a forward-thinking tastemaker is immeasurable; every metal festival organizer in Europe - and some in North America - watch its announcements extremely closely and labels take careful note of its lineup. In our conversation with artistic director Walter Hoeijmakers and Becky Laverty (Communications/PR + Side Programme Organizer) we discuss the Roadburn's origins, watershed moments; how curation, commissioned sets, and fan experience are approached, and the festival's evolving interpretation of what encompasses heavy music. How has Walter’s vision of the festival shifted over the last fifteen years? What expectations should attendees have going into the 2022 edition? Discover Roadburn: Roadburn: Essential Sounds Playlist (updated weekly) Audio Streams Roadburn Website Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us! Support The Show By Donating. Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us!

HH 050: Surveying The Hosts (Alexi Front & Sam Cangelosi) Jun 24, 2021

Show notes

For the fiftieth episode artist and longtime collaborator Bryn Gleason is taking the helm and asking listener submitted questions. Sam and I offer behind the scenes insight into the shows background, how we adjusted during the lockdown period, what we look for in collaboration beers and projects, and what future content listeners may expect. Big thanks to everyone who listens weekly, those who encouraged us to take the plunge, and folks that have opted to support us financially on our Ko-Fi page. Here's to 50 more! Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us! Support The Show By Donating. Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us!

HH 049: Non-Traditional Hop Farming (James Altwies/Hopnology & Siebel Institute of Technology) Jun 17, 2021

Show notes

This week we're focusing on a specific overlap of agriculture and beer: small scale hop farming in non-traditional areas. Who is starting small farms, where are they located and what are the historical and present challenges these farmers face in North America where the “scale-up to succeed” mentality and monocropping are most prevalent? How is the “what’s new” consumer fixation challenging for small scale, non-traditional growers, and how do branding and marketing play into the hands of large scale growers? On the other side, where can small scale farmers exceed industry expectations? Here to discuss the ins and outs of small scale hop farming in non-traditional areas is James Altwies, a trained molecular biologist, horticulturist, and sensory scientist, holding advanced degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Toledo. In addition to his podcast, Hopnology, and consulting work for hop farmers, James teaches at the Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago. Listeners may remember him from our sensory discussion in Episode 017. James also weighs in on the impact climate change has had on hop growing, terroir and use of hydro and aquaponics. Find Hopnology: Website/Podcast Facebook Instagram Siebel Institute Of Technology: Official Website Facebook Instagram Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us! Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us! Episode Notes: https://scorchedtundra.com/heavy-hops-ep-049-non-traditional-hop-farming-james-altwies-hopnology-siebel-institute-of-technology/

HH 048: Morbid Malts (Samu Rahn/Louis Glunz Beer, Cairn & Wintering) Jun 10, 2021

Show notes

We’re back in the studio this week for the first time since October, enjoying a few beers with Samu Rahn. Our wide-ranging conversation touches on Samu’s musical endeavors as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist in dark heavy bands Cairn and Wintering; the importance of seeking new, niche, experiences - whether at home or abroad; beer and metal intersections by way of Hammerheart Brewing; and what it has been like working as a distribution sales rep during the pandemic. On the back nine of our discussion we hear about developments and trends Samu is observing on-premise as Key Account & Specialty Brand Manager for Louis Glunz a Chicagoland beer distributor. Will Flavored Malt Beverages (FMBs and Seltzers) and Ready to Drink (RTDs) products continue to eat away at beer’s market share in bars and restaurants as it has in the cold box and on shelves in grocery and liquor stores? We also discuss the variety of roles collaboration can play between breweries and in communities; as well as the challenges and opportunities existent for concert promoters, podcasters and beer distributors to do more to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the spaces we love every day. Find Samu Rahn: Cairn (Bandcamp) Wintering (Bandcamp) Louis Glunz Beer Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Beers Enjoyed: Hammerheart Gesik (2017) Stiegl Goldbrau Jester King Spon Raspberry and Cherry (2018) Old Irving Things We Don’t Say Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts to help others find us! Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us! Episode Notes:https://scorchedtundra.com/heavy-hops-ep-048-morbid-malts-samu-rahn-louis-glunz-beer-cairn-wintering/

HH 047: Hearing Conservation (Drs. Michael Santucci & Howard Kotler) Jun 03, 2021

Show notes

With summer festivals and club concerts on the horizon, we wanted to explore the connections between mental, physical and hearing health. No better guests to join us than Chicago-based audiologist Dr. Michael Santucci and Otolaryngologist Dr. Howard Kotler, an ear nose and throat specialist. As the world’s only audiologist-run earphone manufacturer Dr. Santucci’s firm Sensaphonics attracts musicians from all over the world seeking hearing protection. Using the recent film Sound of Metal as our starting point we discuss how hearing injury and loss can occur, the role stigmatization plays in exacerbating hearing damage and what constitutes effective hearing conservation. Dr. Santucci also touches on his work with the World Health Organization on decibel limits in venues and hearing loss prevention in music. Hearing injury can occur through repeated exposure in a variety of loud environments and this conversation encourages a holistic approach to the topic. Find Dr. Michael Santucci: Sensaphonics & Hearing Clinic Find Dr. Howard Kotler Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify to help others find us! Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us! Episode Notes: https://scorchedtundra.com/heavy-hops-ep-047-hearing-conservation-drs-michael-santucci-howard-kotler/

HH 046: Migration and ReChording (Trevor Shelley de Brauw/Pelican/Chord/RLYR) May 27, 2021

Show notes

Joining us this week is Trevor Shelley de Brauw guitarist of Chicago-based heavy instrumental bands Pelican, RLYR and Chord. We discuss what's happening with each of these bands, including re-releases of Pelican’s first three records (Australasia, The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw, City of Echoes), the fourth Chord effort Imperfect Authentic Cadence and the upcoming RLYR album, which was being recorded at the time of this conversation. We discuss sources of inspiration, use of file-sharing in songwriting, and the experience of allowing fans access to the creative process through new technology such as Tik Tok. Trevor also works as a publicist and tells us about the changing landscape of public relations and communicating with journalists. Here's a spotify playlist containing Trevor’s work. Click the band names below to access their Bandcamp profiles. Listen To Trevor: Pelican RLYR Chord Find Heavy Hops: Website (Listen to all episodes and access detailed show notes!) Facebook Instagram Twitter Support The Show By Donating Episode Art and HH Logo By: Bryn Gleason Please Subscribe to our podcast via your preferred listening platform. Rate and leave us a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify to help others find us! Give the gift of HH by sharing our episodes on social media! Small actions such as these go a long way in helping others find us! Episode Notes: https://scorchedtundra.com/heavy-hops-ep-046-migration-and-rechording-trevor-shelley-de-brauw-pelican-chord-rlyr/

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