The Trap Set with Joe Wong

Latest Episodes:

166: Karriem Riggins (Ray Brown, Hank Jones, J Dilla, Common) May 09, 2018

Show notes

Karriem Riggins is a rare artist whose creative voice resonates in improvised music and popular music alike. Karriem spoke to Joe in front of a live audience at Ace Hotel Palm Springs about: being born into a musical family in Detroit; his definition of greatness and mastery; working with established legends like Ray Brown and modern legends like J Dilla; and he answers listener questions. Also, Trap Set friend--Jose Medeles--calls to talk about his new book, The Stoic Drummer.

RIP: Remembering John "Jabo" Starks May 02, 2018

Show notes

Yesterday, John "Jabo" Starks--one of the most important drummers of the twentieth century--died of cancer. He was 79. In tribute, we're revisiting Joe's conversation with the legendary musician, originally recorded in Madison, WI, in 2015.

165: Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees, Barrett Martin Group, Mad Season, REM) Apr 25, 2018

Show notes

In the 80s and 90s, Barrett Martin was a member of seminal Seattle bands Screaming Trees, Mad Season, and Skin Yard; but according to Barrett, talking about his life as a rock drummer isn't all that interesting. Instead, Barrett and Joe have a conversation about the perception of time, the feminine energy of the universe, Barrett's studies as a Zen monk, the dangers of capitalism, and the nature of music and consciousness.

164: Adrienne Davies (Earth) Apr 18, 2018

Show notes

Adrienne Davies joined long-running Washington band Earth in 2001. She brought with her the requisite aptitude for slow tempos, and--over the course of several albums--developed a command of sonic nuance that perfectly complements and differentiates the band's meditative compositions. Adrienne speaks to Joe about: growing up surrounded by brothers, stage fright, feelings of creative inadequacy, breaking through those feelings through serious woodshedding, recovering from a serious back and head injury, her love of Jim White...and kitties!

163: Atom Willard (Against Me!, Rocket from the Crypt, Angels and Airwaves, The Offspring) Apr 11, 2018

Show notes

Atom Willard joined Rocket from the Crypt when he was still in high school. During his ten-year tenure with the band, he honed a unique style, balancing punk rawness and precision. Atom tells Joe about: his Catholic upbringing in San Diego; his early fascination with Kiss (who would soon be displaced by bands like Iron Maiden); his time with bands like Rocket from the Crypt and Against Me; figuring out who he is outside of a band context; how he defines musical greatness; and how he is trying to be a better person.

162: Ralph Johnson (Earth Wind & Fire) Apr 04, 2018

Show notes

Ralph Johnson brought his disciplined, unstoppable groove to Earth Wind and Fire in 1973; and over the subsequent 45 years, he's played an important role in EWF's timeless legacy of excellence. Joe visited Ralph at his home in Woodland Hills, CA, for a wide-ranging conversation about: his musical parents, growing up in LA, the creative dynamic of EWF, martial arts, nefarious technology, mind control, parenthood, and spirituality. This is a can't-miss episode with a member of one of America's most treasured bands.

161: Dan Bailey (Father John Misty) Mar 28, 2018

Show notes

Dan Bailey learned to play drums in church. By the time he was in his early twenties, he was the house drummer at one of the biggest churches in the US, and he was touring with top artists of Contemporary Christian Music. But upon reaching this professional apex, Dan discovered that his personal beliefs were no longer in alignment with the faith in which he was raised; and he left the church. Now the drummer and music director of Father John Misty, Dan tells Joe about: following his gut, fatherhood, the hellish notion of infinite bliss, the dynamics of FJM, and the eventuality of leaving professional music.

160: Adam Carson (AFI) Mar 21, 2018

Show notes

Adam Carson co-founded AFI in 1991, when he was still in high school. Nearly 30 years later, the band is still going strong and has far surpassed its initial, punk rock ambitions. Adam visited Trap Set HQ and told Joe about: his drummer father; being a "bad student"; how he defines becoming "better" as an artist; the inner workings of AFI; and discovering an identity beyond the band. Also, friend of the show, Patty Schemel, stopped by to read an excerpt from her excellent new memoir, Hit So Hard.

BNS: Joey Castillo Answers Listener Questions Mar 21, 2018

Show notes

In this bonus mini-episode Joey Castillo answers listener questions about: recording techniques, his time with Scott Weiland, working out, and more! Want to hear Joey's full episode and 160 other guests, all for free? Subscribe to The Trap Set on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, NPROne, or wherever you get your podcasts!

159: Joey Castillo (Wasted Youth, Sugartooth, QotSA, Eagles of Death Metal, Zakk Sabbath) Mar 14, 2018

Show notes

Joey Castillo grew up in Gardena, CA, and he found an early musical home in the vital Southern California punk scene of the early 80s. Joey's unique style combines the frenetic energy of punk with a strong sense of swing and tasteful restraint. He tells Joe about growing up in a multi-generational home; seeing his punk heroes up close; developing his own musical personality; letting his instincts guide him through life; and his thoughts on becoming a dad. Tune in next week for a bonus episode, featuring Joey's answers to your questions!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Trap Set with Joe Wong

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected