LONELIER THAN GOD

Today’s guest is DOMENIC PALERMO of the band NOTHING.This past February, in-between tours of Japan & the U.S., they released their 5th album, A SHORT HISTORY OF DECAY, on RUN FOR COVER RECORDS. It veers from raw downer lullabies to overdriven beat-based raptures of distortion, sometimes even within the same song.Nothing will play their second album, TIRED OF TOMORROW, in full at all 6 dates of this year’s Slide Away Festival, which begins this Friday & Saturday (May 15th & 16th), in New York City, then moves to Chicago & L.A. the following weekends.As everyone listening already knows, HUM are headlining those shows, marking their first live performances in almost 7 years.Nicky started the festival in 2024, & it’s already featured a multi-generational variety of shoegaze-adjacent bands like Swervedriver, Astrobrite, Swirlies, Whirr, Knifeplay, Mo Dotti, & many others.In this episode, we discuss the logistics of festival curation, night-capping at a pseudo-strip club, the weary routines of touring, the kaleidoscopic gloom of songwriting, & meeting Kevin Shields when you can barely stand up.****SLIDE AWAY '26****"VERTIGO FLOWERS" VIDEO****TIMESTAMPS:02:35: “Cannibal World” (Nothing)04:07: Japan & M.B.V. Shows18:24: Album Titles22:08: Touring Logistics24:29: Slide Away Prep & Production32:00: Lineups, HUM, & '90s Influences43:24: Tired of Tomorrow LP49:39: “Vertigo Flowers” Song & Video57:59: “Curse of the Sun” (Nothing)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m joined today by JAY RYAN — bassist, guitarist, screenprinter, poster-maker, author, teacher, & longtime shining star in the HUM-verse.For 3 decades, Jay’s been designing & making posters & prints at his studio THE BIRD MACHINE for artists ranging from HUM & Matt Talbott, to Stereolab, Melvins, Shellac, the Flaming Lips, Seam, & Silkworm, to his own band, DIANOGAH.He’s published a trio of richly illustrated books brimming with his designs, from the 90s to now, with lots of helpful captions that situate the works in their respective times & places. The first book is called 100 Posters, 134 Squirrels, & it was followed by Animals & Objects In & Out of Water, & then No One Told Me Not to Do This. Links to everything below.Dianogah recently released a discography box set titled 1995-2008, which compiles their 4 full-lengths & another LP of singles & compilation tracks. The sets have sold out, but you can still get the remastered audio from their Bandcamp, also linked below. In addition to Dianogah, Jay plays in the live presentation of Chicago band THE MOST DISTANT OBJECT, who are set to release their second record, VOLITION, on May 4th.In this episode, we discuss the productive limitations of screen printing, dig into the scratchy histories inside his images, & try to make sense of the ups & downs of the angsty bounce.[We refer to quite a few posters during the conversation, & a PDF of those is linked below as well.]****JAY'S BOOKS****DIANOGAH****THE MOST DISTANT OBJECT****POSTERS WE DISCUSS****TIMESTAMPS:03:05 // "Lone Tree Point" (Dianogah)04:11 // Line Work11:50 // The Bird Machine15:53 // Gig Poster as Concept & Challenge24:25 // HUM Posters32:42 // Matt Talbott Solo Posters38:34 // Early '90s & Electra 200049:24 // "Pinch and Roll" Discussion01:08:07 // "The Smallest Chilean" (Dianogah)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s conversation is with JONATHAN PEREZ, co-founder & guitarist of TRAUMA RAY. This past February, they released their CARNIVAL EP, a highly recommended 5-song trip through the warped abstractions of the psyche. It takes their sound in more meditative & even ambient directions, while also intensifying the pulverizing riffs & rhythms they’re known for.Following the success of their U.S. run with Loathe last fall, they’re just a couple weeks away from a nationwide co-headlining tour with GLIXEN, which goes from April 10 to May 16.Jon also writes & records music as JUAN CORDERO, & he released his debut LP, SONGS ABOUT GHOSTS, via SUNDAY DRIVE RECORDS back on Halloween 2023. FFO: Duster, Bedhead, Lowercase, Sparklehorse, & so forth.In this episode, we move song-by-song through the Carnival EP, talk about surviving the love/hate relationship with your own music, & explore the overlap between everyday life & the cosmos.****CARNIVAL EP****SPRING 2026 TOUR DATES****SONGS ABOUT GHOSTS LP****HUM @ CHINA CLUB / CHICAGO '93****TIMESTAMPS:02:30: "Chameleon"03:44: Carnival Record Release Show08:44: "Hannibal" Video10:36: Carnival EP14:18: "Carousel"18:38: "Hannibal"23:19: "Méliès"28:50: "Funhouse"34:12: "Clown"40:03: HUM's Influence42:36: "Liftoff"47:32: "Pewter" Discussion01:06:39: "Breath"****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is GABE VAN — producer, mixer, engineer, singer, songwriter, & guitarist.He owns & operates AKIRA AUDIO in Woodland Hills, CA, where he’s done a wide range of in-house sound work across music, film, fashion, TV, & web media.There he's recorded thousands of sessions, most frequently with drummers KELLII SCOTT of FAILURE & BEN KOLLER of CONVERGE.He’s also gone on the road to do live sound with Failure, Autolux, Local Natives, & others.His band MOSSBREAKER released their first album, Between the Noise & You, in 2017 on Glory Kid Records. Check the Bandcamp links below to hear that, along with an early EP, singles, & more recent demos. They opened for HUM & Mineral at the Regent Theater in LA in September 2015.In this episode, we discuss finding your niche, the stress-tests of guitar tech'ing, & the way sound travels through the memory-space of time.****https://www.akiraaudio.com****https://mossbreaker.bandcamp.com/album/between-the-noise-and-you****HUM on Modern Rock Live [1998]****TIMESTAMPS:02:25 // "Runway" (Mossbreaker)03:37 // Akira Audio07:53 // Recording Schools12:55 // Working with Ken Andrews19:55 // "Between the Noise & You" (Mossbreaker)23:06 // Hearing HUM26:45 // "Ms. Lazarus" Discussion49:31 // "Shamer" (Mossbreaker)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is TOM WINDISH — a highly respected veteran booking agent, manager, A&R executive, & label owner.Across three decades, he’s worked at every level of the music industry, from booking shows out of his college dorm room to navigating the global circuits of some of music’s biggest names. His booking roster has included artists of many genres, ranging from HUM, New Radiant Storm King, & Smog to Billie Eilish, M83, & Lorde.He’s also a frequent speaker at music industry conferences, sharing his experience & guidance with audiences around the world.In this episode, we talk about bringing bands to campus, the complexities of long-distance calling, & what appeared on HUM’s very first rider.****TIMESTAMPS:02:08: Mowing Lawns, Buying Tapes03:43: College Radio & Booking Bands10:55: Poster Children & HUM @ Campus Pub14:33: Venue Networks16:51: Long-Distance Calls19:23: Reconnecting with HUM22:29: Howard Stern Show26:43: Alternative Boom33:50: "Yume Utsutsu" (Lamp)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I’m talking w/ DAVID CHAVEZ & RACHEL STANG from the Kansas City band FOREVER ☆. A few months ago, they released a 7-song EP called 2ND GEN DREAM on À LA CARTE RECORDS, & it’s bursting with euphoric waves of guitar, smeared ethereal vocals, & the manic energy of drum n bass. Highly recommend checking that out, along with their 3 SERIES EP from 2023. Links below.David also works at SEEN MERCHANDISING, where he probably had a hand in screen-printing the HUM shirt you’re wearing right now.In this episode, we talk about the mechanics of the breakbeat, the acoustics of sonic weapons, & the cosmic patterns of deep space.****https://foreverstar.bandcamp.com/music****TIMESTAMPS:02:08 // "Heat Seeking Missile" (F☆)03:25 // 2nd Gen Dream EP12:23 // 2GD Layout15:55 // "Blade Silver Metallic" (F☆)22:10 // "Competizione" (F☆)27:40 // Discovering HUM35:22// "Little Dipper" Discussion58:56 // "Your Angel Speaks" (F☆)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining me today from the outskirts of Austin, Texas is singer, guitarist, & songwriter ANDY SWITZKY.In 1989, Andy co-founded HUM, & he wrote for & played on their demo, the first LP (Fillet Show), & the subsequent 2 singles (Hello Kitty & Sun Dress).He was a vital part of the Champaign music scene in the ‘80s & ‘90s, & also made music in Tugrik Dhugugrik, Designer Mustard Gas, Obvious Man, & Alaskan Mothership.From time to time, he uploads material from that period to his SoundCloud page; link below.In this episode, we talk about the mid-to-late ‘80s Champaign music scene, blending the dissonant with the melodic, & trying to match the volume of your awe-inspiring drummer.****https://soundcloud.com/aswitzky****Steve Albini's Basement Studio****TIMESTAMPS:02:16 // "Lake of Fire" (Alaskan Mothership)03:29 // Early Music Fandom07:29 // First Bands10:16 // Tugrik Dhugugrik11:34 // "Mucus" (T.D.)12:48 // Obvious Man15:46 // "Facts & Figures" (O.M.)17:51 // Designer Mustard Gas18:39 // “Workstation” (D.M.G.)20:42 // Forming HUM22:20 // “Kissing Me is like Kissing an Angel, She Said” Demo Tape30:18 // "Time is Melting"34:45 // "Kissing Me..."37:44 // "Diamonds"41:32 // Fillet Show LP50:48 // "Sunshine" (Alaskan Mothership)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m talking with guitarist & producer KURT BALLOU — a true luminary of the heavy music scene, on both sides of the mixing board. In 1990, he co-founded the pioneering metalcore band CONVERGE, whose 11th studio album, LOVE IS NOT ENOUGH, arrives on February 13.Kurt also owns & operates GOD CITY STUDIO in Salem, MA, where he records, engineers, produces, & mixes a breathtaking array of bands. He’s given an instantly recognizable mix of grit & clarity to scores of landmark punk, metal, & hardcore records, including LPs by his own band, as well as Cave In, Isis, Pg. 99, Torche, Trap Them, Russian Circles, & many more. In this episode, we discuss the mechanics of track sequencing, the alien geometry of sound capture, & the dreamy rhythms of deep time.****https://godcitystudio.com****https://www.godcityinstruments.com****TIMESTAMPS:02:19 // "Love is Not Enough" (Converge)03:27 // Album Leaks06:52 // New LP & Track Sequencing 12:09 // Studio Geometry16:01 // ‘90s Boston Rock Scene21:22 // Hearing HUM / “Stars” on the Radio27:34: "Isle of the Cheetah" Discussion01:00:38 // "Eagles Become Vultures" (Converge)[Misc: Karate, "This Plus Slow Song"]****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s conversation is with TIM DOW, one of my all-time favorite drummers. He’s played in and/or toured with SHINER, YEAR OF THE RABBIT, SEASON TO RISK, THE JOY CIRCUIT, ON, VAE VICTIS, & more. He was in Shiner from 1993 to ‘98, & drummed on their early landmark records, SPLAY & LULA DIVINIA, as well as on their first 6 EPs. Both LPs have since been remixed & remastered, & then reissued in 2024 on SPARTAN RECORDS. After leaving Shiner, he played in a couple of early 2000s L.A. bands with Failure’s Ken Andrews: first the pop-leaning electronic project ON, then the heavier rock band Year of the Rabbit. He & his Y.O.T.R. bandmates, Jeff Garber & Sol Snyder, then tracked & self-released their first & only studio record, so far, called EP 1. He’s also done studio session work for Pete Yorn, Abandoned Pools, Jonny Polonsky, & others. In this episode, we talk about ‘90s recording styles, the web of alt-rock riff tropes, & the revved-up release of thunderous drumming.****TIM'S DRUM DISCOG (Streaming)****"Iron Clad Lou" Video****TIMESTAMPS:02:34 // "Brooks" (Shiner)07:10 // Pre-Shiner Recordings12:23 // Shiner & Indie Production19:47 // Riff Drumming22:43 // "Sailor's Fate" (Shiner)26:12 // "My Life as a Housewife" (Shiner)32:22 // '90s Drumming Influences33:18 // L.A., Ken Andrews, & Year of the Rabbit39:12 // "Absent Stars" (Y.O.T.R.)41:59 // The Joy Circuit44:32 // "X's" (T.J.C.)45:48 // Pete Yorn Sessions48:42 // "Undercover" (P.Y.)49:42 // HUM's E2K Tape56:34 // "Iron Clad Lou" Discussion01:26:13 // "Sideways" (Shiner)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sat down today with KEITH M., singer & guitarist of the Brooklyn post-hardcore/screamo band MEMORY ENTRY. Earlier this year, they released their 5-song debut EP, Our World is Going to Disappear, on IODINE RECORDINGS, & they’ve got new stuff on the way. Link below.Since 2020, Keith has hosted THE NEW SCENE PODCAST, which released its 300th episode a few weeks back. He’s done wide-ranging interviews with members of Quicksand, the Jesus Lizard, Jawbox, Melvins, Seaweed, & many others, as well as with friends of this pod, Chris Enriquez from Spotlights & Josh Brigham from Hopesfall.In this episode, we do a recent gig round-up, discuss the revealing language of dreams, & explore the chilly vastness of the arctic soundscape.****TIMESTAMPS:02:17 // "Lost Dreams" (Memory Entry)03:19 // Shiner + Ink & Dagger Shows09:59 // Memory Entry: Influences & Origins13:21 // Dream Logics19:22 // The New Scene Podcast26:41 // Hearing HUM32:46 // "The Inuit Promise" Discussion1:07:36 // "Holler Wild Rose" (Memory Entry)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by DEREK NIEDRINGHAUS & LYLE HODGES, who were both involved, in different ways, in the making of Centaur's debut album, In Streams.Derek plays bass in Centaur, & does art design for the band, including the iconic & oddly soothing Gaudí-inspired In Streams cover. He also plays bass in CASTOR, who just re-released their discography in remixed & remastered form as a vinyl set called Moving Backgrounds, on Earth Analog Records. He previously made music in Sarge, the Big Bright Lights, & National Skyline, among others.Lyle was a studio assistant, tape op, & White Russian maker during the recording of In Streams. He's also been in many bands himself, including Amphibian, Tractor Kings, The Mezzanines (NYC edition), & he currently performs in ELECTRIC STALLION & CHROME CHRIST. He runs Twin Radar Records as well.In this episode, we talk about Centaur’s hazy origins, the precarious ecosystem of the recording process, & the healing flows of pure volume.****https://matttalbott.bandcamp.com/album/in-streams****https://castorindierock.bandcamp.com/album/moving-backgrounds****TIMESTAMPS:02:34 // "Fields" (Centaur)04:58 // Hearing & Seeing HUM13:51 // Centaur Origins16:55 // Recording In Streams26:35 // Working with Keith Cleversley37:30 // Release Date41:29 // In Streams Artwork50:28 // Sonics & Atmosphere53:18 // "Placencia"59:06 // The Champaign Sound & Writing Lyrics01:04:58 // In Streams Themes01:11:29 // "Life Begins"01:18:58 // "The Same Place"01:34:31 // "In Streams"01:45:14 // Cover Songs01:47:29 // "Strangers On 5"****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m joined by SCOTT KIMBLE & DON KING from the Champaign, Illinois band TERMINUS VICTOR. Their most recent album, EVERENDING, came out in 2023, & was tracked by Matt Talbott @ Earth Analog. It’s textured, it’s heavy, a little sludgy, a little spacey; it’s awesome from front to back. Highly, highly recommended. Link in the show notes. Before T-Vic & its predecessor HUSHTOWER, Scott played in Little Black Spiders, Wicked Walls, & the Falbonauts, & Don played in Social Imaginary & Bristle. We make a couple references here to a previous conversation the guys had with Sven from the Champaign is Also a Band podcast, in which they go deep into the fan-favorite song “This Isn’t Real.” Link below.In this episode, we talk about early ‘90s gig-watching, the power in restraint, & the importance of keeping things “noily.” ****T-VIC BANDCAMP****"This Isn't Real" Discussion (C.I.A.A.B.)****”In the Den” (2/24/18)****TIMESTAMPS:02:22 // "Stress in the Midwest" (T.V.)03:38 // The Blind Pig09:42 // Early T-Vic Shows14:04 // "Taking the Advantage" (T.V.)15:20 // From Duo to Trio18:28 // Everending LP24:07 // Recording @ Earth Analog27:57 // Songwriting for Everending30:59 // "To the Very End" (T.V.)37:59 // "This Isn't Real" (T.V.)40:02 // Hearing & Seeing HUM46:24 // Inlet52:19 // "In the Den" Discussion01:28:11 // "Here Comes Everything" (T.V.)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining me today from Scotland is GEOFF EVANS, an admin for the fan-driven HUM Reddit & Facebook groups.With over 13,000 members between them, these pages have helped keep the band in the public consciousness for decades, & they're both reliable sources of news, discussion, & music recommendations. In this episode, we talk about the joy of the live experience, wearing your fandom on your sleeve (literally), & the parallel universes of unreleased music.****REDDIT // FACEBOOK****"Inklings" Versions:Chicago, IL // 2010Austin, TX // 2011Chicago, IL // 2011Charlotte, NC // 2015Gainesville, FL // 2017****MISSION CONTROL****DRAGONFLY DESCENDING****TIMESTAMPS:02:26 // HUM Tattoo04:53 // Hearing & Seeing the Band07:42 // Fan Socials15:28 // "Inklings" Discussion****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s conversation is with JOEY GINALDI, drummer of the Pennsylvania bands MAGIC AMERICA & CLEVER HOUR.Magic America just released their debut album, Get in the Truck, a couple weeks back on Funeral Party Records. The first video, for the song “Carried by Angels,” is now up on YouTube. Clever Hour, which also features Jake Clarke from Superheaven & Evan King from Magic America, put out their 5-song self-titled debut EP in 2024. Links below.Joey’s also recorded and/or toured with many other bands from the northeast, including Knifeplay, Webbed Wing, Pony, Thought Patterns, Euphoria Again, & others.He’s also an accomplished graphic designer, having done album art, layouts, shirts, & other merchandise for Superheaven, Drug Church, Destiny Bond, Foxing, Teethe, Run for Cover Records, & many many more to come. The best place to see all of that is on his Instagram, also linked below.In this episode, we talk about hometown DIY pride, the transcendent impact of the band Curve, & the elements that make a perfect song truly perfect.If you’d like to back the podcast, click “support the show” at the bottom of the notes & then “see membership options.” Donations only, no paywalls.****https://www.instagram.com/joeyxginaldi****https://magicamericaphl.bandcamp.com/album/get-in-the-truck****Magic America, "Carried by Angels" Video****https://setterwindrecords.bandcamp.com/album/demo-24****TIMESTAMPS:02:33 // "Burning Desire" (Clever Hour)03:56 // Philly Roots07:33 // Local Bands, First Bands22:31 // Clever Hour EP23:33 // "A Worried Existence" (Clever Hour)28:03 // Magic America LP29:44 // "Texting the Dead" (Magic America)35:06 // Discovering HUM40:36 // "I Hate It Too" Discussion01:13:44 // Design Influences & Approach01:19:57 // "Lights On" (Magic America)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining me today is RAY HARKINS, vocalist of the Southern California melodic hardcore bands TAKEN, MIKOTO, &, most recently, BLOODGUILT.Taken burned brightly from the late ‘90s until 2004, releasing one LP & 2 EPs on Goodfellow Records. They’ve since added a demos & b-sides compilation, a collected version of the first 3 records, & a 2018 EP titled With Regard To, on Other People Records. Links below.Ray’s also run the DIY music & culture podcast, 100 WORDS OR LESS, for the better part of a decade, with over 670 episodes in the archive. He’s interviewed everyone from Ken Andrews & Page Hamilton to members of Fleshwater & Bleed to the Jesus Lizard, Quicksand, & dozens of other scene lifers crucial to the growth & expansion of underground music.In this episode, we talk about the Big Bang of music culture in ‘90s Orange County, the shifting meanings of heaviness, & the waveform pathos of the EKG machine.If you’d like to back the podcast, click “support the show” at the bottom of the notes & then “see membership options.”Donations only, no paywalls.****TAKEN Bandcamp****MIKOTO Bandcamp****BLOODGUILT Bandcamp****TIMESTAMPS:02:29 // "The Most Feared Thing" (Taken)03:32 // '90s Orange County14:17 // LA/OC Venues21:00 // Taken27:58 // Hearing HUM: YPAA & DIH36:45 // "If You are to Bloom" Discussion01:13:05 // "Eternity was on Our Lips" (Taken)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m talking with LAURENT SCHROEDER-LEBEC & LARRY HERWEG, from the Chicago heavy rock band PELICAN.Since 2001, they’ve released 7 LPs, plus a host of singles, splits, EPs, live albums, & compilations. Their most recent record, FLICKERING RESONANCE, is highly recommended & came out a couple months back on RUN FOR COVER RECORDS.Pelican just finished a run of US shows & are currently touring Europe thru mid-August. They’ve also got plans for new material on the way.In this episode, we talk about the Midwest music underground, loudness as celebration, & the elemental interplay of riffs & percussion.****https://www.pelicansong.com****https://pelican.bandcamp.com****"I'd Like Your Hair Long" (120 Minutes)****TIMESTAMPS:02:09 // "Evergreen" (Pelican)03:13 // Playing @ Loose Cobra06:21 // Fireside Bowl & Chicago Scene21:22 // Flickering Resonance LP21:40 // "Gulch"27:53 // "Cascading Crescent"34:17 // Song Titles42:57 // Recording @ Earth Analog46:10 // Hearing/Seeing HUM55:44 // "I'd Like Your Hair Long" Discussion01:33:43 // "Pining For Ever" (Pelican)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining me today is BALTHAZAR DE LEY — singer, guitarist, bassist, producer, engineer, studio technician, &, most recently, amp maker. In the early ‘90s, he joined HUM, which was, back then, written in all lowercase. He played bass on their first record Fillet Show, & toured & wrote songs with them over the course of several years. He then formed & fronted MENTHOL, formerly known as Mother, whose 3 beloved LPs combined off-kilter riffing & synth lines with surrealistic & Faustian tales of the '90s alt rock signing boom. When Menthol parted ways, he began engineering records for other bands. He then worked as a studio technician for the Smashing Pumpkins for close to a decade. In 2017, he founded BALTHAZAR AUDIO SYSTEMS, where he designs & builds vacuum tube guitar amplifiers. He also plays guitar in the Chicago shoegaze band LIGHTFOILS. Links below. In this episode, we talk about youthful insouciance, a specific strain of ‘90s midwestern space rock, & the endearing & enduring power of smallness. If you’d like to back the podcast, click “support the show” at the bottom of the notes & then “see membership options.” Donations only, no paywalls.****https://www.balthazaramps.com****https://lightfoils.bandcamp.com****TIMESTAMPS:02:35 // "What's Your Rationale?" (Menthol)04:19 // The Breeders Amp06:30 // Bad Flannel09:11 // "Frustration" (Bad Flannel)12:10 // Joining HUM15:16 // Rick & Rose17:24 // Fillet Show LP20:00 // "Space Gun" (Poster Children)25:20 // Early HUM Influences28:40 // Menthol29:39 // Mud Records35:22 // "Walk of Shame" (Menthol)36:40 // Ardent Studios40:00 // Writing Lyrics44:23 // "Dry Heaves" (Menthol)48:36 // "Bedheaded, Red-Eyed, & Bewildered" (Menthol)49:57 // '90s Alt Rock Explosion58:13 // Menthol Artwork / Danger: Rock Science!01:04:21 // "Hello Kitty" Discussion01:28:58 // Lightfoils & Balthazar Audio Systems01:32:21 // "Strange Living" (Menthol)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’m talking with the artist, musician, filmmaker, & sociocultural prophet GERALD V. CASALE. In the early ‘70s, Jerry co-founded the mutant-pop performance art group DEVO, who have since released 9 studio albums, 10 EPs, a soundtrack, 10 live albums, 16 compilations, 25 singles, & 9 video albums, not to mention creating some of the most distinct & unforgettable images in American music history.DEVO are currently touring North America in celebration of their 50th anniversary. A feature-length documentary on the band will premiere on Netflix on August 19th, & recently they’ve been restoring & rereleasing their early short films, including 1976’s THE TRUTH ABOUT DE-EVOLUTION.Most of our conversation explores Jerry’s music video filmography from the ‘90s, when he worked with bands like HUM, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Silverchair, & many others.In this episode, we talk about the power of the moving image, the suffocating everyday presence of screens, & the struggle to prevent your vision from being smothered by the suits.If you’d like to back the podcast, click “support the show” at the bottom of the notes & then “see membership options.” Donations only, no paywalls. Thanks for listening.****https://www.geraldvcasale.com****https://clubdevo.com****TIMESTAMPS:02:31 // "Mechanical Man" (DEVO)03:15 // Early Cinephilia05:11 // D.I.Y. Filmmaking07:08 // "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" Video12:28 // Production Process13:57 // VFX & "Girl U Want" Video17:12 // '90s Video Work22:57 // Foo Fighters, "I'll Stick Around" Video27:22 // Soundgarden, "Blow Up the Outside World" Video31:08 // Silverchair, "Freak" Video34:44 // HUM, "Green to Me" Video43:44 // "Auto Modown" (DEVO)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is JACOB GIVENS, TikTok phenom, musician, podcaster, actor, writer, & comedian. His enthusiasm for music has attracted over 500,000 followers across his social media platforms, & he’s racked up millions of views from viral videos about iconic moments in 90s alternative & beyond. He also runs the podcast WATERPROOF RECORDS, where he’s done episodes on HUM, the Flaming Lips, Deftones, the Smashing Pumpkins, Jane’s Addiction, & many more. In this episode, we talk about the pull of theatricality, the power of ‘90s vocal hooks, & the feral euphoria of palm muting.****If you’d like to back the podcast, click “support the show” at the bottom of the notes & then “see membership options.”Donations only, no paywalls.Thanks again for listening.****LA TIMES Article****WGN Feature****TIMESTAMPS:03:19 // Tulsa to Champaign07:59 // Reaction Videos & Silent Film17:56 // "The '90s Alt-Rock Vocal Hook Supercut"22:54 // HUM on MTV28:22 // “Green to Me” Discussion****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the multi-talented JEFF GARBER — singer, guitarist, composer, producer, & engineer. From the mid-to-late ‘90s Jeff played in the Champaign, IL indie rock band CASTOR, who released 2 LPs, a single, & some compilation tracks, all of which have just been remixed, remastered, & pressed to vinyl on Matt Talbott’s EARTH ANALOG label. That set is called Moving Backgrounds; it’s now up for pre-order on POLYVINYL RECORDS. Link below.Jeff’s next project, NATIONAL SKYLINE, which he started with Nick Macri (C-Clamp), Derek Niedringhaus (Castor), & Jeff Dimpsey (HUM), put out over a dozen releases, some on indie labels & some self-released.He moved to Los Angeles in 2001 under the suggestion of producer/engineer/mixer Ken Andrews (Failure). Along with Andrews, Tim Dow, & Solomon Snyder, he formed YEAR OF THE RABBIT, who signed with Elektra Records & released their stellar self-titled album in 2003, followed by tours with A Perfect Circle & Pete Yorn. After the demise of Elektra Records, he trained as an engineer & producer under Andrews throughout the 2000s. With the release of National Skyline’s 2009 epic Bliss & Death, Garber drew the attention of several key figures at MTV. That self-released album had several songs featured on TV shows The Hills, Jersey Shore, & Teen Mom.Jeff went on to provide thousands of music tracks for shows on ABC, NBC, Fox, AMC, & many more. He's been awarded SESAC’s Honors in Cable Television & also received network TV honors at BMI.He's currently the composer for the Netflix hit series Virgin River & Full Swing, & he writes & records music in his basement studio in Altadena, CA.In this episode, we talk about the magnetism of college towns, end-of-the century anxiety, & endless endless layers of guitars.If you’d like to back the podcast, click “support the show” at the bottom of the notes & then “see membership options.” Donations only, no paywalls.****https://www.polyvinylrecords.com/products/castor-moving-backgrounds****TIMESTAMPS:03:15 // "Pontiac" (Castor)04:34 // Castor News08:40 // Origins14:07 // "Trackstar" (Castor)15:26 // Influences & Inspirations18:31 // "Anecdotes" (Castor)23:52 // Recording with Matt Talbott26:52 // National Skyline30:06 // "Reinkiller" (National Skyline)35:52 // Year of the Rabbit37:57 // The Gospel of Fantastic Planet40:11 // YOTR Live41:17 // "Let It Go" (Year of the Rabbit)46:56 // Showcase Showdown52:50 // Electra 2000 Tape55:40 // Inlet LP1:00:36 // "Folding" Discussion1:30:13 // "Dust Gun" (Castor)****"Folding" Live in STL (2018)****Support the show!**** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.