Tour Stories

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope

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 Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

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 Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

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. Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Thunder Road Guitars

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope 

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Native Instruments

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 Episode supported by Distrokid Episode supported by Izotope Episode supported by Native Instruments