Left of the Dial Interviews

The legendary garage punk trailblazer, Jon Spencer, joins DJ Shaxx to discuss his 2022 album, Spencer Gets It Lit, and touring with his new band, The Hitmakers. He discusses his various musical incarnations (Blues Explosion and Pussy Galore) and the role college radio played in shaping his perspective and career.

Lou Barlow (founding member of Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, and The Folk Implosion) joins DJ Shaxx for a conversation about his 2021 solo album Reason to Live. The album, one of his most personal, brings together various dimensions: music, marriage, fatherhood, and decades-long experiences as an indie-rocker. Barlow breaks down origins and meaning of several tunes on the record. Originally recorded and aired August 10, 2021.

Punk and alternative rock legend, Robyn Hitchcock, makes a stop at the WMPG studios in Portland, ME for an interview with host, DJ Shaxx of Left of the Dial. Hitchcock discusses life during the pandemic, the progression of his expansive musical career, the connection between dreams and his lyrics and utilizing a trans-dimensional shifting gadget to explore the multiverse. Originally aired on October 20, 2021.

Punk rock troubador Tommy Stinson joins DJ Shaxx on Left of the Dial to talk about his new band, Cowboys in the Campfire, and their debut album, Wronger. Best known as a founding member of The Replacements and later a member of Guns N’ Roses, Stinson takes a different musical path with Cowboys in the Campfire, joining longtime musical companion, Chip Roberts, and blending country, rock, and the loose, ragged spirit that has defined much of his work. In this conversation, Stinson talks about the new album and what led him to this latest chapter of his musical life. Aired on August 23, 2023.

Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo joins DJ Shaxx for a conversation about his original soundtrack for Salt Marsh, a new short film from filmmaker Tom Bell, featuring Mitchell Rasor.Ranaldo discusses creating the music for the film and the filmmaker's unique approach to utilized the piece. Originally recorded for Left of the Dial on WMPG (90.9FM in Portland, ME), this podcast features the interview with edited music. Originally aired January 7, 2026.