Digest

Mark Marin introduces his podcast and his unique profession: personal crisis management. He primarily deals with imaginary crises, often his own, but is open to helping others. He then discusses the Black Crowes' reunion, their new album "Happiness Bastards," and upcoming tour. He also highlights a benefit album for guitarist Jesse Malin, featuring covers by Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, and others. Mark explores the concept of "vestiges" - remnants of past obsessions and how they manifest in his life, particularly in his record collection. He then delves into the constant stream of thoughts in his brain, illustrating it with a humorous and relatable example. Mark discusses his newfound enjoyment of fake beer, comparing it to the relationship a heroin addict might have with their paraphernalia. He questions whether fake beer will lead him back to real beer, ultimately deciding he'd rather be "fucked up" by his own brain. Mark interviews Chris Robinson, frontman of the Black Crowes, discussing the band's reunion, their musical influences, and the changing landscape of the music industry. Mark shares his childhood experiences in Atlanta, highlighting the diverse musical influences he encountered, from gospel and R&B to rock and folk. He discusses his father's musical career and the impact of his family's cultural background on his own artistic development. Mark traces the Black Crowes' musical journey, starting with their early days playing indie rock and punk, influenced by bands like X and the Gun Club. He discusses the role of George DeCoulius in discovering their talent and helping them find their sound. Mark reflects on his relationship with his father, a folk singer, and how their contrasting views on music and success shaped his own artistic path. He acknowledges the influence of his father's musical background while also highlighting the challenges of their dynamic. Chris Robinson shares his experience seeing the Rolling Stones, emphasizing their raw energy and lack of backtracks despite their age. He compares their performance to the evolution of music, arguing that the Stones' enduring success is rooted in their authentic songwriting and performance. Robinson discusses the power dynamics between artists and record labels, highlighting the importance of creative control. He shares his personal experiences with the music industry, emphasizing the need for artists to maintain their artistic vision and avoid being dictated by commercial pressures. Robinson reflects on the Black Crowes' musical journey, acknowledging their evolution from their early riff-rock sound to a more psychedelic and varied approach. He attributes this shift to their desire to explore their musical ambitions and embrace their unique artistic voice. Robinson discusses the collaborative process within the Black Crowes, highlighting the distinct creative styles of himself and his brother Rich. He emphasizes the importance of finding the right producer, like Jay Joyce, who can understand and complement their individual approaches. Robinson reflects on his role as a frontman, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the audience and feeling comfortable on stage. He draws inspiration from iconic frontmen like Mick Jagger and Dave Gahan, acknowledging the unique qualities that make them compelling performers. Robinson discusses the importance of embracing the highs and lows of a musical career, acknowledging the challenges and growth that come with it. He reflects on his personal journey, including his time in the CRB, which he views as a necessary outlet for his creative energy. Robinson discusses the challenges he faced during the Black Crowes' turbulent period in the late 1990s, including his struggles with drug use and the emotional strain on his relationship with his brother. He emphasizes the importance of finding strength and support, particularly through his wife, Camille. Robinson highlights the importance of instinctive creativity, using the example of the song "Rats and Clowns." He emphasizes the joy of collaborating with his brother Rich, particularly during the recording process, where they can tap into their shared musical vision. Robinson reflects on the complex dynamics within the Black Crowes, acknowledging the challenges of working with his brother. He emphasizes the importance of respect, understanding, and recognizing each other's unique talents. Robinson emphasizes the importance of songwriting as the foundation of the Black Crowes' music. He highlights the authenticity of their music, which stems from their shared passion for creating original songs and their refusal to conform to industry expectations.

Outlines

00:00:00

Personal Crisis Management and Music News

Mark Marin introduces his podcast and his unique profession: personal crisis management. He primarily deals with imaginary crises, often his own, but is open to helping others. He then discusses the Black Crowes' reunion, their new album "Happiness Bastards," and upcoming tour. He also highlights a benefit album for guitarist Jesse Malin, featuring covers by Bruce Springsteen, Tom Morello, and others.

00:03:13

Vestiges, Memories, and the Brain's Constant Chatter

Mark explores the concept of "vestiges" - remnants of past obsessions and how they manifest in his life, particularly in his record collection. He then delves into the constant stream of thoughts in his brain, illustrating it with a humorous and relatable example.

00:09:38

Fake Beer and Delivery Systems

Mark discusses his newfound enjoyment of fake beer, comparing it to the relationship a heroin addict might have with their paraphernalia. He questions whether fake beer will lead him back to real beer, ultimately deciding he'd rather be "fucked up" by his own brain.

00:11:46

Interview with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes: Part 1

Mark interviews Chris Robinson, frontman of the Black Crowes, discussing the band's reunion, their musical influences, and the changing landscape of the music industry.

00:22:59

Growing Up in Atlanta and the Influence of Music and Culture

Mark shares his childhood experiences in Atlanta, highlighting the diverse musical influences he encountered, from gospel and R&B to rock and folk. He discusses his father's musical career and the impact of his family's cultural background on his own artistic development.

00:33:30

The Roots of the Black Crowes: From Indie Rock to Blues

Mark traces the Black Crowes' musical journey, starting with their early days playing indie rock and punk, influenced by bands like X and the Gun Club. He discusses the role of George DeCoulius in discovering their talent and helping them find their sound.

00:50:37

The Impact of Family Dynamics on Artistic Development

Mark reflects on his relationship with his father, a folk singer, and how their contrasting views on music and success shaped his own artistic path. He acknowledges the influence of his father's musical background while also highlighting the challenges of their dynamic.

00:58:00

Interview with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes: Part 2

Chris Robinson shares his experience seeing the Rolling Stones, emphasizing their raw energy and lack of backtracks despite their age. He compares their performance to the evolution of music, arguing that the Stones' enduring success is rooted in their authentic songwriting and performance. Robinson discusses the power dynamics between artists and record labels, highlighting the importance of creative control. He shares his personal experiences with the music industry, emphasizing the need for artists to maintain their artistic vision and avoid being dictated by commercial pressures.

01:11:30

Interview with Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes: Part 3

Robinson discusses the challenges he faced during the Black Crowes' turbulent period in the late 1990s, including his struggles with drug use and the emotional strain on his relationship with his brother. He emphasizes the importance of finding strength and support, particularly through his wife, Camille. Robinson highlights the importance of instinctive creativity, using the example of the song "Rats and Clowns." He emphasizes the joy of collaborating with his brother Rich, particularly during the recording process, where they can tap into their shared musical vision. Robinson reflects on the complex dynamics within the Black Crowes, acknowledging the challenges of working with his brother. He emphasizes the importance of respect, understanding, and recognizing each other's unique talents. Robinson emphasizes the importance of songwriting as the foundation of the Black Crowes' music. He highlights the authenticity of their music, which stems from their shared passion for creating original songs and their refusal to conform to industry expectations.

Keywords

Q&A

• How does Mark Marin define his profession of "personal crisis management"?

  Mark Marin primarily deals with imaginary crises, often his own, but is open to helping others with their real-life problems. He sees his role as a guide and support system for navigating difficult situations.

• What are some of the key musical influences that shaped Chris Robinson's musical journey?

  Chris Robinson cites influences ranging from classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones to more experimental artists like Spacemen 3 and the Velvet Underground. He also acknowledges the impact of blues music and the importance of discovering music through record stores and personal connections.

• How does Mark Marin describe the constant stream of thoughts in his brain?

  Mark Marin uses the term "Yammering Endlessly" to describe the constant chatter of his brain, filled with a mix of worries, anxieties, and random thoughts. He sees this as a form of meditation, a way to stay present and avoid dwelling on any one thought for too long.

• What is Mark Marin's perspective on the changing landscape of the music industry?

  Mark Marin reflects on the shift from the old-school music business, where artists had to hustle and build their careers through record stores and personal connections, to the current digital age, where algorithms and streaming services dominate. He acknowledges the benefits and drawbacks of both eras, emphasizing the importance of historical context and the human element in music discovery.

• How did Mark Marin's relationship with his father, a folk singer, influence his own musical journey?

  Mark Marin's father's musical background and their contrasting views on music and success created a complex dynamic. While Mark acknowledges the influence of his father's folk music, he also describes the challenges of their relationship and the impact of his father's criticism on his own artistic development.

• What are some of the key elements that make the Rolling Stones such an enduring and influential band?

  The Rolling Stones' enduring success is rooted in their raw energy, authentic songwriting, and their ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level. Their lack of reliance on backtracks and their commitment to live performance further contribute to their iconic status.

• How does Chris Robinson view the relationship between artists and record labels?

  Robinson believes that artists should strive for creative control and avoid being dictated by commercial pressures. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining their artistic vision and making decisions that align with their own creative goals.

• How has the Black Crowes' music evolved over time?

  The Black Crowes have evolved from their early riff-rock sound to a more psychedelic and varied approach, reflecting their desire to explore their musical ambitions and embrace their unique artistic voice. This evolution is evident in their later albums, which showcase a wider range of influences and a more experimental approach to songwriting.

• What is the importance of finding the right producer for a band?

  Finding the right producer can be crucial for a band's success, as they can help to shape the sound and direction of the music. A good producer understands the band's individual strengths and can guide them towards a cohesive and compelling final product.

• What are some of the challenges and rewards of being a frontman?

  Being a frontman requires a strong stage presence, the ability to connect with the audience, and a deep understanding of the music. It can be a demanding role, but it also offers the opportunity to inspire and entertain, leaving a lasting impact on those who witness the performance.

Show Notes