Ahead of the release of the instrumental freak out collection In/Out/In, Lee Ranaldo and Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth join us to discuss The Simpsons, the Geffen years, stolen (and recovered) guitars, the science fiction of William Gibson and Philip K. Dick, and much more on this episode of Transmissions, Aquarium Drunkard’s weekly podcast.
Category: Podcast
Matthew E. White :: Transmissions
Matthew E. White joins us on Transmissions to discuss K Bay as well as his duo recording with former guest Lonnie Holley, Broken Mirror: A Selfie Reflection. Along the way, he touches on his communal approach, Miles Davis, his youth in the Philippines, and the transcendent qualities of The Flamingo’s “I Only Have Eyes For You.”
Clinic :: Transmissions
Today on Transmissions: Ade Blackburn of Clinic. The Liverpool-based duo of Blackburn and Jonathan Hartley released a great record last year called Fantasy Island, full of skittering drum machines, cavernous sounds, and fuzzed out melodies, and this week sees the 20th anniversary of their sophomore album, Walking With Thee. Blackburn joins us to discuss his countercultural inspirations, the blending of rock & roll and the avant-garde, discuss the dub-influenced Higher Authorities, and chat about collaborating with Roky Erickson and John Cale.
Molly Lewis :: Transmissions
This week on the show, we’re joined by world renowned whistler Molly Lewis. Last year, she released a great EP called The Forgotten Edge via Jagjaguwar. With its exotica and spaghetti western motifs, the EP is a supremely playful and lovely listen. And Lewis is a charming conversationalist too. We got into her roots in competitive whistling, being in the studio with Dr. Dre, working with John C. Reilly and whistling for the late, great Harry Dean Stanton.
Laraaji :: Transmissions
“Transmissions is a lovely name; I think that’s a very crucial name for this age.” So says mystic musician Laraaji, our guest this week on the show. His Orangeness (AKA Edward Larry Gordon) joins us to discuss his upbringing in the Baptist church, initial entry into meditation, the spiritual qualities of laughter, and much more.
Cate Le Bon :: Transmissions
Today on Transmissions: Cate Le Bon, who, for the last decade plus, has made some of our favorite modern records, as well as producing great work for other artists, like Deerhunter and John Grant, who joined us last year on the podcast to talk about their collaboration The Boy From Michigan. Her new album is called Pompeii, an art pop gem out this week on Mexican Summer records. “I think the underlying theme of the record is we will forever be connected to everything,” she says, joining host Jason P. Woodbury to discuss the album’s genesis, the religious quality of the album’s art, wood working, and much more.
Mitch Horowitz :: Transmissions
Today on our weekly interview podcast Transmissions: occult scholar Mitch Horowitz. For this talk, Horowitz opens up about his musical roots, Bad Brains, his vast t-shirt collection, musical telepathy, and much more.
Pedro The Lion :: Transmissions
Welcome to a bonus edition of Transmissions with David Bazan joining Transmissions to discuss Pedro the Lion’s surprise album Havasu, Christian Rock, Fugazi, Tom Petty, and more with host Jason P. Woodbury.
Circuit des Yeux :: Transmissions
Today on Transmissions: Haley Fohr, better known as Circuit des Yeux and Jackie Lynn. Her latest is called iO, and it’s a stunning work of art rock bravado. No one sounds like Fohr—she possesses a four octave voice—and few artists are pushing as intensely as she is these days. She joined us to discuss the evolution of Jackie Lynn, her label buying her a star, and of course, stunt work.
Steve Berlin of Los Lobos :: Transmissions
This week on Transmissions, the final episode of the season: Steve Berlin. Steve plays saxophone in Los Lobos, whose new album is called, Native Sons. It features Los Angeles-centric covers by the likes of WAR, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, and Thee Midniters. But Steve’s a fascinating figure on his own. He came up in the punk scenes of LA, playing with The Blasters and the Flesh Eaters, but since then he’s gone on to work with everyone from Rickie Lee Jones to The Replacements, The Go-Gos to R.E.M. and many more.
Helado Negro :: Transmissions
This week on Transmissions, our weekly series of strange conversations: Roberto Carlos Lange of Helado Negro. His new album of electronic bliss pop, psychedelic ambient, and soulful love songs is called Far In. Lange joined host Jason P. Woodbury for a talk about Marfa, his journey through the world of independent music, expansive views of consciousness, and the early days of his musical practice—as well as much more.
Scott Hirsch :: Transmissions
This week on Transmissions: Scott Hirsch. Sitting down with host Jason Woodbury, he discusses his new album, Windless Day, the spiritual topography of California and his punk rock immersion alongside MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger.
Jeffrey Alexander (Dire Wolves/Heavy Lidders) :: Transmissions
This week on the Transmissions, Jeffrey Alexander of The Heavy Lidders and Dire Wolves. For decades now, he’s been a fixture in the psychedelic mutant underground. And as a bonus, we’re presenting a live performance, featuring Drew Gardner and Jesse Sheppard of Elkhorn and drummer Scott Verrastro.
Damon & Naomi :: Transmissions
Today on Transmissions, two lifers of independent rock, Damon Krukowski and Naomi Yang. Our talk covers the duo’s days in Galaxie 500, Naomi’s interest in boxing, Damon’s ever fascinating and insightful takes on the state of the industry, and their gorgeous new album, A Sky Record.
Neko Case :: Transmissions
This week on Transmissions: the magnificent Neko Case. She’s recently launched Entering the Lung, a newsletter of nature writing. She joined us this week to discuss the mores of the Victorian age, listening to Jane’s Addiction and ’80s albums by The Who, and what initially drew her to punk rock.