Bootsy Collins calls Kyle Meredith to talk about “Stars". The new single finds the legend collaborating with EmiSunshine, Cornel West, Bela Fleck, and a “collage of cultures” from around the world. Together, they discuss how the collaboration was created during quarantine, donating to MusiCares, and the way it sets up the new album out this Fall. Collins also discusses global themes of togetherness, the tragedies that bring us together, and how we’re missing “the hippie side of things.” Follow o...
Aug 12, 2020•12 min•Ep. 361
Buzz Osborne gives Kyle Meredith a call about Gift of Sacrifice , his new King Buzzo album with oft-collaborator Trevor Dunn. The Melvins frontman talks about working with an acoustic bass, a modular synth, and his ever-growing alternate tunings. Osborne also discusses the ever-looming influence of Miles Davis on his writing, how The Melvins continue to be underestimated, dealing with bad criticism. Towards the end, he dives deep into his philosophies of science, evolution, and religion. Follow ...
Aug 10, 2020•31 min•Ep. 360
Jarvis Cocker gives Kyle Meredith a ring to gab about Beyond the Pale , an album that finds him with a new band called JARV IS. The Pulp frontman tells us how many of the songs were finished live on stage, taking inspiration from Leonard Cohen, the fine line between direct inspiration and mimicry, and writing about human statues. Cocker also draws the line from his themes to our current need for communication and briefly revisits Pulp’s “Like A Friend” from the Great Expectations soundtrack. ---...
Aug 07, 2020•18 min•Ep. 359
Tanya Donelly speaks with Kyle Meredith about her new covers collaboration with The Parkington Sisters. The collective gives a new spin to classics by Paul McCartney, The Go-Go’s, and Leonard Cohen. Donelly discusses the art of a cover song, her love of Split Enz and Echo & The Bunnymen, and why most of these picks are culled from the '70s and '80s. The Breeders and Throwing Muses co-founder also talks about raising money for COVID-19 relief and Black Lives Matter organizations, activism now...
Aug 05, 2020•55 min•Ep. 358
Lianne La Havas speaks with Kyle Meredith about her self-titled LP. The concept album tells the story of a relationship from beginning to end, and the songwriter discusses how the meaning of those songs changed as they were written over a long period of time. La Havas also weighs in on her cover of Radiohead’s "Weird Fishes", particularly how it fits within the album's story; the importance of moods in songwriting; and the inspiration of the '70s on her recording process. Follow on Facebook | Po...
Aug 03, 2020•17 min•Ep. 357
jxdn gives Kyle Meredith a call to talk about the seemingly overnight success of his music career after making a name for himself on TikTok over the last couple of years. The rising star discusses how seeing Juice Wrld in concert inspired him to be a songwriter, signing to Travis Barker's new label, and writing/recording with the pop-punk legend. Texas born and Tennessee raised, JXDN also talks about pushing against the judgmental Southern environment that he grew up in, having supportive pastor...
Jul 31, 2020•21 min•Ep. 356
Phoebe Bridgers speaks with Kyle Meredith about Punisher . The sophomore album finds the singer-songwriter taking on a bigger production with a balance of themes of disconnection. Bridgers discusses having to trick herself while writing, being “coffee shop famous,” producing Christian Lee Hutson’s new LP, becoming a fan of My Favorite Murder , appreciating true crime, and how this album could be the score to a “ Midsommar -style divorce drama.” Follow on Facebook | Podchaser | Twitter --- This e...
Jul 29, 2020•38 min•Ep. 355
Jon Batiste , band leader of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , and Nabil Ayers , the US general manager for 4AD, both join Kyle Meredith to discuss how Black Lives Matter has affected their work and the entire music industry. Batiste talks about leading protests on the streets of New York and the importance of voting in the upcoming election. While Ayers discusses his recent New York Times article about Ed Eckstine, the first black person appointed president of a major U.S. record label, the ...
Jul 27, 2020•43 min•Ep. 354
With the COVID-19 pandemic putting upwards of 90% of independent venues in danger of closing forever, it’s become vitally important for Congress to pass a relief bill to aid our most beloved rooms and the music community at large. To get some insight on the matter, Kyle Meredith speaks Billy Hardison, Kentucky’s precinct captain for the recently formed National Independent Venue Association , and artist Tyler Williams, drummer for The Head & The Heart . Together, they discuss what it’s been ...
Jul 24, 2020•49 min•Ep. 353
Legendary founder of The Youngbloods Jesse Colin Young speaks with Kyle Meredith about re-recording the '60s anthem "Get Together" to help feed hungry people through a partnership with SongAid and Why Hunger. Young tells us about tapping his friend Steve Miller to join him on the new version, the meaning of releasing the track on Juneteenth, and how the song speaks to now as much as it did during the original counterculture era. The songwriter also discusses last year’s comeback record, Dreamers...
Jul 22, 2020•14 min•Ep. 352
The Jayhawks lead man Gary Louris speaks with Kyle Meredith about XOXO . The new album finds the Americana legends heavily collaborating and features each member on the mic for lead vocals. Louris discusses the album’s artwork; themes of depression, anxiety, and the 24-hour news cycle; and life in Minneapolis since the murder of George Floyd. Louris also says the band could have recorded 30 records if the industry allowed them, but teases a finished solo album. --- This episode is sponsored by ·...
Jul 20, 2020•45 min•Ep. 351
Jehnny Beth calls up Kyle Meredith to speak about To Live Is To Love . The Savages frontwoman discusses working with Nine Inch Nails’ Atticus Ross and taking inspiration from Carl Sagan and Henry Rollins. Beth also dives into the LP’s themes of guilt, sexuality, and religion, while noting that “the core of the record is my shameful faults.” The French multimedia artist also talks about how her many projects intersect, including the record’s companion book, CALM: Crimes Against Love Memories . Fo...
Jul 17, 2020•21 min•Ep. 350
Jimmy Buffett sits down with Kyle Meredith to talk about Life On the Flip Side , an album that found the legendary performer at No. 2 on the album charts behind Lady Gaga. Buffett discusses balancing heavy subjects with humor in his songs, the influence of Bob Marley, how the melting pot of the Gulf area plays such a big role in his work, and the importance of music as a part of social change. The Margaritaville author also speaks about writing about royalty checks in a new track, playing live s...
Jul 15, 2020•35 min•Ep. 349
Wang Chung founder Nick Felman spoke with Kyle Meredith about the band’s involvement in last month’s Back to the Basement fundraiser, which found several '80s stars live streaming to raise funds for frontline workers. The duo also rewrote one of their biggest hits -- re-dubbed "Everybody Stay Safe Tonight" -- to not only reflect the pandemic, but also speak to the BLM protests. The new wave legend also weighs in on how their songs have soundtracked Hollywood, last year’s Orchesography , more orc...
Jul 13, 2020•16 min•Ep. 348
After a brief hiatus, My Morning Jacket have returned with their first record in five years, The Waterfall II . Frontman Jim James calls up Kyle Meredith to discuss why they sat on this other half of songs for so long and how the world has changed in the interim. One of the songs, "Magic Bullet", was originally released in response to a 2016 gun-related killing, and James discusses what the song means today with his hometown of Louisville at the center of a similar story involving the murder of ...
Jul 10, 2020•52 min•Ep. 347
Washed Out mastermind Ernest Greene speaks with Kyle Meredith about his fourth studio album, Purple Noon . Green discusses a return to his early sound, how sunsets factor into the visuals, and finding inspiration to make '80s-style ballads after hearing The Cars' "Drive". The Georgia native also talks about the album's concept on the affairs of love and how working with Sudan Archives on her most recent record gave him a way forward in his own writing. In fact, Greene lets us know that he’s cons...
Jul 08, 2020•35 min•Ep. 346
Jeremy Zucker calls Kyle Meredith to discuss Love Is Not Dying , a concept album about being in a relationship with someone battling addiction and mental health. Zucker speaks on the therapy of writing, coupling overwhelming beauty with the apocalypse, and balancing love and death. On the music side, the 24-year-old New Jersey native discusses using guitars meaningfully, teaching himself piano as he was writing the songs, and the success he’s found around the world. Follow on Facebook | Podchase...
Jul 06, 2020•19 min•Ep. 345
Dreamers frontman Nick Wold calls into Kyle Meredith With… to talk about the band’s latest single "Heatseeker" and the alternate version that features their friend Grandson. In fact, it’s not the first time the two have collaborated, having teamed up earlier this year for Grandson’s "Whole Lotta", which inspired Wold to take a more philosophical and political turn within his own lyrics. Wold discusses what this new phase for the band means for his upcoming songs, taking influence from Nirvana an...
Jul 03, 2020•20 min•Ep. 344
Paul Weller rings Kyle Meredith to discuss his 15th studio album, On Sunset . The Jam singer-songwriter talks about his ability to write in multiple genres, enjoying the freedom to experiment in the studio, and the importance of not repeating himself. Regarding the lyrical themes, Weller dissects how people change but the systems stay the same, how he keeps positivity in the face of extreme turmoil, and how a trip to LA’s famous Sunset Strip resulted in a rare moment of nostalgia and looking bac...
Jul 01, 2020•18 min•Ep. 343
Jefferson Starship member David Freiberg jumps on the line with Kyle Meredith to discuss the 45th anniversary of the band’s sophomore album, Red Octopus . The singer and multi-instrumentalist talks about the variation of styles heard on the record, how the band kept a family environment amidst a revolving door of members, and how "Miracle" became an unlikely hit. Freiberg then goes on to give us a scoop on the band’s upcoming album, Mother of the Sun -- their first since 2008 -- and its first tw...
Jun 29, 2020•19 min•Ep. 342
Jamie Kennedy speaks with Kyle Meredith about hosting the eighth season of Coming To The Stage , now on Comedy Dynamics, in addition to his new Tubi standup special, Stoopid Smart . Together, they discuss an artist’s journey to get their 10,000 hours, how comics find fame sooner today than in the past, self-depreciation, and the art of the callback. The Scream star also talks about impersonating Matthew McConaughey, his respect for Hannah Gadsby, and his work in the Tremors franchise. Follow on ...
Jun 26, 2020•22 min•Ep. 341
Marcus King calls into Kyle Meredith to speak about his new album, El Dorado . The South Carolina-born singer-songwriter discusses the album's production by The Black Keys frontman Dan Auerbach, leaving home for a life on the road, the loss of style and character, and finding a strong metaphor in old Cadillacs. He also talks about taking inspiration from Willie Nelson, his Grand Ole Opry debut, what Beatles song he listened to every morning before school, and singing about whiskey. Follow on Fac...
Jun 24, 2020•29 min•Ep. 340
Whitesnake singer David Coverdale speaks with Kyle Meredith about the band’s trilogy of new compilations called Red, White, and Blues , and how the series was inspired by restoring old art. Coverdale dives into being influenced by Marc Bolan, The Who, and early Pink Floyd for the 2000 song "She Give Me", how knee surgery led to the new song "Always The Same", and what we can expect from the series, particularly a new ending for "Is This Love". Follow on Facebook | Podchaser | Twitter Our Sponsor...
Jun 22, 2020•25 min•Ep. 339
Alec Benjamin speaks with Kyle Meredith about his first full-length album, These Two Windows . The Phoenix singer-songwriter discusses how there's enough leftover songs to make a second album and how being bilingual may lead to writing in Mandarin in the future. He also shares his appreciation for Leonard Cohen and explains how he's been co-writing and collaborating on songs amidst quarantine. Follow on Facebook | Podchaser | Twitter Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com A...
Jun 19, 2020•17 min•Ep. 338
Avi Kaplan speaks with Kyle Meredith about I’ll Get By , his first album since leaving Pentatonix in 2017. The California-born songwriter discusses the anxiety of quitting a successful group, why the early part of his life near the sequoias was an important touchstone in his writing, creating experimental textures in Americana sounds, the tradition of Sweet Adeline, and running an acapella summer camp for high schoolers. Follow on Facebook | Podchaser | Twitter Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHe...
Jun 17, 2020•19 min•Ep. 337
Steve Earle speaks with Kyle Meredith about Ghosts of West Virginia , his new album inspired by the 2010 West Virginia mining explosion that killed 29 miners. The songwriter/activist shares how the album has its roots in a theatre production called Coal Country , why he wanted to make a record for people who don't vote the same way he does, and his thoughts on unions being the common ground between county factions. Earle goes on to discuss the task of taking all of this information and making it...
Jun 15, 2020•21 min•Ep. 336
Ocean Alley guitarist Mitch Galbraith speaks with Kyle Meredith about the Australian band’s new album, Lonely Diamond . The record comes on the heels of their single “Confidence” topping the Triple J Hottest 100, which put some pressure on the group going into this new set. Galbraith discusses the record’s themes of exploration, escapism, and creating a dreamworld, especially using landscapes to paint the lyrical picture. The guitarist also talks about the space cowboy surf rock vibe they were g...
Jun 12, 2020•16 min•Ep. 335
REO Speedwagon singer and guitarist Kevin Cronin jumps on the line with Kyle Meredith to talk about all of the big events surrounding the band. That includes their involvement in Ozark , which has since placed several of their classics back on the Billboard’s charts. Beyond the Netflix series, Cronin also discusses his weekly live stream Camp Cronin , his upcoming memoir, and the stories behind 1990’s The Earth, A Small Man, His Dog, and A Chicken , an album that found the band without longtime ...
Jun 10, 2020•25 min•Ep. 334
Joywave mastermind Daniel Armbruster calls up Kyle Meredith to discuss Possession . The new album finds the artist writing about subjects bigger than himself, particularly topics like gun violence and the nonstop news cycle. Together, the two discuss how quarantine has allowed for more self discovery, how his Big Data collaboration “Dangerous” helped inspire Fortnite ’s direction, and a new side project that has yet to debut with Jason Suwito from Sir Sly. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anch...
Jun 08, 2020•32 min•Ep. 333
Car Seat Headrest mastermind Will Toledo calls in to Kyle Meredith to talk about Making A Door Less Open . Together, they discuss the need to find a style and sound, working with existing samples to create something new, and customizing the vinyl, CD, and streaming editions to be their own unique listening experience. Toledo also discusses the invention of an alternate persona named Trait, how theatrics in rock music has become a lost art form, and the ways new single "Hollywood" speaks to class...
Jun 05, 2020•28 min•Ep. 332
