Electronica pioneer Martyn Ware extends his legacy with his latest project, Electronically Yours , a podcast featuring long form conversations with fellow artists of the genre including Thomas Dolby, Gary Numan, Róisín Murphy and Howard Jones. Martyn was a founding member of Human League and Heaven 17. He was a co-producer on Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby . He also co-produced Tina Turner’s comeback single “Let’s Stay Together” from 1984’s Private Dance r. Stream Ele...
Feb 15, 2022•1 hr 8 min
In 1996 filmmaker Stephen Kijak released his debut narrative film, Never Met Picasso . 25 years later he returns to the genre with his homage to The Smiths, Shoplifters of the World . Set in Denver, Shoplifters follows a group of friends mourning the 1987 breakup of the British group, while another friend holds a local DJ hostage and forces him to play only The Smiths. In between the two movies, Kijak has crafted multiple music documentaries including 30th Century Man on Scott Walker and Stones in...
Nov 02, 2021•41 min
Black Diamond Queens , the second book from Maureen Mahon is an examination of African-American women in rock. The book is not only a fascinating study of their achievements, but also illustrates their wide influence in the genre. From Big Mama Thornton and her original version “Hound Dog” to girl group The Shirelles and of course, Tina Turner. Despite their contribution, these legends weren't always paid their dues, figuratively and/or financially. Black Diamond Queens is a beautiful celebration o...
Aug 05, 2021•1 hr 2 min
In 2001, The National’s self-titled debut was released on Brassland, a label co-founded by band members Aaron & Bryce Dessner and Alec Hanley Bemis. Two decades later, under Alec’s guidance, Brassland has consistently boasted an adventurous roster that has included Bartees Strange, Hannah Georgas, Fusilier, Las Palabras and Bryce Dessner/So Percussion’s Music for Wood and Strings . [This is episode features an exclusive ten-track Brassland playlist curated by Alec Hanley Bemis.] Visit Alec H...
Jun 11, 2021•1 hr 23 min
Producer and guitarist BLKLN (pronounced Blacklion) says that he makes music like a visual artist. One listen to his avant-garde instrumentals and you'll swear you could lay your hands on them. His two EP’s on Cohrran Records ( Speaking in snake tongue and Today I saw a slave become more powerful than the emperor of Rome ) provide 13 neo post-punk reasons. [This episode features “Lafillequi” ( Speaking in snake tongue ) and “richard pryor” ( Today I saw a slave become more powerful than the emper...
Jun 04, 2021•1 hr 14 min
Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Leo Sidran’s new studio album, The Art of Conversation , is a knowing wink to his interview podcast, The Third Story . In its 7th year, the podcast continues to celebrate the creative mind with long form conversations from the likes of Donald Fagen, Boz Scaggs, Butch Vig...and yours truly. The engaging interviewer helped me celebrate my 200th Talk Music Talk episode in 2019. The Art of Conversation is Leo’s follow-up to his Michael Franks’ tribute albu...
May 29, 2021•1 hr 51 min
Whatever setting you find hip-hop legend Mike Ladd rapping, he is resolutely himself. From the Paris- based rap artist’s solo albums or whether he's collaborating with jazz pianist Vijay Iyer on their multiple projects. Mike’s latest release continues his streak of restless creativity with TheDeadCanRap, a collaboration with street artist and producer Remi Rough. [This episode features “21st Century” from TheDeadCanRap’s self-titled album in its entirety.] Visit TheDeadCanRap on Bandcamp: https:/...
Apr 26, 2021•59 min
Soft Glas, the solo project of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jõao Gonzalez, returns to TMT on the eve of his new release, How Strange . How Strange is the Grammy-nominee’s third full-length album and it unites the spirit of college radio, Cuban-laced rhythms and jazz-tinged instrumentation. The influences arrive effortlessly considering Jõao grew up on 2000s indie/ emo rock and his father is celebrated Cuban jazz pianist, Gonzalo Rubalcaba. His father’s 2021 Grammy-nominated ‘Best Latin ...
Mar 17, 2021•1 hr 3 min
Past guest Sam Pearce returns to TMT on the eve of two new projects: Hold Me Rare Animal , the just-released EP and a full-length ( Bay State ) arriving later in the year. While the singer- songwriter’s Bay State album bears the marking of a complete artistic statement, the EP is a collection of meaningful moments. All Bandcamp proceeds from Hold Me Rare Animal will benefit The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. [This episode features “Honey” and “Beginners” from Hold Me Rare Animal in...
Mar 05, 2021•1 hr 1 min
The name of songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Rafael Cohen’s latest project is Las Palabras. Las Palabras’ self-titled Brassland debut finds him singing in Spanish for the first time and was inspired by post-tropicália Brazilian pop music. Rafael was previously in the Dischord band El Guapo and is a core member of !!!, who are working on their ninth album. [This episode features “Condesa” and “Juan Pared” from Las Palabras (Brassland) in their entirety.] Visit Las Palabras online: https://brassland...
Mar 01, 2021•40 min
Neurologist Dr. Richard Cytowic is the author of multiple books on synesthesia. Synesthesia is a neurological condition where the stimulation of one of our senses leads to an automatic, involuntary triggering of one or more other senses. Musical artists such as Billy Joel, Kanye West and Stevie Wonder claim they can see colors when they hear music. Since the 70s, Dr. Cytowic has dedicated his career to what he calls a “young science” despite early criticism from his peers. Visit Dr. Richard Cyto...
Feb 25, 2021•42 min
Singer-songwriter Ben Rice refers to his music as Big City Americana; a nod to both his New York roots and guitar-centered songs. His debut solo album, Future Pretend , details joy, loss and figuring out how to remain present in a fast-forward world. Ben is also a celebrated record producer and runs his own recording studio, Degraw Sound, located in Brooklyn. I first had the pleasure of working with Ben when he produced my debut album, How to Be An Adult . [This episode features “Everything Change...
Feb 17, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Singer-songwriter Chris Garneau’s new album, The Kind , charts his journey through the dirty work of healing from lifelong trauma and learning to experience actual joy. Chris’s fifth studio album is one revelation after another rooted in a ten-year estrangement from his father and his recent passing. The Kind is the first great album of 2021. [This episode features “Old Code” and “Telephone” in their entirety from The Kind .] Visit Chris Garneau online: https://www.chrisgarneau.com https://www.ins...
Jan 30, 2021•1 hr 24 min
Even a pandemic couldn’t stop singer-songwriter James Tillman, who returns for his second TMT conversation. In a under year he’s released his first studio album in four years ( Modern Desires ), a mixtape ( VM2 ) and a single (“Arizona”). James just dropped After Hours , a live EP released post-Inauguration, which feels apropos for this D.C. native who continues to expand his unique take on alternative-soul. [This episode features “Ways” from Modern Desires in its entirety.”] Visit James Tillman ...
Jan 22, 2021•1 hr 7 min
Sonny Burnett is the electronic solo project of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Sam Ford and was born in the wake of his prior group, Goodbye Heart. The Seattle-based musician just released his debut album, Death of an Empath , which features the single “Golden.” Sam also directed and shot the new “Golden” music video on an iPhone. [This episode features “Golden” from Death of an Empath in its entirety.”] Visit Sonny Burnett online: https://sonnyburnett.bandcamp.com/album/death-of-an-empath h...
Dec 31, 2020•1 hr 5 min
Ten years on and the Miami-based duo, TWYN, continue to evolve their sound. Comprised of Aaron Glueckauf (drums/vocals) and Jason Matthews (keys/synths), their music effortlessly careens through hip-hop, modern jazz, alternative and electronic elements coalescing into their singular style on both instrumental and vocal tracks. TWYN’s debut EP, Eudaemonia (la réserve), comes out on December 11. [This episode features “Good Demon” from Eudaemonia in its entirety.] Visit TWYN online: https://www.ins...
Dec 09, 2020•38 min
Happiness Becomes You is the book Tina Turner has been wanting to write for decades. A book about her 50 year Buddhist practice, specifically Nichiren Buddhism. Her dream is finally a reality and was made possible with one of its co-authors, Taro Gold (along with Regula Curti). However, Happiness Becomes You isn’t just for Buddhists; it’s for anyone who’d like to have more joy in their life. It’s also a wonderful insight into the spiritual life of the Queen of Rock and how her practice has impacte...
Dec 01, 2020•47 min
Producer Gian Stone is having a moment. A moment that is the result of years of putting in hard work. In May, he topped Billboard’s Hot 100 Producers Chart as the sole producer of Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber’s quarantine #1: “Stuck with You.” Gian is also a musician, engineer and songwriter with co-writing duties on Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” and Jonas Brothers’ “Like It’s Christmas.” Additionally, he vocal produced Madonna ( Madame X ’s “Crazy” and “I Rise”) and Dua Lipa (“Physical”). You ...
Jul 28, 2020•46 min
Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mobley had a new EP, Young and Dying in the Occident Supreme , all prepped for release until the pandemic hit. His tour-in-progress was also shelved. The EP is forthcoming with the lead single/video from it “Nobody’s Favourite” out now. As for touring, that's up in the air, but the Austin-based performer has been making the most of his time. A Home Unfamiliar , a 25-minute visual album he curated, pairs 15 musicians and 15 filmmakers and includes music...
Jul 21, 2020•46 min
Queens native Richardine Bartee is always ahead of the curve when it comes to music. As the CEO (and journalist) of Grungecake, an online music blog, she relishes the championing of up and coming artists, particularly from the Afrobeats genre. That's her thing: recognizing tomorrow’s talents today. In addition to being a tastemaker, Richardine also provides A&R and publicity/content management for celebrities. [This episode features a five-song playlist hand-picked by Richardine with music fr...
Jul 15, 2020•1 hr 11 min
For over three decades, the voice of Chris Cornell has deeply affected millions of fans including author and journalist Corbin Reiff. Corbin’s new book, Total F*cking Godhead: The Biography of Chris Cornell , is a respectful tribute to the legacy of the Soundgarden and Audioslave lead singer. Corbin deftly balances Cornell’s life and music without ever resorting to a salacious portrait. [ Total F*cking Godhead: The Biography of Chris Cornell will be released on July 28 from Post Hill Press.] Visit...
Jul 10, 2020•41 min
When you listen to a Jessica Lynn song you can hear the passion in her voice. The same passion (and hard work) that has propelled the independent country artist through four years of international touring, multiple public television specials and Billboard takeovers. The Brooklyn- born songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s new video for the ballad “Run To” was recently added to CMT.com and has yielded over 75,000 views in a month. [This episode features “Run To” in its entirety.] Visit Jessica L...
Jun 29, 2020•41 min
The music of jazz pianist Kris Davis explores the exciting connection between improvisation and composition. 2019’s Diatom Ribbons (Pyroclastic) appeared on multiple year-end round- ups including the top spot from NPR’s jazz critics and on the NY Times’ jazz albums list. In addition to Kris’s daring playing, Diatom Ribbons features a wealth of talents including Terri Lyne Carrington Marc Ribot and Esperanza Spalding. [This episode features “Rhizomes ft. Nels Cline” from Diatom Ribbons in its ent...
Jun 22, 2020•48 min
The music of Allan Rayman is a dizzying array of genres including hip-hop, rock, r&b and grunge. The Toronto-based singer/songwriter continues on this path of exploration with his fourth full-length album, CHRISTIAN , which includes production by Alex da Kid. The title is named for Christian Slater who starred in Pump Up the Volume , a film that has inspired Allan. [This episode features “Madhouse” from CHRISTIAN in its entirety.] Visit Allan Rayman online: https://m.youtube.com/allanrayman h...
Jun 16, 2020•42 min
In turbulent times we need audacious artists like Fusilier. His just released EP, Upstream (Brassland), features the title track about isolation plus a sinister take on Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street” that finds the classic twisted into a protest anthem. The Brooklyn-based vocalist and multi-instrumentalist has also released self-directed videos for both songs. [This episode features the full-version of “Upstream” in its entirety.] Visit Fusilier online: https://www.instagram.co...
Jun 05, 2020•53 min
In his second TMT interview, singer-songwriter Beau Borek returns with his new album, Realistic Weather , a collection inspired by the aspects of home—both the physical and the emotional. It's been three years since his debut Different Generations was released and in that time he's lived in four different states including his current residence in Durham, North Carolina. [This episode features “Puppy,” “Prograde” and “Santa Fe” from Realistic Weather in their entirety.] Visit Beau Borek online: htt...
May 25, 2020•52 min
Singer-Songwriter Kendal Conrad loves the storytelling you find in a contemporary country song. The Pennsylvania-native is an excellent student of the genre because one listen to her recent singles and you recognize all the integral elements. Instantly hummable? Check! Lyrics that mean something? Check! And a soaring voice? Triple check! If she keeps this up, any day now Kendal will be the one who's studied. [This episode features the singles “Leader of the Pack” and “Come to Your Senses” in thei...
May 19, 2020•40 min
Brooklyn-based songwriter/keyboardist Aviv Goldgeier is the driving force behind the group Valipala, whose sound he refers to as “prog-soul”. Their latest EP, bubble , spends its six songs defining that term and blowing up just about every other genre mash-up into an original creation that results in one of the freshest collections you'll hear this year. [This episode features the bubble EP in its entirety.] Acclaimed singer/songwriter Aviv Goldgeier is a mentor and friend of Aviv’s. I previously...
Apr 01, 2020•1 hr 14 min
The best cover songs are both an homage and a compass directed to fresh territory. Say Goodbye to Pretty Boy (Brassland) is the solo debut from Bartees Strange and it features his interpretations of songs by the National. Like the (true) fan he is, Strange spans the catalog of the beloved band with deep cuts and well-known favorites. [This episode features “About Today” from Say Goodbye to Pretty Boy in its entirety.] Visit Bartees Strange online: https://www.instagram.com/bartees_strange https:...
Mar 14, 2020•47 min
Singer/Songwriter Walter Martin continues his tradition of making great music. He was a co-founder of both Jonathan Fire*Eater and the Walkmen and just released a solo album, The World at Night . Night is dedicated to fellow Jonathan Fire*Eater member, Stewart Lupton, who died two years ago at the age of 43. [This episode features “Little Summer Fly” from The World at Night in its entirety.] Visit Walter Martin online: https://www.waltermartinmusic.com/band https://www.instagram.com/waltermartin...
Mar 13, 2020•41 min
