Music journalist Jesse Jarnow has a way of choosing enduring subjects. He writes about musicians whose artistry not only resonates in their music but explores deeper issues. Jesse continues what he does best in his just-released book on the 1950’s folk group the Weavers: Wasn't That a Time: The Weavers, the Blacklist, and the Battle for the Soul of America . Jesse is a leading Grateful Dead authority and his 2016 book on the Dead, Heads: A Biography of Psychedelic America , is out now in paperba...
Nov 07, 2018•1 hr 6 min
It doesn't matter under what moniker Matt Bachmann performs, the result is always remarkable. Previously recording as Big Eater, Matt’s new album Unconditional Love (Orindal Records) bears the Mega Bog bassist's full name and is one of 2018’s best albums. Returning for his second visit (#105), this episode features “Thirty Days” and “To Be in Love” from Unconditional Love in their entirety. Visit Matt Bachmann online: http://mattwbachmann.com Talk Music Talk Episode #105 featuring Big Eater (Mat...
Oct 31, 2018•40 min
Gaya Feldheim Schorr is an original artist finding herself through another original artist, Connie Converse. Originally from Tel Aviv and based in Brooklyn, Gaya has been exploring the genius of Converse in a live show entitled I Have Considered the Lillies: Gaya Sings Connie that features the songs and biography of the folk musician. Disappearing in 1974, Converse never achieved notoriety for her singular art. Gaya’s interpretations will no doubt shed a deserving light on the unsung singer-songw...
Oct 09, 2018•58 min
Whether it's his book on Public Enemy’s seminal album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back or writing about vaporwave’s floppy disk movement, Rolling Stone writer Christopher R. Weingarten is always following what excites him. It’s that kind of clear-eyed curiosity that makes reading whatever topic this critic unearths such a pleasure. Visit Christopher R. Weingarten online: https://www.rollingstone.com/author/christopher-r-weingarten https://twitter.com/1000timesyes STREAM/SUBSCRIBE ON ...
Oct 02, 2018•43 min
Jazz saxophonist Caleb Wheeler Curtis’ debut recording as a bandleader, Brothers , is the dynamic sum of a career built for this moment. Performances at historic venues such as the Blue Note and Jazz Standard and a CV that boasts the Ann Arbor-native’s numerous sessions and recordings with peers like Orrin Evans (who produced Brothers ) and Jason Moran (who plays on another CWC 2018 release, Freebird , by Walking Distance, a Brooklyn-based collective). This episode includes “Brothers” and “The F...
Sep 22, 2018•1 hr 2 min
Brooklyn-based Jennae Santos is a self-professed performance artist, but the music of Wsabi Fox, her solo project, is visceral enough to stand on its own merits. Sure, you won’t experience the way Jennae commands a stage, but songs this sturdy don’t need smoke and mirrors to feel the viscerality. Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) & KK Barrett recognized this power when they recruited the Bay Area-native for their Stop the Virgens psycho opera. This episode features the Eternal Garb remix of Wsabi Fo...
Sep 17, 2018•1 hr 6 min
There was a time when Stephon Alexander didn’t believe he could co-exist in the seemingly disparate worlds of music and science. As evidenced in his bestselling book, The Jazz of Physics , the Trinidad-native discovered the union between both fields and also made peace within himself. Theoretical physicist. Cosmologist. Jazz saxophonist. Stephon has also served as the science advisor on Ava Duvernay’s A Wrinkle in Time film adaptation (of Madeleine L’Engle’s 1962 book) featuring Oprah Winfrey. He’...
Sep 08, 2018•50 min
Josh Madell has mastered the art of transitioning from one cool project to the next. As the co- founder of NYC’s beloved record shop, Other Music, which ended a nearly two-decade run in 2016, he quickly started the Come Together Label Fair & Music Festival at MoMA PS1. Both endeavors share Josh’s passion for sharing the best music—you may or may not have heard of —to other music fanatics. For more information on Other Music and Come Together, visit: https://www.othermusic.com STREAM/SUBSCRIB...
Sep 03, 2018•57 min
Indie singer-songwriter Rue Snider’s music is a feat of grit and perseverance. And while those are admirable traits, they might all be for nothing if they weren't backed up with a sheer talent for strong hooks. The Brooklyn-based musician’s third full-length album, City Living , is the evidence with its inspiration rooted in a New York story of struggles and a love for 80s rock. Visit Rue Snider online: https://www.musicbyrue.com STREAM/SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY: http://bit.ly/TMTspotify SUBSCRIBE ON...
Jul 23, 2018•1 hr 11 min
Joseph Cassara’s debut novel, The House of Impossible Beauties , finds its inspiration in the lives and music featured in the Paris is Burning documentary. The 1990 film is a vibrant examination of Harlem’s ball culture. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, Joseph recontextualizes the real life performers into his fictional world, offering a loving homage. Visit Joseph Cassara online: https://www.josephcassara.com/ LIVE EVENT: July 20, 2018 TMT & 33 1/3 Series at Strand Books, NYC: https:/...
Jun 25, 2018•45 min
This episode is a repeat of my 100th show from October 2016 featuring my most-downloaded interview with Carlos Dengler. In another lifetime, Carlos D was the slick-haired, style- conscious, all-black wearing bassist of the band Interpol. Since leaving the "post-punk revivalists" group in 2010, he's returned to the public consciousness as theater actor Carlos Dengler. Carlos has never spoken publicly about his departure from Interpol, but in this exclusive TMT conversation he shares why he abrupt...
Jun 18, 2018•1 hr 30 min
Will Moloney is such a prolific songwriter (singer and multi-instrumentalist) that in the natural world there actually exists an 80-song tribute album dedicated solely to his band Old Table. Old Table is just one of the numerous projects he fronts. There’s also Climax Landers, Turbo Sleaze and whatever else he’s plotting to extend his brilliant lo-fi discography. [This episode features a song apiece from Old Table and TURBOSLEAZE in their entirety.] Visit Will Moloney online: https://climaxlanders...
Feb 27, 2018•55 min
The way you feel after hearing a Joanna Teters song can be a bit overwhelming. The emotions. The lyrics. And of course, that soulful voice! She isn't merely singing the words she writes; she's interpreting her side of the story through each and every note and syllable. Her new release, Warmer When It Rains , provides eight indelible reasons to be blown away by her artistry. [This episode features “Ride With You” and “Memories Remain” from Warmer When It Rains in their entirety.] Visit Joanna Tet...
Feb 25, 2018•45 min
Regardless of the moniker (i.e. Nutshell) that brings you to the music of Dan Kleederman, his talent is the constant. The Brooklyn singer/songwriter and educator is currently in the studio working on his debut album...whose project name is also a work-in-progress. [This episode includes an exclusive "TMT Session with Dan Kleederman" featuring three intimate performances and accompanied by Chris Connors.] Visit Dan Kleederman online: https://www.instagram.com/nutshell_music STREAM/SUBSCRIBE ON SP...
Jan 22, 2018•1 hr 2 min
The divide of technique between a performer's recorded work and their live performances can be cavernous. That's not an issue for singer/songwriter Taylor Simone. As co-founder of the adventurous soul group Jazze Belle (with Justin Carter), the LA-native delivers wherever she picks up the mic. If you're enthralled by Taylor's vocals on the New York group's EP, Go To Bed Standing Up , experiencing her on a stage will both meet and surpass any expectations. [This episode features "Everyday's Tomor...
Dec 30, 2017•46 min
Swedish jazz vocalist (and visual artist) Sophie Dunér’s experimental approach to the genre is an adventure. On her most recent album, The City of Dizzy with cellist Jeremy Harman, she carves an endless maze of surprises to discover. No song ever sounds the same twice. [This episode features “Purple Bossa” and “The Express Train” from The City of Dizzy in their entirety.] Visit Sophie Dunér online: http://www.sophieduner.com http://www.sophiedunerart.com STREAM/SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY: http://bit.l...
Dec 22, 2017•42 min
Brooklyn singer-songwriter Matt Meade's jazz background only spells part of the story of his musical career. The Texan-transplant's talent is broad enough to span the indie-chamber of his prior band Friend Roulette to the mongrel sounds of his new Spritzer solo project. With Spritzer, Matt sings lead vocals instead of handing the duty over to Julia Tepper, but his ingenious songwriting remains the common denominator. [This episode features the previously unreleased "Astronaut Bird" in its entire...
Dec 20, 2017•55 min
Over the course of ten years and five albums with the Mexican alt-rock band Ventilader, frontman Marrón has switched gears with his solo debut, etc . Co-produced by Van Rivers (Fever Ray, Blonde Redhead and !!!) after relocating to Brooklyn, the singer-songwriter’s album is awash with synths and sounds built for movement. [This episode features “Paladar” and “10 Años” from etc . in their entirety.] Visit Marrón online: https://www.marronmusic.com STREAM/SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY: http://bit.ly/TMTspot...
Dec 03, 2017•59 min
Born in Britain to musical Japanese parents, GOCCO continues the lineage with her new song "New Century Meat" and its accompanying video. Her music is as vivid as her Technicolor personal style. The Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter and visual artist is currently prepping her forthcoming EP of avant-pop. [This episode includes "New Century Meat" in its entirety.] Visit GOCCO online: https://gocco.life SUBSCRIBE ON SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/thisisboice TMT APP FOR iPHONE: http://bit.ly/T...
Nov 25, 2017•52 min
Grandly heralded bands with more praise than sales under their belt could do no worse than to have their work documented by music journalists like Jenn Pelly. With her beautifully-crafted debut book on The Raincoats' self-titled 1979 post-punk classic, Jenn guides us through both a history of the all-female band and the influential album's place in music history. Also Pitchfork's Associate Reviews Editor, the Brooklyn writer's book-length essay is the 126th volume of the 33 1/3 series on a single...
Nov 10, 2017•46 min
A new Grooms album ever two years is the perfect clockwork for indie rock devotees. As the lead vocalist and guitarist, Travis Johnson heads up the Brooklyn-based band whose debut came out in 2009 when they were a part of the now-defunct Death by Audio DIY scene in Williamsburg. Grooms newly-released fifth album, Exit Index (Western Vinyl), continues to refine their pairing of sturdy vocal melodies and textured music production. [This episode features "Magistrate Seeks Romance" from Exit Index in ...
Oct 20, 2017•54 min
We need more fearless artists like Sarah Elizabeth Charles inhabiting the world. On Free of Form , the vocalist and composer's third incredible album in a row, she continues to question the expectations of jazz, soul and her own singular talent. It's an exhilarating expansion of her creativity. Sarah co-produced the album with trumpeter Christian Atunde Adjuah Scott who also plays on four songs. Free of Form is the inaugural release on Christian's Stretch Music imprint. Sarah previously appeared...
Oct 16, 2017•1 hr 6 min
Eric Morse’s second children’s book, What is Hip-Hop? (produced by journalist Nelson George) is a vibrant picture book on the rich culture and celebrates not only rap music but also breakdancing and graffiti art, from the Bronx block parties to the present day. Imagine that a picture book with a target audience of 4-7 year olds could be an opportunity for parents to discuss issues like race and feminism through the lens of hip-hop. With 3-D clay illustrations by Anny Yi, Eric’s follow-up to 2015’s...
Sep 29, 2017•1 hr 10 min
Maestra Amy Andersson has toured throughout fourteen countries with an expertise that flourishes in a variety of settings. This versatility has allowed her to conduct operatic, symphonic, Broadway music and video operatic repertoire. As of this year, Maestra Andersson has founded her own ensemble, Orchestra Moderne NYC. Its premiere program, The Journey to America: From Repression to Freedom (Part 1) , celebrates the legacy of immigration to America. The ensemble’s inaugural performance will addi...
Sep 28, 2017•48 min
The 150th episode of Talk Music Talk: Grace Upon Grace (Floordoor Records/Already Dead Tapes) marks the return of Public Speaking, the solo project of Jason Anthony Harris. The new album is Jason’s response to our current political climate and the “vulnerability to demagoguery in…fractured, desperate times” without slipping into didacticism. The Brooklyn-based musician’s earthy baritone washes over his piano and startling processed sounds and provides about as much comfort as a fly in the salve. ...
Sep 27, 2017•1 hr 51 min
The latest release from Soft Glas, the solo project of João Gonzalez, is a centered meditation on receiving the comfort of loved ones and looking back to appreciate the joy in present moments. Premiering João’s lead vocals, Orange Earth is the second full-length album from the Brooklyn-based producer/multi-instrumentalist and is released in conjunction with his short film, The Undiminished Sky . Created with filmmaker Aaron Vazquez, The Undiminished Sky is a sumptuous visual representation of Oran...
Sep 19, 2017•51 min
You have to admire someone whose journalism career owes a debt to Duran Duran. In 1987, for a college assignment, Lori Majewski started a Duranzine about her all-time favorite group. The publication once held a circulation of 5000 international Duranies. Her love of writing was sparked. Career highlights since those early days include co-founding Teen People plus various editor stints at US Weekly and Entertainment Weekly . In 2014, Lori co-authored (with Jonathan Bernstein) an oral history on ‘...
Sep 01, 2017•49 min
A. Savage's solo debut, Thawing Dawn , is the 20th release on his own label, Dull Tools. After five full-lengths (and two EP’s) with Parquet Courts, the Brooklyn-based band Savage founded in 2010, Thawing Dawn is the glorious result of a “songwriting bootcamp” as he puts it. Savage still sings and plays guitar in the band, they're returning to the studio this year, but his abundant productivity yielded a collection of songs that didn't quite fit the group. Thawing Dawn is an album in every since o...
Aug 25, 2017•57 min
Brazilian vibraphonist Victor Vieira-Branco wants to dirty up the percussion instrument. Perhaps an inspired connection from the São Paulo composer's love of punk music and its spirit. Earlier this year his group, Trio Repelente, released Ao Vivo Pra Ninguém , an intense study of jazz, post-rock and the kitchen sink all coalescing in shambolic harmony. Victor is also a member of the ensemble, Baoba Stereo Club. [This episode features "Shifty" and "Azul" from Ao Vivo Pra Ninguém in their entirety...
Aug 18, 2017•43 min
The cover of multi-instrumentalist and tape-manipulator L'Rain's debut album simultaneously represents the memory of her mother and the music partly inspired by her. Taja Cheek's solo project is a phonetic respelling of her mother's name. The album image bears an eponymous cursive tattoo on the Brooklyn songwriter's forearm. Taja's genre is noise enveloped with melody, or sometimes the other way around, but always warmed by her vocals. [This episode features "A Toes (Shelf Inside Your Head) from...
Aug 10, 2017•32 min
