Episode 83 of the Podcast for Social Research features a live performance, at BISR Central, by chamber-pop outfit Big Bend, who played selections from their acclaimed third album Last Circle in a Showdown. After the performance, Big Bend vocalist, pianist, and songwriter Nathan Phillips sat down with BISR's Mark DeLucas for a conversation about musical origins and inspirations; Nathan's unique, communal approach to songwriting; musical improvisation vs. premeditation; whether albums still "matter"; making music with, or against, genre; and much else besides.

The performance begins at 00:32, and the conversation at 38:22.