Spotlight On

Today, the Spotlight shines On the Belfast, Ireland, band Chalk.Chalk is Ross Cullen on vocals, Ben Goddard on guitar, and Luke Niblock on drums. They cook up a pretty stunning racket with a unique sound that is nonetheless recognizable in its post-punk, dance, and industrial lineages. If that makes sense to you, you will love Chalk. If it does not, give them a listen. Chances are you will dig what they do.This is the second of two episodes I recorded on-site, in my hotel room/recording studio, at the SXSW Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas.The recording took place two days after Chalk pulled out of SXSW to protest the festival’s commercial alignment with the US Army and multiple weapons manufacturers, one of at least ten Irish artists to do so.The band opened up about their process and development in this great discussion. Enjoy.(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Chalk's new EP, Conditions II) -- Dig DeeperListen to Chalk's latest EP, Conditions II, on Bandcamp or your streaming platform of choiceFollow Chalk on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTubeWatch Chalk play live on KEXPIrish Bands Cancel SXSW Concerts Over Arms Companies and US Army SponsorshipSXSW Protest is About More than PalestineChris W. Ryan — Producer / Musician / ComposerMeet Chalk, the Belfast experimentalists making ‘trauma techno’-- • Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On Chinese-Malaysian Australian artist, musician and creative producer, Sui Zhen.This is the first of two episodes I recorded on-site at the SXSW Conference and Festival in Austin, Texas.This year’s edition of South By Southwest has been the subject of controversy related to event’s work with the US Army and several weapons manufacturers as sponsors for various programming segments throughout, and the reactions — including withdrawals from and boycotts of the event — by artists.Sui Zhen spoke in both personal and general ways about the different options available to artists. She discussed who the protests help and harm and how, as an artist visiting through an arts visa, she had binding commitments tied to her participation in the festival. There is also a case for artists to use SXSW’s platform to stay engaged and present their points of view.This was not why Sui Zhen joined us. We got together to talk about her compelling new work, the 13-minute piece “Sleepless.” To quote from the artist’s website, “Sleepless” is “‘about grief and persevering through it… first conceived in 2018, as a stream-of-consciousness response to her mother’s passing. The catharsis of musical improvisation served as a refuge, a way to navigate the fog of sleepless nights and immense pain. The track has evolved gradually, transforming through reiteration and further losses… the piece stretches out like a horizon, more a landscape than a song, mirroring the way grief warps our perception of time.”We did get to discuss her work, though not to the extent intended. But we agreed that we had the conversation that needed to be had. Enjoy.(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Sui Zhen's latest single, "Sleepless")--Dig DeeperVisit Sui Zhen at suizhen.com.auListen to Sui Zhen's latest release, "Sleepless," on Bandcamp or on your streaming platform of choiceFollow Sui Zhen on Instagram, Facebook, SoundCloud, and YouTubeSee Sui Zhen's Instagram statement on on SXSWBe sure to peruse this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com--• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On musician and songwriter Nicholas Dembling, aka Nic North, aka Nic West, of seminal New York CIty New Wave Pop band, Comateens.The New York that birthed Comateens was in the midst of a particularly vibrant musical moment. There was new music everywhere. Jazz cats were staging loft concerts in pre-glitz SOHO. The punks and no wavers were holding court on the Lower East Side. Philip Glass and the minimalists were premiering new works and way up in the Bronx, hip hop was coming on strong.Nic was working at New York’s MediaSound recording studio where he and co-worker Ramona Lee Jan began to write songs together. With necessity as the mother of invention, Nic and Ramona began to play gigs with only a bass, a guitar and an electronic rhythm box, so that the band and its equipment could fit into one New York City taxi cab. This self-imposed constraint led to the original Comateens, a concept shared by Alan Vega and Martin Rev, who were doing something with a similar lineup with their duo, Suicide.Nic takes us through both his and Comateens musical upbringing and development, as well as how he is documenting and preserving the band’s legacy.(the musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from the Comateen's reissued 1979 single "Danger Zone"/"Elizabeth's Lover") -- Dig DeeperCheck out the exhaustive Comateens archive at comateens.comListen to the Comateens' 1979 single "Danger Zone"/"Elizabeth's Lover" on BandcampFollow Comateens on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), and YouTubeRamona Jan & Nic North Reflect on Their Life and Times as Synth-Punk Band ComateensNew Wave Central: CBGBs And The Birth Of New York PunkGoFundMe for Romona JanDon't miss this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com-- • Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer, composer, and improviser Phil Haynes.Phil published a unique memoir last November, which includes not only his reflections on a life in and of music but also stands as an important document of nearly 40 years of music in New York City and beyond.Phil delivers plenty of inside observations of his work with figures like Lee Konitz, Anthony Braxton, Dave Liebman, and Paul Smoker, as well as his own poetry, musical analysis, philosophical musings, and lessons learned along the way.It’s a charming book, and Phil has created a towering body of musical work. This conversation is classic Spotlight On, with an engaged, sincere guest. Listen to our talk and then get yourself a copy of Chasing the Masters: First Takes of a Modernist Drumming Artist.(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Phil Haynes's 62-track retrospective, A Life Improvised - Chasing The Masters) -- Dig DeeperVisit Phil Haynes at philhaynes.com, Bandcamp, and FacebookLearn more about Phil Haynes' memoir Chasing The Masters at chasingthemasters.com and purchase the book from AmazonHerb RobertsonPaul SmokerLee Konitz on Spontaneity, Originality, Drugs & Playing SharpEllery EskelinEllery Eskelin, Paul Smoker, Drew Gress, Phil Haynes - Joint Venture4 Horns and What?Brooklyn Academy Finds Room for the Outsiders of JazzBe sure to peruse the rest of this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com-- • Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On Dave Wish, founder and Chief Vision Officer for Music Will. This nonprofit organization funds and runs one of the largest instrumental and vocal music programs in US public schools.Dave, a former Palo Alto, California school teacher, launched Music Will due to frustration with the lack of music programming in his school. He started by borrowing instruments from friends and hitting area flea markets for deals. From there, he began offering free guitar lessons after school using popular music—the actual music his students wanted to play. What started out as an informal effort to provide musical education to his students has become the largest nonprofit music program in the U.S. public school system. Music Will has taught over a million and a half students how to play music. To hear the story in detail, as you will, is amazing.Dave’s enthusiasm for his cause is infectious, and we are very happy to bring Music Will to the attention of our listeners.-- Dig DeeperVisit Music Will and learn more at musicwill.orgFollow Music Will on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTubeBabyface Brings Music Education To 20 Indianapolis Schools With Nonprofit Music WillTom Morello brings his ‘school of rock’ to Van Nuys High SchoolPhoebe Bridgers Re-Releases “Waiting Room” for CharityBe sure to peruse this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com-- • Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On musician and producer Daniel Ögren.Daniel is one of the artists propelling Sweden’s contemporary new music scene. He has an extensive body of work as a solo artist and as a member of Sven Wunder, The Greys, and, most notably, Dina Ögon. He also works as a producer and musician for other artists.Daniel joined us upon the release of his album Fastingen-92 on the Mr Bongo label. The record “draws from Daniels's love of South American folk music, soul, Nordic folk music and film soundtracks, resulting in something unique, dreamlike and transformational.”It is a terrific record, very much worth a listen, as is our talk with Daniel. Enjoy.(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Daniel Ögren's album Fastingen-92) -- Dig DeeperListen to Daniel Ögren's Fastingen-92 on Bandcamp or your favorite streaming platformFollow Daniel Ögren on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeAnd be sure to check out the other projects Daniel is a part of: Dina Ögon, Sven Wunder, and The GreysDigging Deeper: An Interview with Daniel ÖgrenThe Essential Pat MethenyEvolution of Swedish Folk MusicFifteen Questions Interview with Daniel ÖgrenBe sure to peruse this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com-- • Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On Mareike Wiening.Mareike is a drummer and composer who joined us on the occasion of the release of her third record as bandleader, Reveal, out on Greenleaf Music. Featuring her long-time group: tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, pianist Glenn Zaleski, guitarist Alex Goodman, and bassist Johannes Felscher, the band is joined on three tracks by trumpeter and Greenleaf founder Dave Douglas.After several years in New York City, Mareike is now based in Cologne, in her native Germany, where she has observed and been personally impacted by the upheavals — personal and global — in the world today. Reveal is not an album of despair. Instead, the music channels hope, joy, and connection, with an uncommon sensitivity amongst the players in the group.Marieke studied jazz drums in Mannheim, Copenhagen, and New York City. In addition to her performing and recording work, she is a jazz drum instructor at the Zurich University of the Arts.Please enjoy our talk and the album Reveal, which is linked to this episode in the show notes.(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Mareike Wiening's album Reveal.) -- Dig DeeperListen to Mareike Wiening's Reveal on Bandcamp or your streaming platform of choiceVisit Mareike Wiening online at mareikewiening.comFollow Mareike Wiening on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTubeMareike Wiening about Drumming, Doubts, and the Disappearance of EducationMareike Wiening - "The Girl By The Window" (live video version 1)Mareike Wiening - "The Girl By The Window" (live video version 2)Be sure to peruse this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com-- • Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On music impresario Jonathan Shank, the CEO and Founder of Terrapin Station Entertainment.Jonathan is known for his instincts and successes in sniffing out unique opportunities in under-served spaces in the live entertainment industry, creating business successes in categories and markets often overlooked by the large corporations that dominate so much of the entertainment sector today.Jonathan has developed projects for names as disparate as the Bob Marley Estate, Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, and multiple family entertainment properties: Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour, Peppa Pig Live!, and The Fresh Beat Band Live - all while generating more than $80 million in gross box office sales.Jonathan earned a Grammy Award in 2009 for his role in creating the groundbreaking album Global Drum Project with Mickey Hart and in 2020, he received the T.J. Martell Trailblazer Award for his work producing such charity events as The Homeward Bound Concert and A Tribute to the Music of Linda Ronstadt.Jonathan has had a fascinating run so far, and by the end of this talk, you will see that he’s just getting started.------------------Dig DeeperBe sure to check out Terrapin Station Entertainment at terrapinent.comFollow Terrapin Station Entertainment on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTubeQ’s With Jonathan Shank: On Terrapin Station’s Legacy Of IntelligenceHow Jam Bands inspired Terrapin Station Entertainment's Jonathan ShankBob Marley One Love Experience at the Saatchi GalleryThe Future Of Immersive Entertainment Is Now – The Sphere Experience Has BegunBe sure to peruse this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com------------------• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and performer Brendan Grey of the Canadian hip-hop group Super Duty Tough Work.In addition to his duties as MC, drummer, and band leader, Brendan has become a sought-after performance, session, and touring drummer.We spoke back in the autumn of 2023 for a conversation that still sticks with me. I look forward to hearing what you think.(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from the album Paradigm Shift by Super Duty Tough Work) ------------------Dig DeeperVisit Super Duty Tough Work at sdtw.caListen to Super Duty Tough Work's Paradigm Shift on Bandcamp or your streaming platform of choiceFollow Super Duty Tough Work on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTubeHip-hop group Super Duty Tough Work is keeping its grind aliveWinnipeg State of Mind – Top 100 Winnipeg Hip-Hop SongsSuper Duty Tough Work Nominated for Polaris PrizeS N A K E S & L A D D E R S - S L E E P I N G G I A N T S [2014]Style WarsThe Importance Of The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveWinterruption At Home 2021 featuring Super Duty Tough WorkBe sure to peruse this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com------------------• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, the Spotlight shines On the innovative pedal steel guitar player Susan Alcorn.While Susan got her start playing in country & western bands in Texas, she has taken the pedal steel into new and uncharted territories, exploring 20th-century classical music, improvisational jazz, and various world musics.On her latest project, CANTO, Susan explored Chilean folk music and nueva canción, which translates as “new song” and refers to an intertwined musical and leftist social movement so important to the pro-Democracy organizations throughout Latin America over the last 50 years or more.Released back in November 2023 on Relative Pitch Records, CANTO features Alcorn’s Septeto del Sur, a new ensemble featuring a cross-generational group of musicians versed in folk and improvisational traditions.(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from the album CANTO by Susan Alcorn and Septeto del Sur) ------------------Dig DeeperListen to CANTO by Susan Alcorn and Septeto del Sur on Bandcamp or your streaming platform of choiceVisit Susan Alcorn at susanalcorn.net and on Instagram and BandcampMourning and Hope: A Conversation with Susan AlcornA Brief History of the Nueva Canción MovementLa Nueva Canción: The New Song Movement in South AmericaSusan Alcorn Live at The Orange Show Monument - April 23, 2022Be sure to peruse this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com------------------• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. • Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice. • Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.