Dead Wax
Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman
Musicians nerding out to great music. Hosts Jack Conte (Scary Pockets, Pomplamoose, CEO of Patreon) and Ryan Lerman (Scary Pockets, John Legend, Ben Folds) are joined by musician friends to help break down what's going on in their favorite music. They dish about production, harmony, composition, theory, vocal performance and everything in between. New episodes every other week!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 8, 2025 • 29min
The Songs Behind Goodhertz's Insanely SOULFUL Plugins
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman, Kane RitchotteGuest: Goodhertz, Rob Stenson and Devin KerrExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow
Dec 1, 2025 • 24min
Sean Watkins: Elliott Smith, Jon Brion, Eric Valentine, Largo, Chris Thile and Nickel Creek
Sean Watkins, a beloved singer-songwriter and member of Nickel Creek, shares captivating stories from his musical journey. He discusses recent collaborations and the influence of Largo, where he connected with artists like Elliott Smith. Watkins reveals the songwriting process behind 'Somebody More Like You' and shares invaluable advice from Rick Rubin on collaboration. He reminisces about his memorable encounters with John Bryan and the unique tale of a dead-string guitar that inspired his sound. Dive into these revealing insights and anecdotes!
Nov 24, 2025 • 28min
"Fiona Apple’s Mixer on “Extraordinary Machine” - with Dave Way!
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Dave WayExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowanAudio: Jack LightTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow
Nov 17, 2025 • 25min
Dan Wilson's FAVORITE "Rule-Breaking" Moments In Songs
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Dan WilsonExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow
Nov 10, 2025 • 24min
What Makes The PERFECT Pop Song? with Madi Yanofsky
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Madi YanofskyExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow
Nov 3, 2025 • 24min
Justin Timberlake's Producer on Timbaland, Drum Programming, Song Form and Working with JT with Fede Vindver
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Fede VindverExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow
Oct 27, 2025 • 25min
Producing 'Float On' by Modest Mouse with Dennis Herring
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Dennis HerringExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow
11 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 15min
Jack Conte & Ryan Lerman React To Each Others Favorite Songs
Join Jack and Ryan as they dive into a rapid-fire music discovery session. They admire the artistry of The Vernon Spring's piano and celebrate the production of Harry Nilsson's classic. The duo explores the emotional shifts in Bell Brigade's lyrics and the aggressive guitar dynamics featured. From the textured instrumentals of Other Nothing to the vocal focus of Andy Schaaf, they appreciate the intricacies of each track. Expect lively discussions that touch on intimate soundscapes and nostalgic album references!
Oct 13, 2025 • 21min
How Tony Berg Defines a Masterpiece
Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan LermanGuest: Tony BergExecutive Producer: Ryan LermanProduction Managers: Rachel McGowan, Phineas AlexanderAudio: Jack LightTheme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Join our Patreon for EXTENDED episodes: https://www.patreon.com/scarypocketsSubscribe to our podcast: http://dead-wax.simplecast.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DeadWaxShowInstagram: @thedeadwaxshow
7 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 28min
Blake Mills on Production, Fretless Guitar, and Working with Pino Palladino
Blake Mills, a Grammy-nominated producer and guitarist, dives into his innovative work in sound production. He explores the nuances of fretless guitar, detailing the unique challenges of its design and sound. Collaboration with bassist Pino Palladino shines as he shares insights on crafting grooves and the intricacies of polyrhythms. Mills also discusses the balance between capturing raw performance and tonal precision, revealing how subtle elements like finger noise add intimacy to recordings. It's a fascinating blend of artistry and technical mastery!
