hanging out with audiophiles

Rob Burger, a talented solo artist and film composer, has collaborated with heavyweights like Laurie Anderson and Lou Reed. He shares his musical journey, reflecting on the powerful connections that shape creativity. Burger discusses the importance of improvisation, balancing artistry with life, and the evolution of home music production. With anecdotes from his vibrant career and insights into the collaborative process, he highlights how relationships in the music industry have enriched his artistic evolution.

ITS OUT!!! YES!!! It’s hard to believe tbh after all this time but indeed the first song from my long talked about LP “Places of Unknowning” is OUT  There’s a vinyl pre-order (and digi pre-thing) for the full album and links to stream this early track the “The Center” here: https://todo.ochre.store Video from the live performance of The Center here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxxUxtHkE1 You might be curious how it all came to be.... Where are these wild and powerful words coming from for example? Well I’m glad you asked since I got to sit down and record a chat with my delightful wife Lindsey Rome who wrote this record with me.  Specifically, she wrote the words and I set them to music. A marriage of it’s own! She’s A lady I adore  A lady I am constantly inspired by. A lady that has no end to her creativity.  She’s written a lot of material with me at this point and it’s always been super rewarding to work in this way but I will say that NOTHING I’ve made with her has ever been like this. I felt like I was handed these precious truths and intimate revelations to try and merge with the realm of music.  The fact I know her so well and care so deeply was both the only way to make this so rich and potent but also proved to be quite a challenge to get right.  Needless to say Im mightily excited finally get to share the fruits of our collaboration at long last.  It really was a team effort between the two of us and all the more sweet to send it off as a document of this time  Hope you enjoy hearing how it all came to be from my  best friend and true love Lindsey Rome 

I got hip to Cristobal’s work thanks to my recent TV addiction.  I inhaled all 3 seasons of the white lotus and I think I was only able to get so greedy because of the EXCELLENT music.  I usually get repelled by TV scores tnh. I feel like I know the tricks and the tones and the emotional devices and I end up paying attention to them in a bad way. My agitation stops me from getting swept up and carried away. Not so with this man’s work.  I just felt like it was so deeply connected to the lands and the mystery and power of our animalistic shadows that ride in the narrative. I was taken aback and taken away.  It’s been a long time since I found myself loving a soundtrack. I had to know more and thankfully Cristobal (I butcher his name in the pod btw to my shame!) has been fantastic to chat with. I reached out, we set a date to chat and it just flowed. I love that.  Hope you enjoy the fascinating insights he shares. He’s so humble about his ways but he clearly is no pushover, knowing what he believes in and fighting for that.  I loved this hang. Hope it gets to all to at least buy a shaker if you don’t own one!    

Bibio, a musician celebrated for his atmospheric sounds, shares a poignant journey through grief, sparked by the loss of his father. He reflects on how music evokes deep memories and aids in navigating his emotions. The conversation explores the beauty of rural Wales, creative spontaneity, and the importance of family support during challenging times. Bibio also shares insights into his artistic process, the excitement of obtaining rare gear, and how nature shapes his music, creating a rich tapestry of sound and experience.

I met Matt Ross-Spang thanks to Mark Rubel. Mark was an amazing knowledge and super generous chap who sadly died not so long ago. RIP to that legend. I'll never forget that trip to visit some of America's most amazing studios. We toured most of the iconic rooms in Memphis which is the city where Matt Ross-Spang has always resided. We went to Sun where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Howlin’ Wolf all recorded and then on to Sam Philips recording service which Matt helped restore to its former glory. What a place! Just full of history and so beautiful both aesthetically and sonically. Matt has had quite the journey. He started interning at Sun Studios as a teen and now he has been awarded the key to the city of Memphis!  Somewhere in the middle of this wild ride is what we spend of our time chatting about in this pod. From humble beginnings to mixing Elvis, getting those Grammy’s and the key to the city of Memphis, Matt has seen and heard an awful lot of good stuff! ________________________   Music for this episode comes courtesy of Indy500 check it here: https://indy500.bandcamp.com/    ________________________   This episode is sponsored by the MLC or The Mechanical Licensing Collective. They’re a nonprofit organization that’s revolutionizing how creators get paid their mechanical streaming royalties from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music in the U.S. Every month, The MLC collects the streaming data and royalties from those platforms, matches the money to the creator who has earned it, and then pays out the royalties due. With over $2.5 billion in royalties distributed and more than 50,000 Members worldwide, The MLC is already making a huge impact. And the best part? Membership is completely free! Don’t leave money on the table — visit TheMLC.com today to sign up!        

In a captivating discussion, Suzanne Ciani, a pioneering electronic music artist, shares insights from her groundbreaking career. She reflects on her early experiences with psychedelics and how they shape her creativity. The conversation meanders through topics like her inventive album "Seven Waves" and the eccentricities of Don Buchla's synthesizers. Amidst sounds of her snoring cat, Ciani passionately connects tennis to her music-making process, exploring the harmony between sports and creativity. A unique glimpse into the mind of a musical innovator!

Roger Eno, a renowned musician and composer celebrated for his ambient and electronic works, shares his unique journey through music. He discusses his iconic track 'An Ending (Ascent)' and how collaboration with brother Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois shaped his sound. The conversation touches on the interplay between artistry and technology, emphasizing a minimalist approach to recording. Eno reflects on personal growth and the emotional textures of music, blending nostalgia with insights into his creative process.

Trentmøller, the Danish musician known for blending shoegaze, darkwave, and electronic music, shares insights from his artistic journey. He reflects on his upbringing in Denmark and how it shaped his unique sound. The conversation dives into the creative process of music production, highlighting the importance of collaboration and emotional transitions. Trentmøller discusses the balance between simplicity and complexity in soundscapes, and reveals his obsession with chorus pedals, owning over 50. His music explores contrasts and paradoxes while evoking nostalgia without being overly sentimental.

Eric Slick, the versatile drummer for Dr. Dog, shares his musical journey from collaborating with legends like Adrian Belew to working with Taylor Swift. They dive into innovative songwriting methods, emphasizing spontaneity and the beauty of imperfections. Slick discusses the emotional dynamics of live performances, balancing discipline and creativity in drumming. Navigating the music industry's authenticity challenges, he highlights the value of mentorship and emotional expression, advocating for joy over perfection in the creative process.

TJ Dumser, an award-winning sound designer and musician, shares insights into his creative journey and the world of sound design. He discusses the transformative nature of collaboration in music production and the beauty of improvisation. The conversation delves into the balance between acoustic and electric instruments, and the impact of technology on live performances. Dumser reflects on personal success redefined through self-awareness, emphasizing the importance of community and authenticity in the ever-evolving music landscape.