hanging out with audiophiles

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.

Michael Zähl, former engineer and designer of the main custom made mixing console at the legendary Studio of Conny Plank and Mark Ernestus, long time producer known from projects like Basic Channel and Rhythm & Sound had a special encounter which led to the collaborative development of AM1 - the state-of-the-art pure analog mixing console. I speak to these two excellent individuals about how they came to meet and the 9 years journey to make a mixing desk the likes of which we’ve never seen before. _____ Kind sponsorship of this pod comes from a lesser known company called Ableton! Live 12.1 is out and it’s a beauty of an update. I put autoshift through its paces in a mini nitty to kick off the show Happy to offer a nice juicy discount to listeners  Use coupon code “HOWA20” at checkout, and get 20% off at Ableton.com. Valid until November 15, 2024

Taylor Deupree, a prolific electronic musician and founder of 12k, joins Joseph Branciforte, a Grammy-winning composer and engineer, to discuss their ambitious project transforming the 2002 album Stil. into a 100% acoustic version called Sti.ll. They examine the challenges and artistry behind this shift from digital to live instruments, evoking a deeper emotional resonance. The conversation also touches on collaboration with young musicians in Dhaka, innovative recording processes, and the balance between acoustic and digital sound, showcasing their passion for musical evolution.

Hauschka, also known as Volker Bertelmann, is a talented musician famed for his prepared piano techniques and a fascinating transition from rap to contemporary classical music. He discusses the unique texture of his latest album, philanthropy, emphasizing its detail-rich sound. The conversation also explores his journey in film scoring, including his acclaimed work on 'All Quiet on the Western Front.' Hauschka shares insights on collaboration, the impact of Düsseldorf's music scene, and the innovative blending of traditional and modern sounds in his creative process.