hanging out with audiophiles

Welcome to the first of a two part epic chat with the excellent Greg Wells!  Yes! Mr. G.W. is a ludicrously talented chap. He’s produced and written with Adele, he’s responsible for the hugely successful The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, he’s a long time collaborator with the lesser known Katy Perry, I mean who’s ever heard of Ariana Grande ? Or Pink ? Pharrell Williams,  Burt Bacharach, Elton John ... Too MUCH and yet, this list is a mere micro dose of Greg’s funk menu. It must feel amazing to able to express yourself on the drums, the piano and with the world of synths and also mixing and recording equipment. It’s not RIGHT to be good at it all and yet Greg has the skills to write, play, record, mix. I think it's safe to say, he has ALL the skills. What's more, he has an unbelievable amount of knowledge and experience all in a generous and light hearted frame that is most fun to be around. There are so many milestones along his timeline that would be pinnacles of achievement for most. It’s humbling just to think about. For example, He spent time under the tutelage of famed composer Clare Fisher who Susan Rogers talks about on out pod chat. (EP12)  I used to have some strong positive emotional reactions to the arrangements he made for Prince. Very strong! I can only imagine what powers Greg absorbed being in his company.  A father of 5, Mr Wells is a master at putting one at ease.  I chatted with him for a good hour on our first encounter and it felt like I’d known him for years.  I think his genuine openness and nurturing fatherly spirit has a lot to do with his success. I know he made me feel extremely welcome both times I chatted with him. That initial chin wag was made without the tape rolling sadly but on my return to have a proper chat, we got into a lengthy discussion that lasted around 3 hours! This time recorded :) We go way back to the start and get into some very emotional memories which I feel very greatful to Greg for sharing with me and hence with us all. An open, wise, playful badass. I feel like this chat could have gone on another 3 hours!  Please enjoy part 1 with the incomparable Greg Wells: Small note:  At one point I’m trying to recall the “Matt” that helped restoring Sam Phillips studios in Memphis. His full name is Matt Sprang Superb engineer with really good hair! http://www.southerngrooves.com ______________________________________   In the nitty I attempt to make a vocoder using only stock Ableton building blocks. What do ya need? 24 filters, 12 Max for Live Envelope followers and some tweaking :) spoiler alert. It works! ______________________________________   Music for 42 comes from  https://nudityforbeginners.com Check this link for some browser-based interactive music video promo fun.  It incorporates a couple teaser videos he made for the tracks that he will be evolving in the future. Let the evolution begin! ______________________________________ Thanks to Leap Wing audio for today’s show sponsorship. They make some really interesting plugins and only 3 currently which I’m a fan of. Not too much to confuse or dilute Check them here! https://www.leapwingaudio.com   _______________________________________

Hello 41 !  Hello to this now vintage chat with Matt Sweeney recorded June 14 2018. I was first introduced to Matt trough my friend Pete Townsend. Not THAT Pete but another Pete!  There’s a rather fantastic band by the name of Super Wolf and Pete plays drums, Matt’s on guitar and Will Oldham aka Bonnie Prince Billy is singing.  It’s hard to not be moved by that music and every element is crucial to the buzz.  Who’s that amazing guitarist you ask? Yep, it’s Matt Sweeney. Let’s have a quick celebratory tour around some of this lads achievements! He’s been in bands like Skunk, Chavez and Super Wolf He’s played on records with Johnny Cash, Cat Power, Andrew W. K., Run the Jewels, Eagles of Death Metal and maybe more He’s produced .. oh boy he’s produced! He’s lent a crucial touch to the making of the Red Dead Redemption 2 soundtrack.  (This is the then secret stuff we couldn’t talk about!) In 2016, Sweeney toured with Iggy Pop and Josh Homme to support their album Post Pop Depression. He’s been interview by the Epic Marc Maron (EP 637) Matt is the creator of the fan bloody tactic Guitar moves Here's a couple of classic episodes for ya: Keith Richards! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceWWMfhAvD4  Blake Mills!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlskErEWuRI Matt is a investor in the popular superiority burger: To be found East 9th st Manhattan  https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/30/nyregion/superiority-burger-a-vegetarian-ode-to-white-castle-in-the-east-village.html   What’s in the chat? Wellllll We tackle fear and inaction and how to overcome it. Yep. We’ve solved it so take a listen :)   Don’t be afraid to ask “is there a budget” Finding the budgets that are hiding in the music puzzle. You’re Welcome! _________________________ Thanks to Steve Lynch for the music for Ep 41 Check out his ocean inspired “Tides” https://soundcloud.com/stellarsound/sets/steve-lynch-tides twitter/stellarsteve _________________________ Nitty Gritty wise I explore extraordinary noise. VELVET noise! as Maron might say WTF?  

Episode 40 welcomes Travis Stewart aka Machine Drum to the pod! Travis is a badass I've know for some time now and is someone I’m lucky to call a friend at this point. We made it to brunching status ! I’ve had him over to the house in Nashville and we jammed once which makes me think We really need to do that again! I’ve also sung on a JETS track U.N.I. which was a real rush.  Travis is one of those characters that gets the magic side of music. He gets the fact that the presentation of ideas is important. To DREEEEAAAAMMMM He gets that you don’t need much kit to make amazing shit (you can quote me on that) He also gets that it’s good to share.  So enjoy our ramble back in time. Yes! We get into some Machinedrum time travel. How did a kid from small town USA get to wander so free? The man is prolific and talented having pushed quality sounds through labels of distinction such as: Ninja Tune LuckyMe Merck Records Planet Mu Producing work for Theophilus London, Jesse Boykins III, Azealia Banks, and oh so many more! YUP He’s legit!! This chat was from August 2018 so it’s been stewing somewhat and yet it’s as fresh as ever! Great timing as JETS have a brilliant LP coming May 24 through Innovative Leisure _____________________________   The Nitty is all about the 808 and creating the Clave and Cowbell using modulars. wish me luck! Here's the link to the Sound on Sound article I used to make them. Super useful and deep series of articles. https://www.soundonsound.com/techniques/synthesizing-cowbells-claves _____________________________ Music for today’s show comes again from LakeCube. I featured his stuff in EP 32 with Ann Mincieli also  https://lakecube.bandcamp.com/releases _____________________________ The show is sponsored by industrialectric  Makers of incredibly noisy boxes ! I witnessed one for the first time with Leo Ross, my guest on Ep 38. His brother Atticus also uses these with Nine Inch Nails.  I can see why. If you need a major sonic imprint these pedals are like no other :) https://www.industrialectric.com

I’m so fortunate to have one of my favourite UK musicians on the show, Mr Alexis Taylor. A founding member of the now legendary Hot Chip, he’s been releasing music for good whee while now and by gosh it’s all superb. His clothing choices are also second to none. The man marches to the beat of his own drum machine. I REALLY hope you’re not aware of Alexis thus far so you get to experience the joy of opening up his catalog as it were the first snow you’d ever seen on your lawn. The majesty!!! Hello Alexis!    GIG ALERT   Alexis has got a seriously cool show coming up very soon in NYC March 15th and 16th https://www.metmuseum.org/events/programs/met-live-arts/alexis-taylor-19 Needless to say, this is a MUST for any New Yorkers. He’s playing together with the amazing Money Mark, my super talented friend Jonny Lam, Annie Hart and visual master Nick Relph at the Met! Bloody hell. EPIC!   Today’s Nitty is a levels game.  I ask the potentially expensive question “does a DI/mic pre combo make eurorack belt harder?” Find out!   Music for this episode comes courtesy of Rory Simmons   https://www.rorysimmons.com https://rorysimmons.bandcamp.com soundcloud.com/rory_simmons   He’s a superb player and has already worked with a massively talent bunch of people like Jamie Cullum, The 1975, Bonobo, Mount Kimbie, Bat for lashes and many more! SWEET   Sponsors of todays show are the wonderous https://www.spitfireaudio.com Makers of some of the finest sample libraries in the known universe. Just unreal and yet so so real!!   How you doing?

Greetings from the adobe! Yeah we made it (finally) to Santa Fe :) The sky looks more impressive here. It’s really a breathtaking place. Anyway .. I digress. What’s in the Show??? My guest today is the wonderful Leo Ross.  A lovely chap I met at a BBQ in LA hosted by Si Bonobo and his girlfriend last year.  Leo’s a mellow badass. A sonic raven. One of those low key players that’s really found a great way to carve out a rich musical life as a composer, sound designer, guitarist and dreamer. He’s worked with loads of ace folk including the incredible Grace Jones, Bad Religion, Korn and also a lot with his super talented brother, Atticus Ross. He picked up a BMI film music award for his work on “Book of Eli” I was fascinated to hear about his path from the late 90s to now. We chatted in December 2018 hence talk of the “minimal tree” Verrrry happy to have the raven on the pod. Music for EP38 comes from my old friend Dana wachs. We worked together way back in the mid 2000s and since then she’s mixed live sound for Cat Power, Jon Hopkins and a huge list of amazing folks.  Now she’s making her own music as "Vorhees" !  Check it in the show and support her here : https://vorhees.bandcamp.com/album/tracks-for-movementhe  Today’s nitty is a hefty nod to something I came across recently whilst watching an interview with Emile Haynie. Check this vid to get you closer to the show in question (in order to watch the ACTUAL thing you need to be a member of mix with the masters.. money well spent I’d say!) It’s all about the OCTAVE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d6xZCkfycE   Thanks to Malekko Heavy Industry for their sponsorship! They make awesome pedals and particularly potent eurorack gear. I heard about them thanks to Boys Noize and now I’m fully ensnared in their modular web of potential :) Thanks guys. Welcome to 38

Hello JMJ!   Bass player badass who’s thumbed the metal for beck, NIN, Air and so many more Producer of paramore, M83 and so many more. The man wears many hats. Although the only one I’ve SEEN him in is a dodgers cap! JMJ was kind enough to host me at his rather splendid home studio in Glendale LA. Chock full o drool worthy wobblers of the various golden eras he’s amassed the sonic arsenal to tackle almost any production task   I’ve had the pleasure of recording music with justin when beck invited me to a session some time ago and I was blown away by his playing. He’s one of the most incredible bass cats out there. Combining THAT talent with a deep sense of how to get THOSE tones positions him as a perfect producer and he’s done bloody well in that role. Big hat stacks!   We chat about the wonderful gear he’s collected and why he is drawn to it. The chase of the buzz (big topic). The path to avoid burn out. A little arm chair philosophy on the nature of sound and MORE! Ha.    It gives me great pleasure to welcome JMJ to the show   In yee olde nitty I delve into the pocket as it were to pull out the ever present power that it the phone!  Yep. I’ll be using the phone as a speaker and mic in relatively lavish ways. What if we thought of the phone as a studio microphone? What if the humble speaker onboard was treated like an amp ?   Yes. Yes    Hello 37

I’m very happy to say I’ve got Paul Webb aka Rustin man on the show! Paul will be known by many as the the bass player in legendary 80s band Talk Talk. I will admit to my shame that I was unaware of Paul’s work as Rustin Man and even largely the work of Talk Talk. I know. I know!  I AM shamed. BUT I am feeling mighty chuffed to have the window of learning open wide. I now feel I can plunge into the deeps with a direct blessing from Mr Webb! Not only was Paul the bass end of the mighty T.T. but he has released the superb Out Of Season, a collaboration with Beth Gibbons of Portishead as Rustin Man. That happened in 2002. He produced a record by James Yorkston in 2006 called “the year of the leopard” which is a gorgeous listen. Also he produced an LP with Dez Mona in 2009. A little timeline for ya.   He latest record is due Feb 1st 2019 on Domino records. It’s called “Drift Code” and it’s a  I can assure you, it’s a corker! A generous, expansive, deep, detailed work. Something very rare in these disposable days I’d say. The passage of time, the living space full of art, treasured objects and junk, the years spent listening to film music and ‘40s standards are all audible.  But there’s a surprising spontaneity to it too.  Webb’s former Talk Talk and O’rang colleague, the great Lee Harris is on drums. Another point of shame for me as I ask Paul “who’s that drummer?” Lol I’m LEARNING!!   We chat over the phone about the process, the magic and curry :)   In the nitty I sritch n scratch contact mics on string and skin. Even drop one in the sink.  All thanks to the inventive mind of Crank Sturgeon!  I got one of his clip on contact mics and another that can drink (the English edition)  Incidental music for the 36 comes courtesy of Steven ward Go and check his activity here! https://howtousethismanual.bandcamp.com   Hello!      

Hey 19 Happy 19 Intrepid 19 Here's to you and me in the new year. Let's GO!  I'm kicking this annual run of shows in the stars with a chat with the chap that goes by the name of Juro Mez Davis. Starting as an MC in NYC and learning the ropes by pure graft and hands on MAKING with some intense folk (like MF doom) this guy can make a mix bump. We get into his come up and the work he does with Hip Hop legend J Cole! Yes indeed Thanks to Audeze for making the connection and providing stupidly good headphones. KOD by J Cole was MASTERED on the Audeze phones! craziness. In the nitty gritty I get into exploring a modified cassette deck as an echo. It's a wonderful and wobbly ride!  Thanks to Scott Campbell for his ingenious crafting and toil. It's a total treat to work with  n n n n n n nineteen!

HO HO HO HOWA! Yhep we made it to the end of year special Seasons greats from me to you! Couldn’t be spending this episode with a better round up companion. At long last I get to introduce you to the show’s spiritual advisor Mr Jake Aron! We’ve toured the world together. From tiny 100 seaters to opening for Prince ... We’ve mixed a bunch of my records (Compass, Jamie Lidell and Building a beginning)  We’ve grown in the game side by side and it’s been amazing to watch him rocking with a badass studio in Brooklyn and loads of sweet production and mixing under his belt. Like for example the rather fantastic and highly acclaimed 2018 Snail Mail record We chat about the present and the great come up Ah yeah welcome to HOWA the hilarious and humble Mr Aron. Stay tuned :)   Nitty wise I get into a noisy bath with the Koma electronics field kit. Motors on guitars, Heart beats down a wire, rhythmic radio rambles.. it’s my kind of box Speaking of boxes I hope you get a couple of good gifts for the Crimble! I raise my cup to ya for the holiday rush Dreaming of a white noise Christmas  Til the big n n n n 19 Byeeee    

Welcome to another LA out and about pod, this time with the wonder that is Bobby Krlic Aka The Haxan Cloak. We fall into a distorted time line as we chew the mighty cud sat humbly outside his calm studio in Silverlake. You’ll hear the passings by of local wildlife faintly muttering as we pontificate the meaning of sound and have a good old fashioned ramble!  From Sludge to Hollywood From Laptops on a Brick to Bjork and Atticus Ross  Bobby’s story is the shit!  I’m very happy to have made his acquaintance and I trust you’ll be equally chuffed Let’s chat!   Today’s nitty sees Me paying homage to the work of sound artist and tape master Scott campbell who makes superb tape machine mods and sweet music! Find him on the gram here: @ondemagnetique @scttcmpbll This nitty is also inspired by the rather badass HAINBACH https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeovElJP0n0i8ADaPsRSd8g   And in particular this tape loop demo (so helpful!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYz2J4DmxVA YES! Music for EP 33 comes from Mischa Lively. An active member on the pod and a great producer.  Super happy to feature his music this time! Check this link for more action: https://soundcloud.com/mischa-lively Also here’s an interview with him  http://www.zurkonic.com/blog/2017/12/3/mischa-lively-interview  Until next time BYE (week)