The Lydian Spin

Ben Greenberg has played in over 50 bands, including The Fugue, Archaeopteryx, Bloody Panda, The Men, Little Women, and his project Hubble. He attended the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, joining the avant-garde band Zs. Ben is also involved in recording music through his recording studio Circular Ruin, having recently recorded Couch Slut's latest album.

Sandy Ewen, is an experimental guitarist, artist, and architect based in Brooklyn, NY. She focuses on texture and timbre in her guitar playing, using various objects and extended techniques. Her recent recordings include collaborations with Jason Nazary, Maria Chavez, Lisa Cameron, Roscoe Mitchell, Damon Smith, Weasel Walter, and Keith Rowe.  Sandy has played internationally at festivals  such as the Moers festival, Wels festival, and Molten Plains festival. Sandy also creates video art, digital animations, slide projections, and microcollages to accompany her music.

At 14, budding draftsman and tattoo artist Eddy Deutsche left his birthplace, Detroit, for the west coast, immersing himself in the local punk rock scene. It was there that he honed his tattooing skills through trial and terror. Initially struggling to get a start as a professional due to his young age, Eddy eventually found a mentor who guided him into the industry. Now residing in Nashville with his children, he continues to pursue his passion for tattooing. In this episode, he reflects on his journey from a rebellious punk rock kid to a respected figure in the tattooing world. Check out more of Eddy's illustrations and books at Raking Light Projects.

Cynthia Ross co-founded the all-girl band the B-Girls in Toronto before relocating to New York City. The band quickly made a mark, touring with acts like the Clash and sharing stages with Iggy Pop, Blondie, and others. In this episode, she reminisces about her musical journey, her relationship with Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys, and shares some of her poetry and writing.

Wayne Kramer, the guitar force behind MC5, has passed at 75. His raw sound and defiant spirit set the stage for punk rock. From Detroit's streets to global stages, his music was a call to arms. Beyond the music, he championed change, founding Jail Guitar Doors U.S.A. His legacy as a rebel and visionary lives on. Rest in power, Wayne. As a tribute this week we are replaying Wayne's appearance on the podcast. 

Renowned musician and author Thurston Moore discusses his acclaimed book, Sonic Life, which offers a vivid homage to the dynamic Manhattan music scene of the late '70s and '80s. He reflects on the chaos of 1977 NYC, linking punk, disco, and the rise of hip hop while emphasizing the importance of community. The conversation also delves into the intersection of writing and personal expression, exploring how literature can capture one's identity and memories, especially during isolating times like the pandemic.

M. Lamar is a composer whose work spans the genres of opera, metal, performance, and visual arts, crafts narratives of radical transformation. Holding a BFA from The San Francisco Art Institute and starting at Yale School of Art before dropping out and shifting to music, M's work has been presented globally, including The Rewire Festival in The Hague, Trauma Bar Berlin, and MoMa PS1’s Greater New York. M's diverse artistic expressions pushes the boundaries of convention and contribute to sparking conversations on identity and societal change.

Music Journalist Katherine Taylor, just published her new book She's a Badass: Women in Rock Shaping Feminism, which was released on January 16th, through Backbeat Books. The book features the stories of twenty influential female rock musicians, spanning from the 1970s to the present. The introduction emphasizes the significant role each of these women has had in promoting feminism, either through activism or personal example. The book includes interviews with trailblazers like Suzi Quatro, Ann Wilson, Exene Cervenka, Lydia and others, exploring their journeys, challenges in the music industry, and how they paved the way for future female artists. She's a Badass offers a compelling documentation of the journey of women in rock over the past fifty years, which has helped to contribute to a more inclusive landscape for today's artists.

Born in Cucuta, Colombia, in 1977, Alex Brahim is an independent curator. At the helm of Fundación El Pilar, he spearheads the international initiative 'Juntos Aparte - Encuentro Internacional de Arte, Pensamiento y Fronteras,' unfolding in Cucuta since 2017. Alex's multifaceted approach extends across theory, production, programming, communication, and cultural activation. Alex is a dynamic force in the art world, curating impactful exhibitions like Critical Botox , and numerous other programs that reflect his interests and commitment to the intersection of art and diverse audiences.

Author and friend of the podcast Jack Sargeant returns. He is an author who focuses on underground film and culture. Notable works include Flesh And Excess: On Underground Film, Against Control, Naked Lens: Beat Cinema, and Deathtripping: The Cinema of Transgression, which was republished as Deathtripping: The Extreme Underground. Jack's writings cover underground film, outsider art, photography, and performance. In addition to his writing, he serves as a curator and programmer of film and art, occasionally engaging in visual artistry. Jack is also a co-founder of the Transgressive Cultures Conference in Paris. His books, including Against Control, are available through via bookshops and new technology called the internet super highway.