Today, the Spotlight shines On the Belfast, Ireland, band Chalk. Chalk is Ross Cullen on vocals, Ben Goddard on guitar, and Luke Niblock on drums. They cook up a pretty stunning racket with a unique sound that is nonetheless recognizable in its post-punk, dance, and industrial lineages. If that makes…
Today, the Spotlight shines On musician and songwriter Nicholas Dembling, aka Nic North, aka Nic West, of seminal New York CIty New Wave Pop band, Comateens. The New York that birthed Comateens was in the midst of a particularly vibrant musical moment. There was new music everywhere. Jazz cats were…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, TJ Dumser, the electronic music producer behind Six Missing, opens up about how living in New York City shaped him and influenced his creative process. He discusses the pressure of the city and how moving to Austin brought newfound perspectives.…
Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer, composer, and improviser Phil Haynes. Phil published a unique memoir last November, which includes not only his reflections on a life in and of music but also stands as an important document of nearly 40 years of music in New York City and beyond.…
Austin-based ambient artist TJ Dumser shares how his decade of sobriety, move from New York, and love of vintage synthesizers shaped his meditative project Six Missing and its emotional new EP 'Gentle Breath.' ------------------ The Spotlight shines On Six Missing, the musical project of ambient artist TJ Dumser, who creates…
In this clip from Spotlight On, violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman details her use of three distinct guitarists—Julian Lage, Bill Frisell, and Nels Cline—each adding specific acoustic and electric sounds to her album 'All Species Parade.' Don't miss the latest episode of the Spotlight On podcast featuring more of this…
In this excerpt from the latest Spotlight On, violinist Jenny Scheinman shares her process of creating the album 'All Species Parade', including initial ideas, struggles with sequencing, and how her pal Robbie Fulks helped finalize it. Don't miss the full conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/jenny-scheinman-a-violin-in-the-wild-all-species-parade/ #Shorts #JennyScheinman #Violin…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, violinist Jenny Scheinman discusses the challenge of articulating complex musical ideas due to skill constraints and emphasizes the role of improvisation in transforming simple compositions into magnificent performances. Check out the entire conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/jenny-scheinman-a-violin-in-the-wild-all-species-parade/ #Shorts…
Violinist Jenny Scheinman's double album 'All Species Parade' draws from her childhood on California's remote Lost Coast, crafting a musical celebration that honors the land, its people, and the wild diversity of nature. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On violinist and composer Jenny Scheinman. Jenny Scheinman grew up on California's remote…
In this clip from Spotlight On, Cary Baker, author of Down on the Corner, explores street music in North America and Europe. He discusses notable buskers like Billy Bragg, Mojo Nixon, and Madeline Peyroux, highlighting their unique experiences. Don't miss the full conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight…
Join Spotlight On host Lawrence Peryer in conversation with Howie Singer and Bill Rosenblatt, authors of "Key Changes: The Ten Times Technology Transformed the Music Industry", available now from Oxford University Press. "Key Changes" examines ten technological disruptions that reshaped the music industry across the past century, from phonograph records…
In this excerpt from the latest episode of Spotlight On, author Cary Baker discusses the ancient origins of busking and his book Down on the Corner, covering performers from 1920s blues artists to doo wop groups. He includes an array of non-traditional performing spaces, even men's rooms. (!) Don't miss…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Cary Baker, author of Down on the Corner: Adventures in Busking and Street Music, discusses how his view on street musicians evolved, recognizing their cultural value and legal acceptance in various cities. Don't miss the full conversation on the Spotlight…
Through a hundred interviews and decades of observation, Baker's busking chronicle, Down on the Corner, reveals how the distance between Grammy-winning stages and subway platforms may be shorter than we imagine, connected by an authenticity that can't be manufactured. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Cary Baker, author of Down…
In this clip from the Spotlight On podcast, NY impresario Michael Dorf discusses the intimate rehearsal shows at City Winery for Carnegie Hall tribute events, where artists rehearse, make spontaneous collaborations, and test new interpretations of songs. Don't miss out on this conversation in the latest episode of Spotlight On:…
In this excerpt from the latest episode of Spotlight On, Michael Dorf discusses organizing a tribute show for Patti Smith at Carnegie Hall, highlighting her connections to other iconic musicians, her involvement in the event, and his efforts to make it something extra-special. Don't miss the entire conversation on the…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Michael Dorf recounts founding the Knitting Factory, transforming an office into a music venue and living space. Facing financial struggles, and with the support of John Zorn and others, he held a fundraiser after a break-in to rebuild the venue.…
The founder of City Winery and Knitting Factory discusses his journey from Milwaukee to Manhattan and how his Carnegie Hall tribute series has raised millions for music education while celebrating icons like Patti Smith. ------------------ The Spotlight shines On New York live music and venue impresario Michael Dorf. In addition…
In this clip from Spotlight On, Greg Lisher (Camper Van Beethoven, Monks of Doom) details the challenges of creating instrumental music, merging traditional music elements with electronic sounds, and his inspiration from diverse genres like dub and prog rock. He also shares curiosity about fan reactions. Don't miss the full…
In this excerpt from the latest episode of Spotlight On, Greg Lisher (Camper Van Beethoven, Monks of Doom) discusses how piano lessons influenced his music production, transitioning from MIDI sequencers to live playing, adding a human touch to his solo electronic music recordings. Hear more from Greg on the Spotlight…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, Greg Lisher (Camper Van Beethoven, Monks of Doom) discusses how his solo work allows him to explore beyond his bands, focusing on instrumental music and new technologies. He details collaborations, learning new skills, and the impact of the pandemic on…
After decades of making alternative rock with Camper Van Beethoven and Monks of Doom, Greg Lisher took piano lessons, learned synthesis, and created 'Underwater Detection Method,’ an album that merges human performance with digital precision. ------------------ Today, the Spotlight shines On Greg Lisher, a guitarist best known for alternative rock…
In this clip from Spotlight On, cellist Dorothy Lawson (from the NYC-based string quartet ETHEL) discusses the economic restraints before the millennium, the shift towards accepting diverse voices in music afterwards, and the importance of blending multiple skills. Don't miss the entire conversation on the latest episode of the Spotlight…
In this clip from the new episode of Spotlight On, cellist Dorothy Lawson of ETHEL discusses the unique, inclusive creative atmosphere of New York, noting its diverse institutions and the shared experiences among New Yorkers. Don't miss the entire fascinating conversation on the Spotlight On podcast: https://www.spotlightonpodcast.com/dorothy-lawson-ethel-string-theory-for-string-quartet/ #Shorts #ETHEL #DorothyLawson…