Meet Our Makers

27. Half Waif - Removing the Boundary

In this episode, we get to meet Nandi Rose, who records music under the alias Half Waif. Under the Half Waif name, Nandi has been putting out albums for quite some time, including last year's excellent The Caretaker. This year, she has a new one, Mythopoetics, coming in July. In this chat, we discuss the new album, as well as her connection to nature and healing, her desire to demolish the line between "celebrity" and audience, as well as how good it feels when you allow yourself to be proud of your work. Please enjoy, and thank you for listening.

26. Jenn Wasner - Paying Attention Now

In this episode, we get to meet Jenn Wasner. Best known as the lead singer and guitarist for indie rock band Wye Oak, Jenn has just released her second solo album under the name Flock of Dimes, called Head of Roses. In this chat, we discuss a lot about the new album, including the dark emotional place that led to much of its creation. We talk about compassion and hope, the healing beauty of the natural world, albums vs. touring, and why she feels happiest when making music. Please enjoy, and thank you for listening.

25. Peter Silberman - Cutting Out the Noise

In this episode, we get to meet Peter Silberman, frontman and chief singer/songwriter of indie rock band The Antlers. In this chat, Peter and I discuss the music he's made throughout his career, including the Antlers' landmark 2009 album, Hospice. We also talk a lot about their brand new album, Green to Gold, which comes after a 7-year hiatus from the group, a gap that saw Peter undergo a serious vocal cord surgery, and a big move to upstate New York, where he has found quite a sense of peace and quietude. Please enjoy, and thank you for listening.

24. Lia Ices - Energy of Freedom

In this episode, we get to meet singer, songwriter, and pianist Lia Ices. In this chat, Lia and I discuss many things, including her beautiful new album Family Album, which was put out via her own label Natural, in January 2021. We discuss what went into the album thematically, aesthetically, and spiritually, as well as what it was like working with the late JR White on production. We also talk a bit about her debut album as well as her 2014 album Ices, which saw Lia going down a very new electronic path for a change. Please enjoy, and thank you for listening.

23. The Besnard Lakes - A Goth Episode

In this episode, we get to meet Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas of The Besnard Lakes. In this chat, we discuss some of the backstory and the aesthetic of their new album The Besnard Lakes Are the Last of the Great Thunderstorm Warnings, as well as what led them to that very long and strange title. We discuss what they've been up to during quarantine, what it's been like for them to be operating so independently for so many years, how they channel life's struggles and questions into their music, and more. Please enjoy, and thank you for listening.

22. Zola Jesus - Songs Are Living Things

In this episode, we get to meet Nika Danilova, aka Zola Jesus. Nika and I discuss each of her studio albums, from her debut up to a highly collaborative album she was supposed to be working on in 2020 that got delayed due to the pandemic. We also discuss her intensely personal songwriting style, her relationship with her past work, her love of pop music, the toxicity of fandoms, and more. We even touch upon her light obsession with John Cena. Please enjoy, and thank you for listening.

21. Charles Spearin

In this episode we get to meet Charles Spearin, multi-instrumentalist and part of two legendary Canadian bands: Do Make Say Think and Broken Social Scene. In this chat, we discuss the origins of both bands, the creative process behind most Broken Social Scene songs, his time during quarantine, as well as Charles' experience in Northern Italy making his 2020 imporvisational album with Josefin Runsteen called Thank God The Plague is Over. Please enjoy, and thank you for listening.

20. Anjimile

In this episode, we get to meet Anjimile. Anjimile - or Jimi as he sometimes likes to be called - is a singer-songwriter from Boston who just put out his debut record, Giver Taker, this year. In this chat, we discuss the inspiration and background of the album, including the grant that led to its formation. We also discuss Anjimile's journey as a DIY musician, from making songs in college that hardly anyone heard to being reviewed warmly by Pitchfork and Rolling Stone. Please enjoy, and thank you for listening.

19. Azure Ray

In this episode, we get to meet Azure Ray. Azure Ray is a dream pop duo consisting of Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink. The pair have been releasing music for just about 20 years, and are about to reissue their self-titled debut album for its 20th anniversary. In this chat, we discuss the reissue, including the process of poring over that period of their lives for the first time in years, as well as the band's origin story, which was borne by innate connection as well as shared tragedy. We also discuss what they've been up to lately, which included (tantalizingly) new music. And as an added bonus, we get an impromptu performance of one of their earliest-ever songs, written when they were still teenagers. I hope you enjoy, and thank you for listening.

18. Ane Brun

In this episode, we get to meet Ane Brun. Ane is a Norwegian singer and songwriter, who has released many albums across her acclaimed career, including several that shot up the Scandinavian music charts. In this chat, we discuss her two (2!) new albums she had for the fall of 2020, including what compelled her to divide the two in the first place. We also discuss a bit about her life during quarantine, as well as her deep love of cover songs, including a Bjork cover which she performed in front of Bjork herself. I hope you enjoy, and thank you for listening.