032: Fred Armisen (8G Band, Trenchmouth, SNL, Portlandia)
Release Date: 08/26/2015
310: Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, Folk Implosion, Raw Impressions)
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
Over the past 40 years, Lou Barlow's body of work--with bands like Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, and as a solo artist--has immensely impacted Joe's life. Lou tells Joe about growing up in the chaotic 1970s; his early love of pop radio; the enormous influence the Ramones had on his life; hearing his early songs on college radio; sleep hygiene; and his inclination towards flittering and fretting.
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BNS: Dave Elitch 2: Self Awareness Boogaloo
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
Dave Elitch returns for a bonus episode to discuss his new course, Staying Out of Your Own Way. At its best, learning to play an instrument can be the catalyst for self exploration. Joe and Dave share a curiosity about the nature of learning, and Dave--who has taught many of the best working drummers--talks about the impetus to create his new course. We'll be back with full-length episodes next week.
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RIP: Steve Albini (Roland)
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
Steve Albini died yesterday, May 7, at the age of 61. Here's Joe's conversation with Steve from 2017. Originally intended to be a gag episode featuring Roland (the drum machine used in Steve's band, Big Black), this turned into an earnest conversation documenting Steve's evolution from sharp-witted provocateur to sharp-witted empath. With thousands of recordings to his name, Steve has left a brilliant legacy of massive influence. Requiescat.
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309: King Coffey (Butthole Surfers)
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
King Coffey tells Joe about: growing up in a single-parent, Christian household; his 40+ year tenure with Butthole Surfers; his interest in Buddhism; and caring for his husband, who suffered from dementia.
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308: Guy Picciotto (Fugazi, Rites of Spring, Happy Go Licky, etc.)
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
Guy Picciotto's work in Fugazi and Rites of Spring had an immeasurable impact on Joe's life. As a producer, Guy has helped artists such as Blonde Redhead, Vic Chestnut, and The Blood Brothers reach new heights. In an uncharacterisically candid conversation, Guy tells Joe about his childhood, his artistic trajectory, and his most recent project as a producer--Jim White's first solo album, All Hits: Memories.
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307: Jim White (Dirty Three, Xylouris White, etc.)
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
For over thirty years, Jim White has been the drummer of choice for many of the most compelling songwriters working. Now, with assitance from producer Guy Picciotto, he's created his first solo album, All Hits: Memories.
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306: Teresa Esguerra (Prism Bitch, Built to Spill)
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
The latest incarnation of Built to Spill will undoubtedly be remembered as one of that band's most potent lineups in its 30+ year career. Teresa Esguerra's heavy groove and lyrical rhythmic conception are a crucial part of the equation. She tells Joe about Prism Bitch, Built to Spill, and her career as an occupational therapist.
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305: Marnie Stern
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
The Trap Set is back, and so is Marnie Stern. Marnie burst onto the NYC rock scene in 2007--seemingly out of nowhere--with a unique blend of virtuosic guitar; surreal, beautifully yearning lyrcs; and a "sheets of sound" vocal delivery. Joe met Marnie in 2012 and toured with her behind Stern's 2013 album, The Chronicles of Marnia. It was on this tour that Joe conceived of the idea for The Trap Set. Shortly after the tour, Stern took a break from releasing original music and took a gig as the guitarist for the 8G Band--the house band for Late Night with Seth Meyers--a position she held for...
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RIP: Jeremiah Green
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
Jeremiah Green, drummer for Modest Mouse, passed away 12/31/2022 of cancer. This is a re-post of our conversation from 2017. We at The Trap Set are sending love to Jeremiah's family, bandmates, and many friends around the world.
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304: Patricia Brennan
The Trap Set with Joe Wong
Patricia Brennan is an improvisatory mallet percussionist who as been hailed as one of the instrument's new leaders. As a sidewoman, she's worked with artists such as Mary Halvorson, Matt Mitchell, and John Hollenbeck. Her solo debut, Maquishti, released by Valley of Search Records was included on the New York Times 10 best Jazz albums of 2021. This conversation was recorded by phone last year during lockdown.
info_outlineYou know Fred Armisen from his work on Portlandia and SNL, but before he was a comedy star, Fred was a working drummer. He charts the journey from his early fascination with music, to his time touring and recording with arty Chicago band Trenchmouth, to Blue Man Group, SNL, The 8G Band and beyond. Fred also discusses the nature of his creative drive and his relationship with success.