The Lydian Spin

A series of lively, deep and often hilarious interviews conducted by Lydia Lunch, one of the most vocal spoken word artists of this or any century and Tim Dahl, musician and general know it all.

Episode 251 Musician Alex Marcelo 05/03/2024

Episode 251 Musician Alex Marcelo New York City pianist/keyboardist believes in the power of music as a positive and uplifting force. He studied at the and then went on to the , where he focused on African-American Music/Jazz Piano Performance and Composition under the tutelage of renowned saxophonist . Alex and Tim were classmates at UMass, and it was there that they became close friends and . Since those halcyon days in Western Massachusetts, he has performed all over the world, including at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Etnafest in Italy, Alice Tully Hall, and more. Alex is featured on recordings with Yusef Lateef, , , and . Currently, he is working on a new album that should be released in the coming year. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/31098643

Episode 250 Buzz Osborne 04/26/2024

Episode 250 Buzz Osborne There is a lot happening at the Lydian Spin! Lydia and Tim are both touring and we're recording and editing the next batch of interviews, set to debut next week. Meanwhile, Lydia, a big Melvins fan, is thrilled about the recent release of their new album, To share her excitement, this weeks episode features a new intro combined with a rebroadcast of an interview with Melvins guitarist Buzz Osborne. This interview, conducted during the peak of Covid restrictions, also serves as an interesting snapshot of where we all were just 200 episodes ago. Enjoy! /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30993873

Episode 249 Anne Militello 04/19/2024

Episode 249 Anne Militello The cover photograph for the second and final Richard Hell and the Voidoids album, features a woman standing in the background. For years, this woman was unfairly credited as "unknown woman." However, the truth is that the woman is who would go on to become an accomplished lighting designer and professor at CalArts. Anne's journey began while working for the now infamous rapist Harvey Weinstein back when Weinstein and his brother were concert promoters in metro Buffalo. Seeking to leave The Nickel City but not yet prepared for New York City, she embarked on a five-day bus trip to San Francisco, packing a tin of pot brownies, which were completely consumed along the way. Upon arriving on the west coast, Anne leveraged her experience working with lights in college to gain work at a music venue. The manager who hired her was , who later became a disco legend. One night outside the , she encountered a man dressed like a trucker who seemed to be out of place and ignored by her cohort of punker rockers. Feeling sympathetic, she struck up a conversation with him. The man told her he was a playwright and wanted her to read his new play, which she did and really liked. The trucker turned out to be Pulitzer Prize winner and they became great friends. With Shepard's encouragement, she relocated to New York City and immersed herself in the theater scene. Over time, Anne established herself as a world-renowned lighting designer, working with luminaries such as David Lynch, Tom Waits, The Wooster Group, and Lou Reed. Today, Anne resides in Los Angeles, where she operates . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30896353

Episode 248 Composer and Artist Meredith Monk 04/12/2024

Episode 248 Composer and Artist Meredith Monk is truly an American treasure. She is a composer, performer, and t. Her unique contributions to music and experimental theater have spanned over six decades. Meredith's body of work combines elements of Through these mediums, she explores the myriad ways one can freely as a human express themselves. Meredith's art has made her a visionary of the avant-garde. We are thrilled and lucky to have her on the Lydian Spin. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30794298

Episode 247 Nasal Rod Lead Singer Jeffrey "Chairman" Couch 04/05/2024

Episode 247 Nasal Rod Lead Singer Jeffrey "Chairman" Couch Jeffrey "Chairman" Couch fronts the Portland, Oregon band , known for their frenetic, genre-bending, manic art-punk style. Nasalrod's music attempts to look beyond punk's boundaries, all the while retaining the genre's adventurous spirit. Jeffrey and Lydia crossed paths at one of her last Portland shows, where he invited her to participate in Nasalrod's latest video. Although Lydia declined, she was impressed by the band's music and invited Jeffrey to appear on the Lydian Spin. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30689253

Artist Dan Levenson 03/29/2024

Artist Dan Levenson is a visual artist based in Los Angeles who engages in installation, performance, video, painting, and sculpture. His artistic endeavors revolve around the concept of an imagined institution, the (SKZ). Dan's paintings adhere to the formalist teachings of this fictitious academy, employing metrically sized canvases divided geometrically to produce rational and reproducible abstract compositions. Through performance, installation, and video, he further develops the narrative of this fictional institution. Each painting bears a unique title, symbolizing a student from the State Art Academy, Zürich, with no repetition of names. In 2004, Dan used a computer script to generate hundreds of millions of distinct names by combining surnames from the Zürich phone book with common Swiss first names. From this extensive list, 135,000 names were randomly selected and published in a book, with the titles of his paintings drawn from the same pool in random order. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30589673

Episode 245 Cuntroaches 03/22/2024

Episode 245 Cuntroaches Berlin based band is composed of Claire Panthère(drums), David Hantelius(bass) and Martina Schöne-Radunski(guitar, vocals). Together they unleash a ferocious blend of hardcore-infused no wave. Their music is a cacophony of intoxicating chaos. They have a new album coming out on /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30492018

Episode 244 Author Alvina Chamberland 03/15/2024

Episode 244 Author Alvina Chamberland Trans woman Swedish-US American writer Alvina Chamberland, co-authored , which was published in 2015. In 2018, she released . Her works have appeared in journals and newspapers in Swedish and English. Her book is out now. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30383578

Musician Ben Greenberg 03/08/2024

Musician Ben Greenberg has played in over 50 bands, including The Fugue, , , , , and his project . He attended the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, joining the avant-garde band . Ben is also involved in recording music through his recording studio , having recently recorded 's latest album. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30284173

Episode 242 Guitarist Sandy Ewen 03/01/2024

Episode 242 Guitarist 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 , , , , , , and . Sandy has played internationally at festivals such as the Moers festival, Wels festival, and Molten Plains festival. Sandy also creates video , digital animations, slide projections, and microcollages to accompany her music. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30183453

Episode 241 Draftsman & Tattoo Artist Eddy Deutsche 02/23/2024

Episode 241 Draftsman & Tattoo Artist Eddy Deutsche At 14, budding draftsman and tattoo artist 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 . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/30075013

Episode 240 Cynthia Ross 02/16/2024

Episode 240 Cynthia Ross 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. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29981288

Episode 239 A Tribute to Wayne Kramer 02/09/2024

Episode 239 A Tribute to Wayne Kramer 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 . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29867793

Episode 238 Thurston Moore 02/02/2024

Episode 238 Thurston Moore Musician and friend of the podcast Thurston Moore discusses his latest book, which has garnered widespread acclaim. The book is a meticulous work of research and a heartfelt homage to Thurston’s formative years. The memoir paints a vivid picture of the downtown Manhattan music scene of the late 1970s and ’80s. Sonic Life is an essential read for fans of music and cultural history alike. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29765668

Episode 237 Composer and Artist M. Lamar 01/26/2024

Episode 237 Composer and Artist 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, has been presented globally, including The in The Hague, Trauma Bar Berlin, and . M's diverse artistic expressions pushes the boundaries of convention and contribute to sparking conversations on identity and societal change. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29657588

Episode 236 Katherine Taylor 01/19/2024

Episode 236 Katherine Taylor Music Journalist , just published her new book , which was released on January 16th, through . 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. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29569278

NOTICE: Episode 236 Release Delay 01/18/2024

NOTICE: Episode 236 Release Delay Due to a birthday celebration, there will be a slight delay in the release of Episode 236. The episode will be available late Friday afternoon. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29553893

Episode 235 Curator Alex Brahim 01/12/2024

Episode 235 Curator Alex Brahim Born in Cucuta, Colombia, in 1977, Alex Brahim is an independent curator. At the helm of , he spearheads the international initiative ' - 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 , and numerous other programs that reflect his interests and commitment to the intersection of art and diverse audiences. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29455273

Episode 234 Jack Sargeant 01/05/2024

Episode 234 Jack Sargeant Author and friend of the podcast Jack Sargeant returns. He is an author who focuses on underground film and culture. Notable works include , , , and , 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 , are available through via bookshops and new technology called the internet super highway. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29351368

Episode 233 Andrew Chadwick AKA Ironing 12/29/2023

Episode 233 Andrew Chadwick AKA Ironing Gainesville, Florida's, AKA Ironing, is an active figure within the Southern experimental music scene. He has an extensive catalog of 24 albums on his Andrew also engages in tours across the country, local performances, and curating over 233 Action Research events. Ironing's musical style encompasses a diverse range, including noise, bass drop EDM, pure pop, tape loops, and various other influences, all creatively amalgamated on his ironing board which is piled with tools in which he can use to manipulate his records and tapes. Andrew is currently on tour in the Northeast. Today(Friday 12/29/23) he played New York and should be in Richmond VA tomorrow. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29267543

Episode 232 Faith No More Alum/MAN ON MAN Member Roddy Bottum 12/22/2023

Episode 232 Faith No More Alum/MAN ON MAN Member Roddy Bottum , the seasoned co-founder and keyboardist, made waves in the early '90s by publicly coming out, which at the time defied norms in the rock scene. In 2012, he shared his experience with Out Magazine, highlighting the excitement and danger of being openly gay at the time. Now, collaborating with boyfriend , Roddy launched during COVID isolation, with the aim of staying creatively active. Their debut song, , challenges gay stereotypes, celebrating love in isolation all the while presenting a raw and unpolished facet of queer community. This past summer they released a new album and the duo also concluded a European tour in early December. Finally, wishing you all a holiday season filled with warmth and joy. Your support and enthusiasm is the heartbeat of Lydian Spin and has and continues to be a great gift! /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29195548

Episode 231 Composer and Artist JG Thirlwell 12/15/2023

Episode 231 Composer and Artist JG Thirlwell , is an accomplished composer, producer, and performer, with a diverse and prolific career. Known by various pseudonyms such as and , he has released over thirty albums, showcasing a dramatic intensity and cinematic quality across genres. His collaborative spirit extends to numerous artists, including , , and . Beyond music, JG is an acclaimed graphic artist, recognized for solo sound installations exhibited globally. His versatility is evident in scoring for shows like and , as well as motion picture scores. In January 2024 in Orlando, Florida, the will premiere a series of chamber works written by JG, featuring the new orchestral piece Magnus Morris and a woodwind quintet titled Hernea. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/29092058

Episode 230 Producer and Musician Colin Marston 12/08/2023

Episode 230 Producer and Musician Colin Marston Colin Marston is a record producer and musician based in New York City. He is the owner of in Woodhaven, Queens. Colin is recognized for his versatile contributions as a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in guitar, bass, and keyboards. When not on tour with bands like , , and the reunion lineup of , he is recording, producing, mastering, and mixing music. In this capacity, Colin has worked with a diverse array of artists, including , , and . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/28982548

Episode 229: Actor and Musician Richard Edson 12/01/2023

Episode 229: Actor and Musician Richard Edson Richard Edson is a multifaceted artist with notable contributions to both the music and acting. In 1979, he co-founded the San Francisco art rock band The Alterboys, where he played both drums and trumpet. Richard was also 's original drummer from 1981 to 1982, and he concurrently played drums for . Post-Sonic Youth, he played trumpet for on their 1984 album. Transitioning to acting, Edson built a career with over 75 film roles, making impactful appearances in classics such as , , , and . Lately he has been playing some live gigs with Tim and Matt Nelson. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/28878938

Episode 228 Ric Royer 11/24/2023

Episode 228 Ric Royer , a writer and performer, is known for crafting narratives that are both mordant and morbid, as well as staging plays characterized by absurd wonder. As the founder and artistic director of Psychic Readings Co, a performance collective established in 1999, Rick has consistently entertained, frightened, and confused audiences with interdisciplinary productions. Currently residing in the Catskills, Rick collaborates with long-time music partner , engaging in various music and performance projects such as The . Ricks's literary works, include novels , and his latest novel, which he reads from on today's episode, is out now on Jeff Schneiders Pig Roast Publishing imprint. Additionally, he co-hosts the radio show and, with G Lucas Crane. Happy Thanksgiving to all of the Lydian Spin listeners out there. We hope you all have a happy and safe Turkey day! /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/28776333

Episode 227 Alan Dubin 11/17/2023

Episode 227 Alan Dubin Vocalist Alan Dubin is known for his role in the drone metal band . In the early 2000s, Khanate, with Alan's distinctive and tortured vocal approach, pushed the boundaries of doom metal, creating an atmosphere of everlasting torture and despair. His haunting screeches, particularly in tracks like , were spine-chilling and penetrated any semblance of comfort. After Khanate disbanded, Alan continued on with the experimental unit . However, the release of in 2023 marked a surprise reunion, showcasing Alan's continued vocal dominance alongside guitarist Stephen O’Malley's insane guitar. Beyond his musical endeavors, Alan is also a professional film/video editor, contributing to various TV commercials, shows, films, and music videos. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/28683748

Episode 226 Marc Hurtado 11/10/2023

Episode 226 Marc Hurtado Film director and musician Marc Hurtado is actively involved in bringing the iconic music of Suicide to life on stage. He has achieved this through films such as (2009), (2011), (2014), (2016), and (2016). Marc is currently on tour in Europe alongside Lydia Lunch, they both join the episode from England. Additionally, Lydia's Tour Manager, Sébastien Greppo, a great friend of the podcast, is also part of this episode. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/28578168

Episode 225 Musician Jochen Arbeit 11/03/2023

Episode 225 Musician Jochen Arbeit Jochen Arbeit is a German musician whose career is marked by his influential contributions to bands such as and . Beyond his collaborations, Arbeit has also made a name for himself as a solo artist, lending his musical talents to various artistic mediums, including dance theater and movies. His solo works have showcased his versatility and innovative spirit. In addition to his past achievements, Jochen Arbeit has also to explore the limitless realms of sound, demonstrating his enduring commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and experimenting with the auditory landscape. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/28503269

Episode 224 MDC Frontman Dave Dictor 10/27/2023

Episode 224 MDC Frontman Dave Dictor , the frontman of the punk rock band , originally hailing from Long Island, New York, pursued his education at Boston University and the University of Texas in the 1970s. Dave co-founded the Reejex in 1979, which later evolved into MDC (Millions of Dead Cops). Relocating from Austin to San Francisco in 1982 and then to Portland, Oregon in 1995, MDC made a significant impact in the early American hardcore punk scene with their politically charged lyrics. The band used various names with the MDC moniker, and Dave Dictor, alongside his band, released influential material through Jello Biafra's label, Alternative Tentacles. After a hiatus in the '90s, they returned in 2000 with new members. In 2016, MDC released , a politically charged album, and their anti-Trump slogan was chanted at protests, and adopted by Green Day during a live performance. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/28438751

Episode 223 John Robb 10/20/2023

Episode 223 John Robb John Robb is an English musician and journalist renowned as the bassist and vocalist for the mid-1980s post-punk band . He is a prolific writer, contributing to and managing the website, as well as overseeing a monthly music magazine by the same name. John has authored multiple books on music and occasionally appears in the media as a music commentator. In addition to his writing and journalism, he also serves as the frontman for the punk rock band . Notably, he has been organizing the music writing festival in Manchester every November since 2014, and he is a speaker and a spoken word artist. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/28372904

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