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 280 Oliver Ackermann 11/22/2024

Episode 280 Oliver Ackermann Oliver Edward Ackermann is a musician and innovator best known as the founder of the Brooklyn-based effects pedal company and the frontman of the rock band , often called "the loudest band in New York." A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Oliver has crafted custom effects for legendary bands such as U2 and Nine Inch Nails. His work is driven by a passion for cultivating a vibrant artistic community, exemplified by the . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/34102951

Episode279: Kitten Nativadad 11/15/2024

Episode279: Kitten Nativadad While Lydia and Tim have been busy on their respective tours, finding time to record new episodes has been challenging. In the meantime, take a trip down memory lane revisiting a memorable moment from the early days. Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles in January of 2019, Lydia and Tim sat down with the legendary burlesque star and actress, Kitten Natividad. In this candid conversation, Kitten shares how she transitioned from a conventional career to burlesque, her experiences with director Russ Meyer, and her fond memories of Tom Selleck and Sean Penn's bachelor party. Sadly, in 2022, Kitten passed away. welcomed Lydia and Tim into her home as they navigated the early challenges of podcasting. She was cheerful, whip smart, and very very funny. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33939917

Episode 278 Bassist Kevin Rutmanis 11/08/2024

Episode 278 Bassist Kevin Rutmanis is a bassist and experimental musician, known for his work with bands like Cows, , , and . Recently, he has teamed up with visual artist for the project , creating boundary-pushing music. Their latest release, not to be confused with the Andrea Dworkin book of the same name is due out December 6, marks a collaborative effort with . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33844852

Episode 280 Oliver Ackermann 11/01/2024

Episode 277 Halloween Special 10/31/2024

Episode 277 Halloween Special This episode of The Lydian Spin is filled with haunting reflections and fierce critiques. Lydia opens by reading a sharply worded from on the high stakes of the upcoming election. She then dives into the release , a limited edition LP that celebrates Edgar Allan Poe’s gothic verse. This 13-track album featuring luminaries from across poetry, literature, theater, and music—honors the late . On Side A, listeners are treated to To One in Paradise by , Eldorado by To My Mother by & Eva Moore, The Valley of Unrest by , A Dream Within a Dream by , and Evening Star by . Side B includes Fairy-Land by , Dreamland by Lydia, The Sleeper by Silence by , Imitation by , The Lake by , and finally, an archival recording of Allen Ginsberg reading . composition ties the collection together with an atmospheric score, keeping Poe’s spirit alive for a modern audience. A special thank you to Kramer for allowing the Lydian Spin to play the album. Happy Halloween! /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33712197

Episode 276 Eugene Robinson 10/24/2024

Episode 276 Eugene Robinson Writer, Oxbow alum, Bunuel frontman and friend of the Lydian Spin, , joins Lydia and Tim to read from his memoir and share other entertaining stories from his life. Catch Lydia and Eugene at San Francisco's on November 9th. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33604842

Episode 275 Drummer Sim Cain 10/18/2024

Episode 275 Drummer Sim Cain Drummer Sim Cain played with the from 1987 until 1997. Before joining Rollins Band, Sim played in the instrumental trio , alongside future Rollins Band bassist Andrew Weiss and Black Flag guitarist Greg Ginn. He has also recorded with artists like David Poe, Marc Ribot, David Shea, and played in Elliott Sharp's group. Cain appeared on Ween's 2004 album and performed with blues legend Hubert Sumlin in the early 2000s. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33509132

Episode 274 Artist Babeth Mondini-VonLoo 10/11/2024

Episode 274 Artist Babeth Mondini-VonLoo is an artist, filmmaker, and cultural ambassador. She studied art under Joseph Beuys in Germany and earned a Master's in Film & Fine Arts from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1977. Babeth is the programming director and founder of the first Buddhist television station in the West. Her art, often described as Social Sculpture, emphasizes spiritual activism. She has created over 60 documentaries on topics such as the science of the mind, Buddhism, punk music, and poetry. Her subjects have included the Dalai Lama, Joseph Beuys, Meredith Monk, the Sex Pistols, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Babeth directed the 1990 film which starred Lydia and Henry Rollins. Her work has been exhibited and is held in collections worldwide. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33414322

Episode 273 Jim Jones 10/03/2024

Episode 273 Jim Jones Jim Jones is the legendary frontman for , , and the explosive new project Since the late 80s, Jim has been known for his wild, and intense live performances. Lydia, Jim and Tim discuss a myriad of subjects including: touring, underground rock n roll, and in the distinctly British sense, cunts. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33317547

Episode 272 Guitarist Nick Sadler 09/27/2024

Episode 272 Guitarist Nick Sadler Composer/guitarist Nick Sadler was the guitarist for the rock band . In addition to this he has played bass and co-authored songs for the band . Nick also composes music for film and television. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33227877

Episode 271 Actor and Comedian Steve Furst 09/20/2024

Episode 271 Actor and Comedian Steve Furst Steve First is an actor, writer, and comedian known for his roles across TV, film, and stage. He gained recognition starring in the commercials for Orange and as a supporting actor in Little Britain. As his alter-ego , he created and starred in numerous TV shows and live performances. Steve's acting credits span popular shows like Holby City, Friday Night Dinner, and The Serpent Queen, as well as films such as Disobedience and Walk Like a Panther. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33131967

Episode270 Legendary Music Figure Peter Jesperson 09/13/2024

Episode270 Legendary Music Figure Peter Jesperson Peter Jesperson, is a legendary figure in the music world—DJ, label founder, tour manager, and lifelong music enthusiast. He is best known as the former manager of and founder of , Peter joins Lydia and Tim to talk about his journey through the industry and his memoir , which is a deep dive into his incredible career. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/33030992

Episode 269 Suzy Bravo 09/06/2024

Episode 269 Suzy Bravo A San Antonio-born vocalist, lyricist, and artist, Suzy Bravo has performed in heavy metal, punk, blues, and soul bands. Formerly the front woman for bands like (later Suzy Bravo & The Rocket 350), and ., she is also in the Plasmatics cover band named . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32936877

Episode 268 Artist and Film Maker Nicky Miller 08/30/2024

Episode 268 Artist and Film Maker Nicky Miller is a Berlin-based, genderqueer interdisciplinary artist with roots in France and Vietnam. Specializing in film, performance art, and creative writing, Nicky’s work explores LGBTQ+ sexualities and identities, often tackling politically sensitive topics like sex work, BDSM, and queer practices. Their award-winning films, including and , have been showcased at international queer film festivals, challenging societal norms and redefining perceptions of queer identities. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32804717

Episode 267 Writer Travis Jeppesen 08/23/2024

Episode 267 Writer Travis Jeppesen Travis Jeppesen, is an American novelist, poet, artist, and art critic who is currently based in Berlin. He has authored several notable works, including , and . His latest book is /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32707837

Episode 266 Elysian Fields Singer Jennifer Charles 08/16/2024

Episode 266 Elysian Fields Singer Jennifer Charles Jennifer Charles is a proud childless cat lady writer, singer/songwriter, actor, and poet, best known as one half of the New York cult band Elysian Fields. She has performed and collaborated with artists worldwide, singing in over 10 languages. Notable projects include with Mike Patton and Dan the Automator, and her Sephardic Diaspora group . has created original music for television, film, and stage, including works by Jim Findlay and the French dance company Affari Esteri. Jennifer originated the role of Girl Angel in the Pulitzer-winning opera Angel’s Bone and played Emily Dickinson in BAM's Lightning at our Feet. Elysian Fields recently released their 14th record, . Jennifer also launched a new project called with Thomas Bartlett and has recorded audiobooks, including Edith Wharton’s The Touchstone. In her free time, she creates art, gardens, cooks, travels, and cares for her cats. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32601212

Episode 265 Chris Mars 08/09/2024

Episode 265 Chris Mars Chris Mars, is an American painter and drummer best known for his drumming in the iconic Minneapolis band . After leaving the band in 1990, he pursued a solo music career before shifting his focus to visual art, where he gained recognition for his nightmarish, surrealist paintings. Chris continues to create art inspired by personal themes, including his brother's struggle with schizophrenia. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32508507

Episode 264 Double Feature Tina Kit and Catatonic Suns 08/02/2024

Episode 264 Double Feature Tina Kit and Catatonic Suns The Lydian Spin's latest double feature showcases interviews with members of two standout bands: and . Catatonic Suns brings a mesmerizing blend of '90s indie DIY sensibilities with layers of psychedelia. Tina Kit captivates with their energetic, howling performances, represented by photographer and musician Cole Flynn Quirke. Patrick Shields, Jake Christman, and Caleb Strobl, the entire band, speak for Catatonic Suns. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32394877

Episode 263: Dream Syndicate Frontman Steve Wynn 07/26/2024

Episode 263: Dream Syndicate Frontman Steve Wynn , frontman of , has released over 25 albums and had more than 300 songs recorded by artists like REM and The Black Crowes. He has played over 2000 shows in more than 25 countries. He is also known for his solo work and projects like and . Steve joins Lydia and Tim from New York to read from his book . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32300017

Episode 262 Anne Waldman 07/19/2024

Episode 262 Anne Waldman Acclaimed poet Anne Waldman has been a key figure in the experimental poetry community for over four decades. Her work, rooted in the Beat, New York School, and Black Mountain traditions, elevates feminist and activist themes through powerful performances. A prolific author with over 60 books, including and Waldman also co-founded the at . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32209517

Episode 261 Producer and Musician Kramer 07/12/2024

Episode 261 Producer and Musician Kramer Kramer is a musician, composer, and record producer whose creative ideas can be found all over the American cultural landscape. He is known as the founder of the record label . He was a member of , , , and , and has toured with , ., , , and . As a producer, Kramer's notable work includes collaborations with , , , , and l. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32106812

Episode 260 Writer Richard Cabut 07/03/2024

Episode 260 Writer Richard Cabut is an author, journalist, and musician. He is the author of the post-punk novel , which has been adapted for the screen. Richard's journalism has been featured in prominent publications like The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, NME, and The Independent. He co-edited the anthology and contributed to several other notable works. His short fiction and poetry have been published in various acclaimed books and magazines. Additionally, he played bass for the band and co-wrote tracks for The . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/32007907

Episode 259 Marianna Simnett 06/28/2024

Episode 259 Marianna Simnett is an artist and musician newly based in New York, known for her vivid and visceral explorations of the body as a site of transformation. Her psychologically charged works challenge both herself and the viewer, creating radical new worlds filled with untamed thoughts, strange tales, and desires. Her current work titled is on view at the Hamburger Bahnhof, which the called "a campy love letter to the world’s most laddish sport(soccer) and its players" /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/31923652

Episode 258 David Yow 06/19/2024

Episode 258 David Yow Hey have you heard the news? They've dropped a new album and are hitting the road for a tour. To celebrate this exciting comeback, we're jumping on the Jesus Lizard bandwagon. So, we're bringing you a replay of our classic interview with the one and only David Yow. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/31726867

Episode 257 Matt Katz-Bohen 06/13/2024

Episode 257 Matt Katz-Bohen Matt Katz-Bohen, began playing piano at age 7, expanded his repertoire to include cello, violin, and guitar. An alumnus of New York City’s LaGuardia High School, he became the guitarist and Music Director for the drag queen rock troupe The Touchables, collaborating with notable artists like Jody Watley and Lady Miss Kier. Introduced to Debbie Harry at the Squeezebox party, Matt soon joined Blondie on keyboards for their 2008 world tour. As a co-writer of Blondie songs and a musical director for NYC’s Bowieball party, he has also written for RuPaul and toured with Boy George and Tony Bennett. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/31726527

Episode 256: Timo Ellis 06/06/2024

Episode 256: Timo Ellis is a musician, composer, and producer from New York City. Over the past two decades, he has appeared on nearly 100 albums and collaborated with artists like Yoko Ono, Sean Lennon, and Mark Ronson. His music spans genres, including rock, punk, metal, soul, and electronic. Timo's progressive sludge band, , has been active since 2010. He also composes and produces music for TV, web, and film, with clients like MTV, CNN, and Harper’s Bazaar, continuously creating new music daily. Timo will join Tim, Lydia and Kevin Shea on tour this summer as part of /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/31638842

Episode 255 Blag Dahlia 05/31/2024

Episode 255 Blag Dahlia has been a force in the punk rock scene for nearly four decades, starting with his 1985 band , which soon evolved into . Despite never achieving massive commercial success, The Dwarves have left an indelible mark on both hardcore and punk. They’ve always eschewed mainstream conventions, forgoing major label support in favor of raw, unfiltered expression. As such, they're live shows, notorious for their intensity and unpredictability. The Dwarves have a new album out titled . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/31543732

Episode 254 Guitarist Raoul Björkenheim 05/24/2024

Episode 254 Guitarist Raoul Björkenheim , a Finnish-American guitarist and composer, has spent four decades crafting original music from New York City and Helsinki. Known for his expressionistic and lyrical guitar style, Raul calls his ongoing work "investigative guitarism." His eclectic discography spans over 50 albums, including ambient soundscapes and free jazz, with compositions ranging from duos to big bands. Though his large-scale works for symphony orchestra remain unrecorded, he has scored music for over ten films and dance productions. Collaborating with renowned musicians like Bill Laswell and Mats Gustafsson, Raul's work is featured on labels like ECM and Rune Grammofon. His accolades include the Georgie Prize, the Young Finland Award, the Emma Prize, and three Nordic Music Award nominations. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/31448177

Episode 253 John Colpitts 05/17/2024

Episode 253 John Colpitts John Colpitts, also known as Kid Millions, is a drummer, composer, drum teacher. He is best known for his work in the band and his percussion group . Check out his latest Man Forever album . This coming July, Oneida releases a new album Expensive Air out on the . /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/31346677

Episode 252 Gary Lindsey 05/10/2024

Episode 252 Gary Lindsey Austin Texas denizen Gary Lindsey, is the dynamic frontman of . He joins Lydia and Tim to discuss his travels, life in music including performances alongside Hank Williams III. Gary is a versatile artist capable of donning different musical personas, from gypsy roots jazz to beatnik poetry, akin to the transformative spirit of Tom Waits. /episode/index/show/lydianspin/id/31225022

The Lydian Spin

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