The Enclosed Instruction Book

The Enclosed Instruction Book is a podcast hosted by Martin Bonica which spotlights independent artists and musicians, primarily in the DC metro area.

402 - Woodgrove (squintyoureyesandseegod EP release show) 05/01/2018

402 - Woodgrove (squintyoureyesandseegod EP release show) This week's episode was recorded on-location at a Woodgrove concert at Crooked Run Brewery in Sterling, VA, on April 20, 2018, at which the band released their inaugural EP "squintyoureyesandseegod". In addition to highlights from their set, we sat down with (at least) Jared and Logan, discussing the band's origins, interpersonal dynamic, career decisions, business challenges, and long-term goals. Songs included: Home Is Where You Die Green-Eyed Ghost Born a Wolf Accidental Meth The Waters Rise Woodgrove: https://woodgrove.bandcamp.com /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/6542610

401 - The Rightly So 04/17/2018

401 - The Rightly So We speak to Jess and Gregory of The Rightly So, a Buffalo-based acoustic duo finishing up a months-long tour of the United States. Topics include organizing and undertaking a DIY tour, songwriting, making connections, and structuring setlists to make a good first impression, as well as The Rightly So's musical influences and future goals. The Rightly So https://www.therightlyso.com Jess Chizuk https://jesschizukmusic.com Zeis and the Muckrakers https://www.facebook.com/zeisandthemuckrakers/ /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/6484082

317 - Discussions: How We Consume Music 01/10/2018

317 - Discussions: How We Consume Music A conversation between Martin and co-hosts Hannah Landsberger and Dylan Hares about how the way we consume music over the past twenty years has changed, and how that has affected the way the music industry works. Topics discussed include distribution platforms, means of revenue generation, the growing importance of touring, the threat of piracy, and the implications of music ownership becoming ephemeral in the era of streaming and cloud storage. /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/6133200

316 - Discussions: The Personal Computer 10/11/2017

316 - Discussions: The Personal Computer A more technology-centric episode in which Martin, alongside cohosts Dylan Hares and Jay Elliott, discuss the changing role of the personal computer and how it relates to artists, professionals, and the average consumer. We discuss the evolving role of the PC, and the blurred lines between a PC and a dedicated hardware appliance. /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5828749

315 - Shawn Hatfield 09/27/2017

315 - Shawn Hatfield This week we speak to Shawn Hatfield, owner of Groove Music Studio and Appalachian Groove Records, based out of Leesburg, VA. A far-ranging conversation ensued touching on the state of music venues in Leesburg, starting a music business, advice for first-time audio engineers and music entrepreneurs, and how Groove got off the ground. Groove Studio: Appalachian Groove Records: https://appalachiangrooverecords.com /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5760525

314 - Bryan Fountain 09/13/2017

314 - Bryan Fountain This week we spoke with Bryan Fountain, a rapper, singer-songwriter, and electronic producer currently in Richmond, VA. We talked about his evolving songwriting style and his more recent exploration into melodic synthpop, his collaborators (including his other project Sweater Boyz), experiences in his life that influenced his music, his use of different online music platforms, and how he reconciles his evolving aesthetic and increasingly dynamic musical styles while maintaining a consistent image and brand. Bryan Fountain's music: https://soundcloud.com/sweater-boyz /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5723253

313 - Kate Brunotts 08/30/2017

313 - Kate Brunotts This week we spoke to Kate Brunotts, a local singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer in Ashburn, VA. Kate has been playing at local venues for the past few years, and also has a presence on YouTube. Kate discusses starting a musical career on an online platform, as well as the kind of all-inclusive shows she performs in Leesburg, her musical influences, her recent branching out into electronic music, and future aspirations as a musician and humanitarian. Songs Included: Dead Petals Withdraw More Room YouTube: Facebook: SoundCloud: /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5679170

312 - Viral Dalal 08/16/2017

312 - Viral Dalal This week we spoke to Viral Dalal, a writer and software engineer in Loudoun County. Earlier this year, Viral released his first book; a personal account of his experience as a survivor of the historic 7.7 magnitude earthquake which struck Bhuj, India, on January 26, 2001. We discussed some of his life leading up to the event, the means by which he survived the disaster and coped with the aftermath, and the process of writing, editing, and releasing a book as a self-published independent author. Viral Dalal's websites: . /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5643136

311 - Kelley Wills 08/02/2017

311 - Kelley Wills This week we spoke to graphic artist Kelley Wills, a prolific creator of logos, flyers through her design firm Brain Flower Designs. We discussed the arts community of her home base of Harper's Ferry, WV, as well as the beginnings of her career in Charleston, SC. We also touched on the financial side of being a graphic artist, the tools she uses to create her flyers, and working with farms. Brain Flower Designs: https://www.facebook.com/brainflowerdesigns/ /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5597058

310 - Kid Brother 07/19/2017

310 - Kid Brother This week we met up with Leesburg indie-rock band Kid Brother outside their rehearsal space. We discussed the band's history, the changing roles of the arts community in Leesburg and Ashburn, Christian's experience growing up as a musician in Baltimore, handling press contacts (including recently being featured in the Loudoun Times-Mirror), booking, and their forthcoming tour. They also performed an acoustic rendition of their song "Pastels". Songs included: Kid Brother - Good News Kid Brother - Baltimore Street Rat Kid Brother - Pastels (exclusive live performance) Kid Brother's outlets: https://www.kidbrothermusic.com https://www.facebook.com/kidbrother/ https://kidbrotherva.bandcamp.com Other press appearances:http://www.loudountimes.com/news/article/northern_virginia_band_takes_local_music_scene_by_storm432 /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5543962

309 - Redephant (and gear talk) 07/05/2017

309 - Redephant (and gear talk) This week, we're joined by Jimmy Romero, a prolific DIY artist from Sterling, frontman of solo projects Redephant and Broken Cartridge and member of bands Cazador and SCARY MERCEDES. We discussed recording equipment, the effect of using different tools on the artistic process, our experiences self-producing recordings, and influences. Jimmy's projects: https://cazadorband.bandcamp.com Songs included: Broken Cartridge - Not Even Hackers Use The Turbo Button Devon Jones/Oh! My Glory Days - Kitten and Okra Orange Marmalade - Who Cakes Broken Cartridge - Desert Waves Brett Berman and Danny Shyti - (selections from) Soul Confinement SCARY MERCEDES - (selections from) Don't Get Your Hands Too Dirty, Put The Camera Down, Lost Cosmonaut, Empire Shock Orange Marmalade - (selections from) Marmalade Can Jam Cazador - Tragedy Jimmy Romero - Excite Redephant - Just There Redephant - As If Nothing Redephant - (Paragon of) Guilt Redephant - Old Friend /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5507088

308 - Milo In The Doldrums 06/21/2017

308 - Milo In The Doldrums This week we met up with indie rock band Milo In The Doldrums at their Fairfax City rehearsal space, and discussed their studio work, history and shifting lineups, the importance of fast-paced recording and releases, lessons learned from working at music venues, the decision-making process behind releasing music on streaming platforms, and long-term career goals. Present was Rob Mays, Reis Debruyne, Richard Smith, new drummer Ryan Burke, and touring bassist Ryan Wisgerhof. Milo in the Doldrums online: https://milointhedoldrums.bandcamp.com http://instagram.com/milointhedoldrumsmusic /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5456854

307 - Rebecca Wahls 06/07/2017

307 - Rebecca Wahls This week we spoke to theatre artist Rebecca Wahls, a director in the DC area who most recently directed Dark Times at Grimesville High as part of the 2016 Capitol Fringe Festival. We discussed her upcoming effort We Found the Wild Things, the debut production from the Who What Where Theater Company, of which she is a founding member. Also discussed: her work with the Acting For Young People organization, the ability of theater companies in DC to adapt to current events and work outside of a set season schedule, her background as a graduate of George Mason University's theatre program, the challenges of starting a theatre company, and the importance of diverse backgrounds in theatre organizations. Rebecca Wahls: http://www.rebeccawahls.com Who What Where Theater Company: http://whowhatwheretheaterco.org https://www.facebook.com/wwwtheatercompany Acting for Young People: http://www.afyp.org /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5417932

306 - Jason Thompson 05/24/2017

306 - Jason Thompson This week we spoke with Jason Thompson, a double bass player currently playing in the Colorado Springs Philharmonic. We discussed the business aspects of working as a classical musician, including freelancing, auditioning, and moving from orchestra to orchestra, as well as logistical challenges of rehearsing and instrument care. We also touched on the crossover between progressive metal and symphonic music, the social aspect of being a professional music, and double bass technique. Songs included: Excerpt from Brahms Symphony No. 2, 1st Movement (performed by Jason Thompson) orange marmalade by SCARY MERCEDES (featuring Jason Thompson, Jimmy Romero, and Danny Shyti) Bourees from Cello Suite No. 3 by J.S. Bach (performed by Jason Thompson) The Uganda-Baltimore Alliance: http://tubaforyouth.org /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5380684

305 - Melanie Shark 05/10/2017

305 - Melanie Shark This week we spoke to Melanie Shark, a DC-area singer-songwriter who also records, produces, and distributes her own material both as a solo artist and a member of the duo Paradeux. We discussed her approach to songwriting, arranging, and DIY recording, as well as music distribution and ways to monetize music. Songs included: Melanie Shark - Shine Paradeux - Just as Ours Melanie Shark - Everything You Said Paradeux - Reveuse Courageuse Melanie Shark and Paradeux's websites: https://paradeux.bandcamp.com /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5339152

304 - Kevin Knight 04/19/2017

304 - Kevin Knight This week we spoke to Kevin Knight, a prolific singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based out of northern Virginia. We discussed his approach to songwriting and production, experiments with tape and studio technology, musical influences (both traditional and avant garde), and dogs. Songs included: Affirmations Listening Forgotten World/Some Kind of Bird Lonesome Howl Kevin Knight's bandcamp: https://nevinkight.bandcamp.com /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5269206

303 - Comaboo/Pain Points (and Brett) 04/12/2017

303 - Comaboo/Pain Points (and Brett) For this week's episode, we travel to Richmond, VA to meet returning guest Devon Jones and longtime collaborator first-time guest Brett Berman. We discuss playing and recording in Richmond, ways to focus on creative work, shifting between different genres, personal motivations behind songs, and Brett's amazing house. We also debut previously-unreleased material from Brett and Devon. Songs included: Pain Points - Little Nothing Brett Berman and Matt Borchert - whatever you want to do Cazador - Cerveza Comaboo - Morning Light Jenson Dove - Truth Reversed Devon Jones' musical projects: Brett Berman's musical projects: /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5181321

302 - Alison Kurtz 03/29/2017

302 - Alison Kurtz This week's episode features Loudoun County artist Alison Kurtz, the featured artist this March at King Street Coffee in Leesburg. She discusses the evolving arts community in western Northern Virginia, the challenges faced by professional painters, the divide between the visual and musical arts communities, and the goal of making art as accessible and inclusive as possible. Alison Kurtz's work can be found at: /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5213325

301 - Woodgrove 03/15/2017

301 - Woodgrove This week's episode features Jared Hall of the self-styled "Paxil Pop" music project Woodgrove, ouwoodgrove.bandcamp.comt of Western Loudoun. Jared discusses the transition from his previous group, Atoka Chase, as well as his creative process as a solo artist, challenges he faces working in Loudoun, and the tools he uses as a DIY musician. Songs included: Woodgrove - Broken Glass (Oracular Rhythm: Repetitive Hymn) Woodgrove - Something Stolen Woodgrove - Green Eyed Ghost Woodgrove's media outlets: https://woodgrove.bandcamp.com https://www.facebook.com/justwoodgrove https://justwoodgrove.tumblr.com/ https://soundcloud.com/justwoodgrove https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_htkn0GGtimHwNaUZF9S2A /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/5168696

202 - Old Souls Singer-Songwriter Showcase 04/02/2016

202 - Old Souls Singer-Songwriter Showcase On March 5, 2016, a concert took place at Epicure Cafe in the city of Fairfax, Virginia, presented by Sarah A. Foote and Ryan Durbin, featuring original music performed by intelligient, creative, and reflective young women. /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/4251557

201 - Fake Bodies 03/19/2016

201 - Fake Bodies This week's episode features the entirety of Woodbridge, VA-area punk outfit Fake Bodies, who discusses their latest release, "Sad Tales of a Trapezoid", their approach to songwriting, and the unique challenges faced by a young DIY punk band in Woodbridge.Songs included:Fake Bodies - Sad Tales of a Trapezoid /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/3855480

108 - Walkabout 12/12/2015

108 - Walkabout This week's episode features Drew Hyde, Doug Finch, Connor Doyle, and Jesse Harman of Fairfax County indie rock band Walkabout. The band discusses their influences, and their approach to songwriting and performing. Other topics touched upon include the musical community at George Mason University, the band's preferred frequency of rehearsals, and future plans for recording and performing. Selections off of their current release "It's All Make Believe" and upcoming EP "Coyote Beach Club" are played and discussed. /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/4009817

107 - Foster Carrots 12/05/2015

107 - Foster Carrots This week's episode features Felix Donate-Perez of Foster Carrots, which operates out of Arlington, VA and Kalamazoo, Michigan. The interview, conducted remotely from Kalamazoo, touches on Felix's approach to songwriting, musical and lyrical composition, recording techniques, influences, and future goals for Foster Carrots. /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/3989645

106 - Derek Zuk 11/21/2015

106 - Derek Zuk This week's episode features Derek Zuk, a singer-songwriter-guitarist-producer operating primarily out of Richmond, Virginia - although this interview is conducted via linkup from Austin, Texas. Derek discusses songs off his latest LP, "Sick", as well as the EP that preceded it, "Facing the Pinky Gray Mirror"; he goes into detail about his songwriting approach, his DIY recording methods, his motivation for making music, and the contrast between living in Austin and Richmond. Songs included: /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/3955981

105 - Dan Abh 11/14/2015

105 - Dan Abh This week's episode features Dan Abh, the drummer for Alexandria-area band Oklahoma Car Crash, prolific recording engineer and producer for many DC-area artists, as well as the Community Coordinator for Convergence.He discusses his experiences recording, playing, and booking shows in the DC area in the past ten years, as well as his songwriting and production methods, and gives us a sneak peek at Oklahoma Car Crash's upcoming album "Sunset Skin" as well as a previously-unreleased mix of Hayden Arp and Ella Sophia's cover of Rebecca vs Mexico's "Flashlights". /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/3899688

104 - Atoka Chase 11/07/2015

104 - Atoka Chase This week's episode features Maya Renfro and Jared Garland of the Western Loudoun folk duo Atoka Chase. The pair discuss their development as musicians, their influences, songwriting methodology, and approach to recording. Songs off their latest LP, "Grief, Sir, is the Shadow's Companion", are highlighted, as well as Renfro's work with Knife Dikes and as a solo artist. /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/3917194

103 - Micro Massive 10/31/2015

103 - Micro Massive Chris Cassaday, Adam Bush, and Sean Moran are this week's guests, discussing their Arlington, VA-based rock band Micro Massive. The group discusses their influences, composing style, goals and challenges. /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/3877366

102 - Danny Shyti 10/24/2015

102 - Danny Shyti This week's episode features the prolific drummer Danny Shyti, who in this episode discusses his work with the DC-area experimental jazz outfit The Shadow Girl Sound Collective, as well as Northern Virginia-area folk band Atoka Chase, as well as NoVA/Richmond electronic act Cave Quest.Songs include:The Shadow Girl Sound Collective - Conviction /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/3855470

101 - Vince Kane & The Incurables 10/17/2015

101 - Vince Kane & The Incurables The show's second season begins with an in-the-field interview with Richmond-area singer-songwriter-guitarist-producer Vince Klug of Vince Kane & The Incurables. Vince discusses his songwriting, musical influences, and business challenges faced by DIY artists in Richmond and elsewhere. /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/3855458

010 - rEGRETS 08/15/2015

010 - rEGRETS This week's guest is Silver Spring-area singer-songwriter-producer Alex Cloud, frontman of rEGRETS. Alex discusses the recording and development of his latest EP, "Root", as well as its precursor "Home Alone", in addition to performing recitations of his short stories and poems "To My Pen", "Jay", and exerpts of "The Lovely Fields". /episode/index/show/theenclosedinstructionbook/id/3722446

The Enclosed Instruction Book

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