"I just like how [the blues are] open to interpretation. I'm terrible at playing songs like they're supposed to be played. I just kind of learn them and just start doing my own thing."
-Cam Clark
The first thing Dan and Cam start talking about is the Rolling Stones, so you know they're in good company together. Cam hails from the great state of Minnesota, spent some time in Boston, and has been part of the Philly scene for quite a few years now. He talks about his many albums with Midwestern Exposure, the evolution in style over the years, and how taking part in some folk workshops helped him focus on making their latest release, 'The West'.
"I think performance is a muscle on some level. I was really, really bad at it when I started out. I would shake, my hands would shake, and I'd have a complete nervous breakdown and still manage to do it. [...] And now, that's not a thing. Mostly."
-Alec Stewart
Last time Dan and Alec talked, it was Ep25 as part of the first live show ever. Two years later, they finally get back to it. A more casual, careening episode than most, Dan and Alec converse about music both in and outside of Philly, the craft of playing and writing, the importance of a good open mic, and reminisce about their time in the city's music scene. It's a great, candid talk between two guys with some history, who mutually admire and respect each other as musicians as well as just being two nerdy music dudes.
Dan does the show in front of a crowd at Bridgeset Sound as part of the 5th Annual Philly Podcast Fest. On deck is Drew Mercadante, electronic musician, composer, producer, and all out schmoozer. Following Drew is Bruno Catrambone of Former Belle and Cruisr, talking about his new music, his touring, and the ever-present struggle of being onstage. Huge thanks to the Philly Podcast Fest organizers, Bridgeset Sound, the guests, and the outstanding audience.
"I have three band rules for our band, and one is 'Failure to rock is not an option.'"
- Hawk Tubley
Dan and Hawk talk about Hawk's amazing journey through the world of music, which took him from California to Montana to New York City to Alabama to Philadelphia, where he resides today. Along the way, Hawk (also called George) played with bands like the Freeloaders, Partial to Mabel, and his own group, Hawk Tubley and the Ozymandians. Hawk explains the difference between free jazz and free improv, the many modes of Sun Ra, playing with Oteil Burbidge and Marshall Allen, being on Letterman in 1984, and that's just the start. He's got a new record out called 'Pond Kings In April', so go get it.
Sophie Coran is a smart, witty songwriter with a big ol' voice and things to say with it. Dan and Sophie talk about her travels in Europe, where she wrote and released her last EP, her year in a songwriting 'boot camp' in London, her return to her home in Philadelphia, and how she went about making her upcoming EP with the Philly band Darla. Go to sophiecoran.com to get all things Sophie.
Dan sits down with three (of four) members of the band Madame Jones: Steve Gudelunas, Maura and Tyler Blanchard. They all talk about the dynamics of being in a band, writing together, and the joy of the live show. A truly delightful conversation, and a soulful, roots-rock band. Go to madamejonesband.com to check out their EP.
Paloma Gil and Louise Hayat-Camard are The Dove and the Wolf, a couple of Parisian musicians who have found a home in Philadelphia over the last few years. Dan, Lou and Paloma talk about their different upbringings, Paris as the place that formed them, their differing (but complimenting) personalities, and how their friendship has been the core of everything they've done. They have an EP out on Fat Possum Records, 'I Don't Know What To Feel'.
Hayden had to come twice to the studio, but in the end, it was all worth it for a great conversation with the man behind the Deadfellow personae. Dan and Hayden talk about his antics going to school in Florida (disclaimer: no animals were harmed), his need to create a body of work that meant something to him, and how the current immediacy in our culture makes it hard to have a proper reaction to anything. The newest Deadfellow record, 'Mescalifornia: A California Dream' is out on 6/23, go to his his website at deadfellow.com to get it.
Bill Lambusta and Brian Erick join Dan for a long overdue visit to the table to talk about their very successful podcast, 'The Great Albums'. Having known each other since college, playing in bands together, it makes perfect sense that these two music aficionados have a show like this, and stick to the maxim "Fans, Not Critics". The three talk about their favorite records, how they got into podcasting, and what the importance of music is to them all these years later.
Ash and Dan met at a networking thing a while back, and proceeded to play phone/e-mail/Facebook tag for nearly half a year. Ash sat down at the table a couple of months ago, and talked about his troubled youth, his love of music, using music as a means of social activism, and becoming a music lawyer after years and years of playing in bands. Ash is a passionate artist, and a passionate human when it comes to helping other artists feel their way through the complicated music business world. Also, we're supported by West Philly Porch Fest, this Saturday, June 3rd. Go to westphillyporchfest.com for more info.
Owen and Bobby are Driftwood Soldier, a roots-folk duo that is so much more than a simple genre tag. Their music is dark, brooding, and alive with characters and stories that are seemingly out of our realm of experience, but really not that far. Dan has a great time talking with them about their new record, 'Blessings and Blasphemy', and their upcoming West Philadelphia Porch Fest.
When she's not managing four of the best bands Philly has to offer (including The Districts and The Dove and the Wolf), Marley has been known to stop moving for a second or two. She stops by the show to talk with Dan about working with the bands she truly loves, how there's no magic formula to a band's success, being backstage at the Rolling Stones (she still can't believe that happened), and turning down a more stable career as a publicist for some pretty big names so she can concentrate on being part of the Philadelphia scene. We're brought to you again this week by West Philly Porch Fest, happening Saturday, June 3rd. Go to westphillyporchfest.com for more info.
Dan and Raphael talk about not-music as much as they talk about music. Raph leads a rich and full life outside of fronting/performing as Hezekiah Jones. He loves his garden, he's constantly digging things out of his back yard that the previous homeowner buried there over the decades, and he really likes to listen to Glenn Miller and The Singing Nun. All this and more brings about one of the odder but most enjoyable conversations Dan has had with a guest. Also, we're sponsored by West Philly Porch Fest, happening on June 3rd. Go to westphillyporchfest.com for more info.
Nick and Dan both came from a love of punk rock, and both of them moved outward to embrace many other elements, but still hold true to their origins. They talk about Nick's first real band, Left Behind, and his late teens and early 20s touring with them, the start of The Danger O's, and his new band WAX WAV. Is it possible to write a political song that can also be universal? Do we cry at more things now because we're older, or because the world seems to be going to hell? How scary is it to front a band when you're used to being behind the kit? All these questions and more are answered.
Dan had to go get some lawn chairs to seat everybody around the desk, but it was all worth it to talk to James, Jake and Samoeun of Ju-Taun. These guys have been singing together since they were kids, and it shows. They talk about their origins: James and Jake working behind the scenes at concerts for their father, a Philadelphia producer and promoter, Samoeun coming to America as a child, escaping the Khmer Rouge with his parents. They detail their beginnings as a band: hustling their CDs and performing to crowds on the street, and running afoul with the law more than once. And that's just the first 20 minutes or so. Capping it all off with a phenomenal performance, Ju-Taun are a force of nature. Also, Dan offers a call for support of Pharmacy, a DIY Philly venue and coffee shop that needs your help to keep doing their great work.
Sonja and Dan talk about her new record, 'Patterns We Know', and so much more. PJ Harvey, Kim Gordon, how Bob Dylan could benefit from an editor, their love of the Philadelphia music scene, and how when you hang around long enough, you end up meeting everyone you need to. Dan confesses what a bad podcast listener he is, and they discuss the difference between engaging with a work as a creator or as a fan, their many mutual friends, and are bonded by their love for the heady arrangements of Steely Dan.
When two friends start a studio, that's big. When that studio lasts 10 years, that's bigger. And when they start a charity-based record label, that's even bigger. Matt and Mike have been friends since they were kids, have run a business together for a decade, and are now launching The Giving Groove, their new Philly based record label. Dan talks with them about their own Sine Studio, their roles in the Philly music scene, the secret to staying friends while also owning a business together, early "advice" from acclaimed producer Obie O'Brien, their time at boarding school together, and they announce the first crop of artists on their label (spoiler: all three are a big deal).
Jonas is a regular Philly music man about town. He hosts Fergie's open mic, drums for Purples, tours with Work Drugs, DJs, runs sound, and on and on. Dan and Jonas talk many of Jonas' projects, their time in the restaurant industry, and the joys of doing a lot of different things to not only keep busy, but to keep interested.
Josh and Dan go through the list of their favorite Philly venues, talk about how to make a live show fun for everyone, nerd out about Beck's 'Odelay', and highlight some of the projects Josh is engineering and producing at Hi5 Studios. They also talk about his upcoming tour as drummer for Philly mainstays The Lawsuits, and how they never do a record the same way twice.
Back on Episode 25, Scott was Dan's first live guest on his first live show. It was only fitting that he come back for a full episode. Scott talks about his unique approach to songwriting, which includes writing songs fully improvised from the top down. Dan and Scott talk inspiration, improvisations, Guided By Voices, Ween, those people at open mics who aren't performing (and why they're there), and their love of the Philly music community.
Jake Lewis lives in Brooklyn, but came from a very religious family growing up in Central PA. Dan and Jake have a very frank and honest talk about Jake's full on rebellion in his teen years, his need to settle down by the time he was 20, and how it's all influenced his music from it's beginnings to now. Jake has a new record out called 'Honey Moon', and it's an amazing blend of singer-songwriter folk and ambient, almost psychedelic tones and arrangements.
Ever since Dan started the show, he’s been trying to get Ben Tinsley on the mic to talk. It’s been over two years, and it finally happened. Ben and Dan talk about their mutual history together, playing the same clubs and bills together, the strength of their little community for a short time, and all the life that happens to you as you get older. The discussion includes: guitars, love and respect for their fellow musician friends, recording a record completely on your own, and how to keep being creative amidst the many demands of adulthood. Happy holidays to everyone, and a Happy New Year from 25 O’Clock!
Dan met Thom years ago when Thom had just moved to Philadelphia, in a big city for the first time. They would run into each other on and off for nearly a decade. Now, Dan gets the full story on Thom. They talk about Thom's rural roots, his love of Django Reinhart, making a whole record through the voice of a character, and his latest album, 'Marvin The Giant'. It's the first album that Thom has ever put his real name on, and it's (obviously) an important one.
Bob shot film of Dan's old bands, and after recently reuniting at a record release show, they discovered they have a ton in common. They talk Bob's origins as a film and video maker, his time living in a small town and just making films for the heck of it, how to build yourself a network of artists to work with, and their memories of 90s MTV and movies and how it shaped them. Bob is also an accomplished documentary filmmaker, as well as a walking film encyclopedia.
This week, Dan takes a break from the usual guest interview. Instead, he highlights some unreleased performances form past guests (including Abi Reimold, Bruno Catrambone, and Stephen Lorek) as well as some studio tracks from new and upcoming albums from guests like Nicklas Hughes, James Hearne, and Pilkington. Check out any guests you may have missed at 25oclockpod.com!